Because of a tranny, I’m going home to Pine Valley. It’s been a long time (five years) since I’ve been to Pine Valley. Memories swim through my head of my friend Nina’s marriage to Cliff, Tad “The Cad” Martin, and that lovely old woman who owns the city’s boarding house, Myrtle Fargat.
Where is Pine Valley, exactly? It’s on television, of course. Modeled after the Philadelphia Main Line, Pine Valley is the backdrop for ABC’s daytime soap, All My Children (AMC).
Much of the bonding that my sister and I did, was in front of the tube, knee deep in the drama of Pine Valley’s most notorious characters. My obsession didn’t end with my childhood. Over the next 30 years I visited often, keeping tabs on the goings on, since I last visited. Even in marriage, I found a someone to share my love of AMC with. Deborah was even more addicted to AMC, than I. When our relationship went sour, I found watching my favorite soap was a constant reminder of days spent with my ex-wife. In my pain, I quietly slipped away from Pine Valley, seemingly forever.
But that was yesterday. ABC recently announced that it will introduce a transgender character on the show. The character, flamboyant rock star, Zarf, will transition from male to female on the show.
Some in the transgender community have voiced concerns that AMC will take this opportunity to exploit the topic in an attempt to gain ratings. It is true that AMC has declined in the ratings from 8.2 million in 1991-92 to 3.1 million last year. But the folks over at ABC are showing signs that they are serious about exploring the trans experience. They’ve consulted with GLAAD and even brought transgender consultants.
Also, Actor Jeffrey Carlson, is saying all the right things to reassure the community. In an interview with the Associated Press he spoke to his fears of representing the transgender community. Carlson said “I worry about missing something, but I guess that would be the same with any character. I want the ‘All My Children’ audience to go along.
It’s not for shock value. It’s just another person whose story is being told in Pine Valley.”
Personally, I’m excited at the thought of AMC taking on this topic. Our struggle doesn’t get a lot of light in the media. This role could be even more significant than last years surprise hit, TransAmerica. Daytime soap operas connect their viewers in a way that can only be done with characters they see every day. Anyone that watched TransAmerica did so with the specific knowledge that the plot was going revolve around the life of a transperson. But this is a great opportunity to show our struggle to people that may be resistant, even hostile, to our cause. Over time it’s very possible that the viewers will develop an affinity for her, and open their hearts and minds.
I know I’ve got my fingers crossed. Oh, and I’ve got a date on Thursday with my TV set. I’ll let ya all know what I think.
Stepford