Kyra
Rose
Griffin
From Asylum Seeker To Beauty Queen
Interviewed by Warren Christopher Hallett
Kyra Rose Griffin
From Asylum Seeker To Beauty Queen
Interviewed by Warren Christopher Hallett
The last time you came across Kyra Rose Griffin was probably in TransLiving magazine N°83. In my article ‘London, My London’, Kyra shared her experience of living in the UK capital as an asylum seeker. I caught up with her recently to find out what she’s been up to.
I heard that you recently snatched a couple of titles at Miss Trans Global 2025 pageant.
KRG: On Trans Day of Visibility this year, I was crowned ‘Miss Trans Global Asia’ and ‘Queen of Hearts’. It was my first ever pageant. I didn’t expect to win anything, so it was a pleasant surprise. Being a part of Miss Trans Global family is an experience I will cherish for ever. Miss saHHara and the queens from around the world were very supportive and kind. We all came together with one common goal – to inspire and empower trans women. Although I wore the ‘Malaysia’ sash, I did not represent the country. Rather, I was there for the trans community in Malaysia who are sadly denied any rights and legal protections.
Congrats! I am thrilled for you. And how about your asylum application?
KRG: The last time we met, I was an asylum seeker. Last December, the Home Office granted me refugee status. I am so happy and grateful. This means that I can now start to rebuild my life and contribute to society. London is now my home.
How was your experience as a trans asylum seeker in the UK?
KRG: Despite facing a few challenges, I’d say it was mostly positive. The LGBTQ+ community here have been amazing and welcoming. Unlike in Malaysia, the community here is all about uplifting each other. I am aware that transphobia exists here too but so far, it’s been good for me. At least I can go about living my life without having to deal with daily abuse and violence.
Which LGBTQ+ organisations supported you during the process?
KRG: If I may, I would like to thank everyone at The Outside Project (especially Matilda), The Rainbow Lunch Club and Miss Trans Global. They made me feel welcomed, valued and part of a supportive community. I don’t know what I’d do without them. They are my lifeline. I arrived in the UK alone, but now I have many friends – some of whom I consider family.
What advice would you give to a trans person seeking asylum here?
KRG: Use your time wisely. While waiting for a Home Office decision, do seek out volunteering opportunities with LGBTQ+ organisations. I gained a lot from my experience… enabling me to learn new skills and engage with a wide range of people; both British and those who came here to seek safety. Taking part in activities they organised had boosted my confidence, improved my mental health and given me a sense of belonging. My other advice would be to always stay grateful and positive.
Share some highlights of your life here so far.
KRG: Unlike in Malaysia where opportunities for trans people are extremely scarce, over here it’s very different. I am very grateful and proud to be featured in TransLiving magazine, to be selected as one of 726 faces on Teresa Margolles’ Fourth Plinth sculpture and to participate in Miss Trans Global 2025.
What are your hopes and dreams for the future?
KRG: I will keep my promise and continue to advocate for trans rights in Malaysia through awareness raising and collaboration with human rights organisations there. Right now, I am in discussion with a London-based organisation about setting up a support project for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers – and I am also busy rebuilding my new life in this great city.