'Heated Rivalry’ producers launch foundation to support LGBTQ+ communities through sport and the arts

The producers behind hit queer hockey romance Heated Rivalry have launched a new charitable foundation inspired by the popular book and television franchise, with a mission to support LGBTQ+ people and other underserved communities through sport and the arts.

Executive producers Jacob Tierney and Brendan Brady announced the creation of the Irina Foundation on 29 September through their production company, Accent Aigu Entertainment. Named after the fictional charity established by Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov in Rachel Reid’s Game Changers novels, the real-world organisation aims to fund initiatives that help people access sports and arts programmes, build community connections and improve wellbeing.

In a joint statement, Tierney and Brady said the foundation was designed to create opportunities for people to find belonging through shared experiences. “For many of us, some of life’s most meaningful moments happen on a team, in a studio or on a stage, places where we find our people, discover what lights us up and feel like we belong,” they said.

“We’ve been incredibly lucky to build something we love and along the way find a community that means so much to us. The Foundation is our way of giving back.”

The Irina Foundation will support organisations working with LGBTQ+ communities and other underserved groups, focusing on programmes that encourage participation in sport, arts and community activities. Its mission also includes promoting mental wellbeing and resilience through those experiences.

Fashion brand Kate Spade has been announced as the foundation’s inaugural donor, while grooming company Harry’s has signed on as an early supporter.

The launch builds on fundraising efforts already generated by the Heated Rivalry fan community. According to Accent Aigu Entertainment, the company, its partners and supporters have raised more than $1.5 million in recent months for organisations including You Can Play, the New York LGBTQ Center and Rainbow Railroad.

For many fans, the foundation represents a real-world extension of the values explored in Heated Rivalry, which follows the long-running romance between rival professional ice hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov.

Accent Aigu president Jayme Alter Wilson said the decision to use Irina’s name reflected the deeper themes of the story. “We chose the name Irina Foundation because, at the heart of Heated Rivalry, Irina represents something much bigger. She reminds us that behind every struggle is a person who deserves to be seen, loved and supported,” Wilson said.

“The Foundation is our way of honouring that message. We hope to channel the love people have for the world Rachel has created, and for Shane and Ilya, into something that can make a meaningful difference in the real world.”