MAY 11, 2022 - In case you missed it: at the 33rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards held May 6th, Star Trek: Discovery actor and LGBTQ activist Wilson Cruz was given the Vito Russo Award, a special commendation for his decades of service toward building a better future for the LGBTQ community working in the entertainment industry. This story came to us by way of The Hollywood Reporter.

Named in honor of GLAAD co-founder, the late Vito Russo, the award “is presented to a LGBTQ media professional who has made a significant difference in accelerating LGBTQ acceptance”. Throughout his career, Wilson Cruz has paved the way for the success of the LGBTQ community. Cruz broke new ground in 1994 when the actor was cast as Rickie Vasquez in the ABC series My So-Called Life, which saw an openly gay character played by an openly gay actor for the first time on network television. Since then, Cruz has enjoyed a successful career with roles in E.R., Party of Five, Gray’s Anatomy, and (of course) Star Trek: Discovery. All the while, he has remained an outspoken champion of the LGBTQ community. 

“When books are written about actors coming out, Wilson Cruz belongs on the front cover,” GLAAD president and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said of the actor. “Wilson has dedicated his life and career to breaking down walls for LGBTQ and Latinx actors and has not only entertained audiences as a triple threat, but educated the world about LGBTQ people and issues. He raises the bar for how actors can and should play roles in social justice by always using his voice loudly to demand acceptance of LGBTQ people and Black and Latinx communities.” Prior recipients include Ryan Murphy, Andy Cohen, Samira Wiley, and Billy Porter.

Cruz is certainly thankful for the honor. The actor posted a short message to social media regarding the award, along with a link to his acceptance speech. In the message, Cruz wrote, “Here, you can find, my full remarks while accepting the #GLAADAwards #VitoRusso Award. Truly, one of the proudest moments of my life. I’m so grateful to all who’ve supported and encouraged me. All my love… “