Karla Cripps: 6 reasons Bangkok's ladyboys annoy me
Tourists may celebrate Thailand's iconic katoeys, but it takes a local to experience the dark side of ladyboy culture
By Karla Cripps 30 November, 2010
http://www.cnngo.com/bangkok/life/tell-me-about-it/karla-cripps-6-reasons-bangkoks-ladyboys-annoy-me-869919When it comes to Thai national symbols, ladyboys are as iconic as tuk tuks and tom yum goong.
Without getting into a sociological exploration of 'katoeys' and Thai society, the gist of the situation is that though they do face stigmatization from some corners of society, ladyboys are generally accepted by the public. Many have become huge TV celebrities.
That's not why they bug me. In fact, I admire ladyboys' tenacity and unwillingness to conform.
My issues with ladyboys -- and yes, I'm going to generalize -- extend into the realm of jealousy with a side order of self-loathing and fear.
