First Transgender Woman To Win Miss Netherlands Is Rikkie Valeria Kollé
Rikkie Valeria Kollé has become the first transgender woman to be crowned Miss Netherlands in the beauty pageant’s history.
“I did it! It’s unreal but I get to call myself Miss Netherlands 2023… whatever you are in the world, I want to be there for you and be the example that I missed as a little me,” Rikkie took to Instagram after winning.
The 22-year-old won the title of Miss Netherlands last weekend and will now go on to represent her country at the Miss Universe pageant, which will take place in El Salvador, in December.
Rikkie is the second transgender woman to take part in the competition, the first one being Angela Ponce, who represented Spain, in 2018.
View this post on Instagram
Transgender women have been allowed to compete in the competition ever since 2012, when former US president Donald Trump owned it.
Now, its owned by a transgender Thai woman and reality star Anne Jakkapong Jakrajutatip, who has said the following when she bought the company:
“(I bought it) not only to continue its legacy of providing a platform to passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and traditions, but also to evolve the brand for the next generation.”
Congratulations to Rikkie Valeria Kollé!!
“Yes I’m trans and I want to share my story but I’m also Rikkie and that’s what matters to me,” she concluded.
Tag someone who should see this
READ NEXT: Watch: Love And Joy Take Centre Stage For 'Dancing With Pride' Event In Valletta
