Show: Bloggerne
Release Year: 2020-2021
Emma Ellingsen's participation in the 2020–2021 season of Bloggerne, a popular Norwegian reality TV series, marked a significant moment in her career as both an influencer and a public figure. Bloggerne, which has aired on TV 2 Lifestyle and TV 2 Play since 2014, follows the lives of Norwegian bloggers and influencers, offering viewers a closer look at their personal and professional experiences.
Emma, who was 19 years old at the time, entered the series as one of its new stars for the 13th season. Having already gained national fame for her advocacy as a transgender person, Emma’s presence in the show added a unique layer to the already popular series. Her story was particularly significant because of her longstanding visibility as a trans activist and her journey to self-acceptance.
Emma Ellingsen, born in 2001 in Tønsberg, Norway, quickly became one of the most recognizable faces among Norwegian influencers. She first captured the public’s attention at the age of 12 when she publicly came out as a transgender girl on Norwegian television. Her involvement in the 2014 TV series Født i feil kropp (Born in the Wrong Body) resonated with many, as it focused on young people dealing with gender dysphoria. This appearance marked the beginning of her journey into the public eye and set the foundation for her later career in the media.
By 2020, Emma had established herself as one of Norway’s leading influencers. She was well known for her YouTube channel, where she shared personal insights and experiences, particularly about being transgender. Her online presence was supported by collaborations with various brands, including a clothing collection with NA-KD and a beauty brand she launched in late 2020 - Emma Ellingsen Beauty.
In the summer of 2020, Emma joined Bloggerne for its 13th season, bringing her unique perspective as a young, transgender influencer. The show’s audience had followed her journey through its emotional highs and lows, including her long-awaited gender-affirming surgery. Throughout the season, viewers got an intimate look at Emma's life - her relationships, her career, and the challenges she faced as she navigated life in the spotlight.
Emma's story on Bloggerne wasn’t just about her rise to fame but also about the personal milestones she reached. Her participation in the show was a chance to highlight her ongoing journey with gender dysphoria and her decision to undergo a gender-affirming surgery. Emma had been open with her followers for years about her struggle with gender identity, and in the spring of 2020, after a long wait caused by delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she was finally able to undergo the surgery she had been planning for so long. The surgery is a highly complex and multi-phase procedure that involves various types of surgeries, depending on the individual's transition goals and needs. These surgeries are intended to help individuals align their physical bodies with their gender identity and can include several distinct procedures, so Emma's planning was very thorough.
One of the most poignant moments in Emma's time on Bloggerne came when she shared the preparation and aftermath of her gender-affirming surgery. For Emma, the procedure was not just a physical transformation but also a deeply emotional one. The series captured the moments leading up to the surgery, offering viewers a raw and unfiltered look at her experience. Emma spoke candidly about the mix of emotions she felt before the surgery, including fear and vulnerability. She described how, despite knowing for a long time that the operation would happen, she was still overwhelmed with anxiety when the time finally came.
In an interview, Emma shared her thoughts on the surgery, saying it felt “very good” to have it behind her. Reflecting on the journey, she expressed immense gratitude for the positive outcome. The experience was a deeply transformative one, not just physically but emotionally. Emma admitted that the first few days post-operation were challenging, marked by a sense of vulnerability and the physical recovery process. But, as she recovered, she found herself feeling more thankful than ever.
In addition to the surgery, Emma's participation in Bloggerne also highlighted another important chapter in her life: her move to Oslo. In January 2020, she revealed to the press that she had made the bold decision to leave her family home in Tønsberg and start living independently in the Norwegian capital. Despite having no strong desire to live in Oslo initially, Emma explained that her career - particularly her work as an influencer - made it a practical move. She was now able to experience the city in a new way, meeting new friends and exploring her career in the heart of Norway’s entertainment industry.
While Emma still spent time visiting her family in Tønsberg, she expressed her growing fondness for Oslo, especially as more of her friends moved to the city. She was finding her place and enjoying her independence, all while continuing to build her brand and career.
Emma’s participation in Bloggerne was a reflection of her broader journey and personal growth. As an influencer, she had already made a significant impact on Norwegian society by being one of the few public figures to openly discuss the challenges of living as a transgender person. Her story was an inspiration to many, as she broke barriers and opened doors for more inclusive conversations about gender identity.
Emma’s transparency about her experiences on Bloggerne, especially regarding her surgery, resonated with many viewers. She not only educated the public on the intricacies of gender transition but also portrayed the vulnerability and strength that come with such a personal journey.
Moreover, her involvement in the show represented an important step in her career, marking her as a multifaceted figure in the Norwegian media landscape. In addition to her social media influence, she had begun branching out into other roles, including hosting her own show Annerledes (translated as “Different”), where she would meet individuals who have experienced feeling like they don’t quite fit in. This was another platform where Emma could share her personal insights and further advocate for inclusivity and understanding.
Emma Ellingsen’s time in the 2020–2021 season of Bloggerne served not only as an opportunity for her to showcase her personal life and career but also as a platform for furthering conversations about gender identity and the transgender experience. With her openness, courage, and authenticity, she continued to break barriers and inspire others, both within and outside of the LGBTQ+ community. As Emma's career progresses, it’s clear that her influence will only continue to grow, both as a role model and as a pioneering figure in the Norwegian media landscape.
Image credits: Instagram
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