It's time to introduce our #WhenWeRise families to the world. My love to all who got us here. I hope you'll tune in tonight 9/8c on ABC. ❤️
— Dustin Lance Black (@DLanceBlack) February 27, 2017
I'm so honored to be part of #WhenWeRise, starting Tonight 9|8c on ABC. Hope you’ll check it out. https://t.co/tUKqpa2W8k
— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) February 27, 2017
Epic Mini-Series “When We Rise” Premieres TONIGHT on ABC https://t.co/K3IvUqiEGc pic.twitter.com/QPxmFNtf93
— RuPaul (@RuPaul) February 27, 2017
TONIGHT! Hope you tune in to @WhenWeRiseABC on ABC 9/8c
love is love is love is love is love... x pic.twitter.com/xgoconmQ9b — Charlie Carver (@Charlie_Carver) February 27, 2017
Viewers both gay and straight were quick to praise the show's unflinching portrayal of the reality of gay life during an era when prejudice and state-sponsored oppression remained widespread. "When We Rise just brought my mother, who grew up homophobic, to tears," one viewer wrote on Twitter. Another added: "When We Rise is officially my new favourite show. I'm literally in tears, holy heck."Can't wait to see @WhenWeRiseABC tonight! This is what we need to be seeing on TV right now! Here's to a great premiere!
— Chloë Grace Moretz (@ChloeGMoretz) February 28, 2017
@DLanceBlack "When We Rise" is absolutely beautiful it brought me to tears! Thank you for creating this masterpiece
— Tr3y Wilk3rson (@Trey_Wilkerson2) February 28, 2017
i'm watching when we rise bc it was on after the bachelor but im about to ugly cry so i might have to. not
— grapecrush vernors (@massromantic) February 28, 2017
@DLanceBlack when we rise just brought my mother, who grew up homophobic to tears, im truly breathless 😭💕 @TomDaley1994
— Jacob Johnson (@jacobcjohnsonj) February 28, 2017
#WhenWeRise reminds me to thank the older generations of LGBT folks that went through so much for the rights I'm able to have today.
— Daniel Hains (@theregoesDaniel) February 28, 2017
Others highlighted the importance of seeing LGBT history depicted so prominently on screen - especially given the current US political climate. "#WhenWeRise reminds me to thank the older generations of LGBT folks that went through so much for the rights I'm able to have today," wrote one viewer. "@realDonaldTrump hope you're watching @mike_pence hope you are too", added another.This show is taking me on an emotional rollercoaster #WhenWeRise
— Clay (@claymstehling) February 28, 2017
This is eye-opening and we need this more than ever #WhenWeRise
— CALIfornia (@calicliftonnn) February 28, 2017
@realDonaldTrump hope you're watching @mike_pence hope you are too #WhenWeRise @DLanceBlack thank you pic.twitter.com/RhwyjusfB4
— Jonathan Martinez (@jrm_1985) February 28, 2017
So, erm, a pretty good response then. You listening, UK broadcasters? We need this one picked up on this side of the pond STAT. Speaking exclusively to Attitude earlier this year, Dustin Lance Black admitted that When We Rise - which has been in the works for several years - had taken on a greater significance since Donald Trump's presidential election victory last November. “We’re in one right now, a worldwide backlash where people are talking about building walls and closing borders instead of understanding and embracing their neighbour,” the 42-year-old told us. “I hope to inspire a new generation to stand up and fight back and protect what we have in a moment of darkness like this.” On the basis of last night's reaction, that's a mission the show certainly looks set to accomplish. When We Rise continues in the US on Wednesday 1 March on ABC. More stories: Men of ‘Moonlight’ star in new Calvin Klein underwear campaign Paul O’Grady recalls the horror of the AIDS crisis in brand new Attitude Heroes podcastWhen we rise is officially my new favorite show I'm literally in tears holy heck
— sab (@supposedlysab) February 28, 2017