In a groundbreaking turn of events, Rikkie Kolle, a 22-year-old individual, emerged victorious in the highly anticipated “Miss Netherlands” competition, defeating nine female contestants. This unexpected outcome sent shockwaves through social media, igniting a fiery debate about the erasure of women in modern society.
The Miss Netherlands pageant is a renowned segment of the Miss Universe franchise, and Kolle’s triumph secured a spot for them in the upcoming 72nd Miss Universe pageant, scheduled to take place in El Salvador later this year.
Dutch commentator Eva Vlaardingerbroek couldn’t contain her disbelief as she tweeted, “A man just won ‘Miss Netherlands’ 2023. In a post-Truth world like ours, I honestly didn’t expect anything less. It’s become so predictable and uninspired at this point.”
Kolle, who identifies as transgender, previously participated in the popular television show “Holland’s Next Top Model” in 2018, as reported by Dutch public broadcaster NOS. They will be the second male contestant to compete in Miss Universe, following Spain’s representative in 2018. Miss Universe has allowed transgender contestants since 2012, according to People magazine.
The panel of Miss Netherlands judges commended Kolle for their “compelling story and clear mission,” expressing confidence in their ability to work harmoniously with the organization behind Miss Nederland, as translated from comments provided by NOS.
Overwhelmed with joy, Kolle took to Instagram to share their exhilaration, posting, “I DID IT!!!! It feels surreal, but I am proud to call myself @missnederland 2023. This journey has been enlightening and beautiful, and nothing can break my spirit this year. I am determined to make my community proud and demonstrate that it can be done,” according to the translated post.
While some individuals on Twitter resorted to mocking Kolle’s victory, labeling them as “Mr. Nederland,” others accompanied their tweets reporting the news with clown face emojis.
A dissenting voice exclaimed, “The Netherlands is home to some of the most stunning women on this planet. Out of all these remarkable women, they have chosen a transgender man to be Miss Netherlands 2023. It’s absurd to think that a person with male genitalia should be eligible for a female beauty pageant. The fact that stating this will invite hatred is simply mind-boggling.”
Another comment succinctly remarked, “The West has completely lost its sense of direction.”
Critics also pointed out the contrast between Kolle and the first runner-up, Nathalie Mogbelzada, arguing that it was evident who the rightful winner should have been.
Amidst the ongoing controversy, the popular conservative account “End Wokeness” replied to pictures of Kolle and Mogbelzada, asserting, “Nathalie Mogbelzada is the true Miss Netherlands 2023.”