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Most of us only think about death when someone close to us meets that fate. But, it’s important to prepare for death because it is a natural part of life. In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, I sit down with Patrick Cornelius, and we discuss his career shift from brain injury rehabilitation to becoming a funeral director and embalmer, emphasizing the importance of visibility and preparation for death. Patrick also talks about the challenges of navigating new identities and the significance of living authentically and planning for the future.

We talk:
Patrick’s gender identity journey - 11:50
Always having an attraction to gay men - 19:30
Advice for listeners wanting to explore their sexuality - 33:21
Patrick’s career transition - 41:20
The importance of living authentically - 53:34

References:
Stone Butch Blues
Stealth: A Transmasculine Podcast S5 E4 with Patrick
Stealth: A Transmasculine Podcast S5 E1 with Shawn Aaron

Read more about Patrick in his bio below:
Patrick is a 55-year-old black, gay, trans man who began socially transitioning around 2009 and medically transitioned in 2012. Originally from Southeastern PA, he’s called Portland, OR home for the last 11 years. He enjoys discovering the many plant-based restaurants the Pacific NW has to offer, weightlifting, the theater and traveling with his husband. After spending 20+ years working in community-based brain injury rehabilitation, disability sport and the Paralympic movement, he changed careers to follow his dream of becoming a funeral director and embalmer in 2013.

• @patcorn

Donate today to support the care and visibility for trans men of color!

The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here!

Introducing a groundbreaking collaboration crafted by Emilio Perdomo (featured on Dem Bois Podcast 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. It will be great to have TMOC designing products that represents their community and that folks will feel proud to put on. 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.

Are you enjoying the Dem Bois Podcast? Donate today to help support the cost of production and the honorarium we pay our guests for their time. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here!

Donate to support our 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Fund here!

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In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, I sit down with Kwasi Johnson, best known as Kwasi Raheem for our next installment of our Board Member Highlight Series. Kwasi shares his career journey from finance to IT and his role as a senior IT engineer. He discusses his transition to our board treasurer, emphasizing his commitment to resource allocation, community support, and amplifying trans men of color voices. He also stresses the significance of voting and encourages community engagement.

We talk:
What Dem Bois mission means to Kwasi - 6:32
What he would like to contribute as a board member - 8:40
What he does as a treasurer - 11:49

References:
Dem Bois Podcast Ep. 60

Read more about Kwasi in his bio below:
Kwasi was one of Dem Bois 2022 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Awardees. Kwasi has been welcomed to join the Board as the Treasurer. Kwasi brings his extensive knowledge of financial planning, budgeting and project management to Dem Bois as a way help shape the lives and futures for trans men of color

“Peace, love, and light to you. My name is Kwasi-Raheem. I'm a fun, loving, and hilarious plant & animal dad. When I'm not working 1 of my 2 IT related daytime gigs; you can catch me photographing, walking my dogs, and or in your local Home Goods. I also keep a number of reptiles and am a budding "Lego-Brick Architect.”

• kwasi.raheem@dembois.org

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 of Directors

Are you enjoying the Dem Bois Podcast? Donate today to help support the cost of production and the honorarium we pay our guests for their time. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here!

Donate to support our 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Fund here!

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Dem Bois Inc. is an organization dedicated to amplifying trans men of color voices, and today on Dem Bois Podcast, we are continuing our Board Member Highlight Series with Tiana Moon, our board secretary. Tiana shares their background, including their mixed-race heritage, queer identity, and extensive experience in training and community education. And, they emphasize the importance of financial support for gender-affirming procedures, recounting their own experience with top surgery in Tijuana.

We talk:
Tiana’s career and personal life - 1:21
Dem Bois Inc mission - 5:17
Their hopes for the future of Dem Bois - 8:10

Read more about Tiana in their bio below:
Tiana grew up in Kumeyaay territory, living on both sides of the U.S/Mexico border in San Diego, CA and Tijuana, MX. They are a mixed race Chicano of Indigenous and Jewish ancestry. They are also queer, polyamorous, trans, nonbinary, and disabled. All experiences that shape their sense of community and commitment to care work.

They are a Co-Director at Brown Boi Project, an organization dedicated to Gender Justice and leadership development with a focus on how Black, Indigenous, and other people of color experience masculinity. They are also a facilitator and logistics nerd. In addition to formal training and curriculum design, their facilitation includes holding other dynamic spaces like support groups, retreats and gatherings, repair processes, community building events and action planning. Most recently they presented at the Caring Futures conference at The American University of Paris to present on mutual aid, building community care projects and decreasing reliance on violent state systems.

Furthermore, they have a decade of experience providing trauma informed direct services and mentorship to LGBTQ2S+ youth and families experiencing homelessness, incarceration, and co-occurring psychiatric disability and substance use dependence. Both in professional capacities represented by organizations and informally through community relationships and activist care spaces.

They are excited to bring these experiences to their role and honored to support the work of Dem Bois through service as a board member!

• tiana@dembois.org

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

Are you enjoying the Dem Bois Podcast? Donate today to help support the cost of production and the honorarium we pay our guests for their time. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here!

Donate to support our 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Fund here!

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With everything going on in the world today, it’s especially important for he LGBQ and Trans community to learn to shut out the noise so that we can focus on what is actually important. But how? Today on Dem Bois Podcast, Ja’Mel Ashely Ware gives advice on how to do just that. Ja’Mel discusses his transition, the impact of his mother's early death, and his experiences with grief and anger. He emphasizes the importance of mental health support for trans men of color. And, he recounts his decision to become a birthing parent, the challenges of public backlash, and the significance of creating a loving, supportive family environment.

We talk:
Backlash from first pregnancy - 16:26
The importance of therapy - 24:19
Being born with HIV - 31:59
Recognizing how your actions impact your children - 45:10

References:
Living Untethered, book by Michael A. Singer
Emory University Hospital Midtown

Read more about Ja'Mel in his bio below:
Ja'Mel Ashely Ware is a visionary leader known for his impact as an entertainer, entrepreneur, and educator. Beginning as an HIV advocate at age 7, Ja’Mel has passionately championed HIV awareness, reproductive health, and entrepreneurship within the LGBQ and Trans community. He holds a degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is pursuing an MBA at Emory University. As founder of The IR Agency, Ja’Mel merges business acumen with social responsibility, empowering organizations to embrace diversity and inclusivity. His work has earned numerous accolades, and he is the proud father of Sea Cannon and Heir Enéz.

• @sirjamelashely on all platforms
• www.jamelashelyware.com
• www.theiragency.org

Donate today to support the care and visibility for trans men of color!

The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here! Introducing a groundbreaking collaboration crafted by Emilio Perdomo (featured on Dem Bois Podcast 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. It will be great to have TMOC designing products that represents their community and that folks will feel proud to put on. 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

Are you enjoying the Dem Bois Podcast? Donate today to help support the cost of production and the honorarium we pay our guests for their time. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here!

Donate to support our 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Fund here!

Send us a text

Today on Dem Bois Podcast, I get to sit down with Schereéya, who discusses his journey, including the challenges of navigating gender identity, the intersectionality of being autistic and trans, and the importance of visibility and representation. Schereéya also shares his positive experience with top surgery and the ongoing process of transitioning while co-parenting. He advises parents to be honest and open about their transition with their children and to seek support from trans-friendly communities.

We talk:
How the name Schereéya chose him - 4:06
The intersectionality of being autistic and trans - 16:01
How he feels one year after top surgery - 26:40
Transitioning with a family - 33:00
Talking to children about transitioning - 45:45

Click here for transcription!

Episode References:
Start with Why, book by Simon Sinek

Read more about Schereéya in his bio below:
Schereéya (He/Him/Fae/Faer) is a multi-disciplinary artist and outspoken advocate for building equity through representation of Blackness, Indigeneity, neurodiversity and queerness. Currently based in Pittsburgh, PA, Schereéya’s practice focuses on freedom: Freedom of Play, of Joy, of Magic and Whimsy, of the mandate to Know oneself. “The act of Knowing myself helps me liberate myself from others’ expectations. Knowing is an ongoing process, and it takes practice and exploration. That’s what my work is- the practice of self-exploration as a method for understanding the condition of humankind.”

• Buy Schereéya’s poetry collection Prayers & Pixies at https://redhawkpublications.com/Poetry-c120141004
• Instagram: @schereeya
• Tiktok: @studios.pgh

Are you enjoying the Dem Bois Podcast? Donate today to help support the cost of production and the honorarium we pay our guests for their time. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here!

Donate to support our 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Fund here!

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“Doing the inner work,” has become a popular phrase, but what does it mean? In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, Dr. Liam Johnson explains that a big part of “the work,” is self-reflection, shadow-work, journaling, and setting boundaries for personal growth. Dr. Liam discusses his journey and transition experience, highlighting the challenges he faced. He also describes his work with marginalized groups, particularly focusing on trans and non-binary individuals. And, he emphasizes the importance of specialized healthcare for the trans community, noting the lack of information in medical journals.

We talk:
How the name Liam chose him - 5:32
The internal work that you should focus on - 14:27
Setting boundaries with your family - 23:06
Disassociating with your body - 31:26
HIV prevention and advocacy work - 48:04

Click here for transcription!

Episode References:
Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself (book by Melody Beattie)

Read more about Dr. Liam in his bio below:
Dr. Liam Johnson (He/Him) is a Clinical Exercise Physiologist and Research Scientist specializing in epidemiology, with a focus on special population diseases. As a Level 5 Master Trainer, he is dedicated to improving communal health in the African American and LGBTQ communities.

Dr. Liam focuses his scope of work on special population diseases, developing tailored interventions that enhance health outcomes for marginalized communities, like African American and LGBTQ populations." This approach demonstrates his diverse level of expertise and dedication to improving health equity for his communities through academically justified research.

With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Liam combines his passions for research and helping others, creating educational prototypes for marginalized groups and developing life plans for patients. His work is driven by the joy of facilitating understanding and empowerment, leaving behind tangible knowledge. Recognized as one of the Best in Texas in Clinical Physiology, Dr. Liam continues to strive for excellence in all his endeavors.

Link to Shadow Work Journal for Black Men: A Guided Mental Health Journal for Healing, Self-Discovery, Growth & Self-Awareness With Prompts to Work Through...Manifestation & Spirituality for Black Men

• TikTok: @affordably.affirmed1; @affirmedworkouts; @affirmednutrition
• IG: _affordably.affirmed_; _drliam.phys_specialist
• FB: Hellome R&R; Liam Johnson (no shirt)
• LinkedIn: Dr. Liam Johnson PhD., EdD., Doc.Sci.
• YOUTUBE: @AffordablyAffirmed

Are you enjoying the Dem Bois Podcast? Donate today to help support the cost of production and the honorarium we pay our guests for their time. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here!

Donate to support our 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Fund here!

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If you are wondering how to be a better ally to trans men of color then this one's for you! In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, I sit down with Nasir Young. Nasir shares his experience of transitioning at work, including the challenges of changing his name and navigating workplace dynamics. He emphasizes the importance of allyship and authentic support from colleagues. He also discusses the emotional impact of transitioning, including moments of missing his former identity.

We talk:
The meaning of “Nasir” - 5:57
His transition journey - 12:28
Seeing the queer community expand - 21:28
Allyship in the workplace - 35:51
Missing former identities - 48:54

Episode References:
Ep. 7 - Transitioning at Work

Read more about Nasir in his bio below:
Nasir Young is a dedicated leader committed to driving economic growth in underserved communities. Originally from Washington, D.C., and now based in New York City, Nasir has a strong passion for advocating social inclusivity and economic justice. His work focuses on creating opportunities and fostering development in areas that need it most, embodying a deep commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nasiry
• IG: @thedcmatic

Are you enjoying the Dem Bois Podcast? Donate today to help support the cost of production and the honorarium we pay our guests for their time. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here!

Donate to support our 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Fund here!

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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

Are you enjoying the Dem Bois Podcast? Donate today to help support the cost of production and the honorarium we pay our guests for their time. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here!

Donate to support our 2023 Gender Affirming Surgery Grant Fund here!