A transgender woman has won the Miss Netherlands title for the first time in beauty pageant history and will now compete for the Miss Universe crown

A transgender woman has won the Miss Netherlands title for the first time in beauty pageant history and will now compete for the Miss Universe crown. Twenty-two-year-old Rikki Valerie Colle made beauty pageant history by pulling off the win on Sunday at the pageant. The new Miss Netherlands wore a gorgeous red dress. It was overwhelmed with emotions as she accepted the crown from her predecessor Oona Moody and reigning Miss Universe R'Bonnie Gabriel of the United States. The model stood proudly with a bouquet while her rivals applauded. She later wrote on her Twitter, "I did it!". The Miss Universe 2023 pageant will be held in El Salvador in December, although the exact date has yet to be confirmed. Contestants from twenty-four countries will compete for the title. Ricky Valerie Collet will become the second transgender woman to compete in the Miss Universe pageant. In 2018, Angela Ponce from Spain became the first transgender woman to compete for the Miss Universe title. In an interview with NBC, she said she "couldn't even imagine" reaching the final stage. Transgender contestants have been able to enter the beauty pageant and compete for the crown since 2012. Thai businesswoman and human rights activist Anna Jakrajutatip, who bought the Miss Universe organization in October 2022, also identifies as transgender. Former US President Donald Trump previously owned the pageant system. Ms. Jakrajutatip promised to continue the pageant's legacy of empowering women and "grow the brand for the next generation." Earlier this year, Daniela Arroyo Gonzalez, who is openly transgender, was selected to compete in the pageant in Puerto Rico.