Damon, Jordan, and Tony are curious – are you ready to go beyond the surface level?  We’re winding down our 11th (!!) season with the classic tradition of responding to questions from our Surface Level insiders. We’re also starting a new tradition of the Surface Level Commenter Awards! This episode is a fun little after party where we crown the messiest commenter, hottest take, most confused comment and the biggest award, most curious commenter. Plus, Jordan and Tony try their hand at guessing Black famous trivia, and we all know how that goes with those two.  So buckle up and come have some fun with us to close out the year on a high note.  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 – Is being mainstream famous better than being Black famous?  In today’s social media era many are in pursuit of some type of fame. But while some rise to new heights, they often get questions and judgement about who they’re in it for and why.  The Surface Level crew sits down with multi-hyphenate creator Brandon Kyle Goodman to dig into identity, visibility, and whether mainstream approval is overrated. 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 – How much can you respect your family members who don’t respect your queerness?  Being Black & Queer in a place like New York, it can be very easy to curate our lives to only interact with people who respect our queerness. But we can’t always do that with family, and in Black families respecting elders is important too, sometimes regardless of how much they respect your queerness.  The internet’s favorite viral queer chef William Coleman joins us for this intimate conversation about how to survive the cookout. The group talks about the moments they’ve let slide, the moments they’ve had to stand up to family, and how they each approach this tricky question of respect.  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 white gay men ever truly belong in Black queer spaces? Now this one’s gonna have the girls fired up! We’ve all seen them. They pop up from time to time. Sometimes causing confusion, sometimes controversy, and sometimes delight. White gays are at the Black functions, so how do we feel about them?  In this episode, the hosts talk about their feelings on this white presence, what white allyship looks like to them, how to tell the good ones apart, whether some spaces should be homogenous, and yes, who they think is Blue Eye’d Soul.  Join us for this ki and feel free to chime in online too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Damon, Jordan and Tony are curious – Is prioritizing Black joy really an act of defiance? “Joy as Resistance” is a nice catchphrase that’s been taking the Black internet by storm. The phrase has mass appeal and some say political strategy to it too, but in the face of extreme threats to personal liberties and even freedom of speech, is it the strategy really appropriate for this moment?  Brooklyn’s powerhouse viral city councilman Chi Osse joins us to dig into these questions. He talks about his strategy for this moment as an elected official, while the hosts question their level of involvement as citizens. The conversation even delves into questions of personal liberty vs collective liberation when thinking of the growing movement of Black people going from escapism to actually leaving the US altogether.  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 – 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