Audrey Middleton debuted Wednesday as the first transgender guest on CBS's "Big Brother" at a time when, as
People magazine put it, transgender people are having their highest pop culture visibility.
Middleton, 25, who described herself as a "Big Brother" super fan, addressed the issue upfront and revealed her transgenderism to her fellow houseguests on the show's premiere,
according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The digital media consultant from Georgia told People before entering the house that she planned on making "bold moves" during the competition. She did just that, noted The Hollywood Reporter, by forming the first alliance with Shelli Poole and Da'Vonne Rogers.
"I will not float," Middleton said in her
"Big Brother" biography. "I will make bold moves and I will get blood on my hands. Heads will roll."
Most of her housemates expressed surprise about the news that Middleton was transgender, noted The Hollywood Reporter.
"This is my first time ever meeting a transgender person," said James Hulling
Clay Honeycutt added: "Never would have guessed it."
"Big Brother" host Julie Chen expressed support for Middleton,
according to Us Weekly.
"I hope you watch with compassion and an open mind to learn something about a community that you may not be familiar with," said Chen. "This is Audrey's story to tell, and I'm looking forward to hearing it."
Middleton, who said she puts a lot of work into her appearance, is a former competitive swimmer and will probably be in a bikini a lot when the chance arrives, noted Us Weekly.
The CBS version of "Big Brother" has been criticized in the past for racist and homophobic comments and
Los Angeles Times writer Scott Collins wrote that its contestants will likely be watched closely for their reaction and treatment of Middleton on the show.
"Middleton has arrived in the house just as transgender people are having a cultural moment," wrote Collins. "Caitlyn Jenner, the Olympic gold medalist whose transition was captured in a recent Vanity Fair cover story, will have an E! reality show, 'I Am Cait,' premiering July 26."
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