miss diversityIN a competition as repetitive and formulaic as Miss World, the efforts of Miss Cadiz – who was born a boy – are deeply refreshing.

Media portrayal of the pageant momentarily shifted from lip colour, pore size and waist-to-hip ratio to the fundamentals of gender identity… and self worth.

Just as transgender woman Jenna Talackova fought after disqualification from Miss Universe Canada as she wasn’t a ‘naturally born woman’, so too has Ponce stirred up debate by ‘refusing to be ashamed’.

No, she did not win, but she was unparalleled as the most interesting, engaging and ballsy (if not literally) contestant.

Spain can be proud of this brave, progressive woman.

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