After a school in rural Thailand discovered that almost 10% of its 2,600 students consider themselves as transsexual it opened a special toilet for its “dual-gender” pupils. And another school in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand had already in 2003 set up a “Pink Lotus Bathroom” for the 15 of its 1,500 students declaring themselves transgender.
Given the seemingly high numbers of transgender students the Thai Education ministry is currently evaluating the county-wide need for such special toilets and dormitories. If they find enough transgender students in their count the ministry will start building special facilities at universities and schools.
“These students want to be able to go in peace without fear of being watched, laughed at or groped,” said school director Sitisak Sumontha.
“They don’t have problems with transvestites but going to the same private area, like a toilet, makes them uneasy,” he said. “The transvestite kids may behave even more effeminately than the girls do, but their anatomy is still like that of a boy.”
More information:
Telegraph article on transgender toilets in Thailand
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