Who Is Mint? A Thai Ladyboy’s Story of Family, Work, Love and Life in Chiang Mai

Who is Mint and what is her story?

Mint is a 37-year-old Thai transgender woman living and working in Chiang Mai. She says she knew from childhood that she wanted to be feminine, experienced bullying at school because she was a ladyboy, and later faced discrimination at work.

Despite those difficulties, Mint describes her family as a major source of strength. Today she works in massage, supports her family financially, and is saving toward her goal of opening her own massage shop.

When did Mint know she wanted to be a girl?

Mint says she began thinking about becoming a girl when she was around seven or eight years old.

She remembers seeing Tiffany-related imagery on television and wanting to become a “Tiffany girl.” She says that when she was young, she did not believe she was beautiful enough to participate.

Her family, however, was accepting of her. Mint says her parents knew she wanted to be feminine and did not prevent her from being herself.

Did Mint’s family accept her as a ladyboy?

According to Mint, yes. Her family was supportive of her from a young age.

She describes her mother as the person she is closest to and says she talks with her mother about everything, including love, work, and money.

Mint also says she currently helps her parents financially by sending them money for food and other expenses.

She describes her family as an important source of motivation when life becomes difficult.

What was school like for Mint growing up?

Mint’s experience at school was difficult at first.

She says other children called her insulting names because she was a ladyboy, and she recalls crying frequently. At one point, she questioned why she was not a man or a woman.

She says things became clearer for her around the age of 12 or 13, when she became more certain about her identity.

Mint also recalls having male friends who eventually accepted her.

Did Mint experience discrimination from teachers?

Yes. Mint describes one teacher who did not accept her being a ladyboy.

She says that when she was approximately 10 years old, the teacher made her participate in activities such as running and playing football because the teacher wanted her to behave more like a boy.

Mint also says the teacher sometimes hit her with a stick. She believes her identity may have been part of the reason for the teacher’s treatment of her, although she says she does not know the teacher’s exact motivation. Was there a larger transgender community at Mint’s school?

Mint says that as she got older, she encountered more ladyboys at school.

She recalls a later school where there were many transgender students, which made the environment more accepting. She also participated in cheerleading for approximately three years and was able to dress in a way she associated with being feminine.

She describes becoming happier as she gained more freedom to express herself.

Has Mint faced discrimination at work?

Yes. Mint describes a particularly frustrating experience working for a makeup and skincare brand.

She says she worked there on a three-month trial and performed well, selling products every day. However, she says her boss did not like ladyboys and she was eventually told to stop working.

Mint says the experience hurt her, but she decided to keep looking for other opportunities rather than give up.

What kind of work does Mint do now?

Mint currently works at a massage shop.

She says she learned massage through school and also studied massage techniques through YouTube.

She takes pride in her work and says she tries to provide good service to every customer.

She acknowledges that some customers do not want a ladyboy massage therapist, but she continues to work and believes customers should have the opportunity to experience her skills.

Does Mint want to open her own massage shop?

Yes. Opening a massage shop is one of Mint’s main goals for the future.

She says she is already saving money toward the business. She does not yet have a definite opening date or a name for the shop, but she hopes to eventually establish a small massage business of her own.

Her current priority is working, saving money, and taking care of her family.

Does Mint have a boyfriend?

Mint says she previously had a boyfriend for approximately two years.

She describes the relationship as romantic, saying they spent time together, slept together, kissed, ate together, and that he sometimes came to take care of her after work.

However, Mint says she was unhappy that he kept the relationship secret from other people.

Eventually, she ended the relationship. Despite the breakup, she says they remain friends and still see each other in Chiang Mai.

Why was Mint unhappy that her boyfriend kept their relationship secret?

Mint says her boyfriend did not openly tell people that he loved her.

She describes this as painful because she wanted their relationship to be acknowledged rather than treated as a secret.

Although the relationship ended, she says they were able to remain friends. In the interview, she suggests that being good friends can ultimately be better than maintaining a relationship that is not working.

Does Mint want to change her gender identity?

No. When asked whether she would choose to become a man, a woman, or remain a ladyboy if she could start her life again, Mint clearly says she wants to remain a ladyboy.

She says she is happy being who she is.

This is one of the clearest points in the interview: despite the discrimination and difficulties she has experienced, Mint does not say that she wants to change her identity.

What makes Mint happy?

Mint says one of the biggest sources of happiness in her life is being with her family.

She describes seeing her mother smile and being able to return home to talk with her parents as something that gives her strength.

She also says that working and earning money so she can take care of her family is her number-one priority.

Does Mint take hormones?

Mint says she receives hormone injections.

According to her account, she has used injections at different intervals, including approximately once a month at certain periods.

She says the hormones can affect her mood and that she sometimes becomes angry after receiving them. She also describes feeling physically less strong.

These are Mint’s personal observations from the interview. The interview does not establish medical conclusions about hormone therapy, appropriate dosing, or long-term effects.

What does Mint’s tattoo mean?

Mint has several tattoos on her back and says they have personal and spiritual significance.

She explains that she received tattoos connected with ideas such as good feelings, a good heart, Buddha, and luck.

She says she first began getting the tattoos more than two years before the interview and has continued adding to them.

Although her parents were initially unhappy about the tattoos, Mint says she continued and wants to have more.

Does Mint drink or smoke?

Mint says she does not smoke.

She says she drinks occasionally and mentions Chang and Leo beer as drinks she likes. She describes drinking around two or three large bottles.

The interview also includes questions about drugs, and Mint says she has never used drugs such as yaba, heroin, cocaine, or ice.

What is Mint’s biggest goal for the future?

Mint’s main goal is to continue working, earn money, support her family, and eventually open her own massage shop.

Her story repeatedly comes back to financial independence and family. Even when she describes discrimination or difficult periods without customers, she says she wants to return to work and continue making money to take care of the people she loves.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Mint?

Mint says she is 37 years old.

Where does Mint live?

Mint says she is living and working in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

When did Mint know she wanted to be a ladyboy?

She says she began thinking about becoming a girl around seven or eight years old.

Did Mint’s parents accept her?

Yes. Mint describes her parents as open and supportive of her and says her family has been an important source of strength.

Did Mint experience bullying at school?

Yes. She says other students called her insulting names and that she cried frequently when she was younger.

What does Mint do for work?

She currently works at a massage shop. She previously worked for a makeup and skincare brand and has experience selling products.

Does Mint want to open a massage shop?

Yes. She says she is saving money and hopes to eventually open her own massage shop.

Does Mint want to stop being a ladyboy?

No. When asked whether she would choose to become a man, woman, or remain a ladyboy, she says she wants to remain a ladyboy and is happy with her identity.