I developed physically and mentally to take such a big step in my life and in my profession, which is boxing, knowing that it would have pros and cons, highs and lows in this sport that is so macho. I… — Orlando Cruz Copy Share Image
But I also want kids who suffer from bullying to know that you can be whoever you want to be in life, including a… — Orlando Cruz Copy Share Image
It is very unusual for someone from Latin American society to openly stand by his homosexuality. In my hometown, there are still lots of… — Orlando Cruz Copy Share Image
Four years ago, I was fighting for the world championship title in Puerto Rico. The spectators bad-mouthed me; they called me a faggot. They… — Orlando Cruz Copy Share Image
I came out as a gay as I have earned myself respect as an athlete. I have only lost 2 out of 22 professional fights. I knocked out some of my opponents in the first round. But I never really received respect as a person. That's something I had come to realize over the past few years. The end of… — Orlando Cruz Copy Share
Boxing is a sport that is largely dominated by machos, by men who think we have to conform to a very specific role model.… — Orlando Cruz Copy Share Image
I've been fighting for more than 24 years and as I continue my ascendant career I want to be true to myself. I want… — Orlando Cruz Copy Share Image
I don't want to be seen only as a boxer who is gay. I want to be a boxer who is professional, who pursues… — Orlando Cruz Copy Share Image
15 or 20 years ago it would not have been possible for me to come out. Back then, people still had such narrow views,… — Orlando Cruz Copy Share Image
I developed physically and mentally to take such a big step in my life and in my profession, which is boxing, knowing that it… — Orlando Cruz Copy Share Image
Until the moment I came out as a gay, I have kept my personal life and my career strictly separate from each other. No… — Orlando Cruz Copy Share Image
In the old days talks would have made me angry. But now that I've come out, everyone knows the truth. That's like a protective… — Orlando Cruz Copy Share Image
For a long time I didn't want to accept that I was gay. Better said: I couldn't accept it because I was too afraid.… — Orlando Cruz Copy Share Image
