Trans History, Soft Masculinity, and Genealogy with Cai Shirley

Send us Fan Mail How important is it to see examples of soft masculinity? To see men cry and express themselves.

To see masculine folks find joy and love. Well, I always say visibility equals possibility because once we see it, it becomes an example of what is possible for yourself.

That is a huge part of this conversation with Cai Shirley, black trans poet and educator. In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, Cai shares his journey of self-discovery, exploring themes of genealogy, family dynamics, and the complexities of transitioning.

We talk: 3:04 - Exploring genealogy and family history 17:59 - Conversations about transition 36:54 - Embracing change and identity 42:04 - Redefining masculinity through family influence 58:08 - Visibility equals possibility 1:05:21 - Excavating Black Trans histories Episode References: Caillou The Will to Change by bell hooks The L Word Degrassi Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg Star Trek Nichelle Nichols Read more about Cai in his bio below: Cai Sherley is a Black trans poet-educator with roots in Boston, MA. A two-time Pushcart Prize nominee, his work can be found in Best New Poets, swamp pink, Peach Mag, and Tupelo, among others, as well as the anthology I Feel Nothing Like Good: Poets Against Genocide.

He has found homes at The Watering Hole, Brooklyn Poets, Tin House, Lambda, and the Chicago Poetry Center, and is a member of Trans Corner Poets. His work centers Black trans life, past and present, in the United States, and his debut chapbook, Out of Yearning, was released in October 2026. website: socials: crsed_poet Celebrate 10 years of Dem Bois Inc.! 2026 marks ten years of Dem Bois Inc.

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