Crowning Beauty Lo Colby is the new Miss International Queen –USA 2026

Jamie Booth

Lo Colby, a proud Hawaii-born Thai woman, was crowned Miss International Queen – USA 2026 in a

dazzling finale held last month at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City. Celebrating the resilience, talent,

and beauty of transgender women from across the nation, the competition culminated in a powerful

moment as Colby’s extraordinary journey captivated both judges and audience, earning her the coveted

title. A technology professional, accomplished performer, and beauty and fashion creator with a strong

following on Instagram and TikTok, Colby brings a dynamic blend of industry expertise and creative

artistry to her reign. She plans to use her platform to champion transgender economic empowerment, with a focus on closing the wage gap through education, career access, and entrepreneurship.

Next, Colby will represent the United States at Miss International Queen 2026 in Thailand, where she

hopes to shine not only through her presentation, but through the kindness, confidence, and positivity

she brings to the global stage. We spoke with Colby from her home in Los Angeles.

Jamie Booth:What was going through your mind in the exact moment your name was announced as Miss International Queen USA 2026?

Lo Colby: I was honestly in a state of disbelief. It felt like time stopped for a moment and every emotion rushed in all at once. My mind was moving so fast that my emotions couldn’t quite catch up. It wasn’t until I embraced Zhane' Dawlings that everything started to feel real. That moment grounded me

and allowed me to truly take in what had just happened.

JB: You described the experience as a “once-in-a-lifetime feeling”. How has that moment continued to resonate with you in the days since your win?

LC: That moment was pure joy, and I feel incredibly lucky to have experienced it. In the days since, I’ve

had time to reflect on what the title truly represents. Winning Miss International Queen USA reminded

me that everything I’ve worked toward is part of something bigger than myself. I now carry the

responsibility of representing a community that I’m deeply proud to be part of, and that realization has

made the moment even more meaningful.

JB: You formed a close bond with first runner-up Zhane’ Dawlingz during the competition. How did that friendship shape your overall experience?

LC: The bond I formed with Zhane' Dawlings and the rest of the contestants was truly special. Being

surrounded by such talented and supportive women allowed me to break down any walls I may have

had and simply be myself. They embraced my quirky personality and celebrated it, which gave me the

freedom to really let my authenticity shine on stage. That sense of sisterhood made the entire experience even more meaningful.

JB: As someone who balances a career in technology with performance and fashion, how have these different facets of your life prepared you for this title?

LC: Each part of my life has taught me something valuable. My career in technology has taught me discipline, strategy, and how to navigate professional spaces with confidence. Performance and fashion have taught me creativity, storytelling, and how to connect with people. Preparing for the competition required intense training. I spent countless hours perfecting my runway, interviews, and stage presence so that when I stepped on stage, I could perform without overthinking. Holding this title is the biggest responsibility I’ve ever had, and I know the work is only just beginning. I want to use this platform to inspire other trans women to pursue their dreams and show the world just how incredible our community truly is.

JB: This competition celebrates resilience and empowerment. What part of your personal journey do you feel most defined your path to the crown?

LC: One of the most defining parts of my journey has been learning to fully embrace my authenticity. Like many transgender people, there were moments in my life where I questioned whether I would be

accepted or whether certain opportunities would ever be available to me. But I realized that

my authenticity is actually my greatest strength. The moment I stopped trying to fit into

expectations and started fully embracing who I am was the moment I stepped into my power.

That mindset carried me all the way to this crown.

JB: You’ve spoken about advocating for transgender economic empowerment. What specific changes or initiatives would you like to see implemented?

LC: One of my main goals is to support initiatives that expand career access and professional

development for transgender individuals. This includes mentorship programs, career training

opportunities, and partnerships between LGBTQ+ organizations and companies that are committed

to inclusive hiring practices. I also believe workplace education is incredibly important. Many organizations want to be supportive but don’t always know where to start. By building stronger

pathways into professional spaces, we can help ensure transgender people have the

same opportunities to succeed and thrive in their careers.

JB: Can you share a moment in your professional life where you felt those barriers and how you pushed through them?

LC: Early in my transition, I experienced situations where my professional qualifications were

overshadowed by confusion about my gender identity. I remember going into interviews where the

focus shifted away from my experience and toward questions about my presentation as I hadn’t

updated my legal documents. What helped me push through was focusing on my work and continuing

to build my skills and expertise. I made a commitment to let my professionalism, knowledge, and

results speak for itself.

JB: Representing the United States in Thailand is a full-circle moment for you as a Hawaii-born Thai woman. What does it mean to bring both of those identities to the global stage?

LC: It’s incredibly meaningful to represent both parts of my heritage on the international stage. Growing

up in Hawaii, I was surrounded by a culture that values family, respect, and community. My Thai heritage connects me to the country where Miss International Queen is held. I have never been to Thailand, nor met my family there so it feels like a huge missing part of my life will finally become whole. Being able to bring both identities with me to Thailand feels like a full-circle moment.

JB: You mentioned bringing the “aloha spirit” to the international competition. How do you plan to translate that into your presence and platform?

LC: The aloha spirit is about kindness, humility, and genuine connection. When I compete at Miss

International Queen, I want people to feel that warmth in how I carry myself and how I connect with

others. If I can represent Hawaii through compassion, authenticity, and positivity, then I know I’ve truly

brought the aloha spirit to the global stage.

JB: As you begin preparations for Miss International Queen 2026, what areas are you most focused on developing, both personally and competitively?

LC: Competitively, I’m continuing to refine my runway presentation, interview skills, and stage

performance so I can represent the United States with confidence. Personally, I’m also focusing on deepening my platform work and strengthening my advocacy efforts around economic empowerment for transgender women. Competing at Miss International Queen is about more than performance. It’s about representing your country, your values, and your community. I want to make sure I step onto that stage as the most prepared and authentic version of myself.

For more information on Lo Colby, follow Miss International Queen – USA on Facebook and on Instagram@MissInternationalQueenUSA.