: Founded in 2004 and held annually in Pattaya, Thailand, this is the world's largest and most prestigious beauty pageant for transgender women. It draws contestants from over 30 countries and focuses on promoting LGBTQ+ rights and health awareness. Miss Trans Star International

The phrase encompasses decades of grassroots advocacy, specialized international competitions, and hard-fought breakthroughs in mainstream spaces. Today, these women are no longer just contestants; they are global ambassadors, political advocates, and cultural icons. The Origins of Specialized Transgender Pageantry

Ponce became the first openly transgender woman to compete in the Miss Universe pageant. Representing Spain in Bangkok, Thailand, her participation was a watershed moment. While she did not advance to the finals, the organization honored her with a dedicated tribute segment during the live broadcast, highlighting her message of diversity and human rights.