2013 Latino Spirit Award Honoree - Wilson Cruz (Achievement in Entertainment & Advocacy)

May 06, 2013

Pictured: Asm. Richard Gordon, Asm. Luis Alejo, Sen. Ricardo Lara, Wilson Cruz, Speaker John A. Pérez, Asm. Holly Mitchell

Actor and activist Wilson Cruz currently serves as a full-time staff member and national spokesperson for the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). His advocacy efforts for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community began in 1995, when he accepted the GLAAD Media Award on behalf of the groundbreaking drama, “My So-Called Life”.  Cruz's role as gay high school student Rickie Vasquez was a groundbreaking moment in the history of LGBT images in the media. Since then he has gone on to appear in several memorable roles that have spanned television, film, and the Broadway stage, including “Grey's Anatomy”, “He's Just Not That Into You” and “The West Wing”.  In 1997, Cruz joined GLAAD's Board of Directors and in 2008 GLAAD honored Cruz with its Visibilidad Award. He recently served on the Board of Directors for The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network and for the past two years he co-chaired their annual Respect Awards.  Cruz has also worked at The National Gay & Lesbian Task Force as a Field Organizer, advocating in cities around the United States to expand human rights ordinances to include sexual orientation.