Emira D’Spain, 29, became the first full‑time transgender cast member on a Bravo series when she joined “Next Gen NYC” in its debut season.
The reality show, which launched in June 2025, follows the adult lives of children of Bravo personalities and other newcomers as they navigate relationships, careers and personal challenges.
Season two premiered earlier this month, adding new participants Shai Fruchter, Georgia McCann, Charlie Zakkour, Rowan Hency and Liam Obergfoll alongside returning cast members.
Regulars include the offspring of former “Real Housewives” stars—Gia Giudice, Ariana Biermann, Brooks Marks and Riley Burruss—whose parents also appear, as well as Ava Dash and Hudson McLeroy.
The series has generated notable moments, such as a heated dinner scene in season one where tensions erupted between Gia, Brooks and Ariana, resulting in profanity‑laden exchanges.
Storylines also explore conflicts over finances, fashion and family dynamics, reflecting the show’s emphasis on “messy” real‑life experiences.
D’Spain’s casting marks a milestone for the network, which previously featured only a part‑time transgender participant, Billie Lee, who appeared on “Vanderpump Rules” for ten episodes before departing in 2019.
A network spokesperson emphasized the importance of representing the diversity and authenticity of the current generation through the series.
Born in Dubai and raised in Dallas, Texas, D’Spain earned a degree from New York University and later served as beauty director for Paper Magazine.
Her modeling résumé includes work with Victoria’s Secret—where she became the brand’s first Black transgender model—as well as campaigns for Fenty Beauty, Ugg, Anastasia Beverly Hills and NARS Cosmetics.
In a 2022 profile, she described herself as a “TikTok It Girl” while acknowledging the challenge of balancing advocacy for the transgender community with broader personal branding.
D’Spain has expressed a desire to support her community without allowing her gender identity to dominate her public presence, seeking a nuanced approach to representation.
“Next Gen NYC” continues to air on Bravo in the United States and is available for streaming internationally on Hayu.
