New Ministry Forming

A task force is being created at my church in the lauching of a ministry for LGBTQI persons, allies, family and friends. The initial meeting will be held on 29th. I will be attending the meeting I'm really excited about this. There are a number of gay and lesbian couples who attend the services. So far as I know I'm the only transgender person there. Hey, maybe I'll meet some other TG persons.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

We need to look beyond our immediate future and aim higher and farther.

~Paul Biya, Cameroonian Statesman, (b.1933)

Transgender Bills Being Talked About

I have been doing quite a bit of reading about bills for transgender equality and identity protections in various parts of the country and the world. With that there is also much opposition through intimidation and misinformation. It's a job staying up to date and vigilent but it is well worth it.

What I'm amazed at is that these bills are being talked about in such conservative bastions as Nebraska, Utah, and Michigan. What I see is the need to still educate people about transgender issues because the opposition is not quitting or letting up. Some laws have been passed while others are being bandied about. It may very well be that this will be a topic during this election year.

With the opposition pulling out all the stops I see that we are making progress. It's a battleground but a battle worth fighting for.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

My ancestors foresaw that I could travel this journey.

No Winter Here

We really haven't had a winter here. There's only been one snowstorm (about 5 inches) and that's it. Much of the time it has been in the high 40's and low to mid 50's. I'm not complaining. I love it.

I tied what I'm experiencing as a winterless season with my transgender journey. On the calendar it's still winter but the outside forces which I normally associate with winter aren't there. I may consciously or unconsciously associate my journey to some feeling or a look or a behavior. I'm reminded that each person's journey is different. While I may not see or feel the changes, they are occuring nevertheless. I'm enjoying the ride because I'm cherishing the moment that I'm in.

Just like the weather I have no control over what comes my way. I do have control on how I respond to the changes. Comparing one experience to another is easy to do but does it really speak about how we actually perceive ourselves?

We are all unique and travel our own paths. We may not always comprehend the events in our lives but they are happening for our betterment. I mentioned earlier that I do love the unusually warm winter. I'm embracing each moment as something special.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Happiness is not matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony

~Thomas Merton (1915-1968)

Shared With Pastor That I'm Transgender

Last night after bible study I shared with the pastor that I am transgender. He was so happy for me sharing this with him. The church I attend is affirming. There are gay and lesbian couples that attend regualrly. As far as I know I'm the only transgender person there. I felt joy and relief at the same time.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

IF THE HEART AND MIND IS NOT TRANSFORMED THEN NOTHING WILL CHANGE.