A transgender woman has earned the accolade of Miss Netherlands for the first time in the pageant\u2019s 94-year history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rikkie Valerie Kolle, 22, fought off stiff competition to make history at the AFAS Theatre in Leusden on Saturday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By being crowned champion, Rikkie will become the second transgender competitor to take part in a Miss Universe pageant, after Spanish model Angela Ponce took part in 2018.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rikkie from Breda in south Netherlands will jet off to El Salvador in December as one of the 25 contestants taking part in the latest iteration of Miss Universe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Earning her spot on the plane, Rikkie is said to have impressed the jury with her \u201ciron strong story\u201d and \u201cclear mission\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In her entry profile, Rikkie set out her ambition to become \u201ca voice and role model.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Dutch-Moluccan model and actress said: “I know better than anyone what it’s like to feel alone and not be surrounded by only positive thoughts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“When I was little Rik and came out as transgender, it wasn’t easy for everyone and I also suffered from it.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She added: “Through my commitment and strength, I hope to bring about change in society.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Knowing she was \u201cborn in the wrong body,\u201d Kolle changed her name from Rik to Rikkie at the age of 11 and was bullied relentlessly for her identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She said on Instagram: \u201cTransitioning from male to female became something that made me feel at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Rikkie started the transitioning process at 16 by taking female hormones, before undergoing gender affirmation surgery in January this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Miss Universe Organisation is now owned by Anne Jakkapong Jakrajutatip, a Thair businesswoman and reality star who is herself transgender.<\/p>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A transgender woman has earned the accolade of Miss Netherlands for the first time in the pageant\u2019s 94-year history. Rikkie Valerie Kolle, 22, fought off stiff competition to make history … <\/p>\n