Isabella Santiago – Trans Beauty Queen to Soap Opera Star
Isabella Santiago is a name that keeps popping up across beauty, television, and social media—and for good reason. From her early days in Caracas to becoming a crowned pageant queen and lead actress in Colombian prime-time TV, her journey has been filled with bold moves and inspiring moments.
Whether she’s in front of the camera or posting on Instagram, Isabella mixes charm, style, and honesty in a way that’s drawing in fans from all over the world. Her path isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being real, and that’s exactly what makes her someone worth watching.
Early Life and Identity
Isabella Santiago was born in Caracas, Venezuela, where she spent her early years surrounded by a culture rich in tradition, but not always open to difference.
Growing up in a conservative environment, she often felt out of step with what others expected of her. From a young age, she knew she didn’t fully fit into the role society had assigned, and she quietly began to explore her gender identity.
Like many transgender youth, she faced the challenge of discovering who she was while navigating social pressure, limited resources, and a lack of representation. But even then, Isabella had a clear sense of what she wanted: to be seen, to perform, and to connect with people through art.
She found comfort in television, pageantry, and storytelling, which eventually inspired her dreams of becoming an actress. These early passions planted the seeds for the career she would later build—and the voice she would grow into.
Pageant Rise: Miss International Queen 2014
Winning Miss International Queen was a major turning point in Isabella Santiago’s journey. Held annually in Pattaya, Thailand, the pageant is one of the most respected international competitions for transgender women.
It’s not just about beauty—it highlights talent, confidence, and visibility in a world where trans voices are still underrepresented.
For many contestants, it’s also a powerful moment to represent their country and identity on a global platform.
What the Miss International Queen Pageant Is and Why It Matters
Miss International Queen is widely recognized as the world’s most prestigious transgender beauty pageant. Beyond the gowns and glamour, the event gives participants a chance to raise awareness about trans issues and celebrate diversity.
For many trans women, especially from countries with limited representation, it’s one of the few spaces where their stories are celebrated, not erased.
Isabella’s Win as the First Venezuelan to Hold the Crown
In 2014, Isabella became the first-ever Venezuelan to win the Miss International Queen crown. Her win was a proud moment for her home country and a meaningful step for trans visibility in Latin America.
Judges and audiences were drawn to her charm, elegance, and ability to connect with the crowd—qualities that set her apart throughout the competition.
Media Attention and International Recognition After Her Win
Isabella’s win didn’t go unnoticed. She was quickly featured in Latin American news outlets, international LGBTQ+ platforms, and fashion blogs that praised her poise and message.
Her name began to spread beyond pageantry, and she started receiving offers to appear in media and entertainment projects across Latin America.
How This Shaped Her Platform and Gave Her a Global Voice
The pageant crown gave Isabella more than a title—it opened doors for her to speak up, inspire, and connect with others. She began using her growing platform to share her experiences, advocate for transgender rights, and show others that success is possible even when the odds feel stacked.
It was a launchpad not just into modeling or acting, but into becoming a visible and respected voice for the LGBTQ+ community.
From Beauty Queen to Actress
After her success on the international pageant stage, Isabella Santiago set her sights on a new goal—acting. She wanted to expand her career beyond modeling and use her growing platform in ways that felt more creative and long-term.
With her confidence, public recognition, and love for performing, acting felt like a natural next step. But like many things in her journey, it required starting fresh, learning new skills, and making some big life changes.
Relocating to Colombia for Career Opportunities
To grow her career, Isabella made the decision to move from Venezuela to Colombia. The Colombian entertainment industry offered more opportunities for trans talent and a wider network of producers and casting directors open to fresh faces.
The transition wasn’t easy, but the move allowed her to explore a wider range of roles and build a foundation in a country with a thriving telenovela scene.
Early Acting Appearances and Training
Isabella took her craft seriously from the beginning. She enrolled in acting classes, worked with coaches, and learned how to shift from pageantry performance to screen acting.
Her earliest roles were small, but they helped her understand the rhythm of a set, the technical aspects of shooting, and how to bring characters to life beyond surface-level emotions.
Recurring Role in Nadie me quita lo bailao (2018)
Her first major break came in 2018 when she landed a recurring role in Nadie me quita lo bailao, a Colombian telenovela inspired by the real-life story of a dancer.
Isabella’s character gave her more screen time and helped introduce her to mainstream audiences in Latin America. While it wasn’t the lead role, it was a key step in proving she had the acting skills and charisma to carry more complex characters.
Gaining Momentum in the Latin American Television Scene
From there, Isabella’s name began to grow within the industry. Directors and casting agents started to take notice—not just of her backstory, but of her professionalism and on-screen presence.
She began building momentum, earning respect not just as a former beauty queen, but as an actress capable of bringing depth to the roles she played. It was the beginning of a new chapter—one where she wasn’t just being seen, but truly being heard.
Starring Role in Lala’s Spa
One of Isabella Santiago’s biggest breakthroughs came when she was cast in the lead role of Lala’s Spa, a Colombian telenovela that aired in 2021.
This was a standout moment not just in her career, but in Latin American television history. It marked a rare instance where a transgender actress played a transgender character in a mainstream, prime-time show.
For Isabella, it was a chance to step into the spotlight as more than a beauty queen or side character—this time, she was leading the story.
Context of Lala’s Spa as a Colombian Telenovela with a Trans Lead
Lala’s Spa was created as a feel-good, romantic comedy series set in a bustling neighborhood beauty salon. What made it different was its lead character: Lala Jiménez, a proud, kind-hearted transgender woman returning to Bogotá after years abroad.
The show aimed to mix humor, romance, and daily life while subtly challenging stereotypes around gender identity and acceptance.
Plot Summary and Isabella’s Portrayal of Lala Jiménez
In the show, Lala returns home with big dreams and a bigger heart. She rekindles old relationships, navigates workplace drama at her mother’s spa, and finds herself caught in a slow-burning romance.
Isabella brought warmth, sass, and vulnerability to the role, giving Lala a layered personality that went beyond surface-level representation. Her performance felt natural and relatable, striking a balance between humor and heart.
Reception from Audiences and Critics
Lala’s Spa sparked conversations across Latin America. While some conservative viewers voiced concerns, the overall response was overwhelmingly positive.
Many praised Isabella for bringing authenticity to the role, and her performance was seen as both refreshing and overdue. Viewers on social media celebrated the show’s inclusive message and applauded the network for giving space to a story that felt real and current.
Cultural Significance: A Trans Woman Playing a Trans Lead in Prime Time
Isabella’s role in Lala’s Spa was more than just a casting choice—it was a cultural step forward. For the first time, many viewers saw a transgender woman leading a show that wasn’t centered solely on struggle or trauma.
Instead, Lala’s story was one of love, laughter, and everyday life. The visibility and normalcy of her character helped challenge outdated ideas and showed what representation could look like when it’s thoughtful and empowering.
Reality TV and Mainstream Presence
After making her mark in scripted television, Isabella Santiago took on a new challenge—reality TV. These appearances allowed audiences to see more of her personality outside of acting and modeling.
Whether she was cooking in a high-pressure kitchen or navigating drama inside a celebrity house, she showed that she could handle real-life challenges with just as much flair as her on-screen roles.
Participation in MasterChef Celebrity Colombia
Isabella joined MasterChef Celebrity Colombia and brought her charm, competitiveness, and personal style into the kitchen.
While she didn’t win the season, she made a strong impression with her attitude and effort. The show gave her a chance to connect with viewers in a more casual and relatable setting, showcasing her interests beyond fashion and entertainment.
Role and Controversy in La casa de los famosos Colombia
In 2023, Isabella joined La casa de los famosos Colombia, the local version of the hit reality series that puts celebrities together under one roof.
Her time in the house stirred some controversy, including tense interactions and bold statements that caught public attention.
While she was eventually expelled from the show, her presence sparked conversations around boundaries, image, and the pressures that come with being a trans woman in highly public spaces.
Impact of Reality TV on Her Public Image and Reach
Through these reality TV experiences, Isabella’s public image became more layered. She wasn’t just seen as a polished actress or former beauty queen—she was real, emotional, and outspoken.
These shows introduced her to new viewers, especially in Colombia and across Latin America, and gave her more visibility in everyday conversations.
Despite the mixed reactions, her willingness to be fully herself helped strengthen her presence as a media personality and continued to challenge expectations around who gets to be seen in mainstream spaces.
Media Influence and Advocacy
Beyond television and pageants, Isabella Santiago has used her growing influence to speak up for LGBTQ+ rights and create space for more inclusive representation.
Her social media presence, especially on Instagram, has become a space where she shares not just fashion and lifestyle content, but also thoughts on identity, empowerment, and belonging.
Use of Instagram and Other Platforms to Promote LGBTQ+ Rights
Isabella’s Instagram is more than just a highlight reel—it’s where she speaks candidly about her journey as a trans woman and encourages others to live authentically.
She often posts messages of self-love, updates about her projects, and supportive content for her LGBTQ+ followers.
Visibility as a Proud and Feminine Trans Latina in Mainstream Media
In every public appearance, Isabella embraces her femininity with confidence. Whether she’s walking a red carpet or appearing on national TV, she reminds audiences that being trans doesn’t mean hiding or apologizing.
Her style, presence, and openness continue to challenge outdated narratives and show that trans women—especially Latinas—belong in the spotlight.
Representing Hope and Possibility for Trans Youth Across Latin America
For many young trans people in Latin America, Isabella represents something they rarely see: someone who shares their language, culture, and dreams—and is thriving.
Her story gives hope to those navigating similar paths, showing that it’s possible to break barriers while staying true to yourself.
Isabella Santiago’s journey is still unfolding, but her impact is already clear. She’s not just making headlines—she’s opening doors.
If her story moved you, inspired you, or made you think differently, share it. Talk about it, post about it, and support platforms that uplift diverse voices. The more we share stories like Isabella’s, the more we help shape a world that celebrates everyone for who they are.
Follow Isabella Santiago
Stay connected with Isabella Santiago and support her journey by following her on social media and professional platforms:
- Instagram: @isabella.san
- TikTok: @isabella.sanoficial
