: In many Asian cultures, the approval of parents (especially the mother) is a pivotal plot point. Success is often defined by the couple being "seen" and accepted at family gatherings.
: Plots frequently center on a couple fighting against family expectations or societal prejudice. The "male lead" is often depicted as having to choose between status and his love for a transgender partner.
In many Southeast Asian cultures, particularly Thailand, kathoey are a visible part of the social fabric. This visibility has led to a unique genre of storytelling: