New York City Pride Parade

Yesterday, my wife and I attended the New York City Pride Parade. We and other members of the collegiate churches helped serve water to the marchers. I love being out there and providing refreshment to the weary participants. Interacting with them is a treat. 

Many thank us for the water and the words of encouragement. One marcher remarked that he had just about given up on the church but when he saw us out there providing refreshment it sparked a sense that maybe he could see the church as a part of social action. Many churches participated in the parade, more so than last year I believe. There were a number of Catholic churches there. we thanked them for what they are doing for TGLBQI folks. An estimated one million people watched the parade. I think that there were more. 

Later, I thought that 40 years ago none of the many organizations who participated weren't in existence. The march has come a long way. I would to see more political and radical aspects come back instead of the corporate feel the parade has at times. It was a fine parade nevertheless.

HAPPY PRIDE!

HAPPY PRIDE!

Genevieve's Gems

My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry; to get my work done and try to love somebody and have the courage to accept the love in return.

~Maya Angelou, (1928-2014)

Better

I am feeling better than I have in a while. I'm not ill physically; just sorting things out in my life. I meet twice a month with other trans women and it has been a blessing. They are all around my age and just listening to their stories is encouraging. 

I'm seriously looking into some activism. I want to be a part of trans people moving forward. Here in New York State, GENDA is a big topic and order of business. It's amazing that many states have protections for transgender people but New York State doesn't. 

I will be serving water to the marchers at the pride parade on Sunday. My spouse and I have done the this the past three years. We really enjoy doing this.

Hansan Hang Light

I like places and structures that are different. This South Korean lighthouse is one of most creative and unusual structures I have seen.

Genevieve's Gems

There are two kinds of pride, both good and bad. 'Good pride' represents our dignity and self-respect. 'Bad pride' is the deadly sin of superiority that reeks of conceit and arrogance.

~John C. Maxwell

Brooklyn Pride

Last Saturday, my family and I attended Brooklyn Pride. I have attended the event almost every year. It has grown from humble beginnings to a major event in the borough. It moved from Prospect Park West to the chic Fifth Avenue which has grown from a sleepy lower middle neighborhood to an upscale area with boutiques and restaurants. 

I see more different organizations there, especially religious organizations. To me that's a good sign and some churches and synagogues are accepting of TGLB people. Brooklyn has a growing TGLB community who just opened up a new community center a couple of years.

Struggling Through The Darkness

In the early days when I was all jumbled up internally, I harbored thoughts that I had never thought I had inside of me. I wanted to leave everthing behind. I wished that no one had ever known me. Disappearing into the sea of life seemed like a plausible solution to the darkness I felt in my heart.

I' m nowhere near those days now but the thoughts of those things have crept into me in recent days. I guess that this is part of the process of transition. It's tough because I know the answer is down the road. It's the figuring out and waiting that's hard. I do believe that putting myself on the line will be one element of the next chapter in my life. That I do believe. In the meantime I will seek, search, and pray for direction.
.

A Bit Of A Down TIme

For the past few weeks I have been experiencing a down period. I'm not depressed; it' just another crossroads that I've come to. This is by far the longest down period I've had. I have some ideas as to what I would like to do (activism, educating others about being transgender, writing) but I'm not going to rush into anything. 

I have to admit this has been building up in me for awhile. I'm just trusting the Lord for guidance and direction. 

Genevieve's Gems

Love is when the other person's happiness is more important than your own.

~H. Jackson Browne, Jr.

Pride Month

We kicked off pride month by having our annual prom last Friday. My spouse ad I danced our tails off. This month has become a traditionally busy one for the church. Today we celebrated Pentecost. Today's service was different with communion, the dance ministry performing and the children's choir singing.

Over the past year many churches have had to deal with the TGLB issues. Some have discovered that there are members within their on congregation who are trans, gay, lesbian, bi, and other gender non conforming identities. Perhaps they knew it all along but kept to the margins. This has been a long time coming. Forty years ago such topics were taboo. Now it come more into the open. I say that it's about time. 

I will beat attending the pride parade serving water to the marchers. Some think that pride marches have lost its relevance because of the corporate sponsors. That much is true. I would love to see the parade show more from the political and activist angle because that side of the picture is coming more to the fore. 

The landscape is changing and I'm happy to be a part of it. Changes are happening in places that were thought difficult. Places like Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama are tackling TGLB issues. I say right on! We are o the march.  

Transgender 101

This past Sunday, the adult education class at church featured transgender basics to members of the church. A number of people (about 20) came. Tracy, a transsexual woman , and I shared our experiences which quite different. What was really clarified was the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity. 

A number of questions were asked of both Tracy and me. Later a few people thanked me for clarifying their questions. We will have another such class in November a we get near Transgender Day of Remembrance.