Sock it to me, Orlando Cruz! You’re the first professional boxer to come out of the closet who is still competing! This is completely brave, and totally commendable. Is there a sport in which athletes are expected to be more rough, tough, and “masculine?” What a way to show the world how inaccurate their stereotypes of gay men actually are?
Orlando is a former Olympian and ranked fourth in the Featherweight category by the World Boxing Federation. He came out in a press release as the first openly gay man in boxing history:
“I’ve been fighting for more than 24 years and as I continue my ascendant career, I want to be true to myself,” said Cruz. “I want to try to be the best role model I can be for kids who might look into boxing as a sport and a professional career. I have and will always be a proud Puerto Rican. I have always been and always will be a proud gay man.”
Orlando told the Orlando Sentinel that he’s received messages of support from all over the world, as well as the acceptance of his parents. TKO, Mr. Cruz.
– J. Harvey (via Queerty)
For more pics of Orlando, Follow the BREAK:
I would like to see what happens to anyone who gave him shit for being gay!
You’re the boss, Orlando. Welcome to out and proud.