COMMENTARY

This Lent season has been one of trial, renewal, and recharge. Many folks wonder where our world is headed. The world in Jesus' time faced some of the same issues we do. Homelessness, poverty, corruption, alienation,  a sense that our concerns don't matter to the powers that be.

It is up to us, the citizens to not only voice our concerns but also seek solutions. Jesus demonstrated that there is another way of living, of moving forward. We need to move differently. Christ spoke up to power, and we need to do the same. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

One day you will tell your story of how you overcame what you went through and it will be someone else's survival guide. 

~Brene Brown

A NEW YOU

 

SB164 DEFEATED IN MONTANA

Republicans joined with Democrats in defeating SB164, 58-40, which would have charged adults who knowingly provide gender affirming care to trans people. If the bill had passed, adults faced fines up to $10,000 dollars and imprisonment up to five years. 

Congratulations to the people who helped to defeat this terrible bill.                        

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 

2025 NCAA WOMENS BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS

 DIVISION I

DIVISION II

DIVISION III

                                     NEW YORK UNIVERSITY VIOLETS

NAIA

2025 NCAA MENS BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS

DIVISION I

DIVISION II

DIVISION III

NAIA

COLLEGE OF IDAHO

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

This quote spoke to me regarding the current situation with my transgender sisters and brothers.

BE AUTHENTIC-OTHERS ARE WATCHING

 

BE VISIBLE

 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

The power of visibility can never be underestimated.

~Margaret Cho, Comedian

I'M BACK!

I had some trouble logging onto my account and retrieving my password. I have a lot of catching up to do. I missed posting to you all. It's a passion of mine to share information and positive vibes.   

IOWA FIRST

Iowa becomes the first state to remove civil rights protections for transgender people.

FIGHTING BACK

 California, Maine, and Minnesota are defying Donald Trump's executive order of not allowing transgender women on women's sports teams.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 

ADJUSTMENT

 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 

SELF CARE

Someone I correspond with is having more surgical procedures in her transition. I fully support her and anyone who is doing what is best for them.

There is the mistaken notion that every trans person want gender confirming surgery. This is not always the case. I opted not to take hormones. Surgery was never on my mind. 

Self care is important in that I find balance in my life. It's good to take pause and assess where I want to be. Each person has to do what is best for them. 👌 If others don't understand then it is not my concern.

FROM HIDDEN TO HAPPY

It's interesting how life experiences have brought me to this point. Many places I've been, the people I've met, and the activities I've participated in have lead up to what my life is now. And it was done, unaware that I was transgender.

It was hidden from me and that was a good thing it was. I could only move forward. The doors of my past life were closing. My transition was subtle; nudges by an unseen hand gently pushing me forward. It was frustrating not knowing what I was contending with but I was compelled to keep going.

I have been out nearly twenty years now and it has been a strange yet wonderful journey. As a senior citizen I love sharing my story to younger generations and people who know little or nothing about transgender  folks. Despite those forces who wish to silence me, I will keep going and live life.

TELLING TRUTH TO POWER

When people stand up to power with truth, there will be pushback from the opposition. The right have pushed their "truth" onto the general populace and have succeeded. One thing about the right is that they will make the changes that are needed and go from there. The left needs to do the same.

When one has a different point of view about an issue, It's vital to share why you believe what you believe. This goes to the core of one's belief. Fear should not stop us from telling the truth. This is something that Jesus did; spoke truth to power. This is what all of us must do. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 

FIGHTING BACK

Now the NCAA is barring transgender athletes from participating in sports. Black History Month, women's month, and pride month are no longer recognized by the current administration. Some hospitals are banning gender affirming care for trans youth. Seems that many places are falling in line with Trump's edict to erase us from the public's mind. 

I am encouraged that people are resisting and fighting back. Many lawsuits have been filed. Black, women's, and pride are going to be celebrated no matter what the government says. 

To deny trans people gender affirming care is criminal, in my view. Whoever supports this should be ashamed. Those places who knuckle under these laws will regret it one day. You are putting lives in jeopardy.

BETTER THAN NEVER

 

I AM

 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 

FREEZE ON FEDERAL FUNDING

Donald Trump put a halt on all federal funding. It is being done under the pretense of saving taxpayers  money on "wasteful spending." This will affect non profits, services for senior citizens, etc.  In my view all the money he wants to save

He also will not allow transgender people to join the armed forces. Trans people will be discharged from the service. This stings because I'm a veteran who served in the 1970s (long before I came out as transgender.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 

WE MUST KEEP MOVING FORWARD

Now that Donald Trump is doing whatever to shut trans people out from the public arena. Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg says we are "mentally ill" and "freaks." We, like other marginalized people in the past are being targeted, blaming us for the country's ills.

In my view this is being used to divert the public's attention from what Zuckerberg, Elon Musk and their billionaire cronies are doing to take over running the country. I'm reading between the lines.

Some of my friends are fearful of what will happen. I'm concerned about what will happen to us if we cannot access the services that we need. I am mindful of folks in rural areas who may not have access to services or are not out to family or friends.

This is the time we must stand strong. If it's not safe where you are, I understand. Your safety is important.  I will do what I can to be visible. I want to find some place trans issues are being addressed. This is a critical time for the LGBTQ community as a whole, and trans people in particular. 

2024 NCAA FBS FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS

 

THE FIGHT BEGINS

 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 

LOOKING AHEAD

It's going to be an interesting four years. The attacks against trans people have ramped up, if today's hearings are an indication.

I'm looking for someplace I can be involved in standing up for trans people. I'm also a senior citizen and a veteran. There's much at stake as the new administration comes in. I will do whatever I can to be involved. I can't  sit idly while we are being threatened and trashed.

2024 NCAA FCS FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS

 

CALIFORNIA

Watching the wildfires devastate many Los Angeles communities, there are t people who are doing everything to help their neighbors. Food. Lodging. Medical care. Counseling (will need plenty of this in the coming weeks).

I correspond with a few people in the LA area. Thankfully, they are far away from the fires. Sadly, at 24 people have lost their lives. Many pets have died also. 

I pray for Los Angeles and the people who are affected. Do whatever you can to help. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

By you living your authentic life, you may be be encouraging someone who is struggling.

~Genevieve

2024 NCAA DIVISION III FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS

 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 Let us live our lives freely and without fear. 

2024 NCAA INDIVIDUAL TENNIS CHAMPIONS

 MEN

DIVISION II

DIVISION III

WOMEN

DIVISION II

DIVISION III

2025!