The HMI Ambassadors

"I am honored and moved beyond words to serve as an Ambassador to the Hetrick-Martin Institute. Every opportunity we have to spread tolerance and compassion must be seized and I will take special pride in doing so on HMI's behalf."

- ANDY BELL, Singer/Songwriter

"I am proud to be an Ambassador for HMI, an amazing organization that embraces the LGBTQ community. Thanks to my web-series 'Venice,' I was introduced to HMI and got to see firsthand the safe and creative environment that it offers our youth. My heart has been touched and I feel lucky and honored to have met so many incredible individuals."

- CRYSTAL CHAPPELL, Actress

"Being involved in HMI brings me a feeling of gratitude and thanks. I love that I get to be a part of bringing change."

- HEATHER MATARAZZO, Actress

"HMI is composed of inspiring people and it motivates me to do more for others. I'm reminded of how important it is to have strong role models as you're maturing into adulthood and yet have the freedom to explore who you are as an individual - especially if you want to be an artist."

- CAROLE POPE, Singer/Songwriter/Actor

"I love the support system and the access to exciting creative programs that the Hetrick-Martin Institute offers young men and women."

- ROBERT VERDI, TV Personality and Style Expert

"More than ever, I think this is the perfect time in our movement's history to remember what it felt like to be a LGBTQ teenager ourselves, painful as that might be! Show me a person who didn't have issues of some sort negotiating being a member of this community and I'll show you someone on another planet. I know that I can take my painful experiences and multiply them exponentially to try and comprehend what some of today's queer youth are experiencing. We just gotta take care of our kids."

- BD WONG, Actor