Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – do HIV criminalization laws increase stigma?

This week, we are excited to welcome Robert Suttle, a social justice advocate, to our Surface Level Family. We'll be discussing his personal experiences and advocacy work concerning the impact of HIV criminalization laws on Queer communities. Many of these laws, enacted in the 80s and 90s, do not align with current scientific understanding and perpetuate stigma and shame. HIV status is a private health matter and should not be used as a weapon against vulnerable populations. In this episode, we explore the harm caused by using legal punishment to address a health crisis.

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

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Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – are you sexual on social media?

We're thrilled to announce a two-part crossover episode with special guests, Busy Boys Uncensored. In part two, we welcome Jah and Sekani into our Surface Level family. Together, we delve into how sex and dating have permeated everyday social media apps. Is there shame associated with expressing sexuality or stepping outside of gender norms on these platforms? We conclude with some personal disclosure about aspects of our sexuality that might surprise those who only know us through social media. Sex, as we've discovered, is everywhere; our interactions with it vary across different platforms.

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

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Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – are hookup apps in their flop era?

We're excited to announce a two-part crossover episode featuring special guests, Busy Boys Uncensored. In part one, we welcome Mayce and Damontae into our Surface Level family. Together, we delve into the culture of "the apps" and their profound impact on our sexual interactions. We explore generational differences, questioning whether these platforms have made connections more or less meaningful, and ponder if we now have access to too much of a good thing.

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

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Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – what language should we use to discuss STIs?

Part of maintaining a healthy sex life involves regular screenings for STIs. Over time, the way we discuss this topic has taken a negative turn. The question "are you clean?" has become synonymous with STI disclosure, adding public shame to the personal stigma people feel if they test positive. We discuss how to approach these conversations with sexual partners and address the stigma surrounding discussions about HIV in the media. Finally, we share advice we've learned over time on how to manage these conversations effectively. STI and HIV disclosure should not be sensationalized or shamed. We aim to contribute to reducing stigma in this week's episode.

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

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Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – how do we reduce harm when drug use and Queer sex intersect?

This week, as we delve into a sensitive topic, we welcome Andrea Rodriguez, Community Cultivation Coordinator for Dance Safe, to our Surface Level Family. This episode explores the realities of drug use among Queer folx and how to provide comprehensive information and support. Harm reduction destigmatizes drug use, and organizations like Dance Safe provide participants with fact-based knowledge about the effects of various substances. We also examine the phenomenon of “chem sex” among Queer folx and discuss ways to support friends and family whom we suspect may be overindulging. As cultural attitudes toward drug use evolve, we believe our discussions and support for individuals should evolve as well. We encourage everyone to keep an open mind, as this episode sheds light on an important topic that taught us a great deal.

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

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Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – what is medical fact vs fiction when it comes to Queer male sex?

This week, class is in session, and we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Leo Moorei, the Medical Director for Clinic Services at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, to our Surface Level Family. We're diving deep into aspects of sexual hygiene, pleasure, and health with an individual who truly has the tea. We pride ourselves on creating a platform that is fun but also offers educational information to our target audience. Find a quiet room, take out your notepad, and get ready—you won’t want to miss a beat.

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

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Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – how can casual sex be used as a tool for exploration and empowerment?

During this dynamic episode, we welcome storyteller and activist Tarek Ali to our Surface Level Family. Tarek contributes to a conversation centered on the complex relationship that queer men have with casual sex. Casual sex is often viewed simply as a coping mechanism, but we'd like to interrogate that idea a bit further. Like everything in life, these are experiences from which there is a lesson to be learned. From developing agency over our bodies to deepening our relationship with pleasure, these experiences can be amazing teachers. So whether you are at home, at a bathhouse, or vacationing, give yourself grace in casually exploring your desires. 

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

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Jordan, Damon, & Tony are curious – what impact does hookup culture have on Queer male intimacy?

For our ninth season titled “Throb,” we are embarking on a journey to explore all aspects of sex and sexuality. We kick off this journey with a topic familiar to queer men: hookup culture. Where have we found the most joy in hooking up, and what memories do we hope to bury? How does instant physical gratification affect our ability to connect emotionally with romantic interests? We also delve into the safety implications of anonymous encounters. Personal stories make this episode a thrilling ride, and it's just the beginning of a season that is sure to get everyone talking.

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

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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.

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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.

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