GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength.

~St. Frances de Sales, Clergyman (1567-1622)

PRIDE IS GETTING YOUNGER

During Sunday morning service, 🌄 I shared pride is living my authentic self openly. Later, I attended the New York City Pride parade on Sunday. There were more people this year than last. There were many younger people this time. I was encouraged by this because they see and know what happening. I believe pride this year was a response to the anti- LGBTQ+ activists that we are not going to be silenced.

PRIDE SUNDAY

 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

When you are discontent, you always want more, more, more. Your desire can never be satisfied. But when you practice contentment, you can say to yourself, 'Oh yes, I already have everything that I really need.

~Dalai Lama

SUMMER IS HERE

 

GREAT NEWS

 The gender affirming care ban in Arkansas was struck down.

COMMENTARY

In another week the 54th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion will be celebrated. I am thankful for the many people who said that "enough is enough" and did something about it. Through all the the turmoil and struggle, we have made an impact.

I cannot remember that the attacks on LGBTQ+ people have been so vociferous as they have been this year. There are over 500 anti-trans bills proposed in legislatures in the country. I am encouraged that people are fighting back against these bills which are designed to push us back into the closet.

My resolve has been strengthened in that I WILL BE OUT AND PROUD. It took me years to find out why I always believed that I was different. When I did find out that I was trans, I decided that I was going to live my life openly. I haven't looked back.

On Sunday, June 25th, the pride march will take place here in New York City. I will be celebrating with my LGBTQ+ siblings. We have nothing to be ashamed of. This is the journey God has put me on. Some may not understand it, but it's MY journey. 

HAPPY PRIDE!

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

I have my own journey. Some may not understand it, however, it's my road to trod. No one else can walk it for me. 

~Genevieve

PUSHING BACK

This June pride has been a battle of our expressions of pride and the anti-LGBTQ who wish that we cease to be desist. We are pushing back against those forces. 

I attended a pride (Brooklyn Pride) this past weekend, an annual event which has been around for almost thirty years. The event was bigger and lively. It seems that the more we are visible, the angrier the opposition gets. We are doing things right. 

I'm thankful New York City and other cities are a safe haven for my LGBTQ siblings. Parents are standing up for their trans children who are the targets of all this anti-trans legislation. Some of us may not be able to march or protest. Just going out and living your life is showing your pride and support.

I have been emboldened as I'm not going to be intimidated by those forces who wish to hurt us. I encourage all of us to show that we have a right to live our lives in peace. 

PROTECTED

Mayor Eric Adams signed a bill protecting gender-affirming care in New York City.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.

~Greg Anderson

LIBERTY FOR ALL

No one can tell that they are for liberty and freedom, then deny others their liberty and freedom.

CARRYING THE TORCH

No one in my immediate family is LGBTQ+. I don't know anyone in my family lineage who was trans. I have indigenous blood from my mother's side so maybe a distant relative may have been two-spirit, trans, or queer.  I guess I'm the one chosen to carry the torch. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

People think my life has been tough, but I think has been a wonderful journey. The older you get, the more you realize its not what happens, but how you deal with it. 

~Tina Turner, Musician (1939-2023)