"The Era Has Changed... No More Crowns"
The Netherlands' representative beauty pageant, 'Miss Netherlands,' will be discontinued after 35 years.
On the 12th (local time), according to AFP, the Miss Netherlands organizing committee announced in a statement, "Times have changed, and we are changing accordingly."
The committee said it plans to create a platform to share stories of women who are struggling due to social media or unrealistic beauty standards, as well as stories of successful women. The committee emphasized, "There will be no more crowns, but there are inspiring stories. There will be no dresses, but there are living, breathing dreams."
Monica van Aay, the organizing chairperson, wrote in a blog post about the new platform, "(The sashes and crowns that beauty pageant winners wear) may no longer belong to this era, but women who support and help each other are eternal to us."
Previously, the Miss Netherlands pageant made headlines last year when Ricky Koller, a transgender woman, won the title. The Miss Universe organization has allowed transgender participants since 2012.
Koller, who participated wearing a red dress at the time of the competition, said in her acceptance speech, "When I came out as transgender in my childhood, everyone went through difficult times, but now, after several years, I am stronger than ever." She added, "I want to support all the 'Rickys' who are rejected by their families so they can grow into the person they want to be."
The judging panel reportedly praised Koller for her life journey and determination. In 2018, Koller also reached the finals of the Dutch beauty contest 'Netherlands Next Top Model.'
Meanwhile, beauty pageants, which have been criticized for enforcing uniform beauty standards, have been attempting various changes to meet the demands of the times. Many pageants have eliminated swimsuit competitions, and since 2012, the Miss Universe organization has allowed transgender contestants to participate.
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