Earlier this month, Angela Ponce became the first transgender woman to join the Miss Universe pageant. She was crowned Miss Universe-Spain. This was definitely a historic moment but not everyone is comfortable with her win.
According to a report by ABS CBN News, Winwyn Marquez does not like the idea of transwomen being part of Miss Universe. In an interview, she said she has nothing against them but thinks that Miss Universe should be exclusively for those born as women. “I’m really proud na sobrang happy, out na talaga, and everyone is respecting them, di ba? Pero Miss Universe per se, sana ibigay na lang sa natural-born women.” Winwyn also mentioned that transwomen should join their own pageants. “Kasi there is Miss International Queen, it’s a prestigious pageant also. And Miss International Queen ay isang beauty pageant na ekslusibo para sa mga transwomen. (And Miss International Queen is a beauty pageant exclusively for transwomen) Let’s give it to natural-born women, and for transgenders to have their own prestigious pageant. It’s tradition for Miss Universe.”
Despite her backwards opinion, she will still support the decision of the Miss Universe Organization if they choose to allow Angela to join. Winwyn is definitely going to face repercussions from her statement but, “Everyone is entitled to her own opinion.” However, the Miss Universe Organization lifted the ban on transwomen in 2012 so, we will most likely see Angela at the pageant.
What do you think about a transwoman joining Miss Universe? Let us know in the comments section.
Photo courtesy of Winwyn Marquez’s Instagram account
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