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Send us Fan Mail If you think that the life you want is impossible, then this episode is for you! Today on Dem Bois Podcast, I talk to Cigo and we discuss how the impossible can become possible. Cigo shares his journey of self-discovery as a Trans man of color, discussing his experiences with top surgery, coming out to his family, and the importance of visibility in the LGBTQ community. Our discussion emphasizes the significance of mental health and the role of chosen family in fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance. We talk: 12:11 - Coming out to family 24:01- Resources for Trans visibility 32:04 Family Dynamics and Support 33:34 - Navigating relationships with parents 44:45 - Visibility = Possibility 52:22 - Support systems and chosen family Episode References: The Alchemist (novel) PFLAG TransFamily El Canto Del Colibri Read more about Cigo in his bio below: Cigo Govea-Orozco (he/him/his) is a first-generation Latine nonprofit professional and advocate. He graduated from the University of California, Riverside with a degree in Philosophy and currently works as a Development Assistant at TruEvolution, a nonprofit focused on health equity and LGBTQ+ advocacy. Cigo is passionate about conversations around mental health, family, fitness, and trans visibility. In his free time, he enjoys running, hiking, and catching sunsets as a way to stay grounded and connected to himself IG: Cigo24_ Celebrate 10 years of Dem Bois Inc.! 2026 marks ten years of Dem Bois Inc. To honor this milestone, we invite you to join our 10 for 10 campaign by giving $10 a month to help sustain the care, leadership, and visibility that trans men of color deserve. Your support helps build a future rooted in care, visibility, and possibility. Donate today! Donate today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color! The  Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here! - Not just merch, but a movement!  Dem Bois Community Voices Facebook Group is a safe, moderated sanctuary where trans men of color can connect authentically, discuss podcast episodes, share powerful experiences, and build support networks.  Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc - Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else!

Send us Fan Mail 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 - Gender identity and Dr. Lockett’s journey 18:35 - Soft spaces and finding your people 24:56 - Mental health and building capacity 30:38 - Embracing Black Trans joy 40:07 - The unique experiences of Black Trans men 56:08 - Healing, resistance, and collective well-being Episode References: Boys Don't Cry (1999)  A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004) Read more about Gabriel in his bio below: Gabriel Lockett, Ph.D. (he/him), is a scholar, healer, and creative committed to cultivating spaces of belonging, wellness, and liberation. He is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Psychology at New York University, Director of the Belonging, Advocacy, Liberation, and Love (BALL) Research Collective, and Co-Director of the WELLS Healing Collective. His work centers Black, Afro-diasporic, and LGBTQ+ communities, focusing on healing, resistance, and collective well-being. Outside academia, he finds inspiration through photography, music, walking, and family. [email protected] Celebrate 10 years of Dem Bois Inc.! 2026 marks ten years of Dem Bois Inc. To honor this milestone, we invite you to join our 10 for 10 campaign by giving $10 a month to help sustain the care, leadership, and visibility that trans men of color deserve. Your support helps build a future rooted in care, visibility, and possibility. Donate today! Donate today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color! The  Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here! - Not just merch, but a movement!  Dem Bois Community Voices Facebook Group is a safe, moderated sanctuary where trans men of color can connect authentically, discuss podcast episodes, share powerful experiences, and build support networks.  Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc - Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else!

Send us Fan Mail 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 37:56 - Navigating family dynamics and acceptance 49:16 - The impact of a past relationship on self-perception 1:13:49 - Self-compassion and healing Read more about Kaneni in their bio below: I am a 30 yr old transmasc nonbinary human and my ancestors are indigenous to the Americas. I'm neurodivergent and have always used art and dance as forms of self expression as they've allowed me to communicate in ways I've struggled to with words. I'm building a beautiful life with my partner, my birth child Nopalito (a pup) and my step kid Quinn (elder cat). Instagram: @mellow.oleadas Celebrate 10 years of Dem Bois Inc.! 2026 marks ten years of Dem Bois Inc. To honor this milestone, we invite you to join our 10 for 10 campaign by giving $10 a month to help sustain the care, leadership, and visibility that trans men of color deserve. Your support helps build a future rooted in care, visibility, and possibility. Donate today! Donate today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color! The  Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here! - Not just merch, but a movement!  Dem Bois Community Voices Facebook Group is a safe, moderated sanctuary where trans men of color can connect authentically, discuss podcast episodes, share powerful experiences, and build support networks.  Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc - Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else!

Send us Fan Mail 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.  We talk: 5:47 - The influence of family on personal growth 17:51 - The impact of relationships on identity 27:11 - Creating safe spaces for authenticity 32:45 - Empowering youth through listening 41:40 - Building a support system 56:59 - Creativity in social work 1:06:34 - Future aspirations and community impact Read more about Chandler in their bio below: Chandler is a trans masc, nonbinary, multi-dimensional being based in Philadelphia, working as a social worker, mentor for queer youth through nonprofit programming. A true Gemini with many creative pursuits, they are also a photographer, creative director, and event curator. Their most meaningful role is community connector—grounded in the ethics of social work and a deep commitment to caring for others by connecting people to housing, clothing, food, and opportunity. They believe creativity is a powerful tool for building spaces where people feel seen, celebrated, and genuinely belong. Instagram: @chandler_220 Celebrate 10 years of Dem Bois Inc.! 2026 marks ten years of Dem Bois Inc. To honor this milestone, we invite you to join our 10 for 10 campaign by giving $10 a month to help sustain the care, leadership, and visibility that trans men of color deserve. Your support helps build a future rooted in care, visibility, and possibility. Donate today! Donate today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color! The  Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here! - Not just merch, but a movement!  Dem Bois Community Voices Facebook Group is a safe, moderated sanctuary where trans men of color can connect authentically, discuss podcast episodes, share powerful experiences, and build support networks.  Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc - Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else!

Send us Fan Mail 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 talk: 3:04 - Exploring genealogy and family history 17:59 - Conversations about transition 36:54 - Embracing change and identity 42:04 - Redefining masculinity through family influence 58:08 - Visibility equals possibility 1:05:21 - Excavating Black Trans histories Episode References: Caillou The Will to Change by bell hooks The L Word Degrassi Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg Star Trek Nichelle Nichols Read more about Cai in his bio below: Cai Sherley is a Black trans poet-educator with roots in Boston, MA. A two-time Pushcart Prize nominee, his work can be found in Best New Poets, swamp pink, Peach Mag, and Tupelo, among others, as well as the anthology I Feel Nothing Like Good: Poets Against Genocide. He has found homes at The Watering Hole, Brooklyn Poets, Tin House, Lambda, and the Chicago Poetry Center, and is a member of Trans Corner Poets. His work centers Black trans life, past and present, in the United States, and his debut chapbook, Out of Yearning, was released in October 2026. website: caisherley.comsocials: crsed_poet Celebrate 10 years of Dem Bois Inc.! 2026 marks ten years of Dem Bois Inc. To honor this milestone, we invite you to join our 10 for 10 campaign by giving $10 a month to help sustain the care, leadership, and visibility that trans men of color deserve. Your support helps build a future rooted in care, visibility, and possibility. Donate today! Donate today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color! The  Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here! - Not just merch, but a movement!  Dem Bois Community Voices Facebook Group is a safe, moderated sanctuary where trans men of color can connect authentically, discuss podcast episodes, share powerful experiences, and build support networks.  Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc - Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else!

Send us Fan Mail 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 identity 14:55 - Navigating relationships during transition 24:08 - Continuing the journey of healing 32:15 - Living authentically 47:20 - Advice for self-discovery Episode References: Finding Your Voice to Live with No Regrets with Syir Dem Bois Podcast New Sound with Syir aka MoLa Flo Transitioning at Work with Shawn Aaron Love Within the Transition Finding Affirmation in Everyday Moments with Shawn Aaron Building Confidence to Become Your True Self with Vee Martin Building Brotherhood Using Unconditional Love with Kalvin Byrd Read more about Shawn in his bio below: Shawn Aaron (he/him) is a Black queer trans man, nonprofit leader, and host of Dem Bois Podcast. He is the Founder + Executive Director of Dem Bois Inc., an organization dedicated to affirming and supporting trans men of color through access to gender-affirming care, health equity, and visibility. Drawing from his lived experience with homelessness, Shawn’s mission is rooted in community care and systemic change. Whether through storytelling or advocacy, his work amplifies the voices of those too often unheard. His signature belief: Visibility = Possibility™ IG - demboisincIG - shawnaaron81 Read more about Syir in his bio below: Syir (he/they) is a multidisciplinary artist, creative entrepreneur, and aspiring filmmaker based in Tucson, Arizona. As an artist, Syir uses music and storytelling to explore identity, freedom, healing, and self-expression. He is also the CEO and Founder of LaFlo Entertainment, a creative platform focused on music, live events, artist showcases, youth programming, and community connection. Currently studying Film and Television Production, Syir is developing his voice as a filmmaker while continuing to build spaces where artists, creatives, and communities can connect and be seen. @syir_nofearCelebrate 10 years of Dem Bois Inc.! 2026 marks ten years of Dem Bois Inc. To honor this milestone, we invite you to join our 10 for 10 campaign by giving $10 a month to help sustain the care, leadership, and visibility that trans men of color deserve. Your support helps build a future rooted in care, visibility, and possibility. Donate today! Donate today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color! The  Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here! - Not just merch, but a movement!  Dem Bois Community Voices Facebook Group is a safe, moderated sanctuary where trans men of color can connect authentically, discuss podcast episodes, share powerful experiences, and build support networks.  Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc - Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else!

Send us Fan Mail 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. I talk: 05:58 - Reflections on body image 17:54 - Cherished memories and lasting impact 27:08 - Family dynamics and personal affirmation 35:56 - Unexpected connections and humor 49:55 - Healthy masculinity and self-affirmation Click here for transcription! Episode References: Ep. 98 - The Collection of Encouragement Series; Part 1 Ep. 7 - Transitioning at Work Ep. 112 - Breaking Free from Conventional Femininity with denim {d} chang Jaylen Hands lifts up teammate after turnover - video Ep. 127 - Extracting Closure; Dear Father,  Read more about Shawn in his bio below: Shawn Aaron (he/him) is a Black queer trans man, nonprofit leader, and host of Dem Bois Podcast. He is the Founder + Executive Director of Dem Bois Inc., an organization dedicated to affirming and supporting trans men of color through access to gender-affirming care, health equity, and visibility. Drawing from his lived experience with homelessness, Shawn’s mission is rooted in community care and systemic change. Whether through storytelling or advocacy, his work amplifies the voices of those too often unheard. His signature belief: Visibility = Possibility™ IG - demboisincIG - shawnaaron81 Celebrate 10 years of Dem Bois Inc.! 2026 marks ten years of Dem Bois Inc. To honor this milestone, we invite you to join our 10 for 10 campaign by giving $10 a month to help sustain the care, leadership, and visibility that trans men of color deserve. Your support helps build a future rooted in care, visibility, and possibility. Donate today! Donate today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color! The  Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here! - Not just merch, but a movement!  Dem Bois Community Voices Facebook Group is a safe, moderated sanctuary where trans men of color can connect authentically, discuss podcast episodes, share powerful experiences, and build support networks.  Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc - Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else!

Send us Fan Mail 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 father 37:20 - Navigating parental relationships 45:56 - The complexity of family dynamics 55:05 - Our final conversations and lasting effects Click here for transcription! Episode References: Ep. 126 - Extracting Closure; Dear Mama, with Shawn Aaron Ep. 106 - Extracting Closure From a Past Situation with Shawn Aaron Ep. 103 - Building Brotherhood Using Unconditional Love with Kalvin Byrd Read more about Shawn in his bio below: Shawn Aaron (he/him) is a Black queer trans man, nonprofit leader, and host of Dem Bois Podcast. He is the Founder + Executive Director of Dem Bois Inc., an organization dedicated to affirming and supporting trans men of color through access to gender-affirming care, health equity, and visibility. Drawing from his lived experience with homelessness, Shawn’s mission is rooted in community care and systemic change. Whether through storytelling or advocacy, his work amplifies the voices of those too often unheard. His signature belief: Visibility = Possibility™ IG - demboisincIG - shawnaaron81 Celebrate 10 years of Dem Bois Inc.! 2026 marks ten years of Dem Bois Inc. To honor this milestone, we invite you to join our 10 for 10 campaign by giving $10 a month to help sustain the care, leadership, and visibility that trans men of color deserve. Your support helps build a future rooted in care, visibility, and possibility. Donate today! Donate today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color! The  Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here! - Not just merch, but a movement!  Dem Bois Community Voices Facebook Group is a safe, moderated sanctuary where trans men of color can connect authentically, discuss podcast episodes, share powerful experiences, and build support networks.  Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc - Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else!

Send us Fan Mail 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 12:45 - Personal stories of trauma and healing 21:55 - Writing for healing and control of narrative 27:28 - The power of healing and community 35:20 - Dear Mama: A Journey of Healing 43:10 - Transforming pain into purpose Click here for transcription! Episode References: Ep. 123 - Fulfillment Through Authenticity and Art as Self-Discovery with Wen Neale Ep. 122 - The Weight of Trauma: Unpacking Adoption, Love, and Identity with Felix-Long Laneri Ep. 119 - Breaking Cycles of Trauma through Art and Love with Sunny Ep. 106 - Extracting Closure From a Past Situation with Shawn Aaron Ep. 103 - Building Brotherhood Using Unconditional Love with Kalvin Byrd Ep 48 - Repairing the Relationship with My Birth Mother and the Death of My Chosen Mother Ep. 12 - Healing Generational Trauma Through Transformative Parenting Ep. 3 - Surviving Homelessness 30 Days of Black Trans Reflection: Abolition, Anti-capitalism, and Black Queer Feminism Dear Mama, | Day 27 of 30 Read more about Shawn in his bio below: Shawn Aaron (he/him) is a Black queer trans man, nonprofit leader, and host of Dem Bois Podcast. He is the Founder + Executive Director of Dem Bois Inc., an organization dedicated to affirming and supporting trans men of color through access to gender-affirming care, health equity, and visibility. Drawing from his lived experience with homelessness, Shawn’s mission is rooted in community care and systemic change. Whether through storytelling or advocacy, his work amplifies the voices of those too often unheard. His signature belief: Visibility = Possibility™ IG - demboisincIG - shawnaaron81 Celebrate 10 years of Dem Bois Inc.! 2026 marks ten years of Dem Bois Inc. To honor this milestone, we invite you to join our 10 for 10 campaign by giving $10 a month to help sustain the care, leadership, and visibility that trans men of color deserve. Your support helps build a future rooted in care, visibility, and possibility. Donate today! Donate today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color! The  Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here! - Not just merch, but a movement!  Dem Bois Community Voices Facebook Group is a safe, moderated sanctuary where trans men of color can connect authentically, discuss podcast episodes, share powerful experiences, and build support networks.  Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc - Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else!

Send us Fan Mail “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 21:19 - The spiritual significance of drumming 39:46 - Exploring diaspora blues and ancestral connections 54:07 - Remembering life before colonization 01:06:03 - Self-love and body awareness Click here for transcription! Episode References: Ep. 123 - Fulfillment Through Authenticity and Art as Self-Discovery with Wen Neale Ep. 95 - Having Faith and Knowing That You’re Worthy with Alexander Rey Simon-Perez Palestinian Pole Dancer: Farrahthedoll Moroccan Chef: Meantangine Singer: Storai.s Dancer: Joycethethief Producer: Vwhitehawk  Read more about EN’B in their bio below: EN'B 은비 they/he is a Korean American non-binary transmasc producer, singer-songwriter, Korean traditional percussionist, and actor. Their work channels Han 한—collective grief and unavenged injustice—alongside heung 흥, the joy found in resilience. Born in LA, raised in Arkansas, and shaped by their studies in Baltimore, EN’B navigates the intersections of diaspora and dysphoria to express what they call their “diaspora blues.” They’ve performed across the U.S., including the Kennedy Center, Broadwater Theater stages, with a mission to ancestral dreams through performance and media IG - @Littlegiant.enb Celebrate 10 years of Dem Bois Inc.! 2026 marks ten years of Dem Bois Inc. To honor this milestone, we invite you to join our 10 for 10 campaign by giving $10 a month to help sustain the care, leadership, and visibility that trans men of color deserve. Your support helps build a future rooted in care, visibility, and possibility. Donate today! Donate today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color! The  Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here! - Not just merch, but a movement!  Dem Bois Community Voices Facebook Group is a safe, moderated sanctuary where trans men of color can connect authentically, discuss podcast episodes, share powerful experiences, and build support networks.  Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc - Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else!

Send us Fan Mail 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 societal structures like capitalism. We talk: 11:11 - Coming out and using articles to bridge understanding 24:04 - Media literacy and anti-trans propaganda 33:09 - Autonomy and authorship: moving from invisibility to visibility 45:16 - Gender-affirming care and why joy feels threatening to systems 51:21 - Colonialism, binaries, and managing anxiety 63:31 - Noah’s Poem: My Passport Doesn’t Protect Me Anymore Click here for transcription! Episode References: The Trevor Project Gender Spectrum Lambda Legal Erin in the Morning Politico Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994) Written on the Body by Jeanette Winterson Cut to Bloom Read more about Noah in their bio below: Noah Arhm Choi is the author of Cut to Bloom, winner of the 2019 Jack McCarthy Book Prize. A Lambda Literary Poet-In-Residence and Valentines Editor for Honey Literary, they received an MFA from Sarah Lawrence, and their work has appeared in Adroit, Split this Rock, Poetry Daily, The Rumpus, and elsewhere. Noah was shortlisted for the Poetry International Prize and received the Ellen Conroy Kennedy Poetry Prize, alongside fellowships from Kundiman, the Sewanee Writers’ Conference, and the Adirondack Center for Writing. IG - noah.arhm.choi Celebrate 10 years of Dem Bois Inc.! 2026 marks ten years of Dem Bois Inc. To honor this milestone, we invite you to join our 10 for 10 campaign by giving $10 a month to help sustain the care, leadership, and visibility that trans men of color deserve. Your support helps build a future rooted in care, visibility, and possibility. Donate today! Donate today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color! The  Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here! - Not just merch, but a movement!  Dem Bois Community Voices Facebook Group is a safe, moderated sanctuary where trans men of color can connect authentically, discuss podcast episodes, share powerful experiences, and build support networks.  Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc - Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else!

Send us Fan Mail 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 self-discovery 17:26 - Family dynamics and growing up 24:03 - Navigating difficult conversations with parents 37:19 - Healthcare disparities: Florida vs. California 43:30 - The importance of Trans history education 52:40 - Art as a reflection of identity Click here for transcription! Episode References: Deviant Art Maine-coon Cat Breed My Strange Addiction Deantrbl IG Read more about Wen in his bio below: Wen Neale is a Asian American transman who's been on HRT for over 10 years (and has four cats) - since the beginning of his transition, he's been an open book on the internet about his transgender journey, and was able to share his experiences as a speaker in UC Davis. Wen is an inspirational figure in the Asian American trans community for his outspoken experiences about living authentically and taking calculated risks in finding his own path to happiness, from personal life to his career. Website - catdad.online IG - sippystrawIG Shop - catdadshop Twitter - catdadwen Celebrate 10 years of Dem Bois Inc.! 2026 marks ten years of Dem Bois Inc. To honor this milestone, we invite you to join our 10 for 10 campaign by giving $10 a month to help sustain the care, leadership, and visibility that trans men of color deserve. Your support helps build a future rooted in care, visibility, and possibility. Donate today! Donate today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color! The  Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here! - Not just merch, but a movement!  Dem Bois Community Voices Facebook Group is a safe, moderated sanctuary where trans men of color can connect authentically, discuss podcast episodes, share powerful experiences, and build support networks.  Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc - Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else!

Send us Fan Mail 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, family, and belonging.  We talk: 05:14 - Adoption, loss of heritage, and the complexity of trafficking  06:20 - China’s one-child policy, uncertainty around his birth story, and lost origins 11:28 - Childhood memories that revealed gender alignment  19:08 - Felix’s relationship with his adoptive mother 32:59 - Community, engagement, and the love that currently supports him 45:19 - Somatic therapy, healing through the body, and why it matters for trans folks Click here for transcription! Episode References: Dem Bois Podcast Ep. #95 Having Faith and Knowing That You’re Worthy with Alexander Rey Simon-Perez Dem Bois Podcast Ep. #96 Season 3 Finale - Episode of Empowerment with Alexander Rey Simon-Perez (Divine, They, He, King) Read more about Felix in his bio below: Felix-Long Laneri is a social worker, somatic practitioner, organizer, trans, transracial adoptee. He currently works as a gender therapist in a therapy group practice, providing space for predominantly trans folks across the life span to explore identity, relationships, and healing. On his off time he organizes Philly TMOC, a transmasc of color group focused on relationship building and expansive boyhood. IG - felixlaneri Celebrate 10 years of Dem Bois Inc.! 2026 marks ten years of Dem Bois Inc. To honor this milestone, we invite you to join our 10 for 10 campaign by giving $10 a month to help sustain the care, leadership, and visibility that trans men of color deserve. Your support helps build a future rooted in care, visibility, and possibility. Donate today! Donate today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color! The  Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here! - Not just merch, but a movement!  Dem Bois Community Voices Facebook Group is a safe, moderated sanctuary where trans men of color can connect authentically, discuss podcast episodes, share powerful experiences, and build support networks.  Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc - Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else!

Send us Fan Mail 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. We talk: 5:59 - Navigating healthcare as a Trans couple 17:51 - Future aspirations for Lou (their daughter) 23:56 - Family dynamics and identity  31:33 - Sharing life experiences with children 40:10 - Adjusting to parenthood and new responsibilities 54:37 - Celebrating milestones and fatherhood Click here for transcription! Episode References: Ep. 109 - Unapologetically Black, Trans, and Pregnant with Keo Ruiz-O’Neal Ep. 15 - Growing Beyond Insecurities and Healing from Trauma with Xavier Jones Read more about Keo and Mason in their bio below: Keo & Mason are a Black transmasculine couple who have been together for 9 years and have been married for 6 & a half. The couple recently welcomed a baby girl who Keo carried. Keo and Mason are very proud of the life they’ve built together and even more proud of what their love has manifested into. The pair live in Colorado with their daughter, 3 cats, & dog. IG - keos_kingdom Celebrate 10 years of Dem Bois Inc.! 2026 marks ten years of Dem Bois Inc. To honor this milestone, we invite you to join our 10 for 10 campaign by giving $10 a month to help sustain the care, leadership, and visibility that trans men of color deserve. Your support helps build a future rooted in care, visibility, and possibility. Donate today! Donate today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color! The  Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here! - Not just merch, but a movement!  Dem Bois Community Voices Facebook Group is a safe, moderated sanctuary where trans men of color can connect authentically, discuss podcast episodes, share powerful experiences, and build support networks.  Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc - Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else!

Send us Fan Mail 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 the reading process.  We talk: 08:49 - The power of writing and memory 15:12 - The structure and style of the memoir 21:02 - The importance of breaks in reading 33:15 - Reflections on mental health and identity 46:47 - The power of vulnerability in healing 01:00:05 - The impact of storytelling and visibility Click here for transcription! Episode References: A Body Made Home by Kai Marshal Green Ep. 69 - What if Everyone Leads with Love? with Joël Simeu Ep. 77 - Dem Bois Highlight Series Part 5; with Joël Simeu Ep. 102 - Navigating Gender Expressions and Expectations with Kai Marshall Green Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou Heavy by Kiese Laymon Read more about Shawn in his bio below: Shawn Aaron (he/him) is a Black queer trans man, nonprofit leader, and host of Dem Bois Podcast. He is the Founder + Executive Director of Dem Bois Inc., an organization dedicated to affirming and supporting trans men of color through access to gender-affirming care, health equity, and visibility. Drawing from his lived experience with homelessness, Shawn’s mission is rooted in community care and systemic change. Whether through storytelling or advocacy, his work amplifies the voices of those too often unheard. His signature belief: Visibility = Possibility™ IG - demboisincIG - shawnaaron81 Read more about Joël in his bio below: Joël Simeu Juegouo is a poet, musician, and griot from Cameroon. His writing is featured in HarperCollins' Here to Stay: Poetry and Prose from the Undocumented Diaspora. And he was selected as 2026 Undocupoet Fellow. Joël has served as manager for Outpost Foundation’s writing residency program and assesses submissions for the program’s fellowship candidates. He also works towards amplifying the voices of transmasculine folks of color, as Production Assistant to Dem Bois, Inc. Simeu earned his M.A. in Literatures in English from Cornell University, where he teaches writing seminars. His doctoral dissertation contends with poetics of Black transmasculine cultural epistemology. These days find him craving that which is tender and slow. Each day, he strives to become a menace to his enemies and prays for the liberation of all oppressed people. Each day he gives his gorgeous calico, all of his love. Today, and always, he invites you to stay rooted in your breath. IG - jojosim27 Celebrate 10 years of Dem Bois Inc.! 2026 marks ten years of Dem Bois Inc. To honor this milestone, we invite you to join our 10 for 10 campaign by giving $10 a month to help sustain the care, leadership, and visibility that trans men of color deserve. Your support helps build a future rooted in care, visibility, and possibility. Donate today! Donate today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color! The  Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here! - Not just merch, but a movement!  Dem Bois Community Voices Facebook Group is a safe, moderated sanctuary where trans men of color can connect authentically, discuss podcast episodes, share powerful experiences, and build support networks.  Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc - Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else!