Rikkie Valerie Kollé, the newly crowned Miss Netherlands 2023, is still in disbelief over her victory in the country’s annual pageant. The event, attended by reigning Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel, was a day-long affair of preparation and pure enjoyment. Reflecting on the whirlwind experience, Kollé, 22, expressed her astonishment in a recent phone interview, stating that it had finally sunk in that she was now Miss Netherlands.
Notably, Kollé’s win is historic, as she is the first transgender woman to claim the title in the Netherlands. She will also become the second openly transgender woman to compete in the Miss Universe competition when she represents her country in El Salvador later this year.
In her role as the first trans woman to be named Miss Netherlands, Kollé aims to be an advocate for her community and hopes to support young queer individuals. Additionally, she seeks to raise awareness about the lengthy waiting times for transgender healthcare in the Netherlands. Kollé is determined to have an open and honest approach, sharing her experiences through social media platforms. However, she acknowledges the challenges of dealing with online negativity and has already faced significant abuse and insults since her victory, along with her mother and sister.
It is important to note that Kollé is not the first Dutch trans woman to reach the finals of Miss Netherlands. Solange Dekker, a finalist from last year’s competition who held the title of Miss Social Media, recently became the first Dutch Miss International Queen 2023, an annual pageant for transgender women. Angela Ponce from Spain, also a trans woman, was a finalist in the Miss Universe competition in 2018.
Monica van Ee, a member of the jury who selected Kollé as Miss Netherlands, described their mission to find the most beautiful woman in the country. Despite receiving widespread attention in the national and international media, Kollé has faced a barrage of upsetting and threatening messages. Anne Jakrajutatip, owner of the parent company of Miss Universe and a trans woman herself, celebrated Kollé’s win and expressed her support for the trans community.
Hailing from the southern Dutch city of Breda, Kollé has pursued a modeling career since her teenage years. She decided to apply to become Miss Netherlands because pageants provided her with an opportunity to share her story. In the world of modeling, she felt like a mere clothes hanger, but in the realm of pageantry, she believed it was crucial to have something meaningful to say.
According to Miss Netherlands national director Monica van Ee, the pageant has undergone modernization over the past decade. Now, mothers, divorced women, and trans women can participate, with the aim of empowering women and inspiring young girls. Van Ee expressed her shock at the numerous negative responses to Kollé’s victory from both men and women.
The ideal winner of Miss Netherlands should possess a captivating presence and turn heads when entering a room. Moreover, she should have a message that inspires others. Van Ee emphasized that true beauty comes from within and proclaimed Kollé as the strongest contender throughout the entire process.
Reflecting on her victory, Kollé emphasized that she was chosen for who she is and her unique story, rather than solely because she is a trans woman.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
