'Big Brother 17' Welcomes 1st Trans Houseguest

Some of the most talked about players for the seventeenth season of CBS's hit reality show "Big Brother" were a professional wrestler, a poker player and a poker dealer. But social media exploded Tuesday when it was revealed one of the new 14 players is a transgender woman.

Variety confirmed that Audrey Middleton, 25, is a trans woman who will be competing for the $500,000 grand prize on "Big Brother 17."

"Audrey Middleton is a 'Big Brother' super fan who applied online, like many other hopeful houseguests, and was open about her transition in the application process," a CBS spokesperson told Variety. "It is customary for 'Big Brother' houseguests to share personal news inside the house, and Audrey plans to discuss her story with the houseguests in her own words during the premiere episode on Wednesday, June 24."

Middleton, born Adam, is a digital media consultant and resides in a small town in Georgia. Her CBS profile reads that she's a former competitive swimmer and MMA Ring Girl who loves dressing up and loves to "look fabulous head-to-toe, but also isn't afraid to get dirty." She is attracted to "tall, dark and handsome guys with a quick wit."

"I think that I'm bringing in a very versatile perspective of a character that hasn't been brought before," Middleton said in a video for "BB 17." When she was asked how America will react to her this season, she said: "I think there's a chance I could be a misunderstood hero, but I'm going to be a hero."

As Variety points out, Middleton is the first transgender player on the U.S. version of "Big Brother." There have been other trans houseguests in other editions of the show, like the winner fifth season of the U.K. series, Nadia Almada. Media personality Lauren Harries also appeared on the twelfth season of "Celebrity Big Brother," which also airs in the U.K.

According to TMZ's sources, Middleton transitioned several years ago and her initially family had a hard time accepting her coming out, but they are fully supportive now.

About two years ago, "Big Brother 15" caused controversy after a number of its players were caught using racial and homophobic slurs and making misogynistic comments while on the show's 24/7 live feeds. Eventually, the producers decided to put a disclaimer at the start of each episode, warning viewers about the offensive language.

Click here to read more about the "Big Brother 17" cast.