Lady Sings the Blues focuses on the life and career of singer Billie Holiday, including her struggles with addiction and relationships. The film does not include any transsexual characters or explore related themes.

The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.

This film is a biographical drama about the life of jazz singer Billie Holiday. All major characters, including Billie Holiday and those in her life, are portrayed on screen with genders consistent with their historical counterparts.

The film is a biopic about Billie Holiday, an African-American jazz singer. She is portrayed by Diana Ross, an African-American actress, accurately reflecting the historical figure's race. No other major historical or canonical characters are depicted with a different race.