Like many other contestants at the Miss Universe beauty pageant, Angela Ponce grew up watching the glitzy spectacle on television, dreaming of representing her country one day. This year, her wish has come true, with Ponce making history as the first transgender contestant in the pageant’s 66-year history. “Trans women have been persecuted and erased for so long. I’m showing that trans women can be whatever they want,” said Ponce, who was crowned Miss Spain earlier this year.