Described by The Guardian, external as an “important political tome of black womanhood and black British life”, Queenie doesn’t shy away from addressing issues such as everyday racism, feeling out of place and mental health.
In the first episode alone, Queenie deals with a gynaecology appointment that doesn’t quite go to plan, her boyfriend’s elderly relatives commenting on the skin colour of her future children, and a tragic break-up.
She also grapples with men who only want to sleep with her because she’s black, and accusations from her Jamaican grandmother that she is bringing shame on the family for going to therapy.
“I was desperate for a black woman that wasn’t the sassy sidekick or angry girlfriend but was just real and honest,” Carty-Williams tells the BBC.
“That’s why you do have this messy girl Queenie who is trying to figure out who she is, away from all the stereotypes.”
But there is also a universality to the character.
“Everyone experiences heartbreak, loss and anguish so this story isn’t just for black women, it’s for every woman out there and I often meet women of all ethnicities and backgrounds who tell me about the impact Queenie has had on them,” Carty-Williams says.
James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
