transgender

The world's second known "pregnant man" is expecting his first baby with his transgender husband next month.

In Thailand, transgender males, also called lady-boys, are a common sight in cities and tourist areas. While many transgenders work in traditionally female professions such as in cabaret shows or in Thailand's notorious sex industry, most are looking for better integration in Thai society.

"Nick" Panasarom Kumkij, Thailand's representative to Miss International 2008 in her wardrobes prepared for the beauty pageant.

BANGKOK - Although still old fashioned in many ways, Thai society has long accepted - even embraced - its lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgendered (LBGT) communities. And unlike many Western or allegedly more modern nations, Thais rarely discriminate or ridicule. People who have chosen alternative lifestyles are acknowledged, some might say cherished, by their country. This is the story of one such Thai.

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) - Some students at a secondary school in rural northeastern Thailand want the new restroom doors painted pink, with purple flowers planted nearby _ not the girls' toilets, nor the boys'. It's the transvestites' bathrooms they want to have redecorated.