Is the term ‘ladyboy’ offensive and disrespectful?

Having spent a lot of time in Thailand, ladyboy is a word I commonly hear transgender women refer to themselves as, and often with a sense of pride. While in Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam, I’ve never seen the word challenged or anyone taken offence by its use. But in the West, I’ve rarely heard the term used and seldom used in a positive light.

In this article, we will explore the term "ladyboy," a word that can be seen as either cruel or an embraced identity, depending on the context. Examining this term from different perspectives aims to provide a thoughtful and informed understanding of its use and significance.

Cultural Context: Thailand and Beyond


The term "ladyboy" originated in Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, where it is widely used to describe transgender women or effeminate gay men. In Thai culture, ladyboys, also known as "kathoey," have been a part of society for centuries, with a long history of social acceptance and visibility in various sectors, including entertainment, beauty pageants, and the arts.

Today, ladyboy is the English translation of the Thai word, Kathoey. Just as you may refer to a male as a man or a female as a lady, the term ladyboy is not inherently offensive, with many transgender women proudly identifying as such. While it's essential to recognise that cultural context varies significantly, and what may be acceptable in one community might not be viewed in the same light elsewhere, in Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia, including the Phillippines, Vietnam, and Cambodia, it’s not inherently an offensive or insensitive word.

Perceptions in Western Culture


In Western societies, "ladyboy" has taken on a different connotation, often associated with pornography and sex work. This association has led to the term being perceived as derogatory or objectifying, reinforcing negative stereotypes and contributing to the marginalisation of transgender individuals. Consequently, in the West, "ladyboy" is often seen as offensive and disrespectful.

However, suppose you were to meet transgender women from Southeast Asia in a Western location. In that case, again, it's likely that they would not take any offence to the term and even use it to identify their gender. So, at the core of this discussion lies the importance of individual preference and self-identification. While some people may proudly embrace the term "ladyboy," others may feel it does not accurately represent their identity or experience. Ultimately, it is crucial to respect an individual's chosen terminology and be mindful of our words' impact on others.

So, is the term "ladyboy" offensive and disrespectful?


The simple answer is ‘sometimes.’ When used with good intentions, in the parts of Southeast Asia where the term originated, it remains an inoffensive term to describe someone who identifies as a Kathoey. Of course, any word can be taken as offensive if used aggressively or when ill-intention is clear, but the term lady is not inherently an offensive word/

When communicating with someone from outside of Southeast Asia or when out of the region, the term ‘ladyboy’ is generally offensive and should be avoided. Even if you are with a transgender female who is more than happy for you to refer to her as a ladyboy, it’s best to avoid using the term when outside Southeast Asia due to its skewed meaning and association with pornography.

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