The pageantry of the "Third Gender"

[Shana A]

The pageantry of the "Third Gender"
Video: Man, woman, or something else? Take a walk on Thailand's wild side.
By Patrick Winn - GlobalPost
Published: June 1, 2009 11:06 ET

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/thailand/090531/the-pageatry-the-third-gender

PATTAYA, Thailand — They're known as the "katoey," or transgender people, and they are an important part of Thai culture.

Katoeys are found across Thailand — in urban areas, in rural villages, in cabarets and restaurants, in films, newspapers and, yes, on the stages of beauty pageants.

Here's a look at the "Miss Tiffiny Unlimited Sexy Star Contest," in the beach resort of Pattaya, which drew an television audience of some 15 million people.