It is a fact: Thai transgender women are among the most beautiful in the world. Compared to many countries, Thailand is open-minded about transgender people where there are places for them to stand proud, especially in the entertainment industry.
Although movies and soap series sometimes portray LGBT people in exaggerated or misleading ways _ usually as shrieking clowns _ today showbiz has made way for a number LGBT talents. In the comedy-drama film Tangwong, directed by Kongdej Jaturanrasmee and which opens today, we see a character played by transgender actress Natarat Lakha _ as pretty as any lady. This is one role that portrays a trans as a flesh-and-blood human being.
Natarat plays a woman who earns her living as a traditional Thai dancer at the shrine. In the film, which explores Thai identities, as well as our political and superstitious belief, her character has to teach a group of students to perform a Thai dance in order for them to fulfil a pledge made with a local deity.
Queer Eye talked to Natarat about the acting gig before the premier of her first film.
How did you get the part in this film?
My friend asked me to go to a casting of this role with her. I was the last one to cast but I was the one who was chosen.
Let me say frankly that you are a very beautiful. Have you ever entered a beauty pageant?
Yes, I did. In 2011, I was first runner-up for Miss Tiffany.
What do you do besides your current acting gig?
I've just graduated in communication arts and run a clothing business with my family. This acting job came as a surprise, so I am not expecting anything just yet in showbiz. However, if there is a good opportunity to do something interesting, I'll consider it.
Could you share more about your casting day, what did you have to do?
I was briefed that the character is a sweet and innocent person. She works as a professional Thai dancer. So, I was asked to improvise the traditional dance, which I had no background in, but tried my best anyway.
The reason I was chosen is that I could easily pass for a woman, and my voice is convincing enough. The others who may look really pretty, they failed for the role because of their voices, as well.
But in the film, your dancing was flawless.
They sent me for an intensive training in traditional dance for two months. So, I guess that helped.
How do you see your character? Is there anything that you can relate to her or, perhaps someone you know may share similar stories with her?
This character is sad. She lives for love, but life doesn't seem to be fair to her. She earns so little from dancing at the shrine. She lives in her secret world and seems to be a very lonely person.
What do you think about the way the film represents transgender people?
I think society has become more open-minded to our community. This character doesn't really represent anything negatively. However, the character I play is tricked by a man, and that might give the idea to the viewers that if you are a transgender, men will take advantage of you or, that they won't take a relationship with you seriously, which I think is not always the case. When you're unlucky, anything bad can happen regardless of your sexual orientation.
Another stereotype that I think is irrelevant is that if you are a Thai transgender, only Western guys would date you. But from my experience, most Thai transgender people I know are dating Thai men.
Do you think that there will be more spots for transgender people in showbiz?
I hope so. I hope there will be more opportunities for us. Many of us are very talented. However, it depends on the person _ whether they have what it takes for the job. Of course, the more visible we are, the better attitudes people will [have] towards our community.
However, I think it is still an individual business; if you are doing good, people will surely give you a chance. If not, then you can't really blame anyone.
Share your views and news about queer culture and gender diversity issues at yanaponm@bangkokpost.co.th
