Why Ryan Murphy is donating all his profits from Pose

Ryan Murphy is one of the most successful TV creators in history. The man behind Nip/Tuck, Glee, American Horror Story, and American Crime Story recently signed a deal with Netflix that will yield up to $300 million.

But when it comes to profits for his new FX drama Pose, Murphy is giving it all back. He announced on May 9 that he would be donating any money he made to LGBTQ charities.

So what inspired this grand gesture?

Says Murphy, “I long for leaders in our community, like where’s our Harvey Milks? Where are people who are inspiring and giving back and motivating young people? I’m not seeing a lot of them, and I decided, ‘Well, why don’t you try that?'”

“I’m somebody who’s been rewarded for being gay. I’ve monetized my pain and experience. I always wrote from a very personal place, and the world has rewarded me for that in a huge way beyond my wildest dreams. Whoever thought that a gay show-choir show would become a billion-dollar asset?”

“More than just the money, what I want to do is raise awareness for these groups, so other people give back to them as well. Because once you get to know the work, it’s God’s work that these people are doing, and their budgets are so small, and they need help. Because the government now, particularly with this a—hole president, is giving them nothing. And in fact, it’s taking away their funding and taking away their spotlight. So, that’s what I decided to do.”