Ladies, Ladyboys and Gentlemen

As most people who have been to or heard of Thailand know there is a phenomenon here called the “ladyboy”. A lady boy is a person that would traditionally be considered male but is alternatively considered lady-like. In Canada we refer to people such as this as transvestites, but what a terrible term. “Transvestite” sounds almost like some nefarious vampire, rabid nocturnal creature, or otherwise creature of the night that preys upon some unknowing and innocent victim. Do we use this term as a way of expressing xenophobic feelings of unrest toward these individuals who chose to dress in such a way? I admit, the whole idea of a man dressing like a woman is a bit unsettling as it does countermand so-called “traditional” ideas of sexuality, but does it need warrant anger and fear?

In Thailand they are called ladyboys, such a much more pleasant term than transvestite. The intimation of a lady (a revered woman of social class and grace) and a boy (that which is innocent in its play) brought together paints a picture of playful and respectable fun. The term itself seems to indicate that Thailand is accepting of ladyboys. People are willing to incite a name for them that is pleasant as opposed to fear inducing.

Ladyboys are widely accepted in Thai society. I had heard that but it occurred to me one day when Cheryl and I were in a department store. I noticed several of the staff were ladyboys and I thought to myself that it was a true indication of acceptance. Most businesses in Canada would reject the idea of having a transvestite work up front with the public because the consumer would be likely to feel estranged by their presence, and so, revenue would fall for the business. In Thailand, however, the public is so accepting of ladyboys that they are prevalent in all aspects of society including the regular department store. If a woman can purchase clothing from a man wearing the very clothing she wishes to purchase (and making it look good), then Thailand must be in a position of acceptance. Whether it is mai pen rai, approval, or acceptance, the Thai’s seem happy with the arrangement.

Then there are the ladyboy shows. Elaborate cabarets showcasing the talents of the most talented of ladyboys. Some people are under the impression that these shows are some distasteful sexual display but this is far from the truth. The ladyboy shows are a cabaret showcase of talent. They are full of carefully practiced and performed dance numbers alongside amazing impersonations. The costumes are elaborate colorful, and carefully planned. The whole spectacle is quite an experience.

Shortly after we first arrived her in Thailand Cheryl and I visited a place called Hua Hin. It was in Hua Hin that we first observed the March of the Pigs as many of you have enjoyed reading about. Despite the local sub-trash of the area Hua Hin is actually a very nice place to visit. The restaurants are good, markets are fun, and there is a reasonable beach to swim at. There is also a colorful night life, such as the ladyboys.

One night when we were walking back to our hotel we happened upon some ladyboys passing out flyers for their cabaret. We thought it sounded like fun and would be an experience of the “amazing Thailand” we had been hearing so much about. So we attended the event ready for whatever it may be. The venue was a small place no doubt rented by the performing troupe themselves. They were all hanging out in front of the place and enjoying lively conversation and jokes. We were seated and served at our table and soon the show began. The show started with an elaborate musical number with the whole troupe dancing and putting on a great intro. Following were performances by Cher, Tina turner and Diana Ross, all with backups, superb lipsyncing, and a lot of fun being had by both the performers and the audience. Between the numbers were very short interludes whilst extremely fast costume changes took place. The final number was the kicker with the whole troupe once again and the most amazing outfits we had yet seen.

The whole performance was exciting and fun to watch. At one point I turned to Cheryl and said “This show is like singing in front of the mirror times a million.” because it appeared the performers were having more fun playing their roles than anyone in the audience watching them. I think the players were by far the most entertained but that’s not to say the show wasn’t well worth attending.

Once the fear of difference is put aside one can enjoy the fun of life and see the beauty of people enjoying some good clean fun. As the world progresses to the 21st century it becomes more and more fashionable to embrace acceptance on all levels. But once someone stops being fashionable and truly opens their eyes to the fact that what is different is merely something else they can learn and experience more than just the decisions they have already made about others.