Dem Bois Podcast

Shawn Aaron
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Non-Profit
  • Weekly

This podcast aims to serve as a platform to highlight and amplify the voices of trans men of color and share our transition stories. The Dem Bois Podcast will also cover other issues related to being a trans man of color, such as dating, fitness, sex, mental health, family, and other topics related to our existence. The podcast aims to amplify trans men of color voices and raise awareness of our lived experiences.

  1. 7h ago

    Celebrating Humanity and Joy for Black Trans Men with Dr. Lockett

    Send us Fan Mail Can Black men be human? Depending on the messaging you receive from the media, you may think that the answer to that question is debatable. But, in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, we answer with a resounding yes! Today I sit down with scholar, healer, and creative, Dr. Gabriel Lockett, and we discuss mental health, black trans joy, and the importance of community. We also emphasize the need for soft spaces where men can explore their identities and find acceptance beyond tolerance. We talk: 9:57 - Gender identity and Dr. Lockett’s journey 18:35 - Soft spaces and finding your people 24:56 - Mental health and building capacity 30:38 - Embracing Black Trans joy 40:07 - The unique experiences of Black Trans men 56:08 - Healing, resistance, and collective well-being Episode References: Boys Don't Cry (1999)  A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004) Read more about Gabriel in his bio below: Gabriel Lockett, Ph.D. (he/him), is a scholar, healer, and creative committed to cultivating spaces of belonging, wellness, and liberation. He is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Psychology at New York University, Director of the Belonging, Advocacy, Liberation, and Love (BALL) Research Collective, and Co-Director of the WELLS Healing Collective. His work centers Black, Afro-diasporic, and LGBTQ+ communities, focusing on healing, resistance, and collective well-being. Outside academia, he finds inspiration through photography, music, walking, and family. website-dolockett.comIG-@doc.lockett 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!

    Celebrating Humanity and Joy for Black Trans Men with Dr. Lockett

  2. Oct 28

    Navigating Identity and Embracing Abundance with Kaneni

    Send us Fan Mail If you are looking for abundance, look no further. This one is for you! In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, I sit down with Kaneni, and they share their journey of identity, exploring themes of indigenous ancestry, self-expression through dance, and the complexities of family dynamics. They discuss the significance of their chosen name, Kaneni, which means abundance, and reflect on moments of liberation and connection with others.  We talk: 11:43 - Exploring Indigenous identity and ancestry 21:23 - Liberation through dance and self-expression 37:56 - Navigating family dynamics and acceptance 49:16 - The impact of a past relationship on self-perception 1:13:49 - Self-compassion and healing Read more about Kaneni in their bio below: I am a 30 yr old transmasc nonbinary human and my ancestors are indigenous to the Americas. I'm neurodivergent and have always used art and dance as forms of self expression as they've allowed me to communicate in ways I've struggled to with words. I'm building a beautiful life with my partner, my birth child Nopalito (a pup) and my step kid Quinn (elder cat). Instagram: @mellow.oleadas 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!

    Navigating Identity and Embracing Abundance with Kaneni

  3. Oct 21

    Empowering Queer Youth Through Visibility and Listening with Chandler Jones

    Send us Fan Mail Listening is a superpower and it can be a powerful tool for connection and understanding. And because of this podcast and the community that I have built around it, I can say that is 100% true. In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, my guest and I discuss this more. Chandler Jones is a trans masc, nonbinary social worker from Philadelphia, and they share their journey of self-discovery, their experiences growing up in North Philly, navigating their gender identity, and the significance of visibility and communication in their life.  We talk: 5:47 - The influence of family on personal growth 17:51 - The impact of relationships on identity 27:11 - Creating safe spaces for authenticity 32:45 - Empowering youth through listening 41:40 - Building a support system 56:59 - Creativity in social work 1:06:34 - Future aspirations and community impact Read more about Chandler in their bio below: Chandler is a trans masc, nonbinary, multi-dimensional being based in Philadelphia, working as a social worker, mentor for queer youth through nonprofit programming. A true Gemini with many creative pursuits, they are also a photographer, creative director, and event curator. Their most meaningful role is community connector—grounded in the ethics of social work and a deep commitment to caring for others by connecting people to housing, clothing, food, and opportunity. They believe creativity is a powerful tool for building spaces where people feel seen, celebrated, and genuinely belong. Instagram: @chandler_220 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!

    Empowering Queer Youth Through Visibility and Listening with Chandler Jones

  4. Oct 14

    Trans History, Soft Masculinity, and Genealogy with Cai Shirley

    Send us Fan Mail How important is it to see examples of soft masculinity? To see men cry and express themselves. To see masculine folks find joy and love. Well, I always say visibility equals possibility because once we see it, it becomes an example of what is possible for yourself. That is a huge part of this conversation with Cai Shirley, black trans poet and educator. In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, Cai shares his journey of self-discovery, exploring themes of genealogy, family dynamics, and the complexities of transitioning.  We talk: 3:04 - Exploring genealogy and family history 17:59 - Conversations about transition 36:54 - Embracing change and identity 42:04 - Redefining masculinity through family influence 58:08 - Visibility equals possibility 1:05:21 - Excavating Black Trans histories Episode References: Caillou The Will to Change by bell hooks The L Word Degrassi Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg Star Trek Nichelle Nichols Read more about Cai in his bio below: Cai Sherley is a Black trans poet-educator with roots in Boston, MA. A two-time Pushcart Prize nominee, his work can be found in Best New Poets, swamp pink, Peach Mag, and Tupelo, among others, as well as the anthology I Feel Nothing Like Good: Poets Against Genocide. He has found homes at The Watering Hole, Brooklyn Poets, Tin House, Lambda, and the Chicago Poetry Center, and is a member of Trans Corner Poets. His work centers Black trans life, past and present, in the United States, and his debut chapbook, Out of Yearning, was released in October 2026. website: caisherley.comsocials: crsed_poet 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!

    Trans History, Soft Masculinity, and Genealogy with Cai Shirley

  5. Oct 7

    The Heart of Dem Bois Podcast: A Conversation with Syir and Shawn Aaron

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome 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 identity 14:55 - Navigating relationships during transition 24:08 - Continuing the journey of healing 32:15 - Living authentically 47:20 - Advice for self-discovery Episode References: Finding Your Voice to Live with No Regrets with Syir Dem Bois Podcast New Sound with Syir aka MoLa Flo Transitioning at Work with Shawn Aaron Love Within the Transition Finding Affirmation in Everyday Moments with Shawn Aaron Building Confidence to Become Your True Self with Vee Martin Building Brotherhood Using Unconditional Love with Kalvin Byrd 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 - shawnaaron81 Read 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!

    The Heart of Dem Bois Podcast: A Conversation with Syir and Shawn Aaron

  6. Aug 26

    Finding Affirmation in Everyday Moments with Shawn Aaron

    Send us Fan Mail I 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 image 17:54 - Cherished memories and lasting impact 27:08 - Family dynamics and personal affirmation 35:56 - Unexpected connections and humor 49:55 - Healthy masculinity and self-affirmation Episode References: Ep. 98 - The Collection of Encouragement Series; Part 1 Ep. 7 - Transitioning at Work Ep. 112 - Breaking Free from Conventional Femininity with denim {d} chang Jaylen Hands lifts up teammate after turnover - video Ep. 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 - shawnaaron81 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!

    Finding Affirmation in Everyday Moments with Shawn Aaron

  7. Aug 19

    Extracting Closure; Dear Father, with Shawn Aaron

    Send us Fan Mail If 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 absence 22:27 - Seeking closure: the letter to my father 37:20 - Navigating parental relationships 45:56 - The complexity of family dynamics 55:05 - Our final conversations and lasting effects Episode References: Ep. 126 - Extracting Closure; Dear Mama, with Shawn Aaron Ep. 106 - Extracting Closure From a Past Situation with Shawn Aaron Ep. 103 - Building Brotherhood Using Unconditional Love with Kalvin Byrd 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 - shawnaaron81 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!

    Extracting Closure; Dear Father, with Shawn Aaron

  8. Aug 12

    Extracting Closure; Dear Mama, with Shawn Aaron

    Send us Fan Mail This 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 closure 12:45 - Personal stories of trauma and healing 21:55 - Writing for healing and control of narrative 27:28 - The power of healing and community 35:20 - Dear Mama: A Journey of Healing 43:10 - Transforming pain into purpose Episode References: Ep. 123 - Fulfillment Through Authenticity and Art as Self-Discovery with Wen Neale Ep. 122 - The Weight of Trauma: Unpacking Adoption, Love, and Identity with Felix-Long Laneri Ep. 119 - Breaking Cycles of Trauma through Art and Love with Sunny Ep. 106 - Extracting Closure From a Past Situation with Shawn Aaron Ep. 103 - Building Brotherhood Using Unconditional Love with Kalvin Byrd Ep 48 - Repairing the Relationship with My Birth Mother and the Death of My Chosen Mother Ep. 12 - Healing Generational Trauma Through Transformative Parenting Ep. 3 - Surviving Homelessness 30 Days of Black Trans Reflection: Abolition, Anti-capitalism, and Black Queer Feminism Dear Mama, | Day 27 of 30 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 - shawnaaron81 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!

    Extracting Closure; Dear Mama, with Shawn Aaron
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Trailer

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

This podcast aims to serve as a platform to highlight and amplify the voices of trans men of color and share our transition stories. The Dem Bois Podcast will also cover other issues related to being a trans man of color, such as dating, fitness, sex, mental health, family, and other topics related to our existence. The podcast aims to amplify trans men of color voices and raise awareness of our lived experiences.

Information

  • Creator
    Shawn Aaron
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    135
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dem Bois Podcast
  • Show Website
    Dem Bois Podcast

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