Connect with us

Press Release

Still Marching: Terry Bean Reflects on the Evolution—and Urgency—of LGBTQ+ Civil Rights

Published

1 week ago

on

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

Cloud PR Wire

See author's posts

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.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Press Release

StealthEX Now Offers 2,000+ Cryptocurrencies for Instant Exchange

Published

3 hours ago

on

June 4, 2025

By

StealthEX has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in its mission to democratize crypto exchanges: the platform now supports instant exchanges between 2,000 cryptocurrencies. This exponential growth represents not just a numerical increase but a fundamental expansion of possibilities for crypto enthusiasts, traders, and investors worldwide.

St Vincent and the Grenadines, 4th June 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, In a crypto ecosystem where accessibility often determines success, StealthEX continues to eliminate barriers between users and the vast digital asset landscape. This latest expansion marks an increase in cryptocurrency selection, solidifying StealthEX’s position as one of the most comprehensive instant crypto exchange platforms.

The Expansion Explained: How StealthEX Has Transformed the Crypto Exchange Landscape

The journey to 2,000+ cryptocurrencies reflects StealthEX’s unwavering commitment to creating the most inclusive crypto exchange environment possible. This expansion opens doors to entire blockchain ecosystems previously difficult to access.

Through strategic partnerships with leading liquidity providers, StealthEX has integrated hundreds of additional tokens spanning DeFi innovations, metaverse projects, and emerging layer-1 protocols. Each addition undergoes a rigorous security assessment to maintain platform integrity.

Beyond direct exchanges, StealthEX offers a robust Crypto Exchange API, ideal for integration into wallets, blockchain ecosystems, and third-party projects. This powerful tool allows partners to access StealthEX’s extensive cryptocurrency selection and liquidity while maintaining their brand identity. Additionally, the platform provides comprehensive affiliate tools for businesses looking to generate revenue through crypto exchanges. These integration options extend the reach of StealthEX’s 2,000+ cryptocurrencies far beyond the main platform.

User Benefits: Unleashing Unlimited Possibilities

Having access to over 2,000 cryptocurrencies transforms how users can interact with the digital asset space:

  • Unmatched Portfolio Diversification: Spread investments across more assets than ever before, from blue-chip cryptocurrencies to emerging gems with explosive growth potential.
  • Early Access Advantage: Discover and acquire tokens from groundbreaking projects before they reach mainstream exchanges.
  • Cross-Ecosystem Trading: Move seamlessly between different blockchain ecosystems without the complexity of multiple exchange accounts.
  • Complete Investment Freedom: Implement sophisticated investment strategies that were previously impossible due to limited asset availability.

The ability to access this vast selection of crypto assets in one place creates unprecedented opportunities for traders and investors looking to optimize their digital asset strategies.

Market Context: Setting New Industry Standards

StealthEX’s expansion to 2,000+ cryptocurrencies places the platform at the forefront of the exchange industry. While many leading exchanges offer between 200 and 500 coins, StealthEX’s selection is approximately 4x larger than the industry average.

The increased diversity of available cryptocurrencies addresses a crucial need in the market: access to the long tail of crypto assets that often represent innovative technologies and use cases. Blockchain experts have frequently highlighted how fragmentation in accessibility creates barriers to adoption and limits the potential of interconnected crypto ecosystems.

The timing of this expansion is particularly significant as the market experiences increased interest in altcoins and sector-specific tokens. Recent market data indicates growing demand for access to a broader range of digital assets, particularly in specialized sectors like DeFi, gaming, and infrastructure tokens.

How to Access the Expanded Cryptocurrency Selection

Getting started with StealthEX’s expanded selection couldn’t be simpler:

  1. Visit StealthEX.io or open the mobile app.
  2. Select any of the 2,000+ cryptocurrencies from the drop-down menus.
  3. Enter the amount to exchange and the recipient address.
  4. Send the deposit to the generated address.
  5. Receive the exchanged crypto—usually within minutes!

The full list of all available cryptocurrencies includes detailed information about each asset and current exchange rates.

Pioneering the Future of Crypto Exchange

This expansion to 2,000+ cryptocurrencies is just the beginning of StealthEX’s vision for a borderless crypto ecosystem. The company is committed to continuing its growth trajectory, with plans to integrate new blockchains, tokens, and features in the coming months.

“Breaking the 2,000 cryptocurrency barrier represents a pivotal moment in our mission to make the entire crypto universe accessible to everyone,” says Maria Carola, CEO of StealthEX “We’re building a future where users never have to worry about whether their preferred token is supported—if it exists in the crypto space, you’ll likely find it on StealthEX.”

Crypto enthusiasts are invited to experience the freedom of unlimited crypto exchange by visiting StealthEX today and exploring the expanded selection of 2,000+ cryptocurrencies!

Social Links:
Twitter: https://x.com/stealthex_io
Telegram: https://t.me/StealthEX

About Author

Cloud PR Wire

See author's posts

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.

Continue Reading

Press Release

GSM Launches Innovative Smart Profile Platform to Help Nigerians Grow Businesses and Earn Income Online

Published

9 hours ago

on

June 4, 2025

By

Nigeria, 4th Jun 2025 – In a powerful push to support entrepreneurship and professional growth across Nigeria, GSM has officially launched its Smart Profile Platform — a game-changing tool designed to help individuals and businesses establish a strong online presence, showcase products and services, and earn income through multiple channels.

Whether you’re a business owner, a freelancer, a student, a doctor, a mechanic, or an individual looking to sell an ebook, GSM gives you the power to build a fully customized business profile in just five minutes. This profile can include everything from your services, products, blogs, FAQs, testimonials, and contact forms to videos, audio, and more — helping you connect with customers and clients like never before.

Even better, GSM rewards you simply for signing up and sharing. Every new user gets a ₦6000 sign-up bonus, even if they haven’t purchased a package yet. Plus, with the platform’s referral system, users earn 25% commission instantly for every successful sign-up through their link — with the potential to earn up to ₦10,000 on a single package.

Why GSM Is the Go-To Platform for Nigerian Entrepreneurs:

  1. Quick Setup & Full Control: With GSM, anyone can create a detailed business profile in just five minutes. You can upload your products and services, embed testimonials and blogs, post videos and audios, list business hours, display achievements and certifications, and even accept bookings.
     
  2. Powerful Referral System: GSM’s referral program is designed to reward users for spreading the word. When you invite someone and they register using your referral link, you instantly earn 25% commission. The new user also receives a ₦6000 sign-up bonus, creating a win-win situation.
     
  3. Social Media Promotion Support: GSM pays people to share your business profile across social media platforms, making it easier for your services to go viral and attract organic interest.
     
  4. Automatic Contact Syncing: When someone visits your profile, your business contact information can be automatically saved to their phone, ensuring they get real-time updates every time you make a change to your profile.
     
  5. Product Visibility on GSM Website: Once uploaded, your products and services are listed on GSM’s official website, allowing visitors to easily find and order from you without needing a separate eCommerce site.
     
  6. Affordable Advertising: Promote your business for just ₦200 per day to reach over 20,000 users on the GSM platform. Your ad appears directly on users’ mobile devices, keeping your business top-of-mind every day.
     
  7. Easy Search by Phone or ID: Potential customers can instantly find your profile by simply entering your phone number or GSM User ID. No complicated links, no extra steps.
     
  8. GSM Smart Card: Share your business easily with a GSM digital smart card. Once scanned, it displays your full profile immediately — a perfect tool for networking and offline marketing.

Whether you’re selling handmade products, offering professional services, publishing content, or trying to build your personal brand, GSM gives you all the tools and exposure you need to grow.

What are you waiting for?
Sign up now for free at https://gsm.com.ng and claim your ₦6000 welcome bonus.

About GSM
GSM is a Nigerian technology-driven platform built to support entrepreneurs, professionals, and individuals by providing an all-in-one smart business profile solution. GSM empowers users to showcase their skills, products, and services online while offering multiple earning opportunities through affiliate marketing, content monetization, and digital promotion. With a user-friendly interface and powerful promotional features, GSM is redefining how Nigerians grow their brands and reach customers in today’s digital age.

Media Contact

Organization: GSM

Contact Person: GSM

Website: https://gsm.com.ng/

Email: Send Email

Country:Nigeria

Release id:28690

Disclaimer: This press release is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute business, financial, or investment advice. Results may vary based on individual usage, and no guarantees of earnings or success are implied. All offers, commissions, and promotional bonuses are subject to specific terms and conditions provided by the platform. Readers are advised to conduct independent research before participating.

View source version on King Newswire:
GSM Launches Innovative Smart Profile Platform to Help Nigerians Grow Businesses and Earn Income Online

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.

file

About Author

Cloud PR Wire

See author's posts

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.

Continue Reading

Press Release

GSM Launches Innovative Smart Profile Platform to Help Nigerians Grow Businesses and Earn Income Online

Published

9 hours ago

on

June 4, 2025

By

Nigeria, 4th Jun 2025 – In a powerful push to support entrepreneurship and professional growth across Nigeria, GSM has officially launched its Smart Profile Platform — a game-changing tool designed to help individuals and businesses establish a strong online presence, showcase products and services, and earn income through multiple channels.

Whether you’re a business owner, a freelancer, a student, a doctor, a mechanic, or an individual looking to sell an ebook, GSM gives you the power to build a fully customized business profile in just five minutes. This profile can include everything from your services, products, blogs, FAQs, testimonials, and contact forms to videos, audio, and more — helping you connect with customers and clients like never before.

Even better, GSM rewards you simply for signing up and sharing. Every new user gets a ₦6000 sign-up bonus, even if they haven’t purchased a package yet. Plus, with the platform’s referral system, users earn 25% commission instantly for every successful sign-up through their link — with the potential to earn up to ₦10,000 on a single package.

Why GSM Is the Go-To Platform for Nigerian Entrepreneurs:

  1. Quick Setup & Full Control: With GSM, anyone can create a detailed business profile in just five minutes. You can upload your products and services, embed testimonials and blogs, post videos and audios, list business hours, display achievements and certifications, and even accept bookings.
     
  2. Powerful Referral System: GSM’s referral program is designed to reward users for spreading the word. When you invite someone and they register using your referral link, you instantly earn 25% commission. The new user also receives a ₦6000 sign-up bonus, creating a win-win situation.
     
  3. Social Media Promotion Support: GSM pays people to share your business profile across social media platforms, making it easier for your services to go viral and attract organic interest.
     
  4. Automatic Contact Syncing: When someone visits your profile, your business contact information can be automatically saved to their phone, ensuring they get real-time updates every time you make a change to your profile.
     
  5. Product Visibility on GSM Website: Once uploaded, your products and services are listed on GSM’s official website, allowing visitors to easily find and order from you without needing a separate eCommerce site.
     
  6. Affordable Advertising: Promote your business for just ₦200 per day to reach over 20,000 users on the GSM platform. Your ad appears directly on users’ mobile devices, keeping your business top-of-mind every day.
     
  7. Easy Search by Phone or ID: Potential customers can instantly find your profile by simply entering your phone number or GSM User ID. No complicated links, no extra steps.
     
  8. GSM Smart Card: Share your business easily with a GSM digital smart card. Once scanned, it displays your full profile immediately — a perfect tool for networking and offline marketing.

Whether you’re selling handmade products, offering professional services, publishing content, or trying to build your personal brand, GSM gives you all the tools and exposure you need to grow.

What are you waiting for?
Sign up now for free at https://gsm.com.ng and claim your ₦6000 welcome bonus.

About GSM
GSM is a Nigerian technology-driven platform built to support entrepreneurs, professionals, and individuals by providing an all-in-one smart business profile solution. GSM empowers users to showcase their skills, products, and services online while offering multiple earning opportunities through affiliate marketing, content monetization, and digital promotion. With a user-friendly interface and powerful promotional features, GSM is redefining how Nigerians grow their brands and reach customers in today’s digital age.

Media Contact

Organization: GSM

Contact Person: GSM

Website: https://gsm.com.ng/

Email: Send Email

Country:Nigeria

Release id:28690

Disclaimer: This press release is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute business, financial, or investment advice. Results may vary based on individual usage, and no guarantees of earnings or success are implied. All offers, commissions, and promotional bonuses are subject to specific terms and conditions provided by the platform. Readers are advised to conduct independent research before participating.

View source version on King Newswire:
GSM Launches Innovative Smart Profile Platform to Help Nigerians Grow Businesses and Earn Income Online

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.

file

About Author

Cloud PR Wire

See author's posts

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.

Continue Reading

LATEST POST

Like Us
Follow Us
Subscribe Us
Follow Us