Making a remarkable stride in pageant history, Dutch model Rikkie Valerie Kollé has been crowned Miss Universe Netherlands, becoming the first transgender woman to bag the prestigious title.
The Miss Nederland organization made the announcement this past Saturday. The crowning ceremony was graced by notable figures, including Miss Netherlands 2022, Ona Moody, and reigning Miss Universe, R’Bonney Gabriel from the USA.
Taking the first runner-up spot was Nathalie Mogbelzada hailing from Amsterdam, while Habiba Mostafa walked away with the Miss Congeniality award. Lou Dirchs also gained recognition as Miss Social Media.
Kollé now stands as the second transgender woman to grace the global stage of Miss Universe, following in the footsteps of Spain’s Angela Ponce, who competed in 2018. Since 2012, the pageant's parent organization has opened its doors to transgender women, fostering a more inclusive space.
Previously known for her appearance on Holland’s Next Top Model, the model and actress took to Instagram, expressing her joy in her native Dutch language. "It’s unreal but I can call myself @missnederland 2023," wrote Kollé. "It was an educational and wonderful process, my year can’t go wrong anymore."
Overflowing with pride, she continued, "I am so proud and happy I can’t describe it. I made my community proud and showed it can be done." Her heartfelt thanks extended to the judges, fellow finalists, family, and friends.
Speaking to her fans, Kollé shared, "And wherever you are in the world, I want to be there for you and be the example that I myself missed as a little me. On to many more adventures, let’s get @missuniverse ready. So excited!!!"
After her groundbreaking achievement as the first transgender winner of Miss Universe Netherlands, Kollé is set to join the international Miss Universe competition slated to take place later this year in El Salvador.
Anne Jakrajutatip, a Thai businesswoman and a proud transgender woman herself, took ownership of the esteemed Miss Universe organization back in October 2022. The pageant system was previously under the helm of the former US president, Donald Trump.
Embarking on her journey as the new owner, Jakrajutatip is set on continuing the pageant's long-standing legacy of championing women's empowerment. She seeks to "evolve the brand for the next generation," ensuring that it continues to be a platform that celebrates diversity and inclusivity.
In an instance that marks a significant stride towards this mission, the Puerto Rico competition welcomed an openly transgender contestant earlier this year. Daniela Arroyo González was selected to compete, further exemplifying the evolving landscape of beauty pageants globally. With these changes, the Miss Universe organization continues to be a beacon for progress and acceptance in the world of beauty pageants.
In a significant shift in its regulations, the Miss Universe Organization announced last year that the 2023 competition would, for the first time, welcome married women and women with children to compete, further broadening its inclusivity.
