Equal
Historical exploration of LGBTQ+ civil rights pioneers
https://tvengine.ai/licensing
https://tvengine.ai/terms
Max
TVEngine.ai
About Equal
Released: 2020
Platform: Max
Rating: TV-MA
Run time: 1 Seasons Available (4 Episodes)
Cast
Billy Porter, Cheyenne Jackson, Anthony Rapp, Shannon Purser, Sara Gilbert, Anne Ramsay, Alexandra Grey, Theo Germaine, Jamie Clayton, Isis King
About Equal
"Equal" is a four-part docuseries that aired on HBO Max in October 2020. It's a masterful blend of scripted, documentary-style, and dramatized storytelling that uncovers the gripping tales and characters of the LGBTQ+ movement's roots, focusing on the brave hearted and determined individuals who fought for their rights in the volatile years leading up to the Stonewall Uprising.
Making / Production
Produced by Warner Horizon Unscripted Television’s digital content studio, "Equal" stands as a testament to the years of struggle and progression for LGBTQIA+ rights. It combines never-before-seen archive footage with stylized dramatizations, bringing to life the powerful stories of the movement's unsung heroes, the battles they fought, and the change they spurred.
Actors
- Anthony Rapp as Harry Hay -The Star Trek: Discovery actor convincingly portrays the founder of America's first gay rights organisation.
- Samira Wiley as Lorraine Hansberry - Famous for her role in "The Handmaid's Tale", Wiley takes on the role of the influential African-American play-writer and lesbian activist with powerful charisma.
- Shannon Purser as Del Martin - Purser, best known for her role in "Stranger Things", performed the part of Martin, the pioneering lesbian rights activist brilliantly.
- Keiynan Lonsdale as Bayard Rustin - The Australian actor delivered a well-rounded performance as the openly gay man who was a significant player in the Civil Rights Movement.
Trivia / Interesting Facts
- "Equal" features inspiring monologues from the movement’s leaders, voiced by a cast of LGBTQ+ actors.
- The show features various queer characters from different genres like science fiction, fantasy, and mystery. Even the animated portions are meant to reflect the fact that these pioneers were seen as “subversive” and “criminal.”
- It also showcases music from LGBTQ+ artists.
Quotes
- "Before we could stand up, we had to unerase ourselves."
- "I will no longer be silent. I will no longer be invisible."
- "We’re here, and we’re not going away."
Music, Soundtrack
- The music score by Paul Leonard-Morgan is awe-inspiring and sets the perfect ambiance.
- Incorporating tracks from multiple LGBTQ+ artists helped portray the emotions of the characters more effectively.
About Equal
Equal is a docuseries that showcases unsung LGBTQ+ heroes and the rise of a new militant LGBTQ+ movement.
