As the oppositeLGBTQ+ Law and rhetoric surges across the US, actors, writers and producers Eugene Levy – known for his clear comedy voice and one of them TV’s The most beloved Queer Affering Series won the 2025 Nancy Pelosi Equality Alliance Award at the Equality PAC’s National Pride Gala on Wednesday night.
Keep up with the latest LGBTQ+News and politics. Sign up for our supporters email newsletter.
But Levy, 78, was not there to give a speech. Politics. He said Supporters“I don’t really rely on politics,” Emmy’s winner, Canadahe was not familiar with equal PAC before honor, but said that the gesture and timing made him move.
“Live and live,” Levy said. “Equal rights mean that rights are equal for everyone.”
Related: Dionne Warwick will perform on National Pride Gala and join other big names
Equality PAC LGBTQ+ Congressional candidates and allies praised Levy for helping “amplify LGBTQ voices and stories” through his work – especially Schitt’s Creeka hit series he co-created with his gay sons, Dan Levy, 41, and Dan Levy. The final season aired in 2020, with queer and pansexual identities and family members without changing into differences centered around family. The world of Schitt’s CreekLevy said it was meant to always show what acceptance looked like without explaining it.
“It wasn’t about making a statement,” Levy said. “It was just writing love stories…and no one in town hit the eyes. It’s a world we all want to live in.”
TK CaptionJon Fleming Photography for Equality PAC
Andrew W. Mellon’s speech in the auditorium Washington DCLevi explained Shaw’s evolution and his evolution Family’s The story helped to shape it – starting with the quiet appearance of his son, it was spurred by his mother, Deborah Devine, wife of Eugene, nearly 48 years old.
“When he turned 18, Deb knew instinctively that he knew he was right,” Levy told the audience. “She took him to lunch and popped the question, ‘Are you gay?’ He replied “Yes.” And nothing has changed. ”
“That,” Levi said, “What should it be?”
Related: Bianca del Rio will host Equality PAC’s National Pride Gala during WorldPride DC (Exclusive)
He said the same simple, unempirical, accepting spirit comes into shape. Schitt’s Creek From the beginning. “It has always been our intention to make Schitt’s Creek a town that blinds color, religion or sexual identity,” he said. “And because that was what it was, the show became a beacon of the LGBTQ+ community.”
According to Levy, the most deeply resonant moment came during the show’s first season. Dan’s plays David, using wine as a comparative phor, explains his pansexuality. “I like wine, not labels,” he says. According to Levy, the line has become a touchstone for many strange viewers, especially young people, to come into their families.
“We’ve received so many letters from gay teens. They said they used verbatim scenes from their parents,” Levy said. “I don’t think we need an evening like this if humanity can embrace “wine” rather than “label” philosophy when it comes to each other. ”
Eugene Levy (Centre) Nancy Pelosi’s Equality Alliance Award, Equality Pack Gala, Washington, DC, June 2025Christopher Wiggins for Advocates
However, during that time Schitt’s Creek Depicting an idyllic and strange positive world, Levi admitted that the terror and silence of quiet forms have grown up his son’s journey.
“As parents, we had to adapt to a different way of thinking,” he said. “How difficult is our gay son? The idea that your child grew up with excessive difficulties is enough to put a parent.”
Levy recalls his own teenage experience with anti-Semitism; high school The student council president when the word “Jew” ran off to posters for every campaign. At that moment he gave him some understanding of the horror his son had carried.
Related: “Welcome to the annual Gay Mafia Convened”: Equality PAC celebrates 10 years
But Schitt’s Creek It ended five years ago, but the impact has not faded. The show continues to reach new audiences and inspires queer fans, especially those in regions with limited visibility for LGBTQ+. Levy said he was moved to learn how far the show’s reach has grown, especially in places he wasn’t expecting.
Levi said the influence of the show often surprised him. Louisiana While the cast travelled to perform live shows. He expects resistance to what he had envisioned,Trump He was surprised when the women from the local general store enthusiastically welcomed him and expressed their love. Schitt’s Creek.
“My heart is just ridiculous,” he said. The moment added that the show emphasized that it would “invade the best way.”
When asked how to oppose anti-LGBTQ+ rise, Revy said the solution wasn’t necessarily loud, but that it was permanent. “Ignorance is a big part of the problem,” he said. “So the information has to come in bite-sized pieces that people can actually consume.”
TK CaptionJon Fleming Photography for Equality PAC
Levi provided a clear message to his parents, especially his father in Pride Moon. “Support your child. [They are] Your own flesh and blood. There is no other way. ”
Related: Equality PAC will raise a ton of money for the 2024 House Democrat Frontliner.
And still discovering in strange young people Schitt’s Creek -Many of them navigate political hostility, bathroom bans. Books Removal – Levi offered quiet optimism.
He recognizes the weight of the question and says that the world depicted in Schitt’s Creek was something he and his son really wanted. He expressed his hope that such a world that is accepted by everyone might one day become a reality, but he emphasized that continuous effort from many people would need to achieve it. “You can’t give up on that,” he said.
“I think this was the world we created, the real world,” he said.
Regarding the possibility of Schitt’s Creek film, Levy left the door open However, there were expectations.
“There’s nothing in the work,” he said. “But as Daniel [and I both say]if there’s an idea that’s better than where we left the show… if that’s the starting point for other projects, we’re there. ”
Source: Advocate.com – www.advocate.com
