“Yes I Am: The Ric Weiland Story” Screening & Discussion

Narrated by Zachary Quinto and featuring Bill Gates, Yes I Am: The Ric Weiland Story chronicles the life story of a queer pioneer and one of the founders of Microsoft. Ric helped to organize Microsoft’s early successes, which made him a significantly wealthy and influential individual at an early age. However, Weiland never felt comfortable with his wealth because he felt he didn’t deserve it. To quiet the nagging doubt in his mind, he turned to philanthropy. Out and proud since the 70s, Ric was also a champion of gay rights. During his life, he donated more than 200 million dollars to fund more than 60 non-profit organizations. He also lived through the AIDS epidemic. Painful losses tempered his social life, and focused his resolve to give back to his community during a time when they desperately needed hope. Like so many of his friends, he was diagnosed with HIV. As his wealth and influence grew, Ric seemed to slip further into self-doubt, depression, and a kind of impostor syndrome that seemingly no one could talk him out of.

It’s difficult to overestimate the impact that Ric Weiland had. Between his contributions to technology, the gay rights movement, his struggle during the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and his immense research funding, he was one of the greatest philanthropists and influencers in American history. Near the end of his life, he wrote, “I’ve lost interest in fighting my depression and other emotions. I can’t see how it would end given my circumstances.” It’s a chilling reminder that no matter how much success one finds, everyone needs help – including geniuses. Watch the trailer for Yes I Am: The Ric Weiland Story.

COLAGE is proud to partner with the director of Yes I Am: The Ric Weiland Story to offer this event to our community!