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Self-affirmation has become a buzzword in this day and age, but its power isn’t debatable. When you are consistently affirming yourself, words from others won’t affect you as much. We talk about that in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast. Today I sit down with Monroe, a model, author, and influencer, and we discuss challenges of name changes, gender expression, and the evolving landscape of social media. Monroe also shares his journey of self-discovery, including his transition, the importance of self-care, and the significance of visibility in the trans community.

We talk:

05:07 The importance of self-care during transition

15:13 Understanding gender expression

24:38 The power of digital reach

31:36 Mental health and social media

42:16 Creating for the community

Episode References:

Beyond the Veil Tarot

Read more about Monroe in his bio below:

Monroe Banuelos is a transgender man, best known for his influence on Instagram and TikTok. Aside from that, Monroe is also known for modeling, his ebook for trans men, and his clothing brand 'Lucky Ba$tard'.

• Instagram.com/monroe.banuelos
• TikTok.com/monroe.banuelos

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

The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here!

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

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

Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc

Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else: Behind-the-scenes magic, engaging YouTube shorts, and insider perspectives.

Send us a text

In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, I get the chance to sit down with someone who is just starting out on their gender journey, Tommy Colby McCray. Tommy is a serial writer and uses writing as a therapeutic outlet for stabilizing their mental health. They share their journey of self-discovery, navigating gender dysphoria, and the complexities of choosing a name that resonates with their identity. We also discuss family dynamics, personal loss, and the impact of these experiences on mental health.

Please note: Tommy changed his name after this recording.

We talk:

10:01 Navigating gender identity and name selection

19:58 Family dynamics and personal loss

29:51 Creative aspirations and Tommy’s writing process

40:06 Finding community and support

50:53 Reflections on loss and regret

Episode References:

The Aggressives

Read more about Tommy in his bio below:

I am just learning myself as not only a serial tv writer but as a person who's just been diagnosed with gender dysphoria

• Twitter @xander_gabriel7
• IG: @theoshilohmccray
• Email: gabriellemccray91@gmail.com

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

The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here!

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

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

Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc

Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else: Behind-the-scenes magic, engaging YouTube shorts, and insider perspectives.

Send us a text

Many people have a bad relationship with money. There is shame and guilt surrounding income and spending, and we don’t talk about it enough. So, in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, we share some advice from financial coach Leo Aquino. Leo discusses their journey of self-discovery, the importance of financial literacy, especially within the queer and trans community, and the founding of Queer and Trans Wealth, an organization that provides financial coaching and education focused on the needs of queer & trans communities across the US.

We talk:

08:24 Understanding Leo’s non-binary identity

20:15 The birth of Queer and Trans Wealth

31:02 Practical advice for managing debt

41:42 The Pay It Forward Fund

49:15 Building financial literacy for future generations

Episode References:

The Pay It Forward Fund

Read more about Leo in their bio below:

Leo Aquino is a financial coach, multidisciplinary artist, and award-winning journalist. Leo is the founder of Queer & Trans Wealth, an organization that provides financial coaching and education focused on the needs of queer & trans communities across the US.

• IG: @queerandtranswealth
• www.queerandtranswealth.org

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

The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here!

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

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

Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc

Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else: Behind-the-scenes magic, engaging YouTube shorts, and insider perspectives.

Send us a text

How important is personal growth in your life? This is not a topic we cover much on Dem Bois Podcast, but today we are diving in! In this episode, I sit down with LaShaun Noel and we discuss

his transition, the challenges he faced, and the importance of self-acceptance. LaShaun reflects on his identity, family dynamics, and the evolving relationship with his mother, emphasizing the significance of support and understanding in his journey. He also shares his journey as a social media influencer focused on fitness and mental health.

We talk:

05:46 - LaShaun’s transition journey

19:55 - Understanding identity and self-expression

28:57 - Navigating relationships and family dynamics

35:18 - Going to therapy and growing through adversity

44:44 - LaShaun’s role as a Social Media Influencer

Episode References:

Dem Bois Pod Ep. 21

Dem Bois Pod Ep. 22

Actively Black

Gym Shark

Read more about LaShaun in his bio below:

My name Is LaShaun Noel and I am a transgender social media influencer who loves to promote fitness and influence others to be the best version one’s self no matter how they see fit.

• IG: @Lashaunno3l
• YouTube: Lashaunno3l
• TikTok: Lashaunno3l

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

The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here!

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

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

Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc

Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else: Behind-the-scenes magic, engaging YouTube shorts, and insider perspectives.

Send us a text

Something we always say on Dem Bois Podcast is that visibility = possibility, and in this episode, I get to speak with someone whose visibility showed my possibility and gave me the permission to show up as my authentic self, Tiq Milan. Tiq is a trans rights advocate, speaker, father, teacher, and leadership development strategist, and I am very excited to share this episode. We discuss the challenges of fatherhood, emphasizing the need for legal protections and the impact of his daughter's mother on their relationship. And, Tiq gives us advice on self-love and the power of chosen family.

We talk:

How Tiq’s family support affected him - 10:55

Trying to find other Black trans men online - 20:58

Tiq’s spirituality - 28:40

The Moth - 40:49

His experience with fatherhood - 48:58

Click here for transcription!

Episode References:

The Moth

Middle Church

Read more about Tiq in his bio below:

Tiq Milan is a leadership development strategist, trans rights advocate and speaker. He shares his inspiring story about his experience in the world as a Black transgender man of faith who is also a father, teacher, and world traveler.

• IG: @themrmilan

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

The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here!

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

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

Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc

Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else: Behind-the-scenes magic, engaging YouTube shorts, and insider perspectives.

Send us a text

People have all these rules for how trans masc folks should think, act, and feel, but the truth is that we are all different. So, instead of following "rules" set for us, we should explore what feels right for us. We talk about that more in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast. Today I sit down with E.C. Pizarro III, and we discuss his transition, the challenges of being a Black trans man, and his work in tech. He highlights the importance of visibility and representation, mentioning his 2024 awards and his role in the trans community.

We talk:

E.C.’s gender journey - 8:36

The gender journey for youth - 19:09

Going stealth - 31:29

His career in tech - 49:58

Marsha’s Web - 54:35

Click here for transcription!

Episode References:

The Aggressives (2005)

The L Word (TV Series 2004–2009)

TRANSworld Atlanta

Edens Garden

Marsha’s Web

Read more about E.C in his bio below:

E.C. Pizarro III is a technology experience strategist, owner of 1Z2R, and founder of Marsha’s Web, a resource for TLGBQIA+ communities focused on BIPOC Transgender, Intersex, and GNC business owners. He led TransTech Social from 2021-2024 and has been honored with the 2024 Pioneer of Technology Award, 2024 Change Agent Award, the 2023 Marsha P. Johnson Institute Legacy Award, and was named one of the Out100 LGBTQ+ Policy Makers in 2022. E.C. is dedicated to empowering clients and communities for long-term success through strategic growth.

• www.ecpizarro.com
• IG: @ec.the.tird
• LinkedIn: ecthethird
• Facebook: ec.the.third

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

The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here!

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

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

Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc

Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else: Behind-the-scenes magic, engaging YouTube shorts, and insider perspectives.

Send us a text

E.L. Winston is a father, husband, minister, advocate, and today’s guest on Dem Bois Podcast. In this episode he discusses his journey of transitioning later in life and the challenges he faced, including pushback from the trans community for not medically transitioning and not changing his name. He emphasizes the importance of service, hope, and helping others. And he puts his words into action by running his nonprofit, Transformation in Seat, which provides gender-affirming care.

We talk:

Transitioning later in life - 6:29

The Old Man's Corner in Blaqueout Magazine - 13:46

His career as a minister - 29:49

Putting help and hope into action - 38:23

Book therapy - 44:53

Click here for transcription!

Episode References:

Dem Bois Pod Ep. 18

Dem Bois Pod Ep. 19

Blaqueout Magazine

TranZformation Center for Spirit

Monica Roberts Freedom School

Mahogany Books

Rivers Solomon

KB Brookins

Lambda Nu Dynasty

Read more about E.L. in his bio below:

E.L. Winston is a father, husband, minister and friend his heart for service fuels his advocacy to bring help and hope to his community he lives by the motto if you can look up you can get up!

• FB: E.L.Winston
• IG: @booktherapywitheelwinston
• TikTok: @booktherapywitheelwinston

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

The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here!

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

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

Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc

Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else: Behind-the-scenes magic, engaging YouTube shorts, and insider perspectives.

Send us a text

Joël Simeu is one of Dem Bois 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Awardees and he is the production assistant for the Dem Bois Podcast. He is also today’s guest and we discuss his role in the organization and what he plans to contribute. Joël shares his journey, emphasizing the importance of community and storytelling. We highlight the significance of visibility, especially amidst political uncertainties.

We talk:

What the organization's mission means to Joël - 3:01

What he wants to contribute - 12:07

Words of love to the audience - 18:22

Click here for transcription!

Episode References:

2023 Grant Awardee

Dem Bois Podcast Ep. 69

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

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

The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here!

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

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

Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc

Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else: Behind-the-scenes magic, engaging YouTube shorts, and insider perspectives.