Ep 5. Dating in the Dark

Jazz Jennings, a 16-year-old transgender activist, actress, and YouTube star, is the star of the hit TLC show "I Am Jazz." In the third season, episode five entitled "Dating in the Dark," we see Jazz exploring the world of dating as a transgender teenager.

The episode starts with Jazz discussing how hard it is to find someone who can understand her struggles and identity. She has been on a few dates with boys, but she feels that they only see her as a transgender girl and not as a girl. She wants someone who can see her beyond her gender.

It is then revealed that Jazz's friends have set her up on a blind date. The twist? They are going to have dinner in the dark. Jazz admits she is nervous about it because she has never had a blind date before, let alone one where she can't see the person's facial expressions. However, Jazz’s mom Jeanette is looking forward to the experience as she hasn't been on a date in years.

The restaurant is equipped with infrared cameras so that viewers can see the daters in the dark. Jazz and her date are both nervous and awkward at first, stumbling around in the dark as they try to find each other. Jazz admits to the camera that she is not used to being vulnerable around someone she doesn't know. But, as the night progresses, Jazz seems to be relaxing and getting more comfortable with her date.

After dinner, Jazz and her date are given the option of turning on the lights to see each other for the first time. Jazz is hesitant, but her date is excited to see her face. They turn on the lights, and Jazz’s date seems to be pleasantly surprised by her appearance.

The next day, Jazz meets up with her friends to debrief about the date. Jazz confesses that she had a good time and that her date was cute. Her friends are excited for her but also have some reservations about the guy, as they believe he might be more interested in Jazz's transgender status than in her as a person. But Jazz is determined to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Later in the episode, Jazz, her brother Sander, and her friend Jojo go to a party. Jazz's ex-boyfriend Ahmir is there, and she is visibly uncomfortable around him. Jazz admits that she hasn't really gotten over him, but she also knows that they weren't right for each other. Ahmir, on the other hand, seems to be interested in rekindling their relationship. Jazz is torn between her feelings for him and her desire to move on.

As the episode comes to a close, Jazz decides to go on a second date with the guy from the blind date. She is excited to get to know him better and see if there is a real connection between them. Jazz has come a long way in terms of feeling comfortable with her transgender identity and expressing herself, and it's clear that she is ready to take on new challenges in her life, including the challenges of dating and relationships as a transgender teenager.

Overall, "Dating in the Dark" is an interesting and introspective episode of "I Am Jazz," showcasing the struggles and rewards of dating as a transgender person. Jazz's vulnerability and openness are admirable and relatable, making her journey a compelling one to follow.