Daniela Victoria Arroyo Gonzalez has made history after becoming the first trans woman to be elected to participate in Miss Universe Puerto Rico.
The competition's official account announced all the candidates on Instagram, putting together a short profile paragraph for each participant.
"She longs to live in a less polarized society, where differences can be appreciated and embraced as something positive that unites, instead of something that separates," read Arroyo's profile.
Just the beginning
The young woman will compete with the other candidates for the Miss Universe Puerto Rico award in her bid to succeed the winner of last edition, Ashley Ann Carino Barreto. Whoever wins this year will represent Puerto Rico in Miss Universe 2023 which will be held in El Salvador.
"Following my intuition with great confidence and stating that this is a beginning," Arroyo wrote on social media.
"I trust in my heart and in what the universe has written for me.
"I have felt your support and I know that your emotions are just as strong as mine. I thank you all for your unconditional love."
Her selection has been celebrated by Joanna Cifredo, a well-known trans activist in Puerto Rico.
"Daniela has everything to be a worthy representative of the courage and perseverance of Puerto Rican women," Cifredo noted.
Spanish Angela Ponce was the first trans woman to participate in Miss Universe
The first trans person to take part in Miss Universe was the Angela Ponce, who represented Spain in Miss Universe 2018. She did not qualify for the semi-finals of the competition, but she managed to make history.
"I don't need to win Miss Universe, I need to be here," Angela said.
Meanwhile, Thai businesswoman Anne Jakrajutatip made headlines last year after buying up Miss Universe.
"From now on it's gonna be run by women, owned by a trans woman, for all women around the world to celebrate the power of feminism," Jakrajutatip said.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7rq3RnJhnm5%2BifKa6jqWgn52jqcatsY6wpquklGK7psPSaGlpamNkfXN7kW1mb2uWba95r5NrbXGdY5qGeX7AcZltbZVpe6nAzKU%3D