ABOUT TIME

The bust of Stonewall icon Marsha P. Johnson in Christopher Park in Greenwich Village.

 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

A true community is not just about being geographically close to someone or part of the same social web network. It's about feeling connected and responsible for what happens. Humanity is our ultimate community, and everyone plays a crucial role.

  ~Yehuda Berg 

HAPPY TRANSGENDER FLAG DAY

 

WHAT NOW

What will happen to women and the LGBTQ+ community now that the Taliban has taken over in Afghanistan?

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 We have always been around. We are who we are.

~Genevieve

MAGNUS HIRSCHFELD

I wonder how the lives of LGBTQI+ people would be if all his research on sexuality and gender had survived the Nazi purge.

COMMENTARY

I was so happy when pride was held this year. It was wonderful being with my LGBTQI+ and nonbinary sisters and brothers. A month later I celebrated the 16th anniversary of introducing Genevieve to the world. 

Three years later, in 2008, I, for the first time, entered a church (above)dressed in women's clothing. Unbeknownst to me, a church service started a few moments later. Having grown up in church, I decided to stay. I felt no guilt or condemnation by the way I was dressed. There were no disapproving looks or stares. Just people taking in the service. During the passing of the peace, there were smiles, nods, and warm hellos. Another milestone for me. A few years after this I found a church that accepts and affirms trans people. 

From time to time I stop in Holy Cross Church whenever I'm in the area. It holds a special place in my heart. It confirms that God does not hate transgender and queer folk like some believe.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me. 

~Carol Burnett

RENEWED VISION

I visited my senior center and the LGBT center. They have reopened recently. Though my senior center has had food pickups people are slowly trickling back. Some of my friends can't wait until it gets to some kind of normalcy. The LGBT center, or The Center, reopened a couple of weeks ago. it was quiet with staff and a few visitors.   

One thing that was evident is the isolation many feel during the pandemic. It's felt even more in the LGBTQ+ circles. Yes there was a pandemic but did the city have to be shut down? I don't believe that it should have.  It has done more harm than good, in my opinion.

I also see how much I appreciate life. I miss seeing my friends and doing some of the activities I was doing before. I pray as the city reopens more will be focused on the needs of people. The pandemic exposed many things lacking. Homelessness, food challenges, violence, anger, etc. It's time for leaders and corporate officials to put up or shut up.

STUMBLED

Yesterday, I stumbled upon a street fair during a foray downtown. Was surprised that there was one. I walked up  Eighth Avenue browsing through the many booths. There was clothing, jewelry, precious stones, leather goods, and plenty of food. 

This made me think of the people and places I stumbled upon during my life. Never planned anything, it just happened. Many of these occurrences had a impact on my life. Still do. 

Many of the places are gone. Some of the people are still here. I wonder if someone will follow in my footsteps.