While Cruz acknowledges some progress in representation since 1994, he emphasizes that more work is needed to reflect the diversity of the population in media.

Despite making up nearly one-fifth of the U.S. population, Hispanic individuals remain underrepresented in the entertainment industry, holding less than 5% of key roles.

Moreover, a 2021 survey by the Trevor Project revealed that nearly 30% of LGBTQ youth experience homelessness or housing instability, often due to familial rejection.

At just 20 years old, Wilson Cruz made history in Hollywood by portraying Enrique 'Rickie' Vasquez, a gay character on the groundbreaking 1994 series My So-Called Life.

This role made Cruz the first openly gay actor to play an openly gay character on prime-time television, sparking vital conversations about LGBTQ representation.

Cruz's portrayal inspired him to come out to his parents, although his father initially rejected him, highlighting the struggles many LGBTQ youth face.

Fortunately, after a year of estrangement, Cruz and his father reconciled, a process initiated by discussions about the show's impact, underscoring the importance of vulnerability and dialogue.

In his career, Cruz has intentionally chosen roles that carry significance, such as making his character in Star Trek Puerto Rican to symbolize the resilience of the island's culture in a futuristic context.

He has also portrayed an HIV+ doctor in Noah’s Arc and Dr. Hugh Culber in Star Trek: Discovery, further emphasizing the importance of representation.