Recently found out about Bayard Rustin, but having a lot of trouble with conflicting sources about how large his actual role was, for example, some articles I found said he was behind everythin Martin Luther King did, and others kinda just put him on the sidelines, would love some clarification. Also if you could, could you tell me how he felt about being somewhat hidden because of his sexual orientation and other factors?
My knowledge is superficial, but I'd suggest you pick up a copy of John D' Emilio's Lost Prophet: The Life and Times of Bayard Rustin. An excellent book I read for preliminary exams a long time ago. He deals with all of the questions you're asking.