Equality and Justice Day- Overview

Yesterday, I was present at Equality and Justice Day in Albany, New York. Over 600 people came to the annual event. It was comprised of mostly young people from all over the state which is encouraging. I tried posting yesterday on my tablet but could get a consistent internet connection.  

The day begun with a welcome from Empire State Pride Agenda. Later it was workshops and lobby visits with senators and assembly members. I decided to sit in on a workshop. Creating Supportive Schools for Transgender Students was the one I sat in on. I listened to high school students share their experiences of coming out in their respective schools. They all were bullied, harassed, and in some case with us strangers and encouraged them in their future endeavors.

I attended a rally at the capitol stairs after lunch. The speakers were eloquent and strong in their assessment of the need to pass the Gender Employment Non-Discrimination Act. I attended a workshop Queers in the Coop: Combating the Decline Of Safe Spaces and Improving LGBTQ Job Security with Workers Cooperatives. Afterwards, I spoke with one of the facilitators about the need for different types of coops, and that food coops, in particular, are growing. 

I met some wonderful people on the bus. On the way back our bus broke down so we doubled up with another bus. All in All it was a wonderful day and I learned more on my second go around. 

I will be traveling tomorrow to Albany, New York for Equality and Justice Day. We will meet with legislators, attend workshops, and a rally on the steps of the state capitol. Daniella Carter, a rising star as a trans activist, will be the featured speaker. I attend my first EJ Day last year and found it to be interesting and eye opening. There were many youth at last year's conference and I expect more this year.

My main reason for going is to see the state of the fight for employment protections for transgender people. the Gender Employment Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) has been on the docket for over a decade now. It should have passed the same time marriage equality was in 2010 but was conveniently forgotten, even my the mainstream LGBT organizations because everyone was caught in the euphoria of the passage of marriage equality. 

I will get more information and see what I can do to help move this along. I will give updates as the day moves along.   

Prayer Meeting

Last night I went to a friend's home for a prayer meeting with gay and lesbian friends. Most of us have known each other for about ten years. It was great seeing them again as we all have our lives to live. 

There was conversation, food laughter, and later prayer and intercession. The spirit of God was in the place as we made our petitions to God. The haters who say that God hates us should have been with us last night. We love God, seek his guidance, and desire to do his will. Yes, our gender and sexuality are different but we are God's children also.

Genevieve's Gems

Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.


~George Bernard Shaw, Dramatist (1856-1950)

A Day To Take A Blow

It's a rainy and cool day here in New York City. At least it's a chance to slow down. I have an active mid full of ideas, thoughts, and concerns. Last night I began writing a short story and have a play in mind.

I have been thinking about trans issues more since many of them are coming to the fore. Here in New York, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) is an important issue for transgender people. There's so many issues out there so I have to funnel my focus on a few. I'm very happy that these things are even being discussed. Now to educate people about these subjects. 

I shared with a friend recently I'm busier now than when I was working and that I enjoy it. I'm doing the things that I love. Reflection is a good way to gauge where I am and where I need to go. Recharge the batteries and move ahead. 

No Slowing Down

I thought the week after Holy Week would slow down but it hasn't. I don't mind, though. I have a couple of book fairs this weekend. The Anarchist Book Fair and the Rainbow Book Fair are annual events I attend every year. I always come away with a book. The latter book fair is LGBTQ related.

I'm enjoying the mild weather we've been having this week. I put away some of my winter clothing. I'll keep a few winter items out in the event another cold snap hits. I'm looking forward to being out more this summer.

Three Peat!

Congratulations to the University of Connecticut women's basketball team! Champions for the third year in a row.

Genevieve's Gems

Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way.


~Edward de Bono, Psychologist (b.1933)

Holy Week

Holy Week concluded with Easter Sunday services. It was a wonderful week. My wife and I acted in a drama on Maundy Thursday. Hadn't acted in anything since I don't know when. Good Friday service was done in the New Orleans Jazz Funeral style. It was lively and joyful. There were two services on Easter Sunday.

Holy Week reminds me of the sacrifices and changes that have occurred in my own life. There has been joy, struggle, fun, learning, and the conclusion that I'm on the right course.  

DUKE!

    NCAA DIVISION I MEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS!


Congratulations to the Duke Blue Devils!

Genevieve' Gems

To live happily with other people, one should ask of them only what they can give.

~Tristan Bernard, French Playwright (1866-1947)