A random collection of films authored by or about my transgender, intersex sisters, and gender-nonconforming persons all over the world. I watched some of them, and I was inspired by some of them. I met some of the authors and heroines, some of them are my best friends, and I had the pleasure and honor of interviewing some of them. If you know of any transgender documentary that I have not covered yet, please let me know.

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The Third Gender

Director: Vivienne Chen
Release Year: 2014

Synopsis:
In 2013, Vivienne Chen, a filmmaker and activist, produced a short documentary titled The Third Gender. The 20-minute film offers an intimate look into the lives of Thailand’s trans community, particularly focusing on the kathoey or ladyboy population. Often misunderstood and misrepresented, kathoey refers to individuals who are born male but present and identify as female, or express themselves in ways that defy traditional gender norms. The documentary offers a nuanced perspective on their lives, stories, and struggles, while questioning the extent to which Thai society is as open and accepting of sexual diversity as it might appear.
 
Funded by the Martin A. Dale Award, The Third Gender is more than just a snapshot of a marginalized group in Thai society; it delves deeply into the personal narratives of those living outside the rigid binary of male and female. Through interviews with kathoeys from various walks of life—performers, filmmakers, activists—the documentary explores not only their experiences of gender fluidity but also the sociopolitical obstacles they continue to face in a country known for its relatively visible and diverse gender expression.
 
The term kathoey (pronounced /kàtʰɤːj/) is often translated as "ladyboy" in English, but this translation is far from adequate in capturing the complexities of the identity. While kathoey are frequently associated with transgender women in popular discourse, the term itself encompasses a broader range of gender expressions that might include effeminate gay men, androgynous individuals, or people who don’t conform strictly to either male or female norms. The word is derived from Khmer (a language spoken in Cambodia), where it refers to those who do not fit the traditional gender categories of male and female. While kathoey in Thailand can often be perceived as a form of transgender identity, it is important to note that many kathoeys do not identify as transgender women. Instead, they see themselves as belonging to a third gender category, separate from both men and women. In Thailand, the distinction between terms like kathoey and phuying (woman) is important. Kathoey refers to people who were born male but adopt feminine gender roles, yet many will not identify as women or as transgender women. Phuying praphet song (second-type female) is more commonly used by transgender women in Thailand, emphasizing their female identity, and leaving kathoey to describe those who may still be seen as male by society, despite their feminine presentation.
 
One of the striking features of Thailand’s approach to gender diversity is the visibility of kathoey in public life. Unlike in many other countries, kathoeys are not only visible in urban centers like Bangkok, but are present throughout Thai society, including in rural villages. The film shows how kathoeys are often employed in entertainment industries, particularly as performers in cabarets, beauty contests, and, in some cases, as sex workers. Some, however, have also risen to prominence in fields like acting and modeling, often celebrated for their beauty and femininity, yet still subject to societal discrimination and legal restrictions. Kathoey beauty contests are a prominent part of Thai culture, where the line between femininity and masculinity is often blurred. However, despite the more visible acceptance in entertainment, there remains a distinct tension within Thai society between visible acceptance and full societal inclusion.
 
As the film explores, this tension is reflected in both social norms and the institutional frameworks that fail to accommodate gender diversity. The documentary also highlights the role of kathoey in activism and advocacy for gender rights. It features prominent figures like Tanwarin Sukkhapisit, a well-known Thai filmmaker and activist who identifies as a transgender woman but is often associated with the kathoey community, and Ploypatt Sairatana, another activist striving for greater societal acceptance of gender nonconformity. Through their stories, the film reveals a complex picture of both progress and setback in the struggle for legal rights and equal treatment.
 
Despite the relatively visible acceptance of kathoey in the public sphere, the legal framework in Thailand offers little support for transgender and gender nonconforming individuals. A significant issue, as the documentary explores, is the lack of legal recognition of gender identity. For example, despite undergoing gender-affirming surgery, many transgender individuals are unable to change their legal gender on their official documents, such as their national identification cards, which are critical for everyday transactions, from opening a bank account to accessing healthcare. This creates a situation where transgender people are forced to navigate a bureaucratic system that denies them recognition of their gender identity.
 
While Thailand's 2015 Gender Equality Act does provide some protections against discrimination based on gender, it does not specifically address the needs of transgender people, particularly with regard to legal gender recognition. This failure to enact comprehensive legal reforms means that the vast majority of transgender individuals, including kathoey, are still excluded from full legal protection. Kathoeys also face challenges in accessing employment, as many are discriminated against based on their gender identity. In Thailand, many transgender people are forced to work in the entertainment or sex industries due to a lack of formal job opportunities. Even those who find work in more traditional sectors often face significant discrimination, particularly in areas like education, where many schools enforce rigid gendered uniforms and discipline policies that may not accommodate transgender students.
 
Thailand’s predominant religion, Buddhism, offers a mixed perspective on gender nonconformity. While some Buddhists interpret the kathoey identity as a karmic result of transgressions from past lives, others view the situation with compassion, seeing kathoeys as deserving of pity rather than condemnation. The Buddhist idea of karma shapes how many in Thailand perceive gender fluidity, with some seeing it as a punishment or a spiritual affliction, while others embrace a more accepting view. Interestingly, kathoey have also found roles within certain religious practices, particularly as spirit mediums in northern Thailand, where they participate in rituals and become known as kathoey maa-khii. This practice allows some kathoeys to earn a living and find a sense of community, further highlighting the complex relationship between traditional beliefs and gender diversity in Thai society.
 
The Third Gender captures the experiences of kathoeys with empathy and insight, offering viewers a deeper understanding of what it means to live as a gender-nonconforming individual in Thailand. It challenges viewers to reconsider the idea of a strict male-female binary and to reflect on the implications of legal, social, and cultural structures that limit the possibilities for gender expression and equality. Through its interviews with activists and ordinary kathoeys, the documentary raises critical questions about the nature of gender, identity, and human rights. Is Thailand truly as progressive as it seems in terms of gender inclusivity? While the country may have a reputation for tolerance and acceptance in many ways, there remains much work to be done in ensuring full recognition and rights for all individuals, regardless of gender identity. The documentary calls for greater societal acceptance and legal reforms, including the recognition of a third gender category that reflects the lived experiences of kathoeys and other gender-diverse individuals. It also highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in overcoming the social prejudices that continue to impact transgender and gender nonconforming people in Thailand and beyond.
 
As The Third Gender poignantly illustrates, the lives of kathoeys and other gender-diverse individuals are fraught with challenges, but also with resilience and hope. Thailand’s unique relationship with gender fluidity offers both an opportunity for greater acceptance and a reminder of the deep-rooted barriers that still exist. The documentary leaves us with a pressing question: when will the legal, social, and cultural systems in Thailand and the world at large catch up to the realities of gender diversity? Until that happens, the fight for the recognition and rights of kathoeys and other gender-nonconforming individuals will continue.
Image credits: YouTube
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