Daniela Vallejo Capitán: Visibility, Truth, and Courage

There are stories that are not told merely to be heard, but to pave the way.

That of Daniela Vallejo Capitán, Miss Trans Spain 2025, is one of them. A journey shaped by the search for identity, the courage to be seen without fear, and the ability to transform pain into strength. Her story speaks not only of who she is today, but of everything she has had to go through to get here.

At ELLA, we believe in the power of voices that inspire, support, and accompany others in their own process. Daniela is, without a doubt, one of those voices.

Today, she shares her story with us from a place that is honest, brave, and deeply human.

Interview with Daniela Vallejo Capitán

1. If you had to tell your story in just a few words, where would you begin?

I would begin by talking about a little girl who always knew who she was, even though the world wasn’t ready to see her yet. My story begins with the search for identity… and continues with the courage to live it.

2. What has your journey been like to become Miss Trans Spain 2025? Was there a moment that marked a turning point in your life?

It has been a journey of struggle, reconstruction, and self-love. The moment that marked a before and after was when I decided to stop hiding and start living in alignment with myself. That day didn’t just change my life… it changed my destiny.

3. Do you remember a moment when you felt you were truly becoming yourself?

Yes. It was when I looked at myself in the mirror and, for the first time, I didn’t feel fear or rejection, but peace. That’s when I understood I was beginning to be free. I was working in banking, and seeing myself on my first day—with my pink shirt, my ponytail, my earrings… I knew that would be the first day of my new life.

4. At what point did you first feel that your voice could have an impact on others?

I did a podcast with Valeriano, “Who Cares?”, and it had a big impact. Someone came up to me and said, “thank you, your story gave me strength.” In that moment, I understood that my voice wasn’t just mine… it could be a safe space for others.

5. Which parts of your story have been the hardest to share, and which have been the most liberating?

The hardest parts have been those rooted in pain, rejection, and misunderstanding. But those same parts, when shared, become the most liberating—because they stop weighing you down and begin to heal. Without a doubt, my struggles with heroin addiction have been very difficult to talk about, but today I feel stronger than ever to speak about it.

6. When you think back to receiving the ELLA Inspiring Voice Award 2025, what memory or emotion comes to mind first?

A deep sense of recognition. I felt that everything—the light and the shadows—had been worth it. It was a hug to the soul, a moment I will never forget. Those applauses felt like they were embracing my soul… and Kristin’s gaze still lives in my heart.

7. What does “visibility” mean to you on a personal level?

For me, visibility means existing without fear. It’s being able to be yourself without having to justify it. It’s opening the way so others don’t have to fight as hard as we did. Being given a voice to share my story at ELLA is one of the most visible acts of my life.

8. Who have been your role models or the people who supported you along your journey?

My role models have been many brave women who spoke up before me, like Carla Antonelli. But also people close to me who supported me when I needed it most, like Martina Benvenuto. And my greatest role model is my mother—I always dreamed of being like her.

9. What would you like someone who is beginning to question or discover their identity to find in your story?

I would like them to find hope. To understand that even though the journey can be difficult, it is worth it. And that they are never alone. Change is hard, but once you achieve it, it is deeply rewarding.

10. ELLA Festival is a space for connection and community. How would you describe what it feels like to be part of something like that?

It feels like home. It’s belonging to a space where you don’t have to explain yourself, where you are celebrated exactly as you are. It’s community in its purest form. It’s knowing I have another family that embraces me, respects me, loves me, supports me—and most importantly, will never let go of my hand.

11. What does it mean to feel seen, heard, and celebrated?

It means healing parts of me that felt invisible for years. It’s a form of dignity, recognition, and collective love. And if I can help even just one person through that, then my work is done.

12. If you could speak to your younger self, what would you say today?

I would say: “hold on, trust, and never dim your light. Everything you dream of will one day become real.” And you will achieve it, no matter how hard it gets—because the ending is beautiful.

13. Looking ahead, what would you like to build or leave as your legacy?

I would like to leave a legacy of visibility, respect, and love. That my presence in this world helps others live with more freedom and less fear. Because being yourself should always be your greatest legacy.

Daniela’s story is not hers alone.

It is the story of many people who have felt fear, doubt, or loneliness on the journey of discovering who they are. But it is also proof that—even in the hardest moments—there is the possibility to rebuild, to choose to live in truth, and to find a place where you can simply be.

Because when someone dares to show themselves as they are, without asking for permission, they open a door for others.

And in that act—brave, honest, and deeply human—is where everything begins.