Jenn Tran opens up about her search for lasting love on The Bachelorette.
Tran, who was named the first Asian-American lead on The Bachelorette, opened up about People about her experience on the show, admitting that she is “very happy” with the end of her season.
“I’m really happy with the ending and the way it all played out,” she told the outlet. “I learned a lot every day that I was there[to figure out]about myself and what I wanted in a relationship. There was a lot of growth.”
Over the course of filming, Tran, 26, also redefined what she ultimately sought to get out of the show.
“I feel like when you go on the journey, you have high hopes of getting engaged,” she explained. “And then as you go along the journey, you’re like, what does an engagement really mean to you? Is it just a ring or is it an engagement?”
Jenn Tran opens up about her search for lasting love on The Bachelorette; pictured arriving at Good Morning America in New York on Monday
“What I was really looking for was a long-term partner, so I think my definition of that really changed throughout the journey,” she added.
During her interview, Tran also revealed the racism she experienced after being named The Bachelorette’s first Asian-American lead.
“I won’t say it’s all been positive because racism still exists,” she told People.
However, Tran has also received positive feedback from those “grateful” to see her appear on television screens.
“I’ve gotten a lot of hate messages, but I’ve also gotten a lot of people who have been so grateful to see someone like me on screen. I feel so grateful and honored to be able to do that for people, because when I was a kid, I never had that. I’m becoming the role model I always wanted to see as a kid.”
Tran wasn’t aware of the depth of racism until she finished filming The Bachelorette, when she logged back on her phone and saw the hateful comments left by trolls.
“I got the announcement and I immediately went to film. I didn’t have my phone with me the whole time, so I had no idea what the world was saying until I got back from this amazing experience. I was so excited and so hopeful, and then, I went online and read a bunch of people’s opinions about everything. That was really disappointing,” she explained.
Although Tran found it difficult to read the racist comments, she remains positive and optimistic: “I feel so honored to be the first Asian American lead. I know I’m inspiring so many people to embrace their differences.”
Tran has made history as the franchise’s first Asian-American lead.
Tran donned a hot pink dress and strappy metallic heels.
‘I really think my story lies in the fact that I’ve always felt different throughout my life, and I hope people can see that you shouldn’t want to be normal, you should embrace what makes you you.’
Tran was studying to become a medical assistant, however, she put her studies on hold while she searches for love on a reality show, according to People.
Tran was announced as the next Bachelorette after unsuccessfully competing for Joey Graziadei’s heart on her season of The Bachelor.
“Tran is a sweet and compassionate woman who has dedicated her life to helping others and is currently studying to become a medical assistant,” her bio reads. “The bilingual Vietnamese beauty currently resides in Miami and is ready to find love with a man who is as trustworthy and caring as she is. When she’s not studying, Tran loves to read, paddleboard, and travel whenever she gets the chance.”
Jenn, who is Vietnamese-American, said it felt “honestly amazing” to have been chosen as the next star of The Bachelorette.
“I feel so grateful and honored to be the first Asian Bachelorette in this franchise,” she said when she was announced.
Tran sported a mane full of loose waves, silver earrings and black sunglasses.
She joined The Bachelor franchise as a contestant on Joey Graziadei’s season.
“Tran is a sweet and compassionate woman who has dedicated her life to helping others and is currently studying to become a physician assistant,” her bio reads.
Her new position as The Bachelorette was also a corrective to the dearth of Asians on television when she was younger.
“As a kid, I always wanted to see Asian representation on TV, but I felt like it was so lacking,” she admitted. “Whenever Asians were in the media, it was to play a supporting role, to fulfill some kind of stereotype, and I felt very pigeonholed by that because I was like, ‘I don’t see myself on screen, I don’t see myself as a main character.'”
Jenn looked amazing while promoting her new season ahead of tonight’s premiere.
She couldn’t have looked happier as she arrived on Good Morning America in a hot pink dress and a big smile.
Jenn donned metallic heels and sported a head of hair full of loose waves for her moment in the spotlight.
Season 21 of The Bachelorette premieres tonight on ABC at 8/7c.
