How Elias Taylor in 'Rustin' Highlights Bayard Rustin’s NAACP Struggles

Netflix's Rustin, directed by George C. Wolfe, introduces viewers to a compelling character named Elias Taylor.

However, unlike most of the other characters in the film, Elias Taylor does not have a real-life counterpart. Instead, he is a fictional creation meant to serve as a narrative tool, highlighting aspects of Bayard Rustin's life, the film's central figure.

But who is Elias Taylor, and why was this character brought to life? 

Who Was Bayard Rustin?

Before explaining Elias Taylor’s character, it’s essential to understand who Bayard Rustin was. Rustin was a civil rights leader, best known for organizing the 1963 March on Washington, one of the largest political rallies for human rights in U.S. history.

Rustin was a man of many talents—an organizer, a strategist, and an openly gay man at a time when homosexuality was criminalized. Rustin’s sexuality made him a target for discrimination, not just from society at large, but even within the civil rights movement.

Elias Taylor: A Fictional Persona

Unlike the other characters in Rustin, Elias Taylor was not based on a real person. The film’s director, George C. Wolfe, likely created Elias to shine a light on Bayard Rustin’s complex personal life.

Through the lens of Elias Taylor, the audience gets a glimpse into Rustin’s relationships and the struggles he faced as a gay man in the 1960s.

How Did Elias and Bayard Meet?

The story of Elias and Bayard begins in a rather unconventional setting—a restroom. After a tense meeting where Bayard pitches the idea of orchestrating the largest march in human history, he finds himself in the restroom, frustrated and alone.

It is here that Elias Taylor, a man present at the meeting, strikes up a conversation with him. The interaction quickly takes a flirtatious turn, with Elias making it clear that he is drawn to Bayard.

He even mentions, rather casually, that he has a wife who is conveniently out of town on Saturdays. Bayard, taken aback by the unexpected direction of the conversation, listens as Elias advises him to reconcile with Martin Luther King Jr., a key figure whose support is crucial for the success of the march.

This interaction marks the beginning of their relationship, which soon evolves into something more intimate.

The Role of Tom Kahn

Bayard Rustin’s personal life was anything but simple. While he was involved with Elias, he also had a complicated relationship with Tom Kahn, his assistant.

Tom believed that he and Bayard were in a committed relationship, but Bayard’s actions often suggested otherwise. The tension between Bayard, Tom, and Elias comes to a head when Tom walks in on Bayard and Elias being intimate.

Hurt and confused, Tom confronts Bayard, expressing his frustration with the situation. Tom’s anger is not just about Bayard’s infidelity but also about the emotional turmoil that comes with being involved with someone as complex as Bayard Rustin.

Bayard, a man dedicated to his cause, was often caught between his public responsibilities and his private desires. His relationship with Tom Kahn was marked by contradictions—moments of closeness followed by instances where Bayard’s actions belied any sense of commitment.

This emotional complexity adds depth to Rustin’s character, showing that even those who fight for justice on a grand scale can struggle with personal relationships.

The End of Elias and Bayard’s Affair

Despite Tom Kahn’s discovery of their affair, Bayard and Elias continued to see each other. However, the relationship takes a turn when Claudia Taylor, Elias’ wife, steps in. Claudia calls Bayard, urging him to end his affair with Elias.

She explains that her father is handing over the congregation to Elias, and she wants him to avoid any activities that could tarnish his reputation or jeopardize his new responsibilities.

The conversation with his wife prompts Elias to reconsider his relationship with Bayard. When Bayard tries to convince Elias to embrace his true self rather than suppress his desires, Elias ultimately decides to part ways, choosing to align himself with his duties and the expectations of his wife and community.

The Impact of Bayard Rustin’s Personal Life on His Legacy

Bayard Rustin’s personal life was fraught with challenges, not least because of the societal attitudes toward homosexuality during his time. Despite these challenges, Rustin was unapologetically himself—a man who embraced his identity, even when it complicated his relationships.

His relationship with Walter Naegle, whom he remained with until his death in 1987, suggests that Rustin eventually found a sense of stability in his personal life.

However, the fictional character of Elias Taylor serves as a reminder that Rustin’s journey was not straightforward. Elias represents the struggles Rustin faced in balancing his personal desires with his public responsibilities.

Through Elias, the film Rustin explores the complexities of living as a gay man in the 1960s, especially one who was so deeply involved in the fight for civil rights.

Why Elias Taylor Matters

Although Elias Taylor is not based on a real person, his character is crucial to understanding the full scope of Bayard Rustin’s life. He symbolizes the internal conflicts that Rustin, and many others like him, faced during a time when being openly gay was dangerous.

Elias’ interactions with Bayard reveal the human side of a man who is often remembered for his public achievements but whose private life was equally significant.

In the end, Rustin is more than just a biopic; it is a film that explains the complexities of identity, love, and the personal sacrifices made in the pursuit of justice. Elias Taylor, though fictional, is an essential part of this narrative, providing viewers with a deeper understanding of the man behind the March on Washington.