Puerto Rican boxer Orlando Cruz has
called the popularly held assumption that Puerto Rican culture is
anti-gay a myth.
Last October, the 31-year-old Cruz
became the first boxer to come out during his career, saying in a
statement that he's “a proud gay man.”
In a cover interview with gay glossy
The
Advocate, Cruz said that he has been “overwhelmed by the
support” he's received from such celebrities as Ricky Martin and
Miguel Cotto. At his first bout after coming out held in Florida, a
crowd of supporters waved Puerto Rican flags.
Cruz disputed the popularly held belief
that Puerto Rican culture is anti-gay, saying it's a “myth.”
“I've had overwhelming support from
the Puerto Rican people,” he said. “We're very proud people, and
they have been so accepting of me.”
He added that attitudes are changing in
Puerto Rico and that he hopes to be a catalyst for continuing change,
including advocating for the legalization of gay marriage.
When asked about his love life, Cruz
answered: “No comment.”