Orlando Cruz

Orlando ‘El Fenómeno’ Cruz is a Puerto Rican professional boxer who made headlines in 2012 when he became the first active fighter to come out as gay in a sport often characterized by its machismo. Born in a humble neighborhood, Cruz represented Puerto Rico in the 2000 Sydney Olympics and had a successful boxing career until 2019. His public declaration was a pivotal moment for the LGBTQ+ community in Latin America, as he sought to live authentically after years of fear and uncertainty.