I Was Born This Way celebrates trailblazer Carl Bean's legacy

I Was Born This Way retraces the life of singer and activist Carl Bean who went on to found the Minority AIDS Project and the world’s first LGBTQ+ church for people of color.

Directed by Daniel Junge and Sam Pollard, the documentary recreates turning points in Bean’s life with the use of rotoscoping, adding a multidimensional aspect to his character. 

With his unweavable faith and the unconditional support of his mother, Bean found the strength to overcome abuse and move from Baltimore to LA where he signed up with Motown Records.

Written as an anthem by Chris Spierer and Bunny Jones., I Was This Born Way became the rallying cry of the mainstream gay rights movement in the 70s, at a time where it was taboo to say that you were gay.

The documentary includes interviews from inspirational stars such as Billy Porter, Dionne Warwick, Questlove, Estelle Brow, Iris Gordy, and Lady Gaga who reminds us to remember to love people that are different from us, “It is the only way forward.”