How a ‘ruthless playboy businessman’ in Hong Kong became a transgender woman
Once a son from a family behind an empire, she now gives back to a new society that accepts her, and is at peace with living two lives in one lifetime
Bobbie Huthart is enjoying a second shot at life. The 69-year-old former financial adviser previously known as Robert, son of former Lane Crawford managing director Robert Huthart Snr, is now living as a transgender woman in Bangkok, Thailand, after calling Hong Kong home for decades.
In 2015, she came out to friends and family as transgender, and eventually decided to have full gender reassignment surgery in Thailand. Last year, her incredible journey was featured in a documentary from TV series Vice, called Out of Place: The Trans Chinese Community Fighting for Gender Equality.
The show also featured stories from other transgender people living in Hong Kong and mainland China. Huthart, who has three children – two daughters aged 16 and 33 and a son aged 27 – will return to her home city in September for a special screening of the documentary at the Hong Kong Lesbian and Gay Film Festival.
Transgender recognition in Hong Kong up for public consultation
After a life of luxury, she now devotes her efforts to her charitable foundation, which supports a variety of people in need, from transgenders considering surgery to children seeking better educational opportunities.
Huthart spoke to City Weekend about becoming happy in her own skin, healing family rifts and being inspired by former American Olympian and reality TV star Caitlyn Jenner.
