In this episode of Lip Service, Angela Yee, Gigi Maguire, and Jordy Jor sit down with actress Jerrie Johnson for a candid conversation covering everything from her recent engagement to her complex relationship with family and career.
The episode kicks off with Jerrie reflecting on the evolution of her name. Originally supposed to be called Rashida, Jerrie was ultimately named after her father’s suggestion, a choice she didn’t initially love. However, as she grew older, she came to see her name as strong, confident, and uniquely her own. The group also delves into the growing trend of gender-neutral names, with Jerrie and Jordan taking center stage as examples of how these names provide a sense of equality and strength.
Jerrie’s recent engagement takes center stage next, with the actress discussing how her professional identity as “Jerrie Johnson” will remain intact, even if her fiancée decides to hyphenate her last name. The conversation explores the nuanced subject of last names in relationships, as Jerrie balances her personal and professional life with thoughtful consideration for the future.
The talk turns to Jerrie’s proposal story, which she admits was a nerve-wracking experience, especially as she planned it in secret. The proposal, which took place in Jamaica, was a deeply emotional moment, leaving her fiancée in tears. Jerrie shares her fondness for Jamaica and the stunning carnival picture that became a part of the momentous trip.
Shifting gears to her work on Harlem Season 3, Jerrie reflects on her role as Tai, a character grappling with attachment issues and childhood trauma. The actress reveals the process of creating her character’s backstory, drawing connections to her own experiences of being the first in her family to succeed professionally. Jerrie’s journey in college and her role as the family’s financial support resonate deeply with Tai’s storyline of balancing career and family expectations.
The conversation takes a deep turn into personal reflection as Jerrie talks about the importance of accountability, especially in relationships. Sharing a poignant story of a personal conflict involving her fiancée’s cousin, she explores the difficulties of managing expectations, communication, and emotions in familial relationships. This leads to a larger conversation about generational trauma, accountability, and the complexities of family dynamics, especially when it comes to sexuality and gender.
Next, the conversation delves into Jerrie’s own polyamorous approach to relationships. The actress discusses the flexibility that comes with her Aquarius nature, the challenges of intimacy without commitment, and how some men struggle to accept non-committed relationships. A broader discussion on vulnerability, attachment issues, and avoiding emotional games ensues, touching on the difficulties of maintaining healthy boundaries in emotionally complex relationships.
The conversation also touches on the importance of boundaries in the digital world, with Jerrie discussing how she handles her block list on social media. With over 200 people blocked across various platforms, she explains how she takes her online peace seriously. From dealing with unresponsive contractors to navigating a legal battle over unpaid services, the discussion explores the challenges of holding people accountable in both personal and professional spaces.
Shifting to broader societal issues, Jerrie talks about the devastating wildfires in California and the emotional toll it has taken on the people affected. Expressing empathy for those who lost their homes, Jerrie reflects on the connection between individuals and their homes and discusses the environmental and health consequences of the fires. She also touches on her conflicted feelings about returning to Los Angeles, where she hopes to help advocate for those affected by the crisis.
Jerrie’s exploration of self-healing also takes center stage, as she shares how fasting and abstaining from sex have helped her process emotions, break unhealthy patterns, and strengthen her sense of self.
In closing, Jerrie discusses her relationship with her fiancée and the importance of clear communication in creating a healthy relationship framework. Reflecting on societal expectations of love and sexuality, she challenges the heteronormative narrative, advocating for open dialogue and a deeper understanding of love that transcends conventional norms.
