Rikkie Kolle, a 22-year-old transgender woman, has just been crowned Miss Netherlands for the first time in Dutch history, and the second time in pageant history.
Rikkie, hailing from a small town called Breda in the Netherlands, was crowned as Miss Netherlands at the ceremony on Sunday 9 July, and will be taking part in the Miss Universe pageant in El Salvador later this year.
Kolle is the first Dutch transgender woman to win the pageant in Dutch history and the second Dutch woman to make it through to Miss Universe since 1989. Rikkie is also the second transgender woman to make it through to Miss Universe worldwide after Angela Ponce competed as Miss Spain five years ago in 2018.
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The jury report about Rikkie being crowned reads as follows:
“Rikkie has radiated throughout the show and has also made the greatest progress in the process. She has a strong story with a clear mission. The jury is convinced that the organisation will enjoy working with this young woman.”
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In a statement released on Miss Netherlands’ website, Rikkie shares more about her mission to inspire and support the queer community after being crowned:
“As Miss Netherlands 2023, I want to be a voice and role model for all young women and queer people.”
“I know better than anyone what it’s like to feel alone and not be surrounded by only positive thoughts. When I was little Rik and came out as transgender, it wasn’t easy for everyone. I, too, went through it.”
Rikkie goes on to mention that she wishes to bring about a change in society, sharing her experience and story hoping to offer a glimmer of hope and inspiration to the queer community as she makes significant strides in transgender history.
“Today I am stronger than ever before. [As Miss Netherlands] and through my commitment and strength, I hope to bring about change in society. With the organization behind me, I hope that ‘little Rik’ will become a story that we can leave in the past and not have to repeat on the generation of today.”
“It is never too late and help is always ready. That has always been my guiding principle and I want to pass it along and spread it with my own story and experience.”
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Feature Image: Instagram / @rikkievaleriekolle
