Many pro sports teams have hosted LGBTQ-themed games, including a "large majority" in MLB, but the Yankees have not, "even though their city helped give birth to the modern gay rights movement," according to Billy Witz of the N.Y. TIMES. The Yankees in recent years have "largely shied away from promotions with an ethnic or cultural flavor, although there are regular instances when they honor a cause with a brief pregame ceremony." While the Yankees have not held a gay pride event at Yankee Stadium, team Exec Dir of Communications & Media Relations Jason Zillo said that there had "been involvement behind the scenes." Witz noted Yankees Senior VP & GM Brian Cashman and Senior VP & Assistant GM Jean Afterman have done work with organizations that assist LGBTQ youths. Additionally, a pregame ceremony was held last year "to acknowledge those killed" in the Orlando nightclub shooting. Despite that, the team has "shown no inclination to hold a night" for LGBTQ fans. By the end of this season, only three other teams -- the Angels, Reds and Brewers -- will "not have had one." Most pride-themed games are generated "by an outside organization" instead of the team. LGBT Network CEO David Kilmnick was the person who "spurred the Mets to resume their pride night last season," and he also "approached the Yankees." He met with Yankees reps "at a diversity meeting" sponsored by MLB during Spring Training. Kilmnick said that it was the "last he heard" from the Yankees. MLB VP & Special Assistant to the Commissioner Billy Bean said that the Yankees have been "supportive and that the conversation about pride events was relatively new" (N.Y. TIMES, 7/8).
