The members of Thailand's top all-transvestite volleyball team say they have been kept off the national men's team because of their sexual preferences rather than a lack of skill.
The popular team of 12 men, who have had plastic surgery, grown breasts and wear heavy make-up, represents northern Lampang province.
Last week the team, against most odds, won the gold medal in men's volleyball at the national games. National teams are traditionally sent to the Olympic Games
``Although we act and look like women, I think we have every right to play on the men's team since we have not yet changed our sexual organs,'' Patphong Srinutham, the team's coordinator, told Reuters.
Patphong said when his players went to the recent national men's team try-outs in Bangkok at the Volleyball Association of Thailand, they were teased by other players. None of the transvestites were picked for the national team.
``Winning the gold medal proves that we are second to none for volleyball in the country, but it is a real pity that we are never selected to play in the national men's team,'' he said.
Volleyball Association officials were unavailable for comment.
Cindy Martin, editor & publisher of Transgender Forum, wondered "If they had wanted to play against women would that have worked? This would have been the most interesting team at Olympics, but our boys, uh, girls, uh people , are always getting spiked one way or another."
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