Quote Originally Posted by sophisticated_soul View Post
The impact of “I Was Born This Way” in 1977 cannot be underestimated as step to self acceptance for many. I came out at twenty years old and officially when I turned twenty-one [1972] and started clubbing. Five years later when IWBTW was released I was still struggling with self acceptance, societal acceptance and family acceptance. Some of my family found it difficult to accept me as gay and I was out of touch with them for a number of years, including my Mother.

When IWBTW was released, its simplicity knocked me over. I was born this way! It really wasn’t any more complicated than that. It was also a big boost that it was Motown, where all the great music I loved came from, that provided this very public statement.

Rest In Peace Carl Bean. Thank you for your life of service.
Joseph,

What a lovely and touching tribute. I hope you're doing well.

Kenneth