Opposition to 'third sex'survey plan

"I'm afraid it may create a more discriminatory climate if we [as a society] still look at them with a heterosexual discourse," said Kittikorn Sankatiprapa, who teaches at Srinakharinwirot University.

According to Kittikorn, the students do not think their sexual preference is a problem. Only those who have never respected gender diversity perceive their preference as a difficulty, she said.

Kittikorn suggested universities hold serious discussions with third-sex students to find how they would like to be treated.

The lecturer cited a study on "Male to female [MTF] students who live in male dormitories".

Her students have interviewed MTF students and found many did not ask or want to stay at female dormitories, but only wanted to be allowed to conduct their sexual preference openly.

In her dissertation on "Katoey [MTF] Sexual Harassment: Its Significance in Heterosexual Discourse" presented at the Graduate School of Srinakharinwirot University, Kittikorn found that the katoey is a "non-existing, voiceless person" in a hetero-patriarchical dominant society.

"They are inadequately protected of their sexual rights as a human being with dignity in society," she said.

Meanwhile, Sittiphan Boonyatisomparn, a member of a transgender group, said that instead of finding numbers or separating them from other students, the Education Ministry should be more concerned about helping transgender students lead their lives without discrimination.

"For example, some universities still do not allow katoey to wear female uniforms," Sitthiphan said.

Citing his own experience, Sitthiphan said some faculties at Chiang Mai University - the Medicine and Education faculties for example - did not allow MTF students to wear female uniforms.

Sitthiphan said he was lucky he had many friends and was able to avoid discrimination in the university and male dormitory.

He said he did not wear female uniforms because his parents at the time could not accept his sexual preference.

Sitthipan, now 28 and wearing female clothing, is a researcher and active member of a transgender group. He is conducting a study called "Gender-Sexuality and Sexual Health of Male to Female".

"Stereotyping or separating groups from the others in society may not create positive results," he said.

The transgender activist said he wanted to see places provide unisex areas as part of efforts to deal with gender diversity - such as a toilet everyone can share, regardless of

gender.

"I would like to see gender diversity respected by society," Sittiphan added.