Voice for Equality: Wilson Cruz

Wilson Cruz is an American actor, better known for playing a gay teenager on My So-Called Life and a recurring character on Noah's Arc. After coming out to his parents, Cruz went to Hollywood to seek work as an openly gay young actor. His strategy paid off in 1994, when he was cast as Enrique "Rickie" Vasquez, a troubled gay teen, in the short-lived cult classic TV series My So-Called Life. In one episode (entitled "So-Called Angels") drawn from his own life, Rickie comes out to his family, who throw him out of the house. Other television credits include appearances on: Great Scott!, Sister, Sister, ER, Ally McBeal and The West Wing. His film appearances include: Nixon, Joyride, All Over Me, Supernova, Party Monster and He's Just Not That Into You. Learn more here.

In both his acting and his community work, Cruz has served as a model and mentor to gay youth, especially gay youth of color. Most recently he has volunteered his time as host for the Youth Zone, an online community at Gay.com for LGBT youth.

Mr. Cruz served on the Host Committee for a Hollywood fund-raising party organized by political consultant Chad Griffin and Oscar-winning producer Bruce Cohen which was held on October 20, 2009 to help support the marriage equality campaign in Maine. The invitation read:

While the fate of marriage equality in California makes its way through the Federal court system, the voters of Maine will decide whether or not to take away marriage rights, granted in May by the legislature, on November 3rd…OF THIS YEAR. That is why I am co-chairing, along with Bruce Cohen, a fundraiser for NO ON 1/PROTECT MAINE EQUALITY at Bruce’s house on Tuesday Night, October 20th from 6:30-8:30pm, and we are so hoping you will join us and/or contribute to help fight this important battle. [Link]

Freedom to Marry salutes Wilson Cruz as a Voice for Equality! Learn about our many Voices for Equality here.

If Mr. Cruz's support inspires you - get involved!

**Make your NOMINATION for a Voice for Equality today!