The evolution of Rikkie Kollé, a groundbreaking Miss Universe contender
Rikkie Kollé's national costume had a special message
It may have escaped viewers of the 2023 Miss Universe national costume competition, but Dutch participant Rikkie Kollé told a very personal story with her outfit.
The truth about Rikkie
Rikkie Kollé is 22 years old, 1.85 (6'06ft) tall, and the current holder of the crown of Miss Universe Netherlands. But there's something else important to know about her: she is a trans woman.
Her evolution
Born in the body of a man, Rikkie Kollé evolved to become the woman who was inside of her throughout the years. She depicted this transition in her national costume at the Miss Universe 2023 pageant.
A tulip opened and a rainbow costume appeared
Rikkie walked up onto the stage dressed as a tulip, a flower many associate with The Netherlands. But the petals of the flower bowed down and revealed a rainbow-colored dress. It was a graphic depiction of Rikkie's personal transition from a man to a woman.
The most beautiful woman in the Netherlands
In July 2023, Rikkie Kollé made history at the Miss Netherlands pageant for being crowned the most beautiful woman of the country.
First transgender Miss Universe Netherlands
As the first transgender woman to win Miss Netherlands, she went on to participate in Miss Universe in El Salvador, an event held in November 2023.
Full support of the organization
The jury loved its representative for the international competition. "Rikkie Kollé has shone throughout the entire show and has also made the most progress in the process. She has a very strong story and a clear mission," it declared on the Miss Netherlands website.
Transfer of crown
Ona Moody, winner of the 2022 competition, was in charge of handing over the crown to Rikkie Kollé, her successor in 2023.
Unexpected and celebrated
Rikkie Kollé was ecstatic and delighted with the award, admitting that she could not believe her luck.
Wants to be a role model for those who feel excluded
On the organization's website, she said: "As Miss Netherlands 2023, I want to be a voice and a role model for all young women and queer people. I know better than anyone what it's like to feel alone."
Photo: @rikkievaleriekolle / Instagram
Wind of change
"Through my commitment, strength and as Miss Netherlands, I hope to bring about a change in society. With the backing of the organization, I hope that 'little Rik' will become a story that we can leave in the past and not have to repeat in the future," she added.
Photo: @rikkievaleriekolle / Instagram
World-famous at once
The Miss Netherlands 2023 pageant has acted as a springboard to fame for Rikkie Kollé.
Known as a model in The Netherlands
Yet, despite her young age, the model was already well known in her country.
Photo: @rikkievaleriekolle / Instagram
Famous in 2018
She became especially famous after participating in the reality talent show 'Holland's Next Top Model'. Rikkie made it to the final in 2018.
Photo: @rikkievaleriekolle / Instagram
Global impact
The election of Rikkie Kollé as Miss Netherlands 2023 has not only made headlines in the country, but around the world, as the international press has echoed this historic victory.
Photo: @rikkievaleriekolle / Instagram -
It's not the first time
However, Rikkie Kollé will not be the first transgender woman to participate in the Miss Universe pageant.
Ángela Ponce
In 2018, Spanish transgender woman Ángela Ponce already entered the Miss Universe pageant, which took place in Bangkok that year.
Miss Portugal is also trans
And one of Rikkie's competitors in 2023, the Portuguese Marina Machete, is also transgender.
What's next for Rikkie Kollé?
What awaits Rikkie Kollé? The world is waiting for her to inspire and motivate others with her newfound fame. However, what the Dutch queen wants most of all, is to support all those who have faced rejection because of their transition.
Photo: @rikkievaleriekolle / Instagram
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