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  • When We Rise

  • My Life in the Movement
  • Written by: Cleve Jones
  • Narrated by: Cleve Jones
  • Length: 9 hrs and 31 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (4 ratings)

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When We Rise

Written by: Cleve Jones
Narrated by: Cleve Jones
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Publisher's Summary

The partial inspiration for the forthcoming ABC miniseries from Academy Award-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black and executive producer Gus Van Sant, starring Guy Pearce, Mary-Louise Parker, Carrie Preston, and Rachel Griffiths.

From longtime activist Cleve Jones, here is a sweeping, beautifully written memoir about a full and remarkable American life. Jones brings to life the magnetic spell cast by 1970s San Francisco, the drama and heartbreak of the AIDS crisis and the vibrant generation of gay men lost to it, and his activist work on labor, immigration, and gay rights, which continues today.

Born in 1954, Cleve Jones was among the last generation of gay Americans who grew up wondering if there were others out there like himself. There were. As did thousands of young gay people, Jones moved to San Francisco in the early '70s, nearly penniless, finding a city electrified by progressive politics and sexual liberation. Jones met lovers, developed intense friendships, and found his calling in "the movement".

Jones dove into politics and activism, taking an internship in the office of San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk, who became Jones' mentor before his murder in 1978. With the advent of the AIDS crisis in the early '80s, Jones emerged as one of the gay community's most outspoken leaders. He cofounded the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and later the AIDS Memorial Quilt, one of the largest public art projects in history.

©2016 Cleve Jones (P)2016 Hachette Audio

What the critics say

"Cleve Jones is a history buff who has himself become part of history. He has been at the epicenter of the LGBT movement for over 45 years. Now, in When We Rise, Cleve takes us along on his personal journey in the fight for equal rights - a journey filled with humor, sadness, love and ultimately profound change." (Rob Reiner)
"Some people witness history; other actually make it happen. Cleve Jones, by planting himself boldly in the eye of the storm, has succeeded brilliantly at doing both." (Armistead Maupin, New York Times best-selling author of the Tales of the City series)
"Enlightening.... Unsparing.... Powerful." ( Booklist)

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Amazing!

Must read! Such a fascinating life as a gay and lesbian rights activist. Highly recommend!

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