BZN DOC – ‘I Was Born This Way’
March 26 @ 7:00pm
The Bozeman Doc Series continues on Thursday, March 26th, at 7pm at the Emerson Center with the Montana premiere of I Was Born This Way, the new film from award-winning directors Daniel Junge and Sam Pollard. Junge, an Oscar-winner for the film Saving Face, will be in attendance and take part in a Q&A after the film.
When Archbishop Carl Bean sang the 1977 disco hit and gay anthem “I Was Born This Way,” it was just the start of his mission to create positive change in the world. He went on to found the Minority AIDS Project and the world’s first LGBTQ+ church for people of color.
Using innovative rotoscope animation and featuring appearances by Lady Gaga, Questlove, Billy Porter, and Dionne Warwick, I Was Born This Way is a feature-length documentary exploring the life and legacy of Bean and his resounding message “love is for everyone.”
“Both a musical history lesson and a long overdue tribute to the late Archbishop Carl Bean, a gay singer, LGBTQ activist, and member of the clergy…It’s impossible to overstate the significant contributions that Carl Bean made to multiple communities, including LGBTQ, Black, HIV/AIDS, activist, and faith. To their credit, Junge and Pollard give Bean his due and provide viewers with an unforgettable portrait of a life well-lived.” The Bay Area Reporter
“Fascinating…engaging…timely…Now, at a time when the contributions and existences of queer people and people of color are being severely marginalized, I Was Born This Way serves in stark contrast as a celebration of a Black and Gay man who refused marginalization in any area of his life.” Stage and Cinema
“A well-orchestrated documentary…showcases an incredible history and highlights the importance of visionaries with an undying ability to push forward in the bleakest situations…The significance of Carl Bean’s legacy as an “unapologetic gay Black trailblazer,” a joyful human with a beautiful voice, and his undeniable message that “love is for everyone” feels heartfelt and evokes a sense of sadness in these current times…[a] story of courage and beauty through artistry and belief.” Film Threat
Doors open at 6:30pm. Tickets are available at the door or before the show online at www.bozemandocseries.org, where you can also buy Season Passes and 7-film punch cards, learn more about the series, and view trailers for upcoming films. The series will continue every other week through April, 2026.
