Miss Universe Netherlands winner Rikkie Valerie Kollé has condemned the hate directed towards transgender TikToker Dylan Mulvaney following the controversy surrounding her partnership with Bud Light. In an interview with Newsweek, Kollé expressed her sadness and horror at the backlash, describing it as an attempt to undermine Mulvaney’s confidence and judge her for being true to herself.
Kollé drew parallels between the vitriol faced by Mulvaney and the daily online hatred she experiences as a transgender individual. She shared that she often receives messages wishing her harm and urging her to commit suicide, emphasizing the terrible nature of such comments. However, Kollé also acknowledged that the negative attention serves to amplify her platform and raise awareness for the transgender community.
Expressing gratitude for the increased visibility that comes with the hatred from internet trolls, Kollé stated that they are unintentionally providing her with a larger platform than she could have ever imagined.
Earlier this month, Kollé made history by winning the Miss Universe Netherlands pageant, becoming the first transgender contestant to achieve this feat. She will represent the Netherlands in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant scheduled to be held in El Salvador later this year.
In highlighting her accomplishment, Kollé took to Instagram, exclaiming, “I DID IT! It’s unreal, but I get to call myself Miss Netherlands 2023.” She described her journey as educational and beautiful, expressing immense pride and happiness. Kollé emphasized that her victory is not only a personal achievement but also a source of pride for her community, proving that it can be done.
While Kollé’s win is significant for the Netherlands, it is worth noting that other transgender individuals, such as Miss Nevada USA Kataluna Enriquez in 2021 and Canadian model Jenna Talackova in 2012, have also competed and excelled in pageants.
The backlash against Mulvaney’s partnership, particularly the controversial photo featuring her drinking from a Bud Light can, sparked widespread boycotts and ignited a wave of controversy impacting both the brand and the influencer. In response to the backlash, Mulvaney recently traveled to Peru, expressing a sense of safety outside the United States.
The incidents surrounding Mulvaney’s partnership have brought to light the challenges and prejudice faced by transgender individuals in the public sphere, prompting discussions about acceptance, inclusivity, and the need for greater understanding.