Dem Bois Podcast

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Can Black men be human? Depending on the messaging you receive from the media, you may think that the answer to that question is debatable. But, in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, we answer with a resounding yes! Today I sit down with scholar, healer, and creative, Dr. Gabriel Lockett, and we discuss mental health, black trans joy, and the importance of community. We also emphasize the need for soft spaces where men can explore their identities and find acceptance beyond tolerance.

We talk:

9:57...

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If you are looking for abundance, look no further. This one is for you! In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, I sit down with Kaneni, and they share their journey of identity, exploring themes of indigenous ancestry, self-expression through dance, and the complexities of family dynamics. They discuss the significance of their chosen name, Kaneni, which means abundance, and reflect on moments of liberation and connection with others. 

We talk:

11:43 - Exploring Indigenous identity and ancestry

21:23 - Liberation through dance and self-expression

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Listening is a superpower and it can be a powerful tool for connection and understanding. And because of this podcast and the community that I have built around it, I can say that is 100% true. In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, my guest and I discuss this more. Chandler Jones is a trans masc, nonbinary social worker from Philadelphia, and they share their journey of self-discovery, their experiences growing up in North Philly, navigating their gender identity, and the significance of visibility and communication in their life. 

W...

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How important is it to see examples of soft masculinity? To see men cry and express themselves. To see masculine folks find joy and love. Well, I always say visibility equals possibility because once we see it, it becomes an example of what is possible for yourself. That is a huge part of this conversation with Cai Shirley, black trans poet and educator. In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, Cai shares his journey of self-discovery, exploring themes of genealogy, family dynamics, and the complexities of transitioning. 

We t...

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Welcome back to season 5 of Dem Bois Podcast! Today we are flipping the script and instead of me asking all the questions, I’m being interviewed by a special guest host, Syir. In this episode, I share my journey of founding Dem Bois Inc. and the evolution of the podcast. I discuss personal experiences with identity, masculinity, and personal growth. And, I highlight the importance of community support, the need for self-discovery, and the crucial role of therapy in healing.

We talk:

9:08 - Exploring masculinity and id...

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I want to end this season of Dem Bois Podcast by encouraging you to reflect. Reflect on moments of affirmation throughout your life and recognize the small wins that lead to the bigger wins. In this episode I do just that. I discuss different events in my life where I really felt affirmed in my body and how they transformed the way I see myself and pushed me to accept myself. The conversation highlights the significance of visibility, support from loved ones, and the power of positive reinforcement in your journey of self-discovery.<...

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If you’ve been rocking with Dem Bois Podcast for a while, then you may have heard me briefly talk about my father. But in this episode I talk about his role in my life in detail. This episode is another in this mini series about extracting closure and today I reflect on the emotional impact of my father's absence, the longing for paternal love, and the journey towards healing. 

I talk:

10:44 - Reflections on fatherhood and absence

22:27 - Seeking closure: the letter to my...

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This episode of Dem Bois Podcast is a continuation of my reflection on extracting closure, and this one focuses on my mother. I talk about my mother and our relationship often, but today I’m taking it a step further by reading a letter that I wrote to her, one that really helped me heal. I also discuss the process of writing this letter, the impact of my past traumas, and the importance of telling my story.

I talk:

03:37 - Exploring past relationships and closure

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“Right now the most invaluable resource (besides water) is empathy.”

This quote from EN’B definitely sets the tone for this episode of Dem Bois Podcast. Today, EN’B shares their journey through music, their cultural identity, and the significance of drumming as a form of meditation and community connection. We also discuss the impact of colonization on cultural practices, humor as a survival mechanism, and the intersections of diaspora and cultural trauma. 

We talk:

10:02 - Growing up Korean American in Arkansas<...

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Many of us spend most of our lives hiding. Because society tells us that we are different and should be ashamed, we hide our bodies, our sexuality, ourselves. And that is why visibility is so important, because it equals possibility. And in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, my guest and I consider how true that really is. Today’s guest is Noah Arhm Choi and together we discuss the significance of media literacy in combating anti-trans propaganda, the impact of societal narratives on personal identity, and the intersection of gender identity with so...

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Mainstream education doesn’t teach much, if anything, about the history of Trans people, but we have existed forever! And we will continue to exist forever! In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, my guest Wen Neal shares how learning Trans history helped him understand gender more deeply. Wen also discusses the importance of online communities in understanding gender identity, the complexities of familial relationships, and the ongoing journey of understanding yourself and your place in the world. 

We talk:

9:27 - The role of online communities in...

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If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to love yourself and be loved for exactly who you are, this episode of Dem Bois Podcast will challenge your beliefs and inspire your journey. Today I sit down with Felix-Long Laneri, and he shares his story of how embracing his trans identity, healing from a complicated adoption story, and leaning into community transformed his life. From unpacking the weight of human trafficking behind his adoption story to navigating relationships with a distant adoptive mother, he offers raw insights into the complexities of identity, fa...

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Pregnancy and birth are beautiful things that I don’t get to talk about enough. But in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, those are the main topics of conversation! Today I sit down with Keo and Mason, a Black trans masculine couple, and we discuss their journey through pregnancy, birthing, and parenting. Keo and Mason also share their experiences with healthcare, their evolving perspectives on family, and the importance of community support. Together, we emphasize the significance of love, understanding, and preparation in raising a child in today's world.

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What does “home” mean to you? This is a word with multiple definitions and Kai Marshall Green explores many of them in his memoir, A Body Made Home: They Black Trans Love. And that is what this episode of Dem Bois Podcast is all about. Today I sit down with our Production Assistant, Joël Simeu, and we discuss the themes of identity, home, mental health, and the transformative power of writing. We also reflect on our personal experiences and the significance of the book's structure, emphasizing the importance of breaks and self-care in th...

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I didn’t have the best relationship with my mother growing up, so when I became a father, I leveled up on my healing so I could break that cycle. And, healing is a huge part of this conversation with Sunny, a nonbinary trans artist, photographer, and advertising creative. In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, Sunny and I discuss the impact of their upbringing, the complexities of maternal relationships, and the significance of therapy in their life. Sunny also explains the concepts of Afrofuturism and surrealism, highlighting how these artistic movements influence th...

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Visibility equals possibility, and that is especially true in the medical field. In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, I sit down with Taylor Chiang, a non-binary general surgery resident at the University of Chicago, and we discuss Taylor's journey through medical school, their experiences with gender identity, and the challenges of being queer in a traditionally conservative field. The conversation also touches on family dynamics, the importance of representation in medicine, and advice for aspiring medical professionals from gender-diverse backgrounds. 

We talk:

05:58 - Understanding non-binary i...

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Life is customizable! I know that society tries to pretend that it isn’t, but the truth is, you get to choose! And in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, my guest Wenjamin Nguyen-Gilmore drives that point home. Wenjaman is a queer business boy and retired runway model, and today we discuss Wen's journey of gender identity, the challenges faced in the modeling industry, and the importance of community and education in understanding diverse identities. 

We talk:

8:10 - Exploring gender identity 

25:35 - Modeling career and...

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I say this all the time and I will say it again! Masculinity is what you choose to make of it. You don’t have to subscribe to the toxic masculinity of our fathers and uncles. We can choose a softer side, and we talk all about that in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast. Today’s guest is fiction writer and poet, Bodi, and we explore the themes of masculinity, identity, and community. We emphasize the power of vulnerability and the role of writing in healing. And, we address the privileges and chal...

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What do you know about “trans time?” I had never heard the term before my interview with poet and educator, Alexis N. Garcia, but in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, Alexis teaches all about this concept and more! In this episode, Alexis also discusses their identity, exploring themes of gender, ancestry, and the importance of community. They reflect on the role of play and imagination in our lives, the journey of writing and creativity, the significance of support systems, and the essence of freedom. 

We talk:

2:4...

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Laughter is a powerful tool for connection! It breaks down barriers and cools fires, and in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast Jonnea talks about how he connects with people through comedy. Jonnea is a stand-up comedian and artist/designer, and he shares insights on embracing his hater side, the significance of his name, and girlhood and womanhood. We also discuss the importance of relationships and support systems, the impact of perception on identity, and the intersection of humor and identity, particularly as a trans individual. 

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Connection is like a light in a dark space. The more light there is, the brighter the room becomes. And the more trans men of color connect with each other, the bigger our families become. In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, my guest, award-winning author KB Brookins, shares their journey of navigating identity, writing, and family dynamics. We discuss the importance of visibility and connection, the nuances of Black womanhood and manhood, the precarity of these identities, and the significance of diverse representation in literature. 

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When you think about masculinity and vulnerability, you may not think they work together, but they do! And in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, denim chang tells us how. He also shares personal experiences with conventional femininity, healing from toxic patterns, and the role of spirituality in healing processes. Together we discuss the importance of community care, the significance of names and pronouns, and the journey of gender identity and transition. 

We talk:

Chapters

05:56 - The significance of names and pronouns

18:04...

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Think about anger like a pot of boiling water. If the fire keeps burning when all the water is boiled, the pot will eventually catch fire. And if you allow your anger to boil over, your body will pay the price. And we dive deeper into this concept in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast. Today’s guest is Simran Chugani and we discuss the role of poetry in self-discovery, the intersection of cultural expectations, and the importance of staying connected to humanity amidst societal chaos. We also explore the multifaceted nature of ac...

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Finding community is something we discuss often on Dem Bois Podcast. Why? Because it is important! And in this episode, Miles and I emphasize the significance of community, confidence, and visibility, as well as the challenges and triumphs faced during transition. We also discuss fitness, exploring the harmful stereotypes and gatekeeping present in gyms and sharing our personal journeys of self-acceptance and expression.

We talk:

03:52 - Exploring identity and gender journey

13:00 - Family support and relationships

25:47 - Navigating visibility and transition

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I say it all the time and I will continue to say it: “Children are a blessing!” They are innocent beings that deserve love and care, and that is the basis of my conversation with Keo Ruiz-O’Neal on this episode of Dem Bois Podcast. Keo is our first guest who is actively pregnant and we talk all about it. We also discuss the importance of community care, the journey of identity, and the challenges faced by trans individuals, particularly in family dynamics and societal acceptance. Keo shares his experiences of being unapologetically Black...

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What would society look like if we could all be ourselves with no repercussions? I can’t be sure, but we touch on it in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast. Today’s guest is Gabe Tha Babe, a multidisciplinary artist and community organizer, and we discuss the importance of family support, the challenges of navigating masculinity and mental health, and our vision for a supportive community space that encourages authenticity and visibility as pathways to empowerment. The episode also delves into the topic of sex positivity, emphasizing the need to break free from...

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One thing we don’t get to talk about often is the role that fashion can play in gender awakening and identity. But in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, our guest Taj Taylor brings it to the forefront of the conversation. Today we discuss family dynamics, self-acceptance, and the importance of community support. Taj emphasizes the significance of self-love and acceptance as foundational elements for finding love and building meaningful relationships. And, together we encourage listeners to embrace your true selves and recognize the power of love and authenticity in your lives.

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Why is it so important to express your feelings? Because people aren’t mind readers and if you don’t express yourself, they may never know how you feel. And, I had to learn this the hard way. This episode of Dem Bois Podcast is a solo episode where I discuss extracting closure from past relationships. I share a story about a lost love and the impact of my unexpressed feelings, and I emphasize the need to communicate love and care to those people in our lives. 

I talk...

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A recurring theme on Dem Bois Podcast is the importance of friendship and chosen family. And in this episode, I sit down with two friends who have become family. Today I talk to Jota and Calvin, and we discuss the impact of community, the intersections of race and gender, and the importance of representation and self-acceptance in the trans community. Jota and Calvin also share their personal journeys and experiences, including the creation of workdatcxnt.

We talk:

11:58 - Visibility and self-identity

23:44 - Reflections on...

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Welcome to Dem Bois Podcast! This podcast aims to serve as a platform to highlight and amplify the voices of trans men of color as we share our transition stories, discuss mental health, fitness, parenthood, and many other issues that are relatable to trans men of color and our existence. The goal behind the podcast is not only to amplify our voices, but to raise awareness and discourse around our lived experiences.

Celebrate 10 years of Dem Bois Inc.!

2026 marks ten years of Dem Bois Inc. To honor...

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In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast I have an amazing conversation with Devon Ojeda, about the importance of community, identity, and resilience in the face of adversity. Devon shares their personal journey, including their experiences with trauma, spirituality, and the significance of their name change. They emphasize the radical act of living authentically and the importance of supporting trans rights through community and unionization. And, we touch on the potential for change and hope for the future of trans rights, highlighting the importance of visibility and collective action.

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Did you know that there are people in the world that will love you for free? People that will hold space for you with no conditions whatsoever… And that is pretty much the message of this episode of Dem Bois Podcast. Today I sit down with Kalvin Byrd, and we discuss the importance of community, the challenges faced during transition, and the significance of visibility for trans men. Kalvin shares his personal journey, including the struggles of isolation, the importance of brotherhood, and the need for unconditional love in relationships. And, we emphasize th...

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We all fail at gender, trans and cis folks. We don’t fit into the rigid boxes society has created for us because binary rules are flawed. And in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, we dive into this concept. Today’s guest is Kai Marshall Green, and together we explore themes of identity, transformation, and gender. Kai shares personal experiences, including the significance of his name change and the challenges faced in navigating societal expectations. And, we highlight the importance of visibility for trans individuals and the connections between Black lesbian spaces and...

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The life you want doesn’t just happen. You have to build it! And, in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, my guest Olíver Eluz Infante tells us how he is building the life of his dreams, brick by brick. Today we discuss the importance of mutual aid, the intersection of gender identity, religion, and family, and the challenges faced by trans youth. Olíver also talks about the mission of Transanta, which aims to support trans kids who lack familial support, and the role of a campaign manager in processing letters and...

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This is the 100th episode of Dem Bois Podcast! And I am so grateful to each and every listener, whether you’ve been rocking with us since episode one or if you’re just tuning in today. Thank you! In this milestone episode, I take the guest role while our producer, Jasmine from Pink Lady Productions hosts. We discuss the origins and growth of the podcast and the importance of community and visibility for trans men of color. We also highlight the transformative power of therapy, the significance of asking for help, and the...

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Wow! We have almost made it to the 100th episode of Dem Bois Podcast, and our producer Jasmine Gary aka Pink Lady has been rocking with us since episode one. In this episode we discuss the evolution of the podcast, the importance of amplifying marginalized voices, and the growth both the podcast and Shawn have experienced over time. Jasmine shares insights on the podcasting industry, the significance of community engagement, and the need for more representation of Black women in the podcasting world. 

We talk:

09:19 - R...

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This episode of Dem Bois Podcast is part 1 of our new encouragement series. It features sound bites from various episodes that highlight themes of self-worth, identity, and resilience. The clips explore non-binary identity, the journey of self-acceptance, the importance of choosing oneself amidst societal pressures, and more. 

We talk:

03:02 - Loving yourself through gender dysphoria

06:46 - The importance of individual journeys

12:02 - Choosing yourself and worthiness

16:02 - The power of self-love

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Did you know that Dem Bois Podcast is an extension of Dem Bois Inc.? Well in this episode, I’m going to tell you all about it! Today I discuss the history and mission of Dem Bois, Inc. I reflect on the journey of the podcast, its impact on the community, and the importance of visibility and representation. I also highlight the significance of creating a supportive ecosystem for trans men of color, emphasizing the need for community support and strategic planning for the future.

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...

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I wanted to do something different to end season 3 of Dem Bois Podcast. So, in this episode, you will hear a voice you’ve already heard. Alexander Rey Perez is back and today we are talking all about  empowerment, mental health, and personal journeys. Alexander shares insights from his experiences, emphasizing the importance of self-worth, community support, and the healing power of travel. We also reflect on the significance of trusting yourself and the journey of self-discovery.

We talk:

09:54 - Navigating mental health and community support

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What does loving yourself actually mean? In this episode, we answer that question. Today I sit down with Alexander Rey Simon-Perez, sharing their journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and the importance of community support. Alexander discusses the significance of his name, the meaning of being two-spirit, and the unconditional love he received from his grandmother. He emphasizes the importance of self-love as a continuous journey and the need to nurture one's inner child. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced in the transition journey and the power of vulnerability and connection in healing.<...