Beyond the crown: Miss International Queens reflect on family, survival, and growth

Miss International Queen 2026, an event that brought together transgender contestants from across the globe in Pattaya, concluded with Thailand's Theerachaya Pimkitidaj crowned as the winner, followed by Japan's Saki Iwai and United States' Lo Colby as first and second runner-up, respectively. The three queens visited Khaosod English to discuss their experiences, challenges, and aspirations for utilizing their newfound platforms.

During the Q&A, Lo, Theerachaya, and Saki delved deeper into themes such as family, mental health, visibility, confidence, and the obstacles still faced by transgender individuals globally. Their responses, lightly edited for brevity and filler words, shed light on their personal journeys.

Lo Colby expressed gratitude for connecting with Thailand and the "family" she found there, noting the innate warmth and warmth of the Thai people that she experienced. She emphasized the importance of highlighting trans women and trans people's capabilities and intelligence and the need for equal opportunities in the U.S. compared to Thailand, where she felt celebrated for being different.

Theerachaya Pimkitidaj emphasized the challenge of overcoming personal obstacles, particularly mental health issues, and the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ individuals to secure opportunities in work and healthcare. She expressed pride in her survival and the opportunities that came with winning the title, including the chance to meet foreign friends and learn about different cultures.

Saki Iwai faced the challenge of opening up about her sexuality to the world, feeling anxious about revealing her transgender identity. However, she found confidence and newfound self-assurance in the competition, attributing it to the support of others who praised her beauty and encouraged her to embrace her confidence.