Rikkie Valerie Kollé becomes first transgender model to win title of Miss Netherlands

Twenty two year old Dutch-Moluccan model, Rikkie Valerie Kollé, creates history by becoming the first trans pageant contestant to win the title of Miss Netherlands. She will represent her country in the 72nd Miss Universe 2023 pageant later this year.

Kollé is the first Miss Netherlands 2023 transgender woman to win the title and the second representative at the Miss Universe pageant after Angela Ponce from Spain.

Expressing her joy on Instagram, she wrote, "I DID IT! I'm so proud and happy I can't even describe it. Making my community proud and showing it can be done. And yes I'm trans and I want to share my story but I'm also Rikkie and that's what matters to me. Did this on my own and loved every moment of it. I want to thank the jury and everyone from the Miss Netherlands team for their trust, this is only the beginning.''

The first runner-up was 26-year-old Nathalie Mogbelzada, who is from Amsterdam. Meanwhile, Habiba Mostafa and Lou Dirchs received the titles of Miss Congeniality and Miss Social Media. Moreover, the event, which was held at the AFAS Theater in Leusden, saw the attendance of the popular Miss Universe, R'Bonnet Gabriel.

According to her finalist page, Ms Kolle, is from the city of Breda. She was born as a biological male. The beauty queen said she wants to be a voice and role model for young women and queer people and use her platform to empower others to fight against discrimination.

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