Rustin faced oppression on two fronts : as a black man in the Jim Crow era and as an openly gay man during a time when being `` out '' was effectively illegal . Cordy , ` ` said . '' Vivian participated in the Freedom Rides . Bayard Rustin was one of the masterminds behind the March on Washington . Both were among those honored Wednesday with the Medal of Freedom .
Cordy , ` ` said . '' Vivian participated in the Freedom Rides . Bayard Rustin was one of the masterminds behind the March on Washington . Both were among those honored Wednesday with the Medal of Freedom .