MamboCabaretLadyBoys

Oct. 7, 2009 -- BANGKOK, THAILAND: A "Ladyboy" puts on her makeup before performing the Mambo Cabaret. The performers at the Mambo Cabaret in Bangkok, Thailand are all "Ladyboys," or kathoeys in Thai. Recognized as a third gender, between male and female, they are born biologically male but live their lives as women. Many kathoey realize they are third gender in their early teens, some only as old 12 or 13. Kathoeys frequently undergo gender reassignment surgery to become women. Being a kathoey in Thailand does not carry the same negative connotation that being a transgendered person in the West does. A number of prominent Thai entertainers are kathoeys. Photo by Jack Kurtz / ZUMA Press

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Filename: MamboCabaretLadyboys006.jpg
Copyright: Jack Kurtz
Image Size: 4000x2667 / 5.9MB; Asia Bangkok Culture Gay Rights Gender Ladyboy Lesbian Show Thaifall09 Thailand Transvestite ZUMA
Contained in galleries: Thailand (All), Ladyboys of the Mambo Cabaret

Oct. 7, 2009 -- BANGKOK, THAILAND: A "Ladyboy" puts on her makeup before performing the Mambo Cabaret. The performers at the Mambo Cabaret in Bangkok, Thailand are all "Ladyboys," or kathoeys in Thai. Recognized as a third gender, between male and female, they are born biologically male but live their lives as women. Many kathoey realize they are third gender in their early teens, some only as old 12 or 13. Kathoeys frequently undergo gender reassignment surgery to become women. Being a kathoey in Thailand does not carry the same negative connotation that being a transgendered person in the West does. A number of prominent Thai entertainers are kathoeys. Photo by Jack Kurtz / ZUMA Press