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An intersection in Los Angeles’ Jefferson Park neighborhood now bears the name of revered LGBT activist Carl Bean.
On Sunday, Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson appointed the intersection of Jefferson Boulevard and Sycamore Avenue as Archbishop Carl Bean Square.
“Through his activism Carl Bean pioneered how we treat, educate and advocate for one of the most significant health crises of our time and he did it with a focus and passion for saving Black lives,” said Wesson in a statement obtained by EBONY.
“He did this during a time when the resources and attention were focused on white gay men and not communities of color. Beyond his work with Minority AIDS Project, Carl Bean’s leadership spirit led him to create the Unity Fellowship Church Movement, the first Black church affirming and welcoming of the LGBT community,” he continued. “This honor is long overdue and I’m excited that for decades to come, his legacy will be preserved for future Angelenos to learn and celebrate.”
In 1977, Bean released the single “I Was Born This Way,” as an artist on Motown. The song became a popular among the LGBT and disco communities.
Bean founded Unity Fellowship Church Movement in 1982, where he currently serves as the presiding prelate. It is heralded as the first church for LGBT African-Americans.
Bean also founded the Minority AIDS Project in 1985 to raise awareness and help address the needs of those living with HIV/AIDS in the Los Angeles area. The organization offers HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment services for low-income people of color.
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