American Lo Colby wins Miss International Queen 2026, gives US back-to-back titles

A back-to-back win for the USA as American Lo Colby was crowned Miss International Queen 2026 on Saturday (September 19) at a contest in Thailand billed as the world's largest and most popular transgender pageant.

Colby beat 26 other contestants for the crown, with the second and third place going to contestants from Thailand and Japan, respectively.

A brand marketing operations manager, content creator, entrepreneur and drag artist, Colby said she is passionate about expanding economic opportunities for the LGBTQIA+ community in hopes of elevating equal opportunity for all.

"I think I'm still in a bit of shock, I'm not gonna lie. The emotions are processing as we're standing here," Colby told the media. 

Introduced 20 years ago to foster acceptance of transgender women in society, the contest unites individuals from across the globe who identify as transgender.

Camera & Editing: Artorn Pookasook. Production & Writing: Juarawee Kittisilpa/Reuters