Let me start off by saying, I’ve never cried watching an episode of any Bachelor Franchise shows. I mean, they’re fun, flirty and drama-filled, but you don’t typically go to The Bachelor, The Bachelorette or Bachelor in Paradise to feel seen. But during Brooke Blurton’s first episode of The Bachelorette, I cried many tears at the incredible representation of the queer community and Aboriginal culture on Australian TV.
There were so many things right about this episode. Before any of the drama unfolded, the Acknowledgement of Country proceeded a mainstream reality show like The Bachelorette, set the scene for what this season is going to be all about.
And I for one, am totally into it.
Following the Acknowledgement of Country, they cut to Brooke, talking about her previous experiences looking for love on Bachelor franchise shows; first, on Nick (The Honeybadger) Cummins’ season of The Bachelor and then, on Bachelor in Paradise with former contestant Alexandra Nation. Brooke has always been open with her sexuality, her culture, her struggles and her motivation to find love and honestly, her whole aura is inspiring.
Listening to Brooke talk about her journey to find love so far made me emotional, not only because of her genuine nature but also because I recognise some of my own story in hers. As a bisexual woman, I can’t express how incredible it feels to see another bisexual woman on TV.
Growing up, I always knew I was attracted to women but honestly, I never thought it was an option for me. Being from a traditional Italian family, it was never actually verbalised that being in a same-sex relationship was wrong, but it just… wasn’t done. When I got in my relationship with a woman, my parents kept telling me it was “just a phase”, but I don’t know if they were trying to convince themselves, or me.
I know many queer people have experienced something similar. But regardless of our upbringing, past media hasn’t made us feel represented or supported anything outside of heterosexuality, which has only made us feel more ostracised… until now.
We’re often a bit far behind in Australia when it comes to diversity. It’s still rare to see size diversity in Australian fashion, let alone diverse sexualities being represented in a real-life scenario on Australian TV. Safe to say, this is a big move for Channel 10 and I think it’s going to pay off.
Following Jimmy Nicholson’s season of The Bachelor, which got the worst ratings of any Aussie season so far (nothing against you, Jimmy), Brooke’s season of The Bachelorette is the breath of fresh air that we needed.
It’s not that there was anything wrong with Jimmy’s season, but The format itself has rapidly become outdated, and I think people are catching on. Women no longer enjoy watching other women get pitted against each other in the pursuit of a man, even the contestants on Jimmy’s season didn’t seem that into it. There was less drama and more women sticking up for themselves and the other female contestants, which just goes to show how much female empowerment has evolved over the past few years.
The Bachelorette, which usually sees one woman dating a mansion full of men, has always been a bit more this century, but Brooke’s season takes it one step further. Being bisexual, Brooke dates both men and women. In her own words, she says that it’s all about the “connection” and has nothing to do with looks, genitalia, sexuality or gender.
Already, I’m all in. She’s explaining my relationship to attraction and my own sexuality. I genuinely feel seen by this modern, powerhouse, strong incredible woman.
Then, there’s the added element of Indigenous representation. Brooke is a First Nations woman, who proudly represents her culture openly. She was welcomed to the red carpet by a group of elders, doing a Welcome to Country. Brooke cried. I cried. I can’t even imagine what it must mean to her, to other First Nations peoples and to Indigenous children watching all over Australia right now.
This representation is just… beyond. Honestly, congratulations to Channel 10 for absolutely nailing it. This is what good TV looks like. You get the ratings by casting real people that accurately represent modern Australia and not only is that great for the show and for $$$, but also for everyone at home. This kind of representation makes a difference.
And on the topic of casting to represent modern Australia, I mean can we just talk about how incredible the women are!? Not only are they all beautiful and unique, but they each also showed independence, confidence and sex-positive vibes beyond anything I’ve ever seen on a TV show. Also, I kind of loved how much more badass they were than the men—quite genuinely a true representation of Aussie dating ?
In the words of the great Abbie Chatfield, who said on her Instagram story last night: “Really proud of The Bachelorette casting reflecting real life. Average men and super hot wonderful women.” Preeeeach queen.
Basically, overall I’m really excited for Brooke’s season of The Bachelorette. I’m excited to watch a bisexual woman navigate dating on national TV, I’m excited to watch her fall in love, I’m excited for some genuine representation in places we’ve really been missing in mainstream media.
In Brooke’s own words, “here’s to real love, in all forms”.
