In a striking victory for artistic recognition, a celebrated Turkish transgender drag queen has successfully secured her right to live and work in the UK after a fierce battle with the Home Office. Ece Erken, a prominent media figure and performer, was granted a Global Talent visa, overturning an initial rejection that threatened to derail her career in Britain.
From Rejection to Recognition: The Visa Battle
The Home Office initially rejected Erken's application, arguing that her evidence did not sufficiently prove she was a leading talent in her field. This decision was dramatically overturned by an independent immigration tribunal, which recognised her significant contributions to the arts and media.
Erken, a household name in Turkey with a substantial career in television and drag performance, applied under the 'exceptional promise' category. The tribunal heard compelling evidence of her work, including a nomination for 'Best Drag Artist' at the 2022 Drag Awards and performances at iconic London venues like Heaven and The Royal Vauxhall Tavern.
A Trailblazing Career Recognised
The tribunal panel was presented with a portfolio of Erken's achievements, including her work as a presenter on Turkey's Fox TV and a judge on its version of The Voice. Her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights in a often challenging social environment was a key factor in the decision.
Key evidence included:
- Letters of recommendation from renowned UK drag artists and producers
- Documentation of performances at major UK LGBTQ+ venues
- Proof of her significant media profile in Turkey
- Evidence of her advocacy work for transgender rights
Implications for Future Visa Applications
This case sets a significant precedent for artists and entertainers seeking to prove their 'exceptional promise' to UK culture. The detailed judgment provides a blueprint for the type of evidence required to succeed under this visa category, particularly for performers from countries with less documented entertainment industries.
The decision highlights the Home Office's evolving approach to assessing talent in non-traditional arts sectors, including drag performance and digital media content creation.
