Can you find any evidence of a rumor that former Chicago Mayor Harold
Washington was gay?

A local artist painted Mr. Harold Washington in a bikini and displayed
it publically. Was Washington gay? Is it anybodies buisness? Should
anybody care? No.

i care! it's my business!

With all due respect, if other people's sex lives are your business,
perhaps you should find a new line of work.

no, silly - it's history! the record must be set straight! but
nonetheless, as you'll notice, the question relates to the RUMOR!
indeedy do!

sheesh, i'm just asking a question! just trying to find out if i
remember correctly. i don't really care whether the dude was a
poofter!

Dear Bigsticks, 

It is obvious that he stood against the discrimintion of gay people.
However, the Chicago Public Library says, on its web page: "Harold
Washington married Nancy Dorothy Finch on July 22, 1942. They divorced
without children on February 25, 1950. At his death Harold Washington
was engaged to Mary Ella Smith."
(<http://www.chicagopubliclibrary.org/008subject/012special/haroldwashingtonfacts/factsabouthw.html>).

Now, since none of us has slept with him (in order to give you a
well-researched answer), this is probably the best answer you'll
receive: if had been gay, he had deceived not only the public, but
also his own fiancee. I'd be glad, as always, to collect my humble fee
for my research, if you'll allow me.

I kind of remember hearing that people thought his marriage was just a
cover. Perhaps I'm confusing this for someone else...? OK, what do I
need to do, politicalguru, to give you the fee? Just say it's ok? If
so, surely, it's yours, thanks.