Emira D’Spain is no stranger to breaking barriers, and now she’s making Bravo history. After becoming the first Black trans woman to model for Victoria’s Secret, D’Spain is adding another milestone to her résumé: she’s officially the first trans person to join Bravo as a full-time cast member, starring in the network’s upcoming reality series Next Gen NYC.
Known online as @XOXOEMIRA, D’Spain is a content creator, beauty expert, and social media force to be reckoned with, boasting a large following across TikTok and Instagram. Now, she’s ready to bring her charisma and ambition to television screens in Bravo’s latest unscripted show.
Who Is Emira D’Spain?
Born in the United Arab Emirates and raised in Dallas, D’Spain is 28 years old and a graduate of New York University, where she earned a degree in Marketing and Communications. Her career has been on a steady rise ever since. She famously turned a beauty internship into a full-time role as beauty director at Paper magazine—while also building a name for herself as a trendsetting influencer in the fashion and beauty space.
Now, she’s stepping into a new role: reality TV star.
What Is Next Gen NYC?
Bravo’s Next Gen NYC is a fresh take on the network’s long-standing legacy of drama, friendship, and aspirational living. The show follows a group of twenty- and thirty-somethings navigating relationships, careers, and city life with cameras in tow.
While many cast members are the now-grown children of Real Housewives stars, D’Spain brings something different to the table—her own story, hustle, and magnetic presence.
“Emira has hustle in her DNA,” Bravo said in a press release. “Born in Dubai and raised in Dallas, she turned her NYU degree and a killer internship into a coveted role as Paper magazine’s beauty director. Now, she’s thriving as one of New York’s most successful content creators.”
And yes—there will be drama.
D’Spain teased her upcoming TV debut with a promotional image on Instagram, captioned, “Time to be messy… 👀.” While she’s known for staying above the fray, her Next Gen NYC bio hints at some shakeups this summer: “She usually stays above the drama, but this summer, balancing romance and friendship loyalties might disrupt her perfectly planned hustle.”
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Translation: Emira might be stepping into some real Bravo-worthy chaos—and we’re here for it.
A Historic First for Bravo
D’Spain’s casting marks a historic moment for the network, making her the first trans person to appear as a full-time cast member on any Bravo series. It’s a significant step toward greater inclusivity in mainstream reality TV, especially on a network known for shaping pop culture with shows like The Real Housewives, Below Deck, and Vanderpump Rules.
With her unique background, unapologetic confidence, and polished aesthetic, D’Spain is poised to be a standout on Next Gen NYC—and a trailblazer for more inclusive representation in reality TV.
Next Gen NYC premieres Tuesday, June 3, on Bravo. And if Emira D’Spain has anything to say about it, things are about to get very interesting.
