Billy Porter, Pose (FX)
Billy Porter, Pose (FX)

Emmy, Tony and Grammy-winner Billy Porter (Pose, American Horror Story: Apocalypse) narrates EQUAL, the four-part LGBTQ+ docuseries chronicling the untold events leading up to the Stonewall Uprising, premiering Thursday, October 22 on HBO Max.

HBO Max released the first look trailer for the series, which will premiere as a binge drop during LGBT History Month, the officially recognized period honoring the history and contributions of trailblazers fighting for equality and justice in the queer community, many of whose stories are featured in the groundbreaking series. Porter joins an extraordinary list of previously announced talent, including Primetime Emmy winner Samira Wiley, Grammy nominee Cheyenne Jackson, SAG nominee Anthony Rapp, Primetime Emmy nominee Shannon Purser, Heather Matarazzo, Jamie Clayton, Isis King, Gale Harold, and many others.

EQUAL will introduce viewers to a wide range of LGBTQ+ visionaries portrayed by the cast, many of whom identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community. Each part offers a distinct and connected chapter within the historical timeline: part one, “The Birth of a Movement,” explores the rise of early organizations, The Mattachine Society and the Daughters of Bilitis in Los Angeles and San Francisco, respectively; part two, “Transgender Pioneers,” chronicles the 20th century trans experience, bookended by the 1966 Compton Cafeteria riots in San Francisco; part three, “Black is Beautiful, Gay is Good!” examines the contributions from the Black community on the growing LGBTQ+ civil rights movement; and part four, “Stonewall: From Rebellion to Liberation,” ties in the decades long struggles with the culminated Stonewall uprising – the beginning of the Pride movement.

Acclaimed filmmaker and producer Stephen Kijak (Sid & Judy) is the showrunner and director of episodes one, three and four alongside ground-breaking trans director Kimberly Reed (Prodigal Sons), who directs episode two.

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