The daily dangers of working as a Bangkok transgender sex worker

[captspectre]

many people that actually sympathized with them and wants nothing but to treat them equally,

Maybe that is the problem for the vulnerable in general, not just LGBT.... it is not sympathy that is wanted... try for empathy.

The Deaf or Downs Syndrome child knows that people look at them differently. They know people speak apologies to their parents.... and it does not make one jot of difference to enhance their efforts to be just another person in the community.

Seems people would rather resolve their conscience by allowing Refugees to live in their next neighbourhood than to accept those who are, shall we generalise and say, "different"

Walk a mile in their shoes.....

Pray tell, what the hell does that have to do with lady boys? Transgender is just a PC term for Lady boys which thailand has had for many years! and as for walking a mile in their shoes? you first!

[CharlieH]

many people that actually sympathized with them and wants nothing but to treat them equally,

Maybe that is the problem for the vulnerable in general, not just LGBT.... it is not sympathy that is wanted... try for empathy.

The Deaf or Downs Syndrome child knows that people look at them differently. They know people speak apologies to their parents.... and it does not make one jot of difference to enhance their efforts to be just another person in the community.

Seems people would rather resolve their conscience by allowing Refugees to live in their next neighbourhood than to accept those who are, shall we generalise and say, "different"

Walk a mile in their shoes.....

Pray tell, what the hell does that have to do with lady boys? Transgender is just a PC term for Lady boys which thailand has had for many years! and as for walking a mile in their shoes? you first!

The term "Transgender" isnt just Ladyboys (male-female), it can apply to females too.

"People" should be allowed to live their lives how they choose.

[neverdie]

many people that actually sympathized with them and wants nothing but to treat them equally,

Maybe that is the problem for the vulnerable in general, not just LGBT.... it is not sympathy that is wanted... try for empathy.

The Deaf or Downs Syndrome child knows that people look at them differently. They know people speak apologies to their parents.... and it does not make one jot of difference to enhance their efforts to be just another person in the community.

Seems people would rather resolve their conscience by allowing Refugees to live in their next neighbourhood than to accept those who are, shall we generalise and say, "different"

Walk a mile in their shoes.....

Pray tell, what the hell does that have to do with lady boys? Transgender is just a PC term for Lady boys which thailand has had for many years! and as for walking a mile in their shoes? you first!

The term "Transgender" isnt just Ladyboys (male-female), it can apply to females too.

"People" should be allowed to live their lives how they choose.

Yes people should be able to live out their lives in whatever way they see fit providing they're not bringing harm to others.

It never ceases to amaze me how narrow minded some individual are and of course no matter what evidence you present to these individuals they'll never sway from their archaic ways.

[spidermike007]

Transgenders by large are not a nice bunch of people, always marginalized and ostracized since birth,

they have learned how to defend themselves the hard way, and some time they forget that there are

many people that actually sympathized with them and wants nothing but to treat them equally,

however, the TG's are by now weary and weary of society mistreating them and will go on the

attack immediately when feels cornered.... and thus making difficult to come close and befriend them.....

While I agree with your writing, people must also take into account these individuals also suffer from identity crisis, lack of acceptance,

as well as numerous hormonal medications that don't interact well with alcohol which causes huge emotional instability...

Just stop and think about this for a moment. Most of us wake up in the morning, and go to wash our faces, and are fine with what we see. We are fine being men. Most of us are very comfortable in that skin. But, can you just begin to imagine looking in that same mirror, and hating the person you see because you ARE a man? How horrific would that be? I cannot even begin to imagine how difficult it would be to hate myself because of my gender. Wow.

[NoshowJones]

Are not lady boy's and transgender the same? Both are homosexual,and both practice oral and butt sex

Of course they are homosexual, or bisexual, but definitely not normal.This is just an opinion, but I would say

any guy who practices even butt sex with a lady is not normal, it is what homosexuals do.

Personally, I could not even do butt sex with Miss World.

[NoshowJones]

There is always hope...they could come to America and become an officer in Obama's military...leading the troops into battle...defending the nation with the spike from a high-heel shoe...subduing the enemy with the threat of an all-out oral frontal attack...with the imminent threat of an attack from the rear...

Actually they'd be the most useful 'females' on the front line considering they still can manage to have the physical strength of a male. Hummm. I wonder how that works???

Quite simple, they are born male, so have male strength, you don't seriously think that anyone born a female is ever going to be a ladyboy.

[NoshowJones]

Bananafish, can you spell hetrosexual with your spaghetti, it is the norm believe it or not.

All this gay thing, its only been around lately due to the liberal attitude, when I went to school I never knew a single gay man, not its like a fashion statement.

World has gone to pot.

When I was at school, there was a well known homosexual, in our town, though I never knew him personally.

When I left school and was about eighteen years old, this homosexual come into a club where I was playing

in the band, he was accompanied by another homosexual, they were even up dancing with each other, myself and the other three band

members could hardly play our instruments for laughing.

Edited June 30, 2016 by possum1931

[NoshowJones]

It's incredibly sad that those with the benefit of a Western education still seem to delight in prejudice towards others. What business is it of yours how a ladyboy, a gay man, or anyone else choose to live their lives?

Who are you to judge someone for a choice which doesn't, in the slightest bit, impinge on the way you choose to live your life?

Katoeys are not a single person who has wronged the nation. There are good katoeys and bad katoeys and every spectrum in between. They are treated with contempt by society and by so many of the absolute fools who haunt this board and for what? Choosing to act like or be a different gender? No wonder they have a hard time. They risk assault by pathetic people who can't come to terms with their own sexuality on a daily basis. Their families often treat them terribly. Many of them are packed off into sex work by their greedy, lousy families. And yes, many do become hardened for it. Wouldn't you?

It would certainly be my business if two homosexual men started holding hands or kissing each other near me, and

I would object to it.

But if they kept their goings on in private, then it would be no business of mine.

[2fishin2]

It's incredibly sad that those with the benefit of a Western education still seem to delight in prejudice towards others. What business is it of yours how a ladyboy, a gay man, or anyone else choose to live their lives?

Who are you to judge someone for a choice which doesn't, in the slightest bit, impinge on the way you choose to live your life?

Katoeys are not a single person who has wronged the nation. There are good katoeys and bad katoeys and every spectrum in between. They are treated with contempt by society and by so many of the absolute fools who haunt this board and for what? Choosing to act like or be a different gender? No wonder they have a hard time. They risk assault by pathetic people who can't come to terms with their own sexuality on a daily basis. Their families often treat them terribly. Many of them are packed off into sex work by their greedy, lousy families. And yes, many do become hardened for it. Wouldn't you?

It would certainly be my business if two homosexual men started holding hands or kissing each other near me, and

I would object to it.

But if they kept their goings on in private, then it would be no business of mine.

Really? Please read the thread title again. This thread is not about your objection to homosexuals that you see holding hands or kissing near you. Actually, its not about you at all. Its about the dangers of a BKK transgender sex worker.

[George FmplesdaCosteedback]

Thailand is very tolerant of all sexual orientation pretty much and you find them working and living alongside all persuasions without any real problems normally.

The trouble with those in the sex trade is they seem to fall into two categories; those that work in the shows and bars, and those that freelance. The freelancers more often than not seem to be likely to have problems, drugs being one, and they can turn violent without provocation. Many are also pick pockets and petty thieves, not aversed to drugging a client to steal from them.

It is not their sexuality that is the problem.

[NoshowJones]

It's incredibly sad that those with the benefit of a Western education still seem to delight in prejudice towards others. What business is it of yours how a ladyboy, a gay man, or anyone else choose to live their lives?

Who are you to judge someone for a choice which doesn't, in the slightest bit, impinge on the way you choose to live your life?

Katoeys are not a single person who has wronged the nation. There are good katoeys and bad katoeys and every spectrum in between. They are treated with contempt by society and by so many of the absolute fools who haunt this board and for what? Choosing to act like or be a different gender? No wonder they have a hard time. They risk assault by pathetic people who can't come to terms with their own sexuality on a daily basis. Their families often treat them terribly. Many of them are packed off into sex work by their greedy, lousy families. And yes, many do become hardened for it. Wouldn't you?

It would certainly be my business if two homosexual men started holding hands or kissing each other near me, and

I would object to it.

But if they kept their goings on in private, then it would be no business of mine.

Really? Please read the thread title again. This thread is not about your objection to homosexuals that you see holding hands or kissing near you. Actually, its not about you at all. Its about the dangers of a BKK transgender sex worker.

Topics go a bit off topic sometimes. I was only answering what another poster said, if you don't

like what I am saylng, just move on, you do not have to agree with me, but I stand by

it anyway.

[StreetCowboy]

It's incredibly sad that those with the benefit of a Western education still seem to delight in prejudice towards others. What business is it of yours how a ladyboy, a gay man, or anyone else choose to live their lives?

Who are you to judge someone for a choice which doesn't, in the slightest bit, impinge on the way you choose to live your life?

Katoeys are not a single person who has wronged the nation. There are good katoeys and bad katoeys and every spectrum in between. They are treated with contempt by society and by so many of the absolute fools who haunt this board and for what? Choosing to act like or be a different gender? No wonder they have a hard time. They risk assault by pathetic people who can't come to terms with their own sexuality on a daily basis. Their families often treat them terribly. Many of them are packed off into sex work by their greedy, lousy families. And yes, many do become hardened for it. Wouldn't you?

It would certainly be my business if two homosexual men started holding hands or kissing each other near me, and

I would object to it.

But if they kept their goings on in private, then it would be no business of mine.

Why is it your business what they do in public? Personally, I am appalled at people walking down the public street holding bigoted opinions, but until they start accosting others, then really, it's up to them.

[StreetCowboy]

Are not lady boy's and transgender the same? Both are homosexual,and both practice oral and butt sex

Of course they are homosexual, or bisexual, but definitely not normal.This is just an opinion, but I would say

any guy who practices even butt sex with a lady is not normal, it is what homosexuals do.

Personally, I could not even do butt sex with Miss World.

That's more down to her shortcomings than yours, but I suppose she could use a strap-on. Edited June 30, 2016 by StreetCowboy

[bananafish]

"The lady doth protest too much", often comes to mind when I read some peoples attitudes on matters like these.

[Jingthing]

The usual predictable ignorant conflation of sexual orientation with gender identity with a healthy dose of homophobia and transphobia. Oh well!

Obviously being a transgender sex worker is no picnic.

Thailand is not the "paradise" of "tolerance" for sexual minorities that many westerners seem to think.

[NoshowJones]

It's incredibly sad that those with the benefit of a Western education still seem to delight in prejudice towards others. What business is it of yours how a ladyboy, a gay man, or anyone else choose to live their lives?

Who are you to judge someone for a choice which doesn't, in the slightest bit, impinge on the way you choose to live your life?

Katoeys are not a single person who has wronged the nation. There are good katoeys and bad katoeys and every spectrum in between. They are treated with contempt by society and by so many of the absolute fools who haunt this board and for what? Choosing to act like or be a different gender? No wonder they have a hard time. They risk assault by pathetic people who can't come to terms with their own sexuality on a daily basis. Their families often treat them terribly. Many of them are packed off into sex work by their greedy, lousy families. And yes, many do become hardened for it. Wouldn't you?

It would certainly be my business if two homosexual men started holding hands or kissing each other near me, and

I would object to it.

But if they kept their goings on in private, then it would be no business of mine.

Why is it your business what they do in public? Personally, I am appalled at people walking down the public street holding bigoted opinions, but until they start accosting others, then really, it's up to them.

Sorry SC, we will just have to agree to disagree on this, I think I am being reasonable to say that their goings on in private is none of my business. But it is absolutely disgusting to see men kissing at any time.

I will also agree that it may be OK for normal men to hold hands in public in Thailand as I read it is OK, though in ten years of being here, I have only seen it once.

[luckyman]

. Massage parlors, Gogo bars, brothels and clubs all house thousands of sex workers desperately trying to survive the Bangkok grind."

Thousands? What about tens of thousands ? And as for a dangerous profession, I still believe crab fishing in Alaskan waters tops the list....next !

[neverdie]

It's incredibly sad that those with the benefit of a Western education still seem to delight in prejudice towards others. What business is it of yours how a ladyboy, a gay man, or anyone else choose to live their lives?

Who are you to judge someone for a choice which doesn't, in the slightest bit, impinge on the way you choose to live your life?

Katoeys are not a single person who has wronged the nation. There are good katoeys and bad katoeys and every spectrum in between. They are treated with contempt by society and by so many of the absolute fools who haunt this board and for what? Choosing to act like or be a different gender? No wonder they have a hard time. They risk assault by pathetic people who can't come to terms with their own sexuality on a daily basis. Their families often treat them terribly. Many of them are packed off into sex work by their greedy, lousy families. And yes, many do become hardened for it. Wouldn't you?

It would certainly be my business if two homosexual men started holding hands or kissing each other near me, and

I would object to it.

But if they kept their goings on in private, then it would be no business of mine.

I know two Australian homosexuals. One of them is a man mountain, lifts weights and trains all day. He's into rowing, surfing and football. His boyfriend is a 2 times black belt and martial arts instructor. Neither of them come across as gay when you first meet them, actually one of them has a sister and for a while I ought it was his wife as they always hang out together.

Anyway, long story short, my bet is, if they were near you, holding hands and decided to have a kiss, you would' object and if you did and went about it the wrong way, you'd probably end up in intensive care.

Who cares if men hold hands or kiss. Get over yourself, not everyone in the world shares your narrow view on life. Build a bridge.

Cheers.

[neverdie]

. Massage parlors, Gogo bars, brothels and clubs all house thousands of sex workers desperately trying to survive the Bangkok grind."

Thousands? What about tens of thousands ? And as for a dangerous profession, I still believe crab fishing in Alaskan waters tops the list....next !

What about those ice road truckers or worse still, high rise window cleaner.

[NoshowJones]

It's incredibly sad that those with the benefit of a Western education still seem to delight in prejudice towards others. What business is it of yours how a ladyboy, a gay man, or anyone else choose to live their lives?

Who are you to judge someone for a choice which doesn't, in the slightest bit, impinge on the way you choose to live your life?

Katoeys are not a single person who has wronged the nation. There are good katoeys and bad katoeys and every spectrum in between. They are treated with contempt by society and by so many of the absolute fools who haunt this board and for what? Choosing to act like or be a different gender? No wonder they have a hard time. They risk assault by pathetic people who can't come to terms with their own sexuality on a daily basis. Their families often treat them terribly. Many of them are packed off into sex work by their greedy, lousy families. And yes, many do become hardened for it. Wouldn't you?

It would certainly be my business if two homosexual men started holding hands or kissing each other near me, and

I would object to it.

But if they kept their goings on in private, then it would be no business of mine.

I know two Australian homosexuals. One of them is a man mountain, lifts weights and trains all day. He's into rowing, surfing and football. His boyfriend is a 2 times black belt and martial arts instructor. Neither of them come across as gay when you first meet them, actually one of them has a sister and for a while I ought it was his wife as they always hang out together.

Anyway, long story short, my bet is, if they were near you, holding hands and decided to have a kiss, you would' object and if you did and went about it the wrong way, you'd probably end up in intensive care.

Who cares if men hold hands or kiss. Get over yourself, not everyone in the world shares your narrow view on life. Build a bridge.

Cheers.

I have written a long post in reply to this, and it just disappeared before my very eyes.

So I am not going to start again, so let's just say that a disagree with you 100%, and cannot respect your opinion.

[luckyman]

It's incredibly sad that those with the benefit of a Western education still seem to delight in prejudice towards others. What business is it of yours how a ladyboy, a gay man, or anyone else choose to live their lives?

Who are you to judge someone for a choice which doesn't, in the slightest bit, impinge on the way you choose to live your life?

Katoeys are not a single person who has wronged the nation. There are good katoeys and bad katoeys and every spectrum in between. They are treated with contempt by society and by so many of the absolute fools who haunt this board and for what? Choosing to act like or be a different gender? No wonder they have a hard time. They risk assault by pathetic people who can't come to terms with their own sexuality on a daily basis. Their families often treat them terribly. Many of them are packed off into sex work by their greedy, lousy families. And yes, many do become hardened for it. Wouldn't you?

It would certainly be my business if two homosexual men started holding hands or kissing each other near me, and

I would object to it.

But if they kept their goings on in private, then it would be no business of mine.

I know two Australian homosexuals. One of them is a man mountain, lifts weights and trains all day. He's into rowing, surfing and football. His boyfriend is a 2 times black belt and martial arts instructor. Neither of them come across as gay when you first meet them, actually one of them has a sister and for a while I ought it was his wife as they always hang out together.

Anyway, long story short, my bet is, if they were near you, holding hands and decided to have a kiss, you would' object and if you did and went about it the wrong way, you'd probably end up in intensive care.

Who cares if men hold hands or kiss. Get over yourself, not everyone in the world shares your narrow view on life. Build a bridge.

Cheers.

I have written a long post in reply to this, and it just disappeared before my very eyes.

So I am not going to start again, so let's just say that a disagree with you 100%, and cannot respect your opinion.

+1

[Jingthing]

It's interesting that straight men usually are insulted if you think they're gay, but gay men aren't usually insulted if you think they're straight.

In any case, it's off topic, but it is very sad that there are people that have a problem with gay people showing affection that they wouldn't have a problem if they were straight.

[StreetCowboy]

It's incredibly sad that those with the benefit of a Western education still seem to delight in prejudice towards others. What business is it of yours how a ladyboy, a gay man, or anyone else choose to live their lives?

Who are you to judge someone for a choice which doesn't, in the slightest bit, impinge on the way you choose to live your life?

Katoeys are not a single person who has wronged the nation. There are good katoeys and bad katoeys and every spectrum in between. They are treated with contempt by society and by so many of the absolute fools who haunt this board and for what? Choosing to act like or be a different gender? No wonder they have a hard time. They risk assault by pathetic people who can't come to terms with their own sexuality on a daily basis. Their families often treat them terribly. Many of them are packed off into sex work by their greedy, lousy families. And yes, many do become hardened for it. Wouldn't you?

It would certainly be my business if two homosexual men started holding hands or kissing each other near me, and

I would object to it.

But if they kept their goings on in private, then it would be no business of mine.

I know two Australian homosexuals. One of them is a man mountain, lifts weights and trains all day. He's into rowing, surfing and football. His boyfriend is a 2 times black belt and martial arts instructor. Neither of them come across as gay when you first meet them, actually one of them has a sister and for a while I ought it was his wife as they always hang out together.

Anyway, long story short, my bet is, if they were near you, holding hands and decided to have a kiss, you would' object and if you did and went about it the wrong way, you'd probably end up in intensive care.

Who cares if men hold hands or kiss. Get over yourself, not everyone in the world shares your narrow view on life. Build a bridge.

Cheers.

I have written a long post in reply to this, and it just disappeared before my very eyes.

So I am not going to start again, so let's just say that a disagree with you 100%, and cannot respect your opinion.

Why not? It seemed lucidly written and polite.

Personally, I find it better to avert my eyes than to compromise my manners and tolerance.

SC

[Fabricus]

It's interesting that straight men usually are insulted if you think they're gay, but gay men aren't usually insulted if you think they're straight.

Not sure about the word "usually", though I do see a lot of bi-curiosity on this forum.

I also see effeminate men trying too hard to be masculine or manly; I've even seen ostensibly straight men "trying out" homosexuality.

[StreetCowboy]

It's interesting that straight men usually are insulted if you think they're gay, but gay men aren't usually insulted if you think they're straight.

Not sure about the word "usually", though I do see a lot of bi-curiosity on this forum.

I also see effeminate men trying too hard to be masculine or manly; I've even seen ostensibly straight men "trying out" homosexuality.

Sometimes, you need to look both ways.

I learnt that in primary school; it was printed on all my jitters, along with the rest of the Green Cross Code

[Fabricus]

It's interesting that straight men usually are insulted if you think they're gay, but gay men aren't usually insulted if you think they're straight.

Not sure about the word "usually", though I do see a lot of bi-curiosity on this forum.

I also see effeminate men trying too hard to be masculine or manly; I've even seen ostensibly straight men "trying out" homosexuality.

Sometimes, you need to look both ways.

I learnt that in primary school; it was printed on all my jitters, along with the rest of the Green Cross Code

Great post!

I've no idea what you're talking about (or what you think you're talking about), but I bet it's bloody cleverish and well cool and awesome.

Wicked, innit!

[neverdie]

It's incredibly sad that those with the benefit of a Western education still seem to delight in prejudice towards others. What business is it of yours how a ladyboy, a gay man, or anyone else choose to live their lives?

Who are you to judge someone for a choice which doesn't, in the slightest bit, impinge on the way you choose to live your life?

Katoeys are not a single person who has wronged the nation. There are good katoeys and bad katoeys and every spectrum in between. They are treated with contempt by society and by so many of the absolute fools who haunt this board and for what? Choosing to act like or be a different gender? No wonder they have a hard time. They risk assault by pathetic people who can't come to terms with their own sexuality on a daily basis. Their families often treat them terribly. Many of them are packed off into sex work by their greedy, lousy families. And yes, many do become hardened for it. Wouldn't you?

It would certainly be my business if two homosexual men started holding hands or kissing each other near me, and

I would object to it.

But if they kept their goings on in private, then it would be no business of mine.

I know two Australian homosexuals. One of them is a man mountain, lifts weights and trains all day. He's into rowing, surfing and football. His boyfriend is a 2 times black belt and martial arts instructor. Neither of them come across as gay when you first meet them, actually one of them has a sister and for a while I ought it was his wife as they always hang out together.

Anyway, long story short, my bet is, if they were near you, holding hands and decided to have a kiss, you would' object and if you did and went about it the wrong way, you'd probably end up in intensive care.

Who cares if men hold hands or kiss. Get over yourself, not everyone in the world shares your narrow view on life. Build a bridge.

Cheers.

I have written a long post in reply to this, and it just disappeared before my very eyes.

So I am not going to start again, so let's just say that a disagree with you 100%, and cannot respect your opinion.

Hi Possum,

Having lost many posts over the years it's frustrating and I understand your position why you won't retype.

Having said that, I'm left wondering what you are disagreeing with, perhaps you are saying you would voice your displeasure and if so, I won't argue that point but I will say this.

The post I originally replied to came across as if you were either trying to play the tough guy or suggest you are going to set two gay guys straight about something. I instantly thought of these two guys and wondered how you would fare.

Unlike yourself (obviously) I celebrate 'inside' when I see two people that love each other and quiet frankly I couldn't give a 'rats arse' if it were two women, two men, a man and a woman or a pair soi dogs. Love is to be celebrated dude, isn't there enough bigoted hate in this world?

I'm not an overly touchy feels type of guy, so I don't go about groping my wife in public nor do I feel the burning desire to engage in long passionate kisses when out in public, but each to their own, so my point is, if two guys what to kiss or hold hands, how's that affecting anyone else?

Anyway, if for some reason two men holding hands cause you displeasure, I suggest you seek professional help with it rather than set out to attack (even if just verbally) those who are doing what just comes naturally to them.

A little bit of tolerance in this world would go a long way. Simply, closed minds won't allow that to happen.

Cya.

[NoshowJones]

Most of your post is very good but the part. "those who are doing what just comes natural to them" men kissing each other is perverted. and

not natural to them or anyone else, that's why IMO, they should keep that sort of thing private.

[thaibeachlovers]

Who writes this crap they all chose to sell there ars no one makes them

Not being argumentative, but just curious...do you think they would work as prostitutes if they could find other work that pays the same? I've often wondered how many are truly trans, and just gays who believe they can make more money as a ladyboy...anyway, I've never known a ladyboy so have no insight into what makes them turn to this work...

No one chooses to be a sex worker because it is a glamorous life, regardless of whether they were born as a female or are transgender. Many people in that line of work were either born into poverty and/or had incredibly screwed up childhoods. How would you like to barely eek out a living by constantly having unenjoyable sex with people who completely repulse you?? A gay man can easily do everything a straight man can do but just keeping his sex life in the closet. Why would anyone choose to join a group of people who are looked down on by almost all segments of society, including by most other members of the LGBT community?

In the case of transgender females, an alarmingly high number of them are sex workers because the percentage of them that are unemployed and/or homeless is frightfully high. There are very few employers who would hire a trans person due to the stigma and fear of a negative reaction from customers or coworkers.

The following is from a comprehensive study on transgender issues in the USA, which is a country where people are supposed to have far better protections and opportunities. But the reality is that these issues are universal across every country and culture, and Thailand is no exception. Human nature trumps all else at the end of the day, and 'ladyboys' in Thailand are not treated any better than trans people in the USA, regardless of what you may hear about 'tolerant' Thai customs. Imagine being part of a group that is so marginalized by society that 20% of your peers have been homeless and 40% of your peers will attempt suicide. These are the rates in the USA, but I am sure the rates are probably higher in Thailand.

http://www.lgbtmap.org/news/understanding-transgender-issues-unfair-price-release

Understanding Issues Facing Transgender Americans provides a high-level introduction of the issues facing transgender Americans, including:

Violence: According to the 2013 Hate Violence Report from the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, transgender people were much more likely to experience threats, intimidation, harassment, discrimination, and sexual violence than non-transgender people. The report found that transgender women and transgender people of color are much more vulnerable to violence, especially at the hands of law enforcement. In 2013, more than half of all LGBT homicide victims were transgender women of color.

Suicide Risk: 41% of respondents to the National Transgender Discrimination Survey reported having attempting suicide at some point in their lives. This compares to 1.6% of all Americans who have reported attempting suicide. Respondents who were bullied, harassed, assaulted, or expelled because they were transgender or gender non-conforming in school reported elevated levels of suicide attempts (51%).

Homelessness and Discrimination in Housing: One in five transgender people has experienced homelessness at some time in their lives because of discrimination or family rejection. Transgender people facing homelessness also face discrimination from agencies that should be helping them, with nearly one in three (29%) reporting being turned away from a shelter. One in five transgender people (19%) in the United States has been refused a home or apartment, and more than one in ten (11%) have been evicted, because of their gender identity.

Health: Unequal access to healthcare and discriminatory healthcare exclusions deny transgender people coverage for medically necessary care, including hormone therapy, counseling, and other transition-related care. Even when transgender people have full health insurance coverage, however, they often face discrimination by health care providers.

HIV/AIDS: Transgender people, specifically transgender women of color, are at heightened risk for HIV. Estimates are that one in four black transgender people in the United States is living with HIV/AIDS. Discrimination, stigma, social isolation, bias among health and social service providers, and a lack of targeted prevention efforts have all contributed to these high levels of infection.

Discrimination in Public Accommodations: In a 2014 study conducted in Massachusetts, 65% of transgender people reported experiencing discrimination in a place of public accommodation in the past 12 months. The study revealed that bathrooms in restaurants, libraries, cinemas, shopping malls, airports, and other places open to the public were locations of frequent, sometimes serious harassment and abuse of transgender people. Only 17 states and the District of Columbia prohibit discrimination in public accommodations on the basis of gender identity, covering 36% of Americans. Identity

Documents: Official identity documents, particularly drivers’ licenses, birth certificates, social security numbers, and passports, that do not match with a transgender person’s gender presentation can obstruct employment and travel, as well as ex¬pose transgender people to harassment, violence, refusal of service, job loss, and more. - See more at: http://www.lgbtmap.org/news/understanding-transgender-issues-unfair-price-release#sthash.tuS8QBvV.dpuf

I wrote a long reply to your post, but it vanished into pixel oblivion and I'm not going to repeat it.

However, you write as one that has never met a real live Thai katoey, as you appear to have no idea about Thai katoeys or Thai farang related prostitution. Everything you link about US situation is worth toilet paper in LOS as it is a completely different scene.

These are the rates in the USA, but I am sure the rates are probably higher in Thailand.

IMO 100% wrong.

I suggest you visit Thailand and actually talk to some real live bar girls and katoeys to find out the reality.

[thaibeachlovers]

Most of your post is very good but the part. "those who are doing what just comes natural to them" men kissing each other is perverted. and

not natural to them or anyone else, that's why IMO, they should keep that sort of thing private.

While I agree with you about public diplays of affection between men, I also think it applys to men and women kissing in public. I have no desire to see anyone pashing in public whatever their gender, and doing so is just so low class.