In 1996, Thailand watched in awe as the Iron Ladies, a men’s volleyball team made up of gay and kathoey athletes (a local term for gender-nonconforming men) won the national championships.

Yet despite their outstanding success, none of the team were selected for the national squad, as the Volleyball Association of Thailand was concerned that they would harm the country’s reputation.

Penny Dale hears from Danupol Nuangchang, one of the kathoey players, about the heady events of 1996 and their disappointing aftermath.