Ep 1. Billy Porter

Who Do You Think You Are? is a British genealogy documentary series that follows celebrities as they discover their family history. Each episode features a different celebrity and explores their ancestry through research and in-depth interviews with family members and historians.

In season 12, episode 1, we follow actor and singer Billy Porter as he embarks on a journey to uncover the stories of his ancestors. Known for his role in the hit television show Pose and his iconic fashion sense, Porter was intrigued to learn more about his family's past, particularly his great-grandfather who he had heard was a successful entrepreneur.

Porter's journey begins in his hometown of Pittsburgh, where he meets with his brother and sister to discuss their family history. They visit the town's archives and discover records of their great-grandfather's business ventures and political involvement. Excited by this newfound information, Porter travels to Louisiana, where his family is originally from, to learn more about their past.

During his time in Louisiana, Porter meets with a local historian who takes him on a tour of the plantations where his ancestors were enslaved. They also visit a cemetery where Porter's great-grandparents are buried, and he learns about their struggle to create a better life for their family despite facing racism and discrimination.

Porter then travels to Virginia to investigate his maternal line. He discovers that his great-great-grandfather was a Civil War veteran who fought for the Union Army. Porter is moved by the courage and bravery that his ancestor exhibited, and he reflects on how this legacy of strength and resilience has been passed down through generations of his family.

Throughout the episode, Porter also reflects on his own experiences and how they have shaped him as a person. He talks about his struggles with his sexuality and how his family's acceptance and support has been instrumental in his success as an artist.

The episode culminates with Porter visiting his ancestors' graves in Louisiana, where he reflects on the journey he has undertaken to discover his family's past. He acknowledges the triumphs and tragedies of his ancestors and expresses gratitude for the sacrifices they made to create a better life for him and his family.

In typical Who Do You Think You Are? fashion, the episode is a poignant exploration of one celebrity's family history, highlighting the beautiful complexity of human experiences and the importance of knowing our roots. Billy Porter's journey is a moving tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and the timeless power of familial bonds.