Who is Rikkie Kolle? First trans woman to win Miss Netherlands

Rikkie Valerie Kolle became the first transgender woman to win Miss Netherlands at the AFAS Theatre in Leusden, Netherlands on Saturday 9 July. 2023.

ALSO READ: Rikkie Kolle: First trans woman to win Miss Netherlands 2023

RIKKIE KOLLE: FIRST TRANS WOMAN TO BE CROWNED MISS NETHERLANDS

Dutch model Rikkie Valerie Kolle has made history as the first transgender contestant to be crowned Miss Netherlands 2023.

The beauty queen will be competing for the Miss Universe crown.

“We wrote history, and we did that together! I’m proud”, Rikkie proudly shared to her Instagram.

This is not the first time a trans woman will compete at Miss Universe. In 2018, representing Spain, Angela Ponce became the Miss Universe pageant’s first out transgender contestant.

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MEET RIKKIE VALERIA KOLLE: FIVE THINGS TO KNOW

• Rikkie is of Dutch and Indigenous Moluccan descent.
• The model was born and bred in the city of Breda; between Rotterdam and Antwerp.
• The beauty queen is only 22-years-old.
• Rikkie has cemented herself as a role model for both the queer community and young women. In addition to this the beauty pageant queen has also placed emphasis on using her platform to amplify and empower others to fight against discrimination.
• The model came out as transgender at a young age but had no support. Rikkie started her transition at 16-years-old.

Since winning the Miss Netherlands 2023 pageant winner been championing and advocating for trans visibility, inclusivity and representation.

“I proudly want to be a role model and example for all my younger trans people who no longer dare to dream due to bullying”, the dutch model expressed.

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A post shared by Miss Nederland Organisatie (@missnederland)

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