After Angela Ponce’s breakthrough in the pageant world as she represented Spain in Miss Universe 2018, the transgender community got the much-needed attention in the pageantry. Following the footsteps now is Lucía Heredia Miss Ceuta 2020 who will be competing for Miss World Spain 2020 this weekend.

Breaking stereotypes, Lucia has managed to carve out a niche for herself in the industry making her difference her best weapon to assert herself. At 24 years of age, Lucia must first tear down the walls of intolerance and give visibility to the transsexual community. “"I think that the best way to educate is to make people aware that we are normal people, even if we have passed for another life”, she says.

Along with the dream of becoming Miss World Spain 2020, Lucia also dreams of becoming a nursing assistant. Her role model, Angela Ponce broke all barriers as she helped people like her not give up on her dream for fear of what they will say or how they will be seen facing the gallery. Now its Lucia chance to become an inspiration and role model for the community.

Being the first transsexual in the competition, Lucia spoke, “I am very happy, excited and very proud. Although I also feel a little nervous about being the first Spanish trans woman in this contest. There is a canon that remains fixed: a pretty, slim and tall girl. I believe that these canons of beauty must be broken. For example, I try to break them up as a trans girl who appears at these contests. I think these fees are silly in the century in which we live.”

Lucia encourages all young women who wish to do so to try to find their opportunity in this world, without imposing limitations. If Lucia manages to win Miss World Spain 2020, she wants to take advantage of her reign to give visibility to the trans community and help nobody suffer the discrimination that, unfortunately, many suffer.