Transgender Workplace Discrimination in South East Asia (SEA) Hospitality Industry, from multiple perspective: Employers, Employees and Consumers

Abstract

This dissertation discusses transgender discrimination in Southeast Asian (SEA) countries, specifically Thailand and Malaysia. The objective of this study is to identify the root cause of transgender discrimination and develop potential solutions for this issue within the hospitality industry.

The study involves a thorough literature review regarding transgender daily life, experiences, transitioning, etc., with a clear focus on employment aspects within the hospitality industry. The conceptual framework is built upon previous discrimination root causes in general and then applied to existing transgender individuals working in the hospitality industry or those who were previously employed in the industry. The main purpose is to seek an understanding of how these aspects interconnect.

Data collection for this research study involved individual interviews with employers and employees who have more than one year of experience in the hospitality industry, as well as consumers who travel at least twice per year.

Upon the completion of data collection, the findings allowed the author to conclude factors that initiate such discrimination practices in the hospitality industry. Specifically, employers currently in Human Resources and Learning & Development positions were interviewed to provide organizational perspectives. Employees also provided crucial insights into their working experiences with transgender colleagues, past or present. Additionally, consumers were expected to offer a different point of view based on their encounters with transgender employees in hotels.

Ultimately, by collecting data from interviews, the author seeks to explore potential solutions to reduce the phenomenon of transgender discrimination in the hospitality industry.