Who is Bayard Rustin?

Civil rights leader Bayard Rustin in 1964. File photo.

(You need to know this)

When you talk about LGBT history month and civil rights, you cannot help but also talk about the African American struggle. Throughout history the fight has been great for African American LGBT persons.

Many people believe that the fight for racial equality should not be compared to the human rights struggles of the LGBT community. But Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stated "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Dr. King's close friend and key advisor Bayard Rustin, an openly gay man, was the chief organizer of the famous March on Washington in which the famous "I Have a Dream" speech was made by Dr. King.

Dr. King was well aware of Rustin's sexuality and was not afraid to associate with him. I can only imagine the conversations that occurred about the inclusion of LGBT issues within the civil rights movement and how the focus will inevitably be highlighted in the future.

I have spoken to many black people who did not know of the sexuality of Dr. King's advisor. Could it be that Rustin's role was diminished in history because of his sexuality? It’s possible, but Bayard Rustin remained openly gay despite being criminally charged for what authorities considered to be homosexual activity.

The fact that Dr. King, a minister, had no reservations about being associated with Rustin speaks volumes. Many have said that Rustin's legacy was downplayed due to his sexuality. Senator Strom Thurmond tried to discredit the March on Washington by attacking Rustin verbally in which he called him a pervert and immoral (CNN, 2013).

Nevertheless the March was a success and made a huge impact on civil rights.

by Mahkesha Hogg, LGBT Black Issues Columnist

The Gayly – October 20, 2014 @ 10am