Terry Bean is always one of those behind the scenes people you rarely hear about in American politics that gets more done than most elected officials. For over thirty years, Terry Bean has unselfishly committed himself to the struggle for human rights. This man has never given up on the fight for LGBT equality. He also has been a participant in every major battle for freedom and justice in his lifetime.

For most of that time, he has been pushing for domestic partnership legislation in the Oregon legislature. Even when Republicans dominated the political arena and there was little chance of passage, he refused to give up. He believed in the legislation and fought hard no matter what the odds.

Terry Bean has shown future generations how to be tough, practical and one smart politician. In recent years, along with his dear friend former Governor Barbara Roberts, Bean has been making great strides to obtaining his dream of equality for members of the LGBT community in Oregon.

Terry also has been a major civil rights leader nationally and has been the heart and soul of HRC and a number of other organizations.

Recently, he was an honored guest as Oregon Governor Kulongoski signed the domestic partnership legislation into law after thirty years of determination on Bean’s part. For any of us who are faltering and tired of fighting for marriage, look to Bean for inspiration and hope. He never tired of the struggle, he never gave up and - in the end - he won.

At the signing ceremony he was called upon to speak. Here is his short speech. After thirty years of fighting, this national leader deserves to be heard and honored by us all! Have a listen: