Job Discussion Forums

phdinfunk · Joined: 30 May 2008 Posts: 69

I have been teaching in Taiwan and have a job offer in KSA. I would like to take the job and use the income to save money for a sex change surgery later in Thailand.

In Taiwan, I was nearly the victim of a hate crime lately because I'm pretty feminine and I wear a lot of stylish femme to androgynous clothing. I think the guy was attracted to me and thought I was gay, and he was some homophobic straight identified male.

I can butch it up a bit, but generally it's hard for me to pass as "not *beep*."

I'm aware that there's a big gay population in the teachers in the KSA, however, being from Atlanta, my experience has been that most of the hypermasculine gay culture doesn't really like someone who says, "actually I'm a woman and I'm going to be having a sex change as soon as I can." I've been really despised by plenty of gay men in the past because of that, though I consider myself bisexual.

I'm a great teacher, I genuinely care about the kids and making sure they learn.

I would like to get some electrolysis while I'm there, and maybe more nice tailoring done. Otherwise, I just spend my time building electronic musical instruments and playing them and doing lots of Qi Kung. I don't mind being D/L about my identity, but I think anyone looking at me with half a thought about it usually realizes there's something going on.

Any thoughts? Would I just be lynched in Saudi Arabia? Or would none of this be an issue, or what?

--J:.

ThaneKerner · Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 139

Make sure you settle for the best deal you can get.

But know that according to those in the know in Saudi Arabia, anything less than a thousand dollars a day in salary, penthouse paid, complete medical benefits with a genetic engineering makeover, your own personal jet aircraft, your own personal sports car, and your own personal harem are not to be settled for. Those deals are awful and should be put in the trash bin. Do NOT take these deals.

esmerelda · Joined: 17 Sep 2009 Posts: 4 Location: San Francisco

Boy oh boy. oh boy. Is this for real?
Look KSA is generally horrible under the best conditions. Gulf Arabs generally have no compunction in treating most of humanity as sub-human. Where do you think you'd fit in?
The Saudis also have a long and not so distinguished history with what they call "Lady Boys". They'd be on to you in a minute.
My advice is to stay wherever you are, making musical instruments....but avoid the Gulf at all costs!
Why not find a job in Thailand itself. The pay isn't great, however the Thais are a hell of a lot more accomodating in this respect.

007

johnslat · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 2:04 pm Post subject:

Dear phdinfunk,

"I'm pretty feminine and I wear a lot of stylish femme to androgynous clothing."

With regard to sexual tolerance of deviations from the "norm," picture the most "redneck" place you know of (e.g. Tulsa, OK, Jacksonville, FL.) Now multiply by about 5 - that's the KIngdom.

Yes, there are those who do not conform to the "norm" living and working in Saudi, but they need to be VERY discrete and "blend in" as much as possible.

So, with reference to your question - will you have problems in the KSA - given the information about yourself that you've supplied, I'd say the odds are heavily in favor of the answer's being "YES."
Regards,
John

phdinfunk · Joined: 30 May 2008 Posts: 69

You know what, I appreciate the frank and honest answers.

I'll proceed with the assumption that my hormone-altered 39"-29"-40" body with thin shoulders and full lips, sporting high waisted pants I had my tailor copy from the cover of "David Live" at about my most butch would probably just get shot at.

Taiwan isn't so bad in terms of save-able pay and I'm seeing an employer about a switch of positions and locales soon.

--J:.

Linda467 · Joined: 01 Sep 2009 Posts: 138 Location: A Secret

phdinfunk,

Why don�t you try Brunei? Over there even a McDonals cashier wears makeup and even though is a muslim country is much more open. Additionally you�ll be in the "liked" group if you are British because of old political and cultural ties with England as it was a protectorate up until 1984 if I remember correctly. Also you can make some good money there and still be close to Thailand.

In KSA you�ll be labelled as a "weirdo" and treated as such in public, even though you won�t imagine what goes on behind closed doors Laughing

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 2:41 pm Post subject:

In a place like KSA where everything is segregated into male and female, there is no tolerance whatsoever for anything in a gray area. You are wasting your time even trying to go. You'd barely hit the ground before they would be putting you on the next plane out. Save yourself the trouble.

johnslat · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 2:44 pm Post subject:

Dear Linda467,

" . . . even though you won�t imagine what goes on behind closed doors."

Actually, I'd bet phdinfunk and the rest of us (Saudi veterans or not) could
well imagine what goes on behind those doors.

I'd say we EFLers are a pretty prurient-minded group.

Brunei sounds like a good alternative.

Regards,
John

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

The whole idea scares me to death. Your life is very likely complicated enough (and I do not mean this as a criticism), but I fear this would add great danger. As a male, you would be considered a free target for abuse. The police not only would not protect you... well... jail is a pretty unpleasant place for pretty boys.

VS

Pikgitina · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 420 Location: KSA

ThaneKerner · Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 139

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

But wait... you might just end up in jail before deportation... refer to my previous post. Cool

VS

ThaneKerner · Joined: 13 Sep 2009 Posts: 139

*Sigh*

One can't win for losing there, it seems. Just be sure to win, win, and win some more. Something a great attitude towards the place will help bring about, no doubt.

johnslat · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 4:47 pm Post subject:

Dear ThaneKerner,

Attitude may not be ALL, but it certainly can make a gigantic difference.

Regards,
John