On July 8, Rikkie Valerie Kollé became the first transgender woman to be crowned Miss Netherlands. The 22-year-old was crowned with a tiara by her predecessor, Ona Moody, and reigning Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel from the US at the AFAS Theater in Leusden. Kollé will be the second transgender woman to compete in Miss Universe’s worldwide pageant later this year in El Salvador. Angela Ponce, representing Spain in 2018, became the pageant’s first transgender contestant.
Notably, the 71-year-old competition first allowed transgender contestants to compete in 2012.
Who is Rikkie Valerie Kollé?
Kollé, the model and actor of Dutch and indigenous Moluccan descent resides in the city of Breda. She previously appeared on Holland’s Next Top Model. Celebrating her win through an Instagram post which was written in her native language Dutch, she wrote, “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.”
She added, “I’m so proud and happy, I can’t describe it. I’ve made my community proud and shown that it can be done. And yes, I’m a trans woman and I want to share my story, but I’m also Rikkie and that’s what counts for me. I did this on my own strength and enjoyed every moment.” After thanking the judges, her fellow finalists, family, and friends, Kollé told her followers, “And wherever you are in the world, I want to be there for you and be the example that I myself missed as a little me. On to many more adventures, let’s get @missuniverse ready. So excited!”
Kollé aims to inspire and empower young LGBTQ+ people
According to her finalist profile, she aspires to be a voice and role model for young LGBTQ+ people. She wishes to leave those memories of pain in the past because she did not feel supported after coming out as transgender at a young age.
“Now, years later, I’m stronger today than ever before, which I want to pass on to whoever needs it. Because as long as you always remain who you are, there is no one who can be above you. I would like to dedicate myself to all the little Rikkies who have to deal with rejection from their family and their transition to the person they desire to be. And help make their self-image and acceptance stronger, untouchable,” she said.