Was Leonard Bernstein gay? Leonard Bernstein, a name synonymous with remarkable musical talent and an unwavering commitment to humanitarian causes, left an indelible mark on the world of music and activism.
This multifaceted American conductor, composer, pianist, author, and educator was celebrated as one of the most influential conductors of his era, being the first American to attain international acclaim in this field.
Bernstein’s illustrious career, spanning numerous Emmy, Tony, and Grammy Awards, along with a Kennedy Center Honor, has solidified his place as one of the most prodigiously gifted musicians in American history.
Yet, amidst his remarkable achievements and contributions, a long-standing question lingers: was Leonard Bernstein gay? and this question has resurfaced in the light of a new trailer of Maestro dropped by Netflix.
This article will delve into this aspect of his life, seeking to uncover the truth behind his sexual orientation and add another layer to the complex legacy of this musical giant.
Is Richard Armitage Gay? Exploring Actor’s Sexuality and Male Partner!
Was Leonard Bernstein Gay?
Yes, Leonard Bernstein was a gay man. Leonard Bernstein’s sexual orientation has been a subject of discussion for years. According to The Guardian and his West Side Story collaborator, Arthur Laurents, Bernstein was indeed a gay man.
Laurents affirmed that Bernstein’s marriage to actress Felicia Cohn Montealegre did not signify any conflict regarding his sexuality, stating, “He wasn’t conflicted about it at all. He was just gay.”
Following the passing of his wife in 1978, Bernstein embraced his true self more openly and had several lovers, with Hashimoto being one of them.
His relationship with Hashimoto was not one-sided; as noted by Yoshihara, it was mutual. Bernstein even arranged for Hashimoto to visit him in Europe on multiple occasions, highlighting the depth of their connection.
Bernstein’s romantic interests were not confined to a single gender. Throughout his life, he engaged in affairs with both women and men. In April 1943, Bernstein sought advice from Aaron Copland on the challenges of being a gay man in the public eye.
He even suggested resolving this by marrying a woman, which he discussed in letters to David Oppenheim and in correspondence with Adolph Green. Felicia, his wife, acknowledged his sexual orientation in a private letter after their marriage.
She wrote, “You are a homosexual and may never change.” Following Felicia’s death due to cancer, Bernstein continued to have gay relationships, further confirming his identity and preferences.
Is Matt Terry Gay? What Is the Sexuality of X Factor Winner?
Leonard Bernstein’s Marriage With Felicia Cohn: A Maestro’s Journey!
In 1951, Leonard Bernstein married actress Felicia Montealegre Cohn, with whom he had three children – Jamie, Alexander, and Nina.
Their family life was centered in New York City and Fairfield, Connecticut, where they fostered a close-knit environment surrounded by extended family and friends.
Bernstein’s passion for music was evident in every place he lived, as he maintained a studio with a piano. Today, the contents of his studio in Fairfield, Connecticut are preserved at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.
In 1976, Bernstein temporarily left Felicia to reside in Northern California with Tom Cothran, a music scholar who had assisted him in research for his Charles Eliot Norton Lectures at Harvard.
However, in 1977, Felicia was diagnosed with lung cancer, prompting Bernstein to return and care for her until her passing on June 16, 1978.
While his life was marked by these significant family moments, Bernstein also continued to maintain relationships with men until his death on October 14, 1990, highlighting the complexities of his personal journey alongside his musical genius.