 He was also a member of the Homophile Union of Boston and Gay Legislation and lobbied for a better understanding of gay people and laws to protect their civil rights.In his roles as political writer and gay rights advocate, Brill came to know well Boston Police Lt. William J. Bratton, who credited Brill for "liberalizing police attitudes towards gays by opening up a relationship with the police.Prior to writing a story, he'd always come to us for our side.