GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Share your story.

Be who you are.

Don't let others define who you are.

Be Thankful

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!




Genevieve

Transgender Day Of Remembrance

Last night I attended a vigil for Transgender Day of Remembrance. Over one hundred people attended. We marched around the block carrying candles and glowsticks. Some people on the street asked what the event was about. There was a couple of moments of silence after we completed the procession.There were a few speakers and a number of people from the audience spoke of their experiences. I spoke for a couple of minutes sharing my journey as a transgender person. I encouraged everyone to be who they are. Later on, a few folks thanked me for those encouraging words. I met a couple people that I remember from my days in a support meeting a couple of years back. We shared our experiences. One of the ladies is transitioning. I remember as a male crossdresser. One of the suggestions she had for next year is to read names of those killed. It makes the name of that person more personal. It important to attend events like these for solidarity and support.

Genevieve

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Let us think highly of our brothers and sisters. Let us be concerned for their welfare.

An Upcoming Essay About Liberation

I am currently writing an essay about liberation. It is a subject near and dear to me. Liberation is physical, emotional and spirtual relased from the the forces of oppresion. It may take time for the latter two because of years of suppression, denial, and repression.

While this is a popular word among LGBT folks, I believe liberation begins when we first accept who we are. I will post this essay when it is completed.

Genevieve

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Standing up for what you believe takes courage, perserverance, and the willingness to be vulnerable to criticism.

Happy Veteran's Day

A happy Veteran's Day to all veterans. Today I marched in the annual parade here in NYC. It was my third time doing so. I wore my long denim skirt, sneakers, and red sweater. I marched with American Veterans for Equal Rights, a GLBT veterans group. It was the only such group in the parade.

As we marched up the avenue spectators clapped, cheered, and said 'thank you'. Their response to us is very encouraging for me. People were thankful for our service. Who we are didn't matter. It also shows why Don't Ask, Don't Tell is a worthless and destructive law. Many highly skilled men and women are being discharged because of who they are. The military will be the worse for it.

Genevieve

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

How can anyone say that they love all people then deny some of their rights?

Approaching Another Threshold

Once again, I see that I'm approaching another crossroad. In my last post I mentioned that this is an active time for me. I have been inspired to write a couple of essays. One is about liberation and the other is about citizens voting to determine the civil rights of an oppressed group. Such has happen in Maine where the rights of lgbt were tossed by the curb. I don't know what lies ahead but I'm guessing that it may have something to do with these articles I'm considering.

Genevieve

Active Months Ahead

November and December are traditionally active months for me. While there are activities to attend, it also a time of reflection. This year is different because of the changes that have happened to me personally.

I will be marching in the Veterans Day parade on November 11th. It will be my third time doing so. It's important that transgender veterans are honored and remembered for their service. This year the group may have a float. November 20th will be the Transgender Day of Remembrance. I make it a point to attend because it's important that we encourage and support one another. I am considering speaking at the event.

I mentioned months earlier that I have transitioned from CD/TG to TG/TS. With the passage of the hate crimes bill, I see the need to become even more involved. I'm just trying to figure out where. There have been several attacks against GLBT people here but I'm not going to let that deter me from the things that need to be done. I am also weighing doing another interview. Wha is driving me is the need to educate others and to live openly. A tall order but I'm willing to do it.

Genevieve