Genevieve's Gems

Just when you think you have the answers to your questions, more questions come up.

Gender-Ever Present

While I don't think about gender 24/7, its presence lurks over my shoulder. Whenever i'm out and about, seeing genetic women reminds me of the similarities and differences we possess. The differences have become less noticeable but it's still there.  

I've never felt guilty or ashamed about being transgender; I embraced it. I don't feel encumbered by gender norms or society's expectations.I crossed that bridge a long time ago.

It seems that I'm getting bolder as I get older. Recently, my sister and two nieces found out about me being trans. I've been clocked numerous times while out. Other times people see me as another woman. passing is nice but being able to live my life is top priority. 

From time to time I do something not expected of me. I've been viewed as a straight arrow much of my life. Coming out as transgender was totally unexpected until the day it was revealed to me. i crossed a barrier which society frowns upon. 

I hardly talk about gender. I'm willing to answer any questions people may have. Once a barrier is crossed there's no going back. At times I look back and realize that the footprints of my previous life are gone.        

Genevieve's Gems

The greatest gift you can give to others is the gift of unconditional love and acceptance.


~Brian Tracy

Underappreciated

1. Parents

2. Teachers

3. Nurses

4. Police/fire/EMS personnel

5. Servicemen and women

Interest In Burlesque and Drag Rekindled

When I was starting out on this journey, I had a strong interest in burlesque and drag. I read the history of both disciplines, the people who entertained, and the reasons why. Recently my interest in burlesque and drag was rekindled.

I have been involved with a theater project. We've done some acting, improve and playwriting. Acting allows me get out of my comfort zone and I need that from time to time. I truly admire the people who perform. I'm thinking maybe I could also do this. I admit that I'm adventurous. I do have a habit of doing what is not expected of me.

Genevieve's Gems

You cannot find peace by avoiding life.


~Virginia Woolf, Author (1882-1941)

This Year Even More Active

I thought that 2015 was an interesting year for transgender people. It's shaping up that 2016 will be an even more interesting year. The presidential election, the continuing fight for transgender people being treated fairly, trying to keep the gains we have made, and just to live our lives peacefully.

What I would love to see is more trans people from different generations interact with each other. Sharing our unique experiences will create some wonderful friendships. It's important when both group work to achieve the goal of securing rights for trans people.  I also see that we trans people will have to form our own groups if transgender rights are to become a reality. 

With several major organizations cutting back on lobbying or closing shop, once again we are being left behind. I wasn't too surprised by the backlash transgender people received last year because of our increased visibility. Even some in the  LGB community weren't all that happy either and yet we keep marching on.

Genevieve's Gems

In order to succeed, we must first believe that we can.

~Nikos Kazantzakis, Writer (1883-1957) 

First Post For 2016; Some Goals

I finally have time to making my first post of the new year. I'm looking forward to an even better year. I got off slowly with my reading in 2015 but picked it up the last six months. Play writing took the front of the stage and was able to write a few short ones. We still had Transgender Day of Remembrance with more trans women murdered than ever before. We did gain more visibility however.

This year I will work to see that the Gender Employment Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) gets passed here in New York. With the demise of the Empire State Pride Agenda (ESPA), I need to explore other options regarding improvement for transgender people. I'm currently involved in the affordable housing issues in my neighborhood. Gentrification has come where I live. From what I see, poorer and some middle class residents will lose out. It's expensive living here as it is. 

these are two of the issues I'm involved in. I'm still formulating some other goals and it looks like it will be an interesting year, especially with the presidential election coming up later this year. 

Happy New Year; Genevieve's Gems

The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help writing that story by setting goals. 

~Melody Beattie 





May 2016 be an even better year!