As you may or may not know, this season of Real World, set in Brooklyn, is the first to feature a cast member who is openly transgender. We find out within the first episode that KateLynn is a transwoman.I have very mixed feelings about Real World and, until now, have not watched a season since the Hawaii cast turned the show into one big naked drunk fest. However, it is important to note that Real World has a history of being very progressive, especially with its portrayal of LGBT cast members. Almost every season of Real World has featured at least one
gay or lesbian housemate. In some seasons, this caused drama. In others, it provided education about the queer community and undeniably led to greater acceptance of gay and lesbian people. The third season of Real World, which took place in San Francisco in 1994, featured Pedro - an openly gay AIDS activist who was living with AIDS at the time. Many argue that Pedro's appearance on Real World helped to put a friendly face to the disease and contributed greatly to getting young people involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS.So KateLynn will no doubt help to bring trans issues to Real World's mainstream audience. But the question I can't answer yet is, will this be a good thing? It is unfair to expect KateLynn to speak on behalf o
f the entire transgender community; however, for many viewers, she will be the first trans person many people see and learn about. This has already sparked transphobic comments on many of the Real World blogs and comment pages. Beyond how KateLynn portrays herself as a transwoman, the reactions of her castmates will be very influential in mainstream society as well. After 3 episodes, she has officially come out to 3 of her 7 roommates, who have all been very accepting. There has been speculation and gossip behind her back from other roommates she has not come out to yet, but in my opinion this has made them look bad, not KateLynn.
Aside from KateLynn being transgender, this cast is being dubbed as the "gayest" cast yet. Rather than KateLynn being the "token" LGBT member, there is also J.D. who is openly gay and Sarah who does not label herself, but has only dated women until her current relationship, which is with a man. And then there is Chet, a mormon metrosexual who is often perceived as gay. There is speculation that Chet might come out as questioning by the end of the series, but so far he identifies as straight. I agree with many that people's sexual orientation and/or gender identity should not matter and be discussed as their defining characteristics. However, the influence of Real World cannot be ignored.
If you have not been watching the season so far, I recommend getting caught up on episodes here. I would love to hear your opinion about how queer issues are being handled this season -- please leave your thoughts in the comments section, or e-mail me (jusilverstein@vassar.edu) a full blog post to publish. I will revisit this topic at the end of the Real World season with a more indepth analysis of the queer aspects of the season.
f the entire transgender community; however, for many viewers, she will be the first trans person many people see and learn about. This has already sparked transphobic comments on many of the Real World blogs and comment pages. Beyond how KateLynn portrays herself as a transwoman, the reactions of her castmates will be very influential in mainstream society as well. After 3 episodes, she has officially come out to 3 of her 7 roommates, who have all been very accepting. There has been speculation and gossip behind her back from other roommates she has not come out to yet, but in my opinion this has made them look bad, not KateLynn.Aside from KateLynn being transgender, this cast is being dubbed as the "gayest" cast yet. Rather than KateLynn being the "token" LGBT member, there is also J.D. who is openly gay and Sarah who does not label herself, but has only dated women until her current relationship, which is with a man. And then there is Chet, a mormon metrosexual who is often perceived as gay. There is speculation that Chet might come out as questioning by the end of the series, but so far he identifies as straight. I agree with many that people's sexual orientation and/or gender identity should not matter and be discussed as their defining characteristics. However, the influence of Real World cannot be ignored.
If you have not been watching the season so far, I recommend getting caught up on episodes here. I would love to hear your opinion about how queer issues are being handled this season -- please leave your thoughts in the comments section, or e-mail me (jusilverstein@vassar.edu) a full blog post to publish. I will revisit this topic at the end of the Real World season with a more indepth analysis of the queer aspects of the season.
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