Possible reality show for transgender mayor
Stu Rasmussen was elected Mayor of Silverton, Oregon last November, making him the first transgender mayor in U.S. history. Now, production company RDF USA is interested in turning the Mayor’s life into a reality show. On Monday, the crew began filming early footage for a teaser the company could show to networks. While its intended focus would be the life of a transgender person living in a small town, the show would likely also take on many of the issues facing an elected official in a small town.
The Statesman Journal reports:
“I have a big ego, but not big enough to think this is going to be Stu-centric,” he said. “I think it’s going to be Silverton-centric because there are enough other interesting things going on in this community. I will be a recurring character but not the central theme.”
The 60-year-old software engineer and co-owner of the Palace Theatre in Silverton said he’s excited and apprehensive about the show at the same time.
“I think it will be an interesting project if it comes together, but I think we have to be on top of this to make sure that it shows Silverton in the best possible light,” he said.
Sara Hansemann, manager of development, said it will take a few weeks to edit the preview, but they are working on other projects as well. She thinks it has a good chance of reaching television.
“We don’t undertake a project without doing our research,” Hansemann said. “We have potential buyers in mind.”
For more information on Rasmussen and his experience as a transgender man, click here.

