The mainstream narrative of LGBTQ history often begins with the Stonewall Riots of 1969. While popular culture has sometimes credited cisgender gay men as the sole leaders of that uprising, historians agree that the frontline fighters were transgender women of color.

In Western contexts, terms like "shemale" are often considered derogatory slurs. However, the landscape in Thailand is distinct. The term "kathoey" is a cultural identity that predates Western definitions of transgender women. Kathoey are a highly visible part of Thai society, prominent in entertainment, cosmetics, fashion, and unfortunately, due to limited career opportunities, the sex industry.