LOVE GOD AND PEOPLE

 

A PLACE OF COMMUNITY

I have been part of this site and others for many years. Many things have changed. Thee one constant is that folks want to find a place where they are encouraged and supported. 

More folks are coming out at younger ages. In these turbulent times in our history, people are out there living their reality. This is encouraging. Seventeen years ago, I decided to live my life openly and unashamed. That's what younger folks are doing. They are the future.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Don't go through life, grow through life.

~Eric Butterworth, Educator (1916-2003)

BELATED BIRTHDAY WISH

 

A belated Happy 🎂 Birthday to Stonewall icon Marsha P. Johnson 

(August 24, 1945- July 6, 1992)

MURRAY HILL

Murray Hill is a popular drag king and comedian here in New York City and the world. I first became acquainted with him in the early years of my transition. I saw Murray several years ago at a venue on the west side. He wore a suit in the warm summer afternoon. 

He was being himself which struck me the most. I recently read that he considers himself transgender. He began his career in the waning days of the East Village/ Lower East Side arts scene. Murray is still quite active today.

I know a drag queen whose done drag services at my church. All the nonsense about grooming is both untrue and dangerous. Any 'preacher' who says that trans people are pedophiles and should be killed is a disgrace to God and congregation he/she allegedly represents.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live.

~ Norman Cousins, Author (1915-1990)

LOSS

I was informed that one of my Facebook friends has passed away. Last night I was writing a poem about loss.  Haven't finished yet but I will post it when I do.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Anyone who belittles or invalidates your existence isn't worthy of your time.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

The most beautiful things are not associated with money; they are memories and moments. If you don't celebrate those, they can pass you by.

~Alek Wek

SAFE SPACES

There is a need for safe spaces for LGBTQ+ FOLKS. There were once places where like minded people could hang out and be themselves. There was a feeling of community. Many places have/are disappearing. The COVID pandemic did much to  cut folks off from others.

Now with the rash of anti-trans bills being introduced, safe spaces are more important now than ever before. I am encouraged by the young people creating spaces for themselves. They are the future architects of resources that i would like to see and need. As a senior citizen, I would like more places where seniors can gather and enjoy each other's company.

COMMENTARY

 This past Friday, I celebrated my 75th birthday. Three-quarters of a century on this earth. 👏  Life always has surprises and I have had my share. 

I'm looking forward to experiencing new adventures. . My curiosity is still there. Sadly, age is not fondly looked 😕 upon. Some see it as the end of life as we knew it. Yes, I cannot do some things like I used to but I can learn new ones. I do miss racing (health issues) but I walk very day. I'm seeking to invest in a bicycle. 

One thing I have gained is wisdom and insight. I encourage folks who are struggling or need a listening ear. Every day I can do something positive for someone. As I continue on my journey, I will 😉 each moment that I'm in. Stopping and smelling the roses. There are more beginnings I will start and live.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Be curious, not judgmental.

~Walt Whitman, Poet (1819-1892)

MY CONTINUING JOURNEY

Sometimes there is the mistaken notion that all journeys follow the same path. Nothing can be further from the truth. Just like life, our personal journeys can run the gamut.

I mentioned last week that it was my eighteenth year of being Genevieve. I was an adult when I began crossdressing. I proceeded from there to transgenderist to transgender. While I didn't have surgery, I knew without a doubt that I am transgender. 

It is the course that I am running. No one can run it for me. I am discovering more about myself even after all these years.  I can't know what lays ahead but I'm compelled to go.