Meet Ma Rainey: The Unapologetically Queer Mother of the Blues

In this episode, Anna & Amanda dive deep into the story of Gertrude 'Ma' Rainey, the Mother of the Blues. Born and raised in Alabama, she first took to the stage around the age of 12 and never looked back. Over the course of her nearly 40-year career Ma Rainey subverted every expectation with style and changed the face of American music.

In this episode you'll discover:

✅ How Ma Rainey got her name
✅ Who once said that "after performing and working with Ma Rainey there was nowhere to go but to the Lord"
✅ Why Bessie Smith once had to bail Ma Rainey out of jail

This is Queer History Done Right.

The Brister English Project: https://bristerep.org/

More about Amanda & Yesterqueers

Yesterqueers founder Amanda W. Timpson (she/her) is an accidental public historian, a former television executive, and a Carrie Fisher-inspired sass factory who is passionate about exploring and celebrating the broad expanse of queer history. As the descendent of a long line of writers and raconteurs (and more than a few skilled bullshit artists), storytelling is part of Amanda's DNA. She believes that restorative storytelling is our most powerful tool for connection, understanding, and change. Follow her across social media @yesterqueers.

Learn more about Yesterqueers here, https://yesterqueers.com

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About Queer News An intersectional approach to a weekly news podcast where race & sexuality meet politics, entertainment and culture. Tune-in to reporting which centers & celebrates all of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & comrade communities.

Hosted by Anna DeShawn. New pod every Monday by 9am CT.

Edited by Amanda W. Timpson

Brought to you by E3 Radio and distributed on The Qube.