Gennee Makes Presence Felt

This past Sunday my wife and I went to visit a friend who was in the hospital. As we walked to the security desk I saw that we needed to show our IDs. I don't have a picture of me as Gennee. I wondered how this would turn out? I presented my ID with mymale picture. The guard looked at me for a moment, sowewhat startled. He gave us passes and let's us proceed.

We had to sign again when we reached my friend's ward. The lady with signed me didn't take a moment's notice. She just let me pass. Quite a day. Gennee is making her presence felt. My friend is doing much better.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself.



~ Harvey Fierstein

Winter Interlude

Winter is probably my second favorite season. After the fading beauty of fall, winter is serene and quiet. The leafless trees whisper in the wind The parks and trails are empty. As a child I enjoyed being outside during the winter. 

To me, winter is nature's way of slowing down so we all can rest, reflect, and recharge. I am reminded that there's a warm place waiting for me. Taking pause to be thankful for what I have makes for a grateful heart.  

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Make a difference by being a difference.

Age No Barrier

Recently I've read some posts here and at other places that some feel that they are too old to transition or to make the changes needed to be the people they want to be. It's never too late to make positive changes.

Change is not easy but consider the alternative. Do you wish to be miserable and unhappy or do you desire to be happy, content, and full of vitality. Society will tell you that when you're in middle age, you're no longer productive or that you have nothing of value to offer. What gets me is that society thinks that we do not have the creative ideas or the desire to make change. Yes we can change and we can have an impact on others.

When I read posts I'm always happy for the success folks have experienced in their lives. I started cross dressing in my mid fifties. I returned to school at 54, graduated with a bachelor's degree at 59. I came out last June to my congregation as a transgender woman. I was sixty three. I know of a woman who transitioned at age 77.

Age should never be barrier to achieving your dreams. If you need to transition, do it. Do the the things that you have put off for so long. Be around positive people who will encourage you.

Happy Birthday MLK

On this day eighty four years ago one of greatest champions for human rights was born. Martin Luther King is one man that I admire because he stood up for the poor and oppressed. He demonstrated love and compassion in the face of hate and personal harm. 

Earlier today I listened to his speech done on May 4, 1967, comdemning the Vietnam War. A year later on the exact day MLK was assasinated. I have listened to a number of his speeches including the 'I Have A Dream' speech in 1963. I listened to his last speech on May 3, 1968. This and the Vietnam War speech resonate with me.

 Much of what he spoke about is happening today; racism, militarism, and social injustice. More MLKs are needed to speak out and change conditions in America. People in other countries such as Greece, Spain, Irealand, and Italy are doing just that. On this occasion let's strive to fulfill the dream that Dr. King sacrificed his life for.

Cecilia Chung

Transgender patients seeking medical care face discrimination even in liberal, cutting-edge San Francisco.

But this being liberal, cutting-edge San Francisco, they also have a champion: Cecilia Chung, a transgender woman serving on the Health Commission.

Appointed to the commission overseeing the Department of Public Health by Mayor Ed Lee in April, Chung made news by pushing the department to pay for gender reassignment surgeries for uninsured transgender patients - making San Francisco the first city in the country to do so.





http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Cecilia-Chung-transgender-health-advocate-4189493.php

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Are we like late Rome, infatuated with past glories, ruled by a complacent, greedy elite, and hopelessly powerless to respond to changing conditions.


~Camile Paglia, b. 1947

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

When an individual is protesting society's refusal to acknowledge his dignity as a human being, his very act of protest confers dignity to him.


~Bayard Rustin (1910-1987)

GOALS FOR 2013

Every year at this time I go about choosing goals that I will accomplish. I have three thus far. The first is to work toward seeing the employment non discrimination pass here in New York. The law has repeatedly failed to pass in the state senate. I want to see this change. It's been on the ballot for over a decade and enough stalling is enough.

Second, I will buy my first black dress. It is said that a lady needs at least one black dress in her wardrobe. I need to get two or three.

Third, I will get my certificates so I can teach/tutor. I'm not so sure about working in the public school sector but non profits seem appealing. 

That's three goals thus far. I'll most like come up with more as time passes.