Today we’d like to introduce you to The G.R.I.T.S.. They and their team shared their story with us below:
The concept of The G.R.I.T.S. Co came to us in Rock Hill, South Carolina, on the campus of Winthrop University. We had a group of good friends who found community and safety in each other. So much so that we frequently traveled together. One of our most enjoyable destinations was the nation’s capital, Washington D.C. While visiting D.C. in 2016, our cohost Julian was his artistic and expressive self and said, “We need a show, y’all!
Gays raised in the South. Let’s call it The G.R.I.T.S. Co!” Much to everyone’s surprise and pleasure, the name had a ring to it, and this planted a seed that would bear fruit nearly seven years later as the group premiered their first episode in June of 2023. The G.R.I.T.S. Co-host consists of three best friends, Julian Holland, Tadean Page, and Earl Martin, who all hail from different areas in South Carolina. Embracing the intersections of our identities and unique experiences, we tackle various topics centered on the experiences of Black LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly Black queer men.
These topics include, but are not limited to, self-love and the discovery of self, spirituality and religious trauma, dating, representation and love, societal pressures, and more. The G.R.I.T.S. Co was created on this platform to amplify the voices of our community through explorative discussions and storytelling.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Overcoming doubt and not getting in our way is paramount to the success of The G.R.I.T.S. Co.
As we continue to grow, we are learning that there is power in “just doing it.” We also recognize the specificity and novelty of our platform as it is made for and by Black Queer people in the American South. Creatively, we have a small team of multi-hyphenated individuals who work to share this vision that we have with the world.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At the core of our work at The G.R.I.T.S. Co. is the simple yet profound act of creating space – space where individuals, especially those who identify as or support the lived experience of Black queer men raised in the South, can truly feel seen, heard, and felt. Stemming from our journey as Black gay boys raised in the South, particularly South Carolina, our platform is dedicated to providing the kind of community we yearned for but didn’t always find.
We’ve cultivated this space primarily through our conversation series, where we engage in meaningful dialogues that amplify voices and share perspectives. With over eight episodes released, we’ve been humbled to witness the growth of a community numbering in the thousands. All united in affirming the importance of our mission. In addition to our conversation series, we extend our reach through live events and activations, fostering connections that deepen empathy, understanding, and love for our shared humanity. Our belief is simple yet powerful: in finding our people, we find ourselves. And so, our platform is a beacon for connecting those who feel unseen and unheard with a community that mirrors their experiences, love, and essence.
Ultimately, our work is about fostering belonging—about connecting individuals who breathe, see, and love like one another. This is our mission, and it’s deeply personal to us. We’re here to create a home for those who have longed for one and to remind each person that they are valued, heard, and loved.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
We’re acutely aware that our vision extends beyond just our immediate team of three. It’s a collective effort fueled by a community’s resilience, affirmation, and motivation that reaches beyond our present circle. We owe immense gratitude to those who paved the way before us, amplifying our voices and making our existence more visible.
Our work is deeply rooted in acknowledging and building upon their contributions. Within our close-knit community, known affectionately as the G.R.I.T.S. Co., there are individuals whose support and camaraderie have been invaluable. While our show features Julian, Earl, and Tadean as hosts, we’re indebted to two other best friends from our college years: Brian and Michael. Though Brian and Michael aren’t co-hosts, they’re integral parts of the platform, spanning across three states alongside us.
Our team, comprising guests, videographer, and photographer Justin (@thejustinfloyd), has tirelessly brought our vision to life month after month. None of this would be possible without their dedication and talent. And, of course, we’re immensely grateful to our sponsors, whose support has provided the resources and connections to turn our dreams into reality. But perhaps most importantly, we owe a debt of gratitude to every viewer and supporter of The G.R.I.T.S. Co. Their validation through likes, views, and heartfelt messages reaffirms the importance of the space we’ve created. From life-changing testimonials to heartfelt thanks for providing something long overdue, every interaction reinforces our belief in the power of community.
The G.R.I.T.S. Co. is a testament to the idea that finding your people is tantamount to finding yourself. Each individual, each message, and each event contributes to the strength and vibrancy of our collective journey.
Pricing:
- Sponsorship Option- $50 Friend of the Show
- Sponsorship Option- $100 Hey, Bestie
- Sponsorship Option- $250 A One, Day One
- Sponsorship Option- $500 See you at the Family Cookout!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/thegritsco?igsh= MWN1aHptZTh2OG1hOA== - Youtube: https://www.youtube.
com/@thegritsco
Image Credits
Faith Austin @faithaustin.jpg https://www.faithaustin.com and Justin Floyd IG: @thejustinfloyd https://www.jfloydstudios.com
