MANILA - A 25-year-old trans woman was crowned Miss Universe-Spain on Saturday in a historic moment for the country.
Angela Ponce is the first transsexual to win the prestigious crown in Spain and will represent her country in the Miss Universe 2018 pageant.
Her victory coincides with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community's celebration of Pride Month.
According to pageant website Missosology, Ponce, who underwent surgery for sexual reassignment, previously represented Cadiz in Miss Spain World 2015 but failed to get the crown.
In 2012, the Miss Universe Organization allowed transgender contestants to compete in the international pageant.
LGBT, trans woman, Pride Month, Miss Universe 2018, Miss Universe pageant, Angela Ponce, Spain