Reflections on being a Thai transman through the lens of the reproductive justice framework

Abstract

Transmen are a crucial gender group within the umbrella of transgender identities, yet there remains a lack of understanding regarding their gender identities and sexualities. Transmen often face challenges related to gender discrimination and inequalities, particularly in accessing government services such as healthcare and social welfare, and in securing legal recognition of their gender identity and rights. This article explores the challenges faced by transmen in Thailand. It through a discussion of the lived experiences and gender identities of Thai transmen by examining the societal context through existing literature and qualitative interviews of transmen on their own. The aim is to examine the specific local context of Thai transmen using a reproductive justice approach to examine how transmen experience gender discrimination when challenging the dominant cis-normative gender norms in Thai society. Understanding these challenges can contribute to creating fundamental knowledge for a better understanding of transmen’s identities and inform recommendations for public policies that support greater gender diversity and a more inclusive environment. Importantly, supporting legal gender recognition based on self-identified gender can promote reproductive justice for transgender people.