These successful transwomen speak out for transgender equality in the workplace

“Are you LGBTQ+?” 

“Sorry, this job requires high credibility.” 

“I don’t think you’re suitable for this job.”  

“Is it okay to wear a skirt for a job interview if I am LGBTQ?”  

For the founders of Trans for Career Thailand and their followers on their Facebook page, these words are a constantly frustrating reminder of the issues they’ve been dealing with for most of their lives. 

Risa “Mai” Siriwat, Khemmanath “Kob” Naradech, and Nishanaaj “Sarina” Sudlarphaar know too well of the adversity faced by transgender women in Thailand. They founded this organization with an aim to change people’s perceptions on LGBTQ+ individuals and to instill in their minds that no one should be discriminated against because of gender identity. 

We sat down for a chat with these three progressive-minded individuals and learned more of their plight. 

Please tell us of some of the prejudices you’ve encountered as a trangender. 

Mai: The first job I applied for was as a stock and investment analyst at this investment company. During the  interview, they didn’t look at my qualifications at all. I graduated with first honors and they didn’t care. They said that I should do other jobs and that investment was not for me. They said the job requires “high credibility”.

Kob: For me, it affects the way I live my life. I always get sick so I often go to the hospital. I remember when I had a pneumothorax. It was an emergency. I needed to go to the hospital immediately. And I had to stay in a male ward because the private rooms were fully occupied. However, my gender is female. It hurt my feelings staying in that male ward, but the doctor was trying to save me from my sickness. So I was like, “Okay, nevermind.” But the real problem was the sponge bath. I had to do sponge baths in that ward for a month. At this point, I kept on thinking, ‘Why? Why does it have to be like this?’ And this still happens in many hospitals.

Sarina: I am a freelancer. I have never been through recruitment, but I’ve encountered prejudice like what Kob just said. Traveling abroad is an issue. My passport does not reflect my gender. For me, when I go through these situations, I talk to my friends and they tell me that we shouldn’t give in. We’re supposed to say something about it so that society knows and becomes more aware of discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.

What are the workplace issues that you’ve had to deal with as a person belonging to the LGBTQ+ community? 

Kob: The worst part is when looking for a job, applying and interviewing since the gender specified on my documents is still “male”, not “female”. Even though my appearance is female, HR or the chief executive is going to ask some questions about it anyway. In Thailand, some people look down on transgenders, and that shows in the media. There’s always negativity when talking about the trans community. Let’s just say, I’ve heard the words “not credible” many times. 

Mai: Research reports that only 20 percent of people know transgenders for who they really are, whereas 80 percent don’t. What the 80 percent see is what the media shows, which is that trans people are only funny, and this becomes a fixed image of trans that leads to prejudice. In the end, such a perception prevents us from getting a job in certain offices.

What are your opinions on companies that don't accept trans people?

Mai: Actually, there is research suggesting that companies that embrace diversity are more likely to be successful than others. So, it’s not only transgender people who get benefits but the company as well. You will get numerous ideas from diverse employees. Plus, the corporate image will be better. We can say that it’s a free marketing campaign!

Sarina: Well, I think it’s a disadvantage for that company if people from the outside see that there’s no diversity within an organization. Diversity in a company and an organization will help society to notice this issue.

In a job interview, if the interviewer asks if I’m LGBTQ+, what should I answer?

Sarina: One of our followers once asked about the appropriate outfit for a job interview. She’s a trans woman. I gave her two choices. First, be yourself. But it’s a risk because there may be a chance that they won’t choose you. Second, dress according to what society expects and, once you get the job, you can gradually change how you dress, as you like.  It would be better if she chooses the first option since I want her to be herself. 

Mai: But we don’t know how strict this company is and we don’t want her to miss the opportunity. So I suggest that she have a backup plan. Anyway, if this happened to me, I would say “Yes, I am LGBTQ+.”

Kob: For me, I would admit it, too. And bear in mind that I must accept the consequences as some companies have their own rules. Still, I believe that there are many companies out there that accept us for who we are. We should shut the door [on companies] that do not accept us and open a new door to better opportunities. 

Mai: The company’s policy is also important. There are cases where the CEO is happy to hire LGBTQ+ but HR is unsure since there is no policy about it. As a result, HR decides to turn LGBTQ+ down. What I’m trying to say is that every organization has to set a clear policy.

Is there a law regarding discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals? 

Kob: The Equality Act 2015 prohibits gender-based discrimination against both males and females in the workplace. For example, if a woman applies for a job and experiences bias from the company, she can file a complaint to a committee under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security that handles issues on sexual and gender prejudice. Many people don’t know about this. Prejudice is mentioned in the labor law and the latest national economic development plan, not to mention the requirement of eliminating gender bias.

Sarina: Anyone who is discriminated against because of their gender can complain to the said committee by email (gidentity3@gmail.com) or call 02-6427755. There is a remedy fund available for those who experience these issues.

Do you think this law is widely known or used to protect one’s rights?

Kob: I think many agencies, both in the government and private sector, lack proactivity when it comes to this matter. If they really wanted everyone to know the law, they would work harder than they do now. There should be more campaigns. The government should cooperate with private companies to work on this. Right now, it seems only LGBTQ+ people and LGBTQ+ activists pay attention to this law. It’s not going to work out unless everyone works together.

Many people think that Thai LGBTQ+ are more acknowledged than their counterparts in other countries. What are your thoughts on this? 

Kob: That’s not true. We’re still being treated like nobodies.

Sarina: This is because there are no laws supporting us. It’s a myth that Thailand is paradise for LGBTQ+. Yes, it seems like paradise in the travel industry. The private sector is more accepting because they have to profit.

Just because we did not die for being a transgender woman, it doesn’t mean that Thailand is a paradise for LGBTQ+.

Sarina: Sometimes, we see that this country has this and that for trans people. But why don’t we have the same privileges in Thailand? 

Mai: Also, no equality when it comes to marriage.

Sarina: Thailand is far better than other countries in many aspects. But this issue is both significant and sensitive. In terms of lifestyle, it seems like we’re accepted. But what about what we’ve said earlier about applying for jobs? It’s still unacceptable. Most importantly, there is no law that specifically protects the LGBTQ+ community. We do not want more than what others have. What we want is equality.

What are Trans for Career Thailand’s plans for the future?

Kob: We will continue to seek interesting stories about talented transgender people and share them to everyone. To inspire and motivate transgender people in Thailand to live, to study and to work hard.

Sarina: We are consultants for people who want advice about job applications and life. For example, we have an expert on writing resumes. We try to cooperate with other organizations. We believe that two heads are better than one. More people, more power to overcome obstacles.

Mai: Seeking interesting stories of transgender people is crucial for our followers. For our first story on the page, we shared the story of a personal trainer. One of our followers wrote that she wanted to study sports science but hesitated because she did not know if there’s going to be a job for her in the future. However, after reading this post, she was encouraged to pursue what she loved. We saw this and felt this is a goal for Trans for Career. We want everyone to see the possibility in themselves, that they can do anything. If you can do it, just do it.

We just want to share our stories. Because we want to ask for opportunities and we do not ask for them for free. We have the ability to do something good for society. We can do many things and we really want society to realize this.