First trans woman crowned winner of Miss Netherlands.
Rikkie Valerie Kollé has been crowned Miss Netherlands 2023, making her the first trans woman to take home the competition’s title.
Twenty-two-year-old Kollé, who lives in Breda, was awarded the crown at the AFAS Theater in Leusden on Saturday (8 July).
Wearing a fitted red gown slit above her thigh, the new Miss Netherlands received her crown from previous winner Ona Moody and reigning Miss Universe, R’Bonney Gabriel from the USA.
“I DID IT!!!!! 👑❤️,” Kollé wrote on Instagram following her win, “It’s unreal but I can call myself @missnederland 2023.”
She described the competition process as “educational and wonderful” and said she is “so proud and happy” following her win.
“I made my community proud and showed it can be done.
“And yes I am a trans woman and I would like to share my story, but I am also Rikkie and that is what counts for me. I did this on my own strength and enjoyed every moment.”
