Malaysian trans woman Fatine Young has won her asylum claim to remain in the UK.
Young entered the country on a six-month tourist visa in 2008. She has
had a previous appeal for a permanent visa rejected by the Home Office.
The 36-year-old told LGBT Asylum News: "After nearly a year struggling I am so relieved that the Home Office has approved my asylum claim, knowing that I am safe from the prosecution back home - my plight, known through the media in the UK, has touched a nerve amongst the Muslim community in Malaysia.
"As soon as I've got my paperwork from [the] Home Office, I will look for work. I know it may be a bit difficult to gain employment but I will try my best, I want to contribute something back to the government."
The Supreme Court ruled earlier this month that gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans asylum-seekers cannot be returned to countries where they would face persecution.
Young is in a civil partnership with 31-year-old Ian Young from Derby. He commented before the news: “If she goes back, her life will be in danger. That’s what it’s come down to. My brain has gone completely numb. There’s been so much going on – it’s now a waiting game and our family and friends are on edge as much as we are.”
