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

How 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 - 4:01
Cis vs trans identity - 16:18
Lack of education on ftm transition - 26:06
Living by morals and values instead of tradition - 35:52
Shawn’s work in the legal cannabis space - 47:20
Advice for those looking to get into the legal cannabis space - 1:01:11

Click here for transcription!

Episode References:
Ep. 30 Creating Your Best Life Holistically with Bobby Walker
Ep. #47 HIV Activism and Trans Advocacy in Uganda with Ruthra Lubega
The Village (movie)
365 Recreational
Burners Block on Instagram
Burners Block website
The Grove (dispensary)
UMD Graduate Studies in Medical Cannabis
Dutchie
Cannabist (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.biglungs

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