In the heart of Thailand’s Roi Et province, an unusual scene unfolded during the national military draft held from April 1-12, 2024. 21-year-old transgender beauty queens Parida Kerayuphan and Kantong Passarapon drew a lot of attention to the conscription ceremony, which is typically a ritual of military service that emphasizes masculine ideals. Their presence not only challenged the typical aesthetics and mood of the draft day but also sparked a significant online conversation about gender identity and military obligations.
The annual conscription event in Thailand is a critical time when all men aged 21 are potentially bound to serve in the military for up to two years, depending on the luck of the draw. They must select a card from an opaque box; a red card compels them to enlist, while a black card grants them exemption. However, for transgender women like Kerayuphan and Passarapon, this day comes with additional layers of anxiety and complexity.
Parida Kerayuphan, a student at Sripatum University and a campus ambassador with over 115,000 Instagram followers, and Kantong Passarapon, nicknamed the “Thai Bay Angel” by her fans and a veteran of about 100 beauty pageant titles, attended the draft with certificates of gender reassignment surgery, seeking exemption. Despite their eligibility for exemption, their mere appearance at the draft stirred various sentiments. Comments on social media ranged from admiration to introspection, with one user remarking, “It feels like a beauty pageant rather than a conscription lottery site,” and another voicing, “As a woman, I have a feeling of inferiority.”
The participation of transgender women in the military draft highlights the ongoing tension between societal norms and the personal realities of individuals navigating life in diverse identities. Thailand, known for its vibrant transgender community, still embeds traditional gender roles deeply within its societal and legal frameworks. Transgender women, despite their gender identity, are required to show up on draft day until they can legally change their gender, making them subject to the same conscription laws as cisgender males.
This requirement places transgender women in a precarious position, balancing the affirmation of their gender identity with the legal obligations tied to their birth sex. While they can apply for exemption by presenting medical certificates confirming gender reassignment surgery, the emotional and psychological toll of participating in a process that fundamentally misrecognizes their identity can be significant.
The story of Kerayuphan and Passarapon at the conscription center not only reflects their courage but also casts light on the broader implications of such legal and cultural practices. It opens up a necessary dialogue on how military service is viewed and administered, especially concerning individuals from the transgender community. As Thailand continues to navigate its rich tapestry of cultural diversity, the experiences of transgender individuals highlight areas where societal norms and legal structures may evolve to become more inclusive.
Moreover, the presence of transgender women in these traditionally masculine spaces challenges stereotypes and encourages a rethinking of what duty and service can mean in a changing world. It underscores the need for policies that acknowledge and respect the identity and dignity of all individuals, regardless of gender.
As the conversation unfolds online and in communities, it becomes clear that the path toward equality and understanding is ongoing. The story of these young women serves as a reminder of the resilience and diversity of the human spirit, and the continuous struggle for recognition and equality in every sphere of life.
For transgender youth and allies in Thailand and beyond, the journey of Kerayuphan and Passarapon offers both inspiration and a call to advocacy. It highlights the importance of support systems, legal reforms, and the empowerment of individuals to navigate and challenge the structures that define our societal engagements. As Thailand’s military and societal leaders contemplate the implications of this year’s draft, the global community watches and learns, hopeful for steps towards more inclusive and respectful practices that honor every individual’s identity and contributions.
