Last night I attended transgender Day of Remembrance vigil and celbration. About 150 people gathered at the community center. The group gathered outside for the march carrying candles, flashlights and posters. One of the posters read 'Transphobia Is Un-Acceptable'. We marched a half block to the park where we joined hands in a circle and prayed. Later we marched one square block and back to the center.

Speeches were spoken and acknowledgements given to numerous trans organizations. Several people to friends and family lost to anti-trans violence and AIDS. a young man cited two murdered transgender people who cases are still unsolved after a decade. A tribute that touched my heart was from a woman whose trans brother went to Chicago-never to be heard from again.

I surveyed the room as we enjoyed a luscious meal. there were transmen, transwomen, genderqueer, gay, straight, lesbianand others. I met a couple of transwomen that I knew. I met a transman form one of my forums who transsitioned earlier this year. He realy looked great!

I wondered earlier how I would react because the Day of Remembrance is one event that really touches me. People are killed senselessly because they are being themselves. Instead I was encouraged by all the people and it gave me comfort that the community is strong and growing.

There was a 'Tree of Remembrance' on the side. In the programs we were given were different colored leaves cut out of construction paper. Each person was encouraged to write the name of a person who has gone on. I didn't know anyone who died from anti-transgender violence but put down the names of two transgender women I had read about. One was Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was stabbed repeatedly. the other woman was Tyra Hunter, a transwoman who was injured in an accident. Upon discovering that she was genetically a male, Tyra was not treated and died from her injuries. This case makes my blood boil.

On the the leaf that I had, I wrote this tribute to Rita and Tyra:
Rita Hester and Tyra Hunter,
I never knew you,
nor had I met you,
but I grieve for you.
I love you
and promise you
that your passing will not be in vain.

This past Sunday, I marched in the Veteran's Day parade. It was the second consecutive year of doing so. I wore a blue skirt, red pullover, and blue flats. I had to bundle up because of the cold.

I was interviewed by graduate students from local colleges about what it means to be transgender and a veteran. I stressed that transpeople should be allowed to serve. I also mentioned that throughout history transpeople answered their country's call. Younger people seem to be more open LGBT people.

One reason that I march is that there are transgender veterans who, for their own reasons, cannot. I believe that by my marching I represent transpeople.

When we marched up the avenue the crowds of people cheered us, thanking us for our service. It didn't matter what sexual/gender orientation we are. I am happy that people still feel strongly about our servicemen and servicewomen.I helped carry the banner for our group, American Veterans for Equal Rights. I kept blowing in my hand to keep from getting frostbite. If it's this cold next year, I'll remember to wear gloves.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

There should be contentment and inner peace in my heart
before I can accept others as they are.

As I attend more trans events the more change that I see in myself. This journey is subtle yet ongoing. Recently I watched a film called 'Transgender Basics' . It discussed the difference between sex and gender. It also talked about various expressions of gender such as genderqueer, transgender woman and trans man. While labels are useful for helping a person find a group they fit in, it should not define who we are. We are more than just the gender we express.

My next project is an in-depth study about transgender, crossdressing and the bible. A bible verse that stirs up much controversy on this issue is Deuteronomy 22:5 in the Old Testament. As a follower of Jesus Christ , my desire is to clear up as best as I can with God's help the myths and misconceptions about transgender people. This is one of the more ambitious projects that I'm doing.