Rikkie Valerie Kolle, a 22-year-old model and actress, secured the coveted title and will now represent her country in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant in El Salvador.
Expressing her elation on Instagram, Kolle exclaimed, "I DID IT. It's unreal, but I get to call myself Miss Netherlands 2023. It was an educational and beautiful journey... I'm so proud and happy I can't even describe it. Making my community proud and showing it can be done." Kolle also emphasized that while she is proud to share her story as a transgender individual, she is equally proud of her identity as Rikkie.
This historic win comes at a time when biological males have been increasingly participating in women's beauty pageants. In 2021, Kataluna Enriquez made history as the first biological male to be crowned Miss Nevada USA, surpassing 21 other contestants. Miss Nevada USA celebrated Enriquez's achievement on their Instagram page, congratulating her and acknowledging the significance of the moment.
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Enriquez made a powerful statement during the competition by donning a shimmering sequin rainbow dress, created as a tribute to Pride Month and "all of those who don't get a chance to spread their colors."
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It is worth noting that this is not the first time a transgender individual has competed in Miss Universe competitions. In 2012, Canadian model Jenna Talackova made headlines as one of the first transgender contestants to participate in the Miss Universe pageant representing Canada.
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