The Yogyakarta Principles call on governments to repeal any laws that criminalise the expression of gender identity — through dress, speech or mannerisms. It appears that none of the jurisdictions in East Asia under consideration specifically prohibit cross-dressing. However, during the 1960s and 1970s a provision against ‘wearing odd outfits’ was vigorously enforced against cross-dressing in Taiwan (Martin 2003: 13). Cross-dressing in traditional theatrical productions is well known in China and Japan.
In June 2005, authorities in Vietnam refused a permit for a transvestite show from Thailand on the basis that it would ‘promote homosexuality’. The show was organised by the popular Tiffany cabaret theatre which draws large tourist audiences in Pattaya, Thailand (The Nation DPA 2005). A 2009 story says that transsexual beauty contests are forbidden in Vietnam. The story notes several ‘Miss Angel’ beauty contests have been held, said to be for homosexual men (not transsexuals). The contests have no permits, and so are assumed to be illegal (Look at Vietnam 2009).