Rikkie Kollé won the title of Miss Netherlands, a first in the country for a transgender woman who stated she wanted to be “a voice and a role model” for others.

The 22-year-old, originally from the city of Breda (south), was crowned on Saturday and will now compete in the Miss Universe pageant in El Salvador, the organizers announced.

“I did it,” he said on Instagram after his win. “Yes, I’m trans and I want to share my story, but I’m also Rikkie and that’s what matters to me.”

In doing so, she becomes the second trans candidate to compete in the Miss Universe contest, after Angela Ponce, Miss Spain in 2018.

According to the organizers of Miss Nederland, it is “the first time in the history of the country that a trans woman has won this competition”.

The new Miss assured that she wants to use her victory to bring “change to society.”

“As Miss Netherlands 2023, I want to be a voice and role model for all young and queer people,” she said in a statement.

“When I was a little Rik and came out as trans, it was not easy for anyone (…). Now I’m stronger than ever.”