A reader looks to the Far East:
Have you heard of Nong Toom? Parinya Kiatbusaba or Parinya Jaroenphon (born June 9, 1981), more popularly known as Nong Thoom, Nong Toom or Nong Tum (Thai: ???????? ?????? ???????), is arguably the best-known kathoey (male-to-female transgendered person) in Thailand. She is a former Muay Thai (Thai boxing) champion and has also worked as a model and actress.
Her public life began in February 1998, with a victory in Bangkok's Lumpini Boxing Stadium, the center of the Muay Thai world. The Thai media were understandably intrigued by the novelty and incongruity of a make-up wearing, 16-year-old kathoey, or "lady boy", defeating – and then kissing – a larger, more muscular opponent.
There was a movie made about her called The Beautiful Boxer.
The Dish 