Still Making an Impact

This past Sunday, another person didn't know who I was until I told them. My wife has been asked a number of times 'where's your other half?' You should see the looks I get when she points out that I'm her. I have also been more comfortable walking around in my own neighborhood.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

             WORDS


A kind word can bring joy
A cruel can destroy
A tender word can warm the heart
Bitter words make the spirit tart
Words are like the morning dew
It takes two to say 'thank you'.
Words that tear down
Cause the spirit to drown
In sorrow and defeat
So words must be soft and discreet
Words can cause others to fall
If I don't have a kind word to say
Better to say nothing at all.

Seven Years

On this date in 2005, I came out to myself as a cross dresser. All the tension and struggle and inner turmoil dissipated  upon making that confession. I have progressed from a cross dresser to transgenderist to transgender. I've never been happier.  

Dog Days

The dog days of July and August are upon us. The exciting activity of June with all the pride events has been replaced by the calm placidity of July.  It's easy to assume that nothing is happening but that certainly is not the case.


Here in New York City there's always something going on. The Newfest Film Festival starts tomorrow. I love viewing films made by and for the LGBTQ community. There are many film fests that go on throughout the year.  My spouse and I will celebrate our birth shortly (we were born on the same day). We have written many short stories and poems in the meantime. As you can see life hasn't stopped.


It's a wonderful time to reflect on what has changed in our lives during the year. I'm much different now than I was at this time last year and my wife has noticed it. The dog days are really days we can recharge and relax. I always try to see the value in times like this. Some precious has been the result. I know that up ahead there will be more challenges that will need my attention.   

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Find what it is you like to do, then do it with passion and joy.

Reflecting About Bruce Gerig

Last evening I attended a ceremony in which the ashes of my friend were spread into the river. We shared our thoughts about Bruce prior to doing this. Bruce was a generous, loving, and caring man who love God and people. He especially loved the LGBT community. 


Bruce Gerig passed on May 29th at the age of seventy six. He left us a rich legacy of writings, articles, art (which I didn't know that he possessed this talent), and comments. Bruce was a shining example of what we should strive to be in our daily lives. I miss him but the season that he was in my life will always remain.


Rest in peace, Bruce.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

A compliment is something like a kiss through a veil.



~Victor Hugo

One Of the Ladies

This past Sunday, some of the worshippers sat in the church garden after service for coffee and refreshments. I was wearing a pink floral maxi skirt, rose blouse and sandals. A group of us ladies were talking and sharing many things. It felt so natural to me. Some know my feminine name and call me Genevieve. I absolutely love it! I was one of the ladies.


I have really been blessed with the all the compliments and kind words by many. Last Sunday one sister asked me about the outfit that I wore. It wore a white maxi skirt, a green top, and white pullover. It’s amazing how coming out to them has affected both myself and my spouse. She’s beginning to enjoy and accept it.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

I don't believe one grows older. I think what happens early on in life is that at a certain age one stands still and stagnates.


                                                                                                                                                       ~T.S. Eliot

Self Acceptance

Self- acceptance is the first step toward self discovery. It is declaring that I accept who I am regardless of what others say or think. The fog clears away and opportunities to express  my gender variance without shame or fear.


When I accepted that I was a cross dresser, the tension and stress of several weeks of denial dissipated. in due time contentment followed. I felt comfortable in my own skin. I was free to explore and grow as a transgender woman. 


No one can live our lives for us. Seeking to improve ourselves does not compromise us as individuals, parents, or neighbors. I sometimes cringe when I hear that some one is called  selfish because they desire to transition or be the person they desire to be. Gender variance does go against so called societal convention but it has always existed. 


Declaring my transgender identity has been a blessing to me. I have relief, inner contentment, joy, acceptance, and support. I pray that some one will be encouraged by this post.

Second Half Begins

June was a big month for pride in New York City. It culminated with the big pride Parade on the 24th. Now with the festivities over, the real work goes on.

Victories have been won, losses have also happened. The plight of homeless LGBTQ youth has been brought to the forefront. In my mind, this needs to be a top priority. Since my coming out to my church family I have been inquiring about where I need to get busy.

This coming out has been a transformation of sorts. Visibility puts a face on the needs and desire of transgender people. I never thought that I would come this way but I need to be a force for change. It can be big or small. Just helping out in any way will reap benefits later on.