Send us a textWe hear about finding our purpose all the time. But what does that actually mean and how do we find it? If you’ve ever wondered that then this is the episode for you! Today on Dem Bois Podcast, I sit down with writer Avery Campbell, and we have a beautiful discussion around finding your purpose, living in your purpose, false purpose, and more! We also discuss bridging the gap between older and younger folks, and the positives and negatives of binding.We talk:Advice for listeners who want to legally change their name - 9:12Avery’s transition journey - 15:03His upcoming surgery - 27:56His new book - 38:12How Avery found his purpose - 43:24Advice for finding your purpose - 51:34Click here for transcription!Episode References:Caitlin Clarkgc2bYour Life, Your Way, Your Purpose - Self Help Book by Avery Campbellfeel. forgive. Forget. - Poetry Book by Avery CampbellRead more about Avery in his bio below:Avery Campbell lives to change the status quo. He’s been writing professionally since 2018. His writing expands beyond genres as he has written poetry, self-help books, and now working on a sci-fi novel. Through his writing, Avery wants to help people feel seen and heard, and live life on their terms.https://msha.ke/averykane https://www.twitter.com/kanewriting https://www.instagram.com//thekaneavenueAre 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!

Send us a textIf you’ve ever listened to the podcast then you’ve heard me talk about the importance of loving your children. If a child has the love of their parents, it doesn’t matter what the world thinks, they can still conquer! In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, Krow sends out a PSA to all parents, telling you to love your children, no matter what. We also discuss the importance of good community and energy, finding yourself within your career and more.We talk:Krow’s transition journey - 6:55Coming out to his mother - 16:49Allowing some relationships to start over - 21:25Krow’s experience with homelessness - 31:26How his career helped him find himself - 42:35Click here for transcription!Episode References:Three 6 MafiaMetal Gear 2: Solid SnakeIroquois PeopleIroquois MythologyDem Bois Podcast Ep 3. Surviving HomelessnessRead more about Krow in his bio below:Krow Iroquois is a black & androgynous transgender man that specializes in arts such as literature, sketching, graphic design, and website design. He also enjoys speaking and sharing his story with other people, in hopes that anyone who hears his voice may be inspired by his perseverance to be their best selves. He is the graphic design artist for Montgomery Pride United, a queer-led organization in his hometown, and also the Youth Coordinator for Montgomery's only active LGBT+ youth group, COLORS.https://www.instagram/krowiroquoishttps://www.facebook.com/KrowIroquois Tiktok: @grimoire777Are 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!

Send us a textTrans people are not monolithic. We don’t all have the same story. But, if you choose to medically transition, this is a great episode for you because we talk about the best way to prepare for it. According to today’s guest BeyonD Sevright, it’s all about, first, being kind to yourself and realizing that you are not alone, and second, checking in with yourself to see how you feel. BeyonD is a 2023 Dem Bois Grant Awardee and in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, we discuss the complexity of identity, his transition story, feeling disconnected from his caribbean roots, and much more!We talk:BeyonD’s transition journey - 7:51Dem Bois care packages - 18:07His family’s reaction to transition - 21:41Advice to mentally prepare for surgery - 29:45Honoring his identity while upholding his Jamaican heritage - 36:15His spiritual practice - 48:17Click here for transcription!Read more about BeyonD is his bio below:Growing up as the eldest of eight siblings, BeyonD learned early on the value of resilience and strength, shaped by their family's disciplined approach to life. As a first-generation Jamaican immigrant, they've tackled life's challenges with determination. Their journey includes significant milestones like gender-affirming surgery and a comprehensive three-year medical transition. More than self-realization, it's breaking free from long-standing cycles and embracing their true self. Their story demonstrates the courage to transform life while honoring their identity and heritage. By sharing these experiences, BeyonD sheds light on the complexity of identity and the profound journey of living authentically.https://www.instagram.com/Sundriedjamhttps://www/facebook.com/BeyondSeivrightAre 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!

Send us a textWe’ve talked a lot about medically transitioning on this podcast. We’ve talked about what our parents thought and how our children felt, but very rarely have we talked about how our spouses or significant others made the transition with us. In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, that is a huge part of the conversation. We also discuss Micah’s adopted children choosing him as a parent, going against what society and religion say we should do, seeing your perception of yourself, and more!We talk:Becoming a parent - 4:23How the name Micah chose him - 14:27Taking his wife’s last name - 23:05Not having the language to identify yourself - 36:59Having the transition conversation with his wife - 43:28Click here for transcription!Read more about Micah in his bio below:Hi! I’m Micah. I'm a 30 year old transgender man. I have a passion for discussing mental and emotional health within masc spaces. After the passing of my brother Jeffrey in June of 2023 who died by suicide I advocate even harder for IVP against men and men’s mental health. Connect with MicahAre 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!

Send us a text“What qualifies or quantifies, what is a man?” Kwasi Johnson asks that question in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast and it really made me think! Where do we get all these ideas of what a man should and shouldn’t be? Why can’t we define manhood for ourselves? Kwasi is a plant and animal dad, photographer, and Senior IT engineer, and we discuss masculine ideologies, the importance of duality, being a blessing to others, and more!We talk:The importance of duality - 8:03How the name Kwasi chose him - 12:38Advocating for yourself - 25:02His transition journey - 31:03What is a man? - 41:08 Advice for listeners - 55:39Click here for transcription!Read more about Kwasi in his bio below:Peace, love, and light to you. My name is Kwasi-Raheem. I'm a fun, loving, and hilarious plant & animal dad. When I'm not working 1 of my 2 IT related daytime gigs; you can catch me photographing, walking my dogs, and or in your local Home Goods. I also keep a number of reptiles and am a budding "Lego-Brick Architect."https://www.instagram.com/kwasi.raheemAre 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!

Send us a textAm I enough? This is a question that many people struggle with, but the answer is always the same. Yes! You are enough! You are exactly who you’re supposed to be, even if the world tells you differently. That is the message in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast. Today I sit down with Human Rights defender, Wegner Wilma, and we discuss the constant struggle between being who you are, losing the acceptance of loved ones, and finding others to replace those lost loved ones. Wegner is also a writer and they are our second guest from Uganda.We talk:How Wegner’s name was chosen - 4:31Struggling with the question: am I enough? - 19:44The Antihomosexuality Act in Uganda - 35:06Safety for trans and queer folks in Uganda - 53:59Wegner’s message to listeners - 1:00:02Click here for transcription!Episode References:Ep. #47 HIV Activism and Trans Advocacy in Uganda with Ruthra LubegaRead more about Wegner in his bio below:Wegner is my name. I am a Trans Non binary Ugandan citizen. My pronouns are they/them and a dedicated Human Rights defender, great writer and a champion for the rights of queer individuals living in Uganda. I have actively participated in a number of Digital Safety and Security initiatives under Queer Women Leaders Uganda where I am currently working as a Finance Officer. Considering the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023 passing in Uganda, queer advocacy is safest online and I commend QWLU's commitment in fostering secure online spaces for the queer community.https://www.twitter.com/Closeted_AfricaAre 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!

Send us a textHow many black men do you think are in the medical cannabis space? I’ll even take it a step further. How many trans black men do you think are in the medical cannabis space? I’ll wait… It’s unfortunately no surprise that trans black men are lacking in this industry, especially at the executive level. So, in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, I sit down with pioneer and advocate, Shawn Williams, and we discuss it. We also discuss black culture and differences in experiences between cis men and trans men.We talk:How the name Shawn chose him - 4:01Cis vs trans identity - 16:18Lack of education on ftm transition - 26:06Living by morals and values instead of tradition - 35:52Shawn’s work in the legal cannabis space - 47:20Advice for those looking to get into the legal cannabis space - 1:01:11Click here for transcription!Episode References:Ep. 30 Creating Your Best Life Holistically with Bobby WalkerEp. #47 HIV Activism and Trans Advocacy in Uganda with Ruthra LubegaThe Village (movie) 365 RecreationalBurners Block on InstagramBurners Block websiteThe Grove (dispensary)UMD Graduate Studies in Medical CannabisDutchieCannabist (formerly Columbia Care)Read more about Shawn in his bio below:Born and raised in North Carolina, residing in Maryland. Shawn is a pioneer in the legal cannabis space. Shawn advocates for the rights of Black trans men in cannabis.https://www.instagram.com/Dr.biglungsAre 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!

Send us a textPeople use anything as an excuse to be transphobic. They don’t want Drag Queens reading to children, or trans folks using their preferred bathrooms, or whatever else is the topic of the moment. And it feels like we have to work harder to amplify our voices and our joy, but that is what this episode is all about! Today on Dem Bois Podcast, I sit down with Cuee, recording artist, activist, and influencer, who embodies black trans joy! We discuss his music career, his coming out story, his relationship with his mom, and more. We talk:How the name Cuee chose him - 5:13His relationship with his mom - 16:42Becoming aware of himself in the body he was in - 27:44How Cuee was introduced to music - 42:28The dream retreat that he is creating - 55:46Click here for transcription!Read more about Cuee is his bio below:Cuee, from Chicago, IL is a Black Trans Recording Artist, Activist and Influencer who embodies Black Trans Joy. His mission is to spread it across the world through his activism and music. His message is spreading across the world with the goal of reaching 100K LGBTQ+ / Allies that he calls, "Cueeties". https://www.twitter.com/cueemusichttps://www.instagram.com/cueemusicSign-up to receive Dem Bois bi-weekly newsletter hereAre 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!

Send us a textWhat happens when we don’t share our own stories? They get told by non-trans, non-people of color who want to advocate for us, but don’t necessarily understand how to. This is why diversity and inclusion is so important, especially in spaces that can control narratives like media and entertainment. In this episode of Dem Bos Podcast, I continue the conversation with Sydney Baloue and we discuss the importance of storytelling, the fluidity of gender, the truth of “American culture,” and more!We talk:The importance of storytelling in the trans community - 3:48Sydney’s experience challenging the “gender is a fact’ rhetoric - 14:40How the gender binary shifts with time - 23:50Sydney’s favorite childhood cartoons - 30:07Advice from Sydney Baloue - 40:04Click here for transcript!References:Moi ReneeMiss Honey by Moir ReneeKylian Mbappe“HIM” from PowerPuff GirlsDexter’s LaboratorySailor MoonLooney TunesFrom Kalulu the Hare to Bugs Bunny: Trickster Lagomorph Legends“What’s Opera, Doc”Little Richard - DocumentaryTina - DocumentaryScooby-DooRead more about Sydnes in his bio below:Sydney Baloue is a TV writer/producer, dancer, archivist and journalist. He is in the House of Xtravaganza and he was Co-Executive Producer on HBOMax’s LEGENDARY Seasons 1 and 2. In 2022, he was the first Black trans man in the Writers Guild of America after working as a staff writer in scripted TV on The Vanishing Half at HBO and Tom Swift at the CW. Sydney is the author of Undeniable: A History of Voguing, Ballroom and How it Changed My Life (And the World). He was the first trans man to solely win Grand Prize for “Old Way” at the Latex Ball in 2019.www.sydneybaloue.comhttps://www.instagram.com/sydneybalouehttps://www.twitter.com/sydneybaloueAre 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!

Send us a textIf you’ve ever wondered about Ballroom, then this episode is for you! Today on Dem Bois Podcast, I sit down with my friend, Sydney Baloue, TV writer/producer, dancer, archivist and journalist. Sydney is an expert on Ballroom culture and he breaks down its history and the role it has played in his life. We discuss how we met, his transition journey, his career in TV, and much more!We talk:How the name Sydney chose him - 4:37Going deeper into the Ballroom scene - 16:13Ballroom culture for those who don’t know it - 27:55Sydney’s travel and studies abroad - 35:17His work on HBO’s Legendary - 45:08Click here for transcript!References:Sciences PoLondon School of Economics Edens GardenCliniQCallen-LordeApichaLos Angeles LGBTQ CenterTiq MilanParis is BurningLegendarySara AhmedMaking Gay History Harper CollinsRead more about Sydnes in his bio below:Sydney Baloue is a TV writer/producer, dancer, archivist and journalist. He is in the House of Xtravaganza and he was Co-Executive Producer on HBOMax’s LEGENDARY Seasons 1 and 2. In 2022, he was the first Black trans man in the Writers Guild of America after working as a staff writer in scripted TV on The Vanishing Half at HBO and Tom Swift at the CW. Sydney is the author of Undeniable: A History of Voguing, Ballroom and How it Changed My Life (And the World). He was the first trans man to solely win Grand Prize for “Old Way” at the Latex Ball in 2019.www.sydneybaloue.comhttps://www.instagram.com/sydneybalouehttps://www.twitter.com/sydneybaloueAre 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!

Send us a textWhen many people think about creativity, they automatically think arts or tech, but there’s so much more to it. Creativity is about solving a problem; more specifically, how you go about solving a specific problem. As today’s guest says, “Parenting is creative… cooking is creative.” He challenges us to think about how we use creativity in our daily lives. In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, I sit down with El a.k.a Uppercutt and we discuss the many ways he uses creativity in his life.We talk:El’s transition journey - 4:36How colonization affects “gender” - 11:13Being born and raised, and returning to Florida - 20:41An awful high school experience - 32:58Advice for listeners in Florida who don’t feel safe or have community - 42:07El’s career as a creator - 54:54How his road trip to California changed his life - 1:08:01Click here for transcript!References:Trans Florida Resources IG - @transfloridaresources Trans Empowerment Project  Discord Signal Messenger (Groups)PFLAGEvelyn From the InternetsThe Fitzlane Project IG - @thefitzlaneprojectCamp Out FloridaQueer Expressions St. Pete IG - @queerexpressionsstpeteRose Dynasty FoundationFound Family Collective IG - @foundfamcollectiveKaon City Medics IG - @kaoncitymedix Read more about El in his bio below:El is a born, raised, and returned Floridian currently creating wearable and shareable Queer Anarchist work for his Trans community under the brand Uppercutt. Through his (discontinued yet still available,) Youtube channel All of El, he is well-versed in shamelessly speaking about issues surrounding race, identity, sexuality, gender, social justice, trauma, and silly shenanigans.He is an arts creator, educator, facilitator, and advocate working at the intersections of mental health, accessibility, and sustainability. When not teaching through local facilities or organizations, he works 1:1 with other creatives to uncover, unpack, discover, and inspire their personal projects through virtual consultations.https://www.instagram.com/all.of.el  https://www.instagram.com/_uppercutt_  https://eltapiakwan.com/ 14uppercutts.myshopify.comAre 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!

Send us a textI had a conversation with a friend recently about raising children. The person I was talking to didn’t think it was possible to raise a child as nonbinary. In fact, they believed that it was impossible to raise a child without gender norms. Well, allow this interview to be an example for anyone out there who shares that belief. In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, I sit down with Zyon Aijon and he tells us what it was like to be raised without limitations and expectations and encouraged to be exactly who he was. We also discuss his artistic career, his transition journey, and much more!We talk:Dealing with discrimination in the south - 5:59Zyon’s transition journey - 13:31Being raised without gender norms - 21:34Zyon’s musical career - 32:15His other artistic ventures - 41:04Finding spiritual balance - 52:52Click here for transcript!Episode References:OSCARVILLE & LAKE LANIERRead more about Zyon in his bio below:Zyon Lewis is a black trans artist born in Bridgeport, CT and raised between there and the south. He is a Vegan, Artist, Leader, activist and Innovator. He is a music artist, making music under the alias “1000 Percent”. He also produces gaming, lifestyle, creative and motivational content. He has been a digital artist/graphic designer since age 13 and now at 25 he continues to create. Zyon started his medical transition (HRT) August 19th, 2021 and he had top surgery in March of 2022. He continues to live his truth daily, by finding balance and peace in his daily experience.Connect with ZyonAre 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!

Send us a textToday’s guest is not new to the show, and in fact, this will be his fourth time. He’s already shared his story with us in episode 31, “Speaking Truth to Power Leading Up to Knowing Your Worth,” and he participated in our Love, Sex, and Relationships conversation back in season one. But Mr. Amari Leach always brings the good vibes and deep conversation, so you already know what to expect. In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, Amari and I discuss unity in the Black community, anti-trans bills, advice for parents of queer youth, and much more!We talk:Why he wanted to come back on the show - 5:14What Amari does for self-care - 21:59The “protecting the youth” lie from government - 33:50Shawn’s philosophy on minding your own business - 43:17Continuing the work to save lives - 1:03:10Click here for transcript!Episode References:Season 1, Episode 31: Speaking Truth to Power Leading Up to Knowing Your Worth with Amari LeachSeason 1, Episode 18: Love, Sex, and Relationships Part 1Season 1, Episode 19: Love, Sex, and Relationships Part 2Caste: THE ORIGINS OF OUR DISCONTENTS - Book by Isabel WilkersonRead more about Amari in his bio below:Mr. Amari Leach (He/Him) Is Strong Black Man born & raised in Louisville Ky & now resides in Seattle WA. He is Passionate about using his voice to help others Fight For Our Rights & Having a Safe Affirming Communities & Our Basic Human Rights Respected.  He is a Human Rights Advocate, Youth/Trans Youth Advocate, Spiritual Energy Raiser, Educator On Real Black History(Black Excellence) & Real Issues In Our Community, Animal Rights Advocate & Disability Rights Advocate. He Stands For Truth, Unity & The Power Of Helping Each Other Grow & Learn. Through His Powerful Voice He Is Able To Help Shift Mindsets & Share Perspectives Of Folks Who Are Often Overlooked, His Main Goals Are Helping Our Youth Find Their Voices Protect It & KEEPING IT! Helping Them Utilize It With Their Parents & In Life, While Also Helping Parents Understand The Importance Of Creating A Safe Space For Their Children To Be Able To Speak Their Truth With Love & Acceptance Being Returned,Our wonderful youth are the leaders of our future and we have to lead the way correctly! He Also Is A Podcast Host Of His Own Show Tea With T™Talks With Mr. Amari Leach Where He Sheds Awareness On Real Issues & Advocates For Important Social Issues , Award Winning Graphic Designer Artist ( Mother George's Brew-Lavender Rights Project x Metier Brewing CO), Panel/Keynote Speaker, Mentor/Teacher & Business Owner, Songwriter & Author.  ☕"I am changing the world one sip at a time"-Mr. Amari Leachhttps://www.instagram.com/teawithtllchttps://www.twitter.com/teawithtllcAre 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!

Send us a textThe concept of visibility is about being able to see yourself, in other people, in the workforce, in the media, etc. But visibility can be dangerous, especially depending on where you live. So how do you find the courage to be visible, when it's  especially dangerous? My guest, Mikail Khan, and I discuss that in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast. We also talk about transness in Bangladesh, discrimination in South Asia vs America, the effects of Islamophobia, and much more.We talk:Mikail’s love for the Bronx - 5:49Their transition journey - 16:31The concept of abolition - 29:52What Mikail’s mom would say today - 42:14Advice for Muslim’s to gain courage to be visible - 50:23Click here for transcript!Read more about Mikail in their bio below:Mikail Khan (they, he) is a Bangladeshi transmasculine queer Muslim media maker, communications specialist, writer, organizer, & film curator. They grew up in Dhaka for 19 years and are currently based in Lenape and Wappinger land (Central Bronx, NY). Mikail is invested in advocating for the liberation of trans and gender-expansive people of color through an abolitionist perspective. Their creative pursuits are driven by interrogations on gender, queerness, geography and religion, and they organize with a few NYC-based grassroots groups to counter Brahminism, Islamophobia, and white supremacy.https://www.instagram.com/banglatheyshiAre 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!

Send us a textIf you’ve listened to any guest episode of Dem Bois Podcast, you’ve heard me ask the question, “how did your name choose you?” I believe that our names choose us for a reason and I enjoy learning about these journeys from my guests. And, today you’ll get to hear another Dem Bois first: the beautiful village naming process for Kaneon Hammock. In this episode we also talk about why and how they are fighting generational curses, advice for living in truth and being authentic, and much more.We talk:How Kaneon’s name found him - 4:57The acceptance he felt from his mother - 16:08Advice for anyone wanting to transition - 24:43How working at a bar encourage his sobriety - 33:33His relationship with his nephews - 40:18Click here for transcript!Read more about Kaneon in their bio below:I am 30, I’m an IT technician  who has found himself driving trucks as well lol ! I am a living version of what I live by “Be yourself and live in your truth” Always be the man you wanna be! Nothing in life is unattainable!https://www.instagram.com/__smmkd__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!

Send us a textThere are always pivotal moments in our lives that put us on a path to discovery or point us in the right direction. They can be positive or negative, but they always have an impact on how we view life. For Marz T, that pivotal moment was the passing of his mother. It awakened his passion for music, which pushed him to find his voice and discover himself. In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, I sit down with Marz T aka Mo LaFlo and we discuss his transition journey, his mom’s passing, his music career, and much more!We talk:How the name “Marz” chose him - 8:38His sense of self and identity - 18:40The passing of his mother - 26:43His relationship with his mom - 38:09The stage name Mo LaFlo and his music career - 53:27Advice for listeners who want to get into music - 58:44Click here for transcript!Read more about Mo in his bio below:Mo LaFlo is a Tucson-based artist from Winter Park, Florida, whose sound has traveled the ears of many listeners all over the world. Mo LaFlo's sound is transformative, exuding emotion and a climate of reverence. His sound captures the essence of R&B, Hip Hop, and Neo Soul. Outside of the booth, he enjoys mentoring youth and helping them find their voice and tap into their creativity.https://www.instagram.com/mo_laflo444 https://www.tiktok.com/@mo_lafloQuestion from listener Ozziel Inzunza to Marz:What are your biggest inspirations and role models for your artist expression: personal and professional role models?Marz Response:Great question Ozzie. I would have to say my biggest inspirations/role models that inspire my artistry are Tupac, Chris Brown, Rhapsody, J Cole and Kendrick Lamar. I love lyricists & storytellers, as well as great entertainers when it comes to performing live. I would say those for professional. As far as personal, I lived say Maya Angelou, Nina Simone, because they lived and loved boldly and unapologetically! Thank you for asking!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!

Send us a textLosing a parent is hard. It can feel like losing a part of yourself, leaving a space that will never be filled… or so it seems. In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, I share my experience with the death of my chosen mother. While her health was in decline, my birth mother’s behavior toward me completely shifted. It felt like that motherly love just flowed. I haven’t recorded a solo episode in almost a year and in this episode I discuss that too. But, this topic weighed heavily on my heart, so I hope you enjoy it.I talk:A quick rundown of solo episodes from season 1 - 2:32Things I learned from my birth mother - 7:41Sharing the podcast with my family - 20:36My birth mother’s shift in behavior - 29:54How I met my chosen mother - 39:34Being at peace with the passing of my chosen mother - 50:16Click here for transcript!Read more about Shawn in his bio below:Shawn Aaron is the Founder and Executive Director of Dem Bois Inc. Shawn is a strong believer that trans men of color should have access to gender-affirming care and surgeries regardless of their economical status. Shawn is passionate about addressing intersectionality when it comes to one’s gender identity and access to non-bias healthcare. Shawn identifies as trans-masculine and understands the importance of accessing transition related care. “I podcast to share stories and experiences of gender expansive leaders within my community. This allows me to build connections across different communities of color and people spanning multiple generations. From the rising generation of queer and trans folks of colors to the elders who paved the way for me and others. There are few storytellers that document the lives of trans men of color. As the host and creator of the Dem Bois Podcast, it is imperative that I continue to amplify and highlight the lives of trans men of color. Visibility = PossibilityTMThrough my storytelling, I demonstrate that:- Trans lives are not monolithic. - Trans men of color have always existed in society. - Trans men of color elders exist and represent possibility for the next generation. - Young trans men of color now have a point of reference of what they can become since our stories are often underrepresented.”  Connect with ShawnAre 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!

Send us a textImagine being unhoused at a young age, disowned by your family because of who you are. Imagine having to stay indoors all day and all night because if you leave your home you could be imprisoned for life. In another Dem Bois Podcast first, today’s guest, Ruthra Lubega doesn’t have to imagine any of these things. Ruthra is an HIV/AIDS and executive director of Positive People Initiative Uganda, and in this episode we talk about what it’s like for trans and gender non-coforming folks living there.We talk:Being disowned by your parents at a young age - 5:23Contracting HIV - 14:32Ruthra’s belief in God - 22:36Building community with like-minded people - 28:15Ruthra’s number one fear - 32:55Click here for transcript!Read more about our guest in their bio below:Ruthra Lubega Is an HIV activist who has lived with HIV/AIDS for the past 12 years and advocates for the rights of HIV positive persons, more so the trans gender persons and gender non conforming persons. Ruthra is the Executive Director of Positive People Initiative Uganda an organization that supports people living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda. Ruthra operates a transitional shelter that provides a diverse space for marginalized persons to socialize and also provides a robust advocate journey for shelter inclusion for people living with HIV/AIDS.https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064311236900 https://instagram.com/positive.transug?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng== https://instagram.com/ruth_lubegahttps://twitter.com/ruth_lubega?t=sCJBIYkhCHNTQlnx0UYCEg&s=08Are 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!

Send us a textTransitioning shouldn’t be for anyone else but yourself. It’s not about the person you’re in a relationship with. It’s not about your parents. It’s not about your children. It’s about you taking charge of your life and being your authentic self. That is the message I want you to take from this episode of Dem Bois Podcast! Today I sit down with Cameron Bostic and he shares about how his life mentally prepared him for his transition.We talk:Cameron’s transition journey - 5:43Advice for mentally preparing to transition - 17:29His relationship before and after his transition - 25:20Cameron’s career as a DJ - 34:40Last bit of advice for listeners - 44:21Click here for transcript!ReferencesThe AggressivesDem Bois Podcast Ep. 3 - Surviving HomelessnessRead more about our guest in his bio below:I am a transman dj, living in South Florida. I am also an ambassador for the South Florida black pride organization.www.instagram.com/djladieslovecamAre 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!

Send us a textMoving to a new city can be challenging. And, moving to a new city where no one like you really exists, that’s damn-near impossible. But today’s guest, Mia Obiekwe overcame that challenge and rediscovered themself in the process. Mia is a veteran, activist, model, and drag king, and in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, we talk about all of those things. They also give advice for trans masc folks who are looking for support.We talk:Mia’s transition journey - 8:25Their genderqueer identity - 18:51Mia’s hope for Black queer people to be authentic - 25:59Their former business and why it ended - 35:39Rediscovering themself in a new environment - 41:44What Mia’s support system looks like - 50:55Click here for transcript!Referencesthem magazineRuPaul’s Drag RaceDem Bois Podcast Ep. 6 Transforming Your Mindset with Zeke WilliamsRead more about our guest in their bio below: Mia-Obie is a trans masculine individual from Cincinnati, Ohio. They Spent most of their adult life in Atlanta, GA where they learned to hustle as a business owner in the cleaning industry. Within the past year they recently moved to Santa Fe, NM where they have had to rediscover themself in an environment where black trans people don't really exist, as well as, grieving the closure of their cleaning business. https://www.instagram.com/miaobie.benbanjeeAre 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!