Meet The GRITS Co

We had the good fortune of connecting with The GRITS Co and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi The GRITS Co, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
We draw our inspiration from the glory of southern living. From the familiar breeze of familial porch steps. To the scent of charcoal burns as the grill gets fired up at a cookout. To the bubbly laughter after a couple drinks with your loved ones.

The connection to our roots is evidenced in the way that each of us engage with our guests. We find ourselves inspired by life’s complexities and nuances. Which leads us to formulate questions from a place of curiosity, security, and openness. Which we each embody due to our experiences as Black, queer men.

Our show and platform were created out of necessity to see ourselves represented. We’re inspired by all creatives who -in some way- create for themselves. We don’t have all the answers, we don’t have unlimited resources, but what we have is a core belief that when you find your people, you find yourself!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The GRITS Co (Gays Raised in the South) is a platform that affirms and amplifies the voices and experiences of Black, queer people in the south. As a relatively new platform, we recognize that there is strength in partnering across. We are constantly building lateral coalitions with other creatives in the south and across the country. So much of our success comes from the will and audacity to think big and execute big visions.

Our work and mission is heart centered and human focused. As we open ourselves up with each episode, we hope to give others permission to do the same in their own lives. The core of love and friendship that our show is built around, helps us to be like water while we engage with our guests. That makes an enormous difference in what our supporters see, hear, and feel. Which is what makes our show so unique.

We want the world to know that it’s okay to say “yes” to your own dreams. Our concept was first suggested during a college trip to DC Black Pride in 2016. Even though, it took seven years before our first episode was shot, we realized that there was power in our “yes.”

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We are all from different parts of South Carolina, so this can get tricky. Naturally, we all have our own idea of what a bestie weekend should consist of, but ultimately, you can never go wrong with a visit to Charleston. The rich history of our culture, and preservation of our history is truly something to marvel. Of course, we would recommend the International African American Museum and one of the many wonderful restaurants in Charleston.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
We dedicate our shoutout to those with layered intersections, and the people who live in places that aren’t mentioned on TV often, or in movies, or considered desirable by the masses. Shoutout to hidden gems!

Instagram: @thegritsco

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thegritsco?si=1xQVWdOMPb9T6o2o

Image Credits
Justin Floyd
Nykieria Chaney