Friday, November 28, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
TDOR
On Thursday, I attended the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance ceremonies at the community center here in New York. About 200 people marched around the block carrying candles in honor of those lost to violence. Back at the center, there were speakers and comments from people in the audience. Many related their experiences as transpeople and what the day meant to them. One trans man shared that he is still recovering from being attacked and raped.
I have ambivalent feelings about TDOR; I mourn for my brothers and sisters lost to violence and yet I am encouraged by the progress we have made. There were many young people present so I am confident that the future will be bright for transgender people. They are open about who they are and will not go into the closet.
On reflection, it is my duty that I attend TDOR. It's time for transgender people to stand up and make our presence felt. TDOR encourages me to keep pressing on in the march to transgender equality. I had the chance to read reports of TDORs in other parts of the country ad the world. Some places such as Africa have it worse tan we do here in the states. I am in full supports of my brothers and sisters all around the world. I pray that in the next year equality will be closer to reality.
Genevieve
I have ambivalent feelings about TDOR; I mourn for my brothers and sisters lost to violence and yet I am encouraged by the progress we have made. There were many young people present so I am confident that the future will be bright for transgender people. They are open about who they are and will not go into the closet.
On reflection, it is my duty that I attend TDOR. It's time for transgender people to stand up and make our presence felt. TDOR encourages me to keep pressing on in the march to transgender equality. I had the chance to read reports of TDORs in other parts of the country ad the world. Some places such as Africa have it worse tan we do here in the states. I am in full supports of my brothers and sisters all around the world. I pray that in the next year equality will be closer to reality.
Genevieve
Friday, November 21, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Changes
"Changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another."
I posted this quote by Anatole France on another site that I maintain. I ruminated on this quote for a few days and concluded that these words speak to everyone. It is true to those of us who are gender variant. As a transgender and cross dresser, my perspective about life has changed. These changes needed to be made if life was to be joyous; not tension-filled.
For a year I was learning who I was. Gender was now part of my own personal well being where before it was never an issue. I was apprehensive and yet I continued on my journey. Changes were more on the emotional level. I discovered the feminine side of my personality. To deny it was to succumb to the wishes and desires of those who say that I'm suppose to do male things. I needed to leave some thought patterns behind and develop new ones that were untapped and undeveloped. I realized that I may incur the wrath of some people but change can do that.
During the presidential election, a recurring theme was 'We need change!'. The question I ask is that are we willing to change? Am I willing to make the changes in me that are necessary? I cannot ask others to do something that wouldn't do myself. My heart goes out to my transsexual brothers and sisters because the changes with much sacrifice. Some have lost many of the things that were dear to them. I'm sure transitioning wasn't easy, but the change was for their well being.
I lost some things from the old life; but I have gained a new perspective about gender and sexuality. I have fallen in love with people who society has scorned and ridiculed. As a gender variant person, I better understand that change helps me to grow and see life from another point of view. I know more changes will be in store. If my changing will benefit someone else's life, in the battle cry I heard during this current administration; 'Bring It On!'
I posted this quote by Anatole France on another site that I maintain. I ruminated on this quote for a few days and concluded that these words speak to everyone. It is true to those of us who are gender variant. As a transgender and cross dresser, my perspective about life has changed. These changes needed to be made if life was to be joyous; not tension-filled.
For a year I was learning who I was. Gender was now part of my own personal well being where before it was never an issue. I was apprehensive and yet I continued on my journey. Changes were more on the emotional level. I discovered the feminine side of my personality. To deny it was to succumb to the wishes and desires of those who say that I'm suppose to do male things. I needed to leave some thought patterns behind and develop new ones that were untapped and undeveloped. I realized that I may incur the wrath of some people but change can do that.
During the presidential election, a recurring theme was 'We need change!'. The question I ask is that are we willing to change? Am I willing to make the changes in me that are necessary? I cannot ask others to do something that wouldn't do myself. My heart goes out to my transsexual brothers and sisters because the changes with much sacrifice. Some have lost many of the things that were dear to them. I'm sure transitioning wasn't easy, but the change was for their well being.
I lost some things from the old life; but I have gained a new perspective about gender and sexuality. I have fallen in love with people who society has scorned and ridiculed. As a gender variant person, I better understand that change helps me to grow and see life from another point of view. I know more changes will be in store. If my changing will benefit someone else's life, in the battle cry I heard during this current administration; 'Bring It On!'
Friday, November 14, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Veterans Day
Yesterday was Veterans Day. I am a veteran of the U S Army. I am also a transgender veteran. Like my straight brethren, LGBT men and women serve their country with dignity. It's sad that the military doesn't recognize that. 'Dont' Ask, Don't Tell' has forced thousands of intelligent people out of the service just because of who they are.
It's belated but I salute ALL veterans. I especially salute LGBT veterans for your service under sometimes difficult circumstances.
Genevieve
It's belated but I salute ALL veterans. I especially salute LGBT veterans for your service under sometimes difficult circumstances.
Genevieve
Friday, November 07, 2008
GENEVIEVE'S GEMS
Love is desiring the best for my neighbor, whether or not we see eye to eye on everything.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Obama Wins; Propositions Lose
I was riveted to the tv while I watched Barack Obama deliver his speech to an enthusiastic crowd of supporters in Chicago. My parents never had the chance to see this historic day. People want to see that they have a future in which THEY can help shape and create. Obama gives them that hope.
When I read my e-mails today I saw that the propositions in California, Arizona, Arkansas, and Florida had passed. This was a blow to gays and lesbians. It's true that Obama was opposed to gay marriage but he was against Prop 8 in California; something that was not brought out to those trying decide which way to vote. Looking ahead, I see how this could affect transgender people and their families. We catch enough hell as it is and this defeat demonstrates that there's still much work ahead.
Just as I encourage my GLB bretheren to stay the course, it behooves my transgender family to work unceasingly for the legislation that will affect us. ENDA is a start. Education is still needed in the black community and in the white community. What rattles around in my brain is did some of these people really understand what these propositions were about? Sadly, many rely on what others say about something rather than doing their own homework.
I applaud Equality California, Equality Arizona and Equality Florida for their efforts. I applaud the many volunteers who were out canvassing households to educate them. Don't feel discouraged; you no doubt have gained some allies. You have gained one in me.
When I read my e-mails today I saw that the propositions in California, Arizona, Arkansas, and Florida had passed. This was a blow to gays and lesbians. It's true that Obama was opposed to gay marriage but he was against Prop 8 in California; something that was not brought out to those trying decide which way to vote. Looking ahead, I see how this could affect transgender people and their families. We catch enough hell as it is and this defeat demonstrates that there's still much work ahead.
Just as I encourage my GLB bretheren to stay the course, it behooves my transgender family to work unceasingly for the legislation that will affect us. ENDA is a start. Education is still needed in the black community and in the white community. What rattles around in my brain is did some of these people really understand what these propositions were about? Sadly, many rely on what others say about something rather than doing their own homework.
I applaud Equality California, Equality Arizona and Equality Florida for their efforts. I applaud the many volunteers who were out canvassing households to educate them. Don't feel discouraged; you no doubt have gained some allies. You have gained one in me.
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Speaking for Transgender People
I was asked by the leader of our bimonthly fellowship if I would like to teach a lesson. I said that I would. I am the only transgender person in the group so this is a welcome opportunity share what it is to be a gender variant individual. Transgender basics about the different expressions of gender and the role transgender people have played in history are a couple of topics that I have in mind. There are probably other topics that could be discussed. I'll have to think about it.
I welcome the opportunity to share what it is to be transgender and a cross dresser. I love to share my experiences in hope that others will be encouraged.
Gennee
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