In a groundbreaking victory for the transgender community, Rikkie Valerie Kollé has been crowned Miss Universe Netherlands 2023.

The 22-year-old model from Breda is the first transgender woman to win the national title, and she will now go on to represent the Netherlands at the 72nd Miss Universe pageant in El Salvador.

Kollé's victory is a major step forward for transgender representation in beauty pageants, and it is sure to inspire other transgender women around the world.

"I am so proud to be the first transgender Miss Universe Netherlands," Kollé said in a statement. "This is a victory for all transgender people, and it shows that we can achieve anything we set our minds to."

Kollé's win is also a major coup for the Miss Universe organization, which has been criticized in the past for its lack of diversity. In recent years, the pageant has made efforts to become more inclusive, and Kollé's victory is a sign that the organization is moving in the right direction.

Kollé is a passionate advocate for transgender rights, and she hopes to use her platform as Miss Universe Netherlands to raise awareness of the challenges faced by transgender people. She also plans to dedicate her career to supporting individuals who have faced rejection from their families during their transition journey.

"I want to be a role model for other transgender people," Kollé said. "I want to show them that they can achieve anything they set their minds to, no matter what obstacles they face."

Kollé's victory is a historic moment for the transgender community, and it is a sign of progress in the fight for equality. She is an inspiration to us all, and we can't wait to see what she accomplishes in the future.

Source: https://ribdo.com/news/transgender-woman-makes-history-as-miss-universe-netherlands