ABC TV have just released the first look of what will probably be the most important LGBT TV series of 2017.  ‘When We Rise’ tells the history of the gay rights movement, starting with Stonewall in 1969 and chronicling the personal and political struggles, set-backs and triumphs of a diverse family of LGBT men and women who helped pioneer one of the last legs of the U.S. Civil Rights movement from its turbulent infancy in the 20th century to the once unfathomable successes of today.

Written and executive produced by Oscar Winner Dustin Lance Black who also directs two of the episodes, the series is based in part on the memoir of the same name by Cleve Jones, and has a veritable who’s who in the cast that includes Guy Pearce as Jones, Mary-Louise Parker as activist Roma Guy, Rachel Griffiths as her wife Diane, Whoopi Goldberg as Pat Norman (the first openly gay employee of the San Francisco Health Department), and Rosie O’Donnell as Del Martin (co-founder of the first lesbian organization in the country).

Also on board as an Executive Producer is Gus Van Sant who will direct one of the episodes too.