A 22-year-old transgender model, Rikkie Valerie Kolle, has secured the coveted title of Miss Universe Netherlands 2023. The triumph is considered groundbreaking for the transgender community.
Kolle’s win not only marks her personal triumph, but it paves the way for more visibility and acceptance of trans individuals in pageantry, reported Transgenderfeed.
Kolle became the first transgender woman to achieve this honor in the Netherlands and will represent the Netherlands at the Miss Universe pageant, in January 2024 in El Salvador.
In an interview, Kolle expressed that she ‘never could have imagined’ that she would make it to the final stage.
Kolle posted on her Instagram and said, “I DID IT!!!!! Yes I’m trans and I want to share my story but I’m also Rikkie and that’s what matters to me.”
She added, “And wherever you are in the world, I want to be there for you and be the example that I missed as a little me.”
Kolle mentioned that she wants to use her platform to be a voice and role model for young women and queer youth, according to her finalist page.
Kolle will be the second transgender woman to participate in a Miss Universe pageant, following in the footsteps of Angela Ponce from Spain who joined the pageant in 2018.
Back at home in T&T, the Miss Trinidad and Tobago franchise page, spoke out against the win, saying, “Biological men should not be in women’s spaces.”
The post has since been removed.