T-Girls' Whereabouts

[Bionca]

Originally Posted by cham

Many non-Western cultures are more accepting of transgenders. Perhaps this is because transgenders do appear in the folklore and mythology of these cultures.

Not sure about Brazil though.

Cham

This, and in the US and Europe the Harry Benjamin Standards of Care really push Trans* women to go for SRS and blend into general society. This is changing more and more, but most doctors who specialize in this area still set the same goals and standards. Because of this the Trans* community tends to be rather fluid as women enter and later leave to assimilate into greater society.

There are some other issues that are more directly related to the sex industry. It is not unheard of for gay guys to have some cosmetic surgeries (breast and butt implants) because they make more money than they would doing gay porn or working as a gay escort/prostitute. After their prime, they get the stuff removed and move on.

Cost is also a factor. The surgeries to transition are substantially less costly in Thailand, Mexico, and Brazil. Ease of access and affordability (even taking other economic factors into account) make it more likely that a Trans* woman will be able to transition younger, and thus be more willing to be more visible and active.

I don't want to discount the general tolerance (not full acceptance) in SE Asia for trans* women and the lesser degrees of stigma attached. Being able to see real life trans* women cutting hair, working in shops, and just walking down the street makes it mush easier to be authentic.