SBS will bring the epic new gay rights drama series When We Rise to Australian viewers from this week, to coincide with Sydney Mardi Gras.
The eight-part miniseries was written and produced by Oscar winner Dustin Lance Black. It tells the emotional story of a group of LGBTI Americans who helped pioneer the gay rights movement following the 1969 Stonewall Riots.
Aussie actors Guy Pearce and Rachel Griffiths are part of the series’ ensemble cast, portraying legendary activists Cleve Jones and Diane Guy.
Rachel Griffiths (pictured, left) told Channel Nine of her role: “It takes my character 30 years to be able to marry the love of her life.
“If you have any doubts that our gay and lesbian daughters, sons, brothers, sisters, mothers fathers, should not be able to have what we have – and we know how that has enriched our lives – after sitting down and spending seven hours with these characters, you want for them what you want for your own.”
Dustin Lance Black explained in January that the series was a “dramatized retelling of powerful stories” that he researched for more than a year.
“It was important to me in deciding who to depict that many, if not most [of the activists] are still alive,” he said.
“I do hope that a new generation looks to these people for more inspiration. We need them more than ever.
“‘We’ is the most important word in the title.”
When We Rise will be available to watch on SBS On Demand from Wednesday March 1. SBS will then screen the series on TV on Saturday 11 March at 8.30pm.
For the latest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) news in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
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