Miss Netherlands 2023 is… Rikkie!: The pageant that crowned a transgender woman for the first time in its 94-year history, and what it means for feminism.
The Miss Netherlands competition made headlines in 2023 when it crowed a transgender woman for the first time in its 94 year long history. Rikkie Valerie Kolle became the first transgender woman to win the title, making her community proud and showing that it can be done.
Rikkie was crowned by surpassing nine other finalists. According to the judges, she was chosen because she is eloquent, authentic, intelligent, confident, positive in life, and has a warm personality which she radiates on stage.
Reflecting on her victory, Rikkie said,I was in full disbelief the moment they called my name , I was like oh my god ,is this really happening?Youre living through a really intense but also energising period. And you just want to finish the great final with other contestants, she added.
The official Instagram page of the beauty pageant shared the jurys remarks in a post: This finalist shined throughout the show and has also made the greatest progress along the way . She has an iron-strong story with a clear mission. The jury is convinced that the organisation will enjoy working with this young woman. Miss Netherlands 2023 is Rikkie.
Rikkie, a model and actor of Dutch and indigenous Moluccan descent , lives in Breda and previously appeared on Hollands Next Top Model.
Celebrating her win on Instagram in her native Dutch, she wrote,I did it ! Its unreal but I can call myself Miss Netherlands 2023. It was an educational and wonderful process , my year can no longer be broken.
She continued,Im so proud and happy , I cant describe it . Ive made my community proud and shown that it can be done. And yes, Im a trans woman and I want to share my story but thats what counts for me. Did this on my own strength and enjoyed every moment
Amber Rustenberg will remain the final Miss Netherlands until June , she also plans to dedicate the remainder of her tenure to promoting the new platform.
The Miss Netherlands competition began in 1989, evolving from the Miss Holland contest that started in the 1930s. While rebranded pageant prioritised societal engagement over physical beauty , Van Ee believes future lies in new initiatives that reflect modern values