When it comes to transgender visibility in Southeast Asia, Thailand often comes to mind first. Known internationally as a place where transgender women are both more visible and more socially acknowledged than in many other parts of the world, the country has produced a new generation of role models, beauty queens, and public figures who are changing perceptions every day. Among this new wave of voices is Jessnisa, a young Thai model and video blogger who has embraced the power of storytelling through social media. By documenting her transition journey on YouTube, she has not only carved out a space for herself in the digital world but has also become an inspiration for many other transgender women who are still searching for the courage to live authentically. Jess, as she prefers to be called, radiates confidence and ambition. Her story is one of persistence, personal growth, and determination to follow her dreams despite challenges. Through her modeling career, fashion enthusiasm, and presence in transgender beauty pageants, Jess has shown that she is more than just a voice online, she is also a visible face of the vibrant Thai transgender community.
At the same time, she is deeply honest about the struggles of acceptance, particularly within her own family, and the stereotypes that transgender women in Thailand still encounter both at home and abroad. What makes Jess stand out is her passion for lifting others up. She openly shares the joys and struggles of hormone therapy, her hopes for future surgeries, and her experiences with both prejudice and empowerment. By doing so, she encourages other transgender women to embrace their identities and take steps toward becoming the women they dream of being. She admires pioneers like Poy Treechada, one of Thailand’s most celebrated transgender figures, yet she is also carving her own unique path. Whether on the runway, in beauty pageants, or in front of a camera, Jess embodies the mix of elegance, strength, and youthful drive that makes her such a compelling figure to follow. Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Jess about her journey so far, her modeling career, her thoughts on the representation of transgender women in Thai media, and her dreams for the future.
Monika: Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Jessnisa, a young Thai model and video blogger who documents her transition on YouTube. Hello, Jessnisa!
Jessnisa: Hello Monika. Thank you so much for having me here, and please call me Jess.
|
| Jess and her parents. |
Monika: How would you describe yourself to someone meeting you for the first time?
Jess: I consider myself a very confident and hard-working individual. I always try to set goals for myself and push through challenges with determination.
Monika: What inspired you to share your transition journey with the world on YouTube?
Jess: I’m proud of the transition process, and I want to share it and inspire all my transgender sisters out there who are still scared of taking hormones or even coming out to finally step out of their own shadows and start making themselves the women they always wanted to become. I believe that by sharing my experiences, I can help others feel less alone and more empowered.
Monika: Can you tell us about the stage you’re currently at in your transition?
Jess: I have been taking hormones for two years, and I’ve also been letting my hair grow. That’s all I have done so far, but I’m also planning on getting surgeries such as facial feminization or breast implants. Transitioning is a step-by-step journey, and I’m excited about what comes next.
Monika: How do you feel about the changes you’ve experienced from hormone therapy so far?
Jess: Totally! I have changed so much within two years. My facial structure has changed, and my body has become more feminine with bigger hips and bigger boobs. I couldn’t ask for more from hormone therapy. These changes have boosted my confidence in ways I never imagined.
|
| Before the HRT treatment. |
Monika: Who are some of the transgender women that you admire or see as role models?
Jess: Poy Treechada, a Thai transgender model and actress. She won Miss Tiffany Universe, which is Thailand’s most famous transgender beauty pageant. In addition, she’s a role model to many transgender women in Asia due to her beauty, actions, and talent. She always says that “If you want to become a woman, you got to make yourself a woman from your heart and your actions.” Her words have stayed with me and continue to guide my outlook on life.
Monika: Do you have a support system of transgender friends around you?
Jess: I do have a lot of transgender friends! We all support each other, give each other advice, and we are like sisters. Having them in my life makes the journey much easier and far more joyful.
Monika: Are you currently in a relationship?
Monika: Are you currently in a relationship?
Jess: Yes, I do have a boyfriend, he’s Canadian. Having someone who truly accepts me for who I am makes me feel very lucky.
Monika: Looking back, what was the most challenging part of your coming-out journey?
Jess: To deal with my family. It was really tough since my father really hated trans women, and I was the only child. I got into a big fight with him a couple of times, but eventually, I’m his kid and he doesn’t want to see anything else but me being happy. My family learned to accept me and support me for being who I am. Over time, their acceptance became one of the most meaningful victories in my life.
|
| Her catwalk work. |
Monika: How would you describe the situation of transgender women in Thailand today?
Jess: I will separate this question into two parts, Thailand’s point of view and a foreign point of view. Firstly, Thailand is one of the most accepting countries when it comes to trans women. As you can see, there are a lot of trans women in Thailand. Still, being accepted is quite hard if you’re not considered good-looking. Many people admire the visibility of trans women here, but they don’t always see the challenges behind it.
Monika: What role does appearance play in how transgender women are treated in Thailand?
Jess: It’s pretty common to see trans women in Thailand, and it has been like that for over a decade, so people don’t really tend to care or you could say they’re used to it. But when it comes to appearance, it makes a big difference. Just like straight people, some get made fun of for being ugly, fat, or weird. That happens to trans women too, if you’re good-looking and look feminine enough, people won’t just leave you alone but will also give you attention and look up to you.
On the other hand, if you’re not so feminine and not good-looking, they will judge you no matter what. It shows how much beauty standards still shape our everyday lives.
Monika: And how do you think foreigners usually perceive transgender women in Thailand?
Jess: Stereotypes, that’s all I can say. Thailand is a pretty famous destination for Western tourists because of the country’s beauty, beaches, and mountains. Sadly, it’s also known for the nightlife and prostitution. It’s pretty easy to meet girls and trans women here if you’re white, and everyone knows about that, so I don’t have to explain why. This reputation has made it harder for trans women who don’t want to be associated with that stereotype.
|
| Another modeling work. |
Monika: Have you ever faced those stereotypes yourself on a personal level?
Jess: Yes, I always get asked if I’m a prostitute or if I want to get laid by white tourists, which is so insulting. Yes, there are prostitute trans women over here, but that doesn’t mean all trans women are prostitutes. People need to respect us more and understand us more! Facing these questions is hurtful, but it also motivates me to prove them wrong by living authentically and proudly.
Monika: Thailand is often seen as a global hub for gender-affirming medical care. Why do you think so many transgender women from around the world choose to have their surgeries there?
Jess: Yes, since Thailand is the world’s most accepting place for transgender women, there are a lot of surgeons and medical clinics providing medical services to them. The reputation for skilled doctors and affordable procedures makes Thailand stand out internationally.
Monika: How do you feel about the way transgender women are represented in Thai films, media, or literature?
Jess: In Thailand, most trans women appearing in films are comedians, making everyone laugh, acting awkward, or doing anything to present a funny character. I don’t really like it, because I feel they only present us as non-talented and dumb people, and we all know that’s not true. It’s frustrating because it ignores the depth, intelligence, and talent that so many trans women actually bring to society.
|
| Photo-shooting for denim ads. |
Monika: Can you tell us why media representation of transgender women matters to you personally?
Jess: They should realize how important it is to present trans women in the media as people who are smart, talented, and good-hearted, to show that we can be more than just comedians and, most importantly, to encourage all the trans women audiences. Representation matters because it can inspire others to dream bigger and feel seen.
Monika: Are you active in your local LGBTQ community?
Jess: No, I don’t really know LGBT people in my local community. I hope that in the future I can connect more with local groups and become part of something bigger.
Monika: Fashion seems to be a big part of your life, how would you describe your personal style?
Jess: Oh, I love fashion! I usually wear very trendy outfits, mostly in black because I think it suits me and is a very sexy color. All my outfits are mostly inspired by Instagram and Pinterest models. Fashion gives me the confidence to express who I am every day.
|
| Beauty Pageant. |
Jess: Very inspiring! I’ve had a chance to join one. It was a pageant for teen trans women aged between 15–18, and I made it to the top 10. It was a very amazing experience.
To have a beauty pageant just for transgender girls really shows how accepting people are, and it’s a chance for us, trans women, to show the world who we are and what we can do. That opportunity made me realize how important visibility is for our community.
Monika: During the beauty pageant, did you have any support with styling, such as dresses, makeup, or hairstyles?
Jess: Yes, I had a team of three people managing everything. Their help made me feel like a true star and boosted my confidence on stage.
Monika: Would you consider participating in the Miss International Queen pageant, the most famous transgender beauty contest in the world, held every year in Pattaya, Thailand? I’ve heard the pageant attracts huge TV audiences, do you think it’s even more popular than football matches?
Jess: I’d love to! But I’ll have to enter and win the Miss Tiffany Universe pageant first so I can represent Thailand in Miss International Queen. And no, football matches are more popular. Still, people give a lot of attention to the pageant too! Participating in such a pageant would be an incredible way to inspire other trans women.
Monika: Many transgender women write memoirs about their journeys. Have you ever thought about writing a book yourself?
Jess: Not really, I’m not at the point where I can write such a book yet. Maybe someday when I have more experiences to share, I’d love to inspire others through my story.
|
| Beauty Pageant's Casting call. |
Jess: I’d like to tell them to stand up for themselves. This is for yourself, not anyone else. If you have a dream, your passion, never be afraid to follow it. I understand that it might involve risks and challenges, but still, it’s for yourself.
Start now when you still can, or be sad when you grow old, regretting it. No matter who you are, straight or not, some people will always hate you, so do not care about what others say! Believe in yourself and your journey, it’s your life to live.
Monika: What are your next steps right now, and where do you see yourself in the next five to seven years?
Jess: I’m now doing a lot of modeling work, and I would like to go for a casting abroad. Where do I see myself within the next five to seven years? A famous trans woman model, I would say, haha. I hope to inspire others through my work and show that anything is possible with determination.
Monika: Jess, it has been a pleasure talking with you. Thank you so much for your time!
Jess: The pleasure is all mine. Thank you so much! I hope my story can help other trans women feel confident and proud of who they are.
Jessnisa's YouTube vlog: Jessnisa.
All the photos: courtesy of Jessnisa.
© 2017 - Monika Kowalska
