J.R. Gray-Heim

J.R. Gray-Heim (Joshua) grew up surrounded by family on their original homestead, nestled on the side of Spencer Mountain in Dallas, NC. As an older Millennial, he played a balancing act between Southern religious obligations and self-acceptance.

Even with adversity and odds stacked against him, he knew he was destined for more than living the stereotypical Southern straight man’s role and more than what his small town could offer. He grew up with his eyes always set on the horizon, where the big city life in Charlotte, NC beckoned.

Today, Joshua’s biggest desire in life is to create a sense of connection and belonging for everyone he encounters and for those who read his story. As he loves to tell folks, “You only get one life; make it count. Trust me, honey, you got this.”