Oswaldo Gómez (1953-2018), more widely known as "Ms. Colombia," was a beloved Queens cultural icon. In Jackson Heights, locals affectionately called her La Paisa (for the region where she was born in Medellín, Colombia). Gómez was renowned for her vibrant presence, flamboyant style, and commitment to living authentically, which was evident in her colorfully dyed beard, extravagant outfits, and striking headdresses.

Ms. Colombia was often found attending local parades and festivals throughout New York City and was especially well known at the Queens Pride Parade. She was also a fixture at Riis Beach in Rockaway, accompanied by her parrot Rosita and small poodle Cariño, both of whom were dyed and dressed to match her colorful style.

Gómez worked as a lawyer in Colombia before coming to New York in 1975, driven by a desire for freedom of expression and to escape anti-LGBTQ+ persecution. She attended York College and received a degree in law. In 1988, Gómez tested positive for HIV/AIDS and was told she only had a year to live. As a result, she gave up educational and career ambitions. Instead, she decided to focus on living exactly as she wanted, embracing a colorful and public persona that brought joy to countless New Yorkers for the next 30 years.

Ms. Colombia, who used she and he pronouns interchangeably, was gay but disliked definitions and wanted to be free to express herself. She loved New York because she felt free to live the life she wanted.

In 2018, at age 64, Ms. Colombia was found in the waters off Jacob Riis Park, most likely a victim of the area's riptides. Hundreds of Queens residents gathered in Jackson Heights to mark her life, and a memorial was placed at Riis Beach. Though usually associated with the LGBTQ+ community in Jackson Heights, she had long lived in Elmhurst. In 2025, a local law was approved to name the intersection near her home at Elmhurst Avenue and Broadway "Oswaldo Gómez 'Ms. Colombia' Way" in honor of the joy she brought to the community.