Damon, Jordan and Tony are curious – Does hiding sex make us safer or is it more dangerous? Many people hide sexual encounters in order to control and manage public opinion, or just because they’re a private lady. But does that secrecy open us up to more trauma?  In this especially dynamic episode, the hosts dive into this topic with a pastor and LGBTQ ally, Kristian A Smith. They get into the up and down sides of being private about sex and Kristian opens up about his thoughts on why the church should heal its relationship to sex and sexuality.  We getting vulnerable y’all! You can join the conversation on socials and let us know your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Damon, Jordan and Tony are curious – Can you be too loud and proud? We’ve all either had those moments or seen those moments where we or someone in our orbit is wearing their queerness out loud but very hyped up. They’re usually causing a scene of some sort, whether in person or online. And for some that’s always an expression of freedom whereas other queers feel it works against the community.  On today’s episode, Broadway and reality TV star Robert Hartwell joins us to unpack the dilemma of if it’s possible to be too loud and proud. Respectability buzzwords aside, the question forces hosts and our guest to outline what freedom looks like to them, what they consider obnoxious or harmful representation and why. Buckle up for this one!  You can join the conversation on socials and let us know your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Damon, Jordan and Tony are curious – Who’s to blame for the mainstreaming of Black language? We’ve all seen the ways that Black slang and especially Black queer lingo becomes everyone’s slang on the internet. Non-Black people have been monetizing off of our twang and sass, and now Republicans are even coopting and weaponizing words like Woke against our communities. All of this can feel like some inevitable uncontrollable charade at times. But there are still people behind these choices. In this unmissable season opener we’re digging into who needs to be stopped in this exploitative system and how. You can join the conversation on socials and let us know your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – what's your experience been on the apps? We are excited to welcome our friences Greg, Tylan & Hector to our Surface Level family. They help us explore different end uses for apps like Jack'd because we are way more than hookups. Whether is research for the social scene of a new city or just casual conversation the apps have become a meeting ground for our community. We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – where’s the line between secrecy and privacy? This National Black HIV/AIDS Day, we had the privilege of hosting Harlem Stage Presents: Surface Level Live, powered by Gilead Sciences. We are grateful for those who were able to join us in person, and we’re beyond excited to share the experience digitally with our Surface Level Insiders who couldn’t be there. During Part 2 of this special series, we are excited to welcome producer, writer, and director Patrik-Ian Polk to our Surface Level family. We continue the conversation with a unique perspective on sexual health from a member of our community who lived through the AIDS crisis. We also discuss how his beloved work, such as Noah’s Arc, has addressed issues related to sexual health, the evolution of expectations surrounding the disclosure of HIV status over time, and the fine line between secrecy and privacy. It was an honor to have this conversation with someone we admire, and we are excited to share this raw and honest discussion with our audience. We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – is Queer pleasure a privilege? This National Black HIV/AIDS Day, we had the privilege of hosting Harlem Stage Presents: Surface Level Live, powered by Gilead Sciences. We are grateful for those who were able to join us in person, and we’re beyond excited to share the experience digitally with our Surface Level Insiders who couldn’t be there. During Part 1 of this special series, we explored our connection to pleasure in the age of PrEP. We discussed how modern medicine has created an environment where queer men no longer need to fear sex. We also examined the new stigmas that have emerged from these protection measures, and we shared our thoughts on how we should speak to each other about sexual health. Additionally, we addressed the generational divide in attitudes toward safer sex practices as a preview of what's to come in Part 2 of this discussion. We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – are you ready to go beyond the surface level? We end our growth journey and 10th season with a tradition we hold dear—responding to questions and comments from you, our Surface Level Insiders. We laugh, share personal insights, and push back against the inquiries and opinions shared throughout the season. We can't wait to share more parts of this journey with you. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – has access to the internet reduced the quality of art? In Season 1, we explored the desire for people to use the internet to stunt and fabricate their lives. In this episode, we take that conversation further by examining the positive and negative effects the internet has had on art. We're thrilled to welcome Durand Bernarr, Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and artist, to our Surface Level Family. Together, we explore the impact the internet has had on perceived talent, whether the internet could benefit from a quality control department, and parts of Black Queer culture we wish had stayed private. With so many varying views on this topic, we’re excited for you to join in as we dive into the final topic of the season. We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – can freedom and the need for validation coexist? In Season 1, we explored authenticity and living in our truths was interrogated over and over again, and today we’re going to have a conversation about how perception and validation shape us—and the freedom we find when we finally let go and “release ya wiggle.” We’re thrilled to welcome Jonté Moaning true trailblazer in dance, fashion, and queer artistry.to the Surface Level family. We explore the need to perform versions of ourselves on social media, how validation plays a role in our ability to thrive, and explore the moments when we feel most free. We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – how do we balance resistance and protecting our peace? In Season 1, we explored the sacrifices needed to make Black queer lives matter. Today, we ask: what does resistance look like in 2025? With political unrest, DEI rollbacks, and an election that left many Black Americans feeling isolated, how do we keep fighting without burning out? We reflect on the role of Surface Level in activism, how Black identity is shifting in politics, and the ways we’re protecting our peace for the next four years. We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – how does loneliness effect Black Queer identity? In Season 1, we explored the disconnect we sometimes feel towards our hometowns in pursuit of our dreams. Today, we go further, centering the loneliness many Queer individuals feel for existing outside of accepted norms. We are excited to welcome Keith “Icy” Parris, beauty influencer and disability advocate, to our Surface Level family. We explore how digital platforms have created both online community and further isolation, how our own standards of personal access can contribute to isolation, and whether we have ever been the culprit in isolating others. The line between protecting your peace and exclusion is fine—where do you draw that line? We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – can failed romance become friendship? In Season 1, we explored how we navigate platonic friendships. Today, we take it a step further by discussing the intersection of past romance and current friendship. We'll examine past relationships through the lens of our present partnerships. As queer people, many of our relationships overlap, and we'll explore how this affects our communication with current partners, as well as the line between trauma responses and the perception of nefarious intent. The reality is that the queer community—particularly the Black queer community—is small. So, when navigating life and love, how can we ensure we don’t close ourselves off to great people simply because of how a relationship began? We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – who has shaped our Queer identities? In season one, we explored our relationships with our fathers. Today, we go further by bringing our “Gay Mothers” on the show to shed light on the people who have shaped our Queer journeys. We are excited to welcome Corey Baker, Anthony Woodburne, and George Gary III to our Surface Level family. Each of us has a separate conversation with the people who have been most impactful, especially during our years of Queer discovery. It is often said that Queer people experience a second adolescence, as we spend the first one often hiding parts of who we are. These individuals were the guiding lights we needed during that stage of our lives, and our relationships with them are integral to what Surface Level is today. We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Damon, Jordan & Tony are curious – when is criticism friend or foe? In season one, we discussed the environment of cancel culture. Today, we go further in examining public critique and when it is helpful—and when it is not. We are honored to welcome Lena Waithe, actor, producer, and screenwriter, to our Surface Level family. Together, we explore the societal boxes we are often defined by, the importance of cultivating community both on and off screen, how social media chatter does or does not affect the art we create, and the stories we tell. This episode is one we are truly excited to share as we begin the journey into 2025. We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Damon, Jordan & Tony are curious – where do we stand on toxic masculinity? In season one, we discussed the obsession with masculinity in the queer community—chasing "trade," butching it up around straight people, and learning to embrace our femininity. Today, let’s examine where we stand on toxic masculinity. We are excited to welcome Sailey Williams, creative director, photographer, and publisher, to the Surface Level family. Together, we explore the desires of "masc for masc" gays, the inclination of some queer men to distance themselves from femininity, and how both masculinity and femininity can thrive within our community. We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Damon, Jordan & Tony are curious – how varied are our views on non-monogamy? We are excited to welcome you to Season 10 of Surface Level: Gurl, Grow Up, where each week we will revisit a different episode from Season 1 through the lens of growth. In this first episode, we explore the topic of romantic relationships and how our experiences with non-monogamy have evolved since recording our first season. We discuss the experiences that have led us to our current beliefs, whether relationships are stronger when open from the beginning or at a later point, and any rules we have in our individual relationships. This topic truly highlights the range of opinions among the hosts, and we are excited for you to join in on the conversation. We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Damon is curious – how do anti-LGBTQ+ laws impact the Black Queer community, and what’s being done to fight back? In this final episode of our 3-part mini-series, Damon is joined by Dr. David Johns, CEO & Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition, Tabytha Gonzalez, Human Rights Specialist for the NYC Commission on Human Rights, and Olivia Lux, drag artist, actor, singer, and musician. Together, they dive into the legislative battles that disproportionately affect the Queer community, especially Black and Brown folx. From anti-trans laws to attacks on drag performances, we discuss how these harmful measures are shaping the political landscape—and what Black Queer leaders are doing to make their voices heard. As we close out the series, we look at how personal experiences often drive political action and explore what political issue hits closest to home for our guests. We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jordan is curious – how is politics shaping the daily lives of young Queer Americans? In this episode, we continue our 3-part mini-series with a focus on the youth vote and political engagement. Jordan is joined by Jay Jones, first Trans President of the Howard University Student Association, Kevin Ortega-Rojas, host of Here’s Why News and co-host of ByLatinMen Podcast, and Herby Revolous, culture critic and creator. Together, they dive into how young people are interacting with politics online and the ways these interactions are shaping real-world outcomes. From school safety to social media censorship, they explore the unique challenges faced by younger generations in today’s political climate. As we navigate topics like gun violence and the role of social media in political campaigns, we’re reminded of how much the youth vote matters—and why their voices must be heard. We know a lot, but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony is curious – how will this election effect Queer healthcare? We welcome you to part one of our three-part miniseries, “The Personal Is Political,” in partnership with GLAAD. This series is centered around the current political landscape and will explore issues with a focus on Black and Queer communities. Tony is happy to welcome Lala B. Zannell, Senior Campaign Strategist at the ACLU; Kris Chessen, co-host of the Bad Queers Podcast; and Zach Stafford, journalist and co-host of the Vibe Check Podcast, to our Surface Level family. In this first episode, we interrogate abortion care as an issue not just for cis women, discuss the misinformation surrounding gender-affirming care, and explore how HIV stigma impacts the spread of HIV. We close each part of this series by giving our panel a chance to highlight the political issue that is most personal to them. This is not your boring political show; it is our kitchen table—a place to talk like real people about increasingly urgent issues. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – when will folx learn to trust Black women? This week, we're thrilled to welcome director, producer, and screenwriter Lee Daniels to our Surface Level family. We’ll dissect the theme of trusting Black women in his new film, The Deliverance. We’ll also highlight some of the Black women who have helped shape our perspectives, address the unique challenges faced by Black trans women, and explore why Lee consistently creates complex work for this widely underrepresented group. We’re excited to return with fresh content between seasons and hope you enjoy it. We know a lot but we don’t know it all, so join the conversation on social and let us know your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices