In accepting an award from the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), singer Ricky Martin thanked his boyfriend.

GLAAD held its first of three shows in New York on Saturday. Martin was honored with the group's Vito Russo Award for his courageous coming out last year on the Oprah Winfrey Show.

In accepting his award, Martin thanked his family and boyfriend for their support.

“I just want to be free. I can say today I'm free. And for that I definitely need to thank my parents for being so supportive, my mother and my dad for their unconditional love, and my friends, my family, my fans. And my partner in crime and my boyfriend Carlos.”

Martin added that he wanted to represent the group in Latin America.

“And GLAAD let's go to Latin America, let's share the love! Let's go to Mexico! Let's go to Columbia! Let's go to Argentina! Let's go to Chile! Let's go to Brazil! We need you GLAAD -- we need you down there, we need to spread the love in Latin America. Let's do it in Spanish. I can help, I can do it! I'll be part of it. I want to be part of it.”