: Many young transgender women in Asia do not identify as "men dressing as women" but rather as a distinct gender or as women.

This guide provides a cultural and social overview of young transgender women in Asian contexts—often referred to by the regional term kathoey or the colloquial term "ladyboys". While these terms are widely used in Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia, they encompass a broad spectrum of identities, from gender-nonconforming individuals to those who identify fully as women. Cultural Context and Terminology

: In Thailand, high levels of visibility are often attributed to Buddhist beliefs emphasizing tolerance, non-judgment, and the idea that gender diversity is a natural part of the human experience. Life for Young Transgender People

: A Thai umbrella term that historically referred to an "intersex" or "third gender" identity. Today, it is commonly used to describe transgender women.