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Meet 22-Year-Old Rikkie Valerie Kolle, The First Transgender Crowned Miss Netherlands
Rikkie Valerie Kolle will now head to El Salvador in December for Miss Universe 2023.
As the crowds celebrate with rapturous applause, Rickie Valerie Kolle, in her words, knows better than anyone what it’s like to feel alone. Becoming a woman was challenging, and she admitted to suffering greatly from it. Now, Rickie has made history by becoming the first transgender to be crowned Miss Netherlands, a milestone accepted with her arms widespread. The journey wasn’t an easy one, but indeed, Rickie has emerged victorious.
Rikkie Valerie Kolle Decided To Become A Girl At Just 11
The model was so determined to become a girl that she changed her name from Rik to Rikkie at just 11, convinced she had been born in the wrong body. However, she faced years of bullying in her youth which saw her come home from school and cry, day after day. ‘I was born little Rik, but I wanted to be a big Rikkie. Transitioning from male to female became something that made me feel at home,’ she said on her Instagram.
Rikkie added, ‘I endured teasing and would go home crying. I would think, “Why me, why is this happening to me?” But I always had the support of my loving family and friends.’ She was 16 when she began the process of transitioning into a woman, which included taking female hormones. The model then had gender affirmation surgery in January this year, something she described as ‘the day I became who I want to be.’
Rikkie Valerie Kolle Makes History As First Trans Miss Netherlands
The model, from Breda in the South of the Netherlands, made history becoming the first trans woman to win the 94-Year-Old beauty pageant at the AFAS Theater in Leusden. Rikkie was understandably overwhelmed by emotion while receiving her crown as she beat Habiba Mostafa, Lou Dirchs, and Nathalie Mogbelizada to win the title. When asked to describe herself in one word before the final, Rikkie had said in a video, ‘Victory.’
She added, ‘Because as a little boy, I conquered all things that came through my path, and look at me now.’ She continued, ‘Standing here, as a strong, empowering, and confident trans woman. Love is love. Be who you want to be and never forget always celebrate your pride.’ The Dutch-Moluccan contestant reportedly impressed the jury with her iron-strong story and clear mission.
The moment Kolle spread her arms wide and had a crown placed onto her head will go down in history for the LGBT+ community.
She shared the moment with her now 30,000 followers on Instagram and wrote: ‘I DID IT!!!!! It’s unreal but I can call myself @missnederland 2023. It was an educational and wonderful process; my year can’t go wrong anymore. I am so proud and happy I can’t describe it. 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.’
Rikkie added, ‘ I did this on my strength and enjoyed every moment. I want to thank the jury and everyone from the Miss Netherlands team for the trust, this is just the beginning. My dearest fellow finalists, we all put on a show, love you all girls. My dear family and friends, my N1 supporters, you have given me so much extra strength from the hall. And wherever you are in the world, I want to be there for you and be the example that I missed as a little me. On to many more adventures, let’s get @missuniverse ready. So excited!!!
What’s Next For The Rikkie Valerie Kolle?
The model will now head to El Salvador in December for Miss Universe 2023 where 24 countries will battle it out to claim the title. Rikkie looks ahead to becoming only the second transgender woman ever to compete and in her entry profile, the model said she aspired to be a voice and role model, adding, ‘I know better than anyone what it’s like to feel alone and not be surrounded by only positive thoughts. When I was little Rik and came out as transgender, it wasn’t easy for everyone and I also suffered from it.’
‘Now years later I am stronger today than ever before, and that is something I want to pass on to whoever needs it. Because as long as you always remain who you are, there is no one who can stand above you. I am only too happy to commit myself to all little Rikkies who face rejection from their family, and their transition to the person they desire to be. Help make their self-image and acceptance stronger, untouchable. Through my commitment and strength, I hope to bring about change in society.’
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