I have to admit a one-time guilty pleasure of watching MTV’s Real World, the original reality series. That affection for the series passed somewhere between Seattle and the Chicago seasons. Now, in its 21st season after a string of “firsts” including its debut with a gay character, the show has moved to Brooklyn and boasts a transgender regular.
I know that was done last year on America's Next Top Model, but the Real World environment and show format that looks more at personal lives than cut-throat competition. That format lends itself to a greater depth of insight and common understanding. With transgender role models in such short supply on televisions and media as a whole, I’m looking forward to garnering some new insight myself. The show‘s debut this month already has gotten some mixed reviews from the transgender community, but the verdict still is under deliberation in my opinion until we see how future episodes educate us.
Another reason I’m looking forward to the show, aside from that swipe at broadening its inclusiveness, the show also has three of its cast members working as interns at the LGBT community center in New York. It will be great to see some of the eight cast members doing good in an environment they actually chose to support, rather then being assigned by show producers. It’s great to see The Center take advantage of the publicity with an online newsroom, including a plug for behind-the-scenes coverage on The Center’s own blog.
So, have you seen the series yet? We would love to have you comment here with your opinion.
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