Breaking Barriers: Jenn Tran Becomes ‘Bachelor’s’ First Asian American Lead Amid Ongoing Race Issues

Jenn Tran can’t stop thinking about being the first Asian American lead in the history of “The Bachelor” franchise—though who can blame her? Her season, set to debut on ABC Monday, has already stirred the pot, notably for having few suitors of Asian descent. Nevertheless, Tran, who made waves in the last “Bachelor” season featuring Joey Graziadei, views this unconventional journey as a golden opportunity to highlight her bicultural upbringing.

One of the most endearing scenes in Tran’s introductory package shows her chatting with her family about her adventure as a bachelorette. Of course, no Vietnamese family gathering would be complete without a sumptuous feast, and Tran’s family doesn’t disappoint. The portrayal of a vibrant Vietnamese meal not only showcases her roots but also brings an element of authenticity to an often homogenized TV landscape. Rachel Nance, a Filipino and Black contestant who outlasted Tran on Graziadei’s season, brought attention to the racial vitriol she faced, receiving countless derogatory messages. This only underscores the importance of Tran’s new role.

The buzz around Tran’s season has definitely piqued the interest of Asian Americans who don’t typically tune into “The Bachelor.” Fans like Luong, who is in an interracial relationship herself, are eager to see how Tran navigates the delicate balance of interracial dating and potential cultural clashes on national television. Tran isn’t entirely sure how her parents will react to the final cut, though she does believe her mother’s candidness during filming will make for compelling TV. Her mother’s concerns, deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture, promise to offer viewers a genuine glimpse into the complexities Tran faces.

The franchise’s track record with Asian representation leaves much to be desired. It wasn’t until 2016 that an Asian contestant graced “The Bachelorette.” Jonathan, a half-Scottish, half-Chinese technical sales rep, made an entrance in a kilt but was unfortunately remembered for a crude punchline about his Asian heritage. This glaring oversight prompted Wong Fu Productions, an Asian American production company, to create parody skits, highlighting the franchise’s failure to adequately respond to concerns of diversity and online bullying. Even now, the lack of Asian men among Tran’s suitors has been a point of contention.

Despite these challenges, Tran feels that her time on “The Bachelor” franchise has allowed her to find her voice. While the scarcity of Asian suitors is a missed opportunity, Tran’s journey is still a significant stride toward more inclusive representation. Her candid moments with family, and the cultural nuances she brings to the table, promise to offer viewers something they haven’t seen before. With her unique background and compelling presence, Jenn Tran is not just breaking barriers; she’s setting the stage for future leads who look like her, sound like her, and share her rich cultural heritage.