Katoeys: The Third Sex

2012, English, French, Poy Treechada, Thailand,

Director: Stéphane Rodriguez
Release Year: 2012
Original title: Katoeys de Thailande: A la rencontre du 3ème sexee

Synopsis:

The 2012 documentary Katoeys: The Third Sex by Stéphane Rodriguez offers a comprehensive exploration of the lives of trans women, or Katoï, in Thailand, focusing on the ease of access to hormones, the booming transgender beauty industry, and the emotional and physical risks of transitioning. The film explores the rapidly growing transgender beauty and sex-change surgery industry in Thailand, particularly in Bangkok, which has earned a reputation as the world capital for sex-change operations.

 

The film takes viewers inside luxury clinics like Dr. Kamol's, a renowned establishment where high-end surgeries are offered with a focus on providing a transformative and life-changing experience for transgender women. Dr. Kamol, a well-regarded surgeon, performs operations that cater to an international clientele. His clinic's pristine atmosphere and comprehensive services stand in stark contrast to other, lower-cost clinics in the country. One of the most prominent figures in the Thai transgender community, Poy Treechada, serves as a prime example of the positive and empowering narrative surrounding gender reassignment surgery. Poy, a famous trans model and actress, credits her transformation and surgery at Dr. Kamol’s clinic as the key to her personal fulfillment. Poy is portrayed as an example of how a successful gender transition can lead to both professional success and a sense of wholeness. She refers to her surgery as the completion of her identity, describing Dr. Kamol as a "second father" who helped her become a "complete person." Poy’s story presents transitioning not as a sign of mental instability, but as a necessary step to feel whole and complete. Her life after the surgery improved drastically, and she no longer feels handicapped by her previous male body.

 

However, the documentary also provides a counterpoint to this glamorous narrative by showcasing the less polished, more affordable sex-change operations that are available in Thailand. Dr. Thep, a veteran surgeon known for his budget-friendly surgeries, runs a much smaller, less glamorous clinic. His facility lacks the luxury of high-end clinics, and the operations are performed in a less-than-ideal environment. For example, one of Dr. Thep’s patients, Bee, a 37-year-old man, is preparing for her sex-change operation at the clinic. The documentary highlights the informal and risky nature of the clinic, with no elevators, nurses in street clothes, and no dedicated anesthetist. Despite these risks, Bee expresses her excitement and anticipation for the surgery, underscoring the emotional weight that many transgender individuals place on their transition. Dr. Thep performs the surgery with limited anesthesia, leaving the patient partially awake throughout the operation, which is a significant risk to the patient's safety. In contrast to the positive portrayals of transitioning, the documentary also features the poignant story of Eck, a former Katoï who regrets undergoing sex reassignment surgery. Eck shares her experience of having undergone surgery 16 years ago in a major Bangkok hospital, which she now views as a mutilation. Since the surgery, Eck has never experienced sexual pleasure, and she feels that her transition deprived her of something that was once a fundamental part of her identity. Eck’s story highlights the difficulties and risks of transitioning, particularly when individuals feel inadequately informed about the long-term consequences. She urges younger generations of Katoï to think carefully before undergoing irreversible surgery, warning them about the potential physical and emotional harm.

 

Amidst these contrasting stories, the documentary also covers the Miss International Queen pageant, held annually in Pattaya, which is one of the most glamorous and celebrated transgender beauty contests in the world. The competition, which is broadcast live on Thai television, features stunning performances, swimsuits, and evening gowns, with contestants vying for the title of the most beautiful trans woman. Sami, a Thai contestant, is one of the favorites to win the competition, and her proud parents, who traveled 15 hours to support her, are depicted as deeply moved by their daughter’s success. Sami's participation in the pageant symbolizes the hope that transgender individuals have for validation and recognition in a society that may still view them with skepticism. The documentary shows Sami's pride in representing the "third sex" and her desire to prove that Katoï have a rightful place in society. Sami's preparation process is extensive and multifaceted, encompassing training in presentation, fashion, and performance. She works closely with her coach, Kuang, who has a significant role in mentoring her through the pageant process. Kuang is shown to be a key figure in Sami’s journey, providing her with guidance and strategy to excel in the contest. The coach emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus, confidence, and discipline during the competition, and he has already identified a few other strong contestants, such as Miss Lebanon and Miss Philippines, who might pose a challenge to Sami. Despite the fierce competition, Sami remains determined, and her dedication to the contest is evident throughout the documentary.

 

Sami’s preparation for the Miss International Queen pageant involves not only physical transformation but also the development of her stage presence and performance skills. She practices her walk and posture, rehearsing for the fashion and swimsuit segments of the contest. These segments are crucial in determining the winner, and Sami's coach makes sure she is ready to showcase her beauty and confidence in front of the judges and audience. Her rehearsals include various aspects of pageant training, such as perfecting her runway walk, practicing her smile, and learning how to command attention on stage. The swimsuit segment is especially important, as it is considered the defining moment in the competition, and it plays a pivotal role in the judges' decision-making process. On the emotional front, Sami is deeply motivated by the desire to make her parents proud. Her parents, who have traveled from northern Thailand to Pattaya to support her, are portrayed as a major source of inspiration. Throughout her journey, Sami expresses a strong desire to represent the “third sex” and show that transgender individuals can thrive in society. Her pride in being a transgender woman is central to her participation in the pageant. She sees this as a chance not only to gain personal recognition but also to contribute to the acceptance and visibility of transgender people in Thailand and beyond. Sami’s story contrasts with the experiences of other transgender women who face regret after undergoing surgery. Her participation in the pageant symbolizes a positive outcome, as winning the title provides not only fame but also financial reward. For Sami, the victory—along with the $10,000 prize—opens doors for further opportunities in the media, television, and modeling. Her family and coach express immense pride in her achievements, and Sami embodies the possibility of success that many transgender people strive for in Thailand. The competition reflects the desire for recognition and acceptance within a society that is slowly learning to embrace diversity.

 

One of the significant aspects explored n the documentary is the impact of the media and the glamorous portrayal of beautiful transgender women, especially in high-profile events like beauty pageants, on young boys in schools in Thailand. The pageants and the visibility of these stunning kathoeys (transgender women) influence not only societal perceptions of beauty and gender but also shape the expectations and aspirations of young boys. The documentary delves into how this societal focus on beauty, particularly the idealized image of the kathoey as the epitome of femininity, affects the emotional and psychological development of boys in school environments. As beauty pageants, such as the Miss International Queen contest, highlight transgender women as glamorous, desirable, and celebrated figures, the young boys in Thailand are often exposed to these ideals. The pageants are widely broadcast on television, attracting a large audience, and creating a public image of kathoeys as the epitome of beauty. This portrayal often sets a standard of femininity that can be both alluring and unattainable for many. The documentary reveals that for some boys, this obsession with the aesthetics of the kathoey leads them to imitate or desire to become like these women, driven by the societal values attached to beauty and gender roles. Boys in Thai schools, influenced by the images of the stunning transgender women they see on TV, may feel pressure to conform to these ideals of beauty and femininity. This can result in confusion and emotional stress, as they may struggle to reconcile their own identities with the expectations placed upon them by society. The documentary interviews young individuals who reflect on the pressures they face in wanting to be seen as beautiful, to embody the femininity they see celebrated on television and in pageants, even if it does not align with their own gender identity. This creates an environment where boys may feel conflicted about their own masculinity, especially when their desires or aspirations do not conform to traditional gender roles.

 

This influence can also contribute to a deeper confusion around sexual orientation and identity. For some boys, their admiration or attraction to these beautiful transgender women leads them to question their sexual identity. The documentary highlights how schools in Thailand may not provide enough education or support to help students understand the complexities of gender and sexuality, leaving them to navigate these issues alone. In the absence of adequate resources, the media-driven idealization of transgender women can create unrealistic expectations and lead to internalized struggles about their own gender roles. Moreover, the documentary notes that the glamorization of transgender women in beauty pageants has a double-edged effect. While it elevates the kathoey community to celebrity status, it also pressures transgender women to maintain the unrealistic beauty standards set by these pageants. For the young boys watching these pageants, it often becomes a way of thinking that there is only one type of beauty or one way to transition—through perfection, often enhanced by surgeries and treatments that are financially out of reach for many. This perpetuates a sense of inadequacy, not only for the transgender women who struggle with societal pressures but also for the boys who internalize these beauty standards and measure their worth against them.

 

The documentary shows how the mainstream media’s portrayal of kathoeys as glamorous, seductive, and highly successful can have a profound effect on young minds. It fosters a sense of beauty as being central to self-worth and identity, which can lead to issues of body image and mental health among the youth. The boys, seeing the fame and admiration that kathoey beauty queens like Sami garner, may be driven to emulate what they see, leading them to question their own gender identity or even desire to undergo similar transformations to be celebrated in the same way. However, they often lack the emotional maturity or support systems to fully understand the complexities of gender transition and the deep personal journeys involved. This glamorization also comes with its darker consequences. The documentary suggests that the pressures and confusion caused by these media portrayals of idealized femininity often lead to feelings of inadequacy, identity crises, or even desperation among young boys. Some may turn to hormones and other drastic measures in an attempt to change their appearance, without fully understanding the long-term consequences, as highlighted in the earlier segments where young transgender women seek hormone treatment without medical oversight. The desire to fit into these media-created ideals can cause emotional turmoil for boys who feel that they are not meeting the standards of beauty or femininity that are held up as ideal by these public figures and the pageant culture.

 

The documentary also features the story of Kop, a transgender person whose experience adds another layer to the narrative of gender transformation and the pressures within Thai society. Kop’s story provides insight into the experiences of someone who does not fit into the traditional narrative of the kathoey, or transgender woman, in Thailand. Her story is a poignant reflection of the struggles faced by individuals whose gender identity is not fully understood or embraced by society. Kop's journey is marked by personal struggle and the challenges of being transgender in a culture that is predominantly focused on the experience of transgender women. Kop is seen grappling with the societal expectations surrounding gender and the confusion that often surrounds those who do not transition fully. Her story highlights the complexity of gender identity and the different challenges faced by transgender individuals, particularly in a society like Thailand, where the visibility of transgender women (kathoeys) is much more predominant. While the country is often celebrated for its acceptance of transgender women in certain sectors, like entertainment, beauty pageants, and sex work, transgender people living in limbo like Kop are rarely discussed or represented in the public sphere. She struggles with finding a community that can relate to her experience and feels a disconnect from the more widely accepted narrative of transgender identity. The documentary provides a raw and intimate look at her desire to undergo medical treatments to further align her physical appearance with her gender identity. However, the financial and emotional barriers to accessing hormone therapy and surgeries add another layer of difficulty to his journey. Like many transgender individuals in Thailand, Kop faces financial constraints that prevent her from fully realizing her transition. This economic barrier is something that is seen throughout the documentary, especially as it contrasts with the more glamorous portrayals of transgender women who undergo surgery and hormone therapy with relative ease.

 

Ultimately, the documentary portrays the complex realities of transitioning in Thailand, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges that Katoï face. While Thailand has become known for its openness toward transgender people, the film critiques the lack of regulation in hormone treatments and surgeries, the potential risks involved, and the need for better education and psychological support for those undergoing gender transition. The documentary calls for greater awareness and more comprehensive care to help individuals make informed decisions about their gender identity and medical procedures. It shows that while many Katoï in Thailand experience empowerment and fulfillment, others face profound emotional and physical consequences as a result of decisions made in the context of a largely unregulated system.

 

via: youtube

Image credits: YouTube