West Hollywood has declared May 23 Born This Way Day: “Thank you for encouraging us to love ourselves and be proud!” West Hollywood Mayor Lindsey P. Horvath said in a statement, along with presenting a Key to the City to Gaga. “Born This Way, my song and album, were inspired by Carl Bean, a gay black religious activist who preached, sung and wrote about being “Born This Way.” Notably his early work was in 1975, 11 years before I was born. Thank you for decades of relentless love, bravery, and a reason to sing. So we can all feel joy, because we deserve joy. Because we deserve the right to inspire tolerance, acceptance, and freedom for all.” — Lady Gaga #BornThisWayDay #BornThisWay10thAnniversary