Breaking Barriers: Rikkie Valerie Makes History as First Transgender Model to Win Miss Netherlands 2023
Rikkie Valerie Kolle made history as she clinched the coveted title of Miss Netherlands 2023, blazing a trail as the first transgender model to achieve this remarkable feat.
Among the contenders, Nathalie Mogbelzada from Amsterdam emerged as one of the runners-up. Habiba Mostafa was crowned Miss Congeniality, while Lou Dirchs claimed the Miss Social Media title.
Miss Netherlands 2023: Who Is Rikkie Valerie Kolle
Hailing from Breda, Rikkie Valerie is a 22-year-old Dutch-Moluccan model and actress, now etching her name in the annals of glory.
With this triumph, Rikkie Valerie has secured her spot as the Netherlands’ representative for the highly anticipated 72nd Miss Universe 2023 pageant, scheduled to be held in El Salvador later this year.
This momentous occasion marks Rikkie Valerie’s participation as the second transgender contestant in the prestigious Miss Universe pageant.
Following her victory, Rikkie aspires to become a voice and role model for the queer community, encouraging them to pursue their dreams.
The significance of Rikkie’s win cannot be overstated, as she becomes only the second transgender contestant ever to grace the stage of this beauty pageant. Angela Ponce from Spain holds the distinction of being the first transgender model to participate in the competition back in 2018.
The competition first embraced transgender contestants in 2012, paving the way for this inclusive evolution.
Rikkie Kolle now has a golden opportunity to make history once again. If she clinches the Miss Universe title in December, she will become the first openly transgender woman to achieve this remarkable milestone.
Other Transgender Women Who Have Participated in Pageants
In recent years, more transgender women have been participating in preliminary pageants. In 2021, Kataluna Enriquez, a former Miss Nevada, made history as the first trans contestant in a Miss USA pageant. Furthermore, trans woman and activist Daniela Arroyo González is set to compete for this year’s Miss Universe Puerto Rico title next month.
Thai business tycoon Anne Jakrajutatip, a trans activist herself, took over the Miss Universe Organization last year. Committed to fostering inclusivity, she aims to revitalize the brand for the next generation, transforming the competition into an empowering platform for women.
In a January interview with Metro Weekly, Anne Jakrajutatip, the CEO of JKN Global, stated, “I no longer refer to Miss Universe as a beauty pageant; instead, I perceive it as a women’s empowerment competition.”