In historic first, Miss Universe Netherlands is a transgender woman

A transgender woman has been crowned Miss Universe Netherlands for the first time.

Rikkie Valerie Kollé of the capital Amsterdam won the local pageant on July 8. She will represent her homeland at the Miss Universe tilt in El Salvador later this year.

"I DID IT!!!!!" the 22-year-old model said in her Instagram post on July 9. "Yes I'm trans and I want to share my story but I'm also Rikkie and that's what matters to me," she said in Dutch.

"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," she added.

According to the judges, Kollé "has radiated throughout the show and has also made the greatest progress in the process," local outlet De Telegraaf reported. “She has a strong story with a clear mission. The jury is convinced that the organization will enjoy working with this young woman," they're quoted as saying.

Kollé, on the Miss Netherlands 2023 finalist page, previously said that she wants to be a voice and role model for young women and queer people.

Angela Ponce of Spain was the first trans woman who participated in the Miss Universe in 2018.

In 2021, Miss Nevada USA Kataluna Enriquez was the first trans woman to win the local title.

The organization began allowing transgender contestants in 2013, according to Reuters.

The Miss Universe Organization is now owned by Thai media and content conglomerate JKN Global Group, headed by trans woman CEO Anne Jakrajutatip.