Growing chorus of prejudice

Transgender beauty queen’s immigration trouble in Dubai is yet another reminder of how Thai law has failed.

ROAD CLOSED AHEAD

Earlier this month, Rachaya “Mix” Noppakaroon — Miss Tiffany’s Universe 2014 runner-up — was barred from entering Dubai where she was slated to perform at the Expo 2020 event. Upon her arrival, immigration denied her entry and she was eventually sent back to Thailand. As a Thai transgender woman, her passport, documents and title remain as “Mister” — her sex at birth — while her appearance clearly suggests otherwise. This situation has long posed complications for transwomen, both in daily situations and when they go abroad. To cross the border, they must carry tons of documents to prove their gender identity, and even doing so they are always met with scrutiny….