Miss Netherlands winner becomes the first openly trans woman to win the pageant

Rikkie Kollé became the first openly trans pageant contestant to win the title of Miss Netherlands on Saturday, and she will represent her country in Miss Universe later this year.

“I did it!” Kollé wrote in a cheerful Instagram post after her victory at the AFAS Theater in Leusden. “I made my community proud and showed it can be done,” she added in Dutch with an emoji of the light blue, light pink and white striped trans flag.

During the competition, which narrowed hundreds of entrants to 10 finalists in April, Kollé has used her platform to promote a more inclusive view of the election world and to encourage others to feel inspired.

“Miss Universe asked us to describe ourselves in one word,” Kollé shared in a video posted to her Instagram page last month. “The word I choose is ‘victory’ because as a little boy I overcame everything that came my way – and now look at me, here I am as a strong, powerful and confident trans woman.”

“Never forget we can do this together, you are not alone on this planet. Never stop dreaming of being your ultimate and confident YOU!” she wrote in the accompanying caption. “Never let anyone tell you what’s good for you, because all that matters is that you become the best version of yourself.”

22-year-old Kollé from Breda was crowned on the podium by last year’s winner, Ona Moody. She was also presented with her sash by the reigning Miss Universe, R’Bonney Gabriel.

If Kollé wins Miss Universe, she will be the first trans woman to wear the tiara. The pageant has allowed trans contestants since 2012, and in 2018 Ángela Ponce from Spain became the first contestant in the pageant, but she did not advance to the final.

Next month, activist Daniela Arroyo González will also try to make history as the first out-trans woman to win Miss Universe Puerto Rico, and will also move on to Miss Universe if crowned. According to the website, 90 women from around the world will participate in the 2023 pageant this year.