Navigating Gender Expressions and Expectations with Kai Marshall Green

Send us Fan MailWe all fail at gender, trans and cis folks. We don’t fit into the rigid boxes society has created for us because binary rules are flawed. And in this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, we dive into this concept. Today’s guest is Kai Marshall Green, and together we explore themes of identity, transformation, and gender. Kai shares personal experiences, including the significance of his name change and the challenges faced in navigating societal expectations. And, we highlight the importance of visibility for trans individuals and the connections between Black lesbian spaces and trans identity. We talk:07:00 - Kai’s journey of identity and transformation12:04 - Navigating gender expectations and advice28:39 - Mental health and its complexities38:40 - Writing a memoir44:38 - Reflections on growth and healingClick here for transcription!Episode References:I'm Gonna Git You SuckaAll About the BenjaminsFriday Love JonesThe Princess and the FrogBlack Spaces: Reclaim & Remain: July 18, 2025—Sunday, March 1, 2026 at the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA)Read more about Kai in his bio below:K. Marshall Green is a shape-shifting Black Queer Feminist nerd; an Afro-Future, freedom-dreaming, rhyme slinging dragon slayer in search of a new world; a scholar, poet, facilitator, filmmaker; & an Assistant Professor of Africana Studies at The University of Delaware. He earned his Ph.D. from the Department of American Studies & Ethnicity w/ specializations in Gender Studies & Visual Anthropology at USC. His debut memoir, A Body Made Home: They Black Trans Love, is coming out 2/24/26 (The Feminist Press). drDrummerBoiG on all socialsWatch - It Gets Messy In HerePurchase - A Body Made Home: They Black Trans LoveCelebrate 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!