Premium Content:

'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom': Viola Davis stars as queer blues legend

An award-winning Broadway show is coming to Netflix with a stellar cast and a slice of history.

- Advertisement -

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, based on the play of the same name by August Wilson, stars Viola Davis as the titular character.

Ma Rainey was a pioneer in the world of blues, and for Black women in the public eye.

Set in 1927 Chicago, the film explores Rainey’s rise to fame despite the odds, railing against racism in the music industry and wider America.

Rainey was also reported to have had relationships with women, alluding to bisexuality in her lyrics.

The film will also mark the final feature for the late Chadwick Boseman, whose passing from colon cancer shocked the world earlier this year.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom also stars Dusan Brown, Michael Potts, Colman Domingo and Michael Potts. The film hits Netflix this December.


Love OUTinPerth Campaign

Help support the publication of OUTinPerth by contributing to our
GoFundMe campaign.

Latest

Fundraising campaign lauched to get the Spectres to the 2026 Gay Games

See what you can do to help them achieve their dream.

Jesse Matheson appointed CEO of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

Matheson has been part of Mardi Gras’ leadership for several years filling many different roles.

On This Gay Day | Raconteur, actor and writer, Quentin Crisp died

Sting wrote a song about him, a film about his life made John Hurt a star, and he had a memorable turn opposite Tilda Swinton in Orlando.

Calls for Moira Deeming to be promoted to Shadow Minister for Women in Victoria

New Liberal leader Jess Wilson is being urged to promote Deeming to the front bench.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Fundraising campaign lauched to get the Spectres to the 2026 Gay Games

See what you can do to help them achieve their dream.

Jesse Matheson appointed CEO of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

Matheson has been part of Mardi Gras’ leadership for several years filling many different roles.

On This Gay Day | Raconteur, actor and writer, Quentin Crisp died

Sting wrote a song about him, a film about his life made John Hurt a star, and he had a memorable turn opposite Tilda Swinton in Orlando.

Calls for Moira Deeming to be promoted to Shadow Minister for Women in Victoria

New Liberal leader Jess Wilson is being urged to promote Deeming to the front bench.

NSW Liberal leader Mark Speakman steps down

Kellie Sloane is set to become the new leader.

Fundraising campaign lauched to get the Spectres to the 2026 Gay Games

See what you can do to help them achieve their dream.

Jesse Matheson appointed CEO of Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

Matheson has been part of Mardi Gras’ leadership for several years filling many different roles.

On This Gay Day | Raconteur, actor and writer, Quentin Crisp died

Sting wrote a song about him, a film about his life made John Hurt a star, and he had a memorable turn opposite Tilda Swinton in Orlando.