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

Civil rights giant Reverend Jesse Jackson dies aged 84

A lifelong champion of civil rights Jesse Jackson spoke up for many marginalised communities including LGBTIQA+ people.

Trans woman accuses federal police of assault at Sydney Airport

Transgender woman Elly says she assaulted by AFP Officers in December.

‘True Colors’ songwriter Billy Steinberg dies aged 75

Alongside Tom Kelly, Steinberg wrote some of the most iconic hits of the 1980s and 1990s.

UNSW threads together history and pride with Queer Community Quilt

The 3x5 metre collaborative artwork is inspired by the iconic AIDS Memorial Quilt.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Civil rights giant Reverend Jesse Jackson dies aged 84

A lifelong champion of civil rights Jesse Jackson spoke up for many marginalised communities including LGBTIQA+ people.

Trans woman accuses federal police of assault at Sydney Airport

Transgender woman Elly says she assaulted by AFP Officers in December.

‘True Colors’ songwriter Billy Steinberg dies aged 75

Alongside Tom Kelly, Steinberg wrote some of the most iconic hits of the 1980s and 1990s.

UNSW threads together history and pride with Queer Community Quilt

The 3x5 metre collaborative artwork is inspired by the iconic AIDS Memorial Quilt.

ACON shares advice for safety and wellbeing this Mardi Gras season

The 2026 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is in full swing and LGBTIQA+ community service ACON is sharing some timely advice.

Civil rights giant Reverend Jesse Jackson dies aged 84

A lifelong champion of civil rights Jesse Jackson spoke up for many marginalised communities including LGBTIQA+ people.

Trans woman accuses federal police of assault at Sydney Airport

Transgender woman Elly says she assaulted by AFP Officers in December.

‘True Colors’ songwriter Billy Steinberg dies aged 75

Alongside Tom Kelly, Steinberg wrote some of the most iconic hits of the 1980s and 1990s.