GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

More than recognition, wealth, or influence, I just want to make a difference in someone's life.

Another Talk With Spouse

Last night I shared more things about being transgender with my wife. It was a conversation that was coming up because she sees me dressed much more often. I was telling her that many transgender folks have known they were this way as children. I mentioned again my feelings of being different throughout my life. She listened intently as she tried to understand what I was saying.

I also shared with her that I can be transgender and Christian. It's my prayer that transgender people will take into account their spiritual condition. I do enjoy having these discussions because it helps her to see what it is to be transgender.

Genevieve

Mid Week Inspiration

You know, gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender - people are people.

~Judith Light

Peace In The Garden

Since declaring myself a transgenderist, I'm totally at peace with my identity. I have been in a comtemplative mood a few times also. I have returned to places that influenced me in my young adult days. My being transgender has made me more aware of even the simplest things. I'm not taking much for granted anymore.

In 1969, the greatest rock concert in history took place on an upstate New York farm. Woodstock is fondly remember by those who attended the rain soaked event on that August weekend. It was also a time when nearly 500,000 people from all over the world gathered together in peace, love, and fellowship. With the shortage of provisions and inadequate security there were only two deaths. People were in tune with the vibes and music of that glorious weekend.

You may be asking what this has to do with my being a transgenderist? I have found that garden of Eden in places which perhaps I took for granted. An empty church, a river side park and a courtyard have reminded me that I need to get away from all the noise and confusion. It has made a difference. There are many people weary from the cares of daily life. Transgender people are battered around with more venom because we choose to be who we are.

Remember to appreciate what you have. take time and reflect on how far you have. Never minimize anything that happens because there's a purpose in it. Take nothing for granted.

Genevieve

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Whatever act, large or small, contributes to the transgender commuity in ways we may not think it does.

Memorial Service

Today I attended a memorial service in support of a friend who lost his partner. It was interesting in that family, friends, colleagues, and former students share their remembrances of Roger, a man who so affected their lives. I didn't know Roger personally but, after the service, I wish I had met him.

Some of Roger's experiences mirrored mine. There were two items that where on target. One, he had changed. Possibily Roger was coming to grips with his sexuality. Similarly, I came to grips with my gender identity which I have embraced.

The second was that while the world was changing, Roger remained the same caring, nuturing individual to his students. This man loved to teach. When health reasons forced Roger to resign I sensed that life for him wasn't the same.

Looking at it, I changed and yet I haven't changed. Yes, I'm living as a gender-variant individual. No, I keep reminiscing back to my young adulthood when the events that happened shaped me as a person. While some may be into the latest gadgets and fads, I still get much joy over absorbing the serenity in an empty church or a quiet walk in the park. Though I may attain many honors and achievements, I never want to lose the child like curiousity.

I desire to be a caring, loving, and nurturing person like Roger. I may not be hip or cool or fashionable but want to make a difference in people's lives. To me this is what life is about.

Genevieve

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Encouragement is like a buoy; it can keep someone from being

swallowed up by despair and defeat.

Living an Open and Genuine Life

Reconciling my faith and gender identity was easy for me. I believed that God had created me this way. For many TGLB men and women this can be a torchorous ordeal. This past Tuesday a young man came to our bible study confused about how to be a Christian and live an authentic life as a gay person. Some of you may have been faced with this choice.

When I came out as transgender many of my ideas about gender and sexuality were turned upside down. I do believe that our sexuality and gender identity are inborn. I am a born again Chirstian who is transgender. When the bible is used to bash TGLB people I have to speak out. When anything is used to demean others I have to speak out.

We have every right to live our lives as anyone else. We have chosen to live our lives openly. I've chosen to be who I am regardless of what society thinks or says. I don't have to defend to anyone why I am the way I am. I have written a couple af articles about this very topic. One will be published in an online magazine next month. I'll let you know when it comes out.

Genevieve

Ken Zucker Discusses Reparative Therapy On Gender-Variant Children

When I read this article I was great disturbed. Zucker is also well received in the ex-gay movement. It's no telling how many lives have bee ruined by these so-called 'cures'. The link is posted below.

http://www.tsroadmap.com/info/kenneth-zucker.html

Genevieve

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

I have been blessed most by folks who are nameless, lowly, or humble.

Crossdressing Sister Reminds Me of My First Time Out

I saw a crossdresser sister today as I came out of the Goodwill store. She was a tall black woman with long locks, large hands and easy gait. She wore a long green skirt and a shawl draped her shoulders.

Seeing her reminded me of my first time out in public as a crossdresser. Those were some tentative steps to liberation but thankfully I have journeyed on. Later on, I wonder if I should have spoken to her and encourage her to be herself. My heart was joyful in that she has chosen to express her true self.

Whenever I read about someone coming out or going out crossdressed in public for the first time, my heart is thrilled. I encourage them to be themselves and to embrace all that they can. Each one of us is on a journey. We will discover many aspects of our lives that we may have never known previously. In four years I have journeyed from CD/TG to TG/TS. I never dreamed that transsexuality would be a part of my core.

Thinking about it, I am becoming the person I was meant to be. I believe that ever since I let go of the reigns, I've embraced all the wonderful experiences waiting for me. I pray that my crossdressing sister will do the same.

Genevieve

Special RIghts

One of the operatives of anti-transgender groups is that we want 'special rights'. I have thought about this buzz word for a while. I can speak from the perspective of a minority person because I'm sure this idea was in vogue when African Americans were struggling for equality.

Why is wanting life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness a 'special right'. Isn't this guaranteed by the Declaration of Independence? Or is it only for those who represent the 'ideals' of what society is suppose to be. Ideals are subjective and can be different from person to person. Whoever doesn't meet those ideals are shunned, ignored, or made to feel insignificant. Maybe that's why have many young women who are anorexic or bulimic; trying to attain an ideal that very few can.

I make it a habit of reading the constitution at least once a year. I read the bible every day. Every man, woman and child is precious in his sight and I feel the same way. At times, I wish I could stand in front of these bigots and tell them about themselves and their hypocritical logic. We just want to be treated equally. the next time someone squawks about 'special rights' I must respond. This is an argument we wouldn't be having if they did the right thing.

Genevieve