The New York Yankees stepped up to the plate and hit a home run for inclusivity during their annual Legacy of Pride Night, awarding five scholarships to LGBTQ+ student leaders across New York City’s five boroughs. The celebration, hosted right on the diamond at Yankee Stadium before a packed game against the Angels, wasn’t just another PR stunt — it was an affirmation that queer excellence is something to be honored front and center.
Since launching in 2019, the Yankees-Stonewall Scholarship Initiative has handed out $50,000 annually to students who exemplify academic achievement, advocacy, and leadership in the LGBTQ+ community. And this year? The energy was electric. “For the Yankees, it goes beyond doing civic duty,” said co-owner Jennifer Steinbrenner Swindal. “It’s a chance to help these deserving kids and help make the world a better place.” We love a billionaire with a soul.
A League of Their Own
Each student honoree was brought onto the field and greeted with roaring applause, sharing space with reps from the Stonewall Inn, the Department of Education, and, of course, the Yankees themselves. It was queer joy on full display — with baseball legends standing side-by-side with kids who are actively reshaping their communities.
Brian Cashman, the team’s longtime GM and ally extraordinaire, couldn’t hide his admiration. “They’re going to change the world,” he said. “These students are the most important event I’ve ever participated in during my time with the Yankees.” That’s 27 years of baseball history, mind you — and now, queerness is a part of that legacy.
The scholarship process is no fluff: nominees go through interviews with folks from the Yankees, the Stonewall Inn, the Department of Education, and Athlete Ally. It’s thorough, respectful, and intentionally uplifting. Stacy Lentz, Stonewall Inn co-owner, made it clear: “For the Yankees, this is not performative. They meet with every single student.” It’s the kind of corporate pride that actually walks the walk — not just throws up a rainbow logo every June.
Queer Youth: The Real MVPs
Let’s not overlook the real stars here — the student leaders. This scholarship doesn’t just cover tuition; it validates their existence, their activism, and their fight to build inclusive futures. “This initiative opens doors for graduating seniors,” said NYC Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos. “I can’t wait to see how these scholars rise to meet every challenge.”
And just to make the whole thing sparkle, Hollywood royalty Lorna Luft — Judy Garland’s daughter and a queer icon in her own right — took to the mound to throw out the first pitch. It was a night where baseball met Broadway, and Pride met purpose.
The LGBTQ+ community — especially queer youth — rarely get this kind of mainstream visibility paired with tangible support. In a time where queer education, student rights, and trans visibility are under fire nationwide, moments like this aren’t just nice. They’re necessary. The Yankees didn’t just wave a flag — they put their money where their mouth is, showing the world that supporting LGBTQ+ youth isn’t a trend. It’s the future.
Now that’s what we call a grand slam.