
Michelle Dee voiced her opinion on the first-ever crowned transgender woman, Miss Universe-Spain Angela Ponce. According to the new Kapuso, star she's thrilled to know that pageants are now open to diversity.
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The daughter of Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez disclosed, “I'm so happy for her, honestly. I'm happy that the pageant world is embracing diversity. Embracing the fact that it's not just about labels.”
Michelle added that Angela won the pageant because she wants to make Spain proud. “It's actually about the intention of the individual, of the candidate. She wants to make her country proud then I respect that. I respect everything about her. I have nothing against her honestly. I'm just really happy that she's part of it.”
When asked if Michelle thinks Angela will have an edge in getting the crown because she’s a transgender, she argued that every woman who will be representing their countries will have their own way to stand out.
“I think all of the girls have their own respective edges, so I don't think just because she's labeled as a transgender, you know, she has an advantage or disadvantage. I think her edge is she's confident in herself given that she stands out. I think to have the guts to do that, takes a lot of confidence and self-esteem. So massive respect.”