Did Homophobia Hide A Hero?
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Did Homophobia Hide A Hero?

A profile on Civil Rights Leader Bayard Rustin

21
Did Homophobia Hide A Hero?
QX Magazine
"My being gay was not a problem for Dr. King but a problem for the movement."
- Bayard Rustin

In an excerpt of a 1987 essay, Civil Rights Movement organizer Bayard Rustin regards Rev Martin Luther King Jr.

Bayard Rustin was a social justice advocate and humanitarian who managed to integrate a background of pacifist principles with an unparalleled set of organizational skills. Known for his heavy involvement with the U.S. government and Dr. King as an advisor and organizer for the March on Washington in 1963. Rustin stood out particularly because he maintained a focus on human rights on a global perspective.

In addition to his fight for the advancement of African Americans, Rustin embraced an all-encompassing role as an advocate for LGBT rights, international peace and non-violence, being posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama back in 2013.

Anything for the Movement?

Although Rustin made meritorious strides as an organizer and thought-leader, introducing Gandhi's principles of nonviolence to the Civil Rights Movement, the growing tensions that emerged from domestic race relations in this era clouded a conversation in the Black community that was otherwise undermined in the nuances of the mantra of the time that promoted "anything for the movement."

Because of the mainstream hyper-sexuality that emerged in the black community in this era, there was an inception of what we now know identify as Black masculinity and Black feminism in modern America. This establishment of African American cultural norms ultimately played their role in fostering and encouraging traces of homophobia which ultimately played its' part in hiding a hero like Rustin, who suffered a rolling dejection from the movement due to a series of encounters with sexual misconduct that became publicized to attack Rustin's character and merit.

Bayard Was Not Ashamed

While the prevalence of homophobia was a clear threat to Rustin's existence as a leader in this movement, Rustin continuously took personal losses of recognition to supplement the movement in areas where a conversation was just not ready to be had. Regardless, Rustin maintained his position on the front-line in advocacy continuing to promote human rights, being noted for a 1986 speech entitled "Gay is the New Nigger", challenging the governments lack of intervention in the rights of Gay-identifying communities.

"Today, blacks are no longer the litmus paper or the barometer of social change. Blacks are in every segment of society and there are laws that help to protect them from racial discrimination. The new “niggers” are gays. … It is in this sense that gay people are the new barometer for social change. … The question of social change should be framed with the most vulnerable group in mind: gay people."

Stand for All or Stand for None

In a 1987 essay republished by Advocate, Rustin detailed the response of his sexuality, his own sexual misconduct, and the toll it began to take on the movement, noting that although King had his own burdens of sexual misconduct, the addition of Rustin's background led King's advisers to suggest that Rustin leave the movement stating: "I told Dr. King that if advisers closest to him felt I was a burden, then rather than put him in a position that he had to say leave, I would go."

Later in the essay, Rustin notes that someone sent his wife a tape of an alleged affair between Dr. King and another woman, which juxtaposed King's sexual conduct to Rustin's opening room for the question: "Was King's relationship with Rustin a failed attempt at alliance?"

Although Rustin's ability of organizing and direct action was indisputable, his strengths did not protect him from the ignorance, prejudice, and humiliation that he endured during his time with the movement. While Rustin still led the March on Washington and was still called-on to support King in a role of advisement to some capacity, the lack of King's agency in preserving Rustin's position was a missed opportunity for King to have made an invaluable point on the goals of the movement in promoting a catholic perspective of humanity.

Give Bayard Rustin's essay a read and share your thoughts in the comments below,

"Was King's relationship with Rustin a failed attempt at alliance?"

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

937870
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

114716
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less
New Year Resolutions

It's 2024! You drank champagne, you wore funny glasses, and you watched the ball drop as you sang the night away with your best friends and family. What comes next you may ask? Sadly you will have to return to the real world full of work and school and paying bills. "Ah! But I have my New Year's Resolutions!"- you may say. But most of them are 100% complete cliches that you won't hold on to. Here is a list of those things you hear all around the world.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Ultimate Birthday: Unveiling the Perfect Day to Celebrate!

Let's be real, the day your birthday falls on could really make or break it.

91239
​different color birthday candles on a cake
Blacksburg Children's Museum

You heard it here first: birthdays in college are some of the best days of your four years. For one day annually, you get to forget about your identity as a stressed, broke, and overworked student, and take the time to celebrate. You can throw your responsibilities for a day, use your one skip in that class you hate, receive kind cards and gifts from loved ones and just enjoy yourself.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments