Who is the first transgender woman to win Miss Universe Netherlands?

Rikkie Valerie Kollé made history on July 10, 2023, by becoming the first openly transgender woman to win the title of Miss Netherlands. She will represent her country in the Miss Universe competition later this year, where she hopes to inspire others with her story of courage and confidence.

Kollé, 22, from Breda, was crowned by the previous winner, Ona Moody, and the reigning Miss Universe, R'Bonney Gabriel, at the AFAS Theater in Leusden. She beat nine other finalists in a competition that included swimsuit, evening gown and interview rounds.

Kollé is no stranger to the spotlight. She was one of the finalists in Cycle 11 of Holland's Next Top Model, where she revealed her transgender identity to the public. She also has a strong presence on social media, with nearly 25,000 followers on Instagram.

Throughout her journey, Kollé has used her platform to advocate for more inclusivity and diversity in the beauty industry and society at large. She has also shared her personal struggles and triumphs as a trans woman who faced discrimination and bullying since childhood.

"Miss Universe asked us to describe ourselves in one word," Kollé said in a video posted on her Instagram page last month. "The word I'm choosing is 'victory,' because as a little boy I conquered all the things that came through my path — and look at me now, standing here as a strong, empowering and confident trans woman."

She also thanked her family, friends and chosen queer family for their support and encouragement. She said she wanted to make them proud and show that anything is possible.

"I did it!" Kollé wrote in another post after her win. "I made my community proud and showed it can be done."

Kollé will be the second openly trans contestant to participate in Miss Universe, following Ángela Ponce from Spain in 2018. Ponce did not advance to the finals, but received a standing ovation for her trailblazing role.

If Kollé wins Miss Universe, she will be the first trans woman to wear its tiara. The pageant has allowed trans participants since 2012, after a legal challenge by Canadian model Jenna Talackova.

Kollé will face 90 other women from around the world in the 2023 pageant, which will be held in El Salvador in December. She said she hopes to use the opportunity to spread a message of love and acceptance.

"Never forget that we can do this together, you're not alone on this planet," she said. "Never stop dreaming of being your ultimate and confident YOU!"

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