Dem Bois Podcast

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1989145/open_sms] If you don’t learn anything else from this podcast, please learn to choose yourself first! In a way that’s what this episode is all about. Today on Dem Bois Podcast, my guest Jay Moten shares his journey of self-discovery and healing through self-care practices such as yoga, meditation, and breathwork. He discusses the intersectionality of race, gender, and identity, and how these elements shape his experiences as a trans man. Jay emphasizes the importance of community support and the need for safe spaces for trans individuals, particularly men of color.  We talk: 05:55 - Jay’s journey of identity and name selection 14:27 - Spirituality and personal growth 20:41 - Transitioning and finding community 33:25 - Exploring family and identity 41:58 - Finding wholeness beyond labels 51:43 - Integrating self-care practices 01:01:06 - Creating a legacy through storytelling Episode References: Camp Lost Boys  [https://www.camplostboys.org/] Uncloak Foundation [https://uncloakfoundation.org/]  Intentional Man Project [https://theintentionalmanproject.org/]  Dem Bois Podcast Ep. 85 with Kelz [https://www.dembois.org/podcast/episode/799b72d2/exploring-nonbinary-identity-and-queer-masculinity-with-kelz]  Read more about Jay in his bio below: Jay Moton is a dedicated teacher, speaker, healer, and guide, passionate about fostering authentic transformation and self-discovery. Since embarking on his yogic journey in 2007, Jay has integrated Yoga, Breathwork, Meditation, and Sound Healing into his work, helping individuals cultivate self-love and deepen their inner awareness. As the lead facilitator of The Intentional Man Project, he creates space for transmen to find community, connection, and inner alignment. Known for his heart-centered and uplifting approach, Jay inspires compassion and personal growth. Through his classes, workshops, and retreats, he empowers individuals to release fears, transcend limitations, and embrace their highest potential. * Instagram: @jaysonmoton Donate [https://dembois.networkforgood.com/projects/160110-support-care-visibility-for-trans-men-of-color] today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color! The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch [https://www.dembois.org/category/all-products] 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 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1646757942920185/?ref=share_group_link&mibextid=wwXIfr] 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 [http://www.youtube.com/@DemBoisInc] Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else: Behind-the-scenes magic, engaging YouTube shorts, and insider perspectives.

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1989145/open_sms] It is really important to center grace in your life, especially right now with everything going on in the world. So I’m excited to introduce today’s guest on Dem Bois Podcast, because he went so far as to use the word “grace” in his name. In this episode, Grayson Thompson, a Black Jamaican American queer transgender cowboy poet and mental health therapist, shares his journey of identity, family dynamics, and the art of writing. He discusses the significance of his name, the complexities of his relationship with his mother, and the impact of his transition on his life and work. Grayson also reads his poetry, which reflects his experiences and thoughts on love, loss, and acceptance, emphasizing the importance of visibility and representation in the LGBTQ+ community. We talk: 03:03 Grayson’s name and identity journey 11:46 The role of a mental health therapist 20:23 The significance of family and legacy 31:34 Eldership and visibility 43:15 Reflections on life and death 50:52 The importance of community and support Episode References: Donahue (TV Series 1967–1995) [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0065335/] 8 Mile (2002) [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0298203/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_5_tt_5_nm_1_in_0_q_8%2520m] Sand Bodied Florida Boy [https://www.graysonwritespoems.com/sandbodied]  Foglifter Journal  [https://www.foglifterjournal.com/] Read more about Grayson in his bio below: Grayson Thompson [he/him] is a Black, Jamaican-American, queer transgender cowboy poet who moonlights as a mental health therapist. A mouthful, Grayson is Foglifter Press's 2024 Start A Riot! Chapbook Prize Winner with “Sand Bodied Florida Boy” (June 2025) and Winner of Write Bloody Publishing's 2024 Jack McCarthy Book Prize (forthcoming September 2025). Grayson has been featured in Cathexis Northwest Press, Cleaver (nominated for Best of the Net Anthology), Poetry Online, and other spaces. A teaching assistant for poet Buddy Wakefield’s Writer’s Anonymous, he supports emerging and established writers. A wanderer, he lives in Northern California and in awe of the ocean * Instagram: @graysonwritespoems * Writing: www.graysonwritespoems.com * Mental Health: www.graysonlthompson.com Donate [https://dembois.networkforgood.com/projects/160110-support-care-visibility-for-trans-men-of-color] today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color! The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch [https://www.dembois.org/category/all-products] 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 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1646757942920185/?ref=share_group_link&mibextid=wwXIfr] 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 [http://www.youtube.com/@DemBoisInc] Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else: Behind-the-scenes magic, engaging YouTube shorts, and insider perspectives.

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1989145/open_sms] The anxiety we are collectively feeling in this post-election climate is real! That’s why it’s so important to ground yourself and be kind to yourself. And, in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, my guest, Dr. Van Bailey and I discuss grounding practices, mental health, and the impact of kindness. The discussion also covers the challenges and triumphs of modeling as a trans person, advocating for greater representation in the fashion industry. And, we explore themes of queerness, self-expression, and the importance of community support for trans youth. We talk: 09:56 - Dr. Van’s journey of identity and transition 20:07 - Modeling as a trans person 30:03 - Understanding non-binary identity and gender dynamics 40:05 - Navigating barbershop conversations 51:06 - The importance of self-care and grooming 01:05:12 - Navigating political challenges for trans rights Click here for transcription! [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NtSbOCXqSEsWbd_K6vYXrQgoc2i3hO5P/view?usp=sharing] Episode References: Dapper Q [https://www.dapperq.com/] The Aggressives [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0462757/] Campaign for Southern Equality - IG [https://www.instagram.com/southernequality/?hl=en] PLFAG [https://pflag.org/?utm_source=google_cpc&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=cbc_gsearch_pflag_branded&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21861598045&gbraid=0AAAAACdlcon3jMOhqKEjrabaVoVkld4-t&gclid=Cj0KCQjwotDBBhCQARIsAG5pinPKG-vkAu8Zq5Q_vVGgpk24_py_F3VSeriWoAiy4cyKt1FSn0byJoEaArCGEALw_wcB] Read more about Dr. Van in their bio below: Dr. Van Bailey (they/them/theirs) is an award-winning educator and consultant. Their speeches, content, and workshops relate to LGBTQ+ equity, mental health, and belonging in the workplace. They have experience overseeing offices that address implicit bias, LGBTQ+ equity, and diversity and inclusion. As a past director for diversity and inclusion, they have spoken on the importance of gender equity, authenticity, and belonging in the workplace. Dr. Bailey was listed in the Out 100 and Business Equality Magazine's 40 under 40. Dr. Bailey holds a BA from Denison University in English and Black Studies, an MA from Ohio State University in Higher Education and Student Affairs, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from California State University - Donate [https://dembois.networkforgood.com/projects/160110-support-care-visibility-for-trans-men-of-color] today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color! The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch [https://www.dembois.org/category/all-products] 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 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1646757942920185/?ref=share_group_link&mibextid=wwXIfr] 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 [http://www.youtube.com/@DemBoisInc] Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else: Behind-the-scenes magic, engaging YouTube shorts, and insider perspectives.

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1989145/open_sms] In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, we get to talk about the impact of visibility equalling possibility and the significance of building technology for social good. Today I sit down with Dr. Kortney Ziegler, a serial social entrepreneur, and we discuss the importance of community and compassion, grief after losing a parent, and cultural dynamics of living in South Africa. The conversation touches on themes of aging, representation in media, and the complexities of identity within the diaspora. We talk: 06:14 Embracing aging and wisdom 17:59 Visibility and representation in media 24:33 Life in South Africa from a trans perspective 37:21 Cultural displacement and loneliness 46:52 Grief and loss 55:44 Building technology for social good Click here for transcription! [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AUaC5mukOwPbOFBb6G-OvIRs_HMb34_5/view?usp=sharing] Episode References: Still Black: A Portrait of Black Transmen (2008) [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1363482/] The Changemakers Guide - preorder [https://well-money.com/preorder] Read more about Kortney in his bio below: Kortney Ziegler, PhD, is the founder and CEO of WellMoney, a money-sharing community that enables members to both receive and provide monetary aid during times of financial emergencies. Kortney is a serial social entrepreneur who previously co-founded a crowdfunding platform—Appolition—that raised over $1 million to pay bail for people who couldn’t afford it and Trans*H4CK, a nonprofit that creates tech for the transgender community and visibility for trans technologists and entrepreneurs. Donate [https://dembois.networkforgood.com/projects/160110-support-care-visibility-for-trans-men-of-color] today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color! The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch [https://www.dembois.org/category/all-products] 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 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1646757942920185/?ref=share_group_link&mibextid=wwXIfr] 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 [http://www.youtube.com/@DemBoisInc] Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else: Behind-the-scenes magic, engaging YouTube shorts, and insider perspectives.

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1989145/open_sms] How do you foster community and collaboration? One way is through art and activism. And, we dive into that in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast. Today I sit down with rommy torico, a formerly undocumented queer, trans, non-binary visual artist, and they share their experiences navigating identity, survival, and self-discovery. We also discuss the impact of being undocumented on their gender journey, the importance of college as a space for exploration, the complexities of family dynamics during the coming out process, and the significance of mental health support.  We talk: 11:22 The Impact of Survival on Self-Discovery 20:10 The Role of Chosen Family and Community 24:19 Navigating Relationships and Trauma 39:34 Art as a Medium for Social Justice 49:31 Future Aspirations and Uncertainties Click here for transcription! [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ve-luIYLNR-AvsjfCeilRyVTkb1aF3ki/view?usp=sharing] Episode References: Past Lives (2023) [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13238346/] Titanic (1997) [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120338/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_1_tt_7_nm_0_in_0_q_titani] Love Jones (1997) [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119572/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3_tt_2_nm_6_in_0_q_love%2520jo] Read more about rommy in their bio below: rommy torrico is a formerly undocumented, queer, trans nonbinary visual artist born in Iquique, Chile and raised in Florida. They have been involved in social movement spaces encompassing (im)migrant, queer and trans rights struggles for over a decade and infuse much of their work with personal experience and the stories their communities share. Over the years, Torrico’s work has been included in several publications and exhibited at the Getty Museum, the Smithsonian Museum, the Library of Congress and the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía as well as many galleries and museums throughout the Americas and internationally. * IG: @rommyyy123 Donate [https://dembois.networkforgood.com/projects/160110-support-care-visibility-for-trans-men-of-color] today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color! The Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch [https://www.dembois.org/category/all-products] 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 [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1646757942920185/?ref=share_group_link&mibextid=wwXIfr] 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 [http://www.youtube.com/@DemBoisInc] Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else: Behind-the-scenes magic, engaging YouTube shorts, and insider perspectives.