Yankees to spend $50,000 on LGBTQ scholarships for Stonewall’s 50th anniversary

The New York Yankees were recently under pressure for being the only club in Major League Baseball (MLB) without an LGBTQ pride night (the Angels were also on the “naughty list,” but they recently acknowledged a plan to incorporate pride into their 2019 timeline). Now, the Yankees seem to have followed suit.

In a new announcement, the Yankees said they are committed to the LGBTQ community by way of a scholarship to honor the gay rights movement at Stonewall 50 years ago.

Dubbed the Yankees-Stonewall Scholars Initiative, the celebration will honor New York City graduates from the public school system in all five boroughs. The event will be held from June 17-26, 2019. Scholarship honorees will have made a positive impact toward the LGBTQ community in advancing equality.

Five $10,000 scholarships will be dispersed as determined by the New York Department of Education.

“The Stonewall Inn represents the very place where gay pride began, and we are extremely excited that the New York Yankees will be an official partner of ours and the upcoming 50th anniversary of Stonewall,” said Stacy Lentz, co-owner of the Stonewall Inn and Founder of the Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative.

“Their support of the Stonewall legacy is a historic step and we look forward to continuing our work together to elevate awareness and support for full LGBTQ equality,” Lentz said.

Today, we announced the Yankees-Stonewall Initiative, which will provide $50,000 worth of scholarships through five $10,000 college scholarships to be presented to one student from each of the five boroughs. pic.twitter.com/qm2hvx8y3X

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 21, 2018

“The Yankees wholeheartedly support equality for all individuals and applaud any efforts which make our society more inclusive and tolerant,” said Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner in a statement.

“It is our hope that this scholarship program will serve as a springboard for young LGBTQ student community members and advocates as they continue the pursuit of their dreams, ambitions and livelihoods,” he added.

Outsports once said that the “Yankees have never held an LGBT pride night because they’re the Yankees,” but that narrative may be changing now.

“This tremendous show of support by the New York Yankees is going to have an incredible impact for students who have given so much to their schools and communities,” said Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza. “I look forward to meeting these exceptional students in June.”

“The Stonewall Inn here in New York City is the home of the LGBTQ Civil Rights Movement, and it is heartwarming to see the New York Yankees support the next generation of LGBTQ civil rights leaders,” said Speaker Corey Johnson.

“The Yankees-Stonewall Initiative is a beautiful way to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising and another demonstration of the Yankees’ commitment to the LGBTQ community,” Johnson added. “No matter which team you root for, you have to cheer for this move by the New York Yankees.”

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