Dem Bois Podcast

Shawn Aaron
  • 5.0 (9)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED 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. Unapologetically Black, Trans, and Pregnant with Keo Ruiz-O’Neal

    2D AGO

    Unapologetically Black, Trans, and Pregnant with Keo Ruiz-O’Neal

    Send us a text I say it all the time and I will continue to say it: “Children are a blessing!” They are innocent beings that deserve love and care, and that is the basis of my conversation with Keo Ruiz-O’Neal on this episode of Dem Bois Podcast. Keo is our first guest who is actively pregnant and we talk all about it. We also discuss the importance of community care, the journey of identity, and the challenges faced by trans individuals, particularly in family dynamics and societal acceptance. Keo shares his experiences of being unapologetically Black and Trans, navigating family acceptance, and the beauty of pregnancy as a trans man.  We talk: 05:29 - The power of being unapologetically Black and Trans 13:40 - Navigating family dynamics and acceptance 24:13 - Keo’s experience with Pregnancy as a Trans man 38:16 - Navigating parenthood in this complex world 51:11 - Family dynamics and support systems 01:00:42 - Embracing identity and open conversations Read more about Keo in his bio below: Keo Ruiz-O’Neal is a married Black transman carrying his own baby. He is unapologetically Black and trans. Keo has been medically transitioned for 9 years before deciding to carry his baby and grow his family. Keo fiercely believes in equity and serving the most vulnerable and marginalized of the population. He lives up to that through his work and life by advocating for those populations as he is among them as a multiply marginalized individual. He currently lives in Colorado with his husband, dog, and 3 cats. IG - keos_kingdom 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!

    1h 8m
  2. Embracing Sex Positivity and Freedom with Gabe Tha Babe

    JAN 28

    Embracing Sex Positivity and Freedom with Gabe Tha Babe

    Send us a text What would society look like if we could all be ourselves with no repercussions? I can’t be sure, but we touch on it in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast. Today’s guest is Gabe Tha Babe, a multidisciplinary artist and community organizer, and we discuss the importance of family support, the challenges of navigating masculinity and mental health, and our vision for a supportive community space that encourages authenticity and visibility as pathways to empowerment. The episode also delves into the topic of sex positivity, emphasizing the need to break free from societal shame and embrace one's identity and desires.  We talk: 03:50 - Gabe's journey to self-discovery 14:19 - The role of family in identity 21:17 - Navigating masculinity and mental health 35:55 - Combatting negativity and gatekeeping 46:54 - The impact of houselessness on youth 51:24 - A vision for community support Episode References: History of Downtown Los Angeles “Skid Row”  Containment and Community: The History of Skid Row… Read more about Gabe in his bio below: Gabe Tha Babe is a Brown Latino TransMasc multidisciplinary artist, public figure, night life personality, event producer, sex worker and community organizer and leader. Originally from rural South Texas, he understands the importance of Trans PoC visibility and strives to represent and center that in all the work that he does. He’s been living in Los Angeles almost 10 years and has been organizing and advocating for the queer, trans and houseless communities since 2018.  IG - gabe_thababe 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!

    58 min
  3. The Complexities and Phases of Gender Awakening with Taj Taylor

    JAN 21

    The Complexities and Phases of Gender Awakening with Taj Taylor

    Send us a text One thing we don’t get to talk about often is the role that fashion can play in gender awakening and identity. But in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, our guest Taj Taylor brings it to the forefront of the conversation. Today we discuss family dynamics, self-acceptance, and the importance of community support. Taj emphasizes the significance of self-love and acceptance as foundational elements for finding love and building meaningful relationships. And, together we encourage listeners to embrace your true selves and recognize the power of love and authenticity in your lives. Episode References: The Village (2004) Twin Fools YouTube We talk: 07:22 - Understanding self: the journey of gender identity 15:20 - Navigating acceptance: the struggle with identity 27:10 - Navigating family dynamics and acceptance 39:46 - Cultural challenges and personal growth in Taiwan 45:51 - Reaffirming identity and building relationships 58:09 - The power of visibility and self-expression 01:10:22 - Finding love through self-discovery Read more about Taj in their bio below: Taj is a 29-year-old nonbinary content creator, tattoo artist and spiritual medium. They’re an advocate for love, authenticity, and trusting in the divine, and their work blends intuition, storytelling, and art to help their community feel safer and more rooted in who they are. Taj also creates tools for healing, including their queer love manifestation journal, designed to help people attract deeper love, connection, and emotional safety. Taj’s mission is to hold space for transformation and remind others that they are always worthy of a life that feels aligned and deeply loving. tajinbloom LinksIG - tajinbloomQueer Love Manifestation Journal 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!

    1h 18m
  4. Extracting Closure From a Past Situation with Shawn Aaron

    JAN 14

    Extracting Closure From a Past Situation with Shawn Aaron

    Send us a text Why is it so important to express your feelings? Because people aren’t mind readers and if you don’t express yourself, they may never know how you feel. And, I had to learn this the hard way. This episode of Dem Bois Podcast is a solo episode where I discuss extracting closure from past relationships. I share a story about a lost love and the impact of my unexpressed feelings, and I emphasize the need to communicate love and care to those people in our lives.  I talk: 07:33 - The impact of isolation and suicide 09:19 - Extracting closure from past relationships 11:44 - Navigating love and loss 27:07 - The importance of expressing love Episode References: Ep. 3 - Surviving Homelessness 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™ https://www.instagram.com/demboisinc/https://www.instagram.com/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!

    38 min
  5. Exploring Gender Identity in the Ballroom Scene with Jota & Calvin

    JAN 7

    Exploring Gender Identity in the Ballroom Scene with Jota & Calvin

    Send us a text A recurring theme on Dem Bois Podcast is the importance of friendship and chosen family. And in this episode, I sit down with two friends who have become family. Today I talk to Jota and Calvin, and we discuss the impact of community, the intersections of race and gender, and the importance of representation and self-acceptance in the trans community. Jota and Calvin also share their personal journeys and experiences, including the creation of workdatcxnt. We talk: 11:58 - Visibility and self-identity 23:44 - Reflections on masculinity and gender experiences 36:34 - Building community and chosen family 40:02 - Personal journeys into Ballroom 51:11 - Work Dat C**t Click here for episode references! Read more about Jota in his bio below: Jota Kayodê Ramos is a Brazilian transmasculine multidisciplinary artist and activist based in Berlin. Holding a master's degree in Applied Social Sciences, his practice in performance, installation video and poetry is deeply informed by academic research. An active member of the Ballroom scene since 2019, he walks in AA Runway and TM Realness categories and has walked internationally in cities such as New York, Paris, Brussels, and across Brazil and Germany. Ramos is also one of the heads of Workdatcxnt and a member of the Brazilian Institute of Transmasculinity (IBRAT). IG - jotakayode Read more about Calvin in his bio below: My name is Calvin - I'm 31 y/o and based in Berlin. I entered ballroom in spring 2023, walking TM Realness so far. By the end of 2023 I joined workdatcxnt and found this to be the perfect place for me to discover different categories in a masculine space. I started my transition in 2014 in an area with little to no queer BIPOC representation, so the workshops are also an amazing opportunity to just connect with fellow TM's and watch the transmasc community grow. IG - cal.crm 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!

    1h 7m

  6. TRAILER

    Trailer

    Send us a text Welcome to Dem Bois Podcast! This podcast aims to serve as a platform to highlight and amplify the voices of trans men of color as we share our transition stories, discuss mental health, fitness, parenthood, and many other issues that are relatable to trans men of color and our existence. The goal behind the podcast is not only to amplify our voices, but to raise awareness and discourse around our lived experiences. 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!

    1 min
  7. Advocating for Trans Equality and Resilience with Devon Ojeda, PhD

    11/26/2025

    Advocating for Trans Equality and Resilience with Devon Ojeda, PhD

    Send us a text In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast I have an amazing conversation with Devon Ojeda, about the importance of community, identity, and resilience in the face of adversity. Devon shares their personal journey, including their experiences with trauma, spirituality, and the significance of their name change. They emphasize the radical act of living authentically and the importance of supporting trans rights through community and unionization. And, we touch on the potential for change and hope for the future of trans rights, highlighting the importance of visibility and collective action. We talk: 05:53 - Finding home in Baltimore 12:10 -  Devon’s journey of name change and identity 20:51 - Survival, healing, and spirituality 30:08 - Parenting and acceptance of identity 40:55 - Intersectionality in the Trans Movement 52:08 - The importance of community and solidarity Episode References: Dem Bois Podcast Ep. 3 - Surviving Homelessness Read more about Devon in their bio below: Devon Ojeda (they/he) is the Senior National Organizer at Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE), where they build coalitions and work with government partners to advance policies supporting trans communities, including  healthcare and housing. Devon describes their hormone journey as a meaningful source of healing as a trans person and survivor. Previously, he served as the 2018–2019 James Marshall Public Policy Fellow with the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues, working for the Senate HELP Subcommittee. Devon holds a Ph.D. in Community Psychology from Wichita State University. IG: @devojeda & @transequalitynowTransequality.orgVolunteerTake Action 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!

    1h 9m
  8. Building Brotherhood Using Unconditional Love with Kalvin Byrd

    11/19/2025

    Building Brotherhood Using Unconditional Love with Kalvin Byrd

    Send us a text 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 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!

    1h 13m
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Trailer

5
out of 5
9 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
    111
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dem Bois Podcast
  • Show Website
    Dem Bois Podcast

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