Plot Synopsis

Narrated by Billy Porter, EQUAL is a four-part LGBTQ+ docuseries that chronicles the untold events leading up to the Stonewall Uprising. EQUAL honors the rebels of yesteryear with never-before-seen archival footage along with stylistic depictions that bring to life the gripping and true backstories of these leaders and unsung heroes. Over the course of the series, viewers meet 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. Cast includes: Cheyenne Jackson as Dale Jennings; Anthony Rapp as Harry Hay; Shannon Purser as Del Martin; Heather Matarazzo as Phyllis Lyon; Sara Gilbert as J.M. from Cleveland; and Anne Ramsay as The FBI Agent.

part two, "Transgender Pioneers," chronicles the 20th century trans experience, bookended by the 1966 Compton Cafeteria riots in San Francisco. Cast includes: Alexandra Grey as Lucy Hicks Anderson; Theo Germaine as Jack Starr; Jamie Clayton as Christine Jorgensen; and Isis King as Alexis.

part three, "Black is Beautiful, Gay is Good!," examines the contributions from the Black community on the growing LGBTQ+ civil rights movement. Cast includes: Samira Wiley as Lorraine Hannsberry; Keiynan Lonsdale as Bayard Rustin; Charlie Weirauch as Chuck Rowland; Jai Rodriguez as Jose Sarria; and Anne Ramsay as FBI Agent.

part four, "Stonewall: From Rebellion to Liberation," ties in the decades long struggles with the culminated Stonewall uprising -- the beginning of the Pride movement. Cast includes: Hailie Sahar as Sylvia Rivera; Scott Turner Schofield as Craig Rodwell; Cole Doman as Mark Segal; Elizabeth Ludlow as Storme DeLarverie; Gale Harold as Howard Smith; and Sam Pancake as Dick Leitsch.

EQUAL premieres on Thursday, October 22, 2020 at 3:01am ET/12:01am PT on HBO Max as a binge drop during LGBTQ 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 this series.