Genevieve's Gems

In my deepest, darkest moments, what really got me through was a prayer. Sometimes my prayer was 'Help me.' Sometimes a prayer was 'Thank you.' What I've discovered is that intimate connection and communication with my creator will always get me through because I know my support, my help, is just a prayer away.

~Iyanla Vanzant, Author (b.1953)

Never Felt That Way

I've never felt that I was born in the wrong body. Yes, I did feel different but not to the point that it troubled me 24/7.

I never had an inkling that I wasn't masculine nor were any thoughts of anything feminine in my life.  I was your typical male doing things attributed to males. When I began to have these questions in the early 2Ks, I was confused. I never had such thoughts before in my life. Gradually those thoughts grew stronger. Even when it was pointed out to me that I was a cross dresser, I could wrap my mind around the idea that I had feminine thoughts and tendencies. I knew about transsexuals but never even considered going that route.

In the month that I came out as a cross dresser and discovered that I was transgender, the thought of being in the wrong body never crossed my mind. It was time for the feminine side of me to be presented to the world. In the ten plus years since then I've haven't looked back. 

I believe that I'm not completely masculine or feminine. I never hated being male, I just prefer being a woman. I have been blessed many lovely trans-women and trans-men on my journey.I have never been happier in my life. 

Genevieve's Gems

Everybody has a gift; it's to you to discover what it is.

~Genevieve

Newfest Film Festival Coming Up

A reminder that New York's LGBT Film Festival (Newfest) will begin this Thursday, October 22nd. 


Go to www.newfest.org for additional information.

Critical Times

I just started reading Janet Mock's book Redefining Realness. I can't comment on the book yet but will when done. I thought about how this year has probably been the most eventful one for transgender people. It's also one I believe where we are focusing on the critical issues that affect us as a group.

In a couple of weeks I should have more information as to what the social justice ministry has in mind. Same goes for the glbtq ministry. With the election coming up next year, it's crucial that we all fight for the things we have gained.

Genevieve's Gems

We do not remember days, we remember moments.


~Cesare Pavese, Italian Poet (1908-1950)

Hispanic/Indigenous Heritage Day

Today we celebrated Hispanic/Indigenous Heritage Day at church. Rich traditions and food were part of the celebration. Indigenous people are all over the world and have been for centuries. Places like Mexico, central and South America , Australia and North America have a rich indigenous heritage. I have indigenous blood in my ancestry (Choctaw).  

There was a spiritual ceremony of prayer, incense offerings, sage, and a reminder of what we must do for future generations. Land is the most valuable item for indigenous people and when it was stolen from us it affected many. What I see is a lack of respect and honor for a different culture. Many tribes are trying to hold onto whatever culture and customs they may have left. Sadly, other cultures have totally disappeared. Much of this was done in the name of progress.

I am mindful of the fact that my being transgender, or two-spirit if you will, has caused me to reflect on the journey I am on. It may not be easy but it's one that I must continue. To my Hispanic and Indigenous brothers and sisters, keep moving forward. 

Genevieve's Gems

Every human has four endowments- self-awareness, conscience, independent will and creative imagination. These give us the ultimate human freedom...  The power to choose, to respond, to change.

~Stephen Covey 

Sick

I was sick for a few days with sinuses. Feeling better today.

Genevieve's Gems

A smile is happiness you'll find right under your nose.


~Tom Wilson, Cartoonist (1931-2011)