Dem Bois Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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We 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 - 9:12
Avery’s transition journey - 15:03
His upcoming surgery - 27:56
His new book - 38:12
How Avery found his purpose - 43:24
Advice for finding your purpose - 51:34

Click here for transcription!

Episode References:
Caitlin Clark
gc2b
Your Life, Your Way, Your Purpose - Self Help Book by Avery Campbell
feel. forgive. Forget. - Poetry Book by Avery Campbell

Read 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//thekaneavenue

Donate today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color!

The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here!

Introducing a groundbreaking collaboration crafted by Emilio Perdomo (featured on episode 37). This isn't just merch--it's a movement! We're empowering trans men of color with creative freedom to design their interpretation of Visibility = Possibility™. Think of it like major brands collaborating with athletes, but this time, our community takes center stage. Every purchase supports our vital programs!

Craving more Connection? 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: Behind-the-scenes magic, engaging YouTube shorts, and insider perspectives.

Send us a text

If 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 - 6:55
Coming out to his mother - 16:49
Allowing some relationships to start over - 21:25
Krow’s experience with homelessness - 31:26
How his career helped him find himself - 42:35

Click here for transcription!

Episode References:
Three 6 Mafia
Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake
Iroquois People
Iroquois Mythology
Dem Bois Podcast Ep 3. Surviving Homelessness

Read 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/krowiroquois
• https://www.facebook.com/KrowIroquois 
• Tiktok: @grimoire777

Donate today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color!

The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here!

Introducing a groundbreaking collaboration crafted by Emilio Perdomo (featured on episode 37). This isn't just merch--it's a movement! We're empowering trans men of color with creative freedom to design their interpretation of Visibility = Possibility™. Think of it like major brands collaborating with athletes, but this time, our community takes center stage. Every purchase supports our vital programs!

Craving more Connection? 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: Behind-the-scenes magic, engaging YouTube shorts, and insider perspectives.

Send us a text

When 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 - 4:36
How colonization affects “gender” - 11:13
Being born and raised, and returning to Florida - 20:41
An awful high school experience - 32:58
Advice for listeners in Florida who don’t feel safe or have community - 42:07
El’s career as a creator - 54:54
How his road trip to California changed his life - 1:08:01

Click here for transcript!

References:
Trans Florida Resources IG - @transfloridaresources
Trans Empowerment Project 
Discord
Signal Messenger (Groups)
PFLAG
Evelyn From the Internets
The Fitzlane Project IG - @thefitzlaneproject
Camp Out Florida
Queer Expressions St. Pete IG - @queerexpressionsstpete
Rose Dynasty Foundation
Found Family Collective IG - @foundfamcollective
Kaon 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 ju

Donate today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color!

The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here!

Introducing a groundbreaking collaboration crafted by Emilio Perdomo (featured on episode 37). This isn't just merch--it's a movement! We're empowering trans men of color with creative freedom to design their interpretation of Visibility = Possibility™. Think of it like major brands collaborating with athletes, but this time, our community takes center stage. Every purchase supports our vital programs!

Craving more Connection? 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: Behind-the-scenes magic, engaging YouTube shorts, and insider perspectives.

Send us a text

I 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 - 5:59
Zyon’s transition journey - 13:31
Being raised without gender norms - 21:34
Zyon’s musical career - 32:15
His other artistic ventures - 41:04
Finding spiritual balance - 52:52

Click here for transcript!

Episode References:
OSCARVILLE & LAKE LANIER

Read 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 Zyon

Donate today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color!

The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here!

Introducing a groundbreaking collaboration crafted by Emilio Perdomo (featured on episode 37). This isn't just merch--it's a movement! We're empowering trans men of color with creative freedom to design their interpretation of Visibility = Possibility™. Think of it like major brands collaborating with athletes, but this time, our community takes center stage. Every purchase supports our vital programs!

Craving more Connection? 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: Behind-the-scenes magic, engaging YouTube shorts, and insider perspectives.

Send us a text

Today’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 - 5:14
What Amari does for self-care - 21:59
The “protecting the youth” lie from government - 33:50
Shawn’s philosophy on minding your own business - 43:17
Continuing the work to save lives - 1:03:10

Click here for transcript!

Episode References:
Season 1, Episode 31: Speaking Truth to Power Leading Up to Knowing Your Worth with Amari Leach
Season 1, Episode 18: Love, Sex, and Relationships Part 1
Season 1, Episode 19: Love, Sex, and Relationships Part 2
Caste: THE ORIGINS OF OUR DISCONTENTS - Book by Isabel Wilkerson

Read 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 &

Donate today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color!

The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here!

Introducing a groundbreaking collaboration crafted by Emilio Perdomo (featured on episode 37). This isn't just merch--it's a movement! We're empowering trans men of color with creative freedom to design their interpretation of Visibility = Possibility™. Think of it like major brands collaborating with athletes, but this time, our community takes center stage. Every purchase supports our vital programs!

Craving more Connection? 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: Behind-the-scenes magic, engaging YouTube shorts, and insider perspectives.

Send us a text

The 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 - 5:49
Their transition journey - 16:31
The concept of abolition - 29:52
What Mikail’s mom would say today - 42:14
Advice for Muslim’s to gain courage to be visible - 50:23

Click 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/banglatheyshi

Donate today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color!

The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here!

Introducing a groundbreaking collaboration crafted by Emilio Perdomo (featured on episode 37). This isn't just merch--it's a movement! We're empowering trans men of color with creative freedom to design their interpretation of Visibility = Possibility™. Think of it like major brands collaborating with athletes, but this time, our community takes center stage. Every purchase supports our vital programs!

Craving more Connection? 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: Behind-the-scenes magic, engaging YouTube shorts, and insider perspectives.

Send us a text

If 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 - 4:57
The acceptance he felt from his mother - 16:08
Advice for anyone wanting to transition - 24:43
How working at a bar encourage his sobriety - 33:33
His relationship with his nephews - 40:18

Click 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__

Donate today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color!

The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here!

Introducing a groundbreaking collaboration crafted by Emilio Perdomo (featured on episode 37). This isn't just merch--it's a movement! We're empowering trans men of color with creative freedom to design their interpretation of Visibility = Possibility™. Think of it like major brands collaborating with athletes, but this time, our community takes center stage. Every purchase supports our vital programs!

Craving more Connection? 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: Behind-the-scenes magic, engaging YouTube shorts, and insider perspectives.

Send us a text

There 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 - 8:38
His sense of self and identity - 18:40
The passing of his mother - 26:43
His relationship with his mom - 38:09
The stage name Mo LaFlo and his music career - 53:27
Advice for listeners who want to get into music - 58:44

Click 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_laflo

Question 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!

Donate today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color!

The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here!

Introducing a groundbreaking collaboration crafted by Emilio Perdomo (featured on episode 37). This isn't just merch--it's a movement! We're empowering trans men of color with creative freedom to design their interpretation of Visibility = Possibility™. Think of it like major brands collaborating with athletes, but this time, our community takes center stage. Every purchase supports our vital programs!

Craving more Connection? 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: Behind-the-scenes magic, engaging YouTube shorts, and insider perspectives.

Send us a text

Losing 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 - 2:32
Things I learned from my birth mother - 7:41
Sharing the podcast with my family - 20:36
My birth mother’s shift in behavior - 29:54
How I met my chosen mother - 39:34
Being at peace with the passing of my chosen mother - 50:16

Click 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 = PossibilityTM

Through 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 Shawn

Donate today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color!

The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here!

Introducing a groundbreaking collaboration crafted by Emilio Perdomo (featured on episode 37). This isn't just merch--it's a movement! We're empowering trans men of color with creative freedom to design their interpretation of Visibility = Possibility™. Think of it like major brands collaborating with athletes, but this time, our community takes center stage. Every purchase supports our vital programs!

Craving more Connection? 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: Behind-the-scenes magic, engaging YouTube shorts, and insider perspectives.

Send us a text

Imagine 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 - 5:23
Contracting HIV - 14:32
Ruthra’s belief in God - 22:36
Building community with like-minded people - 28:15
Ruthra’s number one fear - 32:55

Click 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_lubega
• https://twitter.com/ruth_lubega?t=sCJBIYkhCHNTQlnx0UYCEg&s=08

Donate today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color!

The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here!

Introducing a groundbreaking collaboration crafted by Emilio Perdomo (featured on episode 37). This isn't just merch--it's a movement! We're empowering trans men of color with creative freedom to design their interpretation of Visibility = Possibility™. Think of it like major brands collaborating with athletes, but this time, our community takes center stage. Every purchase supports our vital programs!

Craving more Connection? 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: Behind-the-scenes magic, engaging YouTube shorts, and insider perspectives.