HBO’s Get Millie Black is a gripping new series that takes audiences on a journey through the complexities of identity, family, and community. Created by Booker Prize-winning author Marlon James, the show centers on ex-Scotland Yard detective Millie-Jean Black, who returns to Kingston, Jamaica, to work missing persons cases while grappling with her own fractured past. In a recent interview with GLAAD, the creators and cast talked about how the show dives deep into themes of chosen family, trauma, and resilience while presenting a richly authentic and inclusive portrayal of Jamaican life, especially for LGBTQ communities.
James, who also serves as an executive producer, drew inspiration from his own upbringing in Jamaica and the stories of marginalized groups, particularly the Gully Queens—queer Jamaicans who form tight-knit chosen families after being ostracized by their communities. “Jamaica has a pretty terrible reputation when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights, and it’s a reputation that is completely earned,” James shared. “But it also simplifies the story. There are survival stories, there’s community, and there’s family. These lives are worth telling.”
At the heart of this representation is Hibiscus, played by Chyna McQueen, a trans woman who serves as a protector of her chosen family. McQueen described Hibiscus as a character who refuses to be defined by adversity: “She’s not afraid to be who she is, no matter how difficult it gets. Her resilience is something I hope audiences can connect with.”
The series also highlights Curtis, portrayed by Gershwyn Eustache Jnr, whose tender relationship with his partner offers a counter-narrative to Jamaica’s reputation for homophobia. While their love is private and cautious due to societal constraints, it is portrayed as deeply supportive and affirming. “Curtis’s story is about humanizing the communities we represent on screen,” Eustache Jnr explained. “We wanted to show the joy, the struggles, and the quiet triumphs of living authentically, even in the face of discrimination.”
Get Millie Black offers an unflinching yet hopeful look at Jamaica’s LGBTQ+ community, shining a light on the realities of systemic challenges while celebrating the strength, resilience, and beauty of those who persevere. The show’s dedication to authentic storytelling and nuanced representation sets a new standard for inclusive narratives in television.
Get Millie Black premieres Nov. 25 on HBO, with new episodes dropping weekly on Mondays.