“In Living Color” — A Celebration of Black Queer Elders
On June 19th, in a fitting tribute to Juneteenth’s legacy of Black liberation, Surface Level Podcast launched its vibrant and dynamic Pride Month 2025 campaign: “In Living Color.” In partnership with SAGE and proudly supported by Procter & Gamble, this powerful initiative centers the voices, wisdom, and lived experiences of Black Queer elders—those whose stories too often go untold.
Rooted in the podcast’s mission to highlight underrepresented narratives, “In Living Color” pushes back against the youth-centered lens through which queer stories are often told. Instead, the campaign honors the vibrance, insight, and joy of previous generations, reminding us that queerness—and the beauty of Black identity—only deepens with time.
Throughout June, Surface Level Podcast is releasing a series of portraits, videos, and social media content that celebrate the richness of life’s many seasons.
Campaign Highlights Include:
Dynamic, Powerful Video and Photo Content
A bold, colorful visual campaign will showcase the resilience and radiance of the Black Queer community. Each image tells a story, infusing pride, personality, and power in every frame.Social Storytelling
Through intimate interviews and original narratives, the podcast will spotlight the life journeys of Black Queer elders. These stories explore themes of love, survival, legacy, and self-expression—emphasizing the importance of intergenerational connection.Community Casting in Partnership with SAGE
To ensure authenticity and visibility, Surface Level has teamed up with SAGE (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders) and Black Queer-led organizations. These partnerships amplify voices from often-overlooked segments of the community and emphasize the campaign’s commitment to equity and inclusion.
Pride Month, celebrated each June, commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Uprising—a series of protests that ignited the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Over time, Pride has evolved into a celebration of visibility, resilience, and community. “In Living Color” bridges past and present, reminding us that honoring the trailblazers is vital to building a liberated future.
“When thinking of the concept of this year’s campaign, we wanted to highlight a part of our community too often excluded from mainstream Pride celebrations,” said Damon Epps, co-host of Surface Level Podcast. “The growth and success of this platform is built on the foundation laid by the very individuals featured in this campaign. Our goal was to illuminate not just what they’ve done in the past—but to celebrate how they continue to live boldly, beautifully, and in full color.”
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About Surface Level Podcast:
Hosted by Damon Epps, Tony Jermin, and Jordan Randall—three Howard University alumni—Surface Level Podcast invites curious minds into thoughtful conversations exploring the Black Queer experience. With over 100 episodes and a recently launched 10th season, the podcast is known for its fearless authenticity, wit, and wide-ranging guest list spanning entertainment, activism, and beyond.
Surface Level was recently nominated for Outstanding Podcast at the 36th Annual GLAAD Media Awards and named to the Native Son 101 List, Class of 2024.
Listeners can stream the podcast on all major platforms and follow @SurfaceLevelPodcast across social media for exclusive “In Living Color” campaign content and updates.
