In this refreshing and empowering memoir, a young Thai writer, Panod (Toey), bravely revisits her traumas and details the socio-economic struggles and identity crisis she faced growing up under the close surveillance of her family, school, and tight-knit community. 
 
The book reveals Toey's disturbing experiences going through bullying at school, sexism in the Buddhist temple she was ordained in; cyberbullying and bulimia at the university; and, ironically, sexual harassment in a group of gender equality activists. The story also follows her life in a Muslim country like Brunei and a Christian country like the US and uncovers the stereotypes she encountered abroad as a Thai trans woman.
 
The book is recommended for young adult readers and those who are interested in Southeast Asia and gender equality studies.
 
 
Selling points
 
🚩 This is an eye-opening story that illustrates how freedom of gender expression can be affected by both domestic and social factors, such as poverty, religion, local culture, unequal education, and stereotypes.
 
🚩 The story speaks out for other young transgenders in underprivileged conditions, who live between multiple layers of oppression. It serves as a reminder that gender inequality still exists under the veils of several social institutions and daily microaggressions that many people refuse to notice.
 
 
 
About the Author
 
Toey (or Panod Srinual) is now a fierce activist who fights for a welfare state, gender equality, and same-sex marriage in the country. Another book of hers, "Toey's Story", is a simplified version of this memoir, aimed at young readers from 8 years old and up.