Transgender woman is crowned Miss Netherlands for the first time in the beauty pageant’s history and will now compete for the Miss Universe crown
- Rikkie Valerie Kolle, 22, will be the second trans woman to go for Miss Universe
A transgender woman has been crowned Miss Netherlands for the first time in the beauty pageant’s history and is now set to compete for the Miss Universe title.
Rikkie Valerie Kolle, 22, made history after she won the competition on Sunday.
The new Miss Netherlands wore a red gown as she was overcome by emotion while receiving her crown from her predecessor Ona Moody and reigning Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel from the USA.
The model stood victorious with a bouquet of flowers while her competitors applauded. She later took to Twitter to exclaim ‘I DID IT!’
Miss Universe 2023 will be held in El Salvador in December, although an exact date has not yet been confirmed, and will see contestants from 24 countries battle it out to claim the title.
Rikkie Valerie Kolle, 22, has become the first transgender woman to win the title of Miss Netherlands
The winner was crowned by her predecessor Ona Moody and reigning Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel
Ms Kolle is pictured with R’Bonney Gabriel from the USA who won Miss Universe in 2022
Rikkie Kolle has been crowned Miss Netherlands 2023
Ms Kolle blows kisses to the crowd
The star will be the second transgender woman ever to compete in Miss Universe.
In 2018 Angela Ponce from Spain became the first trans woman to compete for the acclaimed Miss Universe title.
She told NBC at the time that she ‘never could have imagined’ that she would make it to the final stage.
Transgender contestants have been able to compete for the crown since 2012.
Thai businesswoman and advocate Anne Jakrajutatip, who bought the Miss Universe organisation in October 2022, also identifies as transgender.
The pageant system was previously owned by former US president Donald Trump.
Ms Jakrajutatip has promised to continue the pageant’s legacy of women empowerment and ‘evolve the brand for the next generation.’
And earlier this year Daniela Arroyo González, who is openly transgender, was selected to compete in the Puerto Rico competition.
Ms Kolle will be the second transgender woman ever to compete in Miss Universe
Rikkie Kolle has been crowned Miss Netherlands 2023. The winner may represent the Netherlands at the International Miss Universe pageant
The new Miss Netherlands wore a red gown as she became emotional when receiving her crown
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