Cable network Fuse is expanding its queer programming his fall with Transcendent, a new reality show following a team of cabaret dancers at club Asia S.F., all of whom happen to be trans women. Why put themselves on stage this way? One of the performers, Bionka, says of the club: “At Asia S.F., I found how to present on the outside what I feel on the inside.” Here’s an exclusive clip of the women in action:
While the show (which will premiere on Wednesday following Outward favorite Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce) gets its sparkle from the ladies’ sultry moves, Transcendent’s heart is all about sharing a view of the trans experience—and it’s impressively honest. The first episode highlights community issues, including the difficulty of finding trans-friendly doctors, of dating men who are embarrassed to be with trans women, and of coming out to family. In a smart casting move, the show also features a woman, L.A., who is at the beginning of her physical transition; the other women help her along, both by getting her medical assistance and, in a particularly insightful scene, challenging her when she jokes about being a gay boy. If the season premiere is any indication, Transcendent is poised to be one of the most interesting and informative trans-themed TV shows to date.
Transcendent begins Wednesday, Sept 30 at 11:30 p.m. ET/PT on Fuse.
