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Mix Chalermsri Proud of Being a Katoey, Indifferent to the Miss Honorific

News07 Mar 2026 15:12 GMT+7

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Mix Chalermsri Proud of Being a Katoey, Indifferent to the Miss Honorific

The controversy over changing honorific titles remains a hot topic online, sparked by a Miss Tiffany 2026 contestant demanding the use of the title "Miss," while Aunt Tue, a judge, sharply responded that without a uterus, there’s no need to demand it, stirring widespread social media debate. Recently, we spoke with Mix Chalermsri. The famous singer and influencer shared her views on the matter, revealing that

How are you feeling right now?

I'm happy. I said I understand all sides; they explained, and I said, okay, I get it. Of course, some agree and some don’t. In the end, everything takes time. I’m not that stressed, just surprised that people are debating this issue. But I think it’s good that it’s being discussed.

What did you think when you heard what Aunt Tue said in the Miss Tiffany green room?

I think it’s contextual within the pageant. Nowadays, in the shows I help produce with Nong Nara, I see it as good engagement and a positive thing because it sparks social debate. And I just learned this issue isn’t over yet. I think it’s another challenge.

From your perspective, what do you think about the honorific title?

For me personally, I understand those who want the title "Miss." I want to emphasize there really are issues related to traveling to certain countries. But I responded by saying we should consider the greater good. I respect each country’s laws. If a country is religious and I can’t visit, I choose not to go. But if they say I can visit with a visa, I want to travel. I respect each country’s rules. As for whether I want the title "Miss," honestly, I feel indifferent because I was raised not to be a woman; I want to be a katoey. I always say within my circle that I’m very proud to be a katoey because even if I tell others I’m a woman, it’s not the same. But for those who are truly women and live as women, I sympathize with them—they deserve it.

What about Ploy and Yoshi, who spoke out and faced criticism? How do you feel about that?

I think they have felt they’ve been women since childhood. If getting the title "Miss" fulfills their lives more, I feel it’s not harmful. For me, I constantly fulfill myself, so I don’t feel the title is necessary. I just feel social acceptance and opportunities for katoey people matter more. For example, if I have options regarding restrooms and other gender facilities, and others accept that, that solves my problems. Or if I can’t do something in certain countries but they accept me as I am, that’s better. I’m proud to be a katoey.

Now the issue has escalated to accusations of taking space away from women?

I feel that’s because some groups are unhappy that men are involved, like "Oh no, why do men play katoey roles?" I understand my own community feels that way too. From the opposite perspective, if we want to be in that position, some women may also feel uncomfortable. It’s about empathy—understanding each other’s feelings.

Are you worried that many say you have to side with your own group?

No, I think everyone has their own opinion. It’s individual. Right now, there’s no absolute right or wrong. According to the dictionary, "right" means many agree, "wrong" means few agree. For me, whether many or few agree, there’s no absolute right or wrong. So there must be debate. I don’t want this to cause division. I think katoey people can speak out, but with more empathy. When we talk about equal marriage, we speak with compassion so other genders understand why we deserve it, and eventually we get it. But when emotions run too high, discussions become mostly emotional rather than reasoned.


Recently, have you been worried about online backlash?

Before social media, I think they were already used to criticism. We used to criticize them, but they didn’t know. Now they know, so I tell my mom that people used to criticize her, but she might not have known. She needs to let it go. Mom says she doesn’t care.


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