Catriona Gray on transgender queen Angela Ponce: 'I can’t wait to meet her!'

Miss Universe Philippines 2018 Catriona Gray is nothing but happy for Miss Universe Spain 2018 Angela Ponce, whose crowning moment was recently featured by the Miss Universe Organization.

Angela, a transgender beauty queen, will officially be representing Spain in the 67th Miss Universe pageant.

Speaking with GMA News Online on Tuesday at the send-off party for two of her sister queens, Catriona said that she is happy for Angela.

Miss Universe Philippines 2018 Catriona Gray share her thoughts on competing against Miss Spain Universe 2018 Angela Ponce | @gmanews pic.twitter.com/wf6ZbuK4rd

— Aya Tantiangco Miura (@ayaruim) September 19, 2018

“She earned the right — just like me — to represent her country and she went through the whole process and we should celebrate that. I can’t wait  to meet her.”

Catriona said that she understands where the criticism is coming from, but she believes that the Miss Universe Organization is taking a step in the right direction by being more inclusive.

Miss Universe Philippines 2018 Catriona Gray share her thoughts on competing against Miss Spain Universe 2018 Angela Ponce | @gmanews pic.twitter.com/fBd0oXEzSJ

— Aya Tantiangco Miura (@ayaruim) September 19, 2018

“It just educates us as a society on the whole to further understand people,” she said.

Angela is the first transgender woman who will compete in the Miss Universe pageant. — LA, GMA News