Ángela Ponce (born 23 August 1991) is a Spanish model, actress, and beauty pageant titleholder. She gained international prominence as the first openly transgender woman to win a national title for the Miss Universe competition, securing the Miss Universe Spain crown in 2018 and subsequently representing Spain at the Miss Universe 2018 pageant in Bangkok, Thailand.
Early life and education
Ángela Ponce was born in Seville, Andalusia, Spain. She completed a degree in physiotherapy at the University of Seville. Prior to her public emergence as a pageant contestant, she worked in the health sector and pursued modeling opportunities.
Pageantry career
In June 2018, Ponce entered the Miss Universe Spain competition. Her participation marked a historic moment for the Miss Universe Organization, which announced in 2012 that transgender women were eligible to compete. Ponce won the national title on 29 June 2018, becoming the first transgender woman to do so. She represented Spain at the Miss Universe 2018 competition, where she advanced to the semifinals, placing within the top ten contestants.
Advocacy and public presence
Following her pageant success, Ponce has been active in advocacy for transgender rights and visibility. She has participated in media interviews, public speaking engagements, and campaigns aimed at promoting inclusivity and combating discrimination against transgender individuals in Spain and internationally. In addition to modeling, she has pursued acting roles and has been featured in television programs and magazines.
Personal life
Ponce publicly disclosed her gender transition in 2015. She has spoken about her experiences with family support, societal challenges, and the importance of representation for transgender people in mainstream media. As of the latest available information, she continues to work in modeling, entertainment, and activism.
Recognition
Ángela Ponce's participation in Miss Universe has been recognized as a milestone for the inclusion of transgender individuals in major international beauty contests. Her visibility has contributed to broader discussions about gender identity within the pageant industry and has inspired other transgender contestants worldwide.
