The topic of Malcolm X’s sexuality is one that comes up every now and again on social media. The most recent resurgence of the topic came about amidst the peak of the magical hashtag #BlackGaySlay. Some tweets came up giving a shout-out to Malcolm X with the hashtag, citing his alleged Bisexuality. Predictably (because this happens every time the topic comes up), this sent the homophobes into a tizzy (example). Initially, I was largely in on going at the bigots about their biphobia and homophobia, asserting Malcolm X’s Queerness. But after spending some time sorting it out in my head, I had to come to realization that that’s kinda bullshit. Here’s why I’m making the personal call to bow out of claiming Malcolm X as Queer or Bisexual…

It’s known that Malcolm X did make a living as a sex worker for male clients in his younger years, but that doesn’t necessarily equate to an actual attraction to men. Regardless of what Malcolm may have done, he never actually said he was Bisexual. One of the more crucial aspects of sexuality and gender identity is having the autonomy to ID oneself as they feel comfortable doing. I think one thing Queer people can, virtually unanimously, agree on is we don’t like having others try to define our sexual identity for us…and it’s something most all of us have had to deal with at some point. So, why would we turn around and define someone else’s sexuality for them—especially when he’s not alive to accept or decline it? It feels a bit hypocritical. [Read more…]