Love, Transamerican Style

by Jennifer Vanasco, 365Gay.com

A new TV reality dating series slated for February has a twist – the bachelorette is a transgender woman.

Calpernia Addams, a transgender activist, artist, actress and author, will be the prize in the Bachelor-like competition, which pits eight men against each other as they struggle to win her affection. The show, which has already been filmed, will air in February 2008 on LOGO, 365Gay's parent company.

"I'm so thrilled about the whole experience. I kept asking myself, what if I find someone amazing? " Addams said.

Unlike the controversial British TV series "There's Something About Miriam," which surprised the contestants by not telling them that Miriam was transgender until fairly late in the taping, Transamerican Love Story producers were always clear about who Addams is.

Logo insiders say that developing a show around Addams was not meant to be a stunt; instead, it is a sign both of societal progress and of how similar we all are underneath our differences.

"These shows advance Logo's continuing mission to not only explore the diversity of people in our community but also the diverse lives they lead," said Brian Graden, President, MTV Networks Music Group Entertainment; and President, Logo.

Addams agreed that this was her experience.

"I am so thrilled that the media is finally bringing trans people to the screen as intellectual, social and emotional equals who they trust the audience to identify with," Addams said in an email. "Usually we are relegated to prostitute, punch line, psycho or 'noble victim' roles, and 90 percent of the time we don't even play the roles ourselves. This show will be lots of real fun, which is groundbreaking."

Transamerican Love Story, which will be hosted by actor/comedian Alec Mapa, will also feature online voting from viewers at LOGOonline.com, though the results won't affect the outcome of the show. The combination of Mapa and Addams gives it a light, vibrant touch, insiders said.

"Calpernia Addams proves that steely optimism and a genuine spirit are the universal keys to finding love," added Graden.

©365Gay.com 2007