The graduation season is rounding the last corner, and when the commencement ceremony takes place tomorrow at Thammasat University, all eyes will be fixed on Baramee Phanich. The Social Science graduate has made headlines and roused another round of debate on gender issues _ as well as the he/she dilemma for writers _ when Baramee, a male student, formally asked the university for permission to dress in female attire at the ceremony.
Baramee, better known by her nickname Denjan, has become a media sensation since the story broke and a top news show invited her on air. But the case around Baramee is more than just surface sensationalism: her bachelor's thesis is actually about cross-dressing and society's's attitude towards it, and her decision to use a medical certificate to back up her request sparked disagreement from some LGBT advocates. Baramee has also mentioned that she wants to be ordained as a monk, an announcement that stirred a range of reactions from all sections of society.
On the eve of her big day, we talk to Baramee, probably the most photographed graduate of the year.
Has life changed much since the story broke?
I'm now well-known in the world of academics. The thesis I have written has become controversial and triggered debate among scholars. A few people from work recognise me from being on television, but nothing else has changed much. The only significant change is now I have become a loudspeaker to express my thought and standpoints. I've been interviewed by newspapers and magazines _ and this has given me opportunities to work towards my cause.
Why did you choose to write a thesis on graduation attire for transgenders?
I wanted to write something that could really be used and not just something that would sit there on shelf collecting dust. My professors and advisor encouraged me to work on this topic. I'm lucky too that I've studied at Thammasat, which is the country's leading university for law and students' rights.
Tell us more about the content of your thesis?
Some important people that I interviewed include Nok Yollada [the first transsexual to wear female attire for graduation], professors from the sociology scene, my psychiatrist, and the vice-rector for student affairs of Thammasat University. Some of the things I discuss are the basis of freedom and rights, theories about symbols in society and different kinds of identities in different genders.
How do you deal with negative comments and people who don't agree with you?
It's impossible that everyone will agree with me. There are millions of people, millions of thoughts. It's the colours of life, or else the world would be very boring.
But I refuse to be the victim of a 'psychology war'. Some girls may ask, 'Why would a katoey wear female attire? Is it really the end of the world to dress like a man for a day and just cut your hair?'. They aren't in my shoes, they don't know how it feels. Like I said, there are millions of people out there, and they all have their own beliefs.
Do you think people are more open-minded about this issue?
If people don't like you, it's their right and I respect that. But if people don't like you or understand you, then it is your duty to help them understand. We can solve every problem with understanding and reasoning, not by asking for sympathy. I don't beg for sympathy, I beg for you to let me explain things to you. I will explain it to one person at a time, if that's what it takes.
Have you always known that you want to become a woman?
Honestly, if there was a cure for me to go back to being a straight man, I would go for it. But I cannot choose because my mind has always been like this. It didn't come from the way I was raised too because my mother said I've shown signs since I was a toddler. I've been raised as a boy, even more because my father is in the army, but my mind has always been feminine. I did spent my younger days as a boy and played soccer and sports and whatnot, but I know what's true to myself.
The fact that you want to become a monk is controversial.
I want to be a monk for the people I love, that's the only reason. My parents say I don't need to do it _ just being a good person is enough. But it is inevitable that we have this belief that parents can go to heaven by clinging to a monk's robe _ if they have a son who becomes a monk. My grandmother, whom I love very much, is religious and wants to see me as a monk. It is my intention to do something for someone I love. But if I could choose, I would want to buad chee _ become a nun.
When did you start using the name Denjan?
My friends started calling me that after the airing of the TV drama Dok Som See Tong. Sometimes they call me Denapa too. I was born with the nickname Den. I've never changed my name since I was born because I don't want to conceal who I am. The name I use on my Facebook is Baramee Phanich with Denjan in brackets. Everyone who adds me knows that I am not a real female and if they don't, I make sure that they do. I might get facial surgery someday but I don't like how it completely changes your face and looks really fake. I am proud with what my parents gave me and I don't want to change it.
What do you imagine for your future?
The future is for the future to happen. I'd like to work for this cause and I also dream of becoming a model someday. I want to support my family so they can live well and happily. My happiness is to pay back to the prakoon of my parents and grandmother. I want to take care of them. My granny took care of me since I was young and I want to give everything I can. I think our duty is to take care of our parents and do some good for the society, not just waste oxygen in and out as the days go by.
