BE THANKFUL

In less than 31 hours, 2018 will be history. I would take the approach of posting the highs and lows of the year. I'm going to ask this: has the quality of your life changed?

There are a lot of angry folks out there. Reasons are many and varied. Has that anger been channeled to motivate you to make positive changes in life? A lot of people would be stymied by this question at the current time.

Be thankful for the things you already have. There are people who have lost everything. I'm thankful for being alive. Fourteen years ago on New Year's Eve, I was lying in the hospital having a massive heart attack. I have been brought to this point thus far.

It may have been a tough for some. Take time to assess and learn from those experiences. We cannot change what has happened. Have a positive outlook and work on the areas that need to change. Personal change is difficult but necessary if our lives are to move forward. Make peace with your adversaries, love everyone and don't be oversensitive about everything.

 HAPPY NEW YEAR!

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Communication leads to community, that is, to understanding, intimacy and mutual valuing.

~Rollo May

TRUTH

Some may say that I'm brave because I am living openly as a trans person. I'm just living life as the person I am.

CHRISTMAS WISHES

              




                  MERRY CHRISTMAS!

GOALS

As 2018 draws to its conclusion, I have a few goals for the upcoming year. Some are personal, others for folks out here who I pray will have a blessed and positive year. I will post them in the new year.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

If you're not having a good time, find something else that gives you some joy in life. 


~Penny Marshall, Actress-Director (1943-2018)

CONGRATS TO THE CHAMPS

Congratulations to the winners of their division championship games.

                                             
                                                    DIVISION II- VALDOSTA STATE

                                              DIVISION III- MARY-HARDIN-BAYLOR

                                                    NAIA- MORNINSIDE COLLEGE

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Being confident in one's abilities doesn't mean you trash someone else's abilities.

THIRD YEAR IN A ROW

                           DIVISION III COLLEGE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

                               UNIVERSITY OF MARY HARDIN BAYLOR CRUSADERS 


                                                                             vs.

                                      UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT UNION RAIDERS

DIVISION II COLLEGE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

                                                          FERRIS STATE BULLDOGS


                                                                              vs.

                                                       VALDOSTA STATE BLAZERS

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

With so many things coming back in style, I can't wait until morals, respect and intelligence become a trend again.


~Denzel Washington

NAIA COLLEGE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

I am a huge fan of college football playoff games. This game is set for December 15th in Florida.





                        Benedictine College (KS) Ravens 

                                                vs.




                          Morningside College Mustangs

WORLD AIDS DAY

I didn't lose anyone in the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s and early 1990s but met a few people who did. Gay men were dropping like flies to the this then little known disease.

What was appalling was the treatment these people received from their families and society as a whole. Their bodies were not claimed upon their deaths. Churches and preachers didn't give them funerals and burials. There was much self righteous vilification of these men, who needed their families the most at a critical time.

Whenever I visit a memorial honoring those lost to AIDS, I reflect on the many talents, gifts, and humanity that will never be fulfilled. There could have been someone who possibly could have found a cure fir AIDS. The many family members, friends and mates left behind opens a void that may never be filled.

As I reflect on this World Aids Day, the battle still rages on. It's not in the news much anymore but there is a new generation who may not know the devastation the AIDS epidemic created. It's important to do things to improve the quality of life through education and personal changes needed to end this dreaded disease.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

When things are a disappointment, try not to be so discouraged.

~Carol Burnett

COMMENTARY

The week began at church with a community Thanksgiving dinner.  A number of folks who are struggling were fed. On Monday, it was Transgender Day of Remembrance ceremony at SAGE senior center. Thanksgiving on Thursday and the craziness that is called Black Friday(I wasn't out there).

Common threads were the range of emotions from gratitude to sympathy and celebration to madness. Another is the people who were part of this. Many have fared well. Others are still struggling. In the TGLBQI community loneliness and estrangement is magnified even more. The sense of no one caring and vilification can make daily life a living hell.

During my annual time of reflection, I think about all the tumultuous events that have happened. I am reminded that people are my fellow human beings, my neighbors. I have experienced highs and lows, lack and plenty. I am thankful to God that He has sustained and kept me up to this point. I wish the best for my neighbor whether or not I know them.  

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.


~Melody Beattie, Writer

TDOR

Attended Transgender Day of Remembrance ceremony at SAGE earlier this evening. Besides reading a few names of those departed, I alson read a poem I had written only a couple of hours earlier titled "I Am Your Neighbor".

SUPPORT THE T

As Transgender Awareness Week is drawing to a close I am concerned about the well being of all TGLBQI people. With the edit from the president to erase our existence, I and others have stated that we will not be erased.

I believe it is high time that LGBT stand up and support the T. Many major LGBT organizations do not have any trans representatives on their board of directors. I'm still mystified by the lack of understanding about trans people even with all the information out there.

On Monday, I will be attending the Transgender Day of Remembrance ceremonies at my senior center to honor the trans and non conforming people lost to violence. Until things change this will be an ongoing event. I pray that change will come sooner rather than later.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.


Marie Curie, Scientist (1867-1934)

TRANS PEOPLE CAN DRESS ACCORDING TO THEIR GENDER

A court in Guyana struck down a law which banned trans people from dressing according to their gender. The law, which was enacted in 1893, has been deemed unconstitutional. Great news for trans Guyanese.

HONORING OUR VETERANS

HAPPY VETERANS DAY!

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron. 


~H. L. Mencken

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to all the winners of last night's election results. A lot of women and people of color won. There were a few shockers also. Democrats made inroads in some tough areas (Texas, Kansas).

Here in New York, the senate flipped from red to blue. Now, hopefully, GENDA can be moved through the senate.

VOTE!

BE SURE TO VOTE!

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Voting is our right, but it's also our responsibility because if we don't take the next step and elect leaders who are committed to building a better future for our kids, others rights-our rights to clean air, clean water,
 health, and prosperity-are placed directly in harm's way.


~Tom Steyer

TRANS RIGHTS PROTEST

There will be a protest Friday, November 2, at 6 PM in Union Square.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

The time has come for transgender and non conforming people to resist those who threatened our safety and well being.

STANDING STRONG

With the threat of transgender and non conforming people being erased by the powers that be, it is time for us to stand up and resist. I for one will not be erased.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

To live in this world, you must be able to do three things; to love what is mortal; to hold it against your bones knowing your life depends upon it; and, when the time times to let it go, to let it go.


~Mary Oliver, Poet

BETTER

I'm feeling much better.

RECOVERING

High blood pressure has kept me down the past couple of days. Getting better though.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

A sympathetic friend can be quite as dear as a brother.


~Homer

TWO DAYS OF EVENTS.

The past two days have been eventful for me. Yesterday the mayor signed a bill in which transgender and non conforming people and intersex in New York City can change their marker on their birth certificate, passport and other legal documents with out a letter from the doctor. There will less hassle and trouble for TGNC folks. This was a long time coming.

Today members of SAGE attended a luncheon at Viacom for LGBT history month. A veteran of the gay liberation front f shared this knowledge of the early days of struggle, activism and liberation. He refuted the idea that trans people started the rebellion, which I found questionable. He admitted that he may need to do more research on this.  

A number of us from SAGE were present at both events. It was great for us seniors to be there. Some day I would love to speak to a group of young folks about my experiences. 

KEEPING PROPER PERSPECTIVE

Life can throws us for a loop sometimes. Too many things happening at the same time. The gloom and doom of the daily news. Many things trying to grab our attention. It is important to events do not overwhelm us. There's much to do and the need to focus on what's important is vital.

Feeling guilty because one cannot become involved in a project cause unnecessary inner turmoil. One can only what he/she can. Not everybody can be an activist but one can write letters, make phone calls, encourage others. Some folks have the gift of nurturing folks in hospitals helping in their healing process. Others can comfort the grieving. Still others create and develop programs that help the poor rise from their undesirable conditions.

It is important to keep perspective on and about. Take time to smell the roses. Even one small act can do much to inspire and encourage.Yes, there are battles to be fought and won. Doing so without nourishing and refreshing the soul and spirit will lead to discouragement and burnout. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

The mediocre teacher tells.
The good teacher explains. 
The superior teacher demonstrates.
The great teacher inspires.


~William Arthur Ward, Writer (1921-1994)

RADIO SHOWS IN NOVEMBER

My computer is still out of commission so my radio show will hopefully begin again in November. I have ample time to choose topics that will touch people's lives. There are MANY topics to choose from.

I WILL KEEP YOU UPDATED AS TO WHEN THE PROGRAMS WILL START.

EXCITING TIMES

To say that these are exciting times is an understatement. I'm happy to be alive because changes are happening that I can be part of the solutions to the ills that affect all of us. Yes, It will be a fight but I'm willing to do just that.

I have reminisced about my being trans and I hardly ever think about it. I'm going about life enjoying the activities that I enjoy. I'm still curious about learning new things (photography, bass guitar), traveling, and  meeting new people. Appreciating the little joys in live makes living worthwhile and meaningful.

FIVE UNDERAPPRECIATED PROFESSIONS

1. Parents

2. Teachers

3. Nurses

4. Police/Fire/EMS personnel

5. Military personnel

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

By all these lovely tokens September days are here with summers the best of the weather and autumns the best of cheer. 


Helen Hunt Jackson, Writer (1831-1885)

LOCAL POLITICS

I'm staying more in tune with local politics. I attended a women's retreat last Saturday. One workshop I attended was 'Lawmaker Accountability'. It was pointed out that positions such as judges are just as important as council members and state senators. Before I vote in November I will know more about the judiciary members and their platforms.

OPEN AND VISIBLE

I'm thankful that I've had very little trouble going about life as a trans woman. Most people really don't care. I pray for safety and go about my business.

With the current political climate it may change. I do know is that I'm not going in the closet or let others render me invisible.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

People are so docile right now. It is almost as if good government means when the politicians lie to us for our own good, for the public good, and bad government is when politicians lie for their own selfish interests.


~James Bovard  

COMMENTARY-LOCAL ELECTIONS

The presidential election gets much national attention. It happens every four years and it can mean a shift in the political landscape or a continuance of the current policies. However, it is the local politics that affect people more.

It may be being involved with a school board, community board, neighborhood watch, running for the city or town council, state senate ,etc. Here in New York City more people were involved in local elections than in previous years. Just like national politics, if the constituency believes he/she isn't doing the job, they can and will be replaced. 

Affordable housing and gentrification is a huge issue here. Though not always victorious, grass roots groups made their presence felt. Many incumbent politicians were put on notice that unless they do the job they were elected to do they will be removed by the people. More young people were running for office and I believe that bodes well for the future. Congratulations to all the winners. Remember, do what you promised.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

There are heroes/heroines that you'll never find in the history pages, but are no less important to those people they affected.

ELECTION

Hope everyone voted today.

9/11

Will never forget the events of that fateful day as long as I live.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Leadership is not about a title or a designation. It's about impact, influence and inspiration. Impact involves getting results, influence is about spreading the passion you have for your work, and you have to inspire team-mates and customers. 



~Robin S. Sharma

MORE TRANS SISTERS LOST TO VIOLENCE

Four transgender women murdered within the past ten days. When does it all end? 

FUTURE COMMENTARIES

Come September I will be posting a number of commentaries about various topics. There's so much happening and it's sometimes hard to keep up. When I am able to focus on a topic I have been able to come to a conclusion all my own. 

While trans issues are one topic so is the direction of the country and my own thoughts about traditions that are being challenged. Stay tuned. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Truth is powerful and it prevails.


~Sojourner Truth, Activist (1787-1883)

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

The things that we love tell us what we are.

~Thomas Aquinas

NEED FOR SOLUTIONS

As I live life, I see that there needs to be more respect for others views. This I believe is keeping people from resolving the issues in the country.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Forgiveness is not always easy. At times, it feels more painful than the wound. We suffered to forgive the one that inflicted it. And yet, there is no peace without forgiveness.


~Marianne Williamson

CONFORMITY

Conformity is a wide open topic which will elicit many different viewpoints. There are times when one may need to conform; on the job, the military, etc. I thinking more about when people have viewpoints different from my own. People are entitled to their own opinions and I respect that. No one has the right to trash someone else's character because he/she has a different viewpoint.

I make no secret that I admire people who are outside the box. They stepped away from the conventions of their times. They went against the prevailing mindsets of their times. I welcome listening to opposing view points because it can be a point of educating and opening the mind. Forcing someone to think the way they do does a disservice to them. I've been called names because I have a different viewpoint or live my own life contrary to theirs. 

Conformity is neither good nor bad. Forcing someone to think the way they do shows a lack of respect. Enjoy life and be who you are. 

COMMENTARY

The protests by NFL players over American anthem has picked steam again. Both the protesters and the defenders are making their own talking points.

I do stand for the pledge of allegiance and have done so all my life. It's the right thing to do. I am a veteran who served during the Vietnam era when it wasn't popular to be in the military. I have several American flags in my home. I am also black.

I possibly would get some push back because of my position. America is the only country I have known. When I see protesters burning the flag, it disgusts me. Yes, there are problems that must be dealt with. I strongly believe that folks on both sides must put their anger away and start finding solutions to the country's ills. I would love to talk with the people who don't recite the pledge and find out their reasoning for their acts.

People who come to America and become citizens have the advantage of having lived in one place and finding America the land of opportunity. There are people who do not believe that they are part of America's tapestry. Reasons seem to vary.

Though I don't agree with the kneeling, they have the right to do it. America is the land of opportunity and I encourage people to seek them out. It's the only place I know where one will have that chance. To me that says a lot.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Be who you are.

Let no one define you. You define yourself.

Love yourself.

RADIO SHOW

Come September I will resume my iternet radio show 'Genevieve's Gems'. Will have more details in the coming weeks.

SEVENTY AND EXCITED

I celebrated my 70th birthday (August 4th). I've been on earth for seven decades! I have seen a lot, done many things, faced difficult challenges. I'm bullish about the future.

JOY

I derive much joy from seeing other people succeed.  I being each day with something positive and end it the same way.   

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Every day brings new choices.


~Martha Beck

WORKING FOR SOLUTIONS

I read conservative sites to get a different point of view. I do admit that I'm liberal on a number of issues. I hold a conservative view on abortion, the Second Amendment, and immigration. One of my concerns is the tribalism that has happened instead of conversation about finding solutions to the ills of the country. 

Part of finding solutions is being willing to be vulnerable and willing to change if they are wrong. It's still amazing that nearly two after the presidential election people are still ticked off. My advice is that Donald Trump is our president.We need to move on. Let's work on solutions to homelessness, high taxes, immigration, substance abuse, and other ill. There's no time for fighting and arguing.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Life ain't always beautiful, but it's a beautiful ride. 


~Gary Allan

VIOLENCE BRINGS MORE VIOLENCE

Many people will say that they want peace in the world. When I hear some of those same people say that they want to (or someone else) kill our current president is isn't inciting violence? I don't like our current president but remember violence begets violence. I like to believe we're better than that.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a moron.


~H. L. Mencken, Writer (1880-1956) 

ACTIVE AND ALIVE

Since retirement I am busier now than when I was working. Just this month it has been performances, a fundraiser for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, writing poems and monologues, listening to other trans people's stories, and encouraging others to achieve greater heights. My spouse and I saw a musician friend of mine perform at one of the local venues. It's been all good.

WORK FOR CHANGE

Instead of focusing on throwing vitriol at President Trump a better idea would be to work with the things you are concerned about.

VIVA LA FRANCE

A belated congratulations to France on winning the World Cup.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

It is beyond a doubt that all our knowledge begins with experience.


~Immanuel Kant (1724-1804)

WORLD CUP FINAL

The 2018 FIFA World Cup final is set for Sunday, July 15, at 11AM (ET)



                                    CROATIA

                                          vs

                                     FRANCE

FIFA WORLD CUP

I enjoy watching the world like I do March Madness. There were some compellng games and colossal disappointments. Below my thoughts about 2018 world cup.

MOST IMPRESSIVE:
Uruguay, Begium, Japan

MOST DISAPPOINTING:
Germany, Spain

MOST OVERRATED:
Argentina, Portugal

MOST SURPRISING:
Croatia, Russia, Senegal

ON THE RISE:
Colombia, Costa Rica.

BEST SPORTSMANSHIP:
Japan

BASEBALL PREDICTIONS- MID SEASON ASSESSMENT

With the baseball more than half way through. How are my predictions holding up? Some surprises, a number of disappointments.




American League
Houston-playing good and can improve. The best starting pitching and diverse lineup.

Cleveland-muddling around .500 but capable of going on a hot streak
 
NY Yankees-playing great baseball. Concern is starting rotation. Severino's been great. Tanaka inconsistent. Sonny Gray a disappointment and back of the rotation a question mark.   

Wild Card
Boston-great lineup, solid rotation. Can win AL East.


Minnesota, LA Angels-both disappointing. losing Ervin Santana hurt the Twins and their rotation's been spotty. Haven't hit like I thought they would. Always questioned the Angels rotation, bullpen is meh. Kinsler and Calhoun have been horrible.

Team that will rebound: Baltimore- in one word, awful.
Team that will slip:   Toronto-about there I thought they would be
Surprises: Seattle, Tampa, Oakland

National League

LA Dodgers-playing much better after awful start. Need more from Maeda and Hill.
Chicago Cubs- hanging in there. Darvish going down hurt, Lester has been good. Need more from Hendricks. Need more consistency from Quintana. Like Cleveland, can go on a hot streak with their lineup.
 
Washington- a .500 team. Always questioned their grit and Harper's been awful this year.

Wild Card
NY Mets-injuries again. This is a slow boring team that will see changes.
Arizona- a gritty team. Solid rotation, decent pen.  

Team that will rebound: SF Giants-playing decent ball. Just a few games from wild card spot. Bumgarner coming back a plus.



Team that will slip: Colorado-never liked their rotation and their bullpen stinks. Not hitting like they did last year.


Surprises: Phillies, Brewers (thought they would slips but they lead NL Central)
                   Atlanta-thought they would be good last year but everything went wrong.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

You have to understand that people have to pay a price for peace. If you dare to struggle' you dare to win.


~Fred Hampton

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Whatever happened to civility in our discourse? 

POST PRIDE MARCH THOUGHTS

I marched in the pride event for the first time in a number of years. My spouse and I made it to the end. As pride month comes to a conclusion, a doubling down of improving the lives of LGBTQ is important. 

I am concerned that many of the young folks don't know or have interest in the history of our movement. A young woman wore a t-shirt that said it all about it and I'm paraphrasing "Gay liberation was started by trans people of color. This is an issue that I have taken on as a personal mission. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Pride means that I can be happy about myself and who I am.

COMMENTARY-DEPRESSION AND SUICIDE

With the celebrity suicide deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain this week, the topic of depression has again come to the fore. Two people who seems to have it all apparently battled depression.

Depression is a bigger problem in the LGBTQ communities. In the trans communities depression and suicide is even higher. It's so important that people know there are resources out there.

ANNUAL PRIDE PARTY

Celebrated pride at our annual pride party at the church. There was poetry spoken word, singing,and, later on, dancing. The theme of the party was 1970s music. Some folk wore 1970s style clothing. There was plenty of food also. Spouse and I danced a lot. Hope I can get up in the morning.

GENEVUEVE'S GEMS

Respect for ourselves guides our morals, respect for others guides our manners.


~Laurence Sterne, Novelist (1713-1768)

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Youth is the gift of nature, but age is a work of art.


~Stanislaw Jerzy Lec, Poet (1909-1966)

MEMORIAL DAY-REMEMBERING OUR HEROES/HEROINES

Remember the men and women who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy. As a veteran, I am very mindful of this.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

There is one, and only one, thing in modern society more hideous than crime namely, repressive justice.


Simone Weill, Philosopher (1909-1943) 

TRANSGENDER FLAG DAY

August 19th is transgender pride flag day! mark it on your calendar.

COMMENTARY-GUN VIOLENCE

Once again there's been another mass shooting in a school. At least ten people lost their lives by a person(s) with a gun. THere are calls for for gun control. THere are those who, despite what happened and are sympathetic, defend the Second amendment. fortudiously. 

What is missing here is any thoughts about the shooters. Are they all mentally ill? Did they break because of problems at home? Not all the shooterswere mentally ill. Some were angry. Others were hell bent on hurting whoever came in their path. I understand both sides of the argument abot guns but a greater point is being overlooked- the people who commit these horrible acts. Unless how to intercept the people with help they need before hand, all that is being blown is hot air. .

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Through perseverance many people win out of what seemed destined to be certain failure.


~Benjamin Disraeli

REFLECTION AND THOUGHTS ABOUT CONVERSION

I sat in an empty church today, praying and meditating. Thoughts of my childhood flooded my mind. I was blessed to have wonderful parents who nurtured me along with my brother and sister. I remember going to church and Mass. I never knew that years later I would have a spiritual conversion. Many years after that, I have a conversion of moving from one gender to the other (male to female).  

Looking back I believe that my spiritual conversion helped me to weather the storms of questioning whether my gender was the authentic one I was living. Now thirteen years later, I can say that I made the right choice. I've never been happier in my life.

MOM'S DAY

TRANS SOCIAL AT SAGE CENTER

The Transgeneration Theater Project performed at the Sage Center in midtown. It was the third year of performing. The theme was 'Stages of Birth' from the trans and gender non conforming perspective. A number of trans and gnc people were in attendance and the performance was a success. Afterwards there was a Q & A and comments. There will be a second performance this Friday, May 18th, at 7 PM which is open to the general public.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.


~Theodore Hesburgh

LET PEOPLE BE THEMSELVES

I have always believed that people can be whoever they want to be. It bothers me when some say that we have to dress, look, or speak in a particular way. A person can be ignored or pushed aside because they aren't a particular generation, age, or part of a particular group. Having been on my own since I was a teen, those dynamics are unimportant to me. 

No one defines me or who I should be. What helped me during my questioning phase was seeing the many different gender expressions and identities. Each individual is free to discover life on their own terms.  Being comfortable in one's own skin is priceless.

SWEEP! SWEEP!

The Mets were swept by Atlanta and Colorado. No one is hitting.

JUNE PRIDE PARTY

The Beyond Labels Ministry at church is preparing for a Pride Party in June. That month is full with activities capped off  with the pride march later in the month. The theme this year will be the 70s dance music. Wow! I love this! Donna Summer. The Trammps. Chic. Have to visit some vintage or consignment stores for some outfits. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Grief can be the garden of compassion. If you keep your heart open through everything, your pain can become your greatest ally in your life's search for love and wisdom. 


~Rumi, Poet (1207-1273)

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Infuse your life with action. Don't wait for it to happen. Make it happen. Make your own future. Make your own hope. Make your own love. And whatever your beliefs, honor your creator, not by passivity waiting for grace to come down upon high, but by doing what  you can to make it happen...yourself, right now, right down here on Earth. 

~Bradley Whitford 

LOVE TRANSGENDERATIONAL THEATER PARTICIPANTS

I just love the Transgenerational  Theater Project. The people that I'm working, creating and performing with are a blessing to me. I hope that I have influenced them in some way.

ARTS,GENDER, AND ECONOMICS

I am involved with the arts. Acting, performance, spoken word, writing, and other things. It allows me to express myself that mere words cannot convey. Arts does not see gender, race, sexuality, or economics. 

I am part of a theater project with trans and gender non conforming folks of all ages. This is my third year of participation and I'm so blessed to be a part of this. I have met some truly wonderful people who I consider as friends. We enjoy being with each other and creating art. I have the arts touch lives right before my eyes. A number of people have blossomed because art allowed them to express themselves. 

Problems in the country and world will not be solved unless people are willing to sit down and talk about them and find solutions. The arts bridges diverse groups and intertwines diverse viewpoints. One reason the arts is the first to go during economic crises is that it brings people together who normally may not associate with each other. Makes me wonder if America really wants to solve its problems.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

If you have knowledge, let other light their candles by it.


~Chinese Proverb

PROTEST SONGS

Remember the days of protest songs? I remember many of the songs from the civil rights and anti war movements. One song that I believe was the anthem of the Vietnam anti-war movement was 'For What It's Worth' by Buffalo Springfield. Marvin Gaye's great album "What's Going On?" was a protest against war, racism, economic exploitation, and greed.

Radio stations were reluctant to play them back them for fear of offending their advertisers. It would be a major miracle if you heard a protest song in this corporate driven world. Maybe some day the protest song will become a part of protest once again. I sure hope so. Sure do need it.

SPEAKING OUT

I'm usually quiet and reserved, not always sharing my thoughts out in public. That changed in 2012 or 2013. I was tired of trans and gender non conforming people being trashed by the media, politicians, preachers, and administrators. It motivated me to speak out that it was drag queens and trans people who set off the Stonewall Rebellion. Trans people do the hard pulling and pushing then are shuttled to the sidelines because we don't "look right" (whatever that means).

Too many folks have been battered by the vitriol spewed out by some of these 'well meaning' people and it has done nothing but hurt and destroy. I'm a senior citizen and trans and where can be harder just to get basic needs. Well, I'm silent no longer. I'm out and proud every day and will be so.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Memories of our lives, of our works and our deeds will continue in others.



~Rosa Parks, Activist (1913-2005)

BEING TRANS IN A WORLD THAT SCORNS US

Transgender is an umbrella term of a wide spectrum of gender identity and expression. Seeing the many different expressions of gender during my questioning phase helped to understand that I could express myself however I choose. 

It's frustrating at times that the trans community is still bickering over how each person should present themselves. How they should look, speak, and act. Each person has traveled their own journey and have come to their own conclusions in their walk. I may have experienced what they have; I may not understand what they experience is about. What I do is support them wholeheartedly.

Our lives are not always easy. I am a trans senior citizen who is blessed to have a supportive and accepting spouse. Many trans women and men do not have someone to love and support them and it saddens me. If one is a senor citizen it's even harder. 

Trans people need to support each other. We need to respect one other as sisters and brothers. We need to empathetic to those who are struggling. Those people and groups who seek to harm us need to be called out PUBLICALLY!

BASEBALL 2018

It's been a while since I've been this excited about the baseball season. I'm a die hard Mets fan and believe if the pitching stays healthy the team will rebound and have a good year.

Here are my predictions for 2018  for the teams that will make the playoffs. 

American League

Houston
Cleveland 
NY Yankees

Wild Card
Boston
Minnesota, LA Angels

Team that will rebound: Baltimore
Team that will slip:   Toronto


National League

LA Dodgers
Chicago Cubs
Washington

Wild Card
NY Mets
Arizona

Team that will rebound: SF Giants
Team that will slip: Colorado

NCAA BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS

                                                                           MEN


DIVISION I-           VILLANOVA WILDCATS

DIVISION II-          FERRIS STATE BULLDOGS

DIVISION III-         NEBRASKA WESLEYAN PRAIRIE WOLVES

NAIA DIV. I-           GRACELAND YELLOWJACKETS

NAIA DIV. II-          INDIANA WESLEYAN WILDCATS




                                                                          WOMEN


DIVISION I-             NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH

DIVISION II-            UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI MULES

DIVISION III-           AMHERST MAMMOTHS

NAIA DIV. I-             FREED-HARDEMAN LIONS

NAIA DIV. II-            DAKOTA WESLEYAN TIGERS


               


                         CONGRATULATIONS TO A JOB WELL DONE!

               

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow.

~Unknown

HOLY WEEK AND TRANSGENDER DAY OF VISIBILITY

I hope that your Holy Week was a good one. I attended Good Friday and Easter services. My spouse and I are part of the dance ministry at church. We performed twice (had two Sunday services) which was well received by many folks. This was one of the best Holy weeks I have experienced.

Saturday was the Transgender Day od Visibility. Just being out and about is a blessing. I'm out all the time. I was pleased reading that Scotland had its first trans pride parade. It's wonderful that trans and gender non conforming people are stepping up and stepping out asserting their right to live a life of happiness.