18 February 2010
by Peter Tatchell
February is LGBT History Month, when we celebrate gay history and
icons. Most people are now happy to acknowledge the homosexuality of
public figures like Benjamin Britten and Martina Navratilova. But
what about Malcolm X? Four decades after his assassination, there are
still refuseniks who reject the evidence that he was bisexual.
Controversy has raged ever since the publication of Bruce Perry's
acclaimed biography, Malcolm The Life of a Man Who Changed Black
America. Perry is a great admirer of Malcolm X, but he is not
inclined to cover-ups. He wrote the facts, based on interviews with
over 420 people who knew Malcolm personally at various stages in his
life, from childhood onwards. His book is not a hatchet job; rather,
it's the exact opposite. Perry presents an honest, rounded story of
Malcolm's life and achievements. In my opinion, his book is far
superior to The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told To Alex Haley.
Perry doesn't sensationalise Malcolm's same-sex relations. They are
mere asides to the main narrative. Without fuss or judgement, he
documents Malcolm's many gay experiences, from his school days
through to sex with men for money at the New York YMCA. Malcolm also
provided sexual services to the wealthy Boston bachelor, William Paul
Lennon. He had a sustained relationship with a neighbouring tenant,
Willie Mae Jones, when he lived in Flint, Michigan. Perry says there
is no evidence that Malcolm's gay dalliances continued once he joined
the Nation of Islam and married. With all the fervour of a zealous
convert, he embraced a fiercely puritanical Muslim sexual morality. A
little hypocritical, some might say.
For half a century, knowledge of Malcolm's bisexuality has been
suppressed. It's time to blow the whistle. There is, after all, not a
single truly world famous black person alive today who is openly gay.
Not one. Elton John has no black equivalent.
Young black lesbians and gays need black role models. Why not Malcolm
X? He's universally known and respected in black communities
worldwide. Knowledge of his bisexuality could help break down
homophobia and give confidence to young black kids who are struggling
to come to terms with being LGBT. They'd have a major black icon they
could look up to. About time too.
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