Miss Spain is first Transgender Miss Universe Contestant

Angela Ponce, who was crowned Miss Spain earlier in the year, has become the first transgender Miss Universe contestant in the pageant’s 66-year history.

The contest is a dream come true for Ponce, who discussed the discrimination LGBT people face. She told ABS-CBN:

Trans women have been persecuted and erased for so long. I’m showing that trans women can be whatever they want.

I am proud to have the opportunity to use this platform for a message of inclusion, tolerance and respect for the LGBT+ community.

I was born into a world, into a society which really wasn’t prepared for me. I had the support of my family, but I still faced discrimination, and I had no role models.

So many children face discrimination for being different. It is important to tell them they have a right to be who they are, who they want to be.

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About last night… @missuniverse ✨ • #missuniverse #missuniverso #confidentlybeautiful #thailand #bangkok #roadtomissuniverse #67thmissuniverse #angelaponce #spain

A post shared by ANGELA PONCE (@angelaponceofficial) on Dec 5, 2018 at 5:23pm PST

The Miss Universe Organisation only just lifted a ban on transgender contestants in 2012, and now Ponce is in the running to become Miss Universe.

Photo Credit: angelaponceofficial