Gay muay thai fighter

This site is archived: Visit Context for the latest news and analysis on the three biggest issues affecting people, society and the environment. Clad in a pink tank top and shorts, her face made up with rouge and red lipstick, transgender Muay Thai fighter Nong Rose Baan Charoensuk is a formidable opponent. Just ask Karun "Priewpak" Kaemlam, a male fighter who lost a thrilling five-round match to Rose, as she is generally known, earlier this month.

It was the second consecutive muay for Rose in the revered Muay Thai fighter after becoming the first transgender boxer to fight there last month. The year-old started boxing at eight, following in the footsteps of an uncle, a Muay Thai fighter who encouraged her to train. Her twin brother is also a Muay Thai fighter.

Born Somros Polchareon, Rose said she identified as a woman at an early age and began wearing makeup and a sports bra in the ring. In the rural thais where she has done most of her fighting, her appearance disconcerted some of her male opponents. Thailand is widely seen as a paradise for gay gay transgender people, but many say they are treated as second-class citizens.

Transgender women figure on television, in beauty pageants and at hair salons and cosmetics counters, but they cannot change their gender designation on identity papers, despite a law against gender-based discrimination. After more than fights, racking up 30 of her wins through knockouts, Rose said she was finally allowed to fight at Rajadamnern Stadium.

Puttipong Plukram, the owner of the camp in the northeastern province of Buriram where Rose trains, calls her a "great role model", citing her diligence in chores and training, and saying she often runs farther than anyone else.

WIDER IMAGE-Thai transgender boxer winning the fight for acceptance

Rose is not Thailand's first transgender boxer. Toom eventually ran a boxing school and Rose someday hopes muay do the same. Rose also aspires to be an ambassador for Muay Thai around the world, and urges transgender boxers in rural areas not to be discouraged by early setbacks. Our global editorial team of about 55 journalists and more than freelancers covers the lives of people around the world who struggle to live freely or fairly.

Thomson Reuters Foundation is a charity registered in England and Wales registration number: About Thomson Reuters Foundation. Newsletter sign up:. Trending As climate 'tipping points' near, scientists plan for the unthinkable Roe v Wade: Which US fighters are banning abortion?

Activists say Gay new Silk Road equips autocrats with spy tech. Thailand is widely seen as a paradise for gay and transgender people, but many say they are treated as second-class citizens By Athit Perawongmetha BANGKOK, July 25 Reuters - Clad in a pink tank top and shorts, her face made up with rouge and red lipstick, transgender Muay Thai fighter Nong Rose Baan Charoensuk is a formidable thai.

Nong Rose Baan Charoensuk spends time with her friend after a training session at a gym in Buriram province. Original Why Black women bear brunt of strict U. Original Women sacrifice their health to shield families from spiking costs. Roe v. Wade: Which U. About Thomson Reuters Foundation News news. Find out more.