Beautiful, smart and charming are just a few words to describe Jenn Tran, the first Asian American Bachelorette in “The Bachelorette” show’s history. With the first episode premiering on July 8, the rest of this season focuses on Jenn as she journeys into the world of love as she takes the lead in her own story.
Making her first appearance earlier this year in season 28 of “The Bachelor,” Tran opened up about her Vietnamese culture and her love for family, traditions and Vietnamese food. This continues in The Bachelorette where she showcases her identity.
“I talk a lot about what it means to be a Vietnamese woman on ‘The Bachelorette.’ For me all these conversations are important to showcase my Vietnamese and Asian American identity and for everyone to know my authentic self”, Tran discussed with AsAmNews.
“Understanding who I am and my cultural background are traits I want when looking for a partner, and as the series progresses and becomes more serious, these conversations show how open these men are, and I am excited to see these conversations play out across the screen.”
Being the first Asian American Bachelorette hasn’t come without difficulties. Remarks online attacked Tran’s looks, her partner preferences and her ethnicity. Despite this, Tran remains committed to making a positive impact and being the representation she wished to see on screen when she was younger.
“No matter what, when you are racially attacked, it hurts. Whether it is someone yelling at you on the street or getting racist comments online, it will make us question who we are in American society,” Tran said. “For me I want to take this hurt to create something good and set an example for other Asian Americans and allow a younger generation to see themselves on the screen—which was something I have always wanted when I was younger.”
Tran highlighted that there is a lack of cultural diversity of Asians in the contestant pool, with a particular focus on Asian men, urging the show to consider this when they enter future seasons. Tran has been quoted in the media stating that it is “unfortunate” that there were not many Asian men in her season, but she hopes for major changes in the future.
“Yes, I do wish there were more Asian men in the contestant pool, because Asian men are hot, handsome and gorgeous. Representation is everything for me and it is important that this is seen in all facets of the show. I hope that with me being the lead this season can lead to other Asian Americans feeling encouraged to be on the show- both men and women,” Tran said.
Tran hopes that her representation will allow other Asian Americans coming on as the lead and as contestants into the future. She has advice for Asian Americans who are following her journey on the show and thinking about potentially following in her footsteps.
“My advice would be to not follow in anybody’s footsteps, but take them as an example to model your most authentic self on. I hope to see many more Asian American men and women taking lead roles on both The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, because love is not just about one race or skin color—it is about all races and all skin colors. Just be authentic, and set your own narrative.”
Season 21 of The Bachelorette with Jenn Tran can be viewed on the ABC channel.
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