DEM BOIS INC

Hello Guys, my name is Alex, I go by Al, or whichever you’re comfortable with. I was born and raised in Miami, Florida. As a child I always knew that I was a boy. Whether in school, church, or home I always hung around my brother, male cousins, and friends. I’ve been trans since the age of 10. My mother and father are both from the islands, they always had different beliefs. For so many years they didn’t accept me for who I was. My mother Would always get so angry because I chose to play with the boys. She would say, “I had two children, a boy and a girl.” I’d always find a way to ensure that she understood and respected my feelings. I’d tell my mother, “I’m not a girl, I’m a boy”. Neither my mother nor father went for that. They figured that giving me beatings would change me, however it only made things worse. My parents always told me “That the devil was using my brain” and figured that signing me up for counseling would help. Nevertheless, I’m here to tell you that it didn’t work. My father grew to understand and respect my transition after so many years. However, being a trans man before knowing what trans was, was very difficult for me. Over the last few months, I finally began my hormone therapy. I’m very pleased to say that I’m very comfortable with who I am. Others opinions and thoughts no longer matter. I’m proud to say, “I’M A PROUD BLACK TRANS MAN. Always remember no one can define who you are! Always walk with your head held high. United We Stand “TRANS MEN ROCK”

Hello ladies and gentlemen, my name is Samir Malcom King I was born in raised in Brunswick Georgia and I'm the baby of 4 siblings. I'm also a twin of two minutes and I have a son that's 17 yes old and just currently got married. I'm currently in my third year of transitioning. My pronouns are he, him, his. This journey that I'm in has made me realize how much my life has value in this world. And if it wasn't for Shawn and his team, I would not have made it to my first destination. I've did 10 years in prison and came out a beast. I have 3 small, owned business so with that being said I hope my smile and my story help you be the best you. LOVE YOU LIKE NO OTHER WILL...FROM MR. KING

I'm a Vietnamese American trans man, who recently graduated from the University of Florida with degrees in Music and English Film & Media Studies. I'm 8 years into my transition journey and looking forward to where life takes me next!

Iya jackson is a Baltimore, Maryland transplant by way of his hometown, Little Rock, Arkansas. iya's gender journey is closely aligned with his art & photography. Their dedication to the Black queer & trans community motivates the subject matter they select for their work. As iya's gender expression becomes more fully realized, so does his artistry.

Hello all! My name is Jaye (they/he). I am non-binary transmasc. I started exploring my gender identity at the height of the pandemic, and now am fully accepting who I am. I am so thankful for this grant and for everyone who has been with me throughout this journey. I can truly say that I am starting to love myself more and am starting to recognize myself when I look in the mirror because I am authentically me.

Peace & love! My name is Kwasi Raheem. By day, I am an IT Engineer and photographer. In my spare time I enjoy a number of horticulture activities, which includes but are not limited to taking care of my plants & animals.