2017

Genevieve's Gems

Getting organized in the normal routines of life and finishing little projects you started is an important first step toward realizing larger goals. If you can't get a handle on the small things, how will ever get it together to focus on the big things.


~Joyce Meyer

Setting Goals

Right now I'm thinking of my goals for 2017. Have a couple of writing goals already. I need to think of some personal and financial goals. I learned about setting goals when I was a tutor. Students were to set goals about what they wanted to accomplish. I could be from writing ten words to passing their GED test and everything in between.

It's really a thrill when a goal is accomplished. I breeds confidence and the idea that I can do more. There will be more challenges in 2017 because the changing culture of the times dictate it. It doesn't deter me from setting goals-just creating more of them.

Christmas Greetings

United we stand, divided we fall.


~Aesop, Author (620 BC- 560 BC)

Dukes, Penguins in Ttile Tilt

                                                                                                                   


                                                                                  VS.

It will be the Royal Dukes of James Madison University and the Youngstown State Penguins in the title game for the Football Championship on January 7th in Frisco, Texas.

James Madison advanced by knocking off the 5 time defending champs North Dakota State Bison 27-17.

Youngstown State won in dramatic fashion with a last second touchdown in a come from behind 40-38 victory over Eastern Washington University.

St. Francis 2016 NAIA Football Champions

A hearty congratulations to the University of St. Francis (Ind.) in winning their first national championship with a resounding 38-17 victory over the Baker (Ks). Wildcats.

Bearcats Reign!

Congratulations to the Northwest Missouri State Bears on winning the Division II football championship.



Northwest Missouri State- 29

North Alabama- 3

DIVISION III CHAMPIONS!

The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders won its first ever championship defeating University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. 10-7 in the Stagg Bowl in Salem, Va.



CONGRATULATIONS CRUSADERS!

Commentary

It's been six since Donald Trump won the national election in an upset. Folks are still talk about it with disgust or joy or fear or any other each person is expressing. Can't remember an election where a conundrum of different responses have been expressed.

I was over the election results the day after. Mr. Trump is the President-elect so he'll be the commander-in-chief for at least the next four years. We are faced with challenges which will be like no other. The economy, Roe vs. Wade, TGLBQI rights, the increasing fear and anger many feel. I said that America is now a fascist country and this election has borne that fact out.

People will now have to sit down and LISTEN to each other regardless of what they political ideology. I encourage everyone to find something that truly believe in and work with others with like concerns. As a transgender person I'm very concerned about the anti-tglbqi rhetoric and the possibility of the gains made simply taken away.

I remember when the Vietnam war raged and all the protests that ensued for years until finally that war ended. It was the people who ended it, not the politicians. People were tired of seeing loved ones and friends killed, maimed, or injured mentally as well as physically. I am optimistic that it can happen again.

Genevieve's Gems

Never stop fighting until you arrive at your destined place- that is, the unique you. Have an aim in life, continuously acquire knowledge, word hard, and have perseverance to realise the great life.


~A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

NAIA FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

The Cougars of the University of St. Francis of Indiana plays the Baker University (Ks.) Wildcats to decide the championship.

Million Women March

I will going to the Million Women March here in New York on January 21st. It will be at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza near the UN. The march is from 11AM to 4PM. It's important that I attend because I'm concerned about ALL women. As a trans woman it's doubly important that I go because of the uncertainty of the incoming administration concerning LGBTQI topics.

There will be marches all over the country. Wherever you are, make your voices and presence be heard and seen.   

NCAA DIVISION II FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

This Saturday the Division II football champions will be crowned when the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats tangle with University of North Alabama Lions.

VS.

  

NCAA DIVISION III FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

  

                                                                             VS.

The University of Mary-Hardin-Baylor Crusaders of Texas will battle the Titans of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh for the championship in Friday, December 16th at Crusader Stadium in Belton, Texas.

Gender Employment

The Gender Employment Non Discrimination has languished in the New York state senate for a decade and a half. The state assembly has repeated passed the GENDA bill only to languish in the senate.

Some organizations, such as Empire State Pride Agenda who allegedly are supposed to represent transgender people have curtailed or ceased operations believing erroneously that their mission (marriage equality) has been accomplished. Are they ever wrong. The climate for advancing transgender rights will be rocky with the incoming administration but we must proceed.

I mention a couple of posts back that GENDA was one of my main projects for 2017. Now I have decided to go full bore. There will be a couple of other projects but seeing GENDA passes in New York State cannot wait any longer.

Football Championship Series

Sunday, December 11, 2016

Football Championship Series Semi Finals

I'm a big football fan. I love the college football playoffs and here is the semi final tilts set for this Friday, December 16th.

                                                                             VS.

Defending champions North Dakota State Bison will take a hot opponent from Virginia in the Royal Dukes of James Madison University.

The other game features the Youngstown State Penguins and the eagles of Eastern Washington University.

                                          VS.

Genevieve's Gems

Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding time for others. It is discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values.


~Thomas S. Monson

Time To Work Together

Between now and he new year I will be choosing to fight the battles that are important to me. Right now affordable housing is a big issue in my neighborhood. Working to get GENDA passed is another issue that I want to see passed. 

The next four years will be quite interesting. I pray that people will work together and find solutions to the things that are important to us. More than ever before differences will need to be put aside. Time is precious and it can't be wasted on needless bickering and quarreling.

Concert

Last night my wife and I went to a concert performed by the Fort Washington Community Choir. The group was formed by the Choir director just a few months ago. Last night was their first performance.

I enjoy all forms of music from classical (which was performed) to jazz to rhythm and blues to rock. My parents exposed me and my siblings to all genres to which I am thankful. I'm looking forward to the next performance.

Genevieve's Gems

Through hard work, perseverance and a faith in God, you can live your dreams.


~Ben Carson

A Different Feeling This Holiday Season

As December beckons there will be many activities. Parties, concerts, and performances will be plenty. This year is different as a result of the recent national election. There will joy mixed with trepidation to what direction our country is headed. 

There's much to be thankful for and there's much that needs to discussed. One thing that is needed is for people  from all walks to sit down and LISTEN to each other instead of hollering and screaming. It's vitally important that each person knows where the other person is coming from. We don't have to agree on everything but perhaps we can find common ground. 

These are critical times in need of some REAL solutions. I encourage each one of you to find some thing you can do and do it. It doesn't matter what it is. We need not let fear overcome us but the desire and determination to be a positive force towards change.      

Genevieve's Gems

Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.


~Desmond Tutu

Happy Thanksgiving

TDOR

I went to the Transgender Day Of Remembrance ceremony at the Sage center last night. It was great to pay homage to the transgender people who we lost to violence and suicide. The names of the deceased were read. I recited a poem at the closing. There was song, prayer, remembrances and comaraderie.  

My Three Cents

On election night when it was certain that Donald Trump would I wrote down three reasons (my opinion) why he won and why Hillary Clinton lost.


Why Hillary Clinton Lost

1. Her record. The emails and the mess at Benghazi were factors. She and her husband are responsible for what happened in Bosnia and Rwanda. Dismantling welfare in Arkansas in the nineties and the mass incarcerations we have now are her doing. I have a saying that your track record does follow you. I believe it did in this case.

2. Bernie Sanders factor. Sanders rallied many young people to the political scene. Hillary didn't have the same impact on the younger folk. What was her message? She never conveyed what she was about. Many people didn't vote which also hurt.

3. Hatred. Bluntly, many people did not like her. She is not a warm person and many people mistrust her.


Why Donald Trump

1. The slogan 'Make America Great Again' resonated with white males, 45+  who do not have a college education. They were fed up with the status quo.  Also his in-your-face style appealed to them. This is where the Democrats messed up big time. Once upon a time The Democrats spoke up for the working person. Not anymore.

2. Charisma. One thing Trump is not is boring. If he hadn't been in the pool this would have been a boring election. He dropped in the Republican's lap because the other candidates were awful. They actually benefited from him being in the race. 

3. Americans like characters. I called Trump a wild card. He's not a politician and that served him well. He says some outrageous and stupid things and doesn't care who likes it.  

Genevieve's Gems

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.'


~Eleanor Roosevelt 

TDOR 2016

I will be attending TDOR services on November 22nd at the Sage Center here. I will be reciting a poem at the closing. It's been a tough year for transgender people with 24 reported murders of transgender women (most women of color). Counter that with the many suicides and you have a picture of what transgender people are up against. Several people committed suicide after Donald Trump won the election.

There have also been some positive things that have happened, one been recognized by President Obama. It's important for me to attend TDOR because it's a chance to show love, support, and to educate which is till needed. I pray that people will ask questions about what we are about and about our lives.

Quote

There were people who went to sleep last night,
Poor and rich and white and black,
But they will never wake again.

And those dead folks would give anything at all
For just five minutes of this weather
Or ten minutes of plowing.

So what yourself about complaining.

What you're suppose to do
When you don't like a thing is change it.
If you can't change it,
Change the way you think about it.

~Maya Angelou

Moving Forward

This has been quite a week to say the least. This election cycle will be talked about for days. It was great getting back in church and seeing the people that I truly love and care for. There were some folks were pretty upset and disappointed. I have spent some time encouraging those who are hurting.

I am reminded that the election is just one day on the calendar. There's still much work to be done! I survived the Nixon years; I will survive this.  

VOTED

I VOTED!  DID YOU?

VOTE!

Be sure to vote!

Genevieve's Gems

Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only they can do this is by not voting.

~Franklin D. Roosevelt

One More Week

This will be the last week of politicking (thank God) before next Tuesday presidential election. Be sure you know where each candidate stands on the issues. Don't be surprised by anything you hear. Both sides are doing some horrible mudslinging. I will have a commentary the day after the elections.

Genevieve's Gems

You cannot have a positive life and a negative mind.


~Joyce Meyer

Coming Days

It's been a stressful couple of days with some family matters. I won't go into detail but it's a very intense matter. I'm hopeful that it will be resolved soon. 

Missed out on seeing Stonewall icon Miss Major speak. There will be another opportunity in the future, I'm sure. Transgender Day of Remembrance is coming up next month.  Sage is having a planning meeting about this year's event of which I will attend. I just hope that the subject of suicide will be brought up. It's a concern of mine and one that's not talked about enough. 

I will be doing another performance in November with the dance ministry at church. I'll need to work on my steps. I enjoy doing this and ministering to others in this manner. 

Genevieve's Gems

Keep all special thoughts and memories for lifetimes to come. Share these keepsakes with others to inspire hope and build from the past, which can bridge to the future.


~Mattie Stepanek 

Today's Encouraging Words

Be happy. It drives the haters crazy. 

Election Has Been Ramping Up Activity

With the election only three weeks away the activities on both sides are ramping up. Each side accusing the other of deception and wrongdoing. Can't ever remember a presidential election this cantankerous.

Last night I ran into an event at the Center about bus trips to Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire as well as New York State. Ohio and Pennsylvania are swing states which could affect the election. People certainly are getting out and canvassing, making phone calls and creating dialogue. I am particularly interested in local elections which do affect us more. I'm involved with affordable housing issues in my neighborhood and our representatives have taken note that they need to represent our interests and not the developers.    

It's said that all politics is local. Well, I'm seeing that up close and personal. Some of our reps are up for election next year. People have shown that if the politicians won't represent us, we'll vote them out. I hope that this is happening in other locales. We need change and the people will initiate that change if we all come together.

Genevieve's Gems

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you are a leader.


~John Quincy Adams

Colin Kaepernick Protest-My Thoughts

It's been  a few weeks since San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick  said that he would not stand for the national anthem in protest of the racial situation in the country. I waited until all the hoopla and testosterone of opponents and supporters cooled down.

Not standing for the national anthem is nothing new to me. When I was a junior college student in 1968, the majority of black students did not stand for the anthem. I've heard all the comments about them being unpatriotic and 'disrespecting our military men and women' (Vietnam was raging at the time). My own thought is that they are saying why should they stand up for the anthem when the country doesn't stand up for them.

National Coming Out Day

Today is National Coming Out Day. Been showing my true colors for a long time now.
Be proud of who you are! Don't let anyone say that you aren't worthy because you are worthy and beautiful!

Growing

I try to anticipate the changes that will come into my life. It's hard sometimes but I see it as an opportunity to grow intellectually and emotionally. I read a lot and educate myself on many numerous topics. Gender is so broad that it seems limitless. I have mentioned in the past that I have accepted my queerness and it is wonderful. 

If one looks at me they would see a stylish, conservative dressing woman. Inside I'm like a geyser waiting to erupt. My joy knows no bounds as I trek through life discovering, questioning, and embracing. I pray that I will always remain open to new discoveries and not close my mind no matter how palatable it may or may not be.  Struggle is good because it develops character and reveal traits we may not have known we possess.

Genevieve's Gems

Some think the truth can be hidden with a little cover-up and decoration. But as times go by, what is true is revealed, and what is fake fades away.

~Ismail Haniyeh, Palestinian Politician, (b. 1959)

Can You Judge?

Someone gave this piece some time ago. I thought that I would share it here.


CAN YOU HONESTLY JUDGE?

Pray don't find fault with the man who
   limps or stumbles along the road.
   Unless you have worn the shoes he wears
     or struggled beneath his load.
There may be tacks in his shoes that hurt,
        though hidden from view;
  Or the burden he bears placed on your back
   might cause you to stumble too.
Don't sneer at the man who's down today.
   unless you have felt the blow
   That caused his fall, or felt the shame that
    only the fallen know.
You may be strong now, but still the blows that
   were his, if dealt to you
    In the self-same way at the very same time
    might cause you to stagger too.
Don't be too harsh with the man who sins
    or pelt him with words or stones,
  Unless you are sure, yes, doubly sure, that
   You have no sins of your own.


                                                           Anonymous Philosopher
 

Genevieve's Gems

Information is not knowledge.


~Albert Einstein

Free Speech

Free speech is when an individual or group expresses his/her views about a particular topic. Trouble comes when one tried to silence the other person who views they do not agree with. Character assassinations are common also. People will say things we don't also agree with but no one should have their characters ripped and shredded because their views are different. Just a point to remember.

Genevieve's Gems

There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.


~Elie Wiesel, Novelist (1928-2016) 

Autumn

My favorite season!

Bisexual Folks Are Who They Say They Are

I'm tired of people saying that bisexuals are confused or really homosexual. THEY ARE BISEXUAL!  To try to claim that they are anything else is disrespectful.

Enjoying Life

I am truly enjoying life. Since I retired I'm doing the things I enjoy. I'm reading and writing. I'm out almost ever day either with friends or in activities that I'm passionate about. I have learned to enjoy the moment that I am in.

Preclude To My Life Today?

I used to hang out at places like this in the Times Square area back in the late 1960s and early 1970s. There were plenty of places like the above establishment where folks could have forbidden pleasures and fantasies fulfilled. Nowadays, there are only a handful of such places. 

At times I wonder if my interest was a preclude to where I am today. I was on the outside looking in never getting involved with a lot the activities but enjoyed the vibe. Here in America, sex and gender seem to be taboo subjects. Why? Perhaps, it may reveal aspects of our lives we are unwilling to acknowledge or admit. When I came out as a cross dresser I concluded that there was a lot more to me than I realized. When I discover my transgenderism it added more fuel to the fire.

What has helped me is that I embrace all that has happened thus far. Meeting and befriending folks of many genders and sexualities shows that I'm one of millions of like people. There's nothing wrong with me. This is who I am. I wonder if some of the people who frequented Show World and other such places were seeking answers to their questions and deep longings? How many died never finding what it was they were seeking or wishing to express?

.

Genevieve's Gems

The hottest place in Hell is reserved for those who remain neutral in times of great moral conflict.


~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Compliments

I was out in Greenwich Village today, enjoying the mild weather. I usually get at least one compliment on what I am wearing. Today it it happens three times. I wore an aqua skirt, burgundy top and aqua fedora. A woman came up to me and said she liked the way I coordinated everything. Someone else said 'nice hat' when they walked by. A woman even complimented me on my painted toenails . I always say 'thank you' for their kind words. 

These compliments are nice in that I believe in people's honesty and the fact that I'm presenting trans people in a positive way. When anti-trans forces still believe that we are fakes I'm doing what I can to dispel that notion.    

Genevieve's Gems

Let your hopes, not your hurts, shape your future.


~Robert H. Schuller, Clergyman (1926-2015)

Busy Summer

This summer has been an interesting one for me. I've met a lot of wonderful people. I've done some performing and open mic. I have been asked to host an event in September and possibility be a facilitator at one of the support meetings. As you can see I'm stretching out a bit.

What can  I expect for the fall I'm not certain. For TGLBQI people life could get rough if the political climate is any indication. I'm very interested in local and state politics because what bills and laws are passed and enacted could have a huge effect on us. It's important that we stay engaged and involved in whatever endeavor we do. 

A Voice In Trying Times

I have been sharing my story a number of times this summer. I have an internet radio show of which I share God's word from the transgender perspective. At the present time this is my current mission. There are so many ways of being an advocate for trans rights and this seems to be my path.

I can sit idly by while trans people are being attacked (verbally as well as physically) by the forces who wish to destroy us. In this cantankerous political climate, it's vital to be a source of encouragement as many people need it. 

Insults Hurled at Me

A couple of times this past week I  had  insults hurled in my direction. I'm not surprised. I'm still going on and living my life. Doesn't stop me one bit. 

Genevieve's Gems

Surround yourself with good people who encourage and love you. There are always ups and downs, no matter how successful you are.


~Liana Liberato 

Spoke At Evening Church Service

Last night I was a reflector at our evening service at church. I spoke about my life journey and how God has been there. I mentioned that journeys are unique to each individual and that there are many twists and turns. I shared the poem below at the end of the 3 minute reflection.


I NEVER TRAVELED THIS ROAD BEFORE

I never traveled this road before
Lined with thick brush and boulders
It looks strange and forboding
There's nothing familiar here to guide me.

Each step forward is a step closer 
To an unknown destination.
What awaits me, I know not
But I trek on.

I'm nudged ahead
By an unseen hand.
I turn around and
The footprints of my life are gone.

Genevieve's Gems

Be proud of who you are. Love yourself. Don't let others define who you are. Define yourself. Each person is beautiful and unique.

Self Acceptance

Self acceptance is the first step towards self-discovery. Once I accepted who I was, the pieces of the puzzle began to fit. My feelings of difference became clearer when I started to cross dress. The struggles and tensions dissipated upon my self acceptance.

I never felt shame or guilt that I like to wear women's clothing. It felt so natural to me. t took me over a year to feel comfortable in my own skin. When that happened, there was no turning back. I have to hold back the tears because I'm so happy.

How can we love others if we cannot love ourselves? Self loathing can stifle the love others want to give. Be who you are! Let no one define who you are; define yourself. Love yourself! You are beautiful and unique. There are people who love you for being you.

Genevieve's Gems

A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike. And all plans, safeguards, policing, and coercion are fruitless. We find after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us.


~John Steinbeck, Author (1902-1968)

Journeys

I will be speaking at the evening service at church on August 14th as a reflector. My topic will be on journeys. It is so true in the spiritual realm as well as in my transgender trek. We all are on journeys. Like a good mystery there are many twists and turns. Journeys can take us to many places and can last for years. Whatever we choose or choose not to do, the journey goes on.

Thinking About A Name Change

I have been mulling over getting a name change the past few months. It was one of the those areas that I always kept an open door. I have been encouraged to do so. I will do more research and sharing with my spouse. This will be a life changing event if I do it.

Genevieve's Gems

Never believe that a few caring people can't the world. For, indeed, that's all who ever have.


~Margaret Mead

Stay Vigilant

Some of my friends are fearful of what will happen if Trump is elected president. While not fearful I'm concerned. I wish that we didn't have to talk about racism but since it has been brought to the front during this election cycle it needs to be discussed.

Now's not the time to be fearful but to take action, regardless of who's elected. Fear can keep one from seeing clearly what solutions can be created. One thing I do believe is that people need to be proactive. Marches, protests, grassroots movements and education will need to be more of a constant.

Being Positive In A Negative World

I first heard this saying back in the 70s when the world was in turmoil. Vietnam was winding down, the nation was becoming more conservative, and people were weary from all the protests and riots. It didn't mean that people weren't fearful for the future. They were. Does anyone want to be ruled and dictate life by fear? A terrible way to live.

While I am concerned about what is happening, being positive can do wonders to others around us as well as ourselves. I'm thankful for a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Scripture says that there will be troubles in the world. I can pray for others. I can and do encourage whenever it is needed. Positive reinforcement goes a long to alleviating fear.

I remember the crazy 1960s with all the protests and civil disobedience. Jesus' world wasn't peaceful by any means. Jesus was a calm presence in the middle of the storm. There are many positive experiences happening every day. I focus on those things. Life may look desolate at the moment but those moments don't last forever.

Genevieve's Gems

It's terrible when you find out that you lived your life on someone else's terms. It's never too late to start over. Age has nothing to do with it. Many folks have changed the course of their lives while in their fifties, sixties and even seventies.

Troubling Times

It's been a tumultuous few weeks. Three more cops killed.  Another transgender woman dies from her injuries. Now the president signs a bill authorized the military to control American citizens. Add the two presidential conventions coming up and you have a recipe for some trouble. In my opinion 2016 is shaping up to be another 1968.  

Genevieve's Gems

Where there is love there is life.

~Mahatma Gandhi

Stonewall

I just finished reading this book. It gives an overview of the events prior and during the Stonewall Riots. while this book is geared more toward young adults I learned some things I didn't know. There are two other more in-depth books about Stonewall which I will read.

Transgender People In Action

I googled about the Stonewall Riots and saw this. Couldn't let this go.

Genevieve'S Gems

Fear keeps us focused on the past or worried about the future. If we can acknowledge our fear, we can realize that right now we are okay. Right now, today, we are still alive, and our bodies are working marvelously. Our eyes can still see the beautiful sky. Our ears can still the voices of our loved ones.

~Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Clergyman

July 4th

Genevieve's Gems

I guess you'd call me an independent, since I've never identified myself with one or another in politics. I always decide my vote by taking as careful a look as I can at the actual candidates and issues themselves, no matter what the party label.

~Jackie Robinson

New York City Pride Parade

Pictures from the New York City Pride Parade.

Trans Day Of Action

Scenes from last Friday's Trans Day Of Action.

Genevieve's Gems

There are a group of people who would like to silence everybody and have everybody go along to get along, but that's not going to be very helpful for us in the long run, in terms of solving our problems. And somebody has to be courageous enough to actually stand up to, you know, the bullies.

~Ben Carson

Love Overcomes Hate

With the horrible carnage in Orlando, many of my GLBTQI brothers and sisters  have concern for their safety and welfare, and rightfully so. The response from all corners of the world has been amazing. 

This evening I went down to the Stonewall Inn where 50-75 people were gathered. Candles, balloons, flowers and flags were piled in front of the bar as some spoke words of encouragement. I wanted to speak but chose not to. Many of the words waxed eloquent with me. The  message to me was be yourself and be happy with who you are. These are two things that I practice everyday.   

I encouraged some of my friends to not let this event paralyze them in fear. This is what our enemies want. Continue living your life. Encourage one another. Call and check on each. Listen to each other. Love overcomes hate.