Ladda Waiyawan. Sexuality and sexual agency of Kathoey living with HIVAIDs in I-Saan Thailand. Master's Degree(Health Social Science ). Mahidol University. Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center. : Mahidol University, 2009.
Sexuality and sexual agency of Kathoey living with HIVAIDs in I-Saan Thailand
Abstract:
This qualitative research study aims to study the sexuality and sexual
subjectivity of Kathoey living with HIV/AIDS and the influences of gender discourse,
AIDS discourse, and medical discourse. The study site was two communities in northeast
Thailand (I-Saan). Data collection used in-depth interviews with eight Kathoey living with
HIV/AIDS, participant observations, and key-informant interviews with family members,
partners, friends, health care providers, and NGO staff.
The results reveal that discourses on sexuality of Kathoey (MtF transgender
people) in the community discussed the myth of abnormal people, cause of bad luck, harsh
sex and skillful in sex. Those discourses represent Kathoey as the other and are separate
from society. Therefore the study found that Kathoey peer group used a space in the Mor-
Lum festival to assert their identity. The process of taking ARV medication is a powerful
influence to maintain condom use. They know that safer sex is significant to control the
spread of HIV and drug resistance; however, sexual pleasure is more important than using
condoms. Looking good (Do-Dee) and attractive (Dueng Dood) reflected their gender
identity as women. The sexual agency of Kathoey is having multiple sexual partners.
Having sexual partners portrays ability and the challenges of sexual intimacy. The internal
social network among Kathoey encourages them to have multiple partners as it is
acceptable and symbolizes an achievement. They derive a sense of importance and value
if they are able to attract a large number of sexual partners who are young and masculine
looking. They give important meanings to men, and having sex with men but they need
love and trust even if they say Kathoey cannot find real love. Sexual diversity and
fluidity related with shifting back and forth between different sexual orientations were
linked with the power to negotiate safer sex. This study concludes HIV prevention
research and intervention strategies on Kathoey living with HIV/AIDS via an internal
social network strategy and should involve Kathoey PLHA as leaders among PLHA
groups to help them achieve sexual health and sexual rights. Mentorship is also needed to
reconstruct their value of sexual identity. HIV prevention programs should address the
sexuality of Kathoey, which are fluid and unique. Empowerment by enhancing selfesteem,
sexual health care information and services are suggested to increase power and
negotiation for safer sex.