Dem Bois Podcast

Breaking Free from Conventional Femininity with denim {d} chang

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1989145/fan_mail/new] When you think about masculinity and vulnerability, you may not think they work together, but they do! And in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, denim chang tells us how. He also shares personal experiences with conventional femininity, healing from toxic patterns, and the role of spirituality in healing processes. Together we discuss the importance of community care, the significance of names and pronouns, and the journey of gender identity and transition.  We talk: Chapters 05:56 - The significance of names and pronouns 18:04 - The role of spirituality in healing 35:35 - Embracing vertical alignment and masculinity 43:44 - Creating a space for learning and growth 47:22 - The journey of self-discovery 55:59 - Visibility equals possibility Episode References: bell hooks [https://bellhooksbooks.com/]  Ep. 106 - Extracting Closure From a Past Situation with Shawn Aaron [https://www.dembois.org/podcast/episode/79ec5fd6/extracting-closure-from-a-past-situation-with-shawn-aaron] Audre Lorde: Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power [https://www.centraleurasia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/audre_lorde_cool-beans.pdf] @tboyskr1pclub [https://www.instagram.com/tboyskr1pclub/?hl=en] Read more about denim in his bio below: denim {d} chang is a somatic trauma resolution practitioner and erotic power enthusiast. In his work, he bridges body-based intelligence, the ancestral wisdom of his taoist lineage, and his love for relationship anarchy to support our healing work in feeling more vulnerability, intimacy and belonging. He is the creator of Somatics for the People, an emerging school for liberatory embodiment and identifies as a transmasculine nonbinary immigrant and survivor on the autism spectrum, and a love and sex addict in recovery. When not avoiding his writing practice, he's in muay thai or at the drums. * d-chang.com [https://d-chang.com/] * IG - huesofdenim [https://instagram.com/huesofdenim] * somaticsforthepeople.com [https://somaticsforthepeople.com]  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! [https://dembois.networkforgood.com/projects/160110-support-care-visibility-for-trans-men-of-color] 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! - Not just merch, but a movement!  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!

Staying Connected to Humanity in Chaos with Simran Chugani

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1989145/fan_mail/new] Think about anger like a pot of boiling water. If the fire keeps burning when all the water is boiled, the pot will eventually catch fire. And if you allow your anger to boil over, your body will pay the price. And we dive deeper into this concept in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast. Today’s guest is Simran Chugani and we discuss the role of poetry in self-discovery, the intersection of cultural expectations, and the importance of staying connected to humanity amidst societal chaos. We also explore the multifaceted nature of activism, emphasizing the importance of community, healing, and the balance between anger and joy. We talk: 08:53 - Martial Arts and the concept of peace 17:48 - Cultural expectations and assimilation 39:28 - Balancing anger and joy in activism 44:51 - Alternative forms of contribution 54:46 - Marathons as a metaphor for life's struggles 01:00:13 - The beauty of humanity in shared experiences Episode References: Power Beyond Pride [https://powerbeyondpride.com/]  Andrea Gibson [https://andreagibson.org/] John Green [https://www.johngreenbooks.com/] Dan Savage [https://savage.love/] E.R. Fightmaster [https://www.instagram.com/genderless_gap_ad/?hl=en] Violence - EP [https://open.spotify.com/album/6sbuipZaNdrMC3egrQTIpE] Read more about Simran in their bio below: Simran Chugani is a health researcher, poet, and marathoner based in Orlando, Florida whose work lies at the intersection of storytelling, community-building, and having as much fun as possible. As a researcher, Chugani aims to make health care more integrated, responsive, and accessible. As a poet, they aim to tell stories that capture the beauty in the everyday. As a marathoner, Chugani promotes visibility for trans athletes and leads initiatives that improve inclusivity in sports. At their core, Chugani is grounded in ancestral knowledge and powered by joy. * Instagram: @simran.chugani [https://www.instagram.com/simran.chugani/] 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! [https://dembois.networkforgood.com/projects/160110-support-care-visibility-for-trans-men-of-color] 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! - Not just merch, but a movement!  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!

Finding Community Through Visibility and Fitness with Miles

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1989145/fan_mail/new] Finding community is something we discuss often on Dem Bois Podcast. Why? Because it is important! And in this episode, Miles and I emphasize the significance of community, confidence, and visibility, as well as the challenges and triumphs faced during transition. We also discuss fitness, exploring the harmful stereotypes and gatekeeping present in gyms and sharing our personal journeys of self-acceptance and expression. We talk: 03:52 - Exploring identity and gender journey 13:00 - Family support and relationships 25:47 - Navigating visibility and transition 34:02 - Challenging fitness norms and gatekeeping 46:55 - The importance of visibility in healthcare 55:18 - Fluidity in gender identity and self-expression Episode References: Coming to America [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094898/]  Single All the Way  [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14315756/] Ep. 96 Episode of Empowerment with Alexander Rey Simon-Perez [https://www.dembois.org/podcast/episode/7baa733f/season-3-finale-episode-of-empowerment-with-alexander-rey-simon-perez] The Sultan Room  [https://thesultanroom.com/] The Bush [https://www.bushbk.com/] Cubbyhole Bar NYC  [https://www.cubbyholebar.com/] Henrietta Hudson [https://henriettahudson.com/] Read more about Miles in their bio below: I’m a transmasc creative working across nightlife, modeling, and wrestling. Known for my confident energy, I’ve hit stages with Butch Hooters, Dykes & Dolls, The Bush, Gingers, Mascarade, and Masc House, walked TGS NYFW with Dapper Q, been featured in BINADW, and thrown down in Lesbian Oil Wrestling and Tboy Wrestling. I’ve also co-produced shoots recently! I love blending seduction, strength, and storytelling, exploring masculinity through many lenses. I’m driven by a vision where trans men and transmascs are celebrated and adored — never treated as an afterthought. * Instagram: @amillymiles [https://www.instagram.com/amillymiles/?hl=en] * Tiktok: @amillymiles [https://www.tiktok.com/@amillymiles?lang=en] * Twitter: @amillymiles [https://x.com/amillymiles] 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! [https://dembois.networkforgood.com/projects/160110-support-care-visibility-for-trans-men-of-color] 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! - Not just merch, but a movement!  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!

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

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1989145/fan_mail/new] 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 [https://www.instagram.com/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! [https://dembois.networkforgood.com/projects/160110-support-care-visibility-for-trans-men-of-color] 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! - Not just merch, but a movement!  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!

Embracing Sex Positivity and Freedom with Gabe Tha Babe

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1989145/fan_mail/new] 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” [https://lachamber.com/clientuploads/LUCH_committee/102208_History_of_Skid_Row.pdf]  Containment and Community: The History of Skid Row… [https://www.lapovertydept.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/skidrow-now-2040_green_paper_final_web_upload.pdf] 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 [https://www.instagram.com/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! [https://dembois.networkforgood.com/projects/160110-support-care-visibility-for-trans-men-of-color] 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! - Not just merch, but a movement!  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!