Livin’ La Vida Loca singer Ricky Martin was honored with the Vito Russo Award by GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) this weekend at the organization's 22nd annual Media Awards at New York’s Marriott Marquis, telling the crowd he just wants "to be free."

The Vito Russo Award annually honors an openly gay media professional who’s made strides in promoting equal rights. The popular singer came out of the closet last year, writing on his website, "I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man.