Spain's Angela Ponce will be competing alongside Philippine representative Catriona Gray at the 2018 Miss Universe pageant this December.
Miss Universe 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?” the MUO posted.
A transwoman participating in the prestigious pageant has sparked a debate among netizens since Angela won the crown last June. Some wanted Miss Spain’s candidacy invalidated for she was not a ‘natural-born’ woman. While others said that transwomen should be treated as women so the inclusion of Angela must not be questioned. However, the MUO ended the ban on transwomen from participating in the pageant in 2012.
PHOTOS: Meet Angela Ponce, the first transwoman who won Miss Spain
Filipina beauty queens like Pia Wurtzbach, Maxine Medina, Wynwyn Marquez and current Miss Universe Philippines Catriona Gray have expressed their opinions about the issue.
READ: What does Pia Wurtzbach have to say about Spain's Angela Ponce?
The Miss Universe 2018 coronation night will be on December 16 in Thailand.