Jenn Tran is embracing her role as the first Asian American lead in the history of The Bachelorette, a milestone that holds significant personal and cultural importance for her.
"I think about it every day, all the time. I think if I pushed it aside, that would be such a dishonor to me in who I am because being Asian American, that’s me," Jenn shared, per NBC.
Jenn’s casting marks a pivotal moment for the franchise, known for its limited diversity. Her presence as the Bachelorette is a step towards changing that narrative, especially given the historical context where contestants of color often faced tougher challenges.
Although her season has not yet aired, it has stirred discussions due to the apparent lack of Asian suitors, an issue Jenn confronts with optimism and a readiness to share her heritage.
"My mom and I speak a lot of Vietnamese together. And I can’t wait for people to see that. That’s not something that people have seen before," Jenn said, reflecting her eagerness to bring her bicultural background to the forefront.
Her season promises to offer a more authentic glimpse into Asian culture. This contrasts with past superficial treatments, such as a 2019 episode where Asian cuisine was met with disrespect by predominantly white contestants.
Jenn Tran challenges stereotypes as the lead of The Bachelorette
Jenn's role on The Bachelorette is already generating significant interest among Asian Americans, many of whom have not traditionally engaged with the show.
Vi Luong, a Vietnamese American influencer and new fan of the show, noted the shift in interest: “I’d say 90% of my friends are Asian and yeah, they’re kind of like in my boat where they’ve never really cared until now."
She also mentioned the criticism labeling Jenn as a "diversity hire," which she argues isn't negative but a strategic move to diversify the show's demographic.
The show's portrayal of interracial relationships and cultural nuances is particularly anticipated. Vi is curious about how Jenn's interactions with the contestants, particularly those from different cultural backgrounds, will unfold.
"This is where I’m like, ‘Oh, this might get really interesting,’” Vi said.
Jenn's mother, who has only experienced Vietnamese reality TV, was actively involved during filming, bringing forth concerns rooted in their cultural background. Jenn appreciates this, seeing it as an opportunity to educate viewers: “She really was just trying to wrap her head around it all.”
Despite the challenges, Jenn is optimistic about her journey and the potential cultural bridge her season can offer.
As for the romantic outcomes, Jenn remains coy, simply stating, "I can tell you that I'm happy with the way things ended," with a smile. "Throughout this journey I really learned to stand up for myself because if you don’t, nobody else will."
Season 21 of The Bachelorette kicks off Monday, July 8 on ABC.