Calm In the Face of Conflict and Struggle

I was browsing the GLBT section of Barnes and Noble. I thumbed through some of the books which I was interested in. I realized that I've come along way just in the last year.

My post about what happened in an eating establishment doesn't deter me from living life in a positive manner. I try to remain calm in the face of conflict and struggle. I also see the challenges that we all face. With increased visibiblity have come acts of violence and hatred against us.

I don't see myself as a leader of some movement or platform but I can't sit by and not lend a hand in some manner. This is something that has come into my path and I must follow it

Talked about being Transgender With My Son

I talked about GLBT with my son. He asked a number of questions to which I was able to answer. He asked if being gay is a sin? I answered no. I shared with him that I knew that I was different all my life. I love these moments because it presents an opportunity to share that we are people, too.

We touched on topics like gays in the military, trangenderism, my wearing women's clothing, Christianity, GLBT people in the church, and numerous other topics. I'm happy that he's accepting and open about my transgenderism. He's always been perceptive about life. I hope that there will be more opportunities like this.

~Genevieve

Flowers of The World

Lately I have read numerous posts about GLBT folks coming to terms with who they are. It encourages me to hear this because many others will be encouraged by their discovery and self-acceptance. 

It's sad how society discriminates against people who do not represent the 'right presentation' of gender. Transgender and gender variant people have long felt the wrath of a very restrictive and soul-killing binary construct. So have effeminate men and masculine women. Diversity is like a flower garden. There's so many colors, varieties, sizes, and shapes Each person adds beauty to life's tapestry. 

I wish that I could hug the people who have accepted themselves. I feel so blessed privileged to be part of a beautiful community of people who desire to live authentic lives.  To my brothers and sisters, I encourage you to live life on your terms and love being who you are.

Obama Wins; Propositions Lose

I was riveted to the tv while I watched Barack Obama deliver his speech to an enthusiastic crowd of supporters in Chicago. My parents never had the chance to see this historic day. People want to see that they have a future in which THEY can help shape and create. Obama gives them that hope.

When I read my e-mails today I saw that the propositions in California, Arizona, Arkansas, and Florida had passed. This was a blow to gays and lesbians. It's true that Obama was opposed to gay marriage but he was against Prop 8 in California; something that was not brought out to those trying decide which way to vote. Looking ahead, I see how this could affect transgender people and their families. We catch enough hell as it is and this defeat demonstrates that there's still much work ahead.

Just as I encourage my GLB bretheren to stay the course, it behooves my transgender family to work unceasingly for the legislation that will affect us. ENDA is a start. Education is still needed in the black community and in the white community. What rattles around in my brain is did some of these people really understand what these propositions were about? Sadly, many rely on what others say about something rather than doing their own homework.

I applaud Equality California, Equality Arizona and Equality Florida for their efforts. I applaud the many volunteers who were out canvassing households to educate them. Don't feel discouraged; you no doubt have gained some allies. You have gained one in me.

BEING VISIBLE AND VIBRANT

This past Friday, I was out in public dressed in a light blue flower print skirt, blue flats and light blue pullover. I was out to the public by my actions. It's second nature for me to be this way because it is who I am. Last week I was out four consecutive days (Friday thru Monday) dressed as Genevieve.

It is at the point in my life that I must be myself. I can't dress every day because of other obligations. It doesn't change who I am inside. With the many issues concerning trangender folks coming up, it is important for us to be visible to the public if they are going to take us seriously. I have been in a church service, restaurant, stores, the park, and public transportation quite visible to others.

Another concern of mine is how institutions, particularly religious institutions, will handle LGBT concerns. I am a born again Christian who is also transgender. A few denominations are wrestling with whether or not GLBT men and women should be ordained and GLBT worshippers welcomed and affirmed in their congregations. For the church and ministers to treat GLBT people with contempt and disdain is a stench in God's nostrils.

I mentioned earlier that I did attend a church service. It happened last Friday and was unexpected. I came earlier to rest and pray for friends. I noticed two candles lit on each side of the altar. Soon the pipe organ played and the priest came out (it was a Catholic church). They were a many worshippers in attendance for this noon day service. No one paid any attention to me. I acknowledged some nods during one point during acknowledgement of peace. I was very happy to have attended. God didn't reject me. He doesn't reject anyone.

I will be out much more and will talk to more folks. I'm not ashamed of who I am and don't feel guilty at all about wearing women's clothing. Transgender people are speaking up and becoming more visible. It's time.