Hey, family! Rather you are new here or part of the fam, we are so grateful that you have journeyed here. In this episode we sat down with Jermaine Nakia Lee, Charlotte Black Pride, Co-founder, philanthropist, singer/songwriter, playwright, director, producer and arts educator. From cultivating space for Black gay culture across the Carolinas and beyond to navigating a journey of connecting deeper with self, Jermaine opened his heart in a way that inspired us all.

For more information on Charlotte Black Pride, happening July 13-21, visit: https://charlotteblackpride.org/

Your community matters to us! Don't forget to like, comment, subscribe and share!

Mamas! You know we love you! This episode is a look into the lives of your favorite Gays Raised in the South! In celebration of Mother’s Day, we are highlighting the first relationships that we ever had, our mothers!

This country has an abysmal record on caring for Black mothers. The crisis of Black Maternal Health is one that should be a priority for us all! We urge you to contact your U.S. Congressperson to ask them if they support the “Momnibus” bills from the Black Maternal Heath Caucus.

Click HERE to learn about how each bill can and will save lives and improve the disproportionate outcomes for Black moms across the U.S. (http://blackmaternalhealthcaucusunder...)

This show is a snapshot on the complexity of family, Southern life, grace, and accountability. As we stand in our truth as queer people in the American South, we hope that we give others the permission to do the same. Moreover, when families struggle to accept your truth, we hope to show you that your chosen family can and will step up.

Hey, family! We are back with episode two of season two, and you are in for it! This very special episode features, Dominique Morgan! From collaborations with Apple to Essence, Dominique is all the things-- and she is doing the real work! In honor of Women's History Month, this episode was space for us to take the back seat and learn, listen, and seek to understand. As we continue to move our world forward with love, light and advocacy, it is our hope that this episode urges us to do so with even more intention. And in true G.R.I.T.S. fashion, there's still a good ki throughout the episode!

Dominique Morgan is an award-winning artist, activist, TEDx speaker. One of Dominique's mission is to dismantle the systems that perpetuate violence against Black Trans people. Partnering her lived experience of being impacted by mass incarceration and solitary confinement, with a decade of change-making artistry, advocacy, and background in public health, Dominique continues to work in spaces of sex education, radical self-care, and transformative youth development. Her intentions are to dismantle the prison industrial complex and a theory she describes as the “gender to prison pipeline”.

Here's how you can connect with Dominique:
Website: https://www.dominiquemorgan.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedominiquemorgan/

Connect with G.R.I.T.S.
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thegritsco

We are soooooooo excited and grateful to kickoff season 2 of G.R.I.T.S.! You, yes you, have made this possible. We were able to get some quality time in with Damez, the all-around self-made artist. A rapper, singer, dancer, songwriter, editor, creative director and a rising voice in music, there’s not many hats he doesn’t wear. Primarily rap/hip-hop and R&B, he showcases his talents and versatility through an eclectic catalog of self-penned songs and choreography-heavy visuals and performances. 

In this episode we take a deep dive into his artistry, but also got to know the human beyond and behind the music. Raised in Georgia, he endured an unfortunate series of events, such as the death of his great grandmother, the ugly divorce of his parents’ and the tragic murder of his brother at the tender age of 17. (Google: “Justice For Ryan Henderson”). Tap in to learn more about his artistry, journey of grief and healing, love for Beyonce (I mean... how can you not?), and a fun segment of Games with Damez!

Be sure to like, subscribe, and share! Follow us on IG: @thegritsco!

Stay connected with Damez!
Official website:
https://damezmusic.com

YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/@damez

Instagram: 
https://instagram.com/damez

Twitter/X: 
https://twitter.com/damez

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3IzrEH8kpRJsNCwlOjiFc2

Apple Music:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/damez/354107222

TIDAL:
https://listen.tidal.com/artist/5164836

Stream 'Hell Now, Heaven Later' album:
https://li.sten.to/hnhl

Damez Merch Store:
https://shop.damezmusic.com

We are ending season 1 of The G.R.I.T.S. Co discussing connection, loss, love, and family (our village). As we embark on this holiday season, we are sensitive to the reality that this time brings about a multitude of feelings and emotion. As we each navigate those spaces this season, it is our hope that the dialogue and love we have fostered around our table flows into your space as well to know that you are seen, heard and felt. We are joined by a very special guest, Wendell (IG: @wendelldotme ; @lindaandlilo), for a beading activity centered around connection. Learn more about Linda & Lilo, Wendell's crystal and gemstone jewelry co. by visiting https://www.lindaandlilo.com-- AND enjoy 20% off with the code "CONNECTION". 

Grab your 26 Affirmations for Boys of Color by visiting: https://www.earlmartinlcsw.com

G.R.I.T.S. CO family you're in for an amazing episode! We had the beautiful privilege of having an intimate interview with Mr. Glam Rock Soul himself, Victor Jackson! Join us in this episode as we delve into Victor's journey of spirituality, healing, self-discovery, and his heart song of music! Follow us on IG: @thegritsco!

Victor Jackson- Mr. Glam Rock Soul
IG: @mrglamrocksoul
Comfort & Joy: A Glam Rock Soul Christmas:
https://chelseatableandstage.venuetix.com/show/details/m2vfANn8lMXkVPTwxuIv/1702252800000
Official Website:
https://www.mrglamrocksoul.com/
TedTalk:
https://youtu.be/ZS6Dp-LTw1U
Man.Muse.Magic Album
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/victorjackson/manmusemagic-3

GLAAD Spirit Day 
#SpiritDay is the world’s most visible anti-bullying movement inspiring LGBTQ youth, especially transgender and nonbinary youth to live their lives in their truth and authenticity. Take the Spirit Day Pledge now to take a stand against bullying and join GLAAD in accelerating acceptance.
https://glaad.org/spiritday/ 

Sponsor:
Adventures of Muse The Music Maven is an inspiring tale that shares the power of music and what is possible when you follow your dreams. Muse’s journey teaches us that with curiosity, practice and passion, anyone can spread joy through music and become a music maven. It is a simple but moving story that will resonate with music lovers of all ages.

Muse's character is based on the author Dana McKelvey's upbringing as a violinist from age 9 to 18 in the Charleston (S.C.) Youth Symphony. Dana has gone on to have a professional career creating music experiences for international brands, producing concerts and festivals for award-winning artist, producing music, DJing and teaching music courses to at-risk youth.
- Purchase your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CH2B7DTD
- Follow Muse, her family and friends on their mission to spread joy through music, @MuseTheMaven on all platforms!

We’re back with episode three! Join us this week as we sit with our best friends who created the safe spaces to allow us to “come in” during our journeys, as well as we dive into the intimate relationship between Black Women and Black Queer Men. 

Curators & Hosts:
Julian (IG: @everything__ju)
Earl (IG: @earlmartinlcsw)
Tadean (IG: @tadeanp_) 

Thank you to our amazing guest and friends: Lex (IG:@prettygirlex) and Itali (IG:@itgirlchay) 🤎✨

Brought to you by our friends and sponsors: 
Ascend Solutions- https://www.letsascendtogether.com 
Innate Virtue Counseling, PLLC- https://www.earlmartinlcsw.com

We are back with episode 2! This episode is a deeper dive into our friendship, while spicing things up in the kitchen with a grit show down! We hope that this episode shows more of who we are and why we are! Welcome to @thegritsco ✨

Curators & Hosts: 
Julian (IG: @everything__ju), Earl (IG: @earlmartinlcsw), Tadean (IG: @tadeanp_)
Special support from: 
Queen (IG: @queen.vk)

Brought to you by our friends and sponsors:
- Haven Wellness, PLLC (Instagram: @havenwellnesspllc)
https://www.havenwellnesspllc.com
- Ascend Solutions- 
https://www.letsascendtogether.com 
- Innate Virtue Counseling, PLLC- 
https://www.earlmartinlcsw.com

During this episode, we are joined by some of our friends for a deeper dive into a conversation on #selflove. So much of our experience as Black queer men raised in the South is framed in trauma, hatred and darkness. However, we hope to start this journey of curated conversations with real love, light—- and a little of the not so pretty parts of our journeying towards a deeper sense of self love. Welcome to @thegritsco ✨

Curators & Hosts: 
Julian (IG: @everything__ju), Earl (IG: @earlmartinlcsw), Tadean (@tadeanp_)

Guests: 
Travis (@_thet), Courtney (IG: @itscourts_court; @ourboyjoy), Shelton (IG: sheltonyounglcsw)

Special support from: Lee & Alfred 

26 Affirmations for Boys of Color link:
https://www.earlmartinlcsw.com/affirmation-cards/26-affirmation-cards-for-boys-of-color

Brought to you by our friends and sponsors:
- Just Dawn Johnson, LLC- https://www.justdawnjohnson.com
- Rock Social Selfie Studio- IG: (@rock_social_selfie_studio)
- Qy'Darrius McEachern- https://www.mceachernspeaks.com
- Jennie Mae's Southern Cuisine
- @JadoreSierra 
- CPCoesens, LLC
- Mesha's Sweet Treats- https://www.meshassweettreats.com
- Ascend Solutions- https://www.letsascendtogether.com
- Innate Virtue Counseling, PLLC- https://www.earlmartinlcsw.como