GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Show real pride by rejoicing with our brothers and sisters in their victories.

I have been transgender and a transvestite for two years. There have been numerous changes, especially on the emotional level. I am much more comfortable being transgender. I have a much better understanding of gay and lesbians issues. I have a different attitude about the AIDS epidemic. I am involved with trans issues.

I love where I am and wouldn't trade the experience for anything. The journey has been interesting but I look forward to whatever comes my way.

I was unable to attend the pride festivities. I had a matter that I had to take care of. Maybe next year. I'm considering volunteering for something. At least I have attended a pride event. I have another on scheduled for last August. Some day I would love to take in a pride event in another city or country.

I have been following the presedential candidates, though not closely, and I am disappointed. None of them are speaking to issues that are dear to me. A number of them won't reply to a question with a straight answer. To me it's way too early to be campaigning. Media overkill.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Summer's here, gurls! Now let's get out and show the world who we are!

Pride weekend will be in full swing starting tomorrow. I will be in the city on Saturday for the open house at the Center. I would like to know more about the services available to the community. I hope to meet the founder of the Metropolitan Community Church, Dr. Troy Perry also. I want to get his feedback about Church and the LGBT community.

It seems that I spent much time at the center. I wonder if there is something God wants me to do there? Many people go there and for some it is a safe haven there they feel they can be themselves without the threat of violence. It's sad that people can't live in peace.

The thought came to my mind as to what happens after the pride celebrations and events are over. I love the celebrations and the pagentry of the pride events but also reminds me that we haven't achieved total victory as of yet. There's work to be done. More challenges lie ahead. I have a quirky side to me because I tend to look at things after all the pomp and celebration is over. It's what is called reality. Daily living, so to speak.

I think about the confused man, woman, and youth who are struggling to figure it all out. I think about all those who have died through their own hand. It is these people that keep me humble and active. I am proud of being a crossdresser and transgender. I am reminded that I need to be out there working, encoraging, challenging, and educating others.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Pride is feeling good about who you are,
and seeing others feeling godd about themselves.

I attended Brooklyn Pride this past Saturday. It was my second pride event that I attended (the first time was last year) and I felt much more comfortable this time around. There were more vendors, plenty of food, and families.

One thing I noticed was the number of religious institutions present. Last year there were not even a handful. This time there 6 or 8 including three Jewish synagogues. It's amazing what one year can bring. Maybe they're beginning to see the light. Brooklyn has a large LGBT population but it's scattered.

I asked a number of questions to various organizations. I was particularly interested in Lambda Legal, an organization that focuses on workplace discrimination. It also is involved with schools of which I will be part of in the future. I'm querying about how I can serve LGBT students.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

If there's one that I have learned as a transgender person

it is the fact that we are so misunderstood. That's why we

need to share our own stories.

Last evening I attended a trans health fair at the community center. It was the first of its kind that deals specifically with transgnder and gender variant people. Many came out and I was glad to see a good turn out from the community. Health care can be an adventure for transgenders in that they don't always get the proper care they deserve. Couple that with the transphobia and cruel words directed at them many avoid getting the medical care they may need.

I was interviewed for a survey about medical care in the transgender community. Though I have never gone to the doctor cross dressed, a thought came to me. What kind of medical care would I receive if I arrived at a medical facility cross dressed? Would I be treated less than a human being or subjected to slurs and insults? I spoke at length with the interviewer about this concern. The passion about this concern welled up within me. I never knew that it concerned me that much. The horror stories that I have heard and read about makes me think about the matter with a critical and analytical concern.

There's so much that needs to be done regarding medical care. Perhaps this is another area that I can volunteer for.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

I never dreamed that my spouse and I would be sharing clothes.