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Discrimination against and Associated Stigma Experienced by Transgender Women with Intersectional Identities in Thailand

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  • Pimwarat Srikummoon

    (Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
    Data Science Research Center, Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand)

  • Yuphayong Thanutan

    (Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand)

  • Natthaporn Manojai

    (Mplus Foundation, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand)

  • Sukon Prasitwattanaseree

    (Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand)

  • Nachale Boonyapisomparn

    (The Foundation of Transgender Alliance for Human Rights, Bangkok 10160, Thailand)

  • Unyamanee Kummaraka

    (Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
    Data Science Research Center, Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand)

  • Chanapat Pateekhum

    (Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand)

  • Phisanu Chiawkhun

    (Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand)

  • Chayut Owatsakul

    (Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand)

  • Benchalak Maneeton

    (Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand)

  • Narong Maneeton

    (Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand)

  • Suttipong Kawilapat

    (Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand)

  • Patrinee Traisathit

    (Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
    Data Science Research Center, Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
    Research Center in Bioresources for Agriculture, Industry and Medicine, Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand)

Abstract

Although Thailand is overtly open to diversity and promotes equality, discrimination of minorities based on gender, ethnicity, and/or certain occupations is unfortunately still prevalent. Society either obstructs their inclusion or accepts them but only under certain conditions. The objective of this study is to examine the discrimination of TGWs with intersectional identities within Thai society. A total of 19 TGW participants were recruited and underwent in-depth thematic interviews about their experiences of discrimination. Rechecking of the extracted information from the interview transcripts and the subsequent encoding process were conducted using the NVivo program. The results show that the median age was 30 years old, and the majority of the individuals with intersectional identities were ethnic minority TGWs (47%). The in-depth interviews were divided into four main themes, including discrimination at an educational institution, discrimination in the workplace, discrimination in daily life, and discrimination at a healthcare facility. Our findings reflect problems associated with multiple sources of discrimination aimed at transgender women with an intersectional identity in Thailand in every aspect, including harsh speech or physical abuse; occupational, social, and legal inequality; and healthcare provision disparity. Raising awareness about gender diversity and intersectionality, as well as enforcing anti-bullying legislation and anti-discrimination laws, should be continually pursued in order to protect the rights and improve the quality of life of transgender individuals with an intersectional identity.

Suggested Citation

  • Pimwarat Srikummoon & Yuphayong Thanutan & Natthaporn Manojai & Sukon Prasitwattanaseree & Nachale Boonyapisomparn & Unyamanee Kummaraka & Chanapat Pateekhum & Phisanu Chiawkhun & Chayut Owatsakul & B, 2022. "Discrimination against and Associated Stigma Experienced by Transgender Women with Intersectional Identities in Thailand," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:24:p:16532-:d:998165
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. White Hughto, Jaclyn M. & Reisner, Sari L. & Pachankis, John E., 2015. "Transgender stigma and health: A critical review of stigma determinants, mechanisms, and interventions," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 147(C), pages 222-231.
    2. Bradford, J. & Reisner, S.L. & Honnold, J.A. & Xavier, J., 2013. "Experiences of transgender-related discrimination and implications for health: Results from the Virginia transgender health initiative study," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 103(10), pages 1820-1829.
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