the third sex

One of my regular ladyboy friends has just moved down to Phuket. I’m going to miss her. I’ve known her for about four years, since she was 18, and I have genuine liking and respect for her. A few months ago, another regular moved back to her home province. Again, I really miss her. She was ways sweet company, always there for me.

The world of ladyboys does not stay still for long. I was musing over the early ones I knew when I first started taking photographs, which was about 10 years ago. They have all, with a couple of exceptions, vanished. Some have gone overseas, some back to their home towns, some have had the operation and moved into the mainstream, putting their ladyboy years behind them.

Even those from five years ago have largely moved on. When I look back to the early galleries on this site, I see them how they were in their late teens or early twenties. Not how they would look now.

I get the occasional emails from people overseas, saying they are looking for a ladyboy for a long-term relationship. I reply as gently as I can that that might seem a good idea, assuming you find someone you like, but that the gorgeous sexual being of age 18 years is not going to stay that way for long.


Without wishing to sound unkind, ladyboys do not age well. Many who have the operation do go on to be attractive and successful women. But she will not be the person that you first fell for. Once you have spent a number of years amongst ladyboys you begin to realise just how transient they are. It is very easy to fall for someone in a serious way. As indeed I have on a few occasions over the years. But you have to be prepared for disappointment and even heartbreak, because it is not going to last.

Best just enjoy the moment, and when the inevitable day arrives, wish her all the luck in the world and try not to regret too much.