I Was Born This Way

I Was Born This Way

A film by Daniel Junge and Sam Pollard

Surviving racism, homophobia and childhood trauma, Carl Bean found his voice through song – first as a gospel singer in Harlem’s Christian Tabernacle Choir and then later performing with his group Carl Bean and Universal Love on their 1974 album “Universal Love.”

But it was the recording of the 1977 Motown hit “I Was Born This Way” that would earn him fame; the song was celebrated as the world’s first gay anthem. However, Bean eschewed a mainstream music career…instead choosing a vocation in activism. He started the Minority AIDS Project — serving a vital role for underserved populations during the AIDS Crisis. And he founded Unity Fellowship Church — the first LGBTQ+ ministry.

Using innovative rotoscope animation and featuring appearances by Lady Gaga, Questlove, Billy Porter, and Dionne Warwick, I Was Born This Way celebrates the life and legacy of the unapologetic gay Black trailblazer and his resounding message, “love is for everyone.”

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Director

Daniel Junge and Sam Pollard

Producer

Wellington Love

Runtime

100 minutes

Rights Represented

Educational

Captions Available

English

Language

English

Licensing Options
Watch trailer

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I Was Born This Way
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