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. 

Passing Thoughts

I have been reflecting on the past pride march here in New York. It was the largest parade ever. I was busy pouring water to serve the thirsty marchers. Last Friday I recited a poem titled "Pride". 

Tomorrow will be the 48th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion, a turning point in the TGLBQ movement. Drag queens, street people, trans, and people of color stood up to the police and said 'No more!' I was out of town when the initial rebellion began. I came to the site a couple of days later viewing the aftermath. The Stonewall Inn burned out, streets littered with trash cans and refuse, and the air still filled with tension. Deep inside I believed that something big would happen and it did. We could be ourselves and not hide any more. We are human beings!

I give thanks to folks like Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, Miss Major, Storme Delaverie and others for paving the way to where we have the resources to care for ourselves. There was a time we had nothing. Now we can live openly and unashamed. I have taken it upon myself to see that the trans presence is never erased. We started the rebellion! I am eternally grateful to my ancestors.

Genevieve's Gems

Be who you are!
Be happy with who you are!
Never let others define who you are!

Happy Pride

New York City's pride parade will commence on Sunday. There' s so much happening around the city this weekend, so there is no lack of activities.

The difference this year is that the TGLB community is under attack by forces who want to erase us from the landscape of our society. We are woven into life's tapestry and no one can take that away from us. I will do everything I can to stand up to these attacks and end them.

To my trans sisters and brothers, let us be proud of who we are. Being visible is paramount to me because I'm not going to be erased or invisible. That never was an option for me. Remember those who paved the way for where we are today. Help each other out and support one another.

HAPPY PRIDE!

Influences

My spouse and I attended a memorial service yesterday honoring woman who affected many lives. I only met her once but I wish I would have gotten to know her better. This morning I reflected on all the people who have influenced me through out my life. When I think about it it's quite amazing how many did.  

I hear stories of folks who mention the people who touched them at a particular time in their lives. It's the same way with places and events. I have had many of them. What it shows is that I'm not alone in needing help in walking life's journey. I love reading biographies especially authors. I'm fascinated by the people and events that influenced them. Some of the events were horrible while others were good. It demonstrates how important influences are. 

Genevieve's Gems

Love yourself. It is important to stay positive because beauty comes from the inside out.

~Jenn Proske

Let's Stop The Childishness

The level of animosity in the political circle is really high, and unfortunate. In a time when understanding and seeking the common good is great needed all there is is bickering and nitpicking. You have adults behaving like children.

I said shortly after the election that people will need to work on the issues that concern them. That advice more imperative NOW. I realize that there will never be agreement on some issues nut all the trashing and character assassinations does no good for anybody.

Mayoral Candidates Forum & Interfaith Iftar

On June 15th, candidates for the upcoming mayoral election in New York City will be questioned on where they stand on issues such as affordable housing, policing, climate change, and religious freedom. We need a huge turnout to demonstrate to the candidates that we care about our city. 

The forum will take place on June 15th at:

First Corinthian Baptist Church
1912 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. 
New York, NY 10026
At the corner of 116th Street and Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd (7th Avenue)

FORUM: 6:30 PM-8:30 PM   IFTAR: 8:30 PM- 9:30PM

The church holds 1800 hundred people, so there will be plenty of room. 

Genevieve's Gems

God has never condemned like some 'Christians' because I'm trans.