Emira D’Spain makes history as Bravo’s first full-time transgender cast member, joining Gia Giudice, Brooks Marks, and Riley Burruss on Next Gen NYC…
Bravo is a haven for the LGBTQ+ community, constantly spearheading pop culture moments for us to enjoy. Whether it’s The Real Housewives, Vanderpump Rules, Summer House, or Southern Charm, the gays, the girls, and the community are always tuning into the unscripted docu-drama phenomenons. While the network feels inclusive—a friendly space that’s deeply intertwined with queer culture—representation has still been few and far between.
Even though Andy Cohen, the face of Bravo, is one of the most visible and celebrated queer public figures in media, we’re still predominantly watching straight, cisgender individuals live out their chaotic lives on screen. However, I am not complaining. As I tune in myself to every single series the network pumps out. Sorry, not sorry.
Still, when it comes to representation, it is growing, but it’s still not as diverse as it could be. The Real Housewives of New York City has made strides since its reboot—especially with the inclusion of two powerhouse lesbian cast members—but Bravo has largely fallen short when it comes to representing the trans community. That is, until now.
Influencer Emira D’Spain is making history as Bravo’s first full-time transgender cast member, and she’s ready to be messy. But before we dive into getting to know this absolute superstar, let’s give credit where it’s due. On Vanderpump Rules Billie Lee walked so Emira D’Spain could run. She may not have gotten the recognition she deserved, but Billie—we see you, and your contributions, trials and tribulations on bravo, in generally a cis-gendered space, is not lost on us.
Who Is Emira D’Spain? Meet the History-Making Star of Next Gen NYC
Emma D’Spain is a new york influencer, born in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, Emira moved to the United States at just three years old. After spending time in Kansas City and Tampa, she eventually settled in Dallas, Texas, where she attended a fine arts school and spent her youth immersed in competitive dance. From an early age, it was clear she was destined to be seen. That drive carried her to New York University, where she studied in Paris her freshman year before graduating magna cum laude with a degree in marketing and communications. Smart, stylish, and already serving.
But it wasn’t just her education that set her apart—it was her unapologetic embrace of herself. Emira turned the camera on and became her best investment. Under the handle @XOXOEMIRA, she skyrocketed on TikTok with her Get Ready With Me content, showcasing her influence to millions. From there, the fashion world took notice. Emira began landing campaigns with major brands like Anastasia Beverly Hills, Fenty Beauty, UGG, and more. Then in 2022, she made history—becoming the first Black transgender woman to model for Victoria’s Secret. A true moment. A true force. And now, she’s stepping into a new role: full-time cast member on Bravo’s Next Gen NYC.
Making It In Manhattan: Bravo’s Next Gen of Privilege and Power
Next Gen NYC, previously working under the title Making It In Manhattan, was pitched as an opportunity for reality television nepotism to take the forefront. With The Real Housewives on our screens for nearly two decades, the conversation about when we’d see the next generation step up and take the mantle from their mothers has been long anticipated. We always assumed this would focus on their respective Housewives shows, but in the end, Bravo decided to switch things up and create an entirely new concept.
Emira D’Spain is joined by Teresa Giudice’s daughter Gia Giudice, Meredith Marks’ son Brooks Marks, Kandi Burruss’ daughter Riley Burruss, and Kim Zolciak’s daughter Ariana Biermann. The group, alongside Emira, is also joined by other influential young adults, all ready to bare everything for the Bravo cameras. It’s been a long time in the making, and the moment is finally here to watch the next generation—the ones we watched grow up—tackle the concrete jungle of New York City with their wild group of friends.
The show will also feature the Housewives stars themselves, checking in on their children, so expect some highly outrageous cameos and the shenanigans you’ve come to love from Atlanta, New York, and Salt Lake City. Especially the banter between our king Seth Marks and his son Brooks—any opportunity to see this family shine on any platform is must-watch television. I won’t even dive into my profound adoration and love for Meredith Marks, because, well, this article isn’t about her (though she’s a whole other conversation, trust me).
Brooks Marks vs Emira D’Spain Showdown
While we can’t predict every twist and turn in the upcoming season of Next Gen NYC, one thing’s for sure: the queer cast members are bringing the drama. The first major clash of the season is shaping up to be between Emira D’Spain and Brooks Marks. What was expected to be a strong friendship fueled by common interests—both being in the fashion world, with Brooks making waves as a rising designer and Emira dominating as a model and influencer—looks to be anything but smooth sailing. Tension is the main focus in the trailer, with hints of a brewing feud between the two, who many assumed would stand together as allies within the community. But now, it seems the lines are getting blurred, and what seemed like a bond based on shared passions is quickly becoming anything but.
The Future of LGBTQ+ Representation on Bravo and Beyond
As Next Gen NYC sets the tone with both old and new faces, it’s not just about the drama—it’s about setting a new precedent for queer visibility. With Emira D’Spain at the forefront, Bravo is taking the necessary steps to amplify the T in LGBTQ+ voices in a way that feels slightly delayed but is both welcomed and needed. In this turbulent time for the trans community, with the ongoing battle over gender identity, Emira’s presence as the first full-time transgender cast member on Bravo is a milestone, offering the queer community a chance to see themselves reflected in a space that has long been dominated by straight, cisgender individuals.
Even with the upcoming drama brewing between Emira and Brooks Marks, the show remains a cornerstone moment for the queer community, offering viewers a glimpse into the complexities and triumphs of queer individuals navigating their personal and professional lives. This clash between the two rising stars only adds to the rich, diverse storytelling that fans of Next Gen NYC can expect, ensuring the queer cast members are highlighted—even if it means they have to get a little spicy along the way.
While Bravo’s journey toward queer representation has been slow, Next Gen NYC marks a long-awaited step in the right direction. As the first season unfolds, we’ll see these young adults navigating their lives in one of the best cities in the world, with Emira D’Spain leading the charge. The show’s inclusion of LGBTQ+ narratives in the reality TV space is exciting, and the mix of reality star royalty with familiar faces makes this a series that’s bound to stick.
Bravo is clearly positioning itself as a major player in the future of queer representation. With shows like The Real Housewives of New York City and Next Gen NYC, New York is finally giving us the diverse television that’s been missing. As the drama unfolds—whether it’s Emira’s rise to fame, Brooks’ quest to carve out his place in fashion, or the tension between them—the message is clear: queer voices and stories matter, and they deserve a platform that celebrates their authenticity.
POST A COMMENT