The creator of Netflix’s comedy series “Schitt’s Creek” Dan Levy is opening up about LGBTQ representation in entertainment.

Levy admitted that it took him a while before he could be out and proud like his on-screen character, David, on the Netflix show. The multi-hyphenate made the revelation in his acceptance speech for the Davidson/Valentini Award. During which he discussed dealing with his sexual identity.

“I legitimately thought that I would have to live with this secret — my being gay — for the rest of my life because I didn’t have the security of seeing a lot of people like myself being celebrated in popular culture,” he said at the GLAAD Gala held last Saturday in San Francisco. Levy co-executive produces Schitt’s Creek with his father, Eugene Levy.

Prior to receiving critical acclaim for his work on Schitt’s Creek, Levy experienced the same struggles like that of many LGBTQ youths. The showrunner revealed that his family and friends “loved [him] fiercely and unconditionally” supported him through his journey. He credits them for the supportive experience he received as he came out of the closet.

Levy then pointed out that three-quarters of youth from the LGBTQ community are more honest about their identities online than in real life. He then shed the light on suicide attempts committed by 40% of transgender adults.

He then revealed that the LGBTQ community prompted him to create Schitt’s Creek, “a place where everybody fits in.” Season five of Schitt’s Creek is currently airing on Netflix. Watch the trailer below: