Orlando Cruz

Cruz's accolades are modest in number but meaningful in context. He won regional titles in the featherweight and junior lightweight divisions, including a WBA belt, and he challenged for the WBO lightweight championship in 2013. His Olympic appearance in 2000 put him among the small group of Puerto Rican boxers who have competed at the Games. The honor that carries the most weight outside boxing is his 2014 recognition by LGBT History Month, which cited his decision to come out while still active. That combination of athletic achievement and public courage is what sets him apart.