Miss Universe 2018: Miss Spain Angela Ponce Breaking Barriers As The First Transgender Contestant | ItsMajja.com

Carrying a bold message of inclusion, transgender rights Miss Spain, Angela Ponce, is blazing a trail as the first transgender contestant in Miss Universe‘s 66-year history.

Angela Ponce, 27, is making history since the pageant reversed a longstanding policy in 2012 that participants must be naturally born women.

Angela Ponce, who works with a foundation in Spain helping children struggling with stigma linked to being trans, is aware of the visibility she brings to the Miss Universe platform. She wants to raise awareness of issues and prejudice suffered by trans women.

Her performance has so far drawn praise, from her portrayal of a flamenco dancer during the national costume portion of the competition to her strut down the runway in a shimmery mermaid-like gown in the evening dress category.

This year’s pageant boasts of an all-women panel of judges made up of business leaders and former Miss Universe titleholders.

Los Angeles-based Lhuillier, who was born and raised in Cebu, has dressed prominent celebrities and political figures such as Angeline Jolie, Sandra Bullock, Anna Kendrick, Taylor Swift, Reese Witherspoon, Drew Barrymore, and first ladies Michelle Obama and Melania Trump, among others.

While there will be many changes to this year’s pageant, one thing that won’t change is Steve Harvey, who will return to host this year. Model and body-positive activist Ashley Graham will also be back this year as a host from backstage, to give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the competition.

The groundbreaking change to this year’s Miss Universe competition comes amidst a post Me Too shakeup in other pageants as well.

Nehal Chudasama, Miss Diva – Miss Universe India 2018, is also hopeful to get the crown back.

Monday’s event will see Miss Universe 2017, Demi Leigh Nel Peters of South Africa crown her successor among 94 countries.

The finale of Miss Universe 2018 will be held early Monday, December 17, 2018, in Thailand’s capital Bangkok.