Parinya Charoenphol
She fought her way to the top of Thai boxing wearing make-up – to pay for her gender-affirming surgery.
Parinya Charoenphol, known as Nong Toom, grew up in a poor family in northern Thailand. From early childhood she felt like a girl. She began training in Muay Thai, Thailand’s national sport, to support her family – and to save money for her transition.
In the 1990s she became a sensation: a kathoey, as trans women are often called in Thailand, wearing lipstick and make-up in the ring, kissing her defeated opponents. In 1998 she won a fight at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, the most prestigious arena in Muay Thai. The press followed her everywhere.
In 1999, at the age of 18, she underwent gender-affirming surgery and retired from boxing for some time. She worked as a model, actress and singer. Her story was told in the film “Beautiful Boxer” (2003), which was shown around the world.
She later returned to the ring and has trained young boxers, including at her own gym. She remains one of the best-known trans athletes in Asia.