Dem Bois Podcast

Send us Fan Mail

What is family? Is it the people related to you by blood or by love? In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, we question the idea of “family,” and what it really means. Today I sit down with Joël Simeu, a writer and poet from Cameroon now residing in New York, who is pursuing his PhD at Cornell University. Joel discusses his journey of self-discovery, transitioning to his chosen name Joel, and the challenges of “coming out” to a traditional Cameroonian family. He emphasizes the importance of self-love, gratitude, and community support. Joel also reflects on the impact of religious teachings and cultural expectations on his identity. Despite facing rejection from his family, he finds solace in friends and the freedom of living authentically.

We talk:
Joël’s transition journey - 8:11
His “traditional” upbringing - 19:51
“Coming out” to his family - 29:53
Questioning what family actually is - 37:57
Advice for listeners - 46:16

Click here for transcription!

Episode References:
Dem Bois Pod Ep. 3 - Surviving homelessness

Read more about Joël in his bio below:
Joël is a writer from Douala, Cameroon, currently based in Ithaca, NY, where he is completing his English PhD at Cornell University. His writing is grounded in a poetics of Black & queer futurity. Joël believes in the pursuit of liberation, justice, freedom, and love for all oppressed people. He enjoys going on walks and listening to jazz music. He’s an aspiring saxophonist and loves his friends. 

• https://www.instagram.com/jojosim27

Celebrate 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!

Send us Fan Mail

The phrase “mental health” has become very popular in recent years. We hear speeches and podcast episodes devoted to it and we discuss it amongst ourselves, but how seriously do we really take it? This episode of Dem Bois Podcast is part 2 of my conversation with Micah Roldan and he highlights the lack of resources and support for mental health, particularly for trans men. Micah also advocates for increased awareness for men's mental health, noting the higher suicide rates among men. So if you don’t gain anything else from this episode, at least receive that! Start taking your mental health seriously today!

We talk:
What had to shift within Micah’s relationship with his wife - 7:44
Advice on navigating transitioning with your partner - 14:05
Micah’s advocacy work - 20:36
Not taking mental health seriously - 35:10
Micah’s nonprofit - 41:38

Click here for transcription!

Episode References:
Mental Health America
The Trevor Project
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - 988 (call or text)
Band of the Hand (movie 1986)
Pitch Black (movie 2000)
The Chronicles of Riddick (movie 2004)
Love Jones (movie 1997)

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 Micah

Celebrate 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!

Send us Fan Mail

What is it like to be a true ally for trans men of color? That is what this episode of Dem Bois Podcast is all about. Today I interview another board member, Beauty Wright, spiritual coach and chaplain, and we discuss her journey to leadership and her role on the board. Beauty emphasizes the importance of empathy and compassion, sharing her personal experiences and the impact of her support on her family and community. She also highlights the significance of authenticity and unconditional love in allyship, and advocating for visibility and representation of marginalized groups.

We talk:
Why it’s important for Beauty to show up for trans men of color - 4:22
Her duties as a board member - 8:38
What lead her to this moment - 11:22
Beauty’s last words of love - 15:57

Click here for transcription!

Read more about Beauty in her bio below:
I am a motivated Black woman, who is the CEO/Founder of Loving Your Crown LLC, and an Interfaith Chaplain at a local hospital. This has guided me with a life purpose of building up all persons by supporting them as they learn to love and embrace their crown which is inclusive to members of the POC Trans in my community. My educational background includes; AA in Sociology to understand the demographics in which I can better assess all persons who have been marginalized by their demographic locations. BA and MA in Communication Studies to be able to articulate in a relatable manner with everyone I come into contact with As I believe in meeting people where they are and not where you expect them to be. MDiv (Masters in Divinity) as spirituality is at the core of all things we encounter throughout life. 

“I am a board member of Dem Bois Inc., because I support its mission and important presence for trans men of color. I am a firm believer in everyone living their life in an authentic way, so they can love their crown genuinely on the outside, ensuring it aligns with the crown in their heart - reminding them they are loved, heard and visible. Being a board member of Dem Bois organization gives me the outlet to do this meaningful work.”

• [email protected]

Would you like to make a difference in the lives of trans men of color? Are you or someone you know interested in serving on a non-profit board?

We are looking for one individual who is committed to supporting trans men of color.

Dem Bois seeks a trans leader of color, or other queer folks of color, along with allies who understand the importance of accessing medical transition-related care, and other trans related issues to join our Board.

We are looking for someone who would like to become our Vice-Chair to work alongside the other dynamic leaders of the board to help support the mission and vision of the organization.

What does board membership mean? What does a Vice-Chair of a non-profit board actually do? Are you interested in being a part of Dem Bois board, but would like to learn more before applying? 

• Schedule a 15-minute meeting to learn more about board service. Learn how you can use your skills and talents to support the mission and vision of Dem Bois Inc.
• Link to application to join Dem Bois Board

Join Dem Bois Board of Directors

Celebrate 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!

Send us Fan Mail

In this season of Dem Bois Podcast, we will be giving you a behind the scenes look into Dem Bois, Inc. I want to introduce you to the board members that make everything possible and show you that I do not do everything on my own, hence: this Board Member Highlight Series. Today I sit down with Board Chair, Boo McCaleb, and we talk about his life, career, and what led him to this leadership position. We also discuss what he does in his role as board chair, and his vision and goals for Dem Bois' future.

We talk:
Boo’s life journey so far - 2:42
What Dem Bois, Inc. means to him - 4:49
His roles and responsibilities - 9:06
What is next for Boo - 11:44

Click here for transcription!

Read more about Boo in his bio below:
Boo McCaleb, aka Booscapes, is a Minneapolis-based Projection Artist, Filmmaker, and Public Arts Consultant. Grounded in Justice, community equity, and care, Boo blends sensory experiences and creative technology to foster holistic wellness and pathways to community. A graduate of Macalester College in Media and Cultural Studies, Boo is driven by a passion for public art, community engagement, and entrepreneurship. As a Black Trans, and Native artist, Boo brings unique perspectives to his work, believing in its power to promote wellness, joy, and healing for all Black and brown trans folx.

• [email protected]

Would you like to make a difference in the lives of trans men of color? Are you or someone you know interested in serving on a non-profit board?

We are looking for one individual who is committed to supporting trans men of color.

Dem Bois seeks a trans leader of color, or other queer folks of color, along with allies who understand the importance of accessing medical transition-related care, and other trans related issues to join our Board.

We are looking for someone who would like to become our Vice-Chair to work alongside the other dynamic leaders of the board to help support the mission and vision of the organization.

What does board membership mean? What does a Vice-Chair of a non-profit board actually do? Are you interested in being a part of Dem Bois board, but would like to learn more before applying? 

• Schedule a 15-minute meeting to learn more about board service. Learn how you can use your skills and talents to support the mission and vision of Dem Bois Inc.
• Link to application to join Dem Bois Board

Join Dem Bois Board of Directors

Celebrate 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!

Send us Fan Mail

Check out the full version of the new Dem Bois Podcast Intro and Outro!

Celebrate 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!

Send us Fan Mail

Welcome to season 3 of Dem Bois Podcast! This is a very special episode because we have a returning guest, Marz Turner, aka MoLa Flo, independent artist from Tucson. Marz is responsible for the new sound you will be hearing on Dem Bois Podcast, so I wanted to sit down with him and talk about his creative process. In this episode we also discuss our favorite lyrics, his personal journey and how it relates to the lyrics, and more. Marz also announces his upcoming acapella EP, "Mantras," out now!

NOTE: There will be a BONUS episode right after this one where you can hear the full version of the song. Be sure to check it out!

We talk:
Marz’s creative process - 4:36
The importance of amplifying trans voices - 8:42
Respecting each other’s choices - 16:56
What’s next for Marz - 24:30

Click here for transcription!

Episode References:
Dem Bois Podcast Ep. 49
Marz EP “Mantras

Read more about Marz 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/laflo_444/ 
• [email protected] 

Celebrate 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!

Send us Fan Mail

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

Celebrate 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!

Send us Fan Mail

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

Celebrate 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!

Send us Fan Mail

Trans 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 - 7:51
Dem Bois care packages - 18:07
His family’s reaction to transition - 21:41
Advice to mentally prepare for surgery - 29:45
Honoring his identity while upholding his Jamaican heritage - 36:15
His spiritual practice - 48:17

Click 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/Sundriedjam
• https://www/facebook.com/BeyondSeivright

Celebrate 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!

Send us Fan Mail

We’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 - 4:23
How the name Micah chose him - 14:27
Taking his wife’s last name - 23:05
Not having the language to identify yourself - 36:59
Having the transition conversation with his wife - 43:28

Click 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 Micah

Celebrate 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!