Meet Kyra Rose Griffin, a radiant soul whose courage blossoms like the very flower she bears in her name. Born in Malaysia, where being transgender means facing not only societal rejection but criminalisation, Kyra’s early life was marked by silent resistance and secret dreams. Despite the harsh constraints of her homeland, she nurtured her femininity with quiet determination, often transforming into her truest self in the solitude of her car or behind closed wardrobe doors. In 2023, she made the bold decision to leave everything behind and seek asylum in the United Kingdom, choosing freedom, safety, and self-respect over fear. Her journey is one of resilience and grace, culminating most recently in her breathtaking success at the Miss Trans Global 2025 pageant, where she was crowned Miss Trans Global Asia and Queen of Hearts. With no designer gowns or stylists at hand, she wore borrowed dresses, did her own makeup, and carried herself with such honesty and heart that she won not only titles but the admiration of everyone around her.
A former makeup artist and forever a lover of beauty, Kyra lives and breathes authenticity. She wears her femininity proudly, not to match an ideal, but as a declaration of self-love and survival. She draws inspiration from trans trailblazers like Nisha Ayub and pop icons like Nikita Dragun, yet she walks her own path, one that blends glam, grit, and unshakable optimism. Whether she's slipping into a crop top and jeans, reminiscing about her goth days, or smiling through compliments once hard to accept, Kyra’s story is a reminder of the power of transformation, not just in the physical sense, but in the reclamation of one’s voice, dignity, and dreams. Today, she uses her platform to spotlight the struggles faced by the trans community in Malaysia, holding space for hope and healing. As you’ll see in the conversation that follows, Kyra is more than a beauty queen. She is a woman who has fought for her truth with every fibre of her being, and now shines so that others might dare to do the same.
Monika: Hello Kyra! I’m so delighted to have you here. Thank you for accepting my invitation to share your story. I’ve been looking forward to our conversation and can’t wait to learn more about your journey.
Kyra: Thank you for reaching out, Monika. I’m very flattered to be asked.
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| "I entered this pageant with no experience." |
Kyra: My name is Kyra Rose Griffin. I was born in Malaysia. Unfortunately, that country is a dangerous place for trans people. The government does not recognise transgender identities. We face criminalisation, with no legal protection or rights.
It’s very difficult to live in peace there, as transphobia is widespread, from name-calling and discrimination to fatal violence. In July 2023, I left the country and sought asylum in the United Kingdom. I wanted to live my life to the fullest and be treated with dignity, respect, and equality under the law.
Monika: You made headlines by winning multiple titles at the Miss Trans Global 2025 pageant. Let’s talk about your experience at this remarkable event. The pageant was divided into different and very demanding competitions. Can you talk a bit more about how they were structured and which parts stood out the most to you?
Kyra: A friend suggested that I should participate in the Miss Trans Global 2025 pageant. I was hesitant at first, simply because something like this had never crossed my mind. Seeing it as a great opportunity to share my story and raise awareness about the plight of trans people in Malaysia, I finally agreed. I honestly didn’t know what to expect.
The competition was gruelling, with so many stages and costume changes. But the other contestants were very supportive and kind. We were there with a common goal, to inspire and empower trans women globally. I learned a lot and made so many friends, so I guess these were the best parts of the competition.
Monika: These competitions required different outfits, makeup, and hairstyles. What did you wear for each event? What was your strategy?
Kyra: As I mentioned earlier, I entered this pageant with no experience. Luckily, I was an experienced makeup artist in Malaysia, so I did my own makeup. I turned up with no strategy and looked to the organiser for directions. At the time, I was an asylum seeker with very little money. The outfits I wore were either borrowed from friends or bought at a charity shop. The other contestants took pity on me by loaning and giving me their dresses and accessories. I had never felt so loved.
Monika: The pageant had beautiful contestants, which must have created some competition. How did that affect the interactions between the girls? Did you manage to make some friends or was it all about focusing on the win?
Kyra: They were all beautiful inside and out. Yes, it was a competition, but I was there to learn. We shared our experiences, tips, and tricks with each other. This camaraderie created a strong sense of connection and empathy. After spending a week with the girls, I left feeling empowered and confident. The cherry on the cake was the two titles I won at the pageant: ‘Miss Trans Global Asia 2025’ and ‘Queen of Hearts’.
Monika: Participating in the Miss Trans Global 2025 pageant must have been a valuable experience. What’s the most important lesson or takeaway from that pageant that you believe will help you succeed in future competitions?
Kyra: It sure was a valuable experience that money could not buy. My participation in this pageant has helped a lot with my personal growth. But the most profound life lesson I’ve learned is that we are stronger as a community. We have that superpower to change the world. This experience has also restored my trust in humanity.
Monika: Have you heard of Miss International Queen? Would you consider participating in that pageant?
Kyra: No, I have not. I am not well-versed in the pageant world. With my newfound confidence, I am up for anything. I don’t know what the future holds, but given the opportunity, I would love to participate in Miss International Queen.
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| "We have that superpower to change the world." |
Kyra: This is a long story. My birth name is gender-neutral, so when I began transitioning in 2012, I didn’t think about changing my name to a more feminine one. One day in 2014, a co-worker, a trans woman, brought up this subject, asking me if I had a feminine name in mind.
I honestly can’t remember where Kyra came from. When I arrived in London two years ago, I added Rose as my middle name. I was in a pub near where I used to live, and this pub was decorated with roses from floor to ceiling. Kyra and Rose seem to go well together.
Monika: Transitioning is not just a personal journey; it also reshapes our relationships, especially with those who support us. Have you noticed a shift in how people treat you since your transition?
Kyra: Transitioning in Malaysia was hard. Trans people are denied medical treatments, so many, including myself, have to rely on black market hormones. As the desire to live in our true gender is so strong, many will do whatever it takes to get there without thinking of the risks. I didn’t really pay much attention to what people thought of my transition. At the end of the day, it’s my money, my body, and my life. Those who support me are my people. Those who don’t shouldn’t be in my life.
Monika: During your transition, did you have any transgender role models who inspired you or helped guide your journey?
Kyra: That person is none other than Nisha Ayub, a Malaysian trans activist and philanthropist. She co-founded SEED Foundation and Justice for Sisters. Her organisations have been tirelessly fighting for trans rights and social equality and inclusion. Despite facing many adversities, including those that could risk her own life, Nisha keeps putting herself out there. I admire her tenacity, strength, and resilience. Nisha is such an inspiration.
Monika: Many transgender women have a variety of experiences with hormone therapy. Looking back, how do you feel about the physical and emotional effects it’s had on you?
Kyra: When I was first introduced to hormones, I was excited knowing that it’s possible to change my gender. This was in 2012. I was very young, and all I wanted was to see results, not really thinking about the health risks. As I mentioned earlier, trans people in Malaysia do not have access to medical care, so their hormone levels while transitioning do not get monitored or checked. Now that I’m in London, my hormones are legally prescribed by my general practitioner. Thank goodness the black market hormones I took in Malaysia did not have adverse effects on my health.
Monika: The journey to being our true selves often comes with a heavy price, losing friends, family, and sometimes even our jobs. What was the hardest part of coming out for you, and how did you navigate it?
Kyra: My family was against my transition, but they never said anything. I ran away from home at an early age, so they didn’t see much of me while I was transitioning. And yes, I did lose a few friends, but at the same time, I also gained new ones. Life is about choices. I choose to live in my truth, and that’s my prerogative. If people don’t like that, that’s their choice and beyond my control.
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| "My family was against my transition." |
Monika: Do you remember the first time you saw a trans woman on TV or met one in real life that helped you realize, “That’s me!”?
Kyra: I remember watching Nikita Dragun on her YouTube channel back in 2013. We have so many things in common; Nikita is a trans woman and a makeup artist who began her transition while in college. Hey, that’s me! She also has Southeast Asian heritage. Nikita is so inspiring. Growing up, I wanted to be her.
Monika: Many of us feel the pressure to “pass” as women, and even after surgeries, society keeps judging us. How do you personally deal with the outside world’s expectations?
Kyra: I am lucky because I have passing privilege in the UK. Possibly this is something to do with my height (163 cm) and the fact that I have been transitioning for more than 10 years. However, this was not the case in Malaysia, during the early days of my transition. I faced daily transphobia like misgendering and name-calling. People there were vicious. Most of them do not accept trans people because of the country’s anti-trans laws and their Islamic beliefs. I acted like I didn’t care by brushing them off, but their actions did affect me mentally.
Monika: What are your thoughts on the current situation for transgender women in your country?
Kyra: Sadly, nothing has changed. Trans people in Malaysia continue to be discriminated against and marginalised by society. I blame the religious-based politics, as the state keeps churning out anti-trans laws. As a result, these have become cultural norms. Society believes that transphobia is OK. Ugly abuses against trans people are acceptable. As Miss Trans Global Asia 2025, I am using this platform to amplify the voices of the trans community in Malaysia. The optimist in me hopes that one day the situation for trans people in my country will improve.
Monika: I remember the time right after my transition, it was pure euphoria. My closet is still full of dresses and shoes that I literally bought by the dozens back then, and I must have tried on hundreds. I felt like I had to make up for all those years that were taken from me. Did you feel the same way?
Kyra: I began dressing up as a girl even before I started my transition, in secret, of course. I would leave the house in male attire, but as soon as I got in my car, I would transform myself. I used to hide all my dresses at the back of the wardrobe, but my elder sister found and stole them. She would wear my dresses in front of me and my parents, but I couldn’t say anything. I had to move out in order to put a stop to this nonsense.
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| "I don’t follow trends." |
Kyra: I don’t follow trends. I wear dresses that complement my curves or those that look great on me. Back in the 90s, I was a goth. My idol then was Amy Lee from the band Evanescence. Yes, all black!
Looking back, it’s funny, really. My go-to outfits now are a crop top and a pair of jeans or hot pants. Fortunately, crop tops from the 90s have made a strong comeback in 2025. This proves that they can still be stylish today.
Monika: Do you love playing around with makeup, or is it more of a “throw on the basics and go” kind of vibe for you?
Kyra: I live and breathe makeup. I was a makeup artist with Benefit Cosmetics before relocating to the UK. Yes, I do wear makeup but only for special occasions. Otherwise, it’s just the basics. My daily skincare regime is more important to me, and I never leave the house without applying sunblock.
Monika: By the way, do you like being complimented on your looks? Do you find it easy to accept compliments, or do you struggle with believing them?
Kyra: I used to get embarrassed when someone complimented me. Not now, though. I love them and accept them gracefully. Some people see compliments as a form of validation or approval. Not me! I see compliments as small acts of kindness to say that they see and value me. Such a great confidence booster, so next time they see me, I’ll be even more fabulous.
Monika: Did you ever feel pressure to meet a certain ideal of femininity, like I did by trying to look like the women around me?
Kyra: I accept and love myself the way I am. The great Oscar Wilde once said, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” So, it’s important for us all to embrace our individuality and authenticity. Besides, if you look around, even cis women come in all shades and sizes. Self-love is what I practice. Remember one of RuPaul’s iconic quotes: “If you can't love yourself, how in the hell are you going to love somebody else?” That’s my mantra.
Monika: What was the most surprising part of your transition, something you never expected, whether good or bad?
Kyra: To be honest, there’s nothing surprising about my transition. All I wanted was to be my true self, and 13 years on, I think I have achieved the goal that I set. I know that transition is a journey, and I am very happy with the progress so far. Perhaps life has been kind to me, for which I am truly grateful.
Monika: How has love shaped your life and your journey as a transgender woman? Could you share what role love plays in your personal growth and happiness?
Kyra: Love is my religion. Well, both love and kindness are my guiding light. I grew up feeling unloved because I wasn’t loved for the real me. Sadly, when I came out as trans, their love for me quickly evaporated. Some of my friends (you know who you are) have become my chosen family. They offer unconditional love and support, for which I have no hesitation in reciprocating. Their love has given me the courage to live authentically.
Monika: Many trans women are writing their memoirs these days. Have you ever thought about writing your own book, and if so, what would its central message be?
Kyra: The answer to that is NO. Not right now, anyway. I am still young and have not experienced a lot of things. Ask me this question again maybe in 20 years’ time. By then, I would probably give you a different answer.
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| "Love is my religion." |
Monika: Finally, what’s next for Kyra? What dreams and goals are you working toward now?
Kyra: I was granted refugee status only a few months ago, so right now I am busy establishing my life in London. I still volunteer with The Outside Project and The Rainbow Lunch Club. They were my lifelines when I was an asylum seeker, so it’s important for me to give back. Later this year, I will be involved with the Miss Trans Global 2026 pageant, and I also have a couple of exciting projects in the pipeline: a film and an LGBTQ+ asylum support initiative.
Monika: Kyra, thank you so much for sharing your journey and insights.
Kyra: It’s been a pleasure talking to you, Monika. Thank you so much for having me.
All the photos: courtesy of Kyra Rose Griffin.
© 2025 - Monika Kowalska
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