Bridgerton’s Golda Rosheuvel says she feels ‘privileged and blessed’ to be a gay, Black woman
Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte in Bridgerton. (Netflix)
Bridgerton star Golda Rosheuvel spoke of her pride in being a Black, gay woman and “creating space” for others like her.
In an interview with the New York Post’s Page Six, Golda Rosheuvel, who plays Queen Charlotte in Bridgerton, the hit romantic period drama, said she feels “privileged and blessed” to be gay, female and Black.
She said she’s aware of the importance of her taking on the role as a woman of colour and paving the way for a new generation of talent, acknowledging that for a long time, “stories have been told by the privileged”.
“And I think it’s time that the door has opened and the time is now that the door is being opened by people of colour, Black and brown people, Shonda Rhimes, Tyler Perry, Oprah Winfrey, Ryan Coogler.”
She added: “Then to be able to create the space where you can have a Black queen in the highest-watched period drama on Netflix, you can have that to be able to break down the boundaries to make the space for Black and brown people to be in a lavish, sexy, scandalous, beautiful representation of life.
“The journey is not over but it’s definitely going in the right direction.”
The British actor said that she is “very proud of who I am”.
“There’s not a lot of us around who are gay, female, Black, and I’m very privileged and blessed to be one of them,” Golda Rosheuvel continued.
“I’m not saying that I speak for a community, I’m a small voice in that community, but I think each of us who has a small voice creates something big and something wonderful for the next generation to see themselves and be proud of.”
Bridgerton has been celebrated for its inclusive casting… and blasted for queerbaiting fans
The Regency-era period drama was renewed for a second season less than a month after the first debuted on Netflix. The series was a big hit when it was released on Netflix on 25 December, 2020, as it provided much-needed escapism for a thirsty, captive audience.
The series, set in 1813, centres on Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and her quest to find a husband. As her marriage prospects begin to fade, she and the Duke of Hastings, Simon Bassett (René-Jean Page) embark on a fake courtship to spark the interest of other suitors.
The series garnered critical acclaim on its release, with many praising Bridgerton for its inclusive, diverse casting and Jane Austen-inspired storylines.
But many viewers were disappointed by a seeming lack of LGBT+ storylines. The series was quickly accused of queerbaiting after it highlighted a gay sex scene in its trailer but failed to deliver on any gay storylines.
