Welcome to the final episode of this season of Dem Bois Podcast! This has been an amazing year of holding space for folks to come and share their transitional stories, the feedback has been fantastic, and we hope to be back for season 2 soon. Today I share my mental health journey with you. I talk about my introduction to therapy at a young age, the different therapists I’ve worked with over the years, what I’ve learned in therapy and much more.I talk:Beginning my mental health journey at a young age - 6:35A disclaimer to check on your “strong” friends - 11:20My first experience with a therapist - 16:02Navigating my mental health on my own - 20:18Finally finding my current therapist - 32:14Things that made my mental health better - 37:26Click here for transcript!Episode References:Ep. 3 - Surviving Homelessness Ep. 7 - Transitioning at WorkEp. 14 - Discovering New Life Through Grief and Healing with Mely Anais QuirozBag Lady - Song by Erykah Badu Are you enjoying the Dem Bois Podcast? Donate today to help support the cost of production and the honorarium we pay our guests for their time. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here! Donate to support our 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Fund here!

This episode of Dem Bois Podcast is jam packed with great advice, great storytelling, and great information. Today I had the privilege to sit down with educator, blogger, business owner, youth advocate, and creator and founder of Tea with T, Amari Leach. We talk about mental health, queer youth, self-care and self-love, family trauma, finding your village, and so much more. This will be the last guest episode of this season and I know that you will enjoy it. So go ahead and listen!We talk:Amari’s transition journey - 5:40How he starting caring for himself first - 19:33His divine intervention - 25:09Older generations vs this generation of youth - 36:46Tea with T; how and why it began - 49:22Being teased as a child - 1:02:44Click here for transcript!Episode references:Drop Dead Fred Movie Black Yogi Nico MarieRead more about Amari in his bio below:Mr. Amari Leach is a Youth, Social/Gender/Racial Justice Activist who strives to make a difference in the world through his acts of service & business. He is dedicated to speaking the truth & positive change in the world/ all communities!IG: @teawithtllcTikTok: @teawithtllcbyamarileachTwitter: @teawithtllcResources:Trans Lifeline Hotline (peer support phone service run by trans people for trans and questioning peers) Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis. For the trans community, by the trans community.Call 877-565-8860CAN (877) 330-6366Visit general website: https://translifeline.org/hotline/The Trevor Project (provides 24/7 crisis support services to LGBTQ young people) If you are thinking about harming yourself get immediate support. Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S. It is 100% confidential, and 100% freeCall 866-488-7386 or text 678678Chat online: http://www.thetrevorproject.org/section/get-helpIG @trevorproject SAGE LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline (connects LGBTQ+ older people who want to talk with friendly responders who are ready to listen)Call 877-360-LGBT (5428)Visit general website: https://www.sageusa.org/what-we-do/sage-national-lgbt-elder-hotline/Are you enjoying the Dem Bois Podcast? Donate today to help support the cost of production and the honorarium we pay our guests for their time. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here! Donate to support our 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Fund here!

Too many of our Black brothers are in jail and prison for selling/using cannabis, but as it gets legalized in many states, it is becoming more and more popular. So on this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, I sit down with cannabis influencer, Bobby “Uncle Bob” Walker, and he gives us some marijuana education. Bobby is also an adult herbalist, trans activist, and entrepreneur. We talk about the cannabis industry, identity vs. sexuality, entrepreneurship, living as a Black man, and much more.We talk:How the name “Bobby” chose him - 6:20His transition journey - 7:56Finding out about FTM (female to male transition) - 14:05Cannabis education and the industry - 20:28Bobby’s gender-affirming surgeries - 42:08Stigmas around carrying a child as a trans man - 43:41 Click here for transcript!Read more about Bobby in his bio below:Bobby Walker, pronouns are He/ Him is 28 yrs. Old and Born and Raised in Buffalo, NY. More affectionately known as “Uncle Bob” or “Sub” is a Cannabis Influencer & Adult Herbalist who spends his life traveling, educating individuals across the country on the holistic effects and benefits of natural herbs, while teaching about the cannabis industry. A passion that grew for him, after discovering his own healing benefits from the work he now provides to others.IG: @UncleBobb716 (Personal) IG: @SmokeUppBuffalo716 (Business) Are you enjoying the Dem Bois Podcast? Donate today to help support the cost of production and the honorarium we pay our guests for their time. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here! Donate to support our 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Fund here!

Why is visibility so important? Because many times, if you can’t see something, you don’t know that it exists. And if you don’t know that it exists, you may think that it’s impossible. That is true for so many of my trans brothers and sisters out there, and that was the journey for today’s guest, Micah Scott, entrepreneur, artist, and musician. In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, we talk about transitioning later in life, being socialized as a hetero woman, dating as a trans man, and more.We talk:How the name “Micah” chose him - 5:00His transition journey - 8:02Insurance “privilege,” covering gender affirming care and surgery - 20:27Growing up going to an all-girls school - 28:28What dating is like for him post-transition - 35:02Advice for listeners - 55:28*Click here for transcript!Episode References:On Loving Men Beyond the Erection by Mark Travis RiveraIn Living Color: Men on Films (‘Hated it’ reference)Read more about Micah in his bio below:I am late in medically transitioning starting at age 50. I am excited for my new life and my transition has made me more confident of myself and the value of my life. IG: @wolfftm111Are you enjoying the Dem Bois Podcast? Donate today to help support the cost of production and the honorarium we pay our guests for their time. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here! Donate to support our 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Fund here!

Something I wish I knew before: there are no rules to being Trans. No boxes you have to fit in or experiences you have to check off. You just have to be true to you. I talk about this more in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast with Landyn Pan, strength nutrition coach and fitness trainer for LGBTQ+ individuals. Landyn shares their transition journey and their fitness journey, and they give lots of advice for queer youth or adults who want to transition and are looking to explore who they are. We talk:Landyn’s transition journey - 5:44Not fitting into rigid masculine or feminine boxes - 13:09Landyn’s fitness journey - 22:00How being thin does not equal being healthy - 27:44Advice for anyone who is turned off by the gym - 33:13How you can work with Landyn - 40:05Click here for transcript!Landyn Pan (they/them) is an online fitness and nutrition coach who helps LGBTQ+ individuals feel confident and affirmed in their bodies through building strength and muscle. They are trans masc non-binary and Chinese-American.Website: https://landynpanfitness.com/IG: @fitlandyn Are you enjoying the Dem Bois Podcast? Donate today to help support the cost of production and the honorarium we pay our guests for their time. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here! Donate to support our 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Fund here!

In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast I sit down with husband, father, and attorney, Dallas Martinez. Dallas was a part of the Love, Sex, and Relationships episodes, and I had to have them back on the podcast to tell their story. Today we talk about the mental aspects of transitioning, living in an intergenerational household, becoming an attorney, and much more. Dallas also gives some great resources for LGBTQIA2S+ folks who have faced/are facing discrimination. We talk: Dallas’ military experience and “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” - 4:44 How his transition journey began - 13:05 The stages of his transition - 19:10 How Dallas knew he was Trans - 31:35 Transitioning in an intergenerational household - 38:54 His career as an attorney and working in nonprofit - 48:20 Click here for transcript!Read more about Dallas in their bio below:Dallas Martinez (he/they) is a Latine-Indigenous Trans Masculine identified person. They currently live in Seattle, Washington, but were born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He is married with children and lives in an intergenerational household, as his 90 year old father is aging in place with his family. They are an attorney for an LGBTQIA2S+ civil legal aid non-profit and founder of an intergenerational QTBIPOC non-profit in their South Seattle community. IG: @DallasinSeattleWADallas Martinez - Staff Attorney - QLaw Foundation | LinkedInhttps://www.spectrumresourcecenter.org/ Are you enjoying the Dem Bois Podcast? Donate today to help support the cost of production and the honorarium we pay our guests for their time. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here! Donate to support our 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Fund here!

For me, medically transitioning was like going through puberty for a second time, and it triggered me in ways I didn’t expect. My acne came back, my body changed, I grew hair in places it never grew before, I couldn’t get this “man scent” off, and so much more. But, as I celebrate 10 years of choosing to live authentically, I now realize that I should have been celebrating every one of those little moments, because they all add up to make me who I am today. In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, I share more of my transition story and reflect on my journey so far.I talk:My youtube page and documenting my medical transition - 5:53How my body physically changed - 10:49My acne problems and skin issues - 20:48Having to learn my body all over again - 25:08Anger issues and how they affected my family - 29:57How I celebrated 10 years of being my authentic self - 38:29Click here for transcript!Episode References:Ep. 3 - Surviving HomelessnessEp. 7 - Transitioning at WorkEp. 13 - Reaching Back Through Philanthropy and the Actualization of Dem Bois IncYoutube ChannelAre you enjoying the Dem Bois Podcast? Donate today to help support the cost of production and the honorarium we pay our guests for their time. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here! Donate to support our 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Fund here!

What does self-care look like? There is no right answer because it is different for every person, but it is important, so that you can continue pouring your everything into others. And, in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, my guest gives some great advice on how to do that. Naya’Hri Suhalia is a hospice caregiver, hip hop head, and bourbon and cigar enthusiast. Today we talk about his transition journey, his job as a caregiver, and how he maintains his self-care. Naya’Hri also gives some great resources for LGBTQ caregivers and trans men of color seeking caregivers.We talk:How the name Naya’Hri chose him - 6:08His transition journey - 11:56His mom’s health transition - 31:01What hospice is and Naya’Hri’s duties as a caregiver - 45:17What his self-care looks like - 52:50Resources for LGBTQ caregivers and trans men looking for care - 1:10:50Click here for transcript!Read more about Naya'Hri in his bio below:Naya'Hri Suhalia is hospice caregiver, hip-hop head, bourbon connoisseur and cigar aficionado.  Located in Charlotte, NC by way of Compton, CA, Naya'Hri is currently creating his first-ever short documentary about being a Black Transman living in the South.IG:  @TheVibeChroniclesEmail: TheVibeChronicles@gmail.comEpisode ReferencesLGBTQ Care GiversT4T Care Giving Are you enjoying the Dem Bois Podcast? Donate today to help support the cost of production and the honorarium we pay our guests for their time. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here! Donate to support our 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Fund here!

One thing that hasn’t gotten talked about much on this show is spirituality. There is a big difference between spirituality and religion, and in this episode, my guest goes in on this topic. Kris Royal Wallace is a Transgender FTM, and today he talks about following God’s timing, and the miracles that occurred to help him discover his purpose. We also talk about being trans in the 60s and 70s, family history, maternal support, and forgiveness.We talk:Kris’ family history and growing up in the 1970s - 3:55How he learned to heal and forgive - 13:24Kris transitioning in his late 40s - 19:19God’s perfect timing and impact on Kris’ life - 27:06His mom’s death and his journey to becoming sober - 38:06Advice to listeners who feel stuck and don’t know what to do - 51:25Click here for transcript!Read more about Kris in his bio below:My name is Kris Royal Wallace. I am Transgender FTM. My existence in this life has not been in vain and neither has yours. My life was not a choice. This life was given to me for a purpose, But I had to live in pain and misery until I was able to do some extensive soul-searching to address my gender issues and put to rest some generational curses that plagued me for most of my life.What I found out is that I was made in God's perfect image because of the assignment that was put on my life. There are places that I have been able to go where no free man could ever go, and people that needed my assistance.I was able to get completely free from the curses and demons that pledged me for the majority of my life. In my transition I have been able to be completely happy and in perfect peace.I have always been popular and well known. People have watched me transition and it wasn't always easy. I've been talked about, and I have lost people that I really truly loved. But It only made me stronger. Today I walk in my own brand of dignity, and I've embraced my right as a man. I always knew what my gender was (Male) at an early age. I never gave up on myself and neither should you, If you can relate.In closing all I can say is that no matter what people say about you, (Family and Friends) to put you down it's just because they don't understand, and that's ok just stay true to yourself. Know who you are and who you belong to (GOD). Be the best version of you everyday, and most of all learn how to love you first. My biggest blessing and my biggest fans are my family. I have all the support and love that I need and want. It makes my existence, my journey and my life so much better.This is what Trans Freedom Looks like.To all who reads this, Thank you and God Bless YouTruly your's Kris WallaceAre you enjoying the Dem Bois Podcast? Donate today to help support the cost of production and the honorarium we pay our guests for their time. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here! Donate to support our 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Fund here!

There is no such thing as a completely healed person. You heal and grow through things, but there will always be something else to grow through and heal from. So don’t wait for the right time or the right person. Dive in now, responsibly. That is advice from today’s guest, Oscar Robles, a Trans man, and Senior Marketing Manager on HubSpot’s Community-led Growth team. In this episode we also talk about having depression, taking care of your mental health, dating and relationships, and staying sober from addictions. We talk:How the name Oscar chose him - 5:26How his suicide attempt propelled his transition - 11:52What his support system looked like growing up - 18:09Advice to listeners who want to create a community - 24:25How Oscar navigates relationships - 31:13Healing while dating - 40:38Advice to someone trying to navigate their identity and sexuality - 51:54Click here for transcript!Read more about Oscar in his bio below:Oscar Robles is currently a Senior Marketing Manager on HubSpot’s Community-led Growth team. In this capacity, he is focused on the company’s customer and partner-led groups that connect HubSpot users interested in advancing their tech knowledge. Oscar is also a trained organizer and facilitator, previously working with grassroots community groups, school districts, law firms, and major corporations in their diversity and inclusion efforts. Passionate about social and restorative justice, he seeks to create a safe space for individuals to be their full selves, as well as self-reflect on their identity and how to show up as stronger allies in society. When not working, Oscar enjoys spending time hiking upstate with his pup Willie, practicing yoga, cooking, and visiting local arts institutions.Are you enjoying the Dem Bois Podcast? Donate today to help support the cost of production and the honorarium we pay our guests for their time. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here! Donate to support our 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Fund here!

A lot of the time when we think of progress, we think of making giant leaps and diving forward. But progress can be made in small increments, 1% at a time. That is what I want you to take from this episode. As Cairo would say, “feel the fear and keep going!” In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, part 2 of my conversation with Cairo Nevitt, we talk about being kind to people and being aware of the impact you can have. We also talk about the importance of expanding visibility and starting conversations.We talk:Moment of silence for Cairo’s friend who was lost to suicide - 3:42Advice to anyone who may be struggling right now - 10:07Loving our community and being there to support you - 14:57How Cairo navigates the world of bodybuilding - 17:28His fundraiser and his charity - 24:07Facing your fears and making progress - 39:56Click here for transcript!Read more about Cairo in his bio below:As a trans advocate, he predominantly works as a guest speaker & facilitator on the topics of diversity & inclusion, gender identity, intersectionality, as well as motivation. His collaborations include: Huffton Post, Salomond Institute, Euromoney’s International Panel, Trans Fest, NHS, Kent Police, Stonewall, BBC Bite Size, Pink News, Mermaids, Gender intelligence, Diversity Role Model, Young Vic, London’s Southbank Centre, Colours Network, My Genderation, Netflix, 201 Dance Company & Budweiser.  During the UK tour of Bullish by Milk Presents, he worked for over the course of 2 years as an actor + facilitator delivering gender smart training along their show. Together they trained every single arts venue from London to Cardiff that they toured as the entire cast was trans. Over the last 12 years, Cairo has worked in some capacity with almost every major UK LGBT charity. He is truly passionate about community work and believes anyone can thrive with the right network of support. IG: @cairo_leon Episode References:Cairo was a recipient of Point of Pride’s Annual Trans Surgery Fund https://www.pointofpride.org/Find Cairo’s GoFundMe here - Get Cairo, a trans athlete to the stageResources:Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline)Call or text 988, or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)Chat online: https://988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/For TTY users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988Veterans Crisis Line (for veterans, military personnel, and their families)Call 988 and Press 1, or text 838255Chat online: http://veteranscrisisline.net/Are you enjoying the Dem Bois Podcast? Donate today to help support the cost of production and the honorarium we pay our guests for their time. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here! Donate to support our 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Fund here!

In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, I sit down with poet, filmmaker, community builder, and coach, Cairo Nevitt. We have an amazing conversation about how he navigated his transition journey, the importance of a strong support system, advice for parenting children who are trans, and so much more.We talk:How the name Cairo chose him - 4:30The film project that introduced him to different trans stories - 9:56How he came out to his mom and family - 15:52The work Cairo does for trans youth - 20:20Advice to parents of trans youth - 27:06The global climate for trans folks - 35:26Click here for transcript!Read more about Cairo in his bio below:Cairo was the Britains first Openly Transgender man to be featured in a mainstream Fitness Magazine in 2018 (Muscle & Fitness UK). He was featured in the Channel 4 The Making Of Documentary series (2018). He has been the face of multiple international campaigns as the face of Absolut Vodka - ( Equal Love) & Starbucks (What's your name campaign) + Libresse (period insomnia campaign.)  He has been featured in many magazines over the years including Gay Times, and walked for London Queer Fashion Show. Outside of His creative work, he is a personal trainer and lifestyle coach. Currently the Head Coach of the transgender charity NOT A PHASE - delivering their most successful program to date: MISFITS., promoting fitness & wellness classes for trans adults to have access to exercise. Cairo has been a guest speaker and participated in the NIKE training app - championing trans & non-binary fitness.  IG: @cairo_leon Episode References:Cairo was a recipient of Point of Pride’s Annual Trans Surgery Fund Cairo’s GoFundMe here - Get Cairo a trans athlete to the stageResources:Trans Lifeline Hotline (peer support phone service run by trans people for trans and questioning peers) Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis. For the trans community, by the trans community.Call 877-565-8860CAN (877) 330-6366Visit: https://translifeline.org/hotline/The Trevor Project (provides 24/7 crisis support services to LGBTQ young people) If you are thinking about harming yourself get immediate support. Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S. It is 100% confidential, and 100% freeCall 866-488-7386 or text 678678Chat online: http://www.thetrevorproject.org/section/get-helpIG @trevorproject SAGE LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline (connects LGBTQ+ older people who want to talk with friendly responders who are ready to listen)Call 877-360-LGBT (5428)Visit: https://www.sageusa.org/what-we-do/sage-national-lgbt-elder-hotline/Are you enjoying the Dem Bois Podcast? Donate today to help support the cost of production and the honorarium we pay our guests for their time. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here! Donate to support our 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Fund here!

This is the final episode of 2022 and I am so grateful for everyone who has played a part in bringing this podcast to life. To my guests, my producer, my supporters, my donors, and you, my listeners, thank you! In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, I recap every episode so far and I give you an idea of what to expect next year, more guests, more questions, more resources, and more representation!I talk:Episodes 1 through 4 - 5:12Episodes 5 through 8 - 13:29Episodes 9 through 12 - 24:37Episodes 13 through 17 - 32:32Episodes 18 and 19, and what to expect next year - 42:08Click here for transcript!Are you enjoying the Dem Bois Podcast? Donate today to help support the cost of production and the honorarium we pay our guests for their time. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here! Donate to support our 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Fund here!

Welcome to part two of this juicy conversation on love, sex, and relationships! I learned a lot about myself and the trans community and I hope you do too. In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, we talk about transitioning later in life, finding support and being your own elder, deciding what type of man you want to be, and much more. If you haven’t listened to part one yet, I definitely recommend that you check it out. Click here!We talk:Transitioning later in life - 1:46Finding safe spaces for trans people to meet in person - 8:46Creating safe spaces for black, queer folk - 17:38Advice for listeners who are in relationships - 23:32Getting to know your body - 38:47Accepting/respecting that people have different rules in relationships - 41:11Fun with random questions - 46:51Click here for transcript!References:Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good, book by adrienne maree brownRead more about our guests in their bios below:Dallas Martinez (He/Him/Them/Them) - Dallas is an indigenous/Latinx trans masc living in Seattle, WA. He is an attorney, activist, and most importantly a spouse and parent. They are happily married to their partner of 13 years and have two children together. Dallas is family-centric, not only with his own nuclear family and intergenerational household, but also with his chosen family, which he chooses to intentionally and continuously create. Love, sex, and relationships were not always built on trust and joy with Dallas, but in the end, intentional work and growth proved valuable.https://invisibletmen.org/our-lives-our-stories/nayahri-n-z-suhalia/IG: TheVibeChroniclesDallas Martinez - Staff Attorney - QLaw Foundation | LinkedInKamari Romeo (He/Him) - Kamari Roméo is an Artist and Creative Producer from London, UK. His organisation Anomaly Arts, champions Black, Queer and Neurodiverse voices through film, literature and community projects. In his spare time, Kamari offers consultancy to organizations via On Road Media who create strong, positive depictions of trans people in television, theater and journalism. Kamari is a proud and active member of the BDSM community, centering pleasure spaces for Black Queer Sexuality, joy and mental health. YouTubeIG: @kamariromeoAre you enjoying the Dem Bois Podcast? Donate today to help support the cost of production and the honorarium we pay our guests for their time. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here! Donate to support our 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Fund here!

I am so excited for you to hear this first part of our conversation on Love, Sex, and Relationships. I was joined by five trans men of color from across the country and even one from the UK. And today we talk about stigmas we face, finding love, being socialized as female, transitioning while in relationships, and much more. Stay tuned for part 2 coming next week.We talk:Guest intros and why they wanted to be a part of this convo - 2:42Stigmas we face and why we don’t talk about them - 7:04The difference between being socialized as a woman and becoming a trans man - 11:11Stigmas around trans men identifying as gay - 22:11Feeling like your identity is too much to process - 28:42Stigmas around finding love as a trans man - 39:43Click here for transcript!References:“Let Niggas Be Gay” tee - https://datcraftydez.bigcartel.com/Read more about our guests in their bios below:Naya'Hri Suhalia (He/Him) - Naya'Hri Suhalia is a hospice care worker who took his Cali-bred, Compton-fed heart to live in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is currently creating his very first unnamed short documentary about being a Black transman in the South.IG: @TheVibeChronicleshttps://invisibletmen.org/our-lives-our-stories/nayahri-n-z-suhalia/Mr. Amari Leach (He/Him) - Mr. Amari Leach is the owner and founder of Tea With T LLC where he is a trans youth advocate and educator. Through his services/products (Tea Mugs, Notebooks, etc)  he creates a way for trans youth to have a voice. He helps create a safe way/space to have real necessary conversations with family members, friends, and allies in a world that wants to silence them. He has also created a platform to bring awareness to important conversations and tips to help encourage our trans youth.IG: @teawithtllc Twitter: @TeaWithTLLCE.L. Winston (He/Him) - E.L. Winston is a husband, father, and family man who has the heart to serve others. He is a business owner and relationship coach who alongside his wife do couple seminars and coaching for their business called Love Lives In Us as well as the owner of two non-profit organizations Tranzformation and seek and serve. www.lambdanudynasty.orgIG: wolfdommyStay tuned for more guest bios in episode 19, part two of Love, Sex, and Relationships.Are you enjoying the Dem Bois Podcast? Donate today to help support the cost of production and the honorarium we pay our guests for their time. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here! Donate to support our 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Fund here!

I never really liked the term “coming out,” I always thought of it more as inviting people into your life. So in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, I share my “inviting people into your life” stories, my feelings of being silenced and shamed, and how they affected my life. I also introduce my series on Love, Sex, and Relationships and what to expect in the next two episodes.I talk:My “inviting people into your life” stories - 5:00Finally being able to relate to some about my sexuality - 16:27The good that came out of me being “evicted” by my mom - 21:28Advice for anyone who is thinking about “coming out” - 28:15Intro to the Love, Sex, and Relationships episodes - 30:22Click here for transcript!Episode References:Ep. 1 - Why and How I TransitionedEp. 3 - Surviving HomelessnessEp. 14 - Discovering New Life Through Grief and Healing with Mely Anais QuirozDonate to Dem Bois via Amazon Smile here! Donate to support our 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Fund here!Are you enjoying the Dem Bois Podcast? Donate today to help support the cost of production and the honorarium we pay our guests for their time. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here! Donate to support our 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Fund here!

I grew up in the church and one thing that always resonated with me was the community call to action. The deacons or deaconesses would get up in front of the congregation and talk about how they needed money for the building fund, or to pay the guest preacher, or whatever else they needed money for, and the people would respond! That is what I want to use this episode of Dem Bois Podcast as, a community call to action. I believe it is our responsibility to take care of one another, so please donate to Dem Bois Inc today.Click here for transcript!Episode References:Ep. 3 - Surviving HomelessnessEp. 7 - Transitioning at WorkDonate to Dem Bois via Amazon Smile here! Donate to support our 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Fund here!Are you enjoying the Dem Bois Podcast? Donate today to help support the cost of production and the honorarium we pay our guests for their time. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here! Donate to support our 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Fund here!

A running theme in this first season of Dem Bois Podcast has been the importance of healing and therapy, and this episode is no different. Today, I sit down with Xavier Jones, husband, father of three, fitness enthusiast, and first lieutenant in the Army Reserves. We talk about mental shifts that come with the physical transition, changing our names and celebrating rebirth, moving through the different stages in one’s transition, and healing from trauma through fatherhood. We talk:Xavier's transition journey - 10:13The mental and emotional parts of transitioning - 17:50A more realistic viewpoint of parenthood - 28:28How healing has helped Xavier be a good partner - 38:11Advice for how to start to shift your mental - 44:05Transitioning while in the military - 50:01Click here for transcript!Read more about Xavier in his bio below:My name is Xavier. I am a husband, father of 3, and fitness enthusiast. I am an Officer in the Army Reserves and social content creator. I began my medical transition in July 2021. The one thing I truly live by is your mental transition is just as important as your physical transition. -IG: @iam.jaytAre you enjoying the Dem Bois Podcast? Donate today to help support the cost of production and the honorarium we pay our guests for their time. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here! Donate to support our 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Fund here!

I’ve talked about it before on this podcast, and I will continue to talk about the importance of therapy and healing, especially as Trans folks of color. And in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, you get to hear it from the perspective of a first-generation, non-binary, bilingual therapist. Today’s guest is Mely Anais Quiroz, and we talk about healing, family, religion, stabilizing mental health, and the trans and non-binary experince.We talk:Mely’s background being born into a mixed-status family - 5:30Experiencing courage as Trans person - 12:09Why Mely got into therapy - 20:51Therapy being a lifelong process - 29:11Addiction to religion as a coping mechanism - 32:56Advice for listeners - 46:42Click here for transcript!Read more about Mely in their bio below:Mely Quiroz is a first gen, trans/enby, bilingual therapist who was born and raised in City Heights, San Diego. Growing up in the hood, Mely’s lived experiences led him to seek healing and empowerment through education and was the first in their family to complete their Masters of Science degree in Multicultural Social Justice Community Counseling from San Diego State University and is working as a gender affirming therapist in a private practice. Mely is excited to share with us how their lived experiences have shaped their work as a mental health and social justice advocate for trans migrants and trans BIPOC clients they serve.https://www.darlenetando.com/clinicians/mely-quiroz-apcc/https://www.instagram.com/melyfresh/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mely-quiroz-7268767a/Episode References:National Queer and Trans Therapist of Color NetworkBrown Boi ProjectAre you enjoying the Dem Bois Podcast? Donate today to help support the cost of production and the honorarium we pay our guests for their time. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here! Donate to support our 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Fund here!

Do you know what philanthropy means? When I was younger I used to think that only rich people could be philanthropic. I couldn’t relate to the term. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I truly understood what it means to be a philanthropist. And, I made it my life’s work to give back to my community, specifically, providing financial assistance to Trans men of color for gender affirming surgery. In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, I talk about reaching back, philanthropy, and why I started Dem Bois Inc.I share:How my idea of being philanthropic changed over the years - 7:45My plans to change the world through policing - 14:44Why it’s important to always put your heart into what you do - 24:49How I leaned into the universe and my life purpose - 31:56My journey of petitioning the hospital to have the cost for my top surgery waived - 35:56Why I decided to start Dem Bois Inc - 38:44Click here for transcript!Episode ReferencesEpisode 3 - Surviving Homlessness Episode 9 - Finding CourageAre you enjoying the Dem Bois Podcast? Donate today to help support the cost of production and the honorarium we pay our guests for their time. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here! Donate to support our 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Fund here!