Meet the first trans woman to compete in Miss Universe pageantJuly 7 (AZINS) Spanish model Angela Ponce will be the first transgender woman to compete in Miss Universe.

The model is all set to contend in the contest after being crowned Miss Universe Spain.

The 26-year-old model has beaten 22 other contestants to win the coveted title. Ponce, born in Seville, said she had “fulfilled a dream” and that it was her “tenacity, perseverance, discipline, respect and self love” that won her the title on home turf.

“I close with The Crown of Miss Universe Spain a stage where I walk hand in hand with my family and friends always receiving their support and unconditional love, without them none of this would be possible,” Ponce said in an Instagram post.

Next, Ponce heads into the next stage of the pageant, competing for the most prestigious title of Miss Universe.

In another Instagram post, Ponce said, “Bringing the name and colors of Spain before the universe is my great dream. 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 lifted its ban to let transgender models compete in 2012 after Canadian contestant Jenna Talackova campaigned for inclusion with the backing of GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) and defense lawyer Gloria Allred.

They fought against Donald Trump, who owned the pageant at the time, to let Talackova compete.

At the time, Donald Trump told CNN, “We made the decision two days before we even heard that (Allred) was involved.”

“Had I known she was involved, maybe I wouldn’t have made that decision because she’s easy to beat,” he added.

This year, Miss Universe would be organised in the Philippines. Ponce is all set to create history by becoming the first transgender woman to compete in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant.