Merging Business and Advocacy: How Terry Bean Uses Economic Power for Social Change

Oregon, US, 17th March 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, For decades, Terry Bean has been a key figure in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, a major force in political fundraising, and a respected leader in the business world. As the CEO and President of Bean Investment Real Estate, Bean has seamlessly merged his business acumen with his deep commitment to social justice, demonstrating how economic power can drive meaningful change. His work in real estate and advocacy reflects a broader vision—one where financial success and activism are not separate pursuits but rather two sides of the same coin.

The Intersection of Business and Activism

While many view business and activism as opposing forces, Bean sees them as complementary tools for progress. His philosophy is rooted in the belief that financial power can be leveraged to support causes that uplift marginalized communities. Through his real estate ventures, political fundraising, and advocacy work, he has proven that economic influence can be a powerful driver of social change. “In business, as in activism, it’s all about strategy, persistence, and knowing where to invest your energy,” Bean explains. “If we want long-term equality, we have to build financial and political power at the same time. One without the other won’t create sustainable progress.” As a fifth-generation Oregonian, Bean has remained committed to investing in his home state, ensuring that his business ventures not only generate economic growth but also contribute to the well-being of local communities. His work in real estate is guided by principles of sustainability, inclusion, and ethical investment, reflecting his broader mission of advancing social equity.

Building Economic Power to Fuel Advocacy

One of Bean’s defining moments as an activist came in 1992 when he played a pivotal role in the campaign to defeat Oregon Measure 9. The ballot initiative sought to classify homosexuality as “abnormal” in the state constitution, potentially leading to widespread legal discrimination. Understanding that political influence requires financial backing, Bean led fundraising efforts that amassed over $1 million, helping to defeat the measure. “That campaign showed me just how critical financial resources are in advocacy,” Bean recalls. “No matter how passionate you are about a cause, you need funding to reach voters, counter misinformation, and mobilize support. Economic power gives movements the tools they need to win.”

Since then, Bean has continued to apply this principle to every aspect of his activism. His fundraising expertise has helped elect countless pro-equality candidates, ensuring that LGBTQ+ rights remain at the forefront of policy discussions. His work with the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund has helped LGBTQ+ individuals secure positions in public office, reinforcing the idea that representation matters—not just symbolically, but in shaping real legislation.

Real Estate as a Vehicle for Social Change

Beyond political fundraising, Bean has used his success in real estate to invest in projects that align with his values. As the head of Bean Investment Real Estate, he has prioritized developments that contribute positively to communities, focusing on sustainability, economic
accessibility, and long-term social impact. “Real estate isn’t just about properties—it’s about communities,” Bean says. “Every investment I make has to align with my broader vision of fostering inclusivity, supporting local economies, and ensuring that growth benefits everyone, not just a select few.” His approach is grounded in ethical investment strategies, rejecting ventures that contribute to displacement or exploitation. Instead, he looks for opportunities that create jobs, promote fair housing, and support the long-term economic health of the areas where he operates.

The Power of Purpose-Driven Business

Bean’s career serves as a blueprint for how business leaders can integrate activism into their professional endeavors. He rejects the notion that success in business requires a neutral stance on social issues, arguing instead that companies and investors have a responsibility to use their influence for good. “Some people think business leaders should stay out of politics, but that’s not realistic,” he explains. “Every economic decision we make has a political impact. The question is whether we’re using that impact to push society forward or hold it back.”
He points to corporate social responsibility initiatives as an example of how businesses can play an active role in shaping the future. From supporting workplace diversity to advocating for progressive policies, companies have the ability to set cultural and economic trends. Bean believes that by taking a stand on important issues, businesses can help build a more equitable society while also strengthening their own long-term sustainability.

Challenges and Opportunities in Today’s Climate

Despite the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights, Bean warns that economic and political forces are still working against equality. Across the U.S., legislation targeting LGBTQ+ individuals—particularly transgender people—has been on the rise, highlighting the need for continued advocacy and financial backing for civil rights efforts. “We’re seeing a wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, and that’s not happening in a vacuum,” he says. “It’s being funded and supported by organizations that have economic power. If we want to counter these attacks, we need to be just as strategic, just as well-resourced, and just as determined.” Bean calls on business leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors to take an active role in fighting discrimination, urging them to support causes that protect civil rights, invest in inclusive workplaces, and use their financial resources to promote positive change. “At the end of the day, money speaks,” he says. “And we have a choice in how we use it. We can either fund progress or let others fund regression.”

Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Impact

As Bean continues to lead both in business and activism, he remains focused on ensuring that his work outlasts him. His investments in real estate, political advocacy, and organizational leadership are all designed to create lasting change, setting the stage for future generations to build upon. “The goal is sustainability,” he says. “Not just in business, but in activism. We’re not just fighting for today—we’re building the infrastructure to support equality for decades to come.” He sees the next frontier of advocacy as a global effort, noting that while LGBTQ+ rights have advanced significantly in the U.S., many countries still criminalize same-sex relationships and deny basic human rights to LGBTQ+ individuals. “We can’t stop at our borders,” Bean says. “There are activists around the world fighting the same battles we fought years ago, and they need support. The next phase of this movement is about global solidarity.”

A Call to Action

For those looking to follow in his footsteps, Bean offers a simple but powerful piece of advice: leverage what you have for the causes you believe in. Whether it’s financial resources, time, or expertise, everyone has something they can contribute to the fight for equality. “You don’t have to be a billionaire to make a difference,” he says. “Use what you have. If you have a business, make sure it aligns with your values. If you have a platform, use it to amplify important issues. If you have money, invest it in causes that create change. Everyone has a role to play.”

About Terry Bean

Terry Bean is a pioneering civil rights advocate, political strategist, and business leader. As a co-founder of the Human Rights Campaign and the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, he has been instrumental in advancing LGBTQ+ political representation and social change. In 1992, he played a critical role in defeating Oregon Measure 9, a major victory against anti- LGBTQ+ discrimination. Today, he continues his advocacy while leading Bean Investment Real Estate, where he applies his business expertise to ethical and community-driven investment strategies.