Angela Ponce will become the first trans woman to compete in the Miss Universe, representing Spain in the pageant later this year. Ponce’s inclusion comes five years after trans women were first permitted to participate in the competition.
“Bringing the name and colors of Spain before the universe is my great dream,” wrote Ponce in Spanish on Instagram. “My goal is to be a spokesperson for a message of inclusion, respect and diversity not only for the LGBTQ+ community, but also for the entire world.”
Miss Universe opened the doors to trans women after Canadian Jenna Talackova was barred from competing for her country’s Miss Universe spot since she was trans.