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.
