- Miss Universe Spain 2018 is the first transwoman to become a contestant in the said prestigious beauty pageant.
- Netizens expressed their stand on the inclusion of Angela Ponce in Miss Universe 2018.
Miss Universe Spain 2018 Angela Ponce failed to secure a spot in the Top 20, but she did prove a lot in this year’s competition.
What’s so special about her? She’s the first ever transgender woman to join the international competition.
During the coronation night, the Miss Universe organization honored Ponce as their first transgender contestant. In a pre-recorded interview that was shown during the coronation night, she uttered the words, “I don’t need to win Miss Universe. I just need to be here.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BraYxwQhEtO/
This earned many reactions from Twitter users.
Miss Universe pays tribute to the first transgender woman in the pageant. Cheers and applause are heard from the crowd. Transgender women are women. Mabuhay ka, Spain!
— dave guino (@kakaidave) December 17, 2018
The tribute even earned Miss Spain a standing ovation from the crowd.
Kinikilabutan ako. The arena gave a standing ovation for Miss Spain! So much love. TRANSGENDER WOMEN ARE WOMEN! #MissUniverse ❤️ pic.twitter.com/JKaS9pezzW
— dave guino (@kakaidave) December 17, 2018
A Netizen expressed how much she admired Ponce.
Still, I admire her braveness. You are appreciated, Miss Spain. We love you. Congratulations! #MissUniverse pic.twitter.com/X8vJl8pE8j
— Alunsina (@czrnescrl) December 17, 2018
Another Twitter user shared a quote from the contestant that affected him the most.
"I'm here to eradicate the intolerance and to raise Equality for everyone, even if I will not win the title"
KUDOS! Miss Universe Spain, Angela Ponce. You're making each LGBTQ+ proud.!❤🔥 #MissUniverse pic.twitter.com/Dx9xT9BCdN
— Paul Sahagun (@paulsahagun04) December 17, 2018
Someone also said how beauty has come a long way, as it also acknowledged transwomen by letitng Miss Spain join.
I LOVE MISS UNIVERSE for celebrating diversity, highlighting the incredible journey of the first Transgender woman vying for the title, Miss Universe Spain, Angela Ponce.
The definition of beauty has come a long way. It is a very strong, clear and loud message of equality.
— g3 san diego (@g3cafe) December 17, 2018
Tristan then slammed people who continue to fight for the rights of the LGBT+ community but are still against the participation of Ponce in the international competition.
https://twitter.com/brianosita/status/1074151458596040710
Kaye shared an interesting conversation with her cousin.
https://twitter.com/thedexielkay/status/1074429999820693504
Unfortunately, not all comments are positive as a Netizen shared screenshots of transphobic comments made by Filipinos.
https://twitter.com/UriahPancho/status/1073970942613680133
One of the replies explained that not all of the comments are transphobic, however, they just see the Miss Universe as a pageant for biologically born women.
They aren't transphobic tho, they literally said they respect transgendered women. Maybe it's just a misunderstanding on both sides. They see Miss U as something for biological women bc there's a pageant for the LGBT community.
Try to understand both sides instead of adding hate
— C A ii-POP ポップ (@00caiipop) December 16, 2018