The following research brief synthesizes current academic and sociological findings regarding "ladyboys" (typically kathoey in Thai context), with a specific focus on body image and the sociocultural significance of the "slim" or "skinny" aesthetic within this community.
: Interestingly, while transfeminine youth often have higher median weights (56 kg) and heights (171 cm) than cisgender women, their median BMI (19.7) often remains in a similar "normal" to "underweight" range. Sociocultural Terminology and Identity skinny ladyboys
The term "ladyboy" is an English translation of complex local identities. : Recent studies indicate that transfeminine youth report
In Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, the kathoey identity is often associated with high standards of physical beauty that prioritize a slim, feminized silhouette. In Southeast Asia
: A slim lateral profile is highly favored among many transwomen in Thailand, with research showing a strong preference for a specific waist-to-hip ratio (0.65 to 0.70). This aesthetic is often tied to the "problematic thin-ideal," where many individuals strive for a BMI below 18.5 to achieve a more traditionally "feminine" look.
: Recent studies indicate that transfeminine youth report significantly higher levels of body image dissatisfaction (mean score 59.3) compared to cisgender female peers (mean score 50.2).
The following research brief synthesizes current academic and sociological findings regarding "ladyboys" (typically kathoey in Thai context), with a specific focus on body image and the sociocultural significance of the "slim" or "skinny" aesthetic within this community.
: Interestingly, while transfeminine youth often have higher median weights (56 kg) and heights (171 cm) than cisgender women, their median BMI (19.7) often remains in a similar "normal" to "underweight" range. Sociocultural Terminology and Identity
The term "ladyboy" is an English translation of complex local identities.
In Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, the kathoey identity is often associated with high standards of physical beauty that prioritize a slim, feminized silhouette.
: A slim lateral profile is highly favored among many transwomen in Thailand, with research showing a strong preference for a specific waist-to-hip ratio (0.65 to 0.70). This aesthetic is often tied to the "problematic thin-ideal," where many individuals strive for a BMI below 18.5 to achieve a more traditionally "feminine" look.
: Recent studies indicate that transfeminine youth report significantly higher levels of body image dissatisfaction (mean score 59.3) compared to cisgender female peers (mean score 50.2).