Press Release
Still Marching: Terry Bean Reflects on the Evolution—and Urgency—of LGBTQ+ Civil Rights
Oregon, US, 27th May 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, At 75 years old, Terry Bean remains a defining figure in the American LGBTQ+ civil rights movement. With more than five decades of organizing, fundraising, and advocacy behind him, Bean has witnessed extraordinary changes—from the days when coming out could cost you your livelihood, to the election of openly gay leaders to the U.S. Congress. And yet, as he reflects on the past, he warns the work is not over. In fact, he says, it’s more urgent than ever.
“I’ve been doing this for decades,” Bean says, seated in his Portland home filled with memorabilia from a life spent in struggle and celebration. “And even now, in 2025, we are still marching. That tells you something. We may have come far, but we haven’t arrived.”
A Front-Row Seat to History
Terry Bean’s name is etched into the foundation of the LGBTQ+ political movement. A fifth-generation Oregonian, his journey began not in politics, but in protest—demonstrating against the Vietnam War as a student at the University of Oregon. There, his political consciousness sharpened, and his desire to challenge injustice crystallized.
In the 1980s, as America turned a blind eye to the AIDS crisis and LGBTQ+ people were demonized in political discourse, Bean took action. He co-founded the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) in 1980, now the largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization in the country. Its mission: to ensure that the rights of LGBTQ+ Americans were protected at the highest levels of government.
“That wasn’t just a political decision,” Bean explains. “It was about survival. We had no voice in Washington. None. HRC was about saying we won’t be ignored anymore.”
But for Bean, building organizations was only the beginning.
Turning Advocacy into Political Power
Bean’s vision extended beyond visibility—he believed that equality would never be fully realized unless LGBTQ+ people held political power. In 1991, he co-founded the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, the first national organization dedicated to electing openly LGBTQ+ candidates to public office. The idea was radical at the time. Today, it is a pillar of LGBTQ+ political success.
Thanks in part to the Victory Fund’s early efforts—and Bean’s strategic fundraising—leaders like Senator Tammy Baldwin, Representative Ritchie Torres, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg rose to national prominence. Their elections didn’t just change the headlines; they changed policy.
“When we run for office, we don’t just put faces on the movement,” Bean says. “We bring lived experience to policy-making. That’s how you get real change.”
The Fight at Home: Defeating Measure 9
While his national impact is undisputed, Bean’s most emotional—and defining—fight may have happened in his own backyard. In 1992, Oregon voters faced Measure 9, a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would have declared homosexuality “abnormal, wrong, unnatural and perverse.” The measure would have banned public schools from discussing homosexuality in a positive light and allowed state agencies to discriminate based on sexual orientation.
Bean recognized the existential threat this posed and sprang into action. He led the fundraising efforts, raising over $1 million to defeat the measure—a massive amount at the time for an LGBTQ+ campaign.
“That campaign was about more than a ballot measure,” Bean says. “It was about our right to exist with dignity.”
The campaign successfully defeated Measure 9 and sent a resounding message to the nation: LGBTQ+ people would not sit quietly while their rights were stripped away. It also laid the groundwork for Oregon’s transformation into a progressive stronghold for LGBTQ+ rights—a legacy Bean still takes pride in.
Recognition, Reflection, and the Work Ahead
In 2008, Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski declared August 23 “Terry Bean Equality Day” in honor of Bean’s decades of activism. Yet Bean remains humble about such accolades. His focus, he insists, isn’t on legacy—it’s on urgency.
“Of course, I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished,” he says. “But I’ve lived long enough to know that nothing is guaranteed. The moment we stop fighting is the moment we begin losing.”
Bean points to the growing wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation across the United States. Over the past two years alone, more than 500 bills targeting LGBTQ+ individuals—especially transgender youth—have been introduced in state legislatures.
“These aren’t symbolic attacks,” he says. “These are real policies that endanger lives, block access to healthcare, and stoke hatred. It’s as serious as anything we’ve ever faced.”
Advice for the Next Generation
Having seen progress won and threatened again, Bean has become a mentor to younger activists. His advice? Stay informed, stay engaged, and never forget your history.
“There’s a tendency to think the fight started the day you showed up,” Bean says with a smile. “But you’re part of something bigger—something that started before you and will go on after you. Respect that history, build on it, and never take a single right for granted.”
Bean stresses the importance of activism that extends beyond social media. “Posting is not organizing,” he says. “Change happens when people vote, protest, donate, run for office, and show up—even when it’s hard.”
The Importance of Intersectionality
In recent years, Bean has also focused more on intersectional activism, emphasizing that LGBTQ+ rights cannot be separated from racial, economic, and gender justice. He’s quick to point out that LGBTQ+ people of color, transgender individuals, and those living in poverty often face the harshest discrimination and the least support.
“If your activism isn’t lifting up the most vulnerable among us, then it’s incomplete,” he says. “Equality must be for everyone—or it’s not equality at all.”
He encourages LGBTQ+ organizations to reflect on their own power dynamics, representation, and outreach, ensuring that the movement is truly inclusive.
A Call to Action in 2025
As America enters another presidential election season, Bean sees a pivotal moment for the LGBTQ+ movement. The visibility won over the last few decades now demands accountability—from elected officials, corporate allies, and the community itself.
“We’ve got seats at the table now,” he says. “The question is: what are we doing with them?”
Bean urges continued investment in LGBTQ+ political campaigns, grassroots organizing, and legal advocacy, noting that each plays a role in shaping the future.
“We can’t afford to sit this out—not any of it. We must stay loud, stay organized, and stay committed,” he adds.
Still Marching at 76
At an age when many are stepping back, Terry Bean remains engaged, determined, and hopeful. He continues to support causes close to his heart, mentor new leaders, and speak out when justice demands it.
“There’s no retirement from equality,” he says. “I’ll stop marching when there’s no more need to march—and we’re not there yet.”
For Terry Bean, activism is not a chapter of life—it is life. And as long as injustice exists, so will his voice.
About Terry Bean
Terry Bean is a pioneering LGBTQ+ civil rights advocate, strategist, and philanthropist. He co-founded the Human Rights Campaign and the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, and played a pivotal role in defeating Oregon’s Measure 9. A lifelong Oregonian, he remains an active voice in political advocacy and LGBTQ+ organizing. In 2008, he was honored with “Terry Bean Equality Day” by the Governor of Oregon. Today, at 75, Bean continues to work on behalf of equality, justice, and inclusion for all.
About Author
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
Press Release
Harambergine Introduces a Blockchain-Powered Philanthropy Model Inspired by the Legacy of Haramb
United States, 6th Jun 2025 – A new Ethereum-based initiative, Harambergine, is transforming one of the internet’s most enduring icons into a catalyst for real-world change. Nearly a decade after the widely publicized 2016 incident that first etched Harambe the gorilla into popular culture, the project launches a charitable token that channels community energy toward animal protection.
From Viral Symbol to Philanthropic Infrastructure
Harambergine revives the spirit of Harambe in a format that merges internet culture with measurable social impact. The project’s ERC-20 asset, HARAMBE, is offered through a presale priced at US $0.000525 per token. Forty percent of every presale contribution is earmarked for accredited animal welfare organizations, and each transfer is immutably recorded on-chain. A forthcoming public dashboard will enable any observer to verify donation flows in real-time.
Beyond straightforward giving, Harambergine introduces:
- On-chain donation ledger: permanent, transparent records of every philanthropic disbursement;
- NFT donation certificates: collectible proof that links each supporter directly to funded causes;
- DAO-guided voting: community ballot mechanisms for selecting future beneficiary organizations.
These elements align Harambergine with a growing class of purpose-driven tokens that blend community engagement and verifiable impact.
Presale Access and Referral Incentives
Participation requires nothing more than connecting a Web3 wallet such as MetaMask to the project’s portal or sending ETH/USDT directly to the published smart-contract address. Tokens are issued instantly to the purchaser, with a minimum entry of roughly US $1.
A tiered referral framework further expands Harambergine’s reach. When a new buyer completes a transaction through a unique referral link, the originating participant receives an automated payout in ETH or USDT, while the buyer receives additional tokens. As cumulative referral volume grows, the payout percentage rises incrementally to a ceiling of 30 %, creating a structure in which performance alone drives compensation.
Because bonus tokens lower the effective cost for referred buyers, the mechanism encourages organic network effects without the need for costly promotional campaigns.
Roadmap: Harambergine’s Vision from Q1 2025 to Q1 2026
Phase 2 (Current Phase):
Focused on presale operations and the initial deployment of charitable donations. This phase establishes the foundational mechanisms for token distribution and donation tracking.
Phase 3:
Introduction of NFT-based donation certificates, allowing contributors to receive verifiable proof of their philanthropic participation. This phase also includes the launch of a DAO-enabled voting system, empowering the community to democratically select future donation recipients.
Phase 4:
Expansion of the project through partnerships with global NGOs. A dedicated mobile application will be introduced, enabling users to monitor donation data, token statistics, and referral metrics in real time.
Phase 5:
Development of a Harambe memorial metaverse space, creating a virtual tribute to the project’s symbolic inspiration. This phase also includes the implementation of a long-term donation governance structure, ensuring sustained transparency and decentralized decision-making for future philanthropic initiatives.
Security and Trust Architecture
To cement decentralization, the contract’s owner function will be sent to Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin’s burn address once the presale concludes, permanently removing administrative control. All referral payouts and token distributions are executed directly by the smart contract, eliminating manual intervention and reinforcing transparency.
Market Perspective
Donation-centric tokens occupy a distinctive niche: while immediate financial upside is not their sole objective, clear, auditable philanthropy has historically fostered trust and led to reputable exchange listings. Analysts note that projects featuring open balance sheets, structured roadmaps, and visible use cases often gain traction among both mission-driven supporters and speculative participants.
Harambergine intends to meet those benchmarks by coupling a meme-inspired brand with rigorous, data-backed accountability. Early contributors, therefore, position themselves at the intersection of cultural relevance and provable social benefit.
A Statement from the Harambergine Team
“Harambergine was conceived to prove that internet culture can fuel tangible progress,” said a project spokesperson. “Every on-chain transaction tells two stories simultaneously, one of community participation and another of direct aid to animals in need. Our smart-contract design ensures that alignment: when the community grows, so does the charitable impact.”
About Harambergine
Harambergine is an Ethereum-based crypto experiment dedicated to channeling the energy of meme culture into transparent animal-welfare donations. By fusing tokenized economics with automated giving, the project seeks to pioneer a sustainable model of blockchain-enabled philanthropy.
Official Website: https://harambergine.com
Smart Contract: 0x44BE921aAb53D1c9F5E679CA3e4629558e3Df95a
Token Symbol: HARAMBE
Chain: Ethereum
Media Contact
Organization: Harambergine
Contact Person: Support
Website: https://harambergine.com/
Email: Send Email
Country:United States
Release id:28765
The post Harambergine Introduces a Blockchain-Powered Philanthropy Model Inspired by the Legacy of Haramb appeared first on King Newswire. This content is provided by a third-party source.. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it. King Newswire is a press release distribution agency and does not endorse or verify the claims made in this release. If you have any complaints or copyright concerns related to this article, please contact the company listed in the ‘Media Contact’ section
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Digital Digest, Australia’s leading online publication for digital marketing insights, today announced the launch of its new AI Insights Hub. This is a dedicated resource designed to empower Australian businesses and professionals with expert, human-first guidance to navigate through the extensive range of AI tools becoming readily available to the market.
The introduction of this comprehensive “Australian Tailored” hub comes at a pivotal moment, as AI continues to fundamentally reshape every aspect digital marketing and how businesses alike can leverage AI platforms within business in Australia.
Recent advancements, including Google’s expanded AI Overviews and the integration of AI-powered tools across major platforms like Snapchat and YouTube, underscore the urgent need for clear, actionable intelligence and better understanding for business owners and professionals.
The AI Hub will feature a collection of resources, including in-depth research reports on AI comparisions, trends specific to Australia, practical guides and case studies on how to best utilised AI across different industries. Along with this, upcoming exclusive interviews some of Australia’s leading digital marketing professionals utilising AI and will provide exclusive insights into their tips and tricks for the best possible outcome.
“AI and Digital Marketing is undergoing an unprecedented transformation in 2025 and the majority driven by AI, and Australian businesses need a trusted partner to navigate these changes effectively,” stated Benjamin Paine, Founder at Digital Digest & Managing Director at Digital Nomads HQ. “Our new AI Hub is a testament to our commitment to providing experienced insight and that we are dedicated to empowering marketers and business owners with the knowledge and tools necessary to leverage AI’s immense potential.”
The strategic importance of AI in digital marketing is further highlighted by its ability to enable faster decision-making, improve ROI, and enhance customer relationships through predictive analytics and intelligent automation. Digital Digest’s new hub is poised to be an indispensable resource, offering the critical insights needed to capitalise on these opportunities.
To explore the new AI Digital Marketing Insights Hub and access its comprehensive resources, please visit https://digitaldigest.au/
Media Contact
Organization: Digital Nomads HQ PTY LTD
Contact Person: Benjamin Paine
Website: https://digitalnomadshq.com.au/
Email:
hello@dnhq.com.au
Contact Number: +1300633100
Address:208/45 Brisbane Road
Address 2: Mooloolaba
City: Sunshine Coast
State: Queensland
Country:Australia
Release id:28699
The post Digital Digest Unveils AI Insights Hub for Australian Businesses appeared first on King Newswire. This content is provided by a third-party source.. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it. King Newswire is a press release distribution agency and does not endorse or verify the claims made in this release. If you have any complaints or copyright concerns related to this article, please contact the company listed in the ‘Media Contact’ section
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Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
New Delhi, India – 06/06/2025 – (SeaPRwire) – Tredu.com announces the launch of a new global platform designed to transform trading education by connecting traders of all skill levels with verified educators from around the world. Built to bridge the gap between theory and real-market experience, Tredu.com aims to make high-quality trading education more accessible, reliable, and inclusive than ever before.
Addressing a Fragmented Market
In recent years, trading has seen unprecedented growth across all demographics. Yet, access to trustworthy, structured education remains inconsistent. Many aspiring traders struggle to distinguish between legitimate educational opportunities and low-value or even misleading content.
Tredu.com directly addresses this challenge. Through a curated marketplace, the platform enables users to discover, compare, and book trading educators across a wide spectrum of asset classes, including forex, crypto, stocks, commodities, and indices.
Traders today are overwhelmed by noise and misinformation, our platform was created to give learners a single, reliable destination where they can connect with real professionals offering real insights; not hype.
A Platform Built for Traders, by Educators
Tredu.com’s structure is designed with flexibility in mind. Traders can search for educators by language, specialization, experience level, or even trading style. The platform also supports both live one-on-one sessions and structured courses, depending on user preference.
Educators, on the other hand, gain access to an international audience of active learners. Each educator’s profile includes verified credentials, student reviews, and a transparent pricing model. Instructors can list offerings across multiple formats, from single masterclasses to long-term mentorship programs.
Quality Assurance and Transparency at the Core
Every educator on Tredu.com goes through a strict onboarding process that includes verification of qualifications and trading history. The platform also enforces rigorous quality controls, including periodic audits, feedback loops, and performance tracking.
Our goal is not just to connect traders and educators. It’s to elevate the standard of trading education worldwide. We believe that transparency, accountability, and quality assurance should be built into the system.
Global Reach, Local Impact
Today, educators and traders in more than 30 countries actively use the platform. With built-in multilingual support and payment systems that work smoothly across borders, Tredu makes it easy for users on nearly every continent, from Europe to Asia, Africa to the Americas, to connect without friction.
As more individuals turn to trading as a means of building financial autonomy, the need for reliable education has never been greater. Tredu.com steps into this space with a clear mission: to support a new generation of informed, skilled traders who can make confident decisions in the markets.
Tools That Support Real Growth
To make the learning journey more effective, Tredu.com equips users with a suite of practical tools. From real-time performance tracking to built-in video conferencing and smart analytics, these features help both educators and learners stay aligned and measure results over time. The focus is on progress that can be seen, tracked, and applied in real-market situations.
In upcoming development phases, Tredu.com plans to roll out certification pathways and partner with brokerages and financial institutions to offer verified learning tracks tied to real-world opportunities.
Industry Response
Early feedback from both independent educators and trading communities has been overwhelmingly positive. Many see Tredu.com as a needed evolution in a space where education has lagged behind innovation.
“Finding a mentor used to mean luck or years of networking,” said one beta tester from Madrid. “Now it’s as simple as opening an account and browsing a verified list of experts. This is a game-changer for anyone serious about trading.”
About Tredu.com
Tredu.com is a global marketplace for trading education, designed to connect learners with verified trading professionals worldwide. The platform supports personalized and course-based learning across all major financial instruments, combining transparency, flexibility, and high standards. Tredu.com operates with the mission of making credible, practical trading education accessible to all.
Media Contact
Brand: Tredu.com
Contact: Tredu PR Team
Email: marketing@tredu.com
Website: https://www.tredu.com
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Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
Harambergine Introduces a Blockchain-Powered Philanthropy Model Inspired by the Legacy of Haramb
Digital Digest Unveils AI Insights Hub for Australian Businesses
Tredu.com Launches Global Platform to Revolutionize Trading Education
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