When We Rise - Season 1, Episode 05: Part V

Trailer

1997. Annie, now in her mid-teens, is acting out, feeling like an outsider, but wanting to fit in as she sees it. That's why she dresses and acts like a Latina, to mimic her friends in their Mission neighborhood. Her outward anger is largely directed at her mothers, in they living like a 'normal' family when she sees they aren't. When Diane and Roma discover the extent of Annie's misbehavior, they decide to take what they consider extreme action. Annie, who does see life a little differently in her new environment, decides to take a direction that she feels will get her to a short term goal. Ken is still in the VA hospital. Against regulations, he has been drinking and using illicit drugs, which may place Cecilia at risk as his sponsor, she having gotten her life on track following her gender reassignment surgery. Ken does find a kindred spirit in fellow support group member David, who Ken will discover is going through his own issues beyond the HIV. And Cleve, having moved to Palm Springs for health reasons, has felt one disappointment with the Clinton administration after another, most specifically Don't Ask, Don't Tell and the Defense of Marriage Act. Clinton creating a new position of Senior Advisor on Gay and Lesbian Issues does not placate Cleve. The person in that position is well-intentioned Richard Socarides. Cleve will learn that Richard is the son of Dr. Charles Socaridies, who has worked his life in the study of homosexuality being caused by an overbearing mother and absent father, and whose testimony has partly been the reason for the success of a multitude of anti-gay legal cases. Cleve will also learn that Richard is gay, and has a 'don't ask, don't tell' relationship with his father, despite Richard knowing that his father knows he's gay. Richard also divulges to Cleve that his own growing up does not support his father's thesis, Richard who has done nothing professionally to discredit his father. In his personal life, Cleve makes an unexpected connection with a neighbor named Courtenay, a relationship with her which is a first of its kind in his life, but one which may have a difficult road because of his HIV status.

Genre: Drama, Documentary