A transgender woman has got the internet buzzing after she became the first transgender woman in the history of Miss Netherlands to grab the ultimate prize.
On Sunday, model Rikkie Valerie Kolle won the 94-year-old competition after winning over the judges with her “iron strong story” and “clear mission.”
In her entry profile, she said she aimed to be “a voice and role model.” In the 94-year history of the tournament, the 22-year-old from Breda in the southern Netherlands is the first transgender victor. She will now proceed to compete in the Miss Universe pageant in December in El Salvador.
After Spanish model, Angela Ponce in 2018, Ms Kolle will be the competition’s second openly transgender contender.
“I know better than anyone what it’s like to feel alone and not be surrounded by only positive thoughts,” she wrote. When I was little Rik and came out as transgender, it wasn’t easy for everyone and I also suffered from it.”
She added: “Through my commitment and strength, I hope to bring about change in society.” Since the pageant was owned by former US President Donald Trump in 2012, transgender contestants have been eligible to compete.
The competition is currently owned by a transgender woman and Thai businesswoman Anne Jakkapong Jakrajutatip.
A trans or transgender woman is a woman who was assigned male at birth. Trans women have a female gender identity and may experience gender dysphoria. Gender dysphoria may be treated with gender-affirming care. Gender-affirming care may include social or medical transition.
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