Breaking Cycles of Trauma through Art and Love with Sunny

Send us Fan Mail I didn’t have the best relationship with my mother growing up, so when I became a father, I leveled up on my healing so I could break that cycle. And, healing is a huge part of this conversation with Sunny, a nonbinary trans artist, photographer, and advertising creative. In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, Sunny and I discuss the impact of their upbringing, the complexities of maternal relationships, and the significance of therapy in their life. Sunny also explains the concepts of Afrofuturism and surrealism, highlighting how these artistic movements influence their work. We talk: 08:55 - Navigating gender identity and expression 14:56 - Cultural expectations and parenting 27:13 - Defining nonbinary identity 36:21 - Navigating family dynamics 48:04 - The power of art and community 59:29 - Building confidence through photography Episode References: The Brown Boi Project Dem Bois Highlight Series Part 5; with Joël Simeu Read more about Sunny in their bio below: Sunny (They/He) is a nonbinary, transmasc artist, photographer and advertising creative with a background in Black feminist theory, gender studies and pedagogy. Through “poetry in motion,” their art centers afrofuturism, surrealism and the radical beauty of joy. - IG: SPICECAMVISUALS - IG: COMPLEX.SUN - TT: SPICEDAD **Celebrate 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!