I Love A Success Story - Rikkie Kollé

Miss Netherlands Contestant makes history as first trans woman to win the pageant

Miss Universe 2022
R'Bonney Gabriel joined
Rikkie Kollé onstage to celebrate her win
.

CNN: Rikkie Kollé became the first openly trans pageant contestant to win the title of Miss Netherlands on Saturday, and she will go on to represent her country in Miss Universe later this year.

“I did it!” Kollé wrote in a joyous Instagram post after her win at the AFAS Theater in Leusden. “I made my community proud and showed it can be done,” she added in Dutch with an emoji of the light blue, light pink and white-striped trans flag.

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Throughout the competition, which narrowed down hundreds of entrants to 10 finalists in April, Kollé has used her platform to promote a more inclusive vision of the pageant world, and to encourage others to feel inspired.

“Miss Universe asked us to describe ourselves in one word,” Kollé shared in a video posted to her Instagram page last month. “The word I’m choosing is ‘victory,’ because as a little boy I conquered all the things that came through my path — and look at me now, standing here as a strong, empowering and confident trans woman.”

“Never forget that we can do this together, you’re not alone on this planet. Never stop dreaming of being your ultimate and confident YOU!” she wrote in the accompanying caption. “Never let someone tell you what’s good for you, because the only thing that matters is that you become the best version of yourself.”

Kollé, who is 22 years old and from Breda, was crowned onstage by last year’s winner, Ona Moody. She was also presented her sash by the reigning Miss Universe, R’Bonney Gabriel.

If Kollé wins Miss Universe, she will be the first trans women to wear its tiara. The pageant has allowed trans participants since 2012, and in 2018, Ángela Ponce from Spain became the pageant’s first out contestant, but she did not advance to the finals.

Next month, activist Daniela Arroyo González will also look to make history as the first out trans woman to win Miss Universe Puerto Rico, and will advance to Miss Universe as well if crowned. This year, 90 women from around the world will compete in the 2023 pageant, according to its website.

What If…

Your health was giving you clear messages?

Just to get your attention...
Always works for me. 

Today's post is very personal - Be forwarren. No heels will be discussed today. Although these red pumps are beyond cute.    

Not to worry. I am  not suffering a terminal condition other than the one we all eventually face. I am not religious, so do not believe this life is some grand rehearsal of things to come. Accepting this fact is very liberating and facilitates living each day to the full.  

No one has been the recipient of more blind luck than I with family, friends, career, activism, and accolades. All of my kids (4) are successful, happy, and healthy. Even my two older grandkids have Masters's Degrees and meaningful careers. I love you all so much. 

To the point, why any gloom?  About three years ago my steady-state outstanding health experience was shattered by a routine ultrasound scan of my legs; a blood clot. My medical team considered this serious and I was immediately put on crazy expensive blood thinners*. These drugs have massive side effects for someone as active as me. After much blood work, it was discovered that I have a genetic mutation called “Factor V Leiden”; an inherited blood disorder with the propensity to generate clots. Members of my family have been tested and to their good fortune, negative. I took myself off the thinner after a year because of risk factors (brain bleeding) and when I got even minor cuts, it was almost impossible to stop the bleeding. The clot is still where it was originally and another clot has formed in my other upper leg. These two, although serious, are now classified as chronic; having no occlusion, and seem to not be in a traveling mood. Blood vein filters (IVC) have been discussed. At each Doctor's visit I am lectured on the seriousness of the clots. Also with Factor V, there are likely other clots and will be more.  

Related: In February I developed Advanced Macular Degeneration (AMD) in my right eye associated with retinal vein occlusion (RVO). My right retina ruptured from pressure (clot) and I have near to no usable vision in that eye. This all occurred in a matter of 3 hours with no warning. I am getting good care with monthly eye injections ($1800 co-pay each). The bleeding inside my eye has stopped. However, I have been told to not expect improvement. It is amazing how the mind adapts and switches eye dominance to a working eye. The left eye (my working eye) is being monitored closely. To consider that something so life changing could happen so quickly is sobering. 

 

The poem embedded in the Song “Night Moves“ by Bob Seger, haunts:

I woke last night to the sound of thunder

How far off I sat and wondered?

Started hummin' a song from 1962

Ain't it funny how the night moves?

When you just don't seem to have as much to lose

Strange how the night moves

With autumn closin' in

I have already been so fortunate there is no need to whine. Escapes; a many. I had a place at the beach for two years where I enjoyed walks, the sand, surf, pool, and entertained friends. I ride my motorcycle, drive a convertible, have stylish shoes and drink good wine. I have dinner with friends at fancy Palm Beach haunts. I dress and present mostly the way I want with no lack of confidence, living a full life today. I still have my cognitive ability and can write. All recent blood work is normal to near perfect. Best of all, I am loved and accepted by my family. 

My body at 75+ is giving me clear messages. So what to do “With autumn closin' in?” Work to I drop?  Submit to big pharma's medical copay strategy that will eventually render me and everyone else penniless? Travel or just sit aimlessly waiting for the inevitable? 

There are still French Cafes I hope to enjoy. Italian wineries to visit. So many places... 

Live every day to it's full is my choice.  What would you do?  What are you doing?   

  Dylan Thomas wrote over 70 years ago these iconic lines: 

"Do not go gentle into that good night,

Old age should burn and rave at close of day;

Rage, rage against the dying of the light."

*XARELTO® can cause bleeding which can be serious and may lead to death. This is because XARELTO® is a blood thinner medicine (anticoagulant) that lowers blood clotting. During treatment with XARELTO® you are likely to bruise more easily, and it may take longer for bleeding to stop.