For much of her life, Victoria Cruz ’82 dedicated herself to ensuring that LGBTQ+ people, especially transgender individuals, were seen, heard, and treated with dignity. Through decades of advocacy, counseling, and community service, she became a trusted voice, fierce advocate, and source of hope for countless people.
On September 18, Brooklyn College honored her remarkable legacy by posthumously awarding her the Presidential Medal of Honor, the college’s highest distinction. During a ceremony on campus, Brooklyn College President Michelle J. Anderson presented the medal to Cruz’s sister, Heydey M. Cruz, surrounded by family, friends, colleagues, students, and community members whose lives Cruz touched.
(Left to right) Brooklyn College student and chosen son of the late Victoria Cruz, Carlos Alberto Villacres, listens as Cruz’s sister, Heydey Cruz, reflects on the pioneering advocate’s enduring legacy and profound impact on LGBTQ+ and transgender communities.
“Victoria Cruz embodied the best of Brooklyn College through her unwavering commitment to justice, courage, service, and community,” said President Anderson. “As a pioneering transgender activist and advocate for survivors of violence, she changed countless lives and inspired generations. We are proud to recognize her extraordinary legacy and the enduring impact of her work.”
The ceremony felt as much like a celebration of Cruz’s life as it did an awards presentation. Speakers shared personal memories and reflections on her generosity, resilience, and dedication to uplifting others. Among those offering tributes were Robert Echevarria, president of the Undergraduate Student Government Association; Kelly Spivey, director of the Brooklyn College LGBTQ+ Resource Center; Sami Binder, former director of the center; students Carlos Alberto Villacres and Fia Sanchez; Paisley Currah, distinguished professor of political science and author of Sex Is as Sex Does: Governing Transgender Identity, and Angelina Christina Torres, board director of The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative.
Attendees of the Presidential Medal of Honor ceremony gather with Victoria Cruz’s sister, Heydey Cruz (third from right), to celebrate the pioneering activist’s life and legacy.
Filmmaker David France, who worked closely with Cruz on the acclaimed 2017 documentary The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson, also attended and reflected on her lasting influence both on and off screen. He spoke about her determination, insight, and unwavering pursuit of truth, noting Cruz’s experience and perspective helped shape the film and brought humanity to its storytelling.
Born in Guánica, Puerto Rico, in 1946 and raised in Brooklyn’s Red Hook neighborhood, Cruz earned a degree in theater from Brooklyn College in 1982. She was present at the Stonewall uprising in 1969, a watershed moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, and remained a passionate advocate for equality throughout her life.
For nearly 20 years, Cruz worked at the New York City Anti-Violence Project, where she counseled and supported LGBTQ+ and HIV-affected survivors of violence. Known affectionately as “Miss Vicky,” she became a beloved mentor whose compassion, wisdom, and encouragement helped guide generations of activists and community members.
She also played an important role in preserving LGBTQ+ history and bringing greater visibility to transgender experiences. Her work investigating the life and death of fellow activist Marsha P. Johnson gained national attention through The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson, introducing many people to Cruz’s tireless commitment to justice and truth.
Whether through advocacy, direct service, mentorship, or historical preservation, Cruz devoted her life to helping others. Her influence reached far beyond New York City, leaving a lasting mark on communities across the country.
Cruz’s impact will be felt on the Brooklyn College campus for generations to come thanks to the Victoria Cruz Award, a merit merit-based award for students who show outstanding achievement in the LGBTQ studies minor or in a course in the LGBTQ studies minor.
About the Brooklyn College Presidential Medal of Honor
The Brooklyn College Presidential Medal of Honor recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to society, exemplifying excellence, leadership, and service. The award honors distinguished achievements across various fields, celebrating those who inspire positive change and uphold the college’s values of academic and community excellence. You can learn more about past honorees here.
