KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 — A 22-year-old transgender woman made history when she was crowned Miss Netherlands.

The win on Sunday also qualifies Rikkie Valerie Kolle for the Miss Universe pageant, Daily Mail reported, adding that the pageant is set to be held in El Salvador in December, although an exact date has yet to be announced.

It will see participation from 24 countries with Kolle being the second transgender woman to compete in the pageant.

Earlier this year, another transgender Daniela Arroyo González, a transgender, was selected to compete in the Puerto Rico competition.

The first woman to compete in Miss Universe as a transgender woman was Angela Ponce from Spain in 2018.

Transgender contestants have been able to compete for the crown since 2012.

Thai businesswoman and advocate Anne Jakrajutatip, who identifies as a transgender, bought the Miss Universe organisation in October 2022.