This item from Huffington Post peaked my interest for two reasons, it was about Malcolm X and assertions that he had same sex relations/relationships. In a new book Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention by the recently passed Manning Marable it asserted that Malcolm X had a same-sex relationship with a white businessman AND had sex with gay men for money.
Why does it matter?
Malcolm X is an African-American icon, a hero for some, a model of manhood for others, and a leader of a movement that was in part responsible for black self actualization during his lifetime and thereafter. For some, rumors, hints or even facts that state that Malcolm X was gay will be poo-pooed as another attempt at vilifying Malcolm and his legacy. For others, they may be crushed by the thought that this man, a stand-up black man, a family man could have possibly been gay? For me it doesn't matter.
Having been in a same sex relationship or relationships clearly didn't cloud his vision of what was wrong with America and what could be done to make it right. If he were gay maybe it was wrong for him not to be "out" but considering the time he lived in and faith that he practiced, I could understand why he wouldn't. Besides, being forthcoming about sexual orientation as with anything having to do with your person, it is as it always should be a matter of choice how much of you is shared. This is America after all, we do still supposedly have choices. This may have been a choice that he made. That said, I think that it's time that we move past the point where a person's sexual orientation should be a cause for alarm, or controversy or disturbance.
Malcolm, as far as I'm concerned was still a great man, was still a great leader. Is this simplistic? Yes, because purposely not discussion gay and married with children here. That is a topic that we could go on and on about. The point I'm making is that given his impact on the world around him, I could care less whether he was gay or not. Does it matter to you?
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