First trans woman to compete in Miss Universe

The first transgender woman will make history when she competes for the Miss Universe pageant later this year.

Spain’s Miss Universe, 26-year-old Angela Ponce, beat out nearly two dozen other contestants when she won the title last month, Huffington Post reported Friday. 

She will be the first transgender woman to compete in the worldwide competition, which is being hosted in the Philippines this December.

Transgender women were banned from competing until 2013 when Canada’s Jenna Talackova challenged the ruling.

“Bringing the name and colors of Spain before the universe is my great dream,” Ponce wrote on Instagram after she won. “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.”

Ponce, who lives in Seville, Spain, tried to compete on the Miss World Stage in 2015, Huff Post reported.

She was also the first transgender woman to be crowned Miss Universe Spain.

Os comparto esta fotografía durante mi entrevista para #cafecnn de @cnnee, la cadena de noticias número #1 en #usa ❤️ @orgbemiss Maquillaje y peinado: @jeanrodrigues_ Coordinación: @pulidojose Estilismo: @caro_omana Outfit: @virghinsmood #missuniversespain2018

A post shared by ANGELA PONCE (@angelaponceofficial) on Jul 6, 2018 at 6:18am PDT