Victoria Cruz

Victoria Cruz (September 19, 1946 – June 25, 2026) was an American LGBTQ rights and anti-violence activist, and a domestic violence counselor. A contemporary of activists Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, she was featured in the 2017 documentary The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson.

Early life and education Cruz was born in Guánica, Puerto Rico. Cruz came out as transgender at a young age, later stating, "I was born different and I always acted as a female." Her family was supportive of her gender identity. After finding a doctor to assist in her gender transition, Cruz performed as a stripper and dancer at clubs in the West Village. She spent time at the Stonewall Inn, where she was dating one of the club's doormen, and was present at the start of the Stonewall riots. She struggled financially, and became addicted to crack cocaine. With the help of the Anti-Violence Project, she reported the assault. Two of the four women were found guilty of harassment; the others were acquitted. She referred to Johnson as the "Rosa Parks of our community". The documentary premiered at the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival, and was subsequently acquired by Netflix for worldwide distribution, with a release date of October 6. Cruz also appeared in the 2021 documentary Pieces of Us, where she discussed her healing work at the Anti-Violence Project.

Death Cruz died of liver cancer in Manhattan, on June 25, 2026, at the age of 79.

Honors and recognition 2012 – National Crime Victim Service Award (awarded by Attorney General Eric Holder)