Miss Spain’s Angela Ponce is the first transgender contest in the 66-year history of the Miss Universe competition – and she says she wants to send a message to US President Donald Trump.
The willowy beauty, 27, is making history since the pageant reversed a longstanding policy in 2012 that participants must be ‘naturally born’ 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.
Monday’s event will see last year’s winner Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters of South Africa crown her successor among 94 countries in a live televised event hosted by American comic turned TV host Steve Harvey and supermodel Ashley Graham.