The Netherlands crowns its first trans-beauty queen for Miss Universe 2023
Considered as one of the most LGBT-friendly countries in the world, the Netherlands is known for being a pioneer when it comes to the community’s strong visibility and acceptance. And when it comes pageantry, of course, this is not an exception.
This year, they have chosen the beautiful Rikkie Valerie Kollé as their representative for the upcoming Miss Universe competition. She makes history as the first transwoman to ever win her country’s national title, Miss Nederland.
The Netherlands crowns its first trans-beauty queen for Miss Universe 2023
A 22-year-old model and actress from Breda, Rikkie is of Dutch and Moluccan descent. Aspiring to be a voice and a role model among young women and queer persons, she aims to help those who:
“Face rejection from their family, their transition to the person they desire to be. Help make their self-image and acceptance stronger, untouchable.”
Kollé will be flying to El Salvador later this year and will try to win the Netherlands its second Miss Universe crown. She will also be the second transwoman to compete at the pageant, following the footsteps of Spain’s Angela Ponce in 2018.
Last year, Solange Dekker became the first transwoman to ever compete at Miss Nederland. A year later, she would then go on and make another milestone as the first Dutch woman to win Miss International Queen.
Congratulations to you, Rikkie! We wish you all the best and may your journey to the crown be inspiring and fruitful.
