Multi Cultural Queer+ Association

Luis Cruz was born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, and moved to Lorain, Ohio, at 13. As a queer Latino, he faced isolation in a community with limited LGBTQ+ and culturally sensitive resources. After graduating high school in 2008, he came out, beginning his journey toward advocacy and self-acceptance. He later founded the Multi Cultural Queer+ Association (MQA+), a nonprofit that provides culturally responsive resources, mental health support, and leadership development for LGBTQ+ individuals of color. Luis leads with empathy, believing inclusion means making sure everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.