First 'Transgender' Crowned Miss Netherlands for the First Time... "Is She Going to Miss Universe?"

Participating in Miss Universe This December

The Netherlands has crowned its first transgender winner in a beauty pageant.

According to German media outlet dpa and others, on the 8th (local time), the 'Miss Netherlands' pageant held in Loosduinen, Amsterdam awarded the crown to transgender woman Rikki Koller (22).

This is the first time a transgender woman has won first place in a beauty pageant in the Netherlands. Additionally, Koller will participate in the global competition 'Miss Universe,' where representatives from around the world compete. This marks only the second time a transgender contestant has advanced to Miss Universe.

Winner of the Netherlands Beauty Pageant, Rikki Koller [Image source=Rikki Koller Instagram]

Previously, five years ago in 2018, transgender woman ?ngela Ponce (32) from Spain became the first transgender contestant to compete in Miss Universe. The Miss Universe organization has allowed transgender participants since 2012.

Wearing a red dress at the award ceremony, Koller said, "When I came out as transgender during my childhood, everyone went through difficult times. Now, after several years, I have become stronger than ever."

She added, "I want to support all the 'Rikkis' who are rejected by their families so that they can grow into the person they want to be."

Koller previously participated in another Dutch beauty contest, 'Netherlands Next Top Model,' in 2018, where she also advanced to the finals.

Meanwhile, Koller will compete in Miss Universe this December in El Salvador. The competition will feature representatives from 24 countries.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.