Rikkie Valerie Kollé, the newly crowned Miss Netherlands, has made history by becoming the first transgender woman to win the prestigious pageant. The 22-year-old, of Dutch and indigenous Moluccan descent, was awarded the tiara by her predecessor and reigning Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel at the AFAS Theater in Leusden on July 8. This groundbreaking achievement marks a significant milestone for the LGBTQ+ community and serves as an inspiration for individuals worldwide.
Kollé’s triumph in the Miss Netherlands competition has granted her the opportunity to compete in the upcoming Miss Universe global competition, set to take place in El Salvador later this year.
She will follow in the footsteps of Angela Ponce, who made history as the first transgender contestant to participate in the pageant representing Spain in 2018. It is noteworthy that the Miss Universe competition began allowing transgender contestants to participate as early as 2012. However, some fans were left perplexed by a trans woman winning the title of Miss Netherland.
Expressing her joy and gratitude on Instagram, Kollé shared her excitement about the win and emphasized the significance of her victory for her community. She proudly proclaimed, “I did it! It’s unreal but I can call myself Miss Netherlands 2023.
It was an educational and wonderful process, my year can no longer be broken.” Kollé’s heartfelt message emphasized the importance of her individuality and the strength she derived from her personal journey.
Beyond her personal accomplishments, Kollé wants to be a voice and an example for LGBT and young women. She aims to leave behind tales of sorrow and inspire others by drawing on her own experiences of feeling unsupported after coming out as transgender at a young age.
She wishes to encourage those who experience rejection from their family during their transition process and to empower them to accept their true self. Kollé wants to improve people’s lives by enhancing their sense of self and encouraging self-acceptance.
As she prepares for the Miss Universe competition, Kollé remains dedicated to being an example for individuals who may have felt alone or unsupported in their own journeys. She intends to demonstrate that remaining true to oneself is a powerful force that cannot be diminished by external factors. Through her remarkable achievements and unwavering determination, Kollé is poised to create a lasting legacy, inspiring generations to come.
The global stage of Miss Universe will provide Rikkie Valerie Kollé with an even larger platform to advocate for inclusivity, equality, and acceptance. As the second transgender woman to grace the pageant, she will continue to break barriers and redefine traditional beauty standards.
With her authenticity, resilience, and unwavering spirit, Kollé embodies the true essence of Miss Universe, embodying the ideals of beauty, intelligence, and compassion that transcend all boundaries.
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