TRANS PEOPLE HAVE SERVED THE COUNTRY WITH DISTINCTION

As a veteran and trans person I am appalled by the president desire to keep transgender people from serving the military. I have heard all the excuses. The one that rankles me is one I heard that trans people threaten troop readiness. That is bunk! What threatens troop readiness is some of the people who are leading. 

The exclusion of trans people from the military is is similar to don't ask, don't tell. Many of those men and women removed were in high security positions. The military had to replace them somehow. By telling trans people that they cannot serve, it's putting a label on them that they are defective and cannot be trusted. If they want us to just disappear that isn't happening. We have been everywhere, done many things, and will continue to do so, critics be damned.   

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one.


~Dolly Parton

TRANSGENERATIONAL THEATER PROJECT

On Thursday, March 22nd, the Transgenerational Theater Project will begin its third year. I've been a part of the first two and I will be a part of it this time. Trans people from different generations come and create art, theater, poetry, and other forms of art. It's a collaboration of diverse talents that produce one play. Last year the group performed in a theater in Brooklyn. It was well received by the public.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Excellence is to a common thing in an uncommon way.


~Booker T. Washington, Educator (1856-1915)

LUNCH AND LEARN

This past Sunday the Beyond Labels Ministry sponsored a lunch and learn event at the Ft. Washington Church in honor of the Transgender Day Of Visibility. There was a light lunch and a special performance by playwright Mashuq Mushtag Deen. There was a question and answer session at the end. 

I recited a poem at the opening. A wonderful woman asked if there needs to be more conversation about transgender people and issue. I answered yes because the gender spectrum is wide and varied. I shared my story of transition. This is the start of I pray future events like this. 

AN INCIDENT

This past Thursday I was on Staten Island visiting the place of my birth. I checked a few place I frequented as a child. It was great visiting the Pride Center there which was about a half mile from the ferry.

On my way back to the ferry I passed by three teenage guys. I could here them commenting about me. I realized that I had been read. As I continued ahead one of them threw a cup of ice in my direction missing me by several feet. This is the first time something like this has happened to me.

I wasn't afraid and didn't become nervous. I' m not surprised by what happened. I'm okay. I will continue to be myself and live my life.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in action.


~Harold S. Geneen, Businessman (1910-1997

BUCKET LIST

There are two which are a must see for me: BLACK PANTHER and A FANTASTIC WOMAN.

GOING ABOUT IT ALL WRONG- GUN CONTROL DEBATE-COMMENTARY

Ever since the Parkland Florida shootings over two weeks ago, the gun control debate has raged on and on. I do understand both sides of the issue. however, there are some things not being said or are misunderstood. 

I have spent time reading and rereading the second amendment to the Constitution. Citizens have the right to defend themselves, their families, and their properties. One reason slaves couldn't defend themselves is that they were not allowed to have weapons where they could defend themselves. Citizens do have the right to bear arms. The Constitution never said how weapons one is allowed to have. Yes, folks are allowed to have AK-15s. Personally, I don't why anyone should need one but that's their right.

A second point is that nearly all the shooters were on some sort of anti-depressant medication. Strange that nothing has been said about this. Maybe it's because many of these politicians get money from Big Pharma. The left has it wrong because they defend Big Pharma regarding some of these drugs of which many shouldn't be on the market. Where was the outcry about that? 

Third, more people (over 100,000 annually) needlessly in hospitals every year. Medical malpractice is the predominant cause. Where's the outcry about that? I understand the concern the affected students have about this however I would like to see a more balanced and civil discussion about this. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Associate yourself with people of good quality, for it is better to be alone than in bad company.


~Booker T. Washington, Educator (1856-1915)