The way the LGBTQ+ community has been portrayed in popular culture has come a long, long way in recent years. Although there's still a lot of work to be done, so many creative queer folks have been making awesome and inclusive movies, music, TV shows, and more that better represents our lives and our stories, so in honor of Pride Month, we're taking the time to honor 25 of these inspiring people! This is the 2019 #PRIDE25!
It’s not every day that we’re gifted with a show like Dan Levy’s Schitt’s Creek — hilarious, heartwarming, and beautifully open to exploring facets of LGBTQ life that don’t often get screen time in popular shows.
"I have made a very strong point to not ever show bigotry, homophobia, or intolerance on our show because to me, it’s a celebration of love," Levy told The Advocate earlier this year.
What we’re left with is a show that explores queer relationships through a fresh lens of hope and relatability, and a creator who understands the importance of having queer characters who are truly just seen as people and not othered even by their own narrative.
Though his character on Schitt’s Creek, David, is pansexual, Levy himself identifies as gay. On his decision to make David more fluid in his attractions, Levy said that "to not have to define yourself or categorize yourself, I think, is beneficial to everyone. I think the more we can understand that people just exist…the sooner we’ll be in a better place."
And the example he and his fellow creatives are setting with Schitt’s Creek is making that world feel more and more possible to its viewers. One of the most important aspects of the show is, in fact, something so simple yet so meaningful to all the LGBTQ fans who tune in week after week. David and his serious boyfriend Patrick kiss, frequently and in normal, everyday moments — just like heterosexual couples on TV do.
"We’re going to show them kissing as many times as we damn well please," he said.
Now that’s some activism we can get behind.
Why is queer representation, especially in media and in the arts, important to you?
As humans we learn through osmosis. The more we see, the more we learn. By depicting a world where love between two people can only result in more love, I’m hoping to help change the conversation in people’s homes surrounding queer love.
In the industry you currently work in, did you have any queer role models you could look up to? If yes, who? If not, did you wish you had one?
Ellen was a game changer for me. What she did on her show opened so many doors for people like me to tell the kinds of stories I’m telling.
What’s it like knowing a young LGBTQ person could look at your work and have you be their role model?
Receiving letters from young fans telling me how the show has helped them in times when they’ve needed it, or changed the way their parents understand them...that’s everything to me. That means we’re doing some good.
What advice do you have for young, queer creatives who want to break into the entertainment industry?
Trust your gut. Surround yourself with people you trust. And never compromise on the things that count.
Many, many years from now, what do you want the legacy of your work to be? And what do you hope to be remembered by?
I guess I’d want people to look at the work and think that I did some good. That I was on the good side fighting the good fight. And that we had some laughs along the way.
The sixth and final season of Schitt's Creek is set to air in 2020! Binge watch Seasons 1-5 on Pop TV and Netflix!
And check out more of the 2019 #PRIDE25 honorees here!
