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The World's First Trans Miss Universe Contestant Didn't Win—And She's Okay With That

"I don't need to win Miss Universe; I only need to be here."

Angela Ponce of Spain just became the first transgender woman to compete in a Miss Universe pageant.

This summer, the 27-year-old model from Seville won the annual Miss Universe Spain contest, qualifying her to compete on the international stage at this year's Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand.

She was grateful and excited for the opportunity to champion trans inclusion, she wrote in Spanish on Instagram shortly after she was crowned the winner for Spain: "Bringing the name and colors of Spain before the universe is my dream. My goal is to be a spokesperson for a message of inclusion, respect, and diversity, not only for the LGBTQ community but also for the entire world."

Miss Universe 2018, which was filmed on December 13, aired this weekend on FOX. Ponce didn't place in the contest's top 20, reports ABC News, and Catriona Gray from the Philippines ended up winning the competition.

However, the momentous nature of Ponce's participation was enough to warrant a touching tribute to the world's first trans Miss Universe contestant.

LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP/Getty Images

Angela Ponce of Spain competes in the swimsuit competition during the 2018 Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok on December 13, 2018. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP) (Photo credit should read LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP/Getty Images)

"My hope is for tomorrow to be able to live in a world of equality for everyone, simply for us all to understand that we are human and that we must make all our lives easier together," Ponce said in a video segment that aired during the show. “That reality for many people is going to change.”

"If I can give that to the world," she added, "I don't need to win Miss Universe; I only need to be here."

Watch Ponce strut her stuff below—and earn a standing ovation from audience members.

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