America’s First Trans Mayor Might Get His Own Reality Show

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Stu Rasmussen is America’s first openly transgender mayor, running the show in a little place called Silverton, Oregon. Elected last November, she’s already faced the wrath of the infamous jokesters of the Westboro “God Hates Fags” Baptist Church. Now, he could face the wrath of all America — if the reality show he’s working on pans out.

Film crews began tailing Rasmussen to put together a teaser to shop to networks. Reports Oregon’s Statesmen Journal:

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Lead producer Gerald Massimei said Silverton has exceeded their expectations. “It will make a phenomenal background for a really interesting story,” Massimei said. “There is something really special about this town. We want to invite people, if they see us filming, to come say hi to Stu. Don’t be afraid of the cameras.”

The show would be centered around Rasmussen and his challenge as a transgender person living in a small town. It would also look at the mechanics and intricacies of local government, including some “hot button” issues such as the Silver Creek Dam, Rasmussen said.

“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.

Rasmussen’s longtime girlfriend, Victoria Sage, has mixed feelings about the idea. “I think it could be good for Silverton, but it’s definitely not my thing,” Sage said.

Rasmussen said he will not be paid for the preview. If it goes to production, he stands to get a percentage of the total production cost. Production cost has been estimated at $30,000 to $35,000 per episode, he said.

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