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.