Conceived in late 2005 by Christopher “TheOneTrueB!x” Frankonis, “Can’t Stop the Serenity” (or “Serenity Now/Equality Now” as it was known in it’s first year) included over 41 charity screenings in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, most held around June 23 (Joss Whedon’s birthday). All to benefit Equality Now, one of writer/director Whedon’s favorite charities. And all organised entirely by volunteer fans. This staggering achievement raised over US$65,000 and began a movement that is growing stronger each year. The movement has now expanded to incorporate events from May to September each year, as well as a massive global online auction.
Events include screenings of our Big Damn Movie “Serenity” as well as cosplay, live entertainment, special guest video cameos, raffles, prize givaways, “Hero of Canton” and “Ballad of Serenity” sing-alongs, collectables auctions and more! 
From the very beginning, Melbourne Browncoats have taken part in the global charity event Can’t Stop the Serenity. Since 2006, these local charity events have contributed to the staggering sum of over US$1,000,000 donated by events across the globe to Equality Now.
“All of us at Equality Now continue to be amazed by and grateful for the Browncoats’ and Serenity fans’ generous and committed support for our work. Their energy and enthusiasm is inspiring and these screenings are coming at a critical time when we are especially in need of funds! We thank each and every one of them and Happy Birthday to Joss!”
– Amanda Sullivan, Equality Now
About Equality Now:
Equality Now was founded in 1992 to work for the protection and promotion of the human rights of women around the world. Working with national human rights organizations and individual activists, Equality Now documents violence and discrimination against women and mobilizes international action to support their efforts to stop these human rights abuses. Through its Women’s Action Network of concerned groups and individuals around the world, Equality Now distributes information about human rights violations, takes action to protest these violations, and brings public attention to human rights violations against women.
“There are two ways to fight a battle like ours. One is to whisper in the ear of the masses, try subtlely and gradually to change the gender expectations and mythic structures of our culture. That’s me. The other is to step up and confront the thousands of atrocities that are taking place around the world on an immediate, one-by-one basis. That’s a great deal harder, and that’s Equality Now. It’s not about politics; it’s about basic human decency.”
– Joss Whedon
Total Raised from CSTS Melbourne: $48,497.27 (updated 11 December 2018)
CSTS Events in Melbourne
CSTS Melbourne 2017 – $1,010.81 (US$806 to Equality Now)
CSTS Melbourne 2016 – $2,737.66 (US$1,560.25/$2,058.71AUD to Equality Now & $678.95AUD to WIRE)
CSTS Melbourne 2015 – $5,471.31 (US$3,850.00 to Equality Now)
CSTS Melbourne 2014 – $8,067.43 (US$7,000.00 to Equality Now)
CSTS Melbourne 2013 – $7,462.29 (US$6,497.17 to Equality Now)
CSTS Melbourne 2012 – $6,943.33 (US$7,241.20 to Equality Now)
CSTS Melbourne 2011 – $4,120.41 (US$4,260.79 to Equality Now)
CSTS Melbourne 2010 – $7,500 (US$7,116.20 to Equality Now)
CSTS Melbourne 2009 – $2,259.98 (US$1,950.00 to Equality Now)
CSTS Melbourne 2008 – ~$1,000 (US$705.00 to Equality Now)
CSTS Melbourne 2007 – ~$1,800 (US$1,495.00 to Equality Now)
CSTS Melbourne 2006 – $1,603.00 (US$1,220.00 to Equality Now)