HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

FIGHTING BACK

Many anti-trans bills have been brought forth to many legislatures around the country. What opponents may not have figured on was people fighting for their trans children. People will do anything to protect their children. Getting the care that they need is one of the basics of life. 

Just because a law is legal does not make it right. That's been played out over many decades. I hope that loudmouths like Marjorie Tyler Greene and Lauren Boebert will be taken to task and exposed for the harm they are doing to trans and nonconforming kids. 

2022 NCAA VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONS

DIVISION I

DIVISION II

DIVISION III

NAIA

                                                      University of Jamestown Jimmies

WHAT NEXT?

 As the old year winds down. what will be in store for LGBTQ+ folks?

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

 

HELP IS HERE

 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

IF YOUR FUEL TANK IS EMPTY, FILL IT UP AGAIN. IF YOU CANNOT GO ANY FARTHER, REST. REASSESS WHAT YOU WANT, THEN PROCEED SLOWLY. 

2022 NCAA SOCCER CHAMPIONS (WOMEN)

DIVISION I

DIVISION II

DIVISION III

NAIA

TWO QUESTIONS

 A question I would ask to those people groups who would deny trans affirming treatment because of their "religious beliefs". They say that it denies them their religious freedom. 

The first question is how does my being trans affect anyone's religious freedom? I am a Christian who happens to be trans. This is the path God has chosen for me. Each person has his/ her own journey. Some may not understand but it is their journey nevertheless.

The second question I would ask is if you are a medical professional, would you deny someone care because they clash with your so-called "religious beliefs?" If you are a doctor you took the Hippocratic Oath to give the person the best medical treatment. 

I probably will never have the chance but I would dearly love to stand before these committees and ask them these two questions. 

2022 NCAA SOCCER CHAMPIONS (MEN)

 Division I

Division II

Division III

NAIA

WELLNESS CHECK AND CONVERSATION

 With the suicide death of Stephen 'tWitch' Boss, a former DJ on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, struck a chord with what the LGBTQ++ deals with me and others that I know. Only 40, Mr. Boss ended his life though it seemed that he had it all.  

One never knows what someone may be dealing with. Wellness checks are good, but a conversation with the person may be more beneficial. A suicide rocked me to the core several years ago, having no one I knew who did this. It's very important to seek help if you feel this way.  

SCHOOL COLORS- GREEN & ORANGE

Florida A & M University

Mississippi Valley State University

University of LaVerne

The University of Miami (Fla.)

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 If you fell down yesterday, stand up today.

~H. G. Wells, Author (1866-1946)

WHAT NEXT?

With the Democratic victory of Raphael Warnock in Georgia, it tells me that many folks are not on board with the Republican platform. LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, Jewish people, Christians, and minorities are under attack. It is a time to be alert. Our rights are being threatened. Our enemies want us to go back in the closet. To disappear. I for one am NOT doing that. I'm out and proud. and will live my life!

2022 NCAA FIELD HOCKEY CHAMPIONS

 DIVISION I

University of North Carolina Tarheels

DIVISION II

DIVISION III

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

I know of nothing more valuable when it comes to the all-important virtue of authenticity than simply being who you are.

~Charles R. Swindoll

SCHOOL COLORS-BLUE & WHITE

Brigham Young University

Creighton University

Duke University

Indiana State University

Lindsey-Wilson College

Notre Dame College of Ohio

Pennsylvania State University

Seton Hall University

University of Kentucky

Yale University

2022 NCAA CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPPIONS (WOMEN)

 DIVISION I

                                       

                                     North Carolina State University Wolfpack

DIVISION II

DIVISION III

                                         Johns Hopkins University Blue Jays

2022 NCAA CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONS

 MEN

DIVISION I

DIVISION III

GIVING THANKS

 

JUST AS GULITY

As more information comes out about the shooter in the Club Q incident, I would also lay the blame on the inflammatory rhetoric being spewed out from elected officials and even from some pulpits. It's as if these angry people were given permission to afflict those they deem unworthy. Minorities, women, LGBTQ+, immigrants, Jewish people, etc. 

I believe that those people who encourage this type of behavior are just as guilty as the person(s) who commit them.  Take note of these people who want to see those they view as 'less than' just disappear. Somewhere down the line, these antagonists will reap the seeds they have sown. 

IN REMEMBRANCE

Let's remember the lives lost and people injured at Club Q in Colorado Springs.

NOVEMBER MEMORY

 On this day in 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 

ELECTION DAY

 

SCHOOL COLORS- RED & BLACK

Arkansas State University

Catholic University

Concordia- Michigan

Southern Oregon University

University of Georgia

University of Incarnate Word

          "        " Louisville

Wesleyan University

William Jewell College

York College-New York   

     

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

People will say all things about you. They will try to throw up off course. To stifle your dreams. No matter what others think or say, keep going. 

POEM

 

SCHOOL COLORS-ORANGE & WHITE

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

Clemson University

Sam Houston State University

University of Texas

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.

~Epictetus, Philosopher (50-138)

SCHOOL COLORS-PURPLE & WHITE

Amherst College

College of the Holy Cross

Furman University

Kenyon College

Niagara University

Stonehill College

Texas Christian University

Trevecca Nazarene University

University of Bridgeport

       "          "  Central Arkansas

       "          "  Portland

       "          "  Scranton

FIGHTING BACK

I'm pleased to see people are pushing back against the anti-trans and anti-LBGTQ legislation in numerous state. They cannot silence us! And just because a law is legal does NOT make it right.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership.

~Nelson Mandela

SCHOOL COLORS- BLACK & GOLD

Alabama State University

California State- Los Angeles

DePauw University

Kennesaw State

University of Central Florida

University of Colorado-Boulder

         "           "          "        Denver

          "          "   Iowa

          "          "   Missouri

          "          "   Southern Mississippi

          "          "   Wisconsin-Oshkosh

SCHOOL COLORS- MAROON AND WHITE

Lafayette College

Mississippi State University

Missouri State University

Texas A & M University

University of Chicago

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Two roads diverged in a wood and I- I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.

~Robert Frost, Poet (1874-1963)  

COMING OUT DAY

 

SCHOOL COLORS-GREEN & WHITE

Central Methodist University

Dartmouth College

Eastern Michigan University

Evergreen State College

Loyola-Maryland

Michigan State University

Stetson University

University of North Texas

Wagner College

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

We are twice armed if we fight with faith.

~Plato

SCHOOL COLORS

I am a huge fan of college football. I'm fascinated by a school's colors and how they went about choosing them. I will list some color combinations and the institutions that wear them. Maybe your school colors are here.

RED AND WHITE

Cornell University

Grove City College

Stanford University

University of Alabama

       "             "  Arkansas

       "             "   Houston 

       "              "  Wisconsin- Madison

       "              "   Wisconsin- River Falls

PROOF IN THE PUDDING

A reason, I believe, for all the pushback against trans people is that we are proving ourselves to be creators and innovators. We are no longer in the shadows as some of our opponents would wish that we would stay. 

In August, Angelica Ross, a trans woman made her Broadway debut in the play CHICAGO. She is also a businesswoman and entrepreneur. We should be proud of all our accomplishments. One thing no one can take from is our creativity.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.

~Albert Camus, Philosopher (1913-1960)

RECOVERY

My recovery from heart surgery is going well so far. I get  tired easily but my stamina is getting better. Saw my cardiologist a couple of days ago.  Everything is healing nicely. I have another appointment in a few weeks.   

SURGERY

 Have recent surgery. Am doing better.

REMEMBERING 9/11

 

I usually trek down to the World Trade Center site (not this year) as my own personal homage to the people lost. I go at night ( less pomp) to quietly reflect how life has changed in America. 

Now it's surveillance cameras, Homeland security (which I detest), the focus on nationalism, terrorism (real and alleged), and military might. I think about the families who suffered great losses. Moms, dads, uncles, aunts, sons, daughters, grandparents, friends, and neighbors. In one day over 3000 lives lost.

As I remember this day, I need to be a better neighbor, have empathy of those less fortunate, and work for peace. I pray that there will never be another 9/11.

 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Benito Mussolini created the word 'fascism.' He defined as the 'merging of the state and the corporation.' He also said a more accurate word would be 'corporatism.' This was the definition in Webster's up until 1987 when a corporation bought Webster's and changed to exclude any mention of corporations. 

~Adam McKay, Writer (b. 1968)

JUST BE HUMAN

Why can't society understand that transgender and gender variant people have always existed. We are creative, intelligent, and productive. We want to be accepted for who we are. 

LABOR KEEPS US GOING

 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.

~Charles R. Swindoll, Clergyman (b. 1934)

COMPTON CAFETERIA RIOT

 This happened three years before Stonewall.

There is also an hour long video on YouTube titled "Screaming Queens".

WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THERE

 

The 78th birthday of the late Stonewall icon, Marsha P. Johnson was recently celebrated. We today are standing on the shoulders of those early Pioneers.

I have been reading stories of past protests and riots (Cooper's Do-nuts and Dewey's Lunch Counter come to mind). There have been many incidents throughout the decades. Trans and gender variant people have been a huge part of them.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

What is needed, rather than running away or controlling or suppressing or any other resistance, is understanding fear; that means, watch it, learn about it, come into contact with it. We are to learn about fear, not how to escape from it.

~Jiddu Krishnamurti, Philosopher (1895-1986)

DIVERSITY COLORS OUR WORLD

 

I have been posting photos of life under the sea. It is very colorful and diverse. My life as a trans person has been colorful. My friends are diverse and colorful, at times. 

My life has been enriched by my friends, people I've met, and places I have been. My world has been colored by all this, and it's beautiful. I see the world from more than one viewpoint. It has helped me navigate the sometimes tricky waters regarding gender and gender expression. I have able to clear up misconceptions with those outside the trans umbrella.

LOVING LGBTQ+ PEOPLE

I host an internet radio show called "Genevieve's Gems." I discuss scripture from a trans and queer perspective. While I view this as a ministry, it is challenging at times. What I am hearing from some in the Christian community saying about the LGBTQ+ community is appalling. It's not about Jesus was about at all. He treated all people the same; with love and respect.

I don't blame folks for turning away from something that demeans them. Sadly, the church has a history of it. However, one shouldn't throw out the baby with the bathwater. I look at the person who is delivering the message. Anyone who demeans, shames, and trash others because they are different should be taken to task. 

What "Genevieve's Gems" aims to do is to demonstrate that trans and nonconforming people are loved by God. LGBT people have existed throughout history. I'm sure there were folks who followed Jesus who were queer. When God confirmed and affirmed me as a trans person it was a liberating event. 

For those interested,  Genevieve's Gems is on Blog Talk Radio, Sundays, at 7PM.

www.blogtalkradio.com 

TRANSGENDER FLAG DAY

 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Dream and give yourself permission to envision a You that you choose to be.

~Joy Page, Actress (1924-2008)

JOURNEY

 

My journey has been one strange but wonderful adventure. I didn't know what was ahead but I needed to go. The journey is ongoing as I believe more adventures lay ahead. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Fear is the only true enemy, born of ignorance and the parent of anger and hate.

~Edward Albert, Actor (1951-2006)

AN INTERESTING JOURNEY

When I came out seventeen years ago, I had no idea where my journey would take me. Looking at it now, it's been quite an adventure. 

I never did anything in my life that would suggest that I was transgender. I was a typical male who was active in male activities. The only inkling(?) I had was the feeling of difference. There was a sense of detachment though I enjoyed the things I was doing. Sports. Hanging out with the guys. Projects duch as working on cars.

When the new milenium came, my sense of disconnection and difference felt more intense. I didn't know what I was wrestling with or why. Fast forward a few years I came out as a crossdresser. My journey went from there to transgenderist to transgender. 

I am comfortable with who I am and encourage others to live their reality. I have met some wonderful people and made some great friends. The journey is ongoing. I am anticipating what the chapters will be.

SAFE SPACES

Over the years places where LGBTQI+ folks can hang out have disappeared. This ha SC been affected by gentrification, social media, high rents, and changing demography. For trans folks, safe spaces are needed even more. With increase visibility, and increasing hostility by anti-trans forces, we needed places that we can be ourselves. 

I want to see more bookstores and more places where seniors can meet and share. I'm thankful for we have, however, more is needed

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 

CHIK-FIL-A IS ANTI-LGBTQ

 

Chik-Fil-A recently opened up in my neighborhood. They are anti-LGBTQ who pour money to conservative politicians who support anti-LGBTQ legislation.

LIFE GOES ON

Pride month is over and life goes on. New chapters to begin. Where will it lead?  Each new year should be better than the previous one. There are powers who wish us gone. Put out to pasture. Go into hiding. I never was in a closet because I didn't know what I was. How can one go back to a place he/she's never been?  

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision.

~ Dalai Lama

SEVENTEEN!

On this date seventeen years ago, Genevieve came out to the world.

DEWEY'S PROTEST

 

On April 25, 1965, in Philadelphia, over 150 people protested the discriminatory practices of Dewey's Lunch Counter. Transgender, Gays, and gender nonconforming people were barred from dining here because they were deemed inappropriate. A second protest happened a short time later. Flyers were handled to folks on the street. After pressure and the community awareness, Dewey's discriminatory practices were done away with.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

It is certain, in any case, at ignorance, allied with power, is the most ferocious enemy justice can have.

~James Baldwin, Novelist (1924-1987)

MAGNUS HIRSCHFELD (1868-1935)

 

I wonder how the whole conversation about gender and sexuality would be if his work had survived the Nazi purge.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Begin, be bold  and venture to be wise.

~Horace, Roman Poet, (65BC-8BC) 

CURRENT READING

 

NCAA WOMEN'S LACROSSE CHAMPIONS

Division I

Division II

Division III

NAIA

NCCA LACROSSE CHAMPIONS

 MEN

Division I

Division II

Division III

NAIA