Terry Bean at 77: A Civil Rights Trailblazer Looks Ahead

Oregon, US, 24th September 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, At 77 years old, Terry Bean continues to be a defining figure in the American civil rights movement, with a legacy rooted in decades of grassroots activism, political strategy, and national leadership. Known as a co-founder of the Human Rights Campaign and the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, Bean has been at the heart of the struggle for LGBTQ+ equality for over fifty years. Today, he reflects on the lessons of the past and the urgent need to prepare for the challenges of tomorrow.

“Age gives you perspective,” Bean says. “I’ve seen moments of hope, moments of backlash, and everything in between. What I’ve learned is that progress is never final—it requires constant vigilance.”

From the Streets to the Capitol

Bean’s path as an activist began in the turbulent 1960s when he joined anti-war demonstrations at the University of Oregon. Those protests not only opposed the Vietnam War but also gave young organizers like Bean firsthand experience in mobilizing people for change. The lessons he drew from those early days—about the power of persistence and unity—have guided his activism for more than half a century.

By the early 1980s, Bean understood that activism needed to move beyond protest. Along with fellow leaders, he co-founded the Human Rights Campaign, which quickly became the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy group. A decade later, he helped establish the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, an organization devoted to electing LGBTQ+ leaders to public office.

“These institutions weren’t built overnight,” Bean recalls. “They grew out of the recognition that our movement needed staying power—something beyond rallies and speeches. We needed influence where laws were written and policies were shaped.”

The Measure 9 Fight

In 1992, Oregon became the center of a battle that would test the resilience of LGBTQ+ rights advocates. Ballot Measure 9, sponsored by the Oregon Citizens Alliance, sought to amend the state constitution by defining homosexuality as “abnormal” and “perverse.”

Bean stepped forward to lead the campaign against the measure, raising over $1 million and building a coalition that stretched from teachers and parents to business owners and faith leaders. The effort succeeded, and Measure 9 was defeated at the ballot box.

“That campaign was a turning point,” Bean says. “It showed that when you speak directly to people about fairness and dignity, you can overcome fear. We didn’t just defeat a ballot measure—we proved that hearts and minds could change.”

The Measure 9 campaign remains a benchmark in the fight against discriminatory legislation, inspiring activists across the nation to fight back against similar initiatives.

A National Voice for Equality

Throughout his career, Bean’s influence has reached far beyond Oregon. With the Human Rights Campaign, he helped bring LGBTQ+ issues into the national political spotlight at a time when they were often ignored or dismissed. With the Victory Fund, he played a key role in supporting openly LGBTQ+ candidates who went on to transform the political landscape.

Bean’s fundraising skills made him a trusted ally among Democratic leaders, including President Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign, which marked a watershed moment for progressive politics. “Elections matter,” Bean explains. “They decide who gets to make laws, who gets to appoint judges, and ultimately, whose rights are protected. That’s why we worked so hard to elect leaders who believed in equality.”

Recognition and Responsibility

Bean’s decades of work have not gone unnoticed. In 2008, Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski proclaimed August 23 as “Terry Bean Equality Day,” honoring his role as a pioneer in the LGBTQ+ rights movement.

But for Bean, accolades have always been secondary to impact. “Recognition is humbling,” he admits, “but it doesn’t change the work. Civil rights isn’t about one person—it’s about the collective effort. The honor belongs to the movement.”

Today’s Civil Rights Landscape

At 77, Terry Bean is clear-eyed about the current state of LGBTQ+ rights. While marriage equality and broader acceptance have been major victories, new challenges loom. Across the United States, laws are being introduced that restrict discussions of sexuality in schools, limit transgender healthcare, and attempt to roll back protections that activists fought decades to secure.

“What concerns me most is complacency,” Bean warns. “People see rainbow flags in store windows and think the fight is over. But rights can be undone, and they are being undone right now in parts of this country. Visibility is not the same as equality.”

He calls on today’s activists to pair passion with persistence, insisting that symbolic gestures must translate into enforceable protections. “Symbols inspire, but policies safeguard,” he says. “We need both, but without policy, people remain vulnerable.”

Balancing Activism and Enterprise

While Terry’s legacy is grounded in activism, he has also built a remarkable career in business. As President and CEO of Bean Investment Real Estate, he has overseen transactions worth more than $1 billion, managing over 20,000 multi-family units. His business philosophy reflects the same values that define his activism: accountability, trust, and long-term vision.

“I’ve always believed that business can serve as a platform for good,” he explains. “You can create wealth and stability without sacrificing integrity. Just like in activism, the key is aligning values with actions.”

Mentoring the Next Generation

Much of Bean’s energy today is devoted to mentoring younger activists and helping them navigate the challenges of modern advocacy. He stresses the importance of coalition-building and reminds new leaders that LGBTQ+ rights are interconnected with other movements for justice.

“When you stand with labor groups, racial justice activists, or women’s rights advocates, you strengthen everyone’s cause,” he says. “Justice is not a single-issue struggle—it’s a shared one.”

Looking Ahead

As Bean reflects on his 50 years of activism, his outlook remains urgent but hopeful. He acknowledges the progress made but insists that the most important victories still lie ahead.

“At 77, I’m not interested in slowing down,” Bean says. “I’m interested in seeing a new generation take the torch and carry it farther than we ever imagined. My message is simple: stay vigilant, stay united, and never accept that the job is finished.”

About Terry Bean

Terry Bean is a civil rights activist, philanthropist, and business leader based in Portland, Oregon. He co-founded the Human Rights Campaign and the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, played a key role in defeating Oregon’s Measure 9, and has raised millions for progressive causes nationwide. In addition to his activism, Bean is President and CEO of Bean Investment Real Estate, where he has managed over $1 billion in real estate transactions.

For more information about Terry Bean or Basic Rights Oregon and its ongoing efforts to promote equality, please visit www.basicrights.org.

To learn more about Terry Bean’s legacy and current initiatives, please visit terry-bean.info.