Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
By RODNEY HO/ rho@ajc.com, originally filed Wednesday, June 17, 2015
I wrote a short item earlier today about three houseguests on the forthcoming "Big Brother" but only after I posted did I learn from TMZ that Audrey Middleton, a 25-year-old digital media consultant from Villa Rica, is the first transgender contestant on the show, going back 17 seasons.
TMZ said Audrey grew up as Adam Middleton, had a rough time as a child in small-town Georgia and transitioned a few years back. After some rocky times, her family has now accepted her.
This is smart casting on the part of "Big Brother," following the Caitlyn Jenner revelations and the success of Laverne Cox on "Orange is the New Black," among other transgender people in the public eye.
"I am a super fan" of 'Big Brother,' " Middleton told "Big Brother" in a promo interview where her transgender status is only hinted at. She said although her job is being online all day, she's okay living in the house without technology.
"I'm bringing a very versatile perspective of a character that hasn't been brought before," she said, teasingly.
She has a game plan to win the $500,000 over 98 days: "I am not a wallflower by any means." She hopes to be liked and win, too. "I could be a misunderstood hero," she said. "I won't let emotions get in the way of my game play."
According to CBS: "It is customary for Big Brother Houseguests to share personal news inside the house, and Audrey plans to discuss her story with the houseguests in her own words during the premiere episode on Wednesday, June 24.”
UPDATE June 24, 2015: The first episode, Audrey initially describes herself in her CBS intro as a "girlie girl to the extreme. I love expressing my femininity... Girl power!" She is also "extremely competitive and fiercely athletic. I bring a lot to the table and I'm looking forward to surprising some people. This Georgia peach is coming for you Big Brother!" Once inside the house, she informs the group that she is transgender.
People magazine said she used to be an MMA ring girl and did pizza delivery. She loves the outdoors and believes in astrology and tarot cards.
Producer Allison Grodner told ETonline: "Honestly, she would have been cast whether she was transgender or not. She is fabulous. We love her."
UPDATE: Host Julie Chen told ET: "I hope you watch with compassion and an open mind to learn something about a community that you may not be familiar with. This is Audrey's story to tell, and I'm looking forward to hearing it."
Here is the video interview provided by CBS.
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