On a small side soi in what was most likely once massage school is a haven for a group of young “gals” who call each other “my sister.” Though not related by blood, these “gals” all share pieces of their histories, of their dreams, and of their lives simply because they are transgendered. They are fiercely loyal to each other and the bond they share is, for many, much deeper than the bond they share with their own families. And having heard just a few stories of ladyboys in Thailand, I understand why. I had the privilege the other day of sitting under the awning of Sisters Counseling Center and snacking on sunflower seeds with a few of them while just watching them interact and chatting as some of them began warming up. A few left shortly after we came to go play volleyball. A couple of others sat around a sink on the first floor of the four floor building prepping to dye each others hair.

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