All About Rikkie Valerie Kolle, First Transgender Woman To Be Crowned Miss Netherlands

Rikkie Valerie Kolle scripted history as she became the first transgender woman to win the title of Miss Netherlands. The 22-year-old was in complete disbelief after she was crowned the winner at the event. Growing up, Rikkie always dreamt of winning pageants, and her journey to making it big at one of them is proof that dreams do come true!

Who Is Rikki Valerie Kolle?

Born in Breda, Netherlands, Rikki Valerie Kolle always felt that she was born in the wrong body. During her early years, she knew she was a woman. At the age of 11 years, she changed her name from Rik to Rikkie. By the age of 16, she started transitioning. In an interview, Rikkie Valerie Kolle said, "I was born little Rik, but I wanted to be a big Rikkie. Transitioning from male to female became something that made me feel at home, and transgender women too."

Don't Miss: Padma Lakshmi Scripts History, Becomes Kerala's First Transgender Lawyer

Rikkie Valerie Kolle On Backlash

Soon after the historic win, Rikkie Valerie Kolle was at the receiving end of some brutal trolling. Rikkie announced her victory on her Instagram handle and soon comments like, "Shame to all judges", "How can married women didn’t allowed to join this competition. Meanwhile you gave a man the crown? Shamefulllll🤬", "Omg it's supposed to be Mrs. And not MR.NETHERLANDS...this world's coming to a end when did you convert at 2 yrs lol dam shame", "You are a man! A MAAAAN ❌'' flooded her post.

In an interview with BBC News, Rikki reacting to the comments coming her way said, "They [people] told me 'she's a pretty girl but she can go to the trans pageantry because it [Miss Netherlands] is for real women'."So then I'm like 'OK you're calling me a pretty girl, but also telling me that I'm not a real woman'." (sic)

Don't Miss: Mumbai & Kochi Show The Way With First-Ever Salon And Hostel For Trans Community

She further shared that the world is way far from where we aspire to be in terms of inclusivity. However, her win only gives her hope to achieve her goals in life. "I want to thank all the haters because they've only given me a bigger platform. And you won't get rid of me," said Rikkie Valerie Kolle in an interview with a leading news channel speaking of the backlash post her victory.

The reactions coming Rikkie’s way are proof that the world is still not ready to offer an inclusive world to the transgender community despite the growing chatter around diversity and inclusivity. However, such victories do give hope to transgender persons to keep dreaming and working towards their goals in life.

Next, Rikki Valerie Kolle is all set to participate in Miss Universe. With this, she will become the second transgender person to compete in the 63-year-old beauty pageant. The event will be held in El Salvador, Central America this year and will have about 90 female competitors from across the world.