American Jazell Barbie Royale is first black winner of Thai transgender beauty pageant
- Jazell Barbie Royale says she wants to use her new-found platform to educate others about the importance of HIV testing, safe sex and medical care
- Kanwara Kaewjin of Thailand was runner-up and Chinese competitor Yaya was third
American contestant Jazell Barbie Royale was crowned “Miss International Queen” in Thailand on Friday at a beauty pageant for transgender women, becoming the first black woman to win the competition since it started in 2004.
Royale buried her face in her hands, spread her arms in victory and welled up with tears when news of the victory was announced in the seaside city of Pattaya. Kanwara Kaewjin of Thailand was runner-up and Chinese competitor Yaya was third.
The community leader and HIV activist edged out 19 other candidates from around the world including Brazil, Peru and several Asian countries.
She said she hoped her triumph inspired other people of colour around the world who might say “if she can do it, I’m coming to Miss International Queen next year and I’m going to compete”.