Our blog started out as a record of the
steps, trials, and tribulations that we faced in being able to retire
in Thailand. Now that we made it the blog is changing. There will
be more posts about retirement life in Thailand and fewer of the nuts
and bolts that are necessary to get here and stay here.
This post is an example of that. We
went with our good friend, Sam to the ChiangMai Cabaret show last
night to celebrate my upcoming birthday. The show is free but they
appreciate it (expected) that you will buy at least a drink each.
Even better if you buy two each.
Beer sells for 110 baht until Happy
Hour about 2/3 of the way through the show and Cocktails sell for 210
baht each. The prices are high comparative to normal but we just
looked at it as the entry fee to the show, in which case we easily
got our moneys worth.
The ChiangMai Cabaret Show features
ladyboys. Folks in the West are not as open to this lifestyle as the
Thai's are. In Thailand, Ladyboys are mostly accepted as members of
the Third Gender. There are all sorts of stories about Westerners
not realizing that the “girl” they are hitting on really isn't a
girl. Imagine their surprise.
From Wikipedia:
Thailand
"Also commonly referred to as a third sex are the kathoeys (or "ladyboys") of Thailand. They are people whose assigned sex was male who identify and live as female, a significant number of Thais perceive kathoeys as belonging to a third gender, including many kathoeys themselves, others see them as second category women. Although they are born genetically as male, kathoeys claim to possess a female heart which is the gender they truly are. Males undergoing sex-change operations are not uncommon occurrences but they are still regarded as men on their identification documents. Despite this, the Thai society remains one of the world's most tolerant attitude towards kathoeys or the third gender.
In 2004, the Chiang Mai Technology School allocated a separate restroom for kathoeys, with an intertwined male and female symbol on the door. The 15 kathoey students are required to wear male clothing at school but are allowed to sport feminine hairdos. The restroom features four stalls, but no urinals.
Kathoeys in the work force
Although Kathoeys are still not fully respected, they are gradually gaining acceptance and have made themselves a very distinct part of the Thai society. This is especially true in the entertainment, business, and fashion industries in Thailand, where the Kathoeys play significant roles in leadership and management positions. In addition, Kathoeys or second-category-women are very sought after when businesses are hiring salespeople. In many job posts, it is common to see companies state that second-category-women are preferred as their sales force because they are generally seen as more charismatic and expressive individuals."
If you have read this far you are probably waiting for the photos and the video.
Thailand
"Also commonly referred to as a third sex are the kathoeys (or "ladyboys") of Thailand. They are people whose assigned sex was male who identify and live as female, a significant number of Thais perceive kathoeys as belonging to a third gender, including many kathoeys themselves, others see them as second category women. Although they are born genetically as male, kathoeys claim to possess a female heart which is the gender they truly are. Males undergoing sex-change operations are not uncommon occurrences but they are still regarded as men on their identification documents. Despite this, the Thai society remains one of the world's most tolerant attitude towards kathoeys or the third gender.
In 2004, the Chiang Mai Technology School allocated a separate restroom for kathoeys, with an intertwined male and female symbol on the door. The 15 kathoey students are required to wear male clothing at school but are allowed to sport feminine hairdos. The restroom features four stalls, but no urinals.
Kathoeys in the work force
Although Kathoeys are still not fully respected, they are gradually gaining acceptance and have made themselves a very distinct part of the Thai society. This is especially true in the entertainment, business, and fashion industries in Thailand, where the Kathoeys play significant roles in leadership and management positions. In addition, Kathoeys or second-category-women are very sought after when businesses are hiring salespeople. In many job posts, it is common to see companies state that second-category-women are preferred as their sales force because they are generally seen as more charismatic and expressive individuals."
If you have read this far you are probably waiting for the photos and the video.
So, May I Present the Ladyboys of the Chiang Mai Cabaret.
Above photo is during her performance
This photo is at the end of her performance
As the show ended our friend Sam told Miss Chiangmai Cabaret that we were celebrating my birthday. Then I became part of the show as the cast wished me a Happy Birthday and had a little fun with the whole birthday thing.
Now for the video. Lin had fun putting it together so we hope you enjoy it.
Happy Birthday Vince! I'm guessing you won't soon forget this one! Looks like a riot. Did you ever forget they were men? Just curious ;)
ReplyDeleteI have to admit Lani that there was some cognitive dissonance at times. Lin had the pink monkey sitting on our table and the girls couldn't leave him alone.
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