SAGE ADVICE

 

GOALS FOR 2024

With 2023 winding down, it's time to think of new 🤔  goals for 2024. I know more reading and writing are in store.  I have a few things in mind, Starting a home business is one. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 

2023 NCAA FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS

 DIVISION II

DIVISION III

SUNY CORTLAND RED DRAGONS

NAIA

WINTER IS HERE

 

JOURNEY IS THE CLASSROOM

 

Life isn't about the destination, but the journey. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

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

~Greg Anderson

JOE

Advent is a time of personal reflection. 😌 Where did I improve? What needs working on? Am I grateful. Today, I was thinking about Joe*, a man who once attended our church before moving away. 

Joe was a former weight lifter who was a gentle soul. He shared how God changed him from an angry 😠  person to one with love for all people. He was a spiritual and humble man who was knowledgeable about a number of things.

I miss Joe's gregarious and humble manner who was a gentle presence. I am happy to have known him. 

HOLIDAYS

The holiday season is a joyous time for many folks. For others it is a time of sadness, loneliness, and regret. Some may have lost loved ones. Others are estranged from their families. This is particularly true in the LGBTQ+ community.

I pray that someone will invite you out or spend time with you. This is also a time to be thankful that you made it to this point. Be grateful for what you have. You matter!

WE MOVE FORWARD

No matter what others say or think about transgender people we still keep moving on living our lives.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 

HAPPENING NOW

 

COMMENTARY

 It has been quite a week, a good one at that. Last Sunday the youth ran the service. Later, the was the annual community Thanksgiving dinner. On Monday, the Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil was held at SAGE. On Thanksgiving Day my wife and I enjoyed a luscious dinner. It is also the beginning of my time for reflection.

There were many moods expressed during the week. Gratitude. Joy. Sadness. Hope. Longing. There is so much to be grateful for. I pray that many folks will come to a relationship with the person whose birth will be celebrated. 

GIVING THANKS

 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

You can scream, you can holler, you can protest- which are all good things because we have to be heard- but no real, significant changes occur without rolling up your sleeves and getting into a fight.

~Isaac Wright, Jr.

TRANS WEEK

 

A GRATEFUL THANKS

This is the cap I wore to the Veteran's Day parade today. It was good being there to honor the men and women who served. I'm mindful of the LGBTQ+ troops who served though they may have had to suppress their identities.

I was a spectator watching the marching bands, floats, and veterans marching in perfect order. Some folks came up to me and thanked me for my service. They didn't look at me strangely or insult me. They were thankful that I served the country. That's what this day is about. 

HAPPY VETERANS DAY!

VETERAN'S DAY

 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love.

~Francis of Assisi, Saint (1182-1226)

DAY OF REMEMBRANCE COMING

 

Transgender Day of Remembrance will be here soon. Still working on where it will be held and how we should do it.

I am going to add it to time of reflection (usually from Thanksgiving to New Year's). There's much to reflect on. There's also much to be thankful for.

I WONDER

I wonder if people hate transgender, non-conforming and nonbinary people because we are living our authentic lives.

NEVER

 I will never, ever vote for someone who is anti-LGBTQ+!

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Choose to focus your time, energy and conversation around people who inspire you, support you and help you to grow you into your happiest, strongest, and wisest self. 

~Karen Salmansohn

GRATEFULNESS

 

LGBTQ IN PALESTINE

There are LGBTQ people in Palestine. Many would be killed if they display their affections publicly. When they go into Israel they can live openly. LGBTQ people are hated in Palestine.

GENEVIEVE INTRODUCED

Fifteen years ago, I entered this church for the first time as Genevieve. I stumbled into a mid day service. During the passing of the peace there no disapproving looks and stares. I was treated like another worshipper.

This was quite touching as another hurdle was crossed. God accepted me as I was. This would lead to something good that would happen weeks later. I'm so grateful.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

God cannot give happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.

C. S. Lewis, writer (1898-1963)

SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER

 I would dearly love to have an audience of people who know little or nothing about trans people. It seems this is the populace the anti-LGBTQ haters are targeting.  If I had such a captive audience I would pose two questions:

1. Who knows someone who is transgender and nonbinary? 

2. What do you know about what it is to be transgender?

There is fear and confusion about me and others like me. People fear what they don't know or understand. w want the same thing everyone else. does. We want to live our lives in peace. Recently a cis woman was because the attacker thought she was transgender. 

I live my life openly. I put it that if someone wants to know anything about my being transgender all they need to do is ask. I don't know if I will ever get the opportunity to speak before such an audience. If it does come up I will be ready.   

A REMINDER

Terrorists do not care about the people they hurt. They care more about their ideology. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 

A RISE IN ANTISEMITISM?

With all that is happening in Israel, I wonder if there will be an increased rise in antisemitism here in the US and around the world? I pray not.

BATTLING HEALTH CONCERNS

My spouse and I have had some health concerns. She has shingles, me, colds in my muscles. She was in the hospital for a few days but now is home and mending.

TRANSITIONS

 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 

SUBTLE TRANSITION

My friends and I were discussing how we came out. The timing in which we presented ourselves to the world was interesting.

My transition was subtle. It wasn't earth-shattering but time was 👍 right. As time went on I became more comfortable being Genevieve. Some folks come out earlier or later. I was in my mid-fifties. I don't regret being Genevieve. It's one of the best things that has happened to me.

UPDATE ON SEPTEMBER 5th POST

I posted on September 5th that I was going to a radio show on what a true Christian really is. Then illness struck 🤒. Wasn't feeling well for several days (no COVID) I'm better now.

I am doing the show as planned. By Friday I will have a date. Stay tuned.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 

LIBERTY FOR ALL

I wonder if it's because trans and non-conforming folks choose to live their reality, that society is pushing back. Someone said to me one time that I'm brave. I replied that I was just living my life. 

We want life, liberty, and the pursuit of ☺ happiness as the Declaration of Independence states. This is for all people, regardless of who they are.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Every day, I like to wake up and remind myself to be grateful for the simple things.

~Mirandaa Kerr

THERE WHEN I NEEDED IT

 

I hung out at the LGBT center yesterday. It's one of the few places I'm totally comfortable. It was good being there though I am fighting a cold.

I was reminded of the first time I walked through the door. At the time I was struggling with my gender issues. A year earlier, I said that I would be caught dead in the place. Looking back I'm so happy that it was there when I needed it.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 

WHAT IS A TRUE CHRISTIAN?

I have an internet radio program titled 'Genevieve's Gems.' I discuss the Bible from a transgender and queer perspective. 

With all the controversy about Christian nationalism (which I detest) and people who call themselves 'Christian', there's much confusion 😕 over what Christianity really is. 

Later this month, I will broadcast over the internet what a true 👍 Christian really is. 👏  I will post a post all the information in a couple of days. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Communication is a skill that you can learn. It's ,like riding a bicycle or typing. If you're willing.to work at it,  you can rapidly improve the quality of every part of your life.

-Brian Tracy

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.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them- that only creates sorrow. Lets reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.

~Lao Tzu

CELEBRATION

 Today Genevieve just turned eighteen!

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

When we lose the right to be different, we lose the privilege to be free.

~Charles Evans Hughes, Jude (1862-1948)

LOOKING WITHIN

With all the anti- LGBTQ+ forces lined up, perhaps it's time for us to look inside and plan some strategy. Trans people, trans youth especially, are the targets of the far right. Marriage will the next target, I believe. 

I would like to see more organizations outwardly support and stand with the trans community. There needs to be more voices speaking out for trans youth. This is a  matter of life and death.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

We all just want to be validated...to know that our feelings matter. To know that we are seen and heard.

HANGOUT FOR QUEER FOLKS

It is the old dilapidated pier near Christopher Street in the West Village probably in 1980s. On weekends, gay, queer, and transgender people hung out here because it was one of the few places they could be themselves.  

INFLUENCES

 Many people have been an influence in my gender transition. Some of them are no longer with us. They were only with me for a certain amount of time. Life is that way. We meet, greet, then move on. I miss them. Wished that I had more time with them. However, it was time for us to go our separate ways. 

As I continue my journey, I wonder what my life would be if I had never met them? Life has many twists and turns. As I come to a fork in the road, my friend goes in one direction, me in the other. Time to go on my own journey.

"I have given you what you need." my friend says. "Now it's time to fly."

SHARING

Over the past few weeks, I have shared about my life as a trans woman. Folks are learning about what is happening regarding all the anti-trans legislation around the country. They are seeing the seriousness of what such legislation will do to transgender people.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

You never completely have your rights, one person, until you all have your rights.

~Marsha P. Johnson, Celebrity (1945-1992)

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

 

BIRTHDAY WISH

 Happy Birthday to activist and Stonewall icon Sylvia Rivera.

COMMENTARY

Pride week was one of the best weeks of my life. It started with me sharing to my church congregation what pride means to me. Later, I went downtown to the pride parade. There were many young people. It was really crowded, more so than last year.

My resolve to be open about being trans was strengthened in the face of much of the country's anti- trans legislation. I believe this year's pride march demonstrated this. Now we have to vote and stand up with trans youth who are in the teeth of much of this diabolical evil.  

Parents are standing for their trans children and saying no to these bills. Some have left their home state, in order to receive the gender affirming they need. I'm happy that the governor of New York has declared the state a safe haven. A few places have done this and I pray that more will do the same.

TO MY CANADIAN FRIENDS

 

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)

HONOR VETERANS

 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 Do not be intimidated by your enemies. There is strength in numbers.

 

HATERS HATE THEMSELVES

 

OUT AND PROUD

 It is most important to we be out and visible. People's lives depend on it. 

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)

WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK

 

Back in the late 1960s I regularly hung out here at Washington Square Park. Everybody and anybody was here on the weekends. The entrance was the gateway to a different vibe. It was here where I was introduced to alternative lifestyles.

Looking back, this place made a huge impact on my life. I didn't know that I was trans at this point but I felt safe and at peace in the diverse crowd. I still come here no matter what the season. 

NOT TRUE

No one can tell me that they love God and people, then trash those who they view as unworthy. This is hypocrisy! 

As a Christian who happens to be trans, it's appalling that these zealots use the bible and God to justify their biases. This is wrong, evil, should be confronted.

MOM'S SPECIAL DAY

 

COMMENTARY

Anti-trans activists are doing everything they can to stop us from getting the care we need. We will get it! Trans people have always existed and will continue to do so. 

I'm pleased that Kansas City, Missouri has picked up the ball and will be a sanctuary where trans and nonbinary people can receive the affirming care they need. More places need to do this. 

Why are so many politicians so focused on trans people instead of serving their constituents who elected them. Infrastructure needs to be repaired. The medical system needs to be overhauled. Education needs to be improved. Why are they so focused on us? Is it because we are creative and  resilient? Is it because we have stepped and chosen to be authentic, which the world is crying for. I sometimes say that if I am criticized for being myself and defying conventional thinking then I must be doing something right.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Cherish all your happy moments; they make a fine cushion for old age.

~Booth Tarkington, Novelist (1869-1946)

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Hope is being able to see the light despite all the darkness.

~Desmond Tutu, Leader (1931-2021)

LET'S STAND FOR THEM

 

MAY DAY

 

THE T IS INCLUDED

 

TODAY'S THOUGHT

 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Every day we have plenty of opportunities to get angry, stressed or offended. But what you're doing when you indulge these negative emotions is giving something outside yourself powerful over your happiness. You can choose to not let little things upset you. 

~Joel Osteen

ANTI-TRANS BILLS INTRODUCED IN NEW YORK STATE

TWO ANTI-TRANS BILLS HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED IN NEW YORK STATE

NY A06124- Protects women's sports in middle and high school from unfair competition

Andrew Goodell  (R) is the sponsor.

NY S06259- Protects women's sports in middle and high school from unfair competition

Sponsors- George Borrello (R) and Robert Ortt (R)

MENTAL HEALTH AS IMPORTANT AS PHYSICAL HEALTH

 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.

~Winston Churchill, Statesman (1874-1965)

COLLEGES WHOSE COLORS ARE RED AND BLUE

Arcadia University

Belmont University

DePaul University

Howard University

Liberty University

Oklahoma Panhandle State University

Presbyterian College

Samford University

South Carolina State University

University of Arizona

University of Kansas

University of Pennsylvania

AMAZING

After all this time that transgender people have been and visible, there are folks who still cannot wrap their minds around our existence. We have been around as long as people have bee on earth. 

If someone inquires about what I'm about, I will engage them. If I sense that the conversation is going nowhere, I will end it. It's not my job, or anyone else's, to educate people about transgender and nonconforming people. There's plenty of information online, in books and articles, etc.

EASTER BLESSINGS

 

ANTI-TRANS BILLS

Kansas and Arkansas legislatures have OK'd that would restrict transgender people from using the bathroom of their choice.

 In Kansas trans people will be unable to change the markers on their driver's license. Also transgender women and girls will be unable to participate on girls sports teams from kindergarten through college.

2023 NCAA MENS BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS

Division I

Division II

                                        NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY SHARKS

Division III

                             CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY CAPTAINS

NAIA

                                                            COLLEGE OF IDAHO YOTES

CONGRATULATIONS!