In this episode, Darius opens up about the real meaning of blood family versus chosen family, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. He reflects on childhood experiences, growing up as a quiet, chubby kid with Sears Toughskins jeans, and how early lessons in independence and self-discovery shaped his understanding of family.From navigating college life and finding his tribe, to challenging old-school beliefs about identity, Darius shares personal stories about building lasting connections with his chosen family—those who offer unconditional support, understanding, and love without judgment.Along the way, using humor, honesty, and heart, he explores the boundaries, blessings, and even the bittersweet goodbyes that come with growing and evolving relationships.

"Just Thoughts: Blood VS Chosen Family"
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Takeaways: 

• Blood family shares your DNA, but chosen family often shares your soul.

• Friendships and chosen connections require intentional care and sometimes tough boundaries.

• Growth often means re-evaluating who has access to the most personal parts of your life. Just because someone is blood doesn't mean they automatically get a backstage pass to your life.

• Not everyone you lose was meant to stay—and that's okay.

• Community isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a need for survival and thriving, especially for marginalized folks.

• Love, loyalty, and understanding can come from unexpected places—and those bonds can be just as strong (if not stronger) than blood ties.

• Chosen family often sees the real you before you even fully recognize yourself.

• It's okay to compartmentalize relationships to protect your peace and mental health.

• The bonds you build through shared dreams, struggles, and wins can be deeper than DNA.

• Setting boundaries isn’t disrespect—it’s self-respect.

• Sometimes the people you meet on your journey are the ones who teach you the meaning of home.

• Emotional support doesn’t always come from where you expect—but it always comes when you need it most.

• Your story (even the crunchy, messy parts) can be a roadmap for somebody else's healing.

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Hosts:

DMC:

⁠https://www.instagram.com/kklothesminded/⁠

⁠https://x.com/DMCureton⁠

Jeff:

⁠https://www.instagram.com/jefflevelsup/

⁠⁠https://www.x.com/jefflevelsup/⁠

⁠https://bsky.app/profile/jefflevelsup.bsky.social⁠

⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@jefflevelsup⁠

Spill - @jeffevelsup-⁠ https://spill.com/p/jefflevelsup?id=756127e9-e8f8-472f-8d94-062e3d4e9148⁠

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Just Drawz on Social Media:

⁠https://www.instagram.com/thejustdrawzpodcast/⁠⁠

https://x.com/TheJustDrawz

⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thejustdrawzpodcast⁠

https://bsky.app/profile/justdrawz.bsky.social

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Edited and produced by:⁠

https://www.instagram.com/jefflevelsup/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.x.com/jefflevelsup/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/jefflevelsup.bsky.social⁠

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Music:"Neptunes" - by Black Assassin -

⁠https://www.instagram.com/blk_assassin/⁠

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family dynamics, chosen family, LGBTQ+, emotional support, personal growth, relationships, acceptance, community, self-discovery, vulnerability

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