Transgender Boxer Graces Famous Muay Thai Stadium

She wears lipstick, wears a pink top and shorts and she is ferocious in the boxing ring.

"Nong Rose Baan Charoensuk" is a Muay Thai Fighter and not one not to be taken lightly.

Evidence of her power and fighting skill was on display, when she beat a male opponent in the form of Karun “Priewpak” Kaemlam, in an thrilling five round fight earlier in July.

However, not all is what it first appears to be.

Rose is a transgender fighter and one of the best. Her male opponent Karun said "I wasn't able to combat her strength and overall size.

She fights like a man because she really is a man."

Their fight in Bangkok's Rajadamnern Stadium resulted in him receiving a cut above his right eye.

Rose is the first ever transgender fighter to appear at the stadium, where she won her second consecutive contest. The crowd simply love Rose, showing a lot of support for her.

She stated after her bout "Being a transgender doesn’t mean that I am weak".

The boxer, who is only 21-years-old, took up the martial art at the age of eight. She followed in the steps of her uncle along with her brother, both who are keen fighters.

She was born Somros Polchareon but discovered her true identity when she was young, initially wearing make up and doing girly things.

When she began fighting, she found it difficult to find opponents; for men were scared of losing to her. She was also subjected to frequent insults because of what she was.

But she was determined to become a Muay Thai fighter and persevered, despite the many obstacles she had to overcome. She took part in over 300 fights, winning 30 by knock out. She had won 150 times before being granted permission to fight at the famed Rajadamnern Stadium.

Now she has won the hearts of many people, due to her tenacity and willingness to train hard and fight harder.

However, Rose is not the first transgender Muay Thai fighter to grace the ring. That honour goes to Parinya ‘Nong Toom’ Charoenphol. This lady featured in a movie made in 2004 called “Beautiful Boxer”.

Rose took inspiration from Nong Toom and wants to encourage other transgender fighters to be all they can be.

Although Thailand in general, has no issues with ladyboys, gays or transgender people, Rose claims that growing up in a small rural town can be stressful for transgenders.

But the nation welcomes them and in fact you will see them on TV, beauty contests or advertising hair and cosmetics around the country. But they are not permitted to change their identity on legal documents such as ID papers, despite this being deemed as discrimination.

Thailand is a multicultural country and tolerant of people from all walks of life. It is a place where you can be anything your heart desires. It is one of the main attractions for people who are "different" to the norm and it should be praised for its acceptance of everyone and anyone.

Source: Asian Correspondent