PORTLAND, OR, April 18, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- As the LGBTQ+ rights movement continues to gain political ground and cultural visibility, longtime activist and political strategist Terry Bean is urging a shift in focus: from celebrating representation alone to demanding accountability and results from LGBTQ+ leaders and allies. Bean, one of the nation's earliest champions of LGBTQ+ political empowerment, believes that the movement must now evolve beyond symbolic victories and into an era of measurable progress, policy follow-through, and meaningful impact.

"For too long, visibility was the barometer of success," says Bean. "But today, we have openly LGBTQ+ individuals in Congress, in corporate boardrooms, on television, and even in presidential cabinets. That's worth celebrating—but it's not enough. We need to hold ourselves and our leaders accountable for delivering the change we were elected or empowered to pursue."

Beyond Representation: A Turning Point for the Movement

Terry Bean is no stranger to turning ideals into action. As co-founder of the Human Rights Campaign and the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, he spent decades helping LGBTQ+ individuals gain political representation and fighting for legal protections. But in his view, representation without results risks hollowing out the very progress activists fought for. "Representation was a critical first step—we needed to see ourselves in power to believe we belonged there," Bean explains. "But now, we must ask the tougher question: What are we doing with that power?"

Bean points to the increasing number of openly LGBTQ+ elected officials across the country and a wave of corporate allies that proudly fly rainbow flags each June. While these are signs of progress, he cautions that token gestures or symbolic appointments cannot be mistaken for structural change. "Visibility got us to the table," he says. "Accountability will determine what we do while we're sitting there."

Calling Out Performative Progress

Bean is particularly vocal about the dangers of performative allyship—especially among corporate entities and politicians who publicly support LGBTQ+ rights while quietly backing policies or leaders that undermine them. "It's time we stop applauding empty gestures and start demanding transparency," Bean says. "Don't tell me you support equality if your PAC donations go to lawmakers who vote against our rights. Don't celebrate Pride Month while lobbying against anti-discrimination laws." He believes that the LGBTQ+ community must become more discerning, rewarding those who take real action and challenging those who fall short. This means evaluating LGBTQ+ leaders by their legislative records, policy decisions, and the outcomes they deliver—not just their identity or affiliations.

"Leadership means making hard decisions, standing up to power, and advancing justice—not just checking a box," Bean adds. "Our movement should hold itself to the highest standard."

The Importance of Grassroots Pressure

While Bean is known for his national-level political influence, he remains a staunch advocate for grassroots organizing. He argues that holding LGBTQ+ leaders accountable starts at the local level—where community members can apply pressure, demand transparency, and shape policy from the ground up. "We can't rely solely on elected officials or high-profile advocates to drive change," he notes. "Progress comes when people on the ground ask tough questions, organize locally, and push leaders to stay true to their commitments."

He cites examples of communities successfully holding school boards, city councils, and state legislatures accountable for rolling back anti-trans policies or advancing protections for LGBTQ+ youth. "Those wins weren't handed down from the top—they were earned by people who showed up, spoke out, and kept pushing," Bean says.

Accountability Inside the LGBTQ+ Movement

Bean doesn't exempt the LGBTQ+ movement itself from scrutiny. In fact, he argues that true equity must also exist within the advocacy world—where disparities in funding, representation, and leadership often mirror the inequalities the movement seeks to dismantle. "We have to look inward too," he says. "Are trans voices leading trans advocacy? Are LGBTQ+ people of color adequately represented in the movement's leadership? Are we distributing resources equitably, or are we reinforcing the same hierarchies we claim to fight?"

Bean believes that organizations must conduct internal audits of their leadership structures, funding priorities, and community outreach efforts. Only by holding themselves accountable, he argues, can they effectively serve the broader LGBTQ+ community. "Accountability isn't just for the people outside the room—it's for all of us," he says.

From Political Fundraising to Political Outcomes

With decades of experience in political fundraising, including raising millions to defeat Oregon's infamous Measure 9 and helping support LGBTQ+ candidates nationwide, Bean knows how much influence money has in politics. But he warns that the focus must shift from simply backing LGBTQ+ candidates to evaluating their impact once in office. "It's not enough to help someone get elected," Bean says. "We need to track what they do once they're there. Are they authoring meaningful legislation? Are they building coalitions? Are they showing up for the most vulnerable in our community—or just maintaining their seat?"

He encourages donors and political organizations to adopt metrics for evaluating effectiveness and to redirect support if leaders fail to deliver. "Our dollars have power. We should use that power to reward courage, not complacency," he adds.

Reclaiming the Meaning of Pride

As Pride events grow in scale and visibility, Bean urges the community to reconnect with the protest roots of the movement. He sees Pride as an opportunity not just for celebration, but for critical reflection and renewed commitment. "Pride started as a riot," Bean reminds. "It was about resisting police brutality, demanding justice, and refusing to be erased. That spirit shouldn't be lost in corporate floats and confetti. Let's celebrate, yes—but let's also organize, educate, and mobilize." He encourages Pride organizers to include policy briefings, voter registration drives, and community forums alongside the festivities. "Let Pride be a launchpad for the next wave of progress," he says.

A Vision for the Future of LGBTQ+ Advocacy

Looking ahead, Bean believes the next phase of LGBTQ+ advocacy must be defined by policy victories, community-driven leadership, and cross-movement collaboration. He envisions a future where LGBTQ+ rights are part of a broader social justice framework—tied to racial equity, economic justice, climate action, and reproductive rights. "The fight for equality isn't isolated," he says. "It's part of a larger struggle for dignity, fairness, and opportunity for everyone. Our movement is strongest when we stand in solidarity with others."

He calls on LGBTQ+ leaders to think big, act boldly, and never lose sight of the communities they represent. "If we're not pushing boundaries, we're standing still," Bean says. "Let's be the leaders we needed when we were growing up. Let's build a movement that our future selves will be proud of."

About Terry Bean

Terry Bean is a pioneering LGBTQ+ rights advocate, political strategist, and entrepreneur. He co-founded the Human Rights Campaign and the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, organizations that have reshaped the political landscape for LGBTQ+ representation. A veteran fundraiser, Bean played a critical role in defeating Oregon's Measure 9 and has supported numerous civil rights campaigns nationwide. He is also the CEO of Bean Investment Real Estate in Portland, Oregon, where he integrates ethical investment practices with community impact.

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