Dustin Lance Black is perhaps best known for his work on the stunning and transformative 2008 film, Milk. In addition to writing and executive producing, Black also earned an Academy Award for his original screenplay. When it comes to telling LGBT stories like Harvey Milk's, though, Black's just getting started. Enter When We Rise, a new ABC project aiming to tell the history of the gay rights movement, which began with the Stonewall Riots in 1969. On Tuesday, ABC held a panel for the show as part of the Television Critics' Association Winter press tour, and Black was in attendance to stress how vital it is to tell this incredible story. And yes, he managed to allude more than once to today's political climate in the process. Read his poignant quotes below.