When We Rise is a remarkable television series that chronicles the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. The series portrays the life of various activists who fought for equality during the 20th century. When We Rise not only tells the story of the gay rights movement but also highlights the intersectionality of various social issues like gender, race, and class. The series is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in understanding the history of the LGBTQ+ rights movement.

The series was created by Dustin Lance Black, who is an award-winning screenwriter known for his work on the biopic Milk. It stars a talented cast of actors, including Guy Pearce, Mary-Louise Parker, Rachel Griffiths, Michael K. Williams, and Ivory Aquino. When We Rise is divided into four episodes, each of which explores a particular period in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. The first episode begins in 1972, with the Stonewall riots in New York City, and the final episode takes us to 2015, with the legalization of same-sex marriage in the United States.

Episode one of When We Rise introduces us to Cleve Jones, a young gay man who witnesses the Stonewall riots and becomes an activist. The episode also introduces us to Roma Guy, a lesbian feminist who moves to San Francisco and starts working for a social services agency. The second episode explores the 1980s, a time when the AIDS epidemic devastated the LGBTQ+ community. The episode focuses on the work of activists like Ken Jones, who founded the AIDS Memorial Quilt, and Diane Jones, who started an organization that helped people with AIDS.

In episode three, we see the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights expand beyond San Francisco and New York City. The episode introduces us to Cecilia Chung, a transgender woman who becomes an advocate for transgender rights. It also explores the activism of African American LGBTQ+ activists like Cleve Jones and Ken Jones. The final episode of When We Rise takes us to 2015, with the Supreme Court's decision to legalize same-sex marriage in the United States. The episode explores the work of activists who fought for marriage equality, including Evan Wolfson, the founder of Freedom to Marry.

One of the strengths of When We Rise is its attention to the intersectionality of various social issues. The series does not just focus on LGBTQ+ rights but also highlights the struggle for women's rights, racial equality, and economic justice. For example, the series explores the work of African American LGBTQ+ activists who fought for both racial equality and LGBTQ+ rights. It also portrays the role of women in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, including the feminist lesbian group, The Lavender Menace.

Another strength of When We Rise is its portrayal of the personal lives of the activists. The series does not just focus on their political work but also portrays their relationships and personal struggles. For example, the series explores the relationship between Cleve Jones and his partner, Richard, and the challenges they face as a gay couple during the AIDS epidemic. The series also portrays the struggles of transgender people, including the discrimination and violence they face.

One of the criticisms of When We Rise is that it is too focused on San Francisco and New York City. While these cities were important centers of activism during the LGBTQ+ rights movement, the series could have explored the work of activists in other parts of the country. Additionally, some critics argue that the series is too focused on white, male activists and does not give enough attention to the contributions of women and people of color.

When We Rise is a powerful and moving series that tells the story of the LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States. The series portrays the courage and resilience of activists who fought for equality during a time of great adversity. It also highlights the intersectionality of various social issues and the personal struggles of the activists. When We Rise is a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand the history of the LGBTQ+ rights movement and the ongoing struggle for equality.