Puerto Rico, often in the global spotlight for its vibrant culture and music, has also been a source of inspiration and pride for the LGBTQ community. From the groundbreaking artistry of Bad Bunny to the enduring activism of Rosalina Ramos, the island has produced a diverse range of queer icons who have left an indelible mark on both Puerto Rican society and the world.
Ricky Martin: Embracing Authenticity Born as Enrique Martín Morales, Ricky Martin’s journey to becoming Puerto Rico’s musical export began in the 1980s as a member of the boy band Menudo. His rise to solo stardom in the 1990s was accompanied by rumors about his sexuality. In 2010, he proudly came out as gay, becoming an LGBTQ advocate. Martin’s activism earned him prestigious awards, including GLAAD’s Vito Russo Award and the Human Rights Campaign’s National Visibility Award. Despite global fame, he continues to reside part-time in Puerto Rico, cherished by the locals.
Rosalina Ramos: The Godmother of LGBTQ Activism Rosalina “Talín” Ramos, a leading LGBTQ activist, played a pivotal role in Puerto Rico’s queer revolution during the ’80s and ’90s. She founded Orgullo Boquerón and the Gay Parade of the West in 2003, which grew to become one of the Caribbean’s largest LGBTQ celebrations. Ramos’ legacy lives on even after her passing in September 2021, as a monument dedicated to her work and diversity stands proudly at Plaza Mirador in Boquerón.
Walter Mercado: Breaking Stereotypes Walter Mercado, beloved for his flamboyant TV astrology reports, defied societal norms with his unapologetic presence. Mercado’s influence on Puerto Rico’s queer community was immeasurable, and his refusal to conform to conventional definitions of sexuality inspired many. A Netflix documentary, “Mucho, Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado,” celebrated his half-century career. His legacy lives on through memorabilia and costumes available in a San Juan antique shop.
Maite Oronoz Rodríguez & Gina Mendéz-Miró: A Power Couple in the Judiciary Maite Oronoz Rodríguez and Gina Mendéz-Miró are a formidable power couple in Puerto Rico’s judiciary. Oronoz Rodríguez, the first openly LGBTQ Supreme Court justice, has been the chief justice since 2016. Her wife, Mendéz-Miró, became Puerto Rico’s first openly LGBTQ U.S. federal district court judge in 2023. They are proud parents, and Oronoz Rodríguez made history by giving birth while in office.
Orlando Cruz: Pioneering Boxer Orlando Cruz, a professional boxer from Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, broke barriers by coming out as gay in 2012, becoming the first openly gay professional boxer. Cruz’s courage led to his induction into the National Gay and Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame. Although he didn’t achieve his goal of becoming a world boxing champion, Cruz’s impact extends beyond the boxing ring. He continues to advocate for LGBTQ rights.
Christina Hayworth: A Transgender Trailblazer Christina Hayworth, a transgender pioneer born in Humacao, Puerto Rico, was among the first openly transgender individuals in the country. She led Puerto Rico’s first Pride parade in 1991 and left a lasting legacy. Her portrait, alongside Sylvia Rivera and Julia Murray, is displayed in the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, symbolizing her contribution to LGBTQ history.
Pedro Julio Serrano: Advocate for Equality In 1998, Pedro Julio Serrano ran for Puerto Rico’s House of Representatives as an openly LGBTQ and HIV+ candidate, paving the way for greater representation. He founded Puerto Rico Para Todes in 2003, advocating for LGBTQ rights and inclusion. Serrano’s activism has earned him numerous awards, and he continues to be a driving force in Puerto Rico’s LGBTQ community.
In Puerto Rico, these queer icons have shattered stereotypes, promoted acceptance, and advanced LGBTQ rights, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire generations both on the island and beyond.