Miss Universe is trying something new at this year’s beauty pageant with the first transgender contestant. 2018 Miss Universe Spain, Angela Ponce, 27, will be representing Spain in this year’s Miss Universe, which is going to be held in Bangkok, Thailand, on Dec 17.

Who is Angela Ponce?

Angela Ponce sitting on a sofa

Biologically male, Angela was first identified as female at the age of 3. She first started a hormone therapy at the age of 16 and underwent a vaginoplasty surgery at the age of 24. In 2015, she was crowned Miss World Cadiz, however, she wasn’t able to list her name at Miss Spain after she lost to Miss Barcelona Mireia Lalaguna. As the competition is nearing, Angela is growing as a fan favorite participant and online bookmakers have made her the odds-on front-runner for the contest. She was asked by Times what it would mean to win after knowing that President Trump, the former owner of Miss Universe, didn’t allow transgender contestants until 2012. The Spanish transsexual beauty replied,

“More than a message to him, it would be a win for human rights. Trans women have been persecuted and erased for so long. If they give me the crown, it would show trans women are just as much women as cis women.”

Miss Universe announced to allow transgenders in the beauty after Canadian transgender model, Jenna Talackova sued Miss Universe Canada for disqualifying her.

Best of Luck, Angela!

Where is Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza?

Miss Universe Natalie Glebova Boyfriend, Affair & Dating

Everything about Yendi Phillips