American contestant and HIV activist Jazell Barbie Royale made history at the world’s largest transgender beauty pageant. Royale took home the crown as Miss International Queen in Thailand, making her the first woman of color to win the title in its 15-year history, according to the Bangkok Post.
Royale, who’s from Florida, beat 19 other worldwide candidates in this year’s competition, the theme of which was world equality. She also took home the Best Talent award.
Congrats to JAZELL BARBIE ROYALE ON BEING THE FIRST WOMAN OF COLOR TO WIN MISS INTERNATIONAL QUEEN IN THAILAND!!! pic.twitter.com/AUGqTI1HVv
— Micah Pierce (@MicahAdrian) March 8, 2019
Kanwara Kaewjin from Thailand took home first runner up and Yaya from China won second runner up.
Upon her win, Royale said she wanted to use her new platform to educate the public about the importance of HIV testing, safe sex, and medical care.
“There are a lot of [people] living with HIV but don’t go to get treatment,” she said.
She also had a message for President Donald Trump: “Please don’t run for next term.”
The Crowning Moment!!! Congratulations to our Miss International Queen 2019 Jazell Barbie Royale from USA, 1st runner up Kanwara Kaewjin from Thailand and 2nd runner up Yaya from China. Thank you the rest of contestants for your great contribution. Stay tuned for more photos!Miss International Queen 2019 is possible again this year with kindest sponsors Amazing Thailand Pratunam Polyclinic ประตูน้ำโพลีคลีนิค หมอ นพ.เทพ เวชวิสิฐ Mistine SK Clinics Woodlands Pattaya Tiffany's Show Official Site. Thank you all fans and viewers around the world. #miq2019 #missinternationalqueen2019 #miq #missinternationalqueen #tiffany #tiffanyshow #tiffanyshowpattaya #pattaya #thailand #lgbt #transgender #worldequality #equality #humanright #beautypageant
Posted by Miss International Queen Pageant on Friday, March 8, 2019
The pageant has been held in Pattaya, a city off the Gulf of Thailand, since 2004 to promote LGBTQ visibility and foster social equality. All profits made from the televised show are donated to the Royal AIDS Foundation of Thailand.
Thailand is one of the most supportive southeast Asian countries of the transgender community. The Miss Universe pageant was held there last year, where the first-ever transgender contestant competed.