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This episode explores how social support shapes mental health for Black trans masculine folks and Black trans men, moving beyond crisis response to everyday thriving. The podcast offers a clear definition, two self-assessment questions, and practical ways to build aligned, reciprocal networks.

• mission and focus on Black transmasc folks and Black transmen’s mental health
• definition of social support and why it matters
• two questions to assess current networks
• shifting from crisis-only help to thriving support
• choosing affirming people who uplift goals
• reciprocity, consistency and staying connected
• fill out this questionnaire to measure support levels

Addition social support questions:

1. Family Support:

• How would you describe your relationship with your family? (close, distant, strained, no relationship)
• Do you feel comfortable discussing your gender identity and mental health with your family? (Yes/No)
• Have you experienced rejection or discrimination from your family due to your gender identity? (Yes/No)

2. Friend Support:

• How many close friends do you have?
• Do you feel comfortable discussing your gender identity and mental health with your friends? (Yes/No)
• Do your friends provide emotional support, practical help, or information related to your gender identity and mental health? (Yes/No/Don’t have any friends)

3. Community Support:

• Are you involved in any LGBTQ+ communities or organizations? (Yes/No)
• If yes, how does involvement in these communities impact your mental health? (Open-ended)
• Do you feel supported by the broader Black community? (Yes/No)

4. Overall Support:

• Overall, how would you rate your level of social support? (very poor, poor, acceptable, good, very good)
• What type of support do you find most helpful? (Open-ended)
• Are there any specific support needs that are currently unmet? (Open-ended)

The podcast was based on research found here. If you want to get into the technical aspect of social support, click the link.

Also, share, listen, follow, subscribe to the podcast, and continue to discuss mental health with other black trans masculine folks and black trans men

If you are suicidal or suffer from suicidal ideation, call TransLifeline 877-565-8860; Black Line 800-604-5841; Trans Lifeline text 313-662-8209; The Trevor Project 866-488-7396

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The Band of Brothers Mental Health Podcast is produced, written, and edited by Transman In Search of Media in Atl, GA. Sound design also created by Transman In Search of Media.

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Ever wonder how far we've come in understanding transgender mental health? The journey from pathologization to progress has been long and challenging, but knowing this history is essential for appreciating our present and building a better future.

The Band Brothers Mental Health Podcast dives into the origins of transgender mental healthcare, tracing its evolution from the 19th century—when trans folks were misunderstood, labeled as homosexuals, and institutionalized—to today's more affirming approaches. This eye-opening exploration reveals how pioneering figures like Magnus Hirschfeld and Harry Benjamin began distinguishing transgender identities from sexual orientation, setting the stage for gradual improvements in understanding and care.

We reveal the significant shifts in medical perspectives, from the first formal diagnosis of "Psychopathia Transsexualialis" in 1949 to the inclusion of "transsexualism" in diagnostic manuals in the 1980s, and finally to the revolutionary change in the DSM-5 in 2013 that focused on gender dysphoria rather than pathologizing identity itself.

If we don't know where we have been, how far we have come, we will become discouraged and fall into despair. This episode offers a crucial historical perspective while emphasizing the importance of continued advocacy. The work isn't finished, but by understanding our collective journey, we can draw strength from those who persevered before us. Subscribe now to join a community committed to improving the mental health and support for Black transmen and Black transmasculine folks, because knowing our history empowers our future.

• DSM: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
• DCD: Disorders of Sexual Development
• ICD: International Classification of Diseases
• Reference: Psychiatry.org - Gender Dysphoria Diagnosis

Support the show

The Band of Brothers Mental Health Podcast is produced, written, and edited by Transman In Search of Media in Atl, GA. Sound design also created by Transman In Search of Media.

Send us a text

Mental wellness begins with pruning our inner garden. Before we can create healthy boundaries with others, we must first address the negative thought patterns that lead us into relationships that don't serve us.

The Band of Brothers Mental Health Podcast tackles this crucial concept in our latest episode, "Is Your Cutoff Game Strong?" Host Solomon challenges the common understanding of "cutting people off" by suggesting a more profound approach: identifying and eliminating the internal thought patterns that attract harmful relationships in the first place. Using the powerful metaphor of gardening, Solomon explains how negative thoughts act as weeds, slowly choking our mental and emotional growth until we hardly notice the damage being done.

Through personal insights and a thoughtful analysis of a scene from Issa Rae's "Insecure," the episode explores how self-awareness about our mental health needs can guide healthier relationship choices. This is especially crucial for Black trans men, who face alarmingly high rates of suicidal ideation – 60% among young Black transmasculine folks according to the Trevor Project. The podcast exists precisely because these statistics demand specialized mental health resources for this community.

The episode offers practical guidance for distinguishing between cutting people off from a place of pride versus doing so from a place of growth. By understanding our mental health triggers and cultivating self-awareness, we can create space for positive thoughts and nurturing relationships that support our journey toward Black trans joy and wellbeing. Ready to strengthen your cutoff game from the inside out? Listen now and join us in cultivating mental wellness that begins with tending to your internal garden.

Support the show

The Band of Brothers Mental Health Podcast is produced, written, and edited by Transman In Search of Media in Atl, GA. Sound design also created by Transman In Search of Media.