I stumbled upon this old chestnut from a couple of years ago about hotels warning guests that their companion is a ladyboy the other day and thought it was interesting. Apparently it offended some people (what a surprise!) when a hotel was asking punters if they knew she was a ladyboy. It either goes to the skill of Thai plastic surgeons, of the volume of alcohol consumed that the hotel would think a check was in order.
At the time a story sparked a bit of controversy in some corners of the internet for issuing a form to guests who appear to be bringing back a sex worker, specifically targeting transgender individuals, or ‘ladyboys’. The form bluntly notified the guest that their companion was not a woman (or not a “GG”- genetic woman at least) but a ‘lady boy’ and inquires if the guest still wishes to proceed to their room with the individual. They also prompt the guest to confirm whether they have agreed upon a price for the night, suggesting that disputes often arise over this matter. Additionally, the form includes a warning about the risk of theft, implying that ‘entertainment people’ might steal guests’ valuables.
Leow Yangfa, the executive director of an LGBT group in Singapore, criticized the form on a blog, pointing out the use of male pronouns, the invasive questions about payment, and the insinuation that transgender sex workers are likely to commit theft. This incident highlights the ongoing discrimination and stereotyping faced by transgender individuals in Thailand, despite the country’s reputation for being LGBT-friendly.
Key Takeaways:
- A Bangkok hotel has been criticized for issuing a form that stigmatizes transgender individuals by questioning guests about their companions’ gender identity and warning of potential theft.
- The form used by the Omni Complex Hotel employs derogatory language towards transgender sex workers and prompts guests to confirm understanding of their companion’s gender and negotiate payment terms.
- Despite Thailand’s reputation for being LGBT-friendly, the incident at the hotel highlights the ongoing discrimination and stereotyping faced by transgender people in the country.
My take
I’m kind of in two minds about this story. I like to believe that most people’s intentions are good and no malice is intended. Perhaps the hotel in question has seen enough troubles to believe it warrants this kind of action. Actually I have had front desk staff try to check if I was aware, but it was a lot more subtle and definitely no paperwork was involved. And it would certainly be a bit of a mood killer if someone started calling my girl for the night “him” or “he”.
But honestly, do people in this day and age ever take home a ladyboy not knowing that she is a ladyboy? These stories of guys being tricked always seemed like a bit of an urban legend to me, or at least a cover used by guys who get “caught”. I reckon 99% of men who take ladyboy’s certainly know what’s up. I mean what is in it for the ladyboy to trick someone? It just seems too risky it things go bad.
Of course you can avoid any potential awkward moments by bringing your ladyboy companion to any one of the pre-screened ladyboy friendly hotels in Pattaya that are happy to welcome you and your guest.
Original story source: here
