Miss Universe Cuba, Lina Luaces, has used her social media to connect with her followers, building a strong community. In the midst of those exchanges with her fans, Lina, at just 23, has opened up about some of her toughest battles. Some time ago, she revealed that she suffers from an incurable autoimmune disease.
One of her followers remembered this detail about Cuba’s representative and, during a Q&A session, wanted to know more about the condition Lina has.
“What autoimmune disease did you say you had?” the fan asked. Lina kindly replied, explaining how she managed to control the symptoms of her condition. “Psoriasis, but I treated it naturally and holistically,” Lina wrote, revealing how she has been able to keep it under control. “I eliminated inflammatory foods like gluten, dairy, sugar, alcohol, etc., and the symptoms disappeared,” she explained.
What is Psoriasis and How Does It Affect People?
According to the Mayo Clinic, psoriasis is a skin disease that causes a rash with itchy, scaly patches, often appearing on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp.
Psoriasis is a common, long-term (chronic) condition with no cure. It can be painful, interfere with sleep, and make concentration difficult. The condition usually goes through cycles, with flare-ups lasting a few weeks or months before subsiding.
Symptoms include rashes that vary in color (often purple with gray scales on darker skin tones, or pink/red with silvery scales on lighter skin), small scaly spots, dry and cracked skin, itching, burning, irritation, and flare-ups that come and go.
Several celebrities have shared their battles with psoriasis, including socialite and businesswoman Kim Kardashian, model and actress Cara Delevingne, singer LeAnn Rimes, and performer Cyndi Lauper, among others.
Her Response to Online Criticism
Almost two months ago, Lina posted a powerful message on social media addressing her critics, who have questioned her since winning the crown because she wasn’t born in Cuba. She’s also been judged for her Spanish fluency and her image. With grace and diplomacy, Lina, the youngest daughter of Lili Estefan, responded to her haters.
“Since I was a child, my immigrant family taught me a powerful truth. Freedom is a privilege, and I carry it with me with reverence. These past nine weeks have tested me in ways I never imagined. But the greatest lesson I’ve learned is that I am enough, just as I am.”
“I am not defined by where I come from, but by where I’m going, by the light, love, and example I choose to share. When we are opened up inside, we all bleed the same. At the end of the day, I am simply a human being, a human being with a dream that deserves to shine just as brightly.”
“To those who dragged me, criticized me, humiliated me, and unloaded their hatred toward me on different digital platforms, thank you as well, for teaching me two important lessons: first, not to be like you. And second, for helping me realize that the things you criticized—like my accent, the fact that I wasn’t born in Cuba but in Miami as a product of exile, and not speaking perfect Spanish—were not weaknesses, but my greatest strengths.”
All Eyes on 2025
The world’s attention turns to Thailand on November 21, 2025, where the 74th edition will crown the new Miss Universe. On November 21st, Thailand will host the global event where women from more than 100 countries will compete for the crown currently held by Victoria Kjær Theilvig.
Miss Universe 2026
In November 2026, Puerto Rico will host the 75th edition of Miss Universe, marking its Diamond Anniversary. The announcement was made on September 23 at a press conference. Puerto Rico’s very own Miss Universe winners—Deborah Carthy-Deu (1985), Denise Quiñones (2001), and Zuleyka Rivera (2006)—were present, while Dayanara Torres (1993) joined virtually. Adding to the excitement, the reigning Miss Universe, Victoria Kjær Theilvig, also joined the historic reveal.