Bizarre, June 2003
Candid interviews with the 'kathoey' themselves, a history of the phenomenon and a whole buncha science make this a ... winner
'Literary Review', May 2003
amongst the personal stories, which Totman tells with sensitivity and insight, there are plenty of statistics... alternately entertaining and poignant.
'Ham & High'
Mixing interviews with extensive cultural, religious and historical research... an exhaustive account of 'the third sex'... Worthy and intelligent.
'Ham & High'
Mixing interviews with extensive cultural, religious and historical research... Worthy and intelligent.
Synopsis
A cultural history of the Kathoey (Ladyboys), their role in Thai society and a biographical account of three kathoey and their lives. It is an description of the kathoey as they were traditionally received in Asian and Buddhist society and the changes brought about by Western tourism to the area, specifically the sex industry that has developed in Thailand. An accessible and fascinating description of a wide range of subjects: including the Buddhist concept of karma and sexuality, the biological consequences of trans-gender (why were a Thai basketball team all ladyboys?) and a history of trans-gender in other cultures around the world. Are the Kathoey a deviation or a third sex?
