Sanford E. Gaylord is an actor, creative activist and writer based in Chicago. He was a co-founding member of the 2007 Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame inductee, A Real Read, an African American LGBT Performance Ensemble. He contributed both on stage and behind the scenes for most of ensemble's local and national tours, 1996-2002.

Audiences have seen his work at many Chicago Theaters including the Randolph Street Gallery, Black Ensemble Theatre and in the Jeff nominated musical Being Beautiful at the Bailiwick Repertory. Sanford’s film and television credits include Leaving the Shadows Behind, Living with Pride: Ruth Ellis @ 100, and Prison Break. He also co-starred in the award winning three-part film series Kevin’s Room, which has garnered national, accolades for its realistic, positive portrayal of LGBT people of color and their allies.

Sanford was the recipient of the Chicago Association of Black Journalists' 1998 Award of Excellence in Commentary while a contributing writer for Windy City Media Group's Blacklines, Identity and Outlines/Windy City Times, where he wrote about his life as an HIV-positive African American gay man. His commentary has appeared on-line and print in The Body, Positively Aware and many LGBT publications.

Sanford was the recipient of the Derrick Henderson Award for Outstanding Community Service presented by Windy City Black Pride. He has worked in the field of HIV/AIDS over ten years from community-based organizations to state and federal programs and initiatives. Sanford received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia College in Chicago.