Introduction

This website was created for a special girl who I have become very close to in the last year here in Thailand. Her name is Toy and she is a Kathoey, or lady boy as they are often referred to here in Thailand. The purpose of this website is primarily to attempt to raise awareness and money for her to have the sex re-assignment surgery (SRS) that she would never be able to afford given the low level of wages in her work as singer and drinks hostess.

 Since coming to Thailand I have met many Kathoey’s in all walks of life, from professionals to prostitutes and the general acceptance and tolerance of the Thai people of this ‘third gender’ was something as a westerner I was unaccustomed too.

 This is not to say there is discrimination, which certainly does exist across all sectors of society, accepted but also marginalised. The irony being that many ‘straight’ men will use them for sex, as the act does not constitute ‘infidelity’ as we understand it in the west as Kathoey’s exist outside the gender norm.

 It is a long time since I have applied any of the skills I learned in social anthropology at University and so it has become a project to try to get an insight into this 'third gender', their lives, history and culture within Thai society. All of them have a story to tell and this is Toy's Story.….

 With a combination of my poor Thai and her limited English I have managed to put together a brief biography of her on this site.  Likewise the photographs generally reflect the last ten years of her life as a cabaret singer.  Currently she is working in a Karaoke Hut 60 kms west of Bangkok for 80 Baht base pay making approx U.S. $2.00 a night plus any tips.

 If you enjoy this website I ask that you can send a dollar or two to the address on the Donations Page or if you would like further information about Toy, she can be contacted via email.

April 2003.