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Did you know that there are people in the world that will love you for free? People that will hold space for you with no conditions whatsoever… And that is pretty much the message of this episode of Dem Bois Podcast. Today I sit down with Kalvin Byrd, and we discuss the importance of community, the challenges faced during transition, and the significance of visibility for trans men. Kalvin shares his personal journey, including the struggles of isolation, the importance of brotherhood, and the need for unconditional love in relationships. And, we emphasize the necessity of open dialogue about the realities of transitioning and the support systems that can help individuals navigate their journeys. 

We talk:

09:09 - Navigating relationships during transition

14:52 - Brotherhood and support systems

21:06 - Unconditional love and healthy masculinity

38:54 - The mission of Uncloak

52:04 - The importance of self-care

Episode References:

The Brown Boi Project

Camp Lost Boys

Finding Spiritual Balance and Peace Amongst Obsession with Zyon Aijon

StretchLab

Read more about Kalvin in his bio below:

Kalvin Byrd is the Founder and Executive Director of Uncloak, an uplifting organization dedicated to the health, wellness, and healing of men of trans experience. Since 2021, he has grown Uncloak to a national scale, focusing on connection, empowerment, and suicide prevention by partnering with healthcare providers and community leaders to build safe, affirming spaces. Kalvin’s work is rooted in a deep commitment to disrupting isolation and cultivating brotherhood among trans men.

• IG: _Uncloak_ & kingzz_paradise 
• LinkedIn: kalvinbyrd 
• Website: uncloakfoundation.org

Dem Bois Inc. is seeking passionate, equity-driven leaders to join our Board of Directors. We’re recruiting for several roles, including Board Chair, Fundraising & External Relations, Program & Community Engagement, and General Board Members, to help advance our mission to uplift and empower trans men of color.

Click here to APPLY!

Questions? Contact Joy King at [email protected]

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!

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We all fail at gender, trans and cis folks. We don’t fit into the rigid boxes society has created for us because binary rules are flawed. And in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, we dive into this concept. Today’s guest is Kai Marshall Green, and together we explore themes of identity, transformation, and gender. Kai shares personal experiences, including the significance of his name change and the challenges faced in navigating societal expectations. And, we highlight the importance of visibility for trans individuals and the connections between Black lesbian spaces and trans identity. 

We talk:

07:00 - Kai’s journey of identity and transformation

12:04 - Navigating gender expectations and advice

28:39 - Mental health and its complexities

38:40 - Writing a memoir

44:38 - Reflections on growth and healing

Episode References:

I'm Gonna Git You Sucka

All About the Benjamins

Friday 

Love Jones

The Princess and the Frog

Black Spaces: Reclaim & Remain: July 18, 2025—Sunday, March 1, 2026 at the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA)

Read more about Kai in his bio below:

K. Marshall Green is a shape-shifting Black Queer Feminist nerd; an Afro-Future, freedom-dreaming, rhyme slinging dragon slayer in search of a new world; a scholar, poet, facilitator, filmmaker; & an Assistant Professor of Africana Studies at The University of Delaware. He earned his Ph.D. from the Department of American Studies & Ethnicity w/ specializations in Gender Studies & Visual Anthropology at USC. His debut memoir, A Body Made Home: They Black Trans Love, is coming out 2/24/26 (The Feminist Press). 

• drDrummerBoiG on all socials
• Watch - It Gets Messy In Here
• Purchase - A Body Made Home: They B

Dem Bois Inc. is seeking passionate, equity-driven leaders to join our Board of Directors. We’re recruiting for several roles, including Board Chair, Fundraising & External Relations, Program & Community Engagement, and General Board Members, to help advance our mission to uplift and empower trans men of color.

Click here to APPLY!

Questions? Contact Joy King at [email protected]

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!

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The life you want doesn’t just happen. You have to build it! And, in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, my guest Olíver Eluz Infante tells us how he is building the life of his dreams, brick by brick. Today we discuss the importance of mutual aid, the intersection of gender identity, religion, and family, and the challenges faced by trans youth. Olíver also talks about the mission of Transanta, which aims to support trans kids who lack familial support, and the role of a campaign manager in processing letters and connecting youth with resources. 

We talk:

12:01 - The mission of Transanta

18:41 - The Role of a campaign manager

32:34 - Feeding your younger self

40:13 - The intersectionality of faith and gender identity

55:02 - Finding love and healing

Episode References:

Woodstock

Transanta

Read more about Olíver in his bio below:

Olíver Eluz Infante is Afro Latine transmasc who is the campaign manager for Transanta, a mutual aid project that connects anonymous gift-givers with trans youth who are unhoused, in foster care, or otherwise without crucial support they need to thrive. He also participates in mutual aid efforts in his town of Ithaca, NY and does free house cleanings for folks with executive function issues. During the day he works as a tournant chef and is soon to begin earning his degree in early childhood education.

• https://www.instagram.com/eluzoliver/ 
• https://www.instagram.com/transanta/ 

Dem Bois Inc. is seeking passionate, equity-driven leaders to join our Board of Directors. We’re recruiting for several roles, including Board Chair, Fundraising & External Relations, Program & Community Engagement, and General Board Members, to help advance our mission to uplift and empower trans men of color.

Click here to APPLY!

Questions? Contact Joy King at [email protected]

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

The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here! - Not just merch, but a movement!

Dem Bois Community Voices Facebook Group is a safe, moderated sanctuary where trans men of color can connect authentically, discuss podcast episodes, share powerful experiences, and build support networks.

Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc - Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else!

Send us a text

This is the 100th episode of Dem Bois Podcast! And I am so grateful to each and every listener, whether you’ve been rocking with us since episode one or if you’re just tuning in today. Thank you! In this milestone episode, I take the guest role while our producer, Jasmine from Pink Lady Productions hosts. We discuss the origins and growth of the podcast and the importance of community and visibility for trans men of color. We also highlight the transformative power of therapy, the significance of asking for help, and the challenges of navigating rejection and boundaries in friendships. 

We talk:

03:02 - The birth of Dem Bois, Inc.

14:58 - The purpose of Dem Bois Podcast

23:46 - Shawn’s reflections on visibility

39:05 - Building community through vulnerability

47:05 - Navigating rejection and boundaries in friendships

52:43 - Affirming gender identity and personal growth

Episode References:

Ep. 37 - Advice for Mental Health and Passion for Social Work with Emilio Perdomo

Ep. 94 - Dem Bois Highlight Series Part 6; Visibility = Possibility™️ with Zyon Aijon

Marsha’s Plate Podcast

Ep. 11 - Building Confidence to Become Your True Self with Vee Martin

Ep.  99 - Dem Bois Highlight Series Part 7; with Jasmine Gary aka Pink Lady

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

Dem Bois Inc. is seeking passionate, equity-driven leaders to join our Board of Directors. We’re recruiting for several roles, including Board Chair, Fundraising & External Relations, Program & Community Engagement, and General Board Members, to help advance our mission to uplift and empower trans men of color.

Click here to APPLY!

Questions? Contact Joy King at [email protected]

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

The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here! - Not just merch, but a movement!

Dem Bois Community Voices Facebook Group is a safe, moderated sanctuary where trans men of color can connect authentically, discuss podcast episodes, share powerful experiences, and build support networks.

Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc - Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else!

Send us a text

Wow! We have almost made it to the 100th episode of Dem Bois Podcast, and our producer Jasmine Gary aka Pink Lady has been rocking with us since episode one. In this episode we discuss the evolution of the podcast, the importance of amplifying marginalized voices, and the growth both the podcast and Shawn have experienced over time. Jasmine shares insights on the podcasting industry, the significance of community engagement, and the need for more representation of Black women in the podcasting world. 

We talk:

09:19 - Reflections on growth and change

16:23 - Understanding diverse perspectives in the trans community

25:31 - The value of professional podcast production

32:00 - Empowering Black women in podcasting

35:27 - Random questions and personal insights

Episode References:

Afros and Audio Podcast Festival

Shirlz Rejouis (The Millenni-HER Podcast)

Nicole M. Young-Martin (Black Writers Read)

Vena J. (The Konfessions Korner) 

Read more about Jasmine in her bio below:

Jasmine Gary is the founder and lead producer of Pink Lady Productions, a production company specializing in podcasts, founded in 2019.

Jasmine became an avid listener of podcasts in 2017. So in 2019, she began editing and producing them. While developing Pink Lady Productions, she realized a gap in the representation of queer entrepreneurs and women of color in the podcasting world. Both in front of the microphone and behind-the-scenes, queer entrepreneurs and women of color and their stories continue to be underrepresented. So Jasmine’s mission is simple: close that gap!

• pinkladyprod.com 

Join us live! In honor of our 100th episode, Shawn Aaron and Jasmine from Pink Lady Production will be going live on Thursday, October 30th at 1:30pm PT / 4:30pm ET. So tune in to watch me answer questions about my personal journey, Dem Bois Podcast, and Dem Bois Inc. You will get the opportunity to ask questions and hear them answered live,

Dem Bois Inc. is seeking passionate, equity-driven leaders to join our Board of Directors. We’re recruiting for several roles, including Board Chair, Fundraising & External Relations, Program & Community Engagement, and General Board Members, to help advance our mission to uplift and empower trans men of color.

Click here to APPLY!

Questions? Contact Joy King at [email protected]

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

The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here! - Not just merch, but a movement!

Dem Bois Community Voices Facebook Group is a safe, moderated sanctuary where trans men of color can connect authentically, discuss podcast episodes, share powerful experiences, and build support networks.

Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc - Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else!

Send us a text

This episode of Dem Bois Podcast is part 1 of our new encouragement series. It features sound bites from various episodes that highlight themes of self-worth, identity, and resilience. The clips explore non-binary identity, the journey of self-acceptance, the importance of choosing oneself amidst societal pressures, and more. 

We talk:

03:02 - Loving yourself through gender dysphoria

06:46 - The importance of individual journeys

12:02 - Choosing yourself and worthiness

16:02 - The power of self-love

Episode Links

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 - demboisinc
• IG - shawnaaron81

Join us live! In honor of our 100th episode, Shawn Aaron and Jasmine from Pink Lady Productions will be going live on Thursday, October 30th at 1:30pm PT / 4:30pm ET. Tune in to watch me answer questions about my personal journey, Dem Bois Podcast, and Dem Bois Inc. You will get the opportunity to ask questions and hear them answered live. Hope to see you there!

• IG - demboisinc
• YT - demboisinc

Dem Bois Inc. is seeking passionate, equity-driven leaders to join our Board of Directors. We’re recruiting for several roles, including Board Chair, Fundraising & External Relations, Program & Community Engagement, and General Board Members, to help advance our mission to uplift and empower trans men of color.

Click here to APPLY!

Questions? Contact Joy King at [email protected]

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

The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here! - Not just merch, but a movement!

Dem Bois Community Voices Facebook Group is a safe, moderated sanctuary where trans men of color can connect authentically, discuss podcast episodes, share powerful experiences, and build support networks.

Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc - Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else!

Send us a text

Did you know that Dem Bois Podcast is an extension of Dem Bois Inc.? Well in this episode, I’m going to tell you all about it! Today I discuss the history and mission of Dem Bois, Inc. I reflect on the journey of the podcast, its impact on the community, and the importance of visibility and representation. I also highlight the significance of creating a supportive ecosystem for trans men of color, emphasizing the need for community support and strategic planning for the future.

I talk:

05:54 - Mission and vision of Dem Bois Inc.

11:52 - Community impact and personal stories

18:10 - Building a supportive ecosystem

24:08 - Future directions and strategic planning

Episode References:

30 Days of Black Trans Reflection: Abolition, Healing, Legacy

Mark Travis Rivera

Dem Bois Podcast Episodes

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™

• https://www.instagram.com/demboisinc/
• https://www.instagram.com/shawnaaron81/

Dem Bois Inc. is seeking passionate, equity-driven leaders to join our Board of Directors. We’re recruiting for several roles, including Board Chair, Fundraising & External Relations, Program & Community Engagement, and General Board Members, to help advance our mission to uplift and empower trans men of color.

Click here to APPLY!

Questions? Contact Joy King at [email protected]

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

The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here! - Not just merch, but a movement!

Dem Bois Community Voices Facebook Group is a safe, moderated sanctuary where trans men of color can connect authentically, discuss podcast episodes, share powerful experiences, and build support networks.

Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc - Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else!

Send us a text

I wanted to do something different to end season 3 of Dem Bois Podcast. So, in this episode, you will hear a voice you’ve already heard. Alexander Rey Perez is back and today we are talking all about  empowerment, mental health, and personal journeys. Alexander shares insights from his experiences, emphasizing the importance of self-worth, community support, and the healing power of travel. We also reflect on the significance of trusting yourself and the journey of self-discovery.

We talk:

09:54 - Navigating mental health and community support

16:21 - Traveling as a pathway to trust and empowerment

23:41 - Andrxgenisis LLC: A new beginning 

31:52 - Final thoughts on empowerment and self-discovery

Click here for transcription!

Read more about Alexander in his bio below:

Alexander Rey Perez is a sovereign, multidimensional divine being led by heart. A two-spirit man of trans experience, spiritualist, and social justice advocate, he bridges activism, healing, and creativity to inspire transformation. As the founder of Andrxgenisis, he cultivates spaces for radical authenticity, holistic empowerment, and systemic change. With over 13 years in advocacy, his work integrates lived experience, ancestral wisdom, and strategic leadership. A speaker, oracle, and conscious creator, he uplifts truth, resilience, and liberation, challenging scarcity mindsets and igniting collective awakening through storytelling, energy work, and spiritual embodiment.

• https://beacons.ai/alexanderreyperez

Dem Bois Inc. is seeking passionate, equity-driven leaders to join our Board of Directors. We’re recruiting for several roles, including Board Chair, Fundraising & External Relations, Program & Community Engagement, and General Board Members, to help advance our mission to uplift and empower trans men of color.

Click here to APPLY!

Questions? Contact Joy King at [email protected]

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

The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here! - Not just merch, but a movement!

Dem Bois Community Voices Facebook Group is a safe, moderated sanctuary where trans men of color can connect authentically, discuss podcast episodes, share powerful experiences, and build support networks.

Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc - Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else!

Send us a text

What does loving yourself actually mean? In this episode, we answer that question. Today I sit down with Alexander Rey Simon-Perez, sharing their journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and the importance of community support. Alexander discusses the significance of his name, the meaning of being two-spirit, and the unconditional love he received from his grandmother. He emphasizes the importance of self-love as a continuous journey and the need to nurture one's inner child. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced in the transition journey and the power of vulnerability and connection in healing.

We talk:

11:47 - Alexander’s transition journey and family support

19:57 - The power of unconditional love

24:01 - Self-love and personal growth

29:49 - The importance of nurturing the inner child

Click here for transcription!

Episode References

Dem Bois Podcast Ep. 8 - Advocating for Trans Lives with Luckie Alexander

Andrxgenisis

Read more about Alexander in their bio below:

Alexander Rey Perez is a sovereign, multidimensional divine being led by heart. A two-spirit man of trans experience, spiritualist, and social justice advocate, he bridges activism, healing, and creativity to inspire transformation. As the founder of Andrxgenisis, he cultivates spaces for radical authenticity, holistic empowerment, and systemic change. With over 13 years in advocacy, his work integrates lived experience, ancestral wisdom, and strategic leadership. A speaker, oracle, and conscious creator, he uplifts truth, resilience, and liberation, challenging scarcity mindsets and igniting collective awakening through storytelling, energy work, and spiritual embodiment.

• https://beacons.ai/alexanderreyperez

Dem Bois Inc. is seeking passionate, equity-driven leaders to join our Board of Directors. We’re recruiting for several roles, including Board Chair, Fundraising & External Relations, Program & Community Engagement, and General Board Members, to help advance our mission to uplift and empower trans men of color.

Click here to APPLY!

Questions? Contact Joy King at [email protected]

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

The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here! - Not just merch, but a movement!

Dem Bois Community Voices Facebook Group is a safe, moderated sanctuary where trans men of color can connect authentically, discuss podcast episodes, share powerful experiences, and build support networks.

Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc - Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else!

Send us a text

Visibility equals possibility! You hear it all the time on this show, but now I’m giving you a peak behind the scenes of how that phrase operates at Dem Bois Inc. Today, on Dem Bois Podcast, I sit down with Zyon Aijon, one of our brand collaborators, and we discuss the creative process behind our “visibility equals possibility” merch. Zyon also highlights the importance of feeling safe and celebrated in his new location and his aspirations for community building and social change.

We talk:

03:04 - Zyon's journey and creative freedom

11:46 - The meaning of visibility equals possibility

15:47 - The impact and risk of visibility in the community

20:12 - Future aspirations and community building

Click here for transcription!

Episode References:

Dem Bois Pod Ep 31 - Speaking Truth to Power Leading Up to Knowing Your Worth with Amari Leach

Dem Bois Pod Ep. 37 - Advice for Mental Health and Passion for Social Work with Emilio Perdomo

Dem Bois Pod Ep. 53 - Finding Spiritual Balance and Peace Amongst Obsession with Zyon Aijon

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. 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
• Space nVADRS (eSports Team): https://nvadrs.square.site/

Dem Bois Inc. is seeking passionate, equity-driven leaders to join our Board of Directors. We’re recruiting for several roles, including Board Chair, Fundraising & External Relations, Program & Community Engagement, and General Board Members, to help advance our mission to uplift and empower trans men of color.

Click here to APPLY!

Questions? Contact Joy King at [email protected]

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!