Happy 2015

Point Fermin Lighthouse

This wooden structure is located in Point Fermin Park in San Pedro, California. It was built 1874. The lighthouse overlooks San Pedro Bay.


Resources:

www.sanpedro.com

www.pointferminlighthouse.org/

2014-Summary

In a couple of days, the new year will begin. I have some highlights for 2014, one of them being the increased visibility of transgender people. Transgender people of color were honored more so than usual and that's good. Laverne Cox and Janet Mock set the standard for what we are about and what we still need to accomplish.  

On several occasions I educated people about being transgender and the transgender experience. Many expressed their gratitude for clearing up some of the misconceptions and questions they had. I overcame my fear of going into the ladies restroom. I was just another lady to the other women. I even received compliments on my attire. 

I saw how blessed I am when I was going through a down period in May. A dear woman confined to a wheelchair came outside from a church service. Seeing people in a wheelchair is common but my eyes focused on this woman. I thought that at one time she was young, vibrant and could go anywhere that she wanted. Now she needed help just to stand up. I thought that in spite of her limitations I detested no bitterness or feeling like a victim. That event cleared away the dark clouds hovering over me. 

I'm praying that 2015 will be even better. I'm presently setting my goals for the year (an annual ritual). Here's wishing you a Happy New Year. 

Christmas Wish

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Genevieve's Gems

And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.

~Jesus Christ

Fond Du Lac Lighthouse

This lighthouse was built by unemployed laborer during the great depression. It stands as a symbol t the community because it was erected during one of the country's darkest times.


Resources:
www.lighthousefriends.com

www.fdl.com

Dialogue And Action

The recent events regarding the police shootings of African American men has sparked protests in many cities. There has been dialogue or the beginning of dialogue between between affected parties. I notice that more young people are becoming more engaged in these topics. It's encouraging but will this lead to any plan(s) of action or, like Occupy, dissipate and fade into oblivion.

I see that these events have sparked dialogue and action in other arenas such as homelessness, the war on drugs, student debt, the prison industrial complex and other areas. I also believe that we as a group and as individuals need to become informed and engaged. Churches need to be engaged in this process because it brings another component to the discussion which has a spiritual element. One of the reasons the civil rights movement stayed strong for so long was the spiritual and non violent approach he used. 

Being a part of the solution is very important to me. Having solutions to the problems can move the dialogue along and hopefully to action. This is what I desire to see. 

All's Well

I got all my Christmas shopping done today. No stress, no fuss. Lately much has been floating around i my head hence I haven't posted anything in over a week. All's well with me. Just couldn't think of anything to write. 

While I was out today, I enjoyed being Genevieve. I was called ma'am by everyone who spoke. I noticed a few men staring at me as I walked past them. I just smiled. I still mind it amazing that people still want to put us down and out just because of who we are. All we want to do is live our lives. I'm not a victim nor will I live life like I am one.

Thinking How to Respond

With all the events happening throughout the country, I am now thinking how to respond. I believe there are many areas that need to be discussed.  I can't remember the last incident that I was this conflicted. I could voice my views on a number of things here but I need to focused and provide some kind of truth and encouragement to people.

Genevieve's Gems

Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.

~Jim Rohm, Businessman (1930-2009)

Ferguson

The decision in the Michael Brown case in Ferguson, Missouri has been made. What lies ahead is anybody's guess. I am praying for the people in Ferguson. I'm praying that people will come together to resolve the problems that plague the black community-children who grow up without fathers, poor education and crime. It's sad that it seems that among the black leaders these are taboo subjects.