Culture and Cannabis: Advocating for Black Trans Men with Shawn Williams

Send us Fan MailHow many black men do you think are in the medical cannabis space? I’ll even take it a step further. How many trans black men do you think are in the medical cannabis space? I’ll wait… It’s unfortunately no surprise that trans black men are lacking in this industry, especially at the executive level. So, in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, I sit down with pioneer and advocate, Shawn Williams, and we discuss it. We also discuss black culture and differences in experiences between cis men and trans men.We talk:How the name Shawn chose him - 4:01Cis vs trans identity - 16:18Lack of education on ftm transition - 26:06Living by morals and values instead of tradition - 35:52Shawn’s work in the legal cannabis space - 47:20Advice for those looking to get into the legal cannabis space - 1:01:11Click here for transcription!Episode References:Ep. 30 Creating Your Best Life Holistically with Bobby WalkerEp. #47 HIV Activism and Trans Advocacy in Uganda with Ruthra LubegaThe Village (movie) 365 RecreationalBurners Block on InstagramBurners Block websiteThe Grove (dispensary)UMD Graduate Studies in Medical CannabisDutchieCannabist (formerly Columbia Care)Read more about Shawn in his bio below:Born and raised in North Carolina, residing in Maryland. Shawn is a pioneer in the legal cannabis space. Shawn advocates for the rights of Black trans men in cannabis.https://www.instagram.com/Dr.biglungsCelebrate 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!Donate today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color!The  Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here! - Not just merch, but a movement! Dem Bois Community Voices 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 - Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else!