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Last night on “Nightline,” ABC News’ Elizabeth Vargas interviewed “When We Rise” executive producer Dustin Lance Black as well as cast members Mary-Louise Parker, Ivory Aquino and Charles Socarides.
“When We Rise,” chronicles 40 years of the LGBT community’s struggle. The show’s cast includes Rosie O’Donnell, Whoopi Goldberg and David Hyde Pierce.
Transgender actress Ivory Aquino is one of the show’s breakout stars. Born a boy, Aquino fully transitioned to a woman over a decade ago. Learning about President Trump’s recent decision to rescind the national directive was difficult, she said.
“It’s somewhat astounding that this simple act of just wanting to relieve yourself is- – it’s such a necessity to be able to move around in a public space and then go use the restroom,” Aquino said. “It’s hard enough to want to be your authentic self, amidst society telling you that it’s wrong.”
Dustin Lance Black is the executive producer of “When We Rise” – the first series of its kind. Since winning his 2009 Oscar for writing the screenplay for “Milk,” which tells the story of gay rights activist and politician Harvey Milk, Black has become an outspoken activist for LGBT rights.
“I can’t believe we’re living in a country right now where you can attack school children,” he said. “That’s who these kids are. These are school children who… need to go to the bathroom, so they can go back to their classroom and try and learn, and they’re now being bullied by their government.”
Black hopes Americans from all walks of life will be inspired by these stories of bravery and perseverance.
“I think everyone understood how bold this was, the potential of this to reach a broader audience, to not preach to the choir,” Black said. “I believe that America is great because we’re really, really different from one another and we have different ideas of how to solve problems… Let’s be the strongest nation in the world through inclusivity and acceptance and celebration of difference.”
For the full segment visit ABC News.
