Ryan Murphy Donating All His “Pose” Profits To LGBT Charities
Ryan Murphy announced on Twitter this week that he will donate 100% of his profits from his upcoming FX series Pose to LGBT charities.
Murphy, who co-created the show with Brad Falchuk and Steven Canals, tells Variety he was inspired by his success on previous projects with the Half Foundation, which supports women and minorities behind the camera.
“We’ve entered this area of television as advocacy," the producer says, "and I’ve seen the difference you can make in people’s lives by showing up for them, caring for them, and helping them in any way that you can.”
Pose, which focuses on transgender and drag performers in the 1980s ballroom scene, has already made history with the most trans series regulars ever in an American scripted television series. Additionally, the production has employed more than 100 trans actors, crew members, and consultants.
“The thing that struck me in talking to so many of them, was how much they’ve struggled, how under attack they feel, how many of them find it difficult getting healthcare, and finding jobs,” Murphy continues. “I just decided I need to do more than just making a show for this community. I want to reach out and help this community.”
Among Murphy's selected charities, which he'll continue to spotlight on Twitter over the next two weeks, are Sylvia's Place, the Sylvia Rivera Law Project, and the Peter Cicchino Youth Project.
“My eyes have really been opened to the great work being done in a lot of these organizations, and these people are in the shadows and they need our support,” he says, adding that his goal is to double each charity's regular annual donations. “The struggle is real and it’s not getting easier.”
Murphy also pledges to hold fundraising screenings and other benefits to raise awareness and potentially create scholarships for LGBT youth—all with the support of FX and 20th Century Fox studios. “Every time we’ve asked them for something, they’ve stepped up,” he says. “I will be hitting them up for donations—make no mistake.”
Joining trans actors of color MJ Rodriguez, Indya Moore, Dominique Jackson, Hailie Sahar, and Angelica Ross as series regulars, Pose also stars Evan Peters, Kate Mara, James Van Der Beek, and Billy Porter.
Pose premieres June 3 on FX.