Rikkie Kollé is the first transgender woman to become Miss Netherlands | USA TODAY

Rikkie Kollé, a transgender woman, won the title of Miss Netherlands, a first in the pageant’s 94-year history.

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“I want to be a voice and role model for all young women and queer people,” Kollé said in a statement shared with USA TODAY. “I know better than anyone else what it’s like to feel alone and not be surrounded by only positive thoughts.”

Kollé, 22, said that when she was younger and came out as transgender, it wasn’t easy. “I struggled and it was a very rough time. Today, I am stronger than ever before.”

She added that she aims to bring change as the new Miss Netherlands with hopes that younger generations will have a better experience.

“It’s never too late and help is always there. That has always been my guiding principle and I want help and spread it with my own story and experience,” she said.

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