Herndon Graddick, President of GLAAD, the nation's lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation
organization, announced recently that actor and LGBT advocate Wilson Cruz
joins GLAAD's staff as the Strategic Giving Officer. Cruz will be part
of GLAAD's Development team, helping to fund GLAAD's work amplifying
stories from the LGBT community that build support for equality.
"For more than two decades GLAAD has combatted anti-LGBT images in the
media and changed the national conversation about LGBT people,” said
Cruz. “Today, GLAAD is also using its media expertise to create a
culture that is accepting and safe for all young people. From
Spanish-language media to sports, Hollywood to the newsroom, GLAAD
shares the stories and sparks the discussions that make the world a
better place for LGBT people everywhere. I am proud and excited to grow
this culture-changing work. ”
"Throughout his career, Wilson Cruz has been a strong advocate for
LGBT Americans,” said GLAAD President Herndon Graddick. “His work in
film and television, as well as his commitment to supporting local and
national LGBT organizations exemplifies GLAAD's mission to move LGBT
equality forward."
Cruz's involvement with GLAAD 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. In
1997, Cruz joined GLAAD's Board of Directors, giving his time and
expertise to lead GLAAD during a time of transition. In 2008, GLAAD
honored Cruz with its Visibilidad Award, given to an openly lesbian,
gay, bisexual or transgender media professional who has made a
significant difference in promoting equality for the LGBT community.
Cruz has also contributed to the success of the GLAAD Media Awards by
participating on a panel of celebrities and industry experts who
finalize the award recipients, and by hosting the event itself.
Cruz's advocacy on behalf of the LGBT community has not been limited
to his work with GLAAD. He recently served on the Board of Directors
for The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN), and for
the past two years he co-chaired their annual Respect Awards which raise
money for the organization. Cruz 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 includes sexual
orientation. He has been the Grand Marshal at Chicago, West Hollywood
and San Diego Pride events, as well volunteering for the Los Angeles Gay
& Lesbian Center.
Cruz has found acting success in film and television and on Broadway
and will maintain his professional acting career. In addition to My So-Called Life, Cruz had regular roles on Party of Five, and on Noah's Arc, another groundbreaking show about gay men of color. He has made guest appearances on ER,Ally McBeal, The West Wing, Grey's Anatomy, and NCIS. His film work includes Nixon, Party Monster, and He's Just Not That Into You. On Broadway, he portrayed Angel in the smash hit musical Rent.
His experience in the entertainment industry will increase GLAAD's
contacts at networks and film studios, strengthening GLAAD's existing
work advocating for fair and inclusive images of LGBT people in
Hollywood.
Wilson Cruz's first day at GLAAD was on September 4, 2012.