Jamben,

A 37-year-old Thai transgender woman named Pan grew up in Bueng Kan in northeastern Thailand and was raised primarily by her grandmother after her young parents separated. Her story covers growing up poor, recognizing her identity as a child, moving to Bangkok for university, working to support herself, a seven-year relationship with a European man, and her belief that patience, acceptance and self-respect are essential to getting through a difficult life. What was Pan’s childhood like...

A 29-year-old Bangkok-born transgender woman named Chuta says one of her biggest challenges today is financial pressure. She works as a facility coordinator earning about 20,000 baht per month and is considering part-time freelance sex work as a way to earn additional money, while also hoping to find love, eventually marry and build a better life. Why is it difficult for Chuta to earn enough money in Bangkok? Chuta says her current salary is approximately 20,000 baht per month, after...

A 25-year-old Thai transgender woman living in Bangkok says she currently prefers foreign men, based partly on her previous relationship with a Thai boyfriend. She says she feels foreigners may be more open about LGBTQ relationships, while her own goals include having a small business, possibly a café, and eventually finding a partner she can marry. Why does this Thai transgender woman prefer foreign men? She says she previously had a Thai boyfriend but felt that the relationship was not...