Angela Ponce, 24, (R) gets help from a fellow contestant getting dressed to compete in the "Miss World Spain" pageant in Estepona, southern Spain, October 25, 2015. Ponce, the first openly transsexual woman to compete to represent Spain at the Miss World pageant, was eliminated in the first knockout round. But Ponce already feels like a winner, she said, because her participation has brought visibility for the transgender community. "We need to educate society for diversity", Ponce said. (Photo by Susana Vera/Reuters)

Vanessa, thirty-five, had three children with an abusive husband. She “lost her mind, started doing heroin”, after losing the children, who were taken away and given to her mother. The drugs led to homelessness and prostitution. She grew up on Arthur Avenue in the Bronx, but now spends her time in Hunts Point, “trying to survive everyday. Just doing whatever it takes”.

American actress and singer Vanessa Hudgens poses on the red carpet during the Oscars arrivals at the 94th Academy Awards in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S., March 27, 2022. (Photo by Mike Blake/Reuters)

American actress Vanessa Hudgens attends Beyoncé's “Renaissance” concert in Los Angeles on September 4, 2023. (Photo by vanessahudgens/Instagram)

American actress and singer Vanessa Hudgens in the first decade of December 2022 decks herself out in Michael Kors. (Photo by vanessahudgens/Instagram)

American actress Vanessa Hudgens in the first decade of March 2023 takes a moment to honor the “magical women of the world”. (Photo by vanessahudgens/Instagram)

Nancy Ponce of Donna gets her hair done in the tag team creativity cut during the 2nd Annual El Grito Barber Derby competition at club Famoso Fuego Sunday, September 18, 2022 in McAllen. (Photo by Delcia Lopez/The Monitor via AP Photo)

Martina Maggio, Alice D'Amato, Lara Mori, Asia D'Amato, and Vanessa Ferrari of Team Italy pose in front of the rings during Women's Qualification on day two of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Ariake Gymnastics Centre on July 25, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Mike Blake/Reuters)