DEM BOIS INC

Joël Simeu is a poet, scholar, and activist rooted in a poetics of queer futurity. Jo is a second-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Literatures in English at Cornell University. Born in Cameroon, he grew up outside of Washington D.C., and attended high school in rural Pennsylvania where his interest in justice, poetry, and literature took root. Jo’s undergraduate degree from Washington and Lee University is in English with minors in Africana Studies and Poverty and Human Capability Studies. He has worked as a paralegal at Relman Colfax in Washington. D.C. In his free time, Jo enjoys pottery, reading and writing poetry, and going on walks.

I am a queer, trans-masculine and nonbinary Korean living in New York City. I work as a psychotherapist and provide support for queer and trans people of color through intergenerational trauma, complicated grief, complex trauma and gender dysphoria. Being a therapist and providing this support for other people helped me bring together my own fragmented parts of myself that have been tucked away for survival and safety. After working on breaking down my own defenses against shame of being my authentic self, I look forward to building a future where I am closer to my full humanity - and this grant is a life-changing instrument in making that possible for me.

HELLO EVERYONE!!! I just wanna say I'm so grateful for having this opportunity in receiving this grant! I have had my ups and downs but have remained true to myself during my journey. I have practiced patience in learning to be positive, which has helped me stay humble, hungry, and smart. I have been on my journey of transitioning for 5 years now and I have learned so much about myself that I can now say I'm FINALLY happy with the MAN I am today!! I have been striving to inspire others.. I have tried to also be part of our community more and show them we can all come together to just understand each other a little more so we can all grow and succeed!! "Anything is possible with a little kindness."

Hey fam! My name is BeyonD, I'm 29 and I live in Chicago. I enjoy hiking, traveling, woodworking, and live music. I also enjoy looking for ways to serve and be a part of my community! I've had the pleasure of volunteering with a number of groups including Transformative Justice Law Project of Illinois, Chicago PD's 20th district mutual aid team, the Midwest Workers Association and Bridge Beyond Entertainment. I have been so blessed by community time and time again. I strive to give back what has been so freely given to me. I've dealt with anxiety and depression over the last 4 years; my self confidence and self esteem during the time have taken a nosedive. Getting gender affirming surgery will help restore that confidence and self esteem tremendously, probably in even more ways than I'm aware of! I've lived my life for some many people, whether that be friends, coworkers, or my eight siblings that look up to me. I'm ready to start living for ME. I know that I am deserving of love, happiness, joy, and shirtless nights on the beach! This is more than just a personal journey for me - I hope this can inspire other folx to speak their truth as well. Thank you Dem Bois!

Hello, hope all is well! My name is Nick, a resident of a small town in the state of Virginia called Martinsville. My motto is to forever and always live in your own truth and own happiness! Top surgery will help boost confidence within myself. To feel free, happy and secure!

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.

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”