5 Shocking Revelations About Marilyn Monroe’s Sexuality: Was The Blonde Bombshell Bisexual?

The question of Marilyn Monroe’s sexuality has persisted for decades, remaining one of Hollywood's most intriguing and debated mysteries, but recent biographical research and historical analysis, including the examination of her private therapy sessions, offer a compelling and nuanced answer that moves beyond her public persona as a heterosexual sex symbol. As of December 2025, the academic consensus, supported by modern biographies, strongly suggests that the iconic star was not exclusively heterosexual, but rather bisexual, a reality she struggled to navigate and express openly in the deeply restrictive and homophobic climate of the 1950s.

This article dives deep into the confidential confessions, alleged same-sex relationships, and the historical context that supports the claim of Marilyn Monroe’s bisexuality, revealing a complex woman whose private life was far more fluid and challenging than the "Blonde Bombshell" image she presented to the world. The evidence, drawn from the work of reputable biographers and her own psychoanalyst's notes, paints a portrait of a star who questioned her own sexual identity until the very end of her life.

The Essential Biography of Norma Jeane

Before she became the global phenomenon known as Marilyn Monroe, she was Norma Jeane Mortenson (later Baker). Her life was marked by instability, a relentless pursuit of fame, and a series of high-profile romantic relationships with powerful men.

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• Full Name: Norma Jeane Mortenson (later Baker)
• Born: June 1, 1926, Los Angeles, California
• Died: August 5, 1962, Los Angeles, California (Age 36)
• Occupation: Actress, Model, Singer
• Key Films: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), The Seven Year Itch (1955), Some Like It Hot (1959), The Misfits (1961)

Key Marriages and Relationships:

• James Dougherty (1942–1946): Her first husband, a police officer, whom she married at age 16.
• Joe DiMaggio (1954): A legendary baseball star. Their tumultuous marriage lasted only nine months. DiMaggio remained a supportive figure in her life.
• Arthur Miller (1956–1961): A celebrated playwright and intellectual. This marriage was widely seen as an attempt by Monroe to gain intellectual credibility.
• Other High-Profile Connections: Rumored relationships with figures like President John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert F. Kennedy.

While her relationships with men dominated the tabloids, the private accounts of her life reveal a different, more complex story regarding her sexual and emotional needs, suggesting a deep internal conflict over her true sexual orientation.

The Secret History: Evidence of Marilyn Monroe’s Same-Sex Relationships

The strongest evidence supporting the theory that Marilyn Monroe was bisexual comes from confidential sources and the detailed work of biographers who delved into her personal life, particularly her therapy sessions.

1. Confessions to Her Psychoanalyst, Dr. Ralph Greenson

Towards the end of her life, Monroe was seeing psychoanalyst Dr. Ralph Greenson. According to biographical accounts, including those cited by historian Lois Banner, Monroe allegedly confessed to Greenson that she had experienced same-sex attractions and sexual encounters with women.

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• Therapy Context: Biographer Lois Banner, in her book Marilyn: The Passion and the Paradox, suggests that Monroe's "lesbian inclinations" were a subject of her therapy, with Greenson attempting to help her "come to terms with her lesbianism." This indicates that same-sex attraction was a known, if private, part of her internal world.

2. The Affair with Joan Crawford

One of the most widely circulated and sensational rumors involves a same-sex encounter with legendary actress Joan Crawford. The account, reportedly confirmed by a close confidante of Monroe's, suggests a brief but passionate encounter. While the relationship did not last, the alleged confession of having had sex with Crawford is a key piece of evidence cited by those who believe Monroe was bisexual.

3. The Relationship with Natasha Lytess

Perhaps the most significant and long-term female relationship in Marilyn’s life was with her acting coach, Natasha Lytess. Lytess was a constant presence in Monroe’s life for several years, often described as a mentor, confidante, and a figure of intense emotional and creative dependence.

• Intense Emotional Bond: Many biographers suggest their relationship went beyond professional coaching, evolving into a deep emotional and possibly sexual relationship. Lytess was reportedly infatuated with Monroe, and while the exact nature of their physical relationship remains speculative, the intensity of their bond speaks to a powerful connection with a woman.

4. Rumors of Barbara Stanwyck

In addition to Crawford, some accounts suggest Monroe also had a sexual encounter with actress Barbara Stanwyck, adding another prominent Hollywood name to the list of her alleged female lovers. While these connections are often based on rumors and anecdotal evidence, the sheer volume of such stories, combined with her private confessions, forms a pattern suggesting a non-heterosexual orientation.

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Navigating the 1950s: Sexuality, Stigma, and the Icon

To understand why the question "Was Marilyn Monroe gay?" is so complex, one must consider the historical and social pressures of the time. The 1950s and early 1960s were a period of intense social conservatism in America, especially in Hollywood.

The Demonization of Homosexuality

During this era, homosexuality was widely viewed as a psychological disorder or "perversion" and was heavily demonized in the media and society. For a star whose entire brand was built on being the ultimate heterosexual sex symbol—the "Blonde Bombshell"—publicly acknowledging any form of same-sex attraction would have been career suicide and a personal catastrophe.

Monroe's public image was meticulously crafted to appeal to the male gaze, cementing her status as a global icon of femininity. This commercial necessity forced her to suppress any aspect of her private life that contradicted the image, including her doubts about her own sexuality. Biographer Lois Banner notes that her status as a heterosexual sex symbol made it "impossible for her" to express her true feelings publicly.

The Concept of Bisexuality in Her Era

The modern understanding and acceptance of bisexuality as a valid sexual orientation were virtually non-existent in the 1950s. People were generally categorized as either "straight" or "gay." Monroe's attraction to both men and women—which aligns with a modern definition of bisexuality—would have been seen as a confusing and dangerous deviation from the norm, contributing to the internal anguish she often expressed.

Her openness with her therapist, Dr. Greenson, suggests she was grappling with this identity, a fact that adds a layer of tragic depth to her life. She was a woman who questioned her own identity but was trapped by the very image that made her famous.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of a Complex Star

The evidence, while often anecdotal and reliant on second-hand accounts from her private life, strongly suggests that Marilyn Monroe was not exclusively heterosexual. The combination of her alleged affairs with women like Joan Crawford and Natasha Lytess, coupled with her reported confessions of "lesbian inclinations" to her psychoanalyst, points to a woman who was likely bisexual.

Ultimately, the question of "was Marilyn Monroe gay" is best answered by recognizing her complexity: she was a woman whose sexual expression was fluid, but whose public life was rigidly controlled by the expectations of the time. Her legacy is not just that of a blonde bombshell, but of a deeply human, proto-feminist figure who struggled with her identity under the intense scrutiny of the world, a struggle that resonates deeply with modern conversations about sexual fluidity and personal authenticity.