Lo Colby Shines a Light
Miss International Queen USA Launches a Free Online Course Aimed at Closing
the Transgender Wage Gap
By Skip Lefferson and Jamie Booth
Fresh off her crowning as Miss International Queen USA 2026, Lo Colby is already putting her platform into action. The Hawaiian-Thai technology professional, performer, and advocate has partnered with Be The Transformational Change Fund to launch “Negotiate Your Narrative,” a groundbreaking free online salary negotiation program designed specifically for transgender workers.
Created in response to the alarming realities highlighted in BTTC’s Shine the Light Study, the initiative addresses the systemic barriers that often prevent transgender professionals from negotiating fair compensation, pursuing promotions, or advocating for themselves in workplace environments that were not built with them in mind.
Through practical negotiation tools, career-building strategies, and confidence development, the program aims to help close the transgender wage gap and empower participants to better advocate for their worth.
“Closing the wage gap starts with knowing your worth and having the tools to advocate for it,” says Colby. “Negotiate Your Narrative is about ensuring transgender workers are not only seen, but truly valued — and compensated accordingly.”
In this exclusive Q&A, Colby opens up about winning the crown, embracing her identity, navigating professional barriers, and why advocacy remains at the center of her mission.
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.
You described the experience as a “once-in-a-lifetime feeling.”
Lo Colby: 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.
You’ve spoken about advocating for transgender economic empowerment. Why was partnering with BTTC on “Negotiate Your Narrative” so important to you?
Lo Colby: Economic empowerment is something that directly impacts quality of life, confidence, and long-term stability. So many transgender people are incredibly talented and hardworking, but they still face barriers that make it harder to advance professionally or negotiate fairly for what they deserve. When I learned more about the data from the Shine the Light Study and the real financial impact these inequities create over a lifetime, I knew I wanted to help be part of the solution. “Negotiate Your Narrative” gives transgender workers practical tools while also reminding them that their value deserves to be recognized.
The program addresses the emotional and psychological barriers transgender workers often face in salary negotiations. Why do you think those conversations can feel especially difficult?
Lo Colby: For many transgender people, professional spaces can already feel intimidating because there’s often an underlying fear of being judged, misunderstood, or treated differently. Negotiating salary requires vulnerability and confidence, and that becomes much harder when you’re also navigating concerns about bias or acceptance. That’s why creating resources specifically tailored to our experiences is so important. It’s not just about teaching negotiation tactics. It’s about helping people feel empowered enough to advocate for themselves in the first place.
Can you share a moment in your professional life where you personally experienced workplace barriers?
Lo Colby: 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 because I hadn’t yet 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 themselves.
What part of your personal journey most defined your path to the crown?
Lo Colby: 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.
As you begin preparing for Miss International Queen 2026, what are you most focused on developing?
Lo Colby: 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. For more information on the free online salary negotiation program, “Negotiate Your Narrative”, visit https://www.bethetransformationalchange.org/negotiate-your-narrative