Who is Rikkie Valerie Kolle, the first transgender woman to be crowned Miss Netherlands?

Rickie Valerie Kolle spread her arms wide and beamed to the crowd as she made history by becoming the first transgender woman to be crowned Miss Netherlands on Saturday.

The 22-year-old was greeted with thunderous applause, but behind her broad smile was someone who, in her own words, knows better than anyone what it’s like to feel alone.

Ms. Kolle says that becoming a woman “wasn’t easy for everyone” and admits that she suffered greatly.

She was so determined to become a girl that at age 11 she changed her name from Rik to Rikkie, convinced she was “born in the wrong body.” But in her youth she was bullied for years, which led to her coming home from school crying every day.

‘I was born as little Rik, but I wanted to be a big Rikkie. The transition from male to female became something that made me feel at home,” she said on her Instagram.

“I endured teasing and went home crying. I would think, “Why me, why is this happening to me?” But I’ve always had the support of my loving family and friends.”

Ms. Kolle was eight when she said her journey began, but she was 16 when she began the process of becoming a woman, which included taking female hormones.

She then underwent gender confirmation surgery in January of this year — something she described as “the day I became who I want to be.”

Kolle wrote history yesterday by becoming the first trans woman to win the 94-year-old beauty pageant in the AFAS Theater in Leusden.

Hailing from Breda in the south of the Netherlands, the model was understandably overcome with emotion as she accepted her crown as she defeated Habiba Mostafa, Lou Dirchs and Nathalie Mogbelzada to clinch the title.

When asked to describe herself in one word ahead of the final, Ms. Kolle said in a video: “Victory,” adding, “Because as a little boy I overcame everything that came my way and now look at me.”

“Standing here, as a strong, powerful and confident trans woman. Love is love. Be who you want to be and never forget to always celebrate your pride.

The Dutch-Moluccan participant impressed the jury with her ‘strong story’ and ‘clear mission’.

As she now looks forward to becoming the second-ever transgender woman to compete in Miss Universe later this year, Ms. Kolle says, “The transition made me feel at home.”

In her entry profile, Ms. Kolle said she aspired to be a “voice and role model,” adding, “I know better than anyone what it’s like to feel alone and not be surrounded by nothing but positive thoughts.”

‘When I was little Rik and came out as transgender, it wasn’t easy for everyone and it also bothered me.’

‘Now years later I am stronger than ever before, I want to pass that on to those who need it. Because as long as you always remain who you are, there is no one who can stand above you.

“I am only too happy to support all the little Rikkies who are facing rejection from their family, their transition to the person they want to be. Help make their self-image and acceptance stronger, untouchable.

‘Through my efforts and strength, I hope to bring about change in society.’

Ms. Kolle and other transgender contestants have been able to compete in Miss Universe since 2012 – when it was owned by former US President Donald Trump.

Ten years later, it was bought by transgender reality star and Thai businesswoman Anne Jakkapong Jakrajutatip.

Ms Jakrajutatip pledged to ‘not only carry on her legacy to provide a platform for passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures and traditions, but also to develop the brand for the next generation’.

Earlier this year Daniela Arroyo González, who is openly transgender, was also selected to compete in the Puerto Rico competition.

The moment Mrs. Kolle spread her arms wide and got a crown on her head will make history for the LGBT+ community.

She shared the moment with her now 30,000 followers on Instagram, writing, “I DID IT!!!!!

It’s unreal but I can call myself @missnederland 2023. It was an instructive and wonderful process, my year can’t go wrong anymore. I’m so proud and happy I can’t describe it. I have made my community proud and shown that it can be done.

And yes, I am a trans woman and I would like to share my story, but I am also Rikkie and that is what counts for me. I did this on my own and enjoyed every moment.’

She added: I want to thank the jury and everyone from the Miss Netherlands team for the trust, this is just the beginning. My dearest fellow finalists, we all put on a show, love you all girls. My dear family and friends, my N1 supporters, you have given me so much extra strength from the room.

‘And wherever you are in the world, I want to be there for you and be the example I missed as a little self. On to many more adventures, let’s get @missuniverse ready. So excited!!!

The transgender contestant will now head to El Salvador in December for Miss Universe 2023, where 24 countries will compete for the title.

Ms. Kolle’s entry comes after Angela Ponce of Spain became the first trans woman to compete for the acclaimed Miss Universe title in 2018. She told NBC at the time that she “never imagined” she would make it to the final stage.