Ric Weiland Trailer: How a Shy Microsoft Coder Funded LGBTQ+ Rights

An upcoming film is recounting the incredible life story of Ric Weiland, a gay Microsoft programmer who became one of the most important philanthropists in the LGBTQ+ and AIDS movements.

Directed by out gay man Aaron Bear with a voice-over from Zachary Quinto, Yes I Am - The Ric Weiland Story shows how the second employee at the world-changing tech company used his wealth to advance medical research and social justice.

During his lifetime, the HIV-positive donor gave more than $20 million to 60 nonprofits, contributions that are still funding many LGBTQ+ groups to this day. He also struggled with depression, feeling that the fortune he had accrued through Microsoft was unearned. He died in 2006.

Produced by Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, from World of Wonder Productions, Yes I Am will feature Microsoft founder Bill Gates among its interviews. It will have its world premiere at the AmDocs Film Festival, which will be held virtually on March 26.

Watch the trailer below.