LA’s Lo Colby Makes History at Miss International Queen, Championing Trans Economic Empowerment
BY VICTOR MELAMED
Thai-American entrepreneur, content creator, and LGBTQ+ advocate Lo Colby—who is based in Los Angeles—has made history by winning Miss International Queen 2026 at the Tiffany’s Show Theatre in Pattaya, Thailand.
Outshining 27 global finalists and also securing the Best in Talent award, Colby’s victory earned the United States its first-ever back-to-back title, following 2025 winner Midori Monét.
For Colby, the crowning moment carried deeply personal significance. As the daughter of a Thai immigrant mother who faced financial and cultural barriers preventing her from returning to Thailand for over thirty years, this competition marked Colby’s very first journey to her mother’s homeland. Walking the stage in Thailand felt profoundly full circle, with Colby noting that she had never felt more seen, loved, and welcomed for her authenticity.
Colby brings a rich, multifaceted background to her new role, spanning business, beauty, drag performance, and technology. Throughout the pageant, she believes her genuine commitment to economic empowerment for transgender people set her apart.
Rather than treating advocacy as a simple platform requirement, Colby spoke from her own lived experiences, emphasizing the urgent need for workforce equality, professional protections, and equal opportunity for trans individuals.
During her 2026 reign, Colby aims to turn high-visibility moments into tangible action. She hopes her journey inspires transgender youth globally, reminding them that they are capable professionals, entrepreneurs, leaders, and artists whose authenticity is their greatest strength. The historic win coincided with the 20th anniversary of Miss International Queen, which also featured the debut of the World Equality Forum to discuss international human rights and social progress.
Supported by her community, family, and the Miss International Queen USA team, Colby steps into her reign ready to open doors for future generations. Her overarching message to young trans women watching is simple yet powerful: you are perfect exactly as you are, and your authenticity will always be your greatest asset.
