Dem Bois Podcast

Oct 7, 2026 · 55m

Send us Fan MailWelcome 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 identity14:55 - Navigating relationships during transition24:08 - Continuing the journey of healing32:15 - Living authentically47:20 - Advice for self-discoveryEpisode References:Finding Your Voice to Live with No Regrets with SyirDem Bois Podcast New Sound with Syir aka MoLa FloTransitioning at Work with Shawn AaronLove Within the TransitionFinding Affirmation in Everyday Moments with Shawn AaronBuilding Confidence to Become Your True Self with Vee MartinBuilding Brotherhood Using Unconditional Love with Kalvin ByrdRead 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 - shawnaaron81Read 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!

Aug 26, 2026 · 53m

Send us Fan MailI 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 image17:54 - Cherished memories and lasting impact27:08 - Family dynamics and personal affirmation35:56 - Unexpected connections and humor49:55 - Healthy masculinity and self-affirmationEpisode References:Ep. 98 - The Collection of Encouragement Series; Part 1Ep. 7 - Transitioning at WorkEp. 112 - Breaking Free from Conventional Femininity with denim {d} changJaylen Hands lifts up teammate after turnover - videoEp. 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 - shawnaaron81Celebrate 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!

Aug 19, 2026 · 1h 4m

Send us Fan MailIf 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 absence22:27 - Seeking closure: the letter to my father37:20 - Navigating parental relationships45:56 - The complexity of family dynamics55:05 - Our final conversations and lasting effectsEpisode References:Ep. 126 - Extracting Closure; Dear Mama, with Shawn AaronEp. 106 - Extracting Closure From a Past Situation with Shawn AaronEp. 103 - Building Brotherhood Using Unconditional Love with Kalvin ByrdRead 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 - shawnaaron81Celebrate 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!

Aug 12, 2026 · 56m

Send us Fan MailThis 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 closure12:45 - Personal stories of trauma and healing21:55 - Writing for healing and control of narrative27:28 - The power of healing and community35:20 - Dear Mama: A Journey of Healing43:10 - Transforming pain into purposeEpisode References:Ep. 123 - Fulfillment Through Authenticity and Art as Self-Discovery with Wen NealeEp. 122 - The Weight of Trauma: Unpacking Adoption, Love, and Identity with Felix-Long LaneriEp. 119 - Breaking Cycles of Trauma through Art and Love with SunnyEp. 106 - Extracting Closure From a Past Situation with Shawn AaronEp. 103 - Building Brotherhood Using Unconditional Love with Kalvin ByrdEp 48 - Repairing the Relationship with My Birth Mother and the Death of My Chosen MotherEp. 12 - Healing Generational Trauma Through Transformative ParentingEp. 3 - Surviving Homelessness30 Days of Black Trans Reflection: Abolition, Anti-capitalism, and Black Queer FeminismDear Mama, | Day 27 of 30Read 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 - shawnaaron81Celebrate 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!

Aug 5, 2026 · 1h 14m

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 Arkansas21:19 - The spiritual significance of drumming39:46 - Exploring diaspora blues and ancestral connections54:07 - Remembering life before colonization01:06:03 - Self-love and body awarenessEpisode References:Ep. 123 - Fulfillment Through Authenticity and Art as Self-Discovery with Wen NealeEp. 95 - Having Faith and Knowing That You’re Worthy with Alexander Rey Simon-PerezPalestinian Pole Dancer: FarrahthedollMoroccan Chef: MeantangineSinger: Storai.sDancer: JoycethethiefProducer: 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 mediaIG - @Littlegiant.enbCelebrate 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!

Jul 29, 2026 · 1h 10m

Send us Fan MailMany 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 understanding24:04 - Media literacy and anti-trans propaganda33:09 - Autonomy and authorship: moving from invisibility to visibility45:16 - Gender-affirming care and why joy feels threatening to systems51:21 - Colonialism, binaries, and managing anxiety63:31 - Noah’s Poem: My Passport Doesn’t Protect Me AnymoreEpisode References:The Trevor ProjectGender SpectrumLambda LegalErin in the MorningPoliticoAce Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)Written on the Body by Jeanette WintersonCut to BloomRead 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.choiCelebrate 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!

Jul 22, 2026 · 1h 9m

Send us Fan MailMainstream 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-discovery17:26 - Family dynamics and growing up24:03 - Navigating difficult conversations with parents37:19 - Healthcare disparities: Florida vs. California43:30 - The importance of Trans history education52:40 - Art as a reflection of identityEpisode References:Deviant ArtMaine-coon Cat BreedMy Strange AddictionDeantrbl IGRead 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 - catdadwenCelebrate 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!

Jul 15, 2026 · 1h 1m

Send us Fan MailIf 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 origins11:28 - Childhood memories that revealed gender alignment 19:08 - Felix’s relationship with his adoptive mother32:59 - Community, engagement, and the love that currently supports him45:19 - Somatic therapy, healing through the body, and why it matters for trans folksEpisode References:Dem Bois Podcast Ep. #95 Having Faith and Knowing That You’re Worthy with Alexander Rey Simon-PerezDem 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 - felixlaneriCelebrate 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!

Jul 8, 2026 · 57m

Send us Fan MailPregnancy 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 couple17:51 - Future aspirations for Lou (their daughter)23:56 - Family dynamics and identity 31:33 - Sharing life experiences with children40:10 - Adjusting to parenthood and new responsibilities54:37 - Celebrating milestones and fatherhoodEpisode References:Ep. 109 - Unapologetically Black, Trans, and Pregnant with Keo Ruiz-O’NealEp. 15 - Growing Beyond Insecurities and Healing from Trauma with Xavier JonesRead 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_kingdomCelebrate 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!