Lo Colby Rises as Miss International Queen USA 2026
There’s something undeniably powerful about watching a moment unfold that we know will matter far beyond the stage, and that’s exactly what happened in Atlantic City this weekend. Lo Colby was crowned Miss International Queen USA 2026, and with that, a new chapter of trans visibility, advocacy, and celebration officially began.
Held at Harrah’s Resort and hosted by Be the Transformational Change Fund, the week-long event brought together transgender women from across the country, each one stepping into the spotlight with intention, talent, and pride. From the National Costume presentations to the final crowning ceremony, the competition felt like more than just a pageant—it was a space where trans women could be seen fully, loudly, and unapologetically. And when the final moment arrived, Colby’s name felt like the right one to carry that energy forward.
As a Hawaii-born Thai transgender woman now based in Los Angeles, Colby represents a beautifully layered identity that reflects the diversity within our community. She’s balancing a career in tech with creative work as a performer and digital creator, proving that trans women exist and thrive across every space, even the ones that haven’t always made room for them.
When her name was called, Colby described the moment with raw honesty: “Time stopped for a minute when my name was announced. I felt everything—shock, disbelief, joy, and an overwhelming sense of happiness. It was a once-in-a-lifetime feeling I had never experienced before.”
And in a moment that perfectly captured the heart behind the competition, she shared, “I remember looking at Zhane’ and wanting to hug her. We became instant friends during the week, and sharing that moment with her made it even more meaningful. Hugging her grounded me, and I was able to truly feel every emotion.”
That sense of sisterhood is what makes spaces like this so vital. Yes, there’s a title at the end, but there’s also connection, community, and the kind of support that reminds us we’re never navigating this world alone. It’s about affirmation and showing the world the depth and diversity of trans womanhood.
When outgoing titleholder Midori Monet passed the crown to Colby, the moment carried a weight that went far beyond a single victory. It felt like a continuation of something we’ve been witnessing and celebrating: a steady expansion of visibility, of progress, of trans women claiming space in the pageant world on their own terms. And with runners-up Zhane’ Dawlingz and Ziena Morales also shining throughout the competition, the night felt like a collective win.
Looking ahead, Colby is already setting her sights on something bigger than the title itself. She’s using her platform to advocate for transgender economic empowerment, speaking openly about the barriers trans women face in professional spaces. “Transgender women continue to face disproportionate barriers when it comes to career access and economic opportunity,” she shared. “I know what it feels like to walk into a room and realize people are forming opinions about you before you’ve even had the chance to speak.”
She continued, “At a time when the job market is increasingly competitive, we cannot afford to overlook the talent, resilience, and perspective that transgender people bring to the workforce. We navigate the world with adaptability, empathy, and strength—qualities that make us powerful contributors to any organization or community.”
As she prepares to represent the United States on the global stage in Thailand, Colby is carrying more than a sash, she’s bringing intention, pride, and a message rooted in both advocacy and joy. “Thailand is known as the ‘Land of Smiles,'” she said. “I plan to bring that same spirit with me—a bright smile, an open heart, and the aloha spirit that represents Hawaii, the land I proudly call home.”
And if this weekend proved anything, it’s that Lo Colby isn’t just ready for the world: she’s already inspiring it.
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Featured Image: Image Courtesy of Project Publicity.
