What Is It Like Being a Transgender Woman in Thailand? Kim’s Story of Family, Dating and Work

What was Kim’s experience growing up as a transgender woman in Thailand?

Kim says she felt like a girl from a very young age and remembers preferring feminine toys as a child. She later began hormone therapy at 15 and became more openly comfortable with her transition during university.

Her story also emphasizes the importance of support from family and friends, while she describes dating, workplace discrimination, and her ambition to build a business in the beauty and aesthetics industry.

When did Kim realize that she was transgender?

Kim says she felt like a girl from a very young age. One of the early signs she remembers was having a preference for feminine toys. This experience eventually became part of her understanding of her gender identity. (1:13)

When did Kim start hormone therapy?

Kim says she began hormone therapy at 15 years old. (2:23)

This was an important stage in her personal transition, although the interview summary does not provide further details about her specific treatment, medication, dosage, or medical supervision.

When did Kim begin openly transitioning?

Kim says she began openly transitioning during her university years. (2:54)

The interview presents this as a later stage of her journey after beginning hormone therapy during her teenage years.

Did Kim’s family and friends accept her being transgender?

Kim says her friends and family began accepting her identity when she was approximately 12 or 13 years old. (3:46)

She particularly emphasizes the importance of having support from family. Her perspective is that the opinions of strangers matter less than the support she receives from the people close to her. (4:02)

What does Kim think about dating foreign men?

Kim says she prefers dating foreign men.

Her reason, according to the interview, is that she has found foreign men to be more open-minded and respectful than some of the Thai men she has encountered. (4:57)

This is Kim’s personal experience and preference; the interview does not establish that foreign men generally behave this way.

Is it difficult for transgender women to find jobs in Thailand?

Kim says finding employment can be challenging for transgender people in Thailand because many companies are not yet fully inclusive or open-minded. (6:17–7:16)

She describes this as an obstacle transgender people can encounter when looking for work.

What does Kim want to do for a career?

Kim wants to start her own business in the beauty and aesthetics industry. (8:17)

Her business plans represent a future goal she discusses toward the end of the interview.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Kim?

Kim is 26 years old.

Where is Kim from in Thailand?

Kim is from Chanthaburi, Thailand.

How old was Kim when she started hormone therapy?

Kim says she started hormone therapy at 15 years old.

When did Kim start openly transitioning?

She says she began openly transitioning during her university years.

Did Kim’s family accept her transition?

Kim says her family and friends began accepting her identity when she was around 12 or 13 years old.

Does Kim prefer dating Thai men or foreign men?

Kim says she prefers foreign men, based on her personal experiences with openness and respect in relationships.

Why does Kim find employment difficult as a transgender woman?

She says many companies are not yet fully inclusive or open-minded toward transgender people, which can make finding a job difficult.

What business does Kim want to start?

Kim wants to start her own business in the beauty and aesthetics industry.