The trans celebrities blazing a trail to acceptance

Trans model and actress Rikkie Valerie Kollé makes history as Miss Netherlands, will compete for Miss Universe

Stars Insider

11/07/23 | StarsInsider

CELEBRITY Lgbtq

As the entertainment and fashion industries become more and more inclusive, the number of roles for transgender people is increasing rapidly every year. Groundbreaking TV shows like the ballroom culture drama 'Pose' with almost entirely LGBTQ+ casts are putting the spotlight on the talent and beauty in the transgender community that has long been overlooked.

It's a big move for representation, and indeed many actors, musicians, athletes, models, writers, and other public figures are putting themselves forward to create new spaces in their industries. Their work inspires young trans people who may be struggling with their identity in a world that sorely lacks representation of LGBTQ+ stories. 

Trans model and actress Rikkie Valerie Kollé was crowned Miss Netherlands on July 9, meaning she will become only the second openly transgender woman to participate in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant, following Ángela Ponce who won Miss Universe Spain 2018 and became the first openly trans contestant at Miss Universe that same year.

“I DID IT !!!!!” Kollé, 22, wrote in an Instagram post. “Yes I’m trans and I want to share my story but I’m also Rikkie and that’s what matters to me. I did this on my own strength and enjoyed every moment.” She added that she wanted to "be the example that I missed as a little me.” Kollé, who previously competed on the TV series 'Holland’s Next Top Model,' made history as the first trans woman to win the Netherlands' pageant, and may go on to make more history at the Miss Universe 2023 competition in El Salvador later this year.

But the impressive stories don't stop here! Click through the following gallery to discover some of the most legendary trans celebrities, and some of the rising stars, who are changing our worldview for the better.

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