Schitt's Creek star Dan Levy's 38th birthday is approaching, and that means it's time to celebrate with the annual fan-organized fundraiser in support of an LGBTQ+ organization.
This year's recipient is GLSEN, the preeminent national organization dedicated to creating safer learning environments for all LGBTQ+ youth and students since 1990.
"With more people than ever finding the bright spot that is Schitt’s Creek in a pretty dark year, I'm excited for all those folks that binged during quarantine to join us this year in celebrating Dan's birthday," lead organizer Bea Edwards told PRIDE.
"We chose GLSEN this year because their mission to promote safe, supportive, and LGBTQ-inclusive K-12 education is more important than ever, especially with the increase in harmful proposals by state legislatures targeting LGBTQIA students around the country."
The birthday fundraiser first launched in July 2019 and raised more than $23,000 for Canadian youth support organization LGBT YouthLine. Last year, organizers chose Trans Lifeline as the recipient, raising more than $21,000 to support services for transgender people in the U.S. and Canada.
Since then, fundraisers for important causes have become a tradition among Schitt's Creek fans. A second group is celebrating Levy's birthday this year with a fundraiser for Native Studies at the University of Alberta, a program he's been participating in and promoting since August 2020. Other fans have put together a virtual 5K race for the Mama Bears, an organization that supports, educates, and empowers parents of LGBTQ+ children. A similar birthday project was launched in March for Levy's co-star Noah Reid, raising funds for the Encampment Support Network in Toronto.
David Eng-Chernack, GLSEN's Director of Communications and Public Voice, welcomed the opportunity to promote the work being done in 44 chapters across the country.
"Support from visible, outspoken advocates like Dan Levy remind me that everyone has a voice and what happens when people are safe and affirmed and celebrated by others – they can bring their values and the strength and the gift of their voice and visibility to work for others," he said.
"At GLSEN we are clear that it's because of LGBTQ+ people and our allies moving together that allow organizations like ours that are working to make the world a safer for affirming and celebratory place for LGBTQ+ children and young people to exist."
Levy has been active on social media in support of LGBTQ+ youth this year. In January, he used his platform to boost pushback against the Toronto Catholic District School Board for removing links to LGBT YouthLine from its website, saying in a tweet, "This is a necessary, life-saving resource for young people. Your students deserve better, TCDSB." The link was later reinstated.
In April, he and other members of his family shared a petition from Ontario students in the Halton Catholic school district who were seeking permission to fly the Pride flag at their schools. Activism from LGBTQ+ families and allies against the Halton Catholic District School Board is ongoing.
"He continues to lead by example in promoting love, kindness, and acceptance in a world that needs more of exactly that," Edwards said. "His work to educate himself on issues affecting Black and Indigenous people and people of color, and to use his place of privilege to give voice to others, should be an example to all of us."
Click here to donate to GLSEN in honor of Dan Levy's birthday on August 9.
