NEW YEAR WISH

May 2018 bring joy and happiness to you.

Living and Enjoying Life

As I interact with the public, my being trans doesn't ever come up. I rarely think about. Being trans isn't the focal point of my life. I'm rarely asked about it. I'm always open to questions if people have them. I'm just living life and enjoying it.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

There is a plan and a purpose, a value to every life, no matter what its location, age, gender, or disability.


~Sharron Angle

CRUDDY POLITICS

It's very rare that I comment or write anything about politics. After reading an article about celebrities are Republicans I was bothered by it. Not by the celebs because I maintain that it's a person's right choose whatever party they want to support. It's the whole political climate.
First of all, I'm a registered Independent. I left the Democratic Party over a decade ago because they no longer listen to people like me. I never believed that the Republicans cared about me at all. I also believe that both parties pander to the corporation. They do the corporations bidding to pass laws which do not benefit the average American. Can a third party work? I believe it can if folks can find a few things they all agree on then start from there. People will need to put aside their pettiness and check their egos. Will it happen? I hope so.

I have said that 2016 saw the worst bunch of candidates I've ever seen.They are control freaks, narcissistic, lack empathy, inexperienced in some case, racist in others, and care only for filling their own pockets. I voted third party. Never liked neither Trump or Clinton.   Some will say that voting for a third party is a wasted vote. I wholeheartedly disagree. Some tried to convince me that should vote for Clinton, who I don't like, to keep Trump out, who I dislike even more. To me THAT is a wasted vote.

I'm not crying over spilled milk. I'm working on the things that I believe in.  Affordable housing. tax breaks for small businesses, GENDA, and immigration reform are the areas I'm most concerned with. I'm taking a greater interest in local and state politics because there some cruddy politicians here also. the coming year promises to be an active one for me, personally. 

CHRISTMAS WISHES

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Countries with higher levels of gender equality have higher economic growth. Companies with more women on their boards have higher returns. Peace agreements that include women are more successful. Parliaments with more women take up a wider range of issues-including health, education, anti discrimination, and child support.


~Ban Ki-moon, South Korean diplomat

GOALS

I already have two goals for 2018; getting my teeth fixed and legally changing my name. I could be a year I will become more involved with local and state politics. Thought 2018 would be a down year politically but it turns out not to be the case. There's so much misinformation and lies being spewed out which is confusing to many folks.

People will need to be more informed AND involved if they really want to see real change. Moaning and whining won't change anything. Also people need to quit being oversensitive about EVERYTHING! It's not worth it.  it's going to take courage, clear headed-ness, and perseverance if we are to be victorious.

Genevieve's Gems

Memories are the keys not to the past, but to the future.


~Corrie Ten Boom

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CHAMPIONS-FOOTBALL

                                           DIVISION II
             

                                                             

                                                                   DIVISION III

                                                NAIA

                             CONGRATULATIONS!!!

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Be brave enough to live life creatively. The creative place where no one else has ever been.



~Alan Alda

NAIA 2017 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

                                                            ST. FRANCIS (IND.) COUGARS

                                                                         
                                                                             VS.
                                                
                                                   REINHARDT UNIVERSITY EAGLES

DIVISION III 2017 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

MOUNT UNION RAIDERS TANGLE WITH THE DEFENDING DIVISION III CHAMPS MARY HARDIN BAYLOR CRUSADERS.

DIVISION II 2017 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

SAT. 12/16   6 PM ON ESPN3

The University of West Florida Argonauts will tangle with Lions of Texas A & M-Commerce for the Division 2 football championship.

THEM CHANGES

I remember creating this blog months before I came out. So much was going on inside of me, so much I didn't understand. I sometimes wrote for several hours just to relieve the stress and tension I felt. This was my public journal of what was to be a life changing transformation.

Fast forward to now, I'm still going through so life changing transformations. I see how far this journey has brought me and it is continuing. I'm so happy where I am but every now and then there is a subtle shift. Next year I will legal change my name. I'm sure that will be another life altering event.

FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES SEMI FINALS

SAT. 12/16 @ 4:30 PM

SOUTH DAKOTA STATE  @ JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY 

FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES SEMI FINALS

FRIDAY 12/15 @ 8 PM


SAM HOUSTON STATE  @ NORTH  DAKOTA STATE

STILL MANY HURDLES

Its been nearly three months since hurricanes devastated Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands .It does not means that all is okay. Many places are still without water, electricity and medicine. You don't hear it in the news anymore. The fact is that there are still many hurdles for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Elected leaders need to be held accountable for the lack of response. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

You can kill the revolutionary but you can never kill the revolution.


~Fred Hampton, Activist (1948-1969)

Came Out To Nephew

Yesterday my my wife and I visited her nephew. We went to the annual Christmas party at the group home he resides in. It was also the first time he saw me as Genevieve. I wasn't nervous at all. He hugged me like always. We had a good time together. The people there treated me well. No drama or fireworks. 

I made it a mission to come out to all that I'm associated with since I will legally change my name next year. There a a few places that will meet Genevieve for the first time.

Pray For California

Please pray for the folks out in California. Don't ever remember the fires being this bad.

Internet Back On

I got my internet back on today. I'll do my internet radio program on Thursday afternoon. It's gotten now that I need to do some things ahead of time. I used to could do things on the fly but not anymore. December is traditionally an active month for me so I need to make sure that I don't forget anything.

I will need to think of goals for 2018. I have two thus far. Get all my dental work done and legally change my name. I need to publish my chapbook and will do so in January. I am keeping up with as much news as possible. Narrowing down to a few issues that I can work on with other folk. Picking my battles.

Genevieve's Gems

I look forward to the day when there will be a transgender day of celebration.  

Winding Up

Tomorrow will be the last month of 2017. It's been an interesting year to say the least. I have many thought which I will post near the end of the year. In the meantime I will enjoy the Christmas season in song and reflection.

Genevieve's Gems

There should be no discrimination against languages people speak, skin color, or religion.


~Malala Yousafai, Pakistani Activist, (b. 1997)

Transgender Day of Remembrance

Today trans people are having ceremonies all over the world paying homage to those who have been lost to violence, suicide, and illness. For some it's not an easy day because they've lost friends and family members. My heart goes out to them.

It's also important that we honor those from the past such as Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. Honor is to be paid to the activist today who are fighting for us. I know a few personally who are out there on the front lines.

We need to be thankful that we have made it through another year. Some who were here a year are no longer with us. Yes there is sadness however reflect on the many good things that have happened. Keep moving ahead. Don't let anyone deter you from being who you are. You are beautiful!

Commentary

Last night I attended Transgender Day of Remembrance ceremony downtown. Homage was paid to the 26 known transgender murders in America.

The name of each person was read along with a slide presentation. I read the name of a young trans woman who was only seventeen. Seventeen! She had dreams, talent, and a steady who loved her. Ally will never fulfill them because people killed her because she was different.

I pray that some day the day of remembrance will become a day of celebration. My deceased trans sisters and brothers were smart, empathetic, bold talented, and loved. They lived their lives authentically and proudly.

Genevieve's Gems

People have to liberate themselves; liberation is not a single act. It's a question of eternal vigilance. Otherwise, you will be ensnared by someone else.


~Norman Finkelstein, Educator

Edgy About TDOR

The Transgender Day of Remembrance ceremony will be held at Sage Center tomorrow at 6:30 PM. I'm am a bit nervous, something that never happened in previous years. Maybe it's because many items will need to be stressed. 

Transgender people have made tremendous strides, as witnessed by the eight transgender people elected to public office in recent elections. However, there is still much misunderstanding and misinformation about who transgender are and the struggles that many face every day. Even in the LGB communities, the misunderstanding is surprising and sad. 

I will be reciting a poem at the ceremony. I'm wanting to convey the sadness of the transgender people lost in 2917 but also the successes we have had. We are not just survivors; we are victors living authentically in a world that wishes to silence us.

TDOR

Vet's Parade

Yesterday I attended the Veterans Day parade. I wore a black cap with gold writing spelling 'Army Veteran'. As many marchers past by a few of them came up to me thanking me for my service. And I was ma'amed!

The mood was subdued. Perhaps with ehat has happened in recent weeks may have something to do with it.

TDOR Ceremonies

A group of us is preparing for ceremonies for the Transgender Day of Remembrance. It has been the bloodiest year for trans people. Besides honoring those who have passed, we want remember those who are living. There will be another planning session next week. Can't wait to see what we come up with.

Election Day

Be sure to vote today!

Genevieve's Gems

Rights were won when people took to the streets. They were never won in a corporate boardroom.

Twenty Two

The murder of Candace Towns in Macon, Georgia makes her the 22nd trans person murdered in the US in 2017. This has been quite a year and, with the current political climate, I'm surprised that number isn't higher. One of those murders, Barbara Bostick, happened near senior place I go to every week.

 Transgender Day of Remembrance is very important not just to honor those who has passed on but also those of us who are living. We are marching on though. I have never lived my life and not going to. I support my trans sisters and brothers.

Genevieve's Gems

Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses. 



~George Washington Carver

All Lives Matter vs. Black Lives Matter

This is purely my own thoughts. It's very true that all lives matter. When its put out there to counteract the message of black lives matter it comes off as the lives and concerns of black people being dismissed. I'm reading between the lines possibly but this is what I come up with.

Transgender Day Of Remembrance

Preparations will be made for Transgender Day of Remembrance. We are brainstorming ideas for the event this year. I'm going to read a poem this time. SAGE will celebrate TDOR on Friday, November 17th at 6:45 pm.

Genevieve's Gems

The smallest deed is better than the greatest intention. 


~John Burroughs

Newfest

Today is opening of the annual Newfest Film Festival in New York City. Tere are all kinds of films from shorts to documentaries to full length features. 

Go to www.newfest.org for more information.

Commentary

There are a few things I would love to see happen.

1. I want to see less trying to score brownie points by the left. I'm tired of reading headlines like 'Trump mad' or 'we are dead in the water'. How about spending more time on the things that really matter. The fifteen minutes of is soon  forgotten.

2. I would love to see the right understand that life does not always follow a linear path. There are differences in people you may not comprehend but they do exist. Try to sit with the people and see where they are coming from. Just because some folks aren't part of your tribe or paradigm does not invalidate their values

3. There are serious problems in the country. Going into denial, being angry or depressed doesn't do you or anyone else any good. There is the need to work on the concerns important to you.

Genevieve's Gems

Racism oppresses its victims,  but also binds the oppressors, who sears their consciences with more and more lies until they become prisoners of those lies. They cannot face the truth of human equality because it reveals the horror of the injustices they commit. 


~Alveda King  

Coming Out Day

Today is National Coming Out Day. The moment I step outside I'm out.

California

Please pray for the folks in California.

Genevieve's Gems

Leadership is not about a title or a designation. It is about impact, influence, and inspiration. Impact involves getting results, influence is about spreading the passion you have for your work, and you have to inspire teammates and customers.



~Robin S. Sharma

Prayers

Please continue to pray for Mexico, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and Las Vegas.

Depth and Perception

I have gotten back to creating and writing poetry again. The difference this time is that I'm seeking to share more of my inner thoughts and concerns. This is quite a evolution for me personally.

I always said that I was going to live my life openly and I'm doing that. The néed for me to be a rock in the times I'm presently living in is pushing me to be more in depth about sharing and living. I'm not so sure where this will but the past few poems I've written indicates a shift in focus and depth.

Commentary-Anthem

It's been a long time since the national anthem has sparked so much conversation. Predominantly black players in the NFL are refusing to stand during the playing of the anthem because of the injustice done to black people as a whole. 

I'm playing devil's advocate here. A few points to be considered. I am black. I stand for the playing of the anthem(always have). While I don't particularly agree with what they are doing I understand their position. Second point is that the country has been this way before. Muhammad Ali refusing induction into the military in 1967.  Tommie Smith and John Carlos raising clenched fists at the 1968 Olympics.  When I was in junior college in 1968 and 1969 black student did not stand at the play of the anthem much to the chagrin of the predominantly white audience.

What I notice is that white folks get really angry when black folks do this. They may say that they are hurting our men and women serving in the military. I was in the army in 1971 during the Vietnam era. Protests were happening almost every day. It didn't affect me one bit. For years I've heard people say if you don't like America, then leave. Why? Theirs and mine ancestors came here in chains and were subjected of some of the harshest treatment. 

I'm sure some have said why should I stand for the anthem when America hasn't respected me as a person? A valid question. Some will say that they are just spoiled brats who don't appreciate what they can have in America. Some of these players come from some rough backgrounds where drugs, violence and poverty were rampant. Another point is that just because a few people have found success does not mean that the masses are have, far from it. One needs to remember after the game the players still live in society. That's why when someone says 'just shut up and play' is, in my mind, is a stupid and ignorant comment.

I mentioned earlier that I was in the service. I attend the Veteran's Day parade every year. I have marched in it and now view it as a spectator. I served to preserve the freedoms we enjoy. I served so that white supremacists had to right to protest though their message is deplorable. The anthem protests are also people exercising their free speech. This is what America is about. 

I still believe that there are many white folks who really don't know what black people have to go through on a daily basis. It seems that people are going to tribal warfare and that is not good for anyone. I would love to discuss this topic with anyone who cares to. 

As I also mentioned earlier, I'm just playing devil's advocate. 

Genevieve's Gems

When the women's liberation movement began, whe people began protest agaist the Vietnam War, civil rights movement, at the beginning of these movements, the majority of the country was not with them, did not believe in the basic principles of any of these philosophies.

~Michael Moore

Poem

While I going through some old stories I ran across this poem. It was posted by Zythyra on mysbandbetty.com. I thinks a great time to post this.

T is for all Trans persons who have gone before us.
R is for the realities of our lives
A is for Awareness, Action, and Acceptance.
N is for Never again will we be silenced
S is for our Songs and Stories
G is for all Genders in between the two
E is for Expressing our inner beauty
N is for our unknown names
D is for the Duality of our spirits
E is for the Essential truths of our beings
R is for Re-awakening to new possibilities

P is for Passing as what others need to see
R is for Reclaiming our ancient Roles in society
I is for the Invisibility of our history
D is for the deaths of too many trans sisters and brothers
E is for Equality for Everyone!


Zythyra

Activism

I just hope and pray that more people will be stirred up to activism than apathy.

Commentary-Village Voice

I picked up the last copy of the Village Voice in print form. It was announced earlier that the once venerable alternative newspaper was no longer in the paper form.

I first read the Voice around 1968 or 1969. It was almost as thick as the Sunday New York Times on occasion. One could read a particular topic from an alternative point of view. Everything from civil rights to gay liberation to womens rights to labor was discussed. No topic was left untouched. There were many rag sheets during the 1960s and 1970s (I read many of them). The Voice discussed issues in a rational and intelligent manner while still being edgy. One could find where the next rock concert would be or if a poetry jam was on McDougall or Bleecker Street. Voice reporters were at anti war dempnstrations, concerts, movies, a chess tournament or the do a review on the latest new restaurant.

With the rise of social media like Google and Facebook the Voice and other print becsme obsolete. So another alernative newsweekly bites the dust. It will be on the web but it's not the same as having those pages in your hand.

I miss picking up the Voice on newsstands. Thanks for all the memories.

Genevieve's Gems

Some of the greatest achievements have come from people you least expect.

Perseverance

Perseverance is one needed in these trying times. I said shortly after last year's election that people will need to find causes they are passionate about and work with them. Yes, people will criticize and make fun of you. So What?

Perseverance is staying focused on the task at hand. Many things will try to throw you off course. Some folks do not want you to succeed and will do anything to get you off track. One aspect of successful people is that they stay focused and don't care what others think or say. I'm seeing that people are opening up their eyes and minds and becoming more involved with issues that matter. 

I've become more interested in local politics because I see how it affects people in my neighborhood. I'm becoming involved with the TGBLQ community in my neighborhood. Being a senior citizen I'm naturally concerned about items such as medical care and housing and safety.

The main point is to keep fighting, keep going. Whatever task I take up I go into it for the long haul. Things aren't won overnight. Many of the benefits and right we have were won because people persevered and worked until the goals were accomplished. 

TGLBQ Ministry

I'm looking forward to the TGLBQ ministry at church starting up again. It's needed now more than ever. I see a smattering of trans people in my neighborhood though not always visible. I'm praying the ministry will be a place where the ministry, Beyond Labels, can be a safe space for TGLBQ people.

People I Admire

There are many people throughout history who I truly admire. Some stand out for various reasons. Here is a list of those people who stand out to me personally.

Martin Luther King, Jr.
Carter G. Woodson
George Washington Carver
Frederick Douglass
Harriet Tubman
Malcolm X

Genevieve's Gems

Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.

~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Local Politics

Last Friday I attended a political forum in which three candidates were running for the council position in my district. The event brought an audience of a diverse group of people. Gentrification, affordable housing, and infrastructure are hot topics in my neighborhood. The forum went along smoothly though a few times it threatened to become testy.

I see how important local politics are perhaps more so than national politics. I will be paying much more attention to the local scene. I will also be more thorough in my research of the candidates. This is a trying time in my neighborhood and I want to see that ALL residents are treated equally and fairly.

What Happened?

What ever happened to the time when people could agree to disagree?

9/11

Hard to believe that it's been sixteen years since that fateful day. Time has moved on but the memories of that day will always linger. What I remember most is how New Yorkers stepped up big time to help their fellow citizen. Folks from all over the country lent a helping hand as the city was in recovery.

I was a mile and a half away from the towers. I saw the north tower burning. People were going everywhere trying to get away as fast as possible.  I remember the posters of loved one who would never return. I remember the confusion, the fear, the anger, and the hope. 

On this day, let us pray for the people who still feel the pain keenly. Let us work for peace and reconciliation with our neighbors and friends. Above all don't let fear stop us from living life.

Never Forget! 

Genevieve's Gems

It is during the darkest moments that we must focus on the light.


~Aristotle

Prayers

Please pray for the folks in Florida and Puerto Rico in the wake of the latest hurricane.

Number Eighteen

Thus far eighteen trans trans people have been murdered in 2017. The latest murder happened in upstate New York where Kashmire Redd, a trans man was stabbed multiple times by his live in partner. Though we hear much about trans women being murdered, trans men aren't invulnerable to violence. You just don't hear about it much.

Last year twenty seven women were murdered, most of them people of color. With the current administration and the climate the president has created trans people are getting it from many sides. This is where we need to be vigilant and persevere. I'm making a point of calling out things that affect us. Misgendering, misreporting, and anyone who denigrates us as a group. I am NOT going to be made invisible! 

Labor Day

Happy Labor Day!!!

Genevieve's Gems

Love is when the other person's happiness is more important than your own.


~H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Hypocrite

Ted Cruz is now crowing how much Texans need federal help after Hurricane Harvey devastated Houston and other areas. This is the same Ted Cruz who did not want to give funds to New Yorkers who were devastated by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. 

Senator Cruz, you are a hypocrite and an embarrassment to the country. Do me a favor: Shutup!

A Personal Matter

A friend of mine was recently outed by someone she hardly knew. I was upset when I heard it. No one has the right to out anyone! It's an invasion of a person's privacy and in some cases can put the outed person in danger. Whoever has done this needs to think and keep their mouth shut.

Prayers

Let's keep all our friends in Houston in our prayers.

Genevieve's Gems

The first responsibility in the midst of violence is to prevent it from destroying us.


~Henri Nouwen, Clergyman (1932-1996)

TGLBQI and Religious Freedom

I still fail to see how my being transgender interferes with someone's religious freedom. No one has ever given me a valid reason how it does. I never tell people how to worship or who to believe in.

I am a Christian who happens to be transgender. My theology is conservative. I am liberal on most issues. What I see is some religious folk interjecting not only what Christianity is but how one is suppose to present themselves. At times, I get the idea that in order to be truly Christian you have to be married, Republican, white and think exactly like them. 

If they studied the bible deeper they will see that many characters in the scriptures weren't some or any of these 'requirements'. Some of the prophets we know very little or nothing about them. Amos, Obadiah, and some of the apostles came to mind. We know that Peter was married but were any of the other apostles? God uses all kinds of folks. Scriptures gives no mention of people sexuality or gender identification. My question to to anti-TLGBQI faction: does it really matter.      

I cannot stand cultural Christianity in the least. It's divisive, labels people who are different as 'less than', and is very cliquish. Some fundamentalists are trying to tell others how to believe and what to believe. What we have is government and the church in collusion. This is about power and control, not anything to do with spirituality. 

As I have mentioned before, I'm open about my being trans. I'm happy to share with anyone who want to know who and what I'm about. I will also share my faith with anyone who is open. 

Commentary

Much news this week was focused on what statues, flags and symbols of racism (alleged and otherwise) should be torn down. If it offends one's sensitivities then it must be torn down.

I believe that those people doing these things are misguided in their zeal to eradicate racism. History is something that we all can learn from. Some of it isn't pretty but it happened nevertheless. One of the most disturbing pictures I saw was several years ago at the Museum Of Natural History here in New York City. It showed a young child screaming for his mother as she was chained and taken away by slave traders. This practice was common and it actually happened. The picture pained my heart but I wouldn't want it to be taken down. It's a history lesson for all who see it. 

I will read more about the Confederacy, in particular the Confederate flag. It is a part of the history of the South. There are symbols of many events that happened through history all over the world. Revisionist history does no one any good. People on the Right and the Left are behaving like spoiled children over these symbols. They are blowing off a lot of steam without having any solution as to how to end racism.

I believe that people have the right to erect any statue, wave any flag, and make stupid statements because it's what called free speech. Each person has to own up to their own actions and positions. My neighbor has the right to have a Confederate flag just as I have the right to fly a transgender flag. What is happening is that people are sinking into tribal warfare and that is dangerous for all. 

I have been saying all year that people will need to stop the hollering and name calling and have serious discussions about racism and other topics. I believe there are many people who want to do this but the extreme factions on the Left and the Right would rather not have this happen. Politicians and officials need to be taken to task especially if they foment the racial strife that already exists. Both the Left AND the Right are guilty of this. Until serious and honest discussions do not happen nothing will be accomplished. 

Genevieve's Gems

What is really sad is that many people will not even talk to each because of their beliefs. People cannot agree to disagree so they rip up each other's character. I'm more interested in finding out how someone ticks. Whether or not we will ever agree isn't that important. It's important to me that I can leave a better understanding about them. 

Genevieve's Gems

Nowhere do I read Jesus putting down others because of who they were. He ate with tax collectors, harlots, and others of ill repute. He loved them and desired the best for them. As Christians we need to do the same.

~Genevieve

Trans People Attacked From All Angles

Transgender people are being attacked from all sides. Everywhere we are being demeaned and humiliated by the government, schools, military, religious institutions, the prison industrial complex and legal and medical sources. Some just want us to disappear. Well, that's not going to happen.

First and foremost, transgender is NOT a choice. We were born this way. To those who use religion and the bible to justify their bias, God knew I would be transgender before I was born. This is His plan for my life AND it is MY journey, not yours. I have been a born again Christian for over forty years and God loves me unconditionally.    

Second, before people demean me, why don't you find out what we are about. Having empathy for others requires that you seeing others from their perspective. I have always been open to sharing my story with others. Then there comes the time when you need to educate yourself. I'm constantly educating myself. 

Third, in spite of all the attacks, threats, and insults we press on.  The infamous president and his minions can do all they want to make us disappear. It's not going to happen. I will NOT be erased by ANYONE!! 

A final thought: to the GLB community, forces are trying everything to erase the accomplishments and existence of trans and non conforming people. Don't think for a second that sometime in the future they won't come for you. It's happened before. I pray that it doesn't happen again.

Genevieve's Gems

People have told me that I'm a leader. I view myself as a helper who wish to contribute something positive and make a difference.


~Genevieve

Transgender People Banned From Serving In The Military-My Thoughts

When I heard that President Trump banned transgender people from serving in the military service I was alarmed and angry. I had served my country honorably during the Vietnam War era. There were LGBT people in the military There will always be. Many have laid down their lives so people can be free.

I understand that the military wants the best people they can recruit. When gays and lesbians were let go because of their sexuality, it was the feeling that they were mentally unfit to serve. Many of them were in high security positions and performed very well. It left the military in a lurch because each month they had to maintain a quota for new recruits. The people brought in were felons, sex offenders, and other undesirables. Transgender men and women who want to serve will not be able to because they are considered undesirable.

I understand if a person is mentally unfit then the services shouldn't take them but I don't that to be in many cases. Transgender troops are now serving and serving admirably. I hear the military brass, president, and other talk about the cost of medical services for transgender people which is miniscule to the waste the military commits. There are people overseas making millions in non existent jobs under the guise of national security. 

There are many transgender people who have served admirably. I am pleased that some military brass and veterans have spoken up against this ban. It's another way to have transgender people become invisible. I served and am proud of my service. I am an intelligent, mental able person who is proud to have been in the service. There are other trans people who feel the same.

Genevieve's Gems

You're not supposed to be so blind with patriotism that you can't face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who says it.



~Malcolm X

Book Review

Title: A Low Life in High Heels   The Story Of Holly Woodlawn
Author: Jeff Copeland     
Rating:  8

Holly Woodlawn (1946-2015) had a most interesting and wild life. I first became acquainted with her in 1971 when I saw her in the movie Trash while I was on furlough in the military. Her face was one I would always remember even if I didn't remember her name.  Ms. Woodlawn was a superstar in Andy Warhol's Factory which also featured Candy Darling and Jackie Curtis. Holly caroused, drank, drugged, connived, robbed, and finally succeeded in becoming a star. She acted, was a cabaret performer, author, and a personality that was unrivaled.

To me, Holly was a survivor of some of her stupid acts (impersonating a French socialite was one which landed her in jail). She was driven mostly by her search to find out where she fit in life. She was a sensitive soul seeking respect as a trans and gender non conforming woman in an era where it was extremely difficult to to do. The late 1960s and 1970s were not as kind to folks like Ms. Woodlawn. 

I found  Low Life in High Heels very open and honest about who Ms. Woodlawn really was. I consider here one of my heroines because she opened my eyes to what would happen to me three decades later. Ms. Woodlawn was open of which I was really impressed with. After Andy Warhol's passing in 1987, Ms. Woodlawn was finally at piece with who she was. The wild escapades of her youth ended.

Rest in peace, Holly. I will be eternally grateful for showing me how to be open and honest about myself.

Spoken Word

Last week the Transgenerational Theater Project performed at the Brick Theatre in Brooklyn. Below is the spoken word piece I performed.

We Have Always Resisted

Trans resistance is woven throughout the history of humankind.

We have always fought for the right to be who we are.

In ancient Rome, communal living replaced by a patriarchal system that viewed women and minorities as second class citizens. Those who didn't fit in their narrative were demeaned, exiled, arrested, tortured, and sometimes murdered.

Joan of Arc, who was only a teenager, displayed her military skill with some impressive victories over the powers that be. She was burned at the stake because she didn't wear clothing according to her birth gender. Could it be that Joan was killed because a gender non conforming person displayed intelligence, skills, and daring.

In Philadelphia in 1965, one hundred fifty LGBT people of color resisted discriminatory policies by the Dewey Lunch Counter at a sit-in. Management, having previously taken their money, said that they didn't dress or act straight. These courageous LGBT resisted and were victorious in Dewey's changing their policies.

A year later in San Francisco, Compton's' Cafeteria was the scene of a violent protests against police harassment. Trans people, street queens, and hustlers were tired of being pushed around. They resisted and battled police with purses, heels, anything they could get their hands on.

Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, two trans women of color, lit the spark that would become known as the Stonewall Rebellion. People of color, drag queens, and trans people resisted being harassed, beaten, demeaned, and disrespected. It was the burgeoning of the LGBT movement on that muggy June evening in 1969.

We resist being objectified! We resist being denied housing, food, employment, and medical services. We resist against those who call us perverts and deviants. We vehemently resist having our accomplishments erased by those who wish to see us disappear. We have always been here. We are not going away.

I resist against people who want to define me. I define myself! I am a woman! I am not here to tickle your fancy or be your puppet. I am a human being! I am a woman! 

We have resisted all our lives. We will continue to resist!

Genevieve's Gems

The world is a better because you are here.

Trans Theater

Tonight I performed with the Transgenerational Theater Project at the Brick Theater in Brooklyn. About twenty of us trans and non conforming people sang, acted, and danced. I did a spoken word piece titled 'We Have Always Resisted.'

There are two more performances on Friday and Saturday evenings. For more information go to transgenerationaltheatre@gmail.com or facebook@transgenerationaltheatreproject

Living Authentically

It's amazing how some want to erase my existence as a trans person. Perhaps they are afraid because I choose to live authentically in a cookie cutter world. The world craves for authenticity and yet tries to suppress those who do.

It isn't easy being authentic then again life isn't easy. By trying to be something I'm not is stressful and unfulfilling. At the end of my life I want to say that I lived the life that I was supposed to.

Genevieve's Gems

If we don't end war, war will end us.


~H.G. Wells

Half Year Gone

Well, a half a year is on the books. Much has happened. A lot is hapening as I post. What I am saddened by is the level of animosity there between differing group. It' s more like tribal warfare and this dangerous.

I mentioned shortly after the presidential election that people will need to sit down and listen to each other. Seems that no one is willing to do that. Meanwhile the issues that need to be worked on are being ignored because of partison politics. People are still mad because Trump the the election. There arguing, anger, fear, desparation, and a sense of hopelessness.

If there's one thing we don't need is people folding up the tent and leaving. People will need to work on the items that concern them. It may be the environment, homelessness, prison reform, teaching children to read and a myriad of other things. The point is to take courage and act. The times will be tough but we need to be tougher.

Independence Day

Happy 4th of July!

Genevieve's Gems

No struggle can ever succeed without women participating side by side with men.


~Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistani politician (1876-1948)

Underappreciated

Five underappreciated professions:

1. Parents
2. Teachers
3. Police/Fire/EMS personnel
4. Military personnel
5. Nurses

These jobs are stressful at times, thankless, and underappreciated but where would we be without these men and women. They are also underpaid.

Stonewall Rebellion

On June 28, 1969 the course of history for transgender, gay, lesbian, bi, and queer changed forever. On a warm muggy night, these much maligned people said 'No more!' to harassment, ridicule, beatings, humiliation, and a sense of powerlessness. For four days Stonewall was the scene of a rebellion which TGLBQ, queens, and people of color stood up to oppression.

I am very passionate about this because of the way Stonewall has been depicted as a gay white male rebellion. It was started by Marsha P.Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, Miss Major, and Storme Delaverie, all women of color.  There were many people of color that night. There were also drag queens and street people. I will not stand let our influence being erased by those who wish to make a white event. A lot of gays slinked into a corner when there was signs of trouble.

Today, there are many resources available today because of that rebellious night forty eight years. It hasn't been easy but when knocked down we keep getting back up. Trans people are standing up and speaking for themselves now, feeling that many LGBT organizations have shunted them to the side because they don't look right (whatever the hell that means).

The battle is still ongoing. I'm an out and proud transgender woman who will not be put into a closet by anyone. I'm particularly grateful to Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera for paving the way for I enjoy today. The fight continues! We must pave the way for future generations.