In August 2014, just a month after being named an ambassador of inclusion, Billy visited HMI to meet with our young people. Accompanied by Yankees manager Brian Cashman and assistant GM Jean Afterman, they shared their World Series rings and distributed Yankees hats and t-shirts to all our youth members.

After speaking with the youth, Billy remarked, “These are all kids whose parents and families have thrown them into the street because they don’t accept them. I thought, ‘How cool would it be to try to empower these kids?’”

Thomas Krever, HMI CEO at the time, reflected on the experience: “Talk about validation. This was America embracing them. When you’re constantly told or feeling like you’re an outsider, to have an institution as American as apple pie telling you that you matter, and that you could have a career and be welcomed, loved, and respected for who you are … That’s life-altering when you’re a young person.”

HMI CEO Amy Harclerode remarked, “Sad to lose such an amazing humanitarian so early, his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and inspired.”

Billy always supported HMI in any way he could. He will be greatly missed, and we thank him for using his platform to bring visibility to the LGBTQIA+ community, bridging the historical divide between athletes and LGBTQIA+ youth, and making significant strides in promoting inclusion.