This Trans Thai Woman Has To Prove She's Female Or Serve In The Army

"Draft Day" investigates the journey of transgender women in Thailand.

Nook "Nookie" Chaiwong, who identifies as a transgender woman, hopes to be deemed exempt from being drafted into Thailand's military.

Except there's one problem: the 22-year-old's doctors can't confirm her gender identity because she does not have fully-formed breasts.

Chaiwong's journey is explored in "Draft Day," Josh Kim's new, award-winning documentary short distributed by Viddsee. Also featured in the film are fellow trans women Fame Jamkrajang and Jaa Kongwiang, both of whom have different experiences as they approach the annual military draft lottery.

Thailand's stance on the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community is generally thought of as liberal compared to the rest of Asia. Still, the country does not allow same-sex marriage, and its recognition of LGBT individuals in the military only began in 2005.

Don't miss the incredible story above.

Before You Go

1. Defining Transgenderism

15 Things To Know About Being Transgender By Nicholas M. Teich

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