My one year crowniversary.

Today is exactly one year ago that I won the prestigious title of Miss International Queen 2023, in Thailand.
My life has changed 100%, and I dare to say that pageantry has changed too.
My winning marks the first European winner ever for MIQ, showcasing the strength of Europeans in pageantry which is often overlooked.
Besides that, I am very proud that I won with very minimal funds, and without an actual team there for styling, hair and makeup etc.

When I went to Thailand I knew why I had to be there.
I wanted to create change, change for the better of the world and to save life’s.
It was never about winning, or the crown that I was there, but rather my own personal experiences on how much I struggled as a young boy with no opportunities.
I can honestly say that I went to Thailand with a golden heart, pure intentions and a drive to inspire change, and succeeded.
Pageantry should not be about who has the most resources, or the most money, or the best team or wardrobe etc.
It should be about your ability to lift up the audience with your words, charisma, uniqueness and nerve, and what you do in the world with those talents.

I am forever grateful for the people who trusted me, including myself in times when I wanted to give up.
As I embark on my last few 2 months as reigning Miss International Queen I am very excited for what’s yet to come.

Thank you all.

With big love and respect,
Solange
Miss International Queen.

My dream came true..

Young Patrons Gala

Last week I was asked to be present at the yearly Young Patrons Gala, the biggest and most prestigious gala for national opera and ballet.

I was honestly shocked to be included, this was going to be my first time attending, but definitely big on my list on events I had to see once in my lifetime.
Everything had to be planned out correctly: which dress was I going to wear? What was the dress code?
What kind of jewelry will go with it, and what about hair&makeup? So many critical choices that will either make or break your look and I was going for the win.
In contacted Rosalie Boonstra for the ultimate dress. It was screaming a million bucks!

When I arrived at the party, the first people laid eyes on me and gave me a big smile. At that moment I felt more at ease for some reason.
Upon entering I was astonished, the most gorgeous red carpet moment and massive stairs to take pictures on. It was incredible!
I’'ve never seen anything like it before and you can bet your sweet behind I was going to take those moments.
I saw some friends that I talked with, and after receiving some compliments about the overal look, the show was about to start.
2 full hours of the most stunning ballet performances, followed by soothing opera songs that warmed my soul like honey.

I have never, and I truly mean this, never experienced anything like this before.
After the show the afterparty followed, where we could engage in conversation with the host of the evening and different ambassadors of Young Patron.
Pleasure to have spoken to Stijn De Vries and to hear some thing where he is working on.

It was an absolute dream to be present and wearing a high couture dress for once.
I want to thank The National Ballet and Opera & Young Patrons for this opportunity, will definitely see you next year.

With love,
Solange.

Dress: Rosalie Boonstra
Hair: Frederique Neyhoff

Miss International Queen 2023

This is my journey on becoming Miss International Queen 2023.
Well, I have to be fair. I did not anticipate that I would win the title and crown.
Let’'s go all the way back to March, when I applied for MIQ to represent The Netherlands.

I knew at that time for quite a while about MIQ and their purpose : more trans visibility and awareness, and creating a more equal world.
After my try for Miss Universe Netherlands I felt I needed to regain what pageantry is all about for me. I lost that spark why I entered, and only thought about winning.
With applying for MIQ there were a few things that were on my mind, I wanted to help more people, spread more positivity and create more awareness about global trans issues.
After a few days I got the promising e-mail that I was hoping for : Congratulations, you are hereby representing Miss International Queen Netherlands 2023.
I was extremely hyped up! In the 17 years of being live, the pageant never had an official representative of The Netherlands.
I felt quite honored to represent my country and my beliefs, to fight for my people and the people who are in need.
I knew the pageant was held in June, and so I started my preparations for the upcoming 3 months.
What I had to prepare for? EVERYTHING!
I had to think of a talent, my catwalk needed improving and I had to get sponsors.
So if you are new to the world of Pageantry, the way it works is that the National Organization in your country will provide for all costs, and send their representative internationally.
Basically, you win for competition held in your country and get send to compete with other countries for the top prize.
But because there has never been a Dutch representative for this pageant there was also no national organization. This was going to be a challenge!
I managed in the course of the following 3 months to work on all things I had to work on, and get quite a few sponsors. In total a quarter of the expenses were paid back.

When June arrived I felt the pressure more since the media was picking up on my involvement more and more.
You might ask yourself, how nervous were you? Well honestly, I was not even nervous to compete! I had my vision clear and knew what I wanted.
I felt most nervous for my first trip to Asia and also my first flight that lasted 11 hours.

June 11 : The adventure begins.
Can I say oh my god? I could not believe it was already here. After months or preparations and already seeing the girls online, I was flying to Thailand.
We were going to compete for two weeks before the coronation night on June 24.
When I arrived at Bangkok airport the staff of MIQ was waiting on me to pick me up. I was greeted by a lovely girl named Mew, who was doing all socials for the organization.
After a few pictures they told me to wait so they could pick up Miss Spain, the only other European country who was competing.
Fun fact : Miss Spain was my friend Victoria, who I met during my very first pageant Miss Trans Star International in Barcelona. There she was representing Brazil and got second runner up.
After 30 minutes or so she arrived and we both got into the van who drove us to the hotel : Woodland Pattaya.
Luck decided that we were roommates for the upcoming two weeks!
When arriving I saw the one redhead I was very excited to meet, her name being Melony from The United States of America!
We grew very close during this competition due to the fact we are like minded. Similar in maturity, both with the same goals and both our first time in Thailand.
She was my bestie during this time and honestly I was very happy so!

June 13 : A few days in.
During the upcoming days you could see who were in it to win it, like Miss Philippines, Miss Peru, Miss Thailand and Miss Singapore.
There was a clear division of girls who had practice, who had teams with them and girls who were going solo without a plan, like me.
The girls with a team for makeup, hair and styling were looking perfect every time of the day. Their hair always snatched, makeup always glowing and the styling top notch.
They asked why I came alone and was doing everything myself. Well, firstly I did not have the money to bring extra people with me. Secondly, I want to keep the reason of pageantry simple and effective.
I was in it to create active change. To help others and aspire for a better world.
Because that is what is lacking, people who actually do things and make a difference.
I don’t need a glam squad 24/7 for that when I am perfectly capable of it myself.

June 14 : Meeting Fuschia, the reigning queen.
We received our sashes from the reigning queen from The Philippines: Fuschia Anne Ravena.
The moment you meet the woman who has done the same thing that you have but just one year prior is a funny feeling. I was starstruck just looking at her. Her flawless beauty and long black hair were enchanting.

June 16: Presenting our national Costume.
This was one of the most exciting parts for me! The national costume round.
We could show our outfits in a big mall in Bangkok, with hundreds of people watching and screaming for us.
It was a magical feeling to be on that stage in front of the judges.
Funny enough I felt at peace with the judges in front of me. I knew who they were, had seen their faces already before and since I just wanted to be myself I did not had that pressure that I had to perform better than the rest.
When they called my country and I had to present myself, I looked in the eyes of Valentina (winner 2020 from Mexico) and felt a sudden ease on my heart.
Her smile made me smile and I did all I could to just be me.

June 24 : The coronation night.
The moment is finally here! Tonight we will find out who wins and can call herself Miss International Queen 2023.
I woke up with a good feeling, Tired, but happy.
We hit the rehearsals and got our hair and makeup done.
I got a moment to reflect on myself. Why was I here? What was the reason. Say it out loud, I told myself. Tell yourself why you are here.
’Helping those who need it, helping the younger version of myself.’
And with that mindset I put on my heels and ran to the front. We only had 20 minutes before showtime!
I started to become pretty nervous for my performance.
I knew my catwalk was not the best, and needed extra work.
But you know, I still went for it. Just smile the brightest and see what happens!
I knew that we were going from top 22 straight to top 11, followed by top 6 and then the final top 3.
The top 11 was based on performance with the opening presentation, and evening gown.
And then the WORST thing happened! My heel got stuck and I almost fell!
I was panicking. All this hard work just to be snuffed out at the most important moment. I quickly gathered myself and just smiled bigger than before.
After the evening gown competition, we were all called back where they would announce the side titles (such as miss congeniality) and the top 11.

First one to enter was…. Miss Vietnam! She won most popular vote and therefore entered the top 11 as the first contestant.
The second girl called was Miss Philippines. It was no surprise that Lars got into the higher placements! Beauty and a kind soul.
The third girl called was Miss USA. My girl Melony! How exciting I was!
I was smiling from ear to ear when I heard it. She deserved it!
Next up…. Miss Venezuela! I got a bit nervous that we were already 4 girls in.
Then it was time for number 5. They called… The Netherlands! But wait, that’s me! I got in! I had a small shock that I heard my country. I could breathe a bit easier now.
The top 11 was followed by: Singapore, Spain, Mexico, China, Colombia and last, Thailand!
Here we are, the top 11. As I was looking in the crowd and seeing all the cheerful people I realized how hard I fought for this place. I deserved this!
We are called away to put on our swimsuit and perform in the swimsuit round.
This round would be the last chance you have to secure a spot in the top 6.
You know, I feel more secure about this! I have beautiful legs and my sparkling personality can shine more in this round.
I was just thinking, all I can do is my absolute best. Nothing more! Here goes.
It went well, my walk was good and this time no mistakes!
Then the moment was here : The calling of the top 6.
The top 6 would have to prove themselves with a difficult Q&A.
The first girl called to the top 6 is…. Thailand!
No surprise, she rocked it. Second, USA!
Third… Mexico! Already halfway there… Sweat was breaking out of all places.
Fourth place, Singapore! I had peace with not being called anymore. Only 2 more places and the competition from Vietnam and Philippines is too high.
5th place goes to…. The Netherlands!
Say What!? I could cry! They called me into the top 6! I felt relieved and even more nervous now to perform for the Q&A.
The top 6 was rounded up with Philippines.
Although speaking has always been my strong point, you should not underestimate the questions given by the judges.
They call me up and I choose question number 5. A fitting number given I was chosen as number 5 for the 2nd time in the top.

My question is: What is in your opinion the difference between acceptance and equality?
Being accepted and being equal sounds so similar! Yet, they are very different.

’'The difference between being accepted and being equal means that we as transgender women, get access to healthcare, access to playing in sports and entering fields that cisgender women have access to. This is now still lacking by a majority, and therefore we are not equal. We can only strive to be equal when they accept each and everyone of us as being equal.’'

I could not have done any better if im honest. It came from my experiences living in a cis controlled world where we still face oppression and be discriminated in most countries.
It was a genuine answer. Will it be enough for the top 3?
We are called back after 15 minutes. The judges have their scores ready and the top 3 is being called.
The first contestant is : Miss Netherlands!
Say what now?! I got called to the TOP 3!
This not only means that I have an actual shot of winning, but also that I will be spending 2 more weeks in Thailand since the top 3 will do their media tour together.
How crazy is this! They called my country!
Next up Miss…. USA! Are you serious?! We get to spend 2 more weeks together! Not only were we going strong the entire competition together, but now we were in the top 3 together!
Last to be called is Miss Singapore!
And there we have it, Europe, America and Asia all represented.
A sudden chill got on my back when I realized it is time for the last Q&A.
We all were getting the same question, I had to make to personal in order to stand out!

’'Tonight the world is making a new creating on the stage, and you become our new Miss International Queen. You are granted one wish for a creation to become true, what is it that you wish and why?’'

’'I would create an environment that is not only safe, but thriving for transgender people, everybody who is a minority, everybody who is been spit upon, who is the backbone of society but everybody who DESERVES to be equal. Everybody who is always seen as less, I know exactly how that feels, someone who is considered a loser. But people like us, we are just diamonds covered in dirt waiting to sprout. This is the legacy that I would create for a better world.’'

And just like that, I made myself cry. I made the young boy in myself cry. My answer came from my heart. No strings attached, no sugar coating. Just a pure, heartfelt answer.
We got called away for the judges to make their final votes on who is going to win.
After Fuschia’s final walk we got called back, one by one. With the other contestants standing all behind us.
You know, whatever the outcome would be I was already extremely proud of myself. I did everything myself and stayed true to myself. It was all me, myself and the power of I.

The moment is there.
The votes are in the hand of the host.
This is it….

2nd runner up goes to…. USA.
3 minutes pass by, and it is just me and Singapore.

The winner of Miss International Queen 2023 is :

The NETHERLANDS!

I am in shock. Is it really? Did I win? Am I dreaming?
Is it really the first time ever that Europe wins now? I am crying!
I cannot believe it, and as I am hugging Miss Singapore, I only feel love and warmth. It’s really over! All those months of hard work paid off.
Here I am, your new Miss International Queen!
I see Melony smiling from ear to ear and the realization kicks in that it is only beginning now.
As I am taking my first walk I can only cry, smile and be a complete mess!
I am joined by all the other girls and see all of them smiling, and the only thing I can feel is power, unity and love.

And that my dear readers, is was Pageantry should be about!

As we are now months later, I had the chance to do amazing things with the title and fame that comes with it.
I have started my world tour and soon the new year of MIQ is starting.

Follow my into the journey to crown my successor and stay in touch for latest updates regarding my visit to the national preliminary’s.

Thank you for reading, and with love
Solange
Miss International Queen 2023

Miss T World

My presence for Miss T World in Italy was one of the first as reigning MIQ 2023.
The national director asked me if I wanted to come and be a shining light to the girls.
To share my expertise, my vision and creativity.
At that point I’'ve never been to Italy and was quite excited!
During the 3 days I was present I saw the girls fighting for what they believed. They had a story to tell and wanted to show to the rest of the world who they are. It was heart opening to see these passionate girls doing what they love!
It reminded me of my time when I was competing at my first pageant back in 2019. I must say I was quite nervous to go on that stage since they asked me to say a few words and do a quick walk. Since this was my first appearance with the crown I still had to find my groove so to speak.

After al long day and evening of rehearsals and the final show, they selected their winner: beautiful Dominique!
Such an exquisite beauty, and very kind. With her heart on the right place!

The following day I had a chance to enjoy Italy for the first time and I did something I haven’t done before and took an unknown train to a bigger city and just went exploring.
Finally I could enjoy a true Italian pizza en gelato! You have no idea how much I have been looking forward to that.
It was quite hard to find every direction you need in a country that does not really speak English, but luckily I could manage with the help of some lovely students.

I want to thank the organizers of Miss T World for inviting me and showing me around, caring for me and making me fall in love with Italy.
I will be back very soon!

Ciao!
Solange

Miss Continental

CHICAGO, BABY!

That was my first thought when I was asked if I wanted to go to the USA to be a guest for Miss Continental.
I was filled with joy when my dear friend Melony (Miss International Queen USA 2023) told me back in Thailand she wanted to perform in a different pageant which was very big in the USA, called Miss Continental.
I never really heard about it before, but upon researching I found out it is actually quite big!
When she asked me to attent to support her I immediately said yes.
Never before did I had the opportunity to go to the USA, and this would be my first trip! I was so excited.
She contacted me with her sponsor, who I previously met back in Thailand, Todd Bavol.
Let me tell you one thing about Todd. He is one of the kindest, hardworking and funniest persons I have ever met in my life!
He made sure everything was arranged, from top to bottom and nothing was short.
Not only was I in perfect hands, but the excitement I had with going to one of the biggest city’s in America had me on cloud 9 already.

Now, Miss Continental was something completely different than what I was used to in Pageantry.
It’s a performing pageant, where talent is the front lead of success.
The girls (which were a lot) showcased exquisite gowns, talents and performances. And I've seen it all when I was there! From twirling, to dancing, to singing and even whole choreography’s were displayed.
It was something I haven’t seen before, and something I’'m not used to.
For me, pageantry is about speaking and what goals you have achieved, what kind of social activities have you done for the community.
With Miss Continental it was more a glamorous show with beauty and talent that took the lead. How interesting!

After 3 long days they had the final of Miss Continental and I could see my girl Melony in full glory and pride.
After what felt like hours, she got crowned 2nd runner up for this year.
A quite unfortunate outcome for all, but still a great achievement!
It was time to settle down a bit and let everything process.
She just bought a house with her partner Ace in Kensington, Illinois and we decided to get some rest there.
I honestly didn't know it would be such a drastic change with the busy side of Chicago. You had to drive for 10 minutes to get a cup of coffee from a diner! Secretly I loved it, the true country side of America after all that chaos.
It was exactly how I pictured it, exactly how it was in the movies that I grew up with. Big, open lanes and 24 hour diners. I had my first visit to Target and Walmart and both Melony and Ace laughed at how excited I was for a simple trip to Target.
I know it sounds silly, but when you grew up watching shows like Will&Grace, Sex and the city and all these movies made in the USA you have an image of what that place is like. And this was exactly like the image, even better!

After a week and a half I was ready to return to Amsterdam, with a lot of new memories, experiences and tons of new friends.
I could honestly say that this has been the best experience so far, and possibly of my entire life.
I had the change to experience something I had never done before and wanted to so badly. It made me feel rich in experiences and happiness.

And for that, I am forever grateful.

Miss Universe Netherlands

Well… where even to start?
Yes, you are reading the headline correctly. I was a contestant for Miss Universe Netherlands 2022.
Matter of fact, the very first transgender woman in The Netherlands.

When I was a young boy I saw the Miss Universe pageant on TV and I knew that one day I wanted to grace that stage.
I wanted people to look at me fully proud and think; wow! how did she do that!
When I applied for the casting I was quite nervous, I didn’t know what the organization would say, or how they would react on my application.
I tried for several years to be honest, but only with this year did I truly put in a lot of effort.
I applied, and after a few weeks I got an email back saying: Congratulation! You have made it to the top 100 women who will advance for the social media challenges.
Over the course of 4 weeks after, we had 3 challenges to impress the judges for the grand spot in the top 60, who then would present themselves in front of the judging pannel in real life.
4 weeks later en all 3 challenges complete, waiting for that dreading email, when I finally got an email back.

I made it to the live casting! How exciting and also nerve wrecking!
With preparing the only thing I wanted was for myself to stay myself and make only one person proud: me.
On the day of the casting, which was 16th of April, I saw many familiar faces and a lot of young, promising and beautiful women fighting for their dreams.
After hours and hours of intense training, doing catwalks and closed door interviews they were announcing who were going to make it to the final 10.
After the first 4 girls I got a bit anxious. Already 4 have passed, who’s going to be number 5?
With that moment rushing my head, the announcer made her words:
The 5th finalist who Im going to call, Solange Dekker!
I could NOT believe it, I made history already! The first trans woman to be casted for a MU-N season.
I was extatic! I felt emotions of relief, anxiety for what’s to come, sheer happiness and an unstoppable pain in my feet!
Here I was, loud and proud.

Over the course of the next 5,5 months, we prepared for the finale which would happen on 4th of September.
Looking back, we had an amazing ride together.
We went to Tunisia, which was my first trip to Africa, had various sponsor meetings, met amazing people from all over, had a whole YouTube documentary filmed, did endless photoshoots and runways, and so much more.
It didn't always feel right though, there were a lot of times where I felt like I didn't belong in the group.
It wasn’t only my first time, but for them aswel and perhaps I felt that pressure and uncertainty that they had also.
Or could it have been that I just wanted to win badly? I could see myself with the crown and a legacy from the start and had a whole year already planned out.
But when the moment came and I gave it my all, I didn’t win.
I was shocked, and honestly I was truly heartbroken. Was I not good enough?
Did I really decide myself into thinking I could win this?

Looking back on it, I can understand why I didn't win. I was so focussed only on winning that I forgot to enjoy the process and be myself. I lost sight of why I wanted to join and that moment was a true realization for me to always, no matter what, stay true to yourself and don’t let certain goals distract you.
Would I have done things differently? 100%
Perhaps I will join again if they decide to allow contestants back, or perhaps not and I need to close the chapter.

Nevertheless I have learned an extremely important lesson and got closer to myself. And that is something, I am truly grateful for.