Mini-series exhibits LGBTQ lifestyle

“When We Rise,” the new ABC mini-series that focuses on the American LGBTQ movement, hit the small screen this week as one of the first to raise awareness for the cause. The mini-series is made up of four parts starting with the premiere which aired Feb. 27 and going to March 3. It can now be viewed online or On Demand on ABC.

The story of the American LGBTQ movement is told through three very different people who find themselves all together in San Francisco, a former safe haven and home to LGBTQ people and the movement. The three point of views come from Michael, a black gay man who served in the navy in Vietnam, but was moved to San Francisco; Roma Guy, a women’s rights activist and a lesbian; and Cleve Jones, an 18-year-old who moved away from Arizona to live his life as a gay man and join the movement. The different point of views show how different groups of people lived through the movement and joined together to fight for equal rights and respect.

“When We Rise” shows how people struggled to come from a place without rights to where different groups and communities like the LGBTQ community are today. The mini-series starts in 70’s and works its way to today, showing all the obstacles and tragedies that occurred and people overcame to get to where we are today.

Reviews of the mini-series agree that the show shines light on history that most people haven’t heard of or have forgotten about, allowing doors to be opened to even more rights for LGBTQ people such as non-discrimination laws and access to an easier adoption process. Even after years and years of working towards equal rights, some people feel not every goal has been achieved and rights are still denied and things in the media such as “When We Rise” just might help push forward, towards equal rights and keep the ongoing movement alive.