‘I Was Born This Way’ Carl Bean Documentary: Celebrating the LGBTQ+ Pioneer and Activist

The documentary I Was Born This Way Carl Bean follows the life of Archbishop Carl Bean, whose 1977 disco anthem became a groundbreaking gay anthem and inspired Lady Gaga’s modern LGBTQ+ anthem, ‘Born This Way.’ Directed by Oscar winner Daniel Junge and Emmy winner Sam Pollard, the film will premiere at the Tribeca Festival on June 5.

The Life and Legacy of Carl Bean

I Was Born This Way Carl Bean chronicles his journey from a challenging childhood growing up Black and queer, to his surprising music career with a Billboard top 10 disco hit, and ultimately his founding of the Minority AIDS Project and the world’s first LGBTQ+ church for people of color — Unity Fellowship.

Star-Studded Executive Producers and Interviews

Oscar winners Questlove and Jamie Lee Curtis and Emmy winner Billy Porter serve as executive producers. The documentary features interviews with notable figures including Lady Gaga, Dionne Warwick, and Representative Maxine Waters. Lady Gaga praises Bean’s unique contribution both as a singer and activist.

A Message of Love and Resistance

Archbishop Bean’s powerful motto, “God is love and love is for everyone,” guided him through adversity, including the HIV-AIDS crisis when many faced discrimination. Producers stress the film’s importance as a form of resistance against erasing LGBTQ+ and BIPOC histories in America.

Film Details and Tribeca Screenings

Produced by Wellington Love, Daniel Junge, and Jed Alan, the film incorporates innovative rotoscope animation and original music by John Jennings Boyd and Deandre James Allen-Toole. Following its world premiere on June 5, it will also screen on June 6 and June 14 at Tribeca.

Source : deadline.com