This week, ABC debuted its LGBTQ history miniseries, “When We Rise,” which chronicles major moments from prominent figures who played major roles in shaping the course of the LGBTQ Rights Movement. Senior Strategist Cecilia Chung stands out as one of the most enduring and inspirational stories in the series.
Here’s an excerpt from SFist:
“Cecilia Chung will be portrayed in later episodes by Ivory Aquino, and she’s a pioneering trans activist and Mayor Lee appointee to the Health Commission who helped advocate for getting the city to cover the cost of gender reassignment surgery for city workers and the uninsured. Born in Hong Kong in 1965, she immigrated with her family to LA and would ultimately transition in San Francisco in 1993, first becoming a prostitute. She’s a cofounder the annual Trans March, and she was the first transgender and Asian woman to head the Board of Directors of the SF Pride celebration. She currently serves as senior strategist for the Transgender Law Center.”
And here’s an interview with trans actress Ivory Aquino on her portrayal of Cecilia’s life.