Ruggiero goes GLAAD

After putting his sexuality in the spotlight earlier this year, Degrassi's Adamo Ruggiero made a conscious effort to involve himself in the gay community, through comedy, TV work and social outreach.

Ruggerio's range of projects include:

• Working with youth-oriented charities such as The Trevor Project, a U.S.-based suicide hotline.
• Attending the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) in L.A. on April 26th, where Degrassi has been nominated in the Best Drama Series category.
• Returning to Toronto for the "We're Funny That Way" Comedy Festival, kicking-off on April 30th.

"My whole coming out was a huge step and an important movement for me," Ruggiero tells CTV.ca during a telephone interview.

Earlier this year Ruggiero publicly confirmed his homosexuality with an exclusive interview on eTalk with Tanya Kim and a cover story in "FAB", Toronto's gay magazine.

Ruggiero's character on "Degrassi," Marco Del Rossi, revealed his homosexuality during a story arc in 2003.

"Everyone has been so excited for me," says Ruggiero.

"Coming out helped prove that we underestimate some of the people in our community. Everyone in Toronto was so supportive and I feel so lucky."

 See Ruggiero goes GLAAD
CTV.ca, Canada -