It may well be that Martin will emerge as a significant voice on behalf of gay rights in the Latino communities. The support that he received upon his public coming out seems to have emboldened him to speak out on other public issues. For example, soon after publicly coming out, in response to an bill passed in Arizona that authorizes police to stop and question anyone they suspect is in the country illegally, Martin issued the following statement on his Twitter page: "Equality is understanding that we all come from the same place. Racial profiling should never be tolerated in the U.S., or anywhere in the world."

Sponsor Message.

In 2000 Martin created the Ricky Martin Foundation for the welfare of children to promote education, ensure health care, and eliminate human trafficking. He appeared before the International Relations Committee of the United States House of Representatives in 2006 to urge ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

In conjunction with Microsoft, the Foundation established the Navega Protegido project to educate parents, teachers, and children about Internet hazards such as predators and identity theft.

Martin's work on behalf of children has taken him to venues around the world and earned him honors from various groups, including the U.S. Department of State, which designated him an International Hero in its 2005 Trafficking in Persons Report in recognition of his humanitarian efforts.

In a VH-1 "Behind the Music" special in August 2011, Martin discussed both his relationship with his partner of four years Puerto Rican financier Carlos Gonzalez and his commitment to the struggle for equal rights.

In the special, he describes Gonzalez as follows: "My boyfriend is very sexy, very smart, very compassionate. But most importantly, he loves my children. . . . It is very beautiful. Super cool. I'm very happy.

The Spanish government announced on November 4, 2011 that it had extended Spanish citizenship to Martin. The government spokesman announced that Martin had been granted a "letter of naturalization" issued under special circumstances because of his "personal and professional associations with Spain."

Upon this announcement, speculation erupted that Martin sought Spanish citizenship so that he and Gonzalez can wed in Spain, which in 2005 became the third country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.

Speculation is that Martin and Gonzalez, who are jointly rearing the twins, want to marry in Spain in order to secure the greater legal protections afforded non-traditional families in countries that recognize same-sex marriage.

Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons have had tremendous influence on popular music, though some musical genres have been more receptive to a homosexual presence than others.

Although the islands of the Caribbean are renowned for their pleasant tropical climate, the social climate for glbtq people is not always inviting and is sometimes dangerous.

Commonly known as the "World's Greatest Party Band," the B-52s features openly gay members who are active in glbtq, AIDS, environmental and animal rights issues.

Accomplished actor and singer John Barrowman has won plaudits as a musical theater star, as well as for his roles in film and television.

Singer Lance Bass gained fame as a member of the boy band *Nsync; since coming out in 2006, he has spoken on behalf of glbtq rights.

Singer and lyricist Andy Bell, half of the synth-pop duo Erasure, is one of the few openly gay, high-profile rock musicians.

Singer, songwriter, and actor Stephen Gately gained fame as one of the lead vocalists in the Irish pop group Boyzone.

Multi-talented Sam Harris is best known as a singer and actor; since coming out publicly in 1999, he has lent his voice to the cause of glbtq rights.

Pop superstar Elton John's combination of melodic skills, dynamic charisma, and raucous performance style have make him a remarkably popular musical artist.

Popular singer and songwriter George Michael, who confirmed his long-rumored homosexuality after an arrest for "lewd behavior" in 1998, has devoted much effort to AIDS charities since 1992.

The American pop band Scissor Sisters was spawned in New York City's gay club scene; frequently addressing issues of transgressive sexuality, the band has cultivated a large glbtq fan base.

Noted for his diminutive size and amazing voice, Jimmy Somerville achieved fame as the lead singer with the openly gay pop groups Bronski Beat and The Communards; many of his songs are overtly political and deal with such issues as gay relationships and the loss of friends to AIDS.

Lead singer, lyricist, and composer for the rock band R.E.M., as well as a movie producer, Michael Stipe identifies himself as a queer artist.

The first winner of the British Pop Idol talent show, Will Young has gone on to achieve success as a recording artist and actor, while also using his celebrity to advocate for good causes.