Meet Angela Ponce of Spain, the first transgender woman to compete in Miss Universe (Photos)

Ángela Maria Ponce Camacho, who is the reigning Miss Spain became the first ever transgender woman to compete in Miss Universe pageant.

After the preliminary rounds on Sunday, the 27-year-old model said it was "an honor and pride" to be part of the history of the pageant.

"This is for you, for those who have no visibility, no voice, because we all deserve a world of respect, inclusion and freedom," Ponce wrote on Instagram on Friday. "And today I am here, proudly representing my nation, all women and human rights."

The record set by Angele comes after the Miss Universe organization was heavily criticized in 2012 after disqualifying a transgender woman, Jenna Talackova from the Miss Canada competition because she was not "naturally born" a woman.... spill TEA ☕ Easy on Shade #jaiyeorie