Homosexuality in Myanmar remains a contentious issue despite the country's new-found dawn of openness. But for Tun Tun Lin, career opportunities in the beauty industry for gays have not been dearth. The flamboyant makeover artist has a career spanning 35 years, and he's immensely proud of every minute of it.
Tun Tun's hard work and dedication has made him one of the most sought-after artists for weddings, functions and big events in Yangon. The 57-year-old credits this success to his passion for simple things: making people look and feel good.
Much of his creativity in hairstyling, make-up techniques and fashion designing comes from magazines, internet and travels, both within the country and outside.
Tun Tun said he knew early in life that he was different from the other boys. His feminine mannerism and speech became the butt of jokes in school and outside, but that didn't leave him battered. He channelled all the negative energy into pursing his love for hairstyling, make-up and fashion designing.
And aren't we glad he did. He started his career interning in large saloons in Yangon, soon afterwards becoming self-taught. Later he completed a degree course at Bangkok's Grace Siam School of Beautification -- like many in Myanmar's gay community who see Thailand as a paradise where homosexuals are accepted as part of society, especially in beauty and entertainment circles.
"I had to endure a lot of humiliation as a gay to attain the knowledge reserved back then for women hairstylists and beauticians in my country," Tun Tun said. "However I think positive. For one, I always thought I had an edge over my female classmates because I could put myself in both the position of a man and a woman when it came to designing clothes and hairstyles for both genders. But seriously, even today I continue to learn. There is so much happening in the clothes, hair and cosmetic industries that I can't afford to become complacent."
While Myanmar still doesn't openly accept the gay community, he said, his dedication and professionalism over three decades has earned him a special place in the heart of his huge clientele, most of whom include society's elite.
"I am pretty pricey so I guess only people with money can afford me," he joked. " My prices are high because I put in a lot of work into dressing people up from top to bottom. You are transformed from an average-looking person to the envy of everyone in the room. This is where the element of trust comes in. My customers have confidence in me, so I have a lot of return clients.
"When I first started, it was a struggle to find good quality fashion accessories and cosmetics to work with in Myanmar. I had to travel to Bangkok to get a lot of things related to my work.
"If you are not passionate about this type of profession in Myanmar it is difficult to pursue it as a career. Even though investment is pouring into our country, we still have a long way to go. Our country is still backward compared to our neighbours. While things are steadily getting better, there is still a lot to be desired."
Speaking of his work today, Tun Tun said one of the most difficult clients to please are bridal couples because they are often under enormous pressure from their parents to leave a lasting impression on wedding guests, not surprising for most come from elite military families. For such events, he needs about three months to prepare.
The challenge is not just in making them look good, he said, but also to encourage them to think out of the box.
"Some clients have very little going for them in terms looks and height," said the veteran make-up talent.
"So I need to put in the extra effort for not just their hair and make-up but also their attire so they simply look the best. This requires a good knowledge of what colour schemes can accentuate a person's height and looks. When I can bring an average-looking person to look beautiful or handsome is when I feel a sense of job satisfaction."
Tun Tun's story represents a brighter side of the homosexual scene in Myanmar. Activists say that LGBTI people in the country still face persecution. Last November, a transgender person was arrested and put in a men's prison, where she faced more abuse and violence. It was the third time a transgender person was arrested for no apparent reason, it was reported.
While the new government promises to tackle human rights issues and more openness, campaigners said Article 377 of the Penal Code, part of British colonial law, which forbids "carnal intercourse against the order of nature", remains on the books, though the law is hardly enforced by officers. Tun Tun, however, just wants to focus on improving his skills and excel in his profession. He keeps abreast of international trends and the latest products and technology, which is easier now that Myanmar is slowly joining the international community. While competition is stiff, especially from the younger and more hip generation, his decades-long work experience and enthusiasm keeps his career afloat.
On the Asean Economic Community, the Yangon-born talent said he would like to see opportunities arise for Myanmar people in his profession to work within the region.
"I would love to get the opportunity to exchange my knowledge with people in Asean," he said. "I love Thailand. Thai hairstylists and beauticians are exceptional. The solid foundation I have today in my profession was laid by some very competent Thai teachers. They encouraged me to follow my dreams, be inquisitive and add something new to my knowledge regularly.
"If given the chance, I would love to also work in Bangkok."
