Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Photos courtesy of Miss International Queen – USA
For Lo Colby, the moment her name echoed through the ballroom at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City was more than a crowning achievement – it was the culmination of years of hard work, artistry, resilience, and community. The Hawaii-born Thai transgender woman, performer, and drag daughter of Sasha Colby was officially crowned Miss International Queen – USA 2026 during a dazzling weekend finale that celebrated the beauty, strength, and talent of transgender women from across the country.
The seven-day competition, hosted by Be the Transformational Change Fund, brought contestants together for a week filled with standout events including the National Costume Show, Preliminary Night, and the highly anticipated crowning ceremony. In an emotional passing-of-the-torch moment, outgoing titleholder Midori Monet placed the crown on Colby’s head, symbolizing another powerful step forward for transgender visibility and empowerment.
For Colby, who is based in the Los Angeles area, the experience was almost surreal.
“Time stopped for a minute when my name was announced,” she said. “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.”
Even amid the whirlwind of emotions, Colby found grounding in the friendships she formed during the competition week. Reflecting on the final moments before the crowning, 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.”
Zhane’ Dawlingz of Columbus, Ohio was named First Runner-Up, while Ziena Morales of San Diego earned the title of Second Runner-Up.
While Colby’s elegance and commanding stage presence captivated audiences throughout the competition, her platform and advocacy ambitions are equally compelling. A technology professional and accomplished beauty and fashion creator with a growing following on social media, Colby hopes to use her title to champion transgender economic empowerment – particularly around workplace equity, entrepreneurship, and career access.
“Transgender women continue to face disproportionate barriers when it comes to career access and economic opportunity,” she said. “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.”
Colby emphasized that conversations around inclusion must extend beyond visibility alone and into meaningful economic opportunity.
“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,” she continued. “We navigate the world with adaptability, empathy, and strength – qualities that make us powerful contributors to any organization or community.”
Her victory also carries a deeply personal cultural significance. Proudly representing both her Thai heritage and Hawaiian roots, Colby plans to bring warmth, compassion, and authenticity with her as she prepares to represent the United States at Miss International Queen 2026 in Thailand.
“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.”
Additional honors during the weekend celebration included Mint Hempstead receiving the Miss Congeniality award and Ziena Morales earning the title of Most Photogenic. Colby and Zhane’ Dawlingz tied for Best Gown, while Hazel E. Devine won the Most Popular vote. Altesse Aurum was also recognized with the Transgender Advocacy Award.
As Lo Colby begins her reign, she does so carrying not only a crown, but a mission rooted in visibility, opportunity, and compassion. With international competition on the horizon and a growing platform behind her, Colby is poised to become a powerful voice for transgender empowerment both on and off the stage.