Unlike much of the Western world, Thailand has a long and nuanced history with gender fluidity. The concept of the kathoey dates back centuries, with references appearing in Thai creation myths and Hindu-Buddhist mythology, which sometimes idealized a hermaphroditic or "inbetween" state. The Thai social fabric, heavily influenced by Buddhist teachings, is often more tolerant of a "third sex" because the religion does not condemn those who are different but views them as products of past karma.
It wasn't until the mid-20th century that the ladyboy became a distinct cultural commodity. During the Vietnam War era, American servicemen stationed in Thailand fueled a demand for entertainment, leading to the first major ladyboy cabaret shows in Pattaya in the 1970s. Today, shows like Calypso Cabaret in Bangkok (established 1988) and the Alcazar Cabaret in Pattaya (since 1981) are polished, multi-million dollar productions featuring dazzling light shows and high-energy choreography. For Lala, these cabarets offer a prestigious stage, a sense of sisterhood, and a legitimate salary.