Angela Ponce of Spain is one of the official candidates in Miss Universe 2018

Miss Universe Organization finally releases its decision regarding the eligibility of Miss Spain Angela Ponce, who is a transgender woman, to compete in the beauty pageant.

She received criticisms because for some, the beauty pageant should be exclusive for natural-born women only. Since Ponce is a trans woman, there are those who are saying that she should join pageants for LGBTQ+.

(Photo source: @angelaponceofficial IG)

Although Miss Spain received criticisms, there are also those who express support for her.

Miss U 2015 Pia Wurtzbach from Philippines said that the international beauty pageant is not only open for natural-born women.

“It is allowed in Miss Universe. You can compete, you can win. You don’t have to be a natural-born woman to win Miss Universe,” she said, based on the article published in PEP.

A video was uploaded on the official Twitter account of Miss Universe that showed some of the official candidates around the globe, including Ponce.

She is the first ever transgender woman to win the Miss Spain crown and also the first to compete in the most prestigious international beauty contest.

(Photo source: @angelaponceofficial IG)

Some netizens commented against the decision of Miss U to include transgender women in the competition.

Twitter user @nurseMark22 said, “Im against MissU for allowing a trans to join the pageant. No more essence of a naturally born WOMAN.” 

“Woman to Woman competing in Miss Universe is a gender equality! But Woman to Transgender competing in Miss U is really not equal! Expand you horizons Miss U organization!” Twitter user @markjayvotima commented.

Meanwhile, there are a lot of netizens who already have their bets for the pageant. Miss Universe 2018 competition is set to happen in Thailand December 17, 2018.

Watch the video.

#MissUniverse season is almost here! Meet some of the 2018 contestants who will be competing for the crown. 👑
…
Who do you think will take home the title? pic.twitter.com/P09ueVBzHn

— Miss Universe (@MissUniverse) September 18, 2018