Task Force Meeting

The meeting we had about the creation of an LGBTQI ministry went well. About twenty people came to the meeting including my wife. Each person shared why they came. I shared my reasons plus revealing my transgenderism. I discovered that there other transgender folks who attend the church. The minister who lead the meeting is bisexual.

I'm trying to come up with some suggestions for the ministry. My wife is still trying to understand what it is to be transgender. In time I believe that she will. One young woman asked what name I would like to be called. I haven't come come to the church dressed as Gennee yet but I have a feeling that will come soon. The next meeting is in April.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

In a gentle way, you can shake the world.



~Mahatma Gandhi

Writing Projects

Some writing projects have come up.The interested parties need trans persons to write about their experiences, articles, stories, etc. At the present time I'm considering two projects. I have always wanted to do something like this. I'm cautious because I do NOT want this to turn into a circus. I will NOT put transgender people in a negative light either. My hope is to educate many about me and others like me.  

Knowing One's History

On yesterday's post I quoted a statement by Marcus Garvey about knowing one's history. Though directed to African Americans it can certainly apply to transgender folks. We have a long and valient history of activism, exuberance, and creativity.

I thank sister Monica Roberts of Transgriot for her research on this subject of role models for people of color. Transgender role models are important because it shows the diversity of humankind regardless of socio-economic status or culture.

I have Indian ancestry (Choctaw) and transgenderism was a normal part of the culture until colonization. Upon further research, at 130 Indian tribes have transgender-two spirit persons. I agree with Garvey that people need to know their history because it gives us a foundation to stand on. It also refutes the constant attack that transgender and gender variant people are deviants and sinners. We have always existed.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

A people with the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.


~Marcus Garvey

I will comment further on this tomorrow.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

We need to give each other the space to grow, to be ourselves, to exercise our diversity. we need to give each other space so that we may both give and receive such beautiful things ideas, openness, dignity, joy, healing, and inclusion.

~Max de Pree

New Ministry Forming

A task force is being created at my church in the lauching of a ministry for LGBTQI persons, allies, family and friends. The initial meeting will be held on 29th. I will be attending the meeting I'm really excited about this. There are a number of gay and lesbian couples who attend the services. So far as I know I'm the only transgender person there. Hey, maybe I'll meet some other TG persons.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

We need to look beyond our immediate future and aim higher and farther.

~Paul Biya, Cameroonian Statesman, (b.1933)

Transgender Bills Being Talked About

I have been doing quite a bit of reading about bills for transgender equality and identity protections in various parts of the country and the world. With that there is also much opposition through intimidation and misinformation. It's a job staying up to date and vigilent but it is well worth it.

What I'm amazed at is that these bills are being talked about in such conservative bastions as Nebraska, Utah, and Michigan. What I see is the need to still educate people about transgender issues because the opposition is not quitting or letting up. Some laws have been passed while others are being bandied about. It may very well be that this will be a topic during this election year.

With the opposition pulling out all the stops I see that we are making progress. It's a battleground but a battle worth fighting for.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

My ancestors foresaw that I could travel this journey.