Originally posted September 5, 2019.
My husband and I recently watched five seasons of Schitt’s Creek. The comedic sitcom is cunning, and extremely innovative. As a gay cisgender male, this sitcom is very personal and checks off a lot of diverse boxes, including LGBTQIA issues, a pansexual character, coming out, inclusion, acceptance, vulnerability, authenticity, family dynamics, fashion as a character among others.
It was very personal to me because I went through a lot of the things that the characters on the show experienced particularly those of Patrick Brewer portrayed by Noah Reid. Coming out to not only myself but my parents, family, and friends was draining and emotional. Trying to fit in and be accepted in the world is challenging but with patience, support, and love it eventually all comes together. It took me a while but over time I’ve learned to be my authentic self.
Dan Levy, co-creator and lead actor, bases his hit show on love and acceptance. Dan Levy explains the depth and meaningful goals of his show:
“When you break down a character, certain things just appear. And there’s something exciting about exploring things that haven’t necessarily been represented on television before. But I knew we never wanted it to be a “teachable moment.” We made a conscious choice that his (David Rose’s) sexuality would never be in danger—that the town was going to be completely accepting of everybody. I wanted to show a projection of our own world that was kinder, show how much people can grow and the capacity with which people can love when they are not fearing for their lives. We never really tackle politics on the show, but in a way, that was the political stand I took.”
“A lot of straight people have told me they were surprised to realize they had certain beliefs that they now see, by way of watching the show, were not good or helpful or constructive. But getting to interact with my [LGBTQ] community—and hear how the show has made a positive impact or changed the conversation with their family—has been remarkable. I’m proud that we’ve put something out into the world that seems to be effecting change in a good way.”
The show illuminates the strong love and affection between really two complex characters, David Rose (Dan Levy) and Patrick Brewer (Noah Reid). The following clips gives some insight into their deep connection.
<--Simply the Best 1.0--
Patrick (Noah Reid) serenades his boyfriend David (Dan Levy) with Tina Turner’s acoustic cover “Simply the Best”
https://youtu.be/YzCKi7NGg4U
--Simply the Best 2.0-->
David (Dan Levy) returns the favor and “sings” to Patrick (Noah Reid) with Tina Turner’s “Simply the Best”
https://youtu.be/LdEvo_2Mvpk
<--Patrick (Noah Reid) coming out to his parents
Some facts - here are some LGBTQIA stats:
9 in 10 LGBT youth (91%) are out to their close friends
Nearly two–thirds (64%) are out to their classmates; 61% are out at school
More than half (56%) are out to their immediate family
Of the 10,030 LGBT youth, 57% (5699) identify as female, 34% (3406) as male, 3% (319) as transgender, and 6% (606) as “other gender.”
30% say their family is not accepting or is homo/bi/trans-phobic
53% of Americans believe new laws are needed to protect the LGBTQ community’s civil rights, while 46% do not.
No show or entity is completely perfect. Hence, I agree with Vanity Fair’s Richard Lawson, when he states that he wished, “the show would expand that wish for a better society by being more racially inclusive…”
Is the sitcom realistic? No. But, in the current political climate , it is easy, light and refreshing to just come home and a watch a show where homophobia does not exist. The show bravely handles LGBTQIA issues including coming out, inclusivity, and the concept of being accepted for who you are in life.
Bottom line…
be you
love yourself
express yourself freely…
Just like David and the rest of the Schitt’s Creek crew, be your authentic self. I’m eagerly anticipating the release of the show’s sixth and final season.