Being trans in a pandemic

Growing up a trans woman in rural northeastern Thailand for the first 16 years of her life, Minty* was often ridiculed and physically abused by elders in her family and neighbourhood children for her effeminate demeanour, which forced her to run away to an unknown future in Bangkok.

Arriving in the capital, she was befriended by the LGBTI community and tried her hands at a number of jobs until she was fortunate enough to land a gig as a makeup apprentice at a local cosmetic company. For seven years, she worked hard to rise up the ranks until she became a popular makeup artist at bridal events and fashion shows.

Just when Minty’s career prospects seemed to be improving, along came Covid-19, a pandemic that has devastated economies globally and caused countless deaths in all four corners of the world, including Thailand.

Minty was among many that lost…