A trans woman has won the Miss Netherlands beauty pageant and qualified for Miss Universe.
Rikkie Valerie Kolle, a model from Breda, is the first transgender winner in the national competition’s 94-year history.
The 22-year-old, who wore a red gown to the ceremony in Leusden, gasped before embracing fellow contestants when the result was announced on Saturday evening.
The official Miss Netherlands Instagram account wrote that Kolle had “shined throughout the show” and had “a strong story with a clear mission”.
Kolle later posted a photo of the historic moment on Instagram, writing “I DID IT!” in the caption.
“I made my community proud and showed it can be done,” Kolle said. “And yes I’m trans and I want to share my story but I’m
