Lisbeth Fernández is making waves as the representative of Pinar del Río in the Miss Universe Cuba 2025 contest, not just for her charisma and beauty, but for proudly embracing her Christian faith in a traditionally secular arena. By promoting a powerful message that unites spirituality with aesthetics, she stands out as the first openly Christian contestant in a Cuban beauty pageant.
As a Baptist, Fernández shared her experiences and insights on Telemundo's "La mesa caliente," where she openly discussed the prejudices she's faced from conservative Christian circles since childhood. "This has been an incredibly interesting experience for me because I grew up with the prejudice that a Christian woman who loves God cannot wear a swimsuit or model. I come from a very conservative denomination, but I've learned it's not just about what you wear, but why you wear it and the context matters," she explained.
Fernández's participation in the pageant has also been a journey of family and religious dialogue. "It's something I had to discuss with my parents because they are very conservative. Initially, it was hard for them to accept, but eventually, they understood. My entire church is very supportive, they're keeping up with the voting and are very active on social media," she noted.
From her perspective, beauty contests do not conflict with Christian values when viewed through a different lens. "Beauty pageants are culturally accepted, and both Christians and non-Christians watch them. In that context, wearing a swimsuit is not about lust but about showcasing a woman who takes care of her body, is healthy, and is disciplined," Fernández stated.
With a fresh outlook and fearlessness in challenging norms, Lisbeth aims to be a voice for change within traditional Christianity. "Beauty was created by God, yet religious people tend to demonize everything—dance, music, beauty, so many things. I want to use my candidacy to convey that you can be beautiful and love God. I want to demonstrate that beauty and faith indeed go hand in hand," she affirmed.
Through her participation, Lisbeth Fernández seeks not only a crown but to pave the way for a new generation of young believers who want to live their spirituality without forgoing their individuality or dreams.
Understanding Lisbeth Fernández's Journey
What makes Lisbeth Fernández's participation in Miss Universe Cuba unique?
Lisbeth Fernández is the first openly Christian contestant in a Cuban beauty pageant, representing her faith in a typically secular event.
How does Lisbeth Fernández reconcile her faith with participating in a beauty pageant?
She believes that beauty pageants do not contradict Christian values when understood differently, emphasizing health, discipline, and the true purpose of showcasing beauty.
What reactions has Lisbeth Fernández faced from her religious community?
While initially challenging, her parents and church community have come to support her participation, actively engaging in her journey through social media and voting.