Surface Level

Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – are you ready to go beyond the surface level with us?

We made it through another cycle of the Surface Level journey. Through this season of reflection, we hope that we were able to introduce you some new figures or expand your knowledge of familiar faces. We believe truly that there is much to learn from our Queer ancestors and elders and are proud that we did our part in preserving their legacies. Now once again it’s your turn to ask the question so strap in as we wrap up the eighth installment of our curious voyage.

We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – with time can Queer love exist without shame?

In this episode, we are excited to welcome actor Noah J. Ricketts to our Surface Level family. Exploring the themes of his incredible character Frankie from the miniseries Fellow Travelers we delve into the expanse of how Queer people express love. We close our season of reflection exploring how the themes of shame and personal triumph play equal roles in our journey to love ourselves and other Queer folx. This season has given us much to look back on to grow our own perspectives on life we hope this final installment encourages everyone reflect on who they are today and constantly strive to be a better version of that person tomorrow.

We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – does cash rule everything around you?

This week we talk about the ever-looming presence of capitalism. What experiences have shaped our relationship with money, have we ever felt looked down upon because of material things we lacked, how have we navigated mainly White professional spaces as Black Queer professionals. An often-quoted scripture says that the love of money is the root of all evil. We explore how we find the balance of meeting our economic needs but not being consumed by the constant capitalistic need for more.

We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – where is the line between funny and offensive?

In this episode, we are joined by comedian, actor * writer Jay Jurdan. The artform of comedy has been in the spotlight in recent years as we all try and define the line between jokes and insensitivity. We explore the artform and the need for specificity in discussing its subjects. Is the concept of punching down a hard rule or should there be nuance instead of hard rules? Depending on who you ask those answers can vary greatly, and we explore our individual points of view on the topic. We close with a very Black moment of laughing at our pain and sharing ridiculous life expereinces that we think would make a hilarious sketch comedy.

We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – is fear of femininity the thief of joy?

This week we revisit our relationship with the expression of femininity in what we wear. Are we uncomfortable with expressing ourselves outside of the confines of the gender binary? Is that fear greater for men within our community than for women? We challenge what we’ve been taught but also interrogate who has the right to own this aesthetic in the future, if anyone at all. The beauty in finding new ways to outwardly express who we are is a joy we revel in. So in the future let’s be more masc, fem and everything in between.

We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – what place does AI have in the creation of art?

This week we bring a fresh topic to our listeners debating the benefits and concerns around artificial intelligence. We focus in on generative AI and its effect on the world of art. Should we look for ways to make the creation of art more efficient and democratize its various forms for more people? Should we view art forms and creation as sacred where the journey is as valuable as the outcome? The world is changing and we are curious about how to best navigate what at this point is the inevitable.

We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – why are conservatives so scared of drag queens?

In this episode, we are joined by drag phenom Olivia Lux. With her first-hand account from her time on Drag Race, we use the life and lessons of RuPaul in this week’s reflection. We explore our first impressions of the art form filled with surprise and delight. Olivia gives us insight into the people and experiences that crafted her personal journey. We dive deep into the current assault on drag from conservative politicians and what we believe is the motivation behind it. We end by highlighting the joy drag can bring, both through sharing stories of the people behind the persona and by highlighting the craft of its artists.

We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social media and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – if your humanity is conditional is it humanity at all?

Surface Level began as a show reflecting the lives, experiences, and conversation of its three host. To have a season live during the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict and not share our experience processing, learning, and developing our views towards the situation felt inauthentic. We do not believe we are experts on Middle Eastern relations but human beings witnessing a humanitarian disaster unfold in real time. What do the views of Black Queer folx have to do with this topic? What is the key driver behind the more vocal support of Palestine particularly from communities of color? What resources have helped us make sense of this and develop thoughtful views on the topic? These are a few of the questions we explore during this episode. We ask that this show serve as a spark to think, reflect, to research, to learn, and to see all people as human.

We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – what are the risks it takes to bloom into who we really are?

In this episode, we're honored to be joined by trans activist and the author of "The Risk It Takes To Bloom: On Life and Liberation," Raquel Willis. To kick things off, we engage in an icebreaker game that pays homage to Sylvia Rivera, a trailblazing trans activist from the 60s and 70s. Each of us then reflects on the pivotal moments when we embraced our sexuality or gender identity. Diving deep into the themes of Raquel's book, we explore the intricacies of the trans experience and culture. The episode concludes with a thought-provoking discussion on the future of the Queer revolution, emphasizing the crucial need to amplify the voices and experiences of Black Trans individuals.

We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

00:00-Introduction

00:54-Recap since season 7

10:00-Unveiling the season 8 theme: "A Reflection"

10:46-Engaging in a game inspired by Little Richard

18:04-Exploring the toughest aspects of our journey to self-acceptance

29:37-Thoughts on creators who reject or conceal their queerness

35:51-Delving into what aspects of our lives we choose to keep private

41:25-Examining the question of oversharing in our stories

46:13-Celebrating and recognizing a queer individual we admire

Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – where do we draw the line between living out loud and our right to privacy? We start our season of reflection focused on the life of Little Richard. We explore the complex relationship that many of us have with living our Queer truth in public. We explore how social media has added to that complexity and the line we draw between sharing and privacy on Surface Level. Like icon Little Richard: friends, family, religion, and public opinion may limit our ability to live out loud. In reflection, we hope to rid ourselves of that pressure and live most honestly in the future. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – how have our views around relationships become more fluid? This week we offer a second look at fluidity; this time through the lens of relationship types. We welcome Jahad J.C. Carter, host of the Hopeless Romantic Society, back to the Surface Level table. A topic that is enriched through the technicolor lens of Queer experience; we are sure you all will have a lot to say. Are our views around relationships similar to how we grew up? Have they been varied based on the partner? or are we still just figuring it out? All levels of experience are valid as we share views that hopefully make you think differently, even if you disagree. Get ready for the ride as we close this special bonus series. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – how have our views around our sex lives become more fluid? Surprise we’re back for a special two-part bonus series! We’re adding the fluidity of water to our season, first tackling the topic of sexuality. We welcome Jahad J.C. Carter to our Surface Level Family. Host of the viral digital series, Hopeless Romantic Society, Jahad brings his special brand of humor and humanity to our show. We are excited to explore the ever-evolving topic of sexuality, and how our perspectives have been influenced by personal experiences and public perception. Are we brave enough to go against the grain and explore our desires? Let’s see. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – are you ready to go beyond the surface level with us? Once again we sign off after this very special season grounded in earth, freed through wind, and emboldened by fire. We hope we’ve succeeded in our mission to make you more curious about topics that are not typically broached. Special thanks to all of our amazing guest in sharing their stories and experiences in making the journey of Surface Level that much more special. So here’s our love letter to you our Surface Level Insiders, your questions shape the end of each season and we are happy to share our experiences on things you’re curious about. So farewell for now as we take some time to keep living, growing, and preparing more stories for the future. We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Damon, Jordan & Tony are curious – how can healthy disagreement lead to personal growth? Closing the fire series, our penultimate episode for season seven explores what happens when tempers boil over. We recognize that even in our closest relationships there is bound to be conflict, but how we approach these situations make the difference in our lives. Will we accept uneasy conversations as an opportunity to grow or let ego take over? Will we assert ourselves to those around us while still showing them respect or get down in the gutter? Depending on the day the answer is different but we hope to learn a bit more each day even if some lessons don’t always come with a smile. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – how does aligning with traditional beauty standards benefit and harm our community? Pretty privilege, the hot-button topic that has been at the forefront of many kitchen tables has made its way to Surface Level. This week we welcome Obio Jones, Digital Creator and LGBTQIA+ Advocate to our Surface Level family. We ask ourselves, can we work against a system that we benefit from? The age of social media has thrust physical appearance into the forefront of anyone looking to garner attention for their work. Is it fair? No. Is it reality? Absolutely. When operating from a place of privilege, we believe it is the work of those individuals to recognize it, speak out about it, and use the attention, not just for their own advancement, but to create a better community for all of us. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan & Tony are curious – how can we broaden what it means to be Black and excellent? In this unprecedented bonus episode, we revisit our season opener, 'Black Excellence Is A Scam,' from a fresh perspective. While Damon is absent this week (rest assured, he'll be back in full effect next week!), we are excited to welcome Eboni K. Williams, an Author, Attorney, and Host, to our Surface Level family. Eboni, the first Black Housewife on Bravo's Real Housewives of New York City (RHONY), is a disruptor in the media landscape who continues to offer a unique take on Black Excellence. Join us as we delve into the intricate relationship between Whiteness, classism, and mental health, and their influence on our perception of Black Excellence. We also touch on the polarizing 'bus driver gate' and the role of power in our romantic lives. Additionally, we address criticisms surrounding Eboni's time on RHONY. Prepare for a spirited and engaging discussion about a topic that our community can't seem to stop talking about. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – how does the work of Queer nightlife curators impact our ability to find community? In closing out Wind series, we are excited to pay tribute to a space that has long represented freedom for Queer individuals: nightlife. This supersized episode of Surface Level is dedicated to the legacy of Black Queer nightlife giant, Frank Watson, who we lost earlier this year. We welcome 3 impressive curators in their own right to our Surface Level family, Joe Morris founder of Joe Morris Events and co-owner of Brunch Harlem, Micah Marquez co-founder of Deviant Events, and Chuck co-owner of Lambda Lounge Harlem and Club Lambda Brooklyn. From discriminations they have faced, to the complexities of managing large crowds, to the desire they have in curating brands that represent the broad desires of Queer individuals looking for community, we cover a lot. This episode was a fun one to be a part of so get ready for a wild ride. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – how is the quest to not just survive but thrive unique within Black Trans experience ? In an effort to continue to introduce you to amazing members of our community this week we welcome Tabytha Gonzalez to our Surface Level Family. A human rights professional and a woman with a story that deserves to be told we speak with her through the lens of new documentary The Stroll streaming on Max. The Stroll tells the story of trans women of color who’s economic survival was tied to their time as sex workers in what is now New York City’s Meatpacking District. It is a story of hardship, love, violence, community, but most importantly resilience. Tabytha shared parts of her story on The Stroll and we are excited to go beyond the surface level with her here. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – how do we protect our joy when pride is under attack? We bring you something special edition of Surface Level for Pride 2023! We are happy to share our favorite pride memories, delve into a conversation around the attack on Queer representation from conservatives, and offer a little bit of Surface Level drag story time because you know we love the kids(well Jordan and Tony do). Our joy is not optional so with equal parts celebration and defiance we offer you pride in the face of prejudice. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – What was our parent’s journey in accepting our Queer identity? This episode will likely take the crown as our most personal level ever. This week we welcome Annette Epps, Teresa Randall, and Tony Jermin Sr, better known as our parents, to our Surface Level family. We explore the joy, surprise, pain, and confusion that defined our parents journey of accepting their Queer children. We hope that this episode serves as a possibility model for parents, children, and people generally that when you lead with love that bond cannot be broken. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious - How can we dismantle mental health stigmas and foster understanding? In this episode as we navigate the complex terrain of mental health. We welcome Jarred Denzel Keller to our Surface Level Family. Jarred, a Mental Health Advocate and Senior Press Secretary for the Human Rights Campaign, bears his truth for all to hear and see. Together, we shed light on the commodification of mental well-being, advocating for genuine understanding, compassion, and the urgent dismantling of stigmas. Prepare for an eye-opening discussion challenging preconceptions, cultivating empathy, and embracing a compassionate approach. Journey with us as we strive to create a society fostering support, acceptance, and genuine care for mental well-being. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – is Black Excellence doing more harm than help? In this thought-provoking episode, we challenge the notion of "Black Excellence" and explore the unrealistic pressures that surround it. This special episode was recorded in front of a live audience, marking an exciting milestone for our podcast. Together, we seek to redefine the true meaning of success and offer a fresh perspective on achievement. Join us as we navigate this transformative exploration, inviting you to embrace authenticity and discover joy on your own terms. Prepare for an enlightening conversation that sparks introspection and opens doors to new possibilities. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – are you ready to go beyond the surface level with us? Another season in the books for this journey that we call Surface Level. We have a blast connecting with our listeners through a series of audience submitted questions. We’re a bit off the cuff an we’re sure you’ll enjoy it. This season we’ve worked to create visibility for stories that aren’t often told. This isn’t good buy just a see you later as we prepare to offer more thoughtful conversations in the furture. We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – who are we…really? This season’s penultimate episode forces us to look within in a very meaningful way. First we give language to the guiding principles that define us at our core, then we assess our intersectional experience as Black Queer people regarding what parts of our identity we are most comfortable with or not. Finally, we reflect on how the experience of building a public platform has amplified truths we previously ignored. We spend this episode looking inward, we hope it encourages you to hold up a mirror and do the same. We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – why are men afraid to embrace beauty? If you walk away with one thing from this episode, know that if beating that face makes you happy, do it! We welcome Sir John to our Surface Level Family. Sir John, Creative Director and global make-up artist, brings a fun and insightful perspective to this conversation. As men, we tend to shy away from things that make us feel soft. This episode highlights ways in which we can be more confident in those parts of ourselves with some advice from a world-renowned expert. Remember, it’s not about what you’re doing, but why, so find joy through whatever it takes. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

ordan, Damon & Tony are curious – is categorizing certain stories as trauma porn fair? This week is centered around the hot topic of “trauma porn”. We have seen various stories that highlight the painful history of Black Americans. Sometimes it feels that these are the only stories Hollywood wants to share about us. We interrogate the line between art sharing truth versus what can sometimes feel like a one dimensional depiction of Black life. As a people, we represent an infinite expanse of stories and experiences. Our pain is valid, but we are so much more. We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – how does the approval of others lead us to hide parts ourselves? Today’s episode explores the idea of hiding parts of who we are to gain acceptance in various spaces. We welcome Elegance Bratton to our Surface Level Family. Elegance, the director of the critically acclaimed film The Inspection, speaks on his journey from Queer Marine to creative and how his identity colored relationships with people from his mother to superiors in the service. The title of this week’s episode, pulled from the now retired armed services policy, defines a policy many Queer people accept in various areas of our lives. We explore this and so much more so tune to hear what truths we are not telling. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – how can establishing healthier relationships with alcohol? We are all guilty of the proclamation “I’m never drinking again” after a rough night on the bottle. Maybe that was driven by a desire for a good time or from a need to escape darker emotions. We explore those dueling motives in this episode. From CDC guidelines on recommended drinking, to personal stories on when we decided our relationship with alcohol this episode has it all. Start the new year with us reevaluating habits personal habits and trying to find a but more balance in 2023. We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – how does self-hate create toxicity among Black, Queer men? Our show often highlights external factors that stifle our community, but this week is focused on self-reflection. Growing up as Black, Queer men we develop many defense mechanisms that manifest as self-hate. This hate is often reflected in the othering of people in our community whose experiences are different than our own. Part of the advancement of Black, Queer people is the embrace of all members of our community regardless of physical appearance, economic means, or social cache. A critical look inward is the first step to healing that we sometimes miss, this week we take that step. We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – are the benefits of abiding by respectability politics worth the cultural sacrifice? Today’s episode gets into heated territory at times as we debate the benefits, or lack thereof, for following the rules of respectability politics. We welcome Kalen Allen to our Surface Level Family. Kalen, actor and media personality, adds a fresh perspective to our conversation through his rise to fame on the Ellen DeGeneres show. This is not an episode where we all agree, but we believe you will find value in each of our unique perspectives. We understand that rules are in place for Black Queer people, it’s up to each individual to decide the value those hold for their individual journey. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – has our fear of judgment stifled our sexual liberation? Safe spaces are important for Black Queer people and that idea extending to sexual environments is no different. We have some fun exploring our personal do’s and don’t in these situations and highlight how we as a community contribute to each other’s liberation or shame regarding sex. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – what can we do to make Black Queer stories more visible? In this season opener, we highlight the cultural moments that have made us feel most seen, we interrogate the internal and external factors limiting further visibility for our community, and we discuss our hopes for further advancement of the Black Gay agenda. We welcome Emil Wilbekin to our Surface Level Family. Emil, the multi-hyphenated Founder of Native Son, whose mission is to harness the collective power of Black Gay/Queer men with the goal of ensuring that our voices, visibility, and lived experiences are elevated in all of the communities in which we exist and are never again disregarded. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – are you ready to go beyond the surface level with us? The finale to our fifth season further highlights our expanded commitment to community. We kick off by welcoming Steve Cruz, Strategic Giving Manager for the Ali Forney Center and Maddox Guerilla, an Ali Forney Center alum, to our Surface Level family. We were proud to raise money for AFC this season, an organization committed to protecting LGBTQIA+ youths from homelessness and empowering them to live independently. You will get to hear firsthand about the work they are doing and how they have directly impacted the lives of Queer New Yorkers. We then move into a game, themed on the standout moments from this season. We wrap up with one of our most fun segments yet, chatting through an array of topics all sourced from you, our beloved Surface Level Insiders. The reception you all have given Surface Level continues to amaze us and we hope to continue to bring joy to your lives through sharing our experiences. So, thank you for the support and until next time…stay curious. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – what did we learn when traversing the toughest moments in our friendship? This week’s episode is quite introspective and discusses the evolution of our views on friendship in recent years. We play a game that gives our response to messy friendship scenarios, then discuss the experience of growing apart from friends, the rocky road we have traversed as friends in recent years, and how we are actively working to be better friends to those around us. This episode is the representation of years of ups and downs and the choice to still choose each other despite our differences. Having three personalities as large as ours is not always the easiest but we understand the roles we each play in our friendship dynamic and how that helps and harms our relationship sometimes. We are by no means perfect and we hope this episode serves as a ‘what not to do’ guide in your toughest moments. Transparency is a tenant of this show, so be gentle with us as we open up more about who we are and a friendship that is both stable and fragile at times. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – how can healthcare information best be communicated to Black Queer folx? This week’s episode takes a relevant look at healthcare discussions that started during COVID are now being renewed with onset of Monkeypox. We start as always with a bit of silliness in an animal themed game of ridiculous choices, then dissect our long term or evolving trust of the medical system, debate if the response to Monkeypox by Queer people is reflective of a lesson learned or based in vanity, and make suggestions regarding how government and media can better address the needs of Black Queer folx without creating further stigma. Healthcare for Black people is steeped in a lack of trust due to the history of the system not properly meeting out needs. Compounding that with the intersectional experience of also being Queer further complicates that for us. We hope that in addition to our brand of “edutainment” we can offer some facts about the state of monkeypox. Finally we encourage all of our listeners to get educated, get vaccinated, and stay safe. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – how is the Black German experience different from that of Black Americans? This week’s episode is a special glimpse into our lives as friends sharing highlights from our experience at Berlin Pride. During the episode we play a game of Bop or Flop with various experiences we had on the trip, dissect the key differences we see between pride in New York vs our experience in Berlin, and discuss our tips for staying camera ready even if we partied all night. Berlin was our first outing as friends since before the pandemic. So much in our lives has changed and being able to share our experience through the lens of Surface Level is something we are really excited about. We are keeping it pretty casual this week so grab a glass of prosecco, put your feet up, and go on a little journey with us. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – how can we foster non-sexual male intimacy? This week, we explore the idea of intimacy between men both Straight and Queer. We play a game rating potential partners based on fun dating scenarios, then discuss how the stigma around sexuality has impacted our relationships with Straight men, if sex and intimacy can healthily exist with non-partners, and how we are presently expressing non-sexual intimacy in our relationships with other men. We welcome Teron Beal to our Surface Level Family. Teron is an award-winning songwriter and photographer using the art form to explore the concept of non-sexual male intimacy. He brings a thoughtful perspective regarding his journey in accepting his own sexuality and how that has impacted the intimate relationships he has with other men. Equal parts vulnerable and thought-provoking this conversation takes us all on a journey of questioning our preconceived notions regarding intimacy. We hope you do the same. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – how have our experiences with grief shaped how we want to be remembered? This episode starts with a fun game titled “giving up the ghost,” then delves into a conversation that is equal parts serious and fun. We dissect our individual experiences with grief, any anxiety we have surrounding it, our hopes for who will take care of us in our golden years, and close by sharing nontraditional ways we would like to have our lives celebrated. We are continuing to find conversations that are usually swept under the rug in our community. Death is typically approached with fear and grief by ignoring it. We’re addressing these topics head-on and expressing our hopes, our fears, and the things we admit we are uncertain about. Above all we hope this episode makes you think deeper, it surely did that for us. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – how is consent defined and exercised in our sex lives? This week, the idea of consent is reflected upon both personally and for its larger implications on society specific, to Black Queer men. We delve into the idea of blurred consent and the need for an explicit “yes” at all stages of sexual intercourse. We then turn the lens on the broader community to discuss cases of sexual trauma and abuse towards Black Queer men and the lackluster response from law enforcement. We welcome Rasheed Gonga to our Surface Level Family. Rasheed is the Program Director for Impulse Group, and an activist fighting for the rights of Black Queer men. He brings a perspective that makes the hosts think not just about protecting themselves but pushes us to be advocates for those who are afraid to speak up for themselves. Consent and sexual assault in our community are topics to be treated with respect and care and we hope to offer perspective on how to move to a place of healing for all of those affected. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – how can Black parents better support their Queer children? This week we reflect on our experiences growing up in Black households - the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. We kick off with a game deciding if we need to “get the belt” to deal with rebellious children. Then launch into a discussion that focuses on past experiences but also forward-looking advice regarding tools that we wished our parents had when raising us. We welcome Dr. Lulu to our Surface Level Family. Dr. Lulu the multi hyphenated Pediatrician, Parent Coach, Author, Disabled Veteran, and Activist was an amazing addition to our discussion. As a Queer woman who is also the parent of a trans daughter, both her personal and familial experience added great depth to this conversation. Her goal is to help parents heal and be the best thing their children need right now. She serves as a possibility model for who Black parents can be, honing in on the idea that if trauma can be passed down through generations then so can healing. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – do storylines in porn perpetuate harmful stereotypes of Black Queer men? This episode starts with a fun game where each host discovers the type of “deviant” they are through a series of questions regarding our kinks or lack thereof. We then delve into a conversation regarding our introduction to and relationship with pornography, and debate both the harmful and healing aspects of the inclusion of Black Queer men in porn. Like most work environments systemic racism rears its ugly head. The question becomes, how does one balance real-world consequences in an industry that is built on selling fantasy? This episode is equal parts fun but also takes a serious look at a topic we typically only view as entertainment. We’re sure this will spark debates on social and we look forward to what you all have to say! We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – how does media visibility affect how we see ourselves? This week’s episode is an absolute treat. We dissect the value of visibility within media and how it affects the way we view ourselves in real life. This week we are all living in Nicco’s world and the host of Surface Level are along for the ride. We welcome actor, Nicco Annan to our Surface Level Family. Nicco plays the beloved non-binary character, Uncle Clifford, on the hit show P-Valley. We play a game themed on some of the fun and outlandish advice that the character would give. We then dive into the journey that has lead Nicco to a place of self love and the desire to show love, not just in his art, but in life. Thematically this episode is about humanity and the desire to show all aspects of it with the hope that we can all move to a more authentic place in our own lives day by day. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.  

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – is a preference for masculinity inherently femmephobic? We kick off with a game imagining a world if we were girls, then launch into a discussion that centers around various facets of femininity as it relates to Queer cis men. We discuss our relationship with femininity, our opinions on “femme tops”, and what we are doing to make the world more accepting towards femininity in men. This is a fun take on a serious conversation that we are happy to bring you this week. We have spent years unlearning things we have been taught about our femininity while trying to find truth in our appreciation of masculinity. We have discovered we are three butch queens hoping to give you both. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – what can the current political system do to better protect Black Queer people? We are excited to welcome you back with a brief update on our time off between seasons. We then launch into a fun gay reimagining of the government for and by Black people. Our discussion is then centered around how the current political landscape is causing physical, mental, and emotional harm towards Black Queer people. This week we welcome Executive Director and Co-Founder of Campaign Zero, DeRay McKesson to our Surface Level Family. DeRay adds a point of view from an individual who has been doing the work as a former teacher and dedicated activist. We weave through topics related to gun violence, “Don’t Say Gay” bills, and trans identity. He poignantly said during the episode that, “the culture wars are here”, and we discuss what we’re going to do about it. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – are you ready to go beyond the surface level with us? The finale to our fourth season features the theme of community. We kick off by welcoming LaQuann Dawson, Creative Director of MOBI, to our Surface Level family. We discuss his experience with the organization and the parallel missions of creative space and a platform for Black Queer folx. We then move into a game themed on the standout moments from this season. We wrap up with one of our most fun segments yet, chatting through an array of topics all sourced from you, our beloved Surface Level Insiders. This season has seen our platform grow in ways we would never have imagined and we look forward to sharing this fun and candid exchange with you. So, thank you for the support and until next time…stay curious. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – is the art of shade helpful or harmful in our communities? We play a game deciding which common statements are shade vs “no shade”, discuss the history of “the dozens” and shade in Black communities, litigate if throwing shade for sport is based in insecurities, and discuss ways in which positive defense mechanisms we’ve developed help combat a world that views us as less than. Black communities often live by the phrase “laugh at our pain”. This statement is further cemented in the Black Queer experience. Our take is that it’s all about balance. Are we people that need to laugh to stop from crying or individuals that need to heal from generational trauma? Or, are both things true at the same time? We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – what do Black Queer stories look like when we write them ourselves? We play a literature-themed game, discuss our favorite Black Queer reads, discuss stories that we would write ourselves, then delve into a conversation around how Black Queer culture has informed the writing of our guest. This week we welcome New York Times bestselling author Michael Arceneaux to our Surface Level Family. Michael’s fun writing style takes a unique look at millennial problems, from dating to student loan debt. He brings a point of view that is equal parts funny, honest, and real. This is not an author who takes himself too seriously and that is why his books are resonating with a generation truly doing the best we can with what we’ve got. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – how have HBCUs evolved to fit the needs of Queer students? We play a game that reminds us of our time at Howard, discuss the history and evolution of Queer communities at HBCUs with two educators, then end with speaking to current students and recent graduates about the hope they wish to see for future generations and the work that is still to come. This week we welcome educators Dr. Steven Mobley (Howard) & Dr. Kirstin Byrd (Hampton & Spelman), Transgender HBCU Queen Malay Simmons (Johnson C. Smith), former Mr. HBCU Jauan Durbin (Morehouse) & former Human Rights Campaign HBCU Program intern Janelle Edge (F.A.M.U.) to our Surface Level family. We are excited to offer perspectives on the HBCU experience that show how far we have come but ultimately where we can continue to grow. We hope you enjoy their stories and that any student attending an HBCU will feel seen and understand that their experience is as big a part of the history of our institutions as anyone else’s. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – how have you worked to heal from failed romantic relationships? We play a game titled, “Are You That Somebody”, detailing our own red flags when romantically involved. We then enter a convo with many highs and lows around how we have dealt with the ending of relationships. We further discuss the lingering feelings and how we worked through those, then laugh a lot about on how social media comes into play and awkward run ins with former partners. A relationship ending is not something we believe should be viewed as a failure. We have each learned valuable lessons that make us not just better partners in the future but better humans. Romance is hard and we don’t dare to say we are experts but we hope to stay curious enough to learn from the past. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.

Jordan, Damon & Tony are curious – how can we strengthen the alliance between Black and Asian communities? We play a game of trivia highlighting Blasian artists, then launch into a discussion centered on the Asian American experience, and highlight ways in which we can create empathy between our communities. This week we welcome content creator and storyteller Johnathan Gibbs, artist and community organizer Will Lex Ham, and founder and creative director Steven Wakabayashi to our Surface Level Family. They offer their perspectives to an amazing conversation starting with dissecting the stereotype of the model minority and how it affects the relationship between Asian Americans and other minorities. We then discuss the lack of representation of Asian Americans in pop culture. We end by highlighting some of the struggles and triumphs of the Black Lives Matter and Stop Asian Hate movements. This conversation was special in how we’re able to highlight an experience in which our identities do not intersect. We look forward to sharing their stories and hope we do our part in pushing this conversation forward. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts.