In a historic moment, Rikkie Valerie Kollé, a transgender model, has been crowned Miss Universe Netherlands 2023. The 22-year-old Dutch-Moluccan model from Breda became the first-ever transgender woman to win the national title. She succeeded Ona Moody and will now represent the Netherlands at the 72nd Miss Universe pageant in El Salvador.
Nathalie Mogbelzada, 26, from Amsterdam, was named the first runner-up in the competition. Habiba Mostafa and Lou Dirchs were awarded Miss Congeniality and Miss Social Media, respectively.
Kollé, who aspires to be a prominent voice and role model for the Queer community, aims to dedicate her career to supporting individuals who have faced rejection from their families during their transition journey. Her win marks a significant step towards inclusivity and representation in the pageant world. She follows in the footsteps of Spain’s Angela Ponce, who made history as the first transgender woman to participate in the Miss Universe pageant in 2018.
The recognition of Kollé as Miss Universe Netherlands showcases the increasing acceptance and celebration of diversity in beauty pageants, promoting greater visibility and empowerment for the transgender community.
