Miss International Queen USA 2026 Winner Lo Colby is using her platform to help tackle an issue many transgender workers continue to face: unequal pay.
She recently partnered with Be The Transformational Change Fund to launch “Negotiate Your Narrative,” a free online course designed to help transgender people feel more confident when improving career opportunities and pay.
The program comes as many advocates continue to raise awareness about the transgender wage gap. According to the organizations behind the project, transgender women earn around 60 cents for every dollar earned by cisgender men.
For many transgender workers, salary conversations can come with extra pressure. Fear of discrimination, workplace bias, and lack of support often make negotiations more difficult.
Colby said the goal of the program is to help people recognize their value and feel more prepared to speak up for themselves professionally.
“Closing the wage gap starts with knowing your worth and having the tools to advocate for it,” Colby said. “Negotiate Your Narrative is about ensuring transgender workers are not only seen, but truly valued and compensated accordingly.
The course was created using research from BTTC’s “Shine the Light Study,” which surveyed more than 1,400 workers over three years about transgender experiences in the workplace. Organizers say the training focuses on real-life situations transgender professionals often deal with instead of offering only general career advice.
Todd Montgomery, president of Be The Transformational Change Fund, said the project was created to give transgender workers practical support that is easy to access.
“The data from our Shine the Light Study makes it impossible to look away,” Montgomery said. “Transgender workers stand to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars over the course of their careers because of systems that were never built for them.”
The program includes two learning tracks. One is aimed at people who are new to salary negotiations and want to build confidence. The second, called the Catalyst Track, focuses on more advanced strategies for professionals seeking promotions, leadership positions, or higher pay.
Colby, a Hawaiian-Thai advocate, entertainer, and technology professional based in Los Angeles, was crowned at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City in March 2026.
More information about the free “Negotiate Your Narrative” course can be found on the Be The Transformational Change Fund website
Be the first to comment