Miss Netherlands 2023: Rikkie Valerie Kolle Makes History As First Transgender Model
Rikkie Valerie Kolle's triumph as Miss Netherlands 2023 serves as a milestone for inclusivity and representation.
Rikkie Valerie Kolle has made history by becoming the first transgender model to win the prestigious title of 'Miss Netherlands'. The 22-year-old Dutch-Moluccan model and actress from Breda triumphed over other contestants and secured her spot as the representative from the Netherlands for the highly anticipated 72nd 'Miss Universe 2023' pageant.
The announcement was made during a glitzy ceremony held in Amsterdam, where Rikkie was crowned 'Miss Netherlands 2023' by the reigning queen. The event showcased the beauty, talent, and intelligence of the contestants, with Rikkie shining as an exemplary role model.
Nathalie Mogbelzada from Amsterdam emerged as the runner-up, while Habiba Mostafa was awarded the title of 'Miss Congeniality' and Lou Dirchs received the coveted title of 'Miss Social Media'.
Rikkie's victory has garnered significant attention due to its historic significance. She is only the second transgender contestant ever to participate in the 'Miss Netherlands' beauty pageant, following in the footsteps of Angela Ponce from Spain, who made history in 2018.
In an Instagram post, Rikkie shared her elation, uploading pictures and a video of her crowning moment alongside other models. Captions of joy flooded her comments, with fans and supporters congratulating her on the monumental achievement. "I did it," Rikkie wrote, expressing her excitement and gratitude.
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Rikkie, passionate about becoming a voice for the queer community, aims to inspire others to pursue their dreams regardless of societal norms and expectations. In an interview with World360News, she spoke candidly about the challenges faced by the queer community and the importance of acceptance.
"For too long, the queer community has suffered from rejection and pressure, particularly from their families. It's time we envision a world where everyone can be themselves without fear of judgment," Rikkie stated in the interview.
She also shared her personal journey of embracing her true identity as a transgender woman and expressed her gratitude for the support and love she received from her family throughout the process.