Miss Myanmar Is Now a Refugee in the U.S.
Miss Universe Myanmar Thuzar Wint Lwin was warmly welcomed by the Burmese community in the United States. The community helped Thuzar seek asylum in the country and work as a model in New York City.
This means Thuzar no longer needs to worry about getting arrested for coming home to Myanmar, where she escaped the junta to join the Miss Universe 2021 pageant.
On May 24, a photo showing Thuzar was uploaded on social media, showing her attending a gathering organized by the ethnic Chin people living in the U.S.
Why Miss Myanmar is in Trouble Back Home
View this post on Instagram
Prior to the Miss Universe 2021 pageant, Thuzar had been very vocal about the junta that forcefully took over government on February 1, 2021.
Afraid that she might not be able to leave the country for the pageant, she wore sunglasses and a cap when she left the airport in Myanmar. To keep a low profile, she sent her gowns and national costume days prior, but they got lost or confiscated at the airport.
She also used the Miss Universe pageant to shine a light on the plight of her people.
“Our people are dying and being shot by the military every day,” she said in her final Q&A at the competition. “I would like to urge everyone to speak out about Myanmar. As Miss Universe Myanmar, since the military coup, I have been speaking out as much as I can.”
Over 5,000 local celebrities in Myanmar had been issued arrest warrants, something that could be awaiting Thuzar once she steps foot in Myanmar.
