Out with Dr. Bill – Inspiring Nights: Advocacy, Fashion & Friendship

Celebrating Inclusion Through Sport

One of the standout events Eric and I attended since my last column was the 2024 Athlete Ally Action Awards, which inspired us both deeply. The evening wasn't just an awards ceremony – it was a gathering of passionate advocates, athletes, and allies working to transform the world of sports into a more inclusive space. Held at the stunning Tribeca 360 in New York City, it celebrated the courage and commitment that drive change, and sharing the experience with Eric made it even more meaningful.

What stood out to us most was the personal connection we felt to the honorees and the stories shared throughout the night. Seeing two of our dear friends, Andy Tobias and Rob Smith, inducted into the Athlete Ally Hall of Fame was incredibly moving. Their lifelong commitment to LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion has touched so many lives, including ours. Sharing in their recognition alongside fellow inductees Lindsay Berra and Sean James reminded us of the profound impact individuals can have when they dedicate themselves to meaningful change.

Catching up with Andy at the pre-event cocktail reception and hearing his story from the stage during the induction part of the program brought back so many fond memories, especially of his groundbreaking book, "The Best Little Boy in the World." Published in 1973 under the pseudonym John Reid, this memoir vividly details Andy's struggle to reconcile his homosexuality while striving to be the "perfect" boy to avoid suspicion and rejection. Honest, humorous, and deeply reflective, the book struck a chord with many, including Eric and me, who have shared it with countless young gay friends as an essential read. It remains a timeless story of coming out and self-acceptance, a powerful reminder of how far we've come.

In addition to celebrating Andy, the evening offered opportunities to connect with other inspiring individuals, among them Alphonso David, a trailblazing civil rights attorney and former president of the Human Rights Campaign. We also met "The Amazing Race"'s newest gay couple, Joe Moskowitz and Ian Todd, from Season 35. Seeing them reminded me of my longtime friend Reichen Lehmkuhl and his then-"husband," Chip Arndt, who competed in Season Four. Reichen and Chip, the original "gays in the Village," set the bar for LGBTQ+ representation in reality television, making it to the final leg and winning the season back in 2003. Time flies – yikes!

In 2010, I had the privilege of interviewing Reichen Lehmkuhl for EDGE Media Network, where we delved into his groundbreaking experiences on reality television, his activism against the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, and his future aspirations. It was an inspiring conversation that showcased his dedication to visibility and advocacy. You can read the full interview here.

At the heart of it all is Hudson Taylor, founder of Athlete Ally, whose leadership has made the organization a powerful force for change. I've admired Hudson and his wife, Lia Alexandra Mandaglio, for years, and my respect for their work only deepens.

Hudson's journey from All-American wrestler to advocate for LGBTQI+ inclusion shows how one person's courage can inspire change. Athlete Ally believes in the transformative power of sports to drive inclusion and equality. With support from partners like Gillette, the NBA, and Gatorade, the organization continues to educate and advocate for a more inclusive future.

For Eric and me, the evening was about more than the awards. It was about community, progress, and the shared commitment to building Team Inclusion. Having attended this event for many years, I once again left with a full heart, inspired by the extraordinary people driving this incredible work, and feeling more committed than ever to supporting their efforts.