Yesterday, I hung out at some of my usual hangouts. It's been a few weeks since doing this. Illness, terrible weather, and lack of funds contributed to this.
I stopped by the community center then at the library nearby. I was tempted to take out another book but resisted the urge. Recently, a Barnes and Noble bookstore shut its doors. There are a number of business that have shuttered its doors because of increased rents. It's really a shame.
I walked up the block toward Fifth Avenue. The building below was the old Marlton Hotel. Many famous artists and writers lived in single occupancy rooms. One of them was poet, critic and writer Delmore Schwartz (1913-1966). I read a couple of his books recently and found him a brilliant and troubled person. Today, the building is a dormitory for art students.
I visited a bookstore, a church, and a park that I hung out in during late 1960's and 1970s. I was no hurry and strolled leisurely. I do feel my spirit here in these places. It's only that spent some of my youth here but believe that I saw much creativity and authenticity in the arts and the many denizens of the neighborhood. I do miss those days. Much of this rich past is being absorbed through gentrification. I love sharing stories of my past. It's just me but I really believe that young folks today really miss on on the positive and original vibes of that time.
It was a wonderful to be out and about again. One thing these excursions do is give me some great ideas for poems and short stories.
Diversity is something that many organizations work hard to achieve. However when I look at the leadership of many LGBT organizations, I wonder if I'm missing something. Many positions are still overwhelming white and male.
As a transgender individual I find this disturbing. The vast majority of transgender people abused and murdered are women of color. Whenever I read about the Stonewall Riots here in New York in 1969, I pleasantly remind some folks that it was began by a transgender woman of color and a butch lesbian woman.
Within a year the leadership positions in many organizations were overwhelmingly male, white, and middle class.Transgender people were shunted to the margins. Women formed their own groups. While there has been much improvement over the years, I believe in my heart that if equality was fought with the same fervor as assimilation, we would be much further along.
Yesterday, the assistant pastor spoke about diversity. The congregation reflects what diversity should truly be. In the leadership there is a black woman, black gay man, and a Latino man. There is a wide diversity of cultures, ages, genders and sexualities. I reflect on how diverse the early Christian church was. I'm not talking about tokenism either.
In my opinion if the diversity in leadership positions doesn't change, then a golden opportunity to hear voices from other experiences and cultures will be lost. LGBT rights is not just an American phenomena. It's a worldwide one.
What you learn today may prove invaluable to you or someone else in the future.
This Sunday we will be celebrating Black History Month. I am reminded of Rev. King and others sacrificed in time, material comforts, and lives. We remember his fine oratory, his vision, and his spiritual strength in a tumultous time in history.
What I remember about Rev. Dr. King is the love he displayed in the face of hate and violence. He never shut the door on those who were oppressed or on his oppressors. He spoke out against those injustices with clarity and conviction. That clarity was most evident in the May 4, 1967 speech of his opposition to the Vietnam War.
Rev. Dr. King knew that a bullet could meet him at any time and yet he kept going. I admire him most for staying with the spiritual component of the movement, something that is sorely lacking in today's movements. He was a minister and spiritual father to many near and far.
When Rev. Dr. King was taken from us we lost a man who brought people of all walks of life together. He's left a legacy and example that desparately needs to be seen today in our politically-correct, apathetic world.
.
I have taken up some new activities. I have a radio show and am preparing to self publish a chapbook. The other day I thought about modeling clothes. Yes, modeling! Previously, I had no interest in it other than the clothes the models were dressed in. I do keep up with fashion trends. It's a crazy thought, one of my fantasies. It's quite possible that it could happen (never say never). Something nice to add to my my resume, if it happens.
Remember when life's path is steep to keep your mind even.
~Horace
I love the Lent season because it is a time to reflect about the changes in our lives. This past Sunday in service the Transfiguration of Jesus was preached from Matthew 17:1-9. Upon further thought, I realize that we are transforming every day.
Transformation may mean that some thing in our lives has been changed or replaced with something better. Several days ago I noticed more changes in my transgender journey. More of my male identity is giving way to a more feminine personality. This is something I never actively sought but the Lord rendered upon me.
There are things that I can give up during Lent but I believe that something good will replace it. When I decided to be the transgender woman I was created to be, many avenues opened up to me. New friends, new thoughts, a new direction. Above all, I was transformed and renewed by God.
I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we only tune in.
~George Washington Carver, Scientist (1864-1943)
A big blizzard today. Have about a half a foot of snow so far. Windy and getting colder. My son and girlfriend are coming in from Washington DC by bus. Praying for their safety. Should end tomorrow afternoon.
This coming Sunday Chinese New Year will be celebrated after Sunday service. I attended last year and enjoyed learning much about Chinese culture and cuisine. There are a number of Asian people in church. I'm really blessed to know some of them.
God created you
ON purpose
WITH purpose
FOR a purpose
This quote was on a button I picked up last week at a luncheon.
January, I believe, is a 'chill' month after the Christmas season. Looking at my calender, things are picking up again. There's the Chinese New Year, the beginning of the Lenten season which culminates with Easter, and Black History month.
It gives pause as to how diverse a world we are. I've always enjoyed this diversity and derive much pleasure from it. I still have that childlike curiosity about life. I'm open to many things because if one is too rigid in their belief systems, they may miss something that may prove valuable.
Be who you are and be that well.
~St. Francis de Sales
