The Kathoey Identity: In Thailand, kathoey is often considered a "third gender". Historical legends suggest Thai society has long recognized three genders: male, female, and kathoey.

To understand the term "ladyboy," one must first look at the Thai concept of Kathoey. Unlike Western labels that often strictly categorize gender as a binary, Thai culture has long recognized a "third gender."

In these academic contexts, "Ladyboy" (a translation of the Thai term kathoey) is often treated as a cultural subgroup rather than a strictly defined gender identity. Researchers use the term to:

In the neon-drenched streets of Bangkok, a performer known by the stage name Extreme Ladyboy