GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Countries with higher levels of gender equality have higher economic growth. Companies with more women on their boards have higher returns. Peace agreements that include women are more successful. Parliaments with more women take up a wider range of issues-including health, education, anti discrimination, and child support.


~Ban Ki-moon, South Korean diplomat

Post Pride

We are in the second half of 2015. The June pride events here in New York are over. Now the work continues. ENDA and GENDA (here in New York state) both need to be passed. I'm taking a more active approach in the latter because GENDA is long overdue.  

I'm happy that marriage equality became the law of the land but in San Francisco it overshadowed the trans pride march. It reminded me of shortly after the Stonewall Riots in 1969, when transgender and gender-variant people (especially people of color) were shut out of the decision making process. Seems that I'm leaning toward being a historian because transgender people are being whitewashed from TGLG history. We helped shape many of the social movements throughout history. I refuse to see our influence pushed aside for assimilation and political correctness.

Plans are pride 2016 are being made now. I pray that ENDA and GENDA will be passed by next pride. I was encouraged by the large number of young people in the parade. I pray that this will lead into more grassroots activism. 

State Senate Fails To Pass GENDA Again

For the eighth time at least, the New YORK state senate has failed to pass GENDA (Gender Employment Non-Discrimination Act) after the state assembly passed the measure. It means that transgender NewYorkers can still be fired from their jobs because they are transgender. This latest defeat is very disappointing.

I'm not giving up! I have to see what I and others can do to change this. GENDA, formerly known as SONYA, has been on the docket for about 15 years now. When marriage equality was passed in 2010 ,GENDA  was on the same platform but was overlooked in the hoopla of the passage of marriage equality. I have a couple of my own theories about this but that's for another day. In t he meantime, I will become involved  more with this until GENDA is passed.

Equality and Justice Day

I will be attending Equality and Justice Day in Albany, New York on  Tuesday, April 28th. I attended last year for the first time and found it rather interesting. I'm looking to get more involved because there are some issues that need to be addressed (GENDA is at the top of my list). 

I met a couple of my trans sisters there last year and I hope to do so again. I would love to see those politicians who say they support us become more visible in voice and and at protests. 

Speaking On Wednesday At Day of Remembrance

I will be Transgender Day of Remembrance services on Wednesday. I do so every year. I'm thinking about what I will say because so much has happened in the past year. I've dedicated the year to Islan Nettles, a 21 year old transgender woman of color who was murdered about a mile from my residence.

It is important that transgender people stay vigilent. Our enemies have ramped up their efforts to deny us equality and we must continue our efforts not to let them keep us from having the same protections and rights they enjoy.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

From the equality of rights springs identity of our highest interests; you cannot subvert your neighbor's rights without striking a dangerous blow at your own.

~Carl Schurz

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Either everybody is equal or nobody is equal.

Transgender Bills Being Talked About

I have been doing quite a bit of reading about bills for transgender equality and identity protections in various parts of the country and the world. With that there is also much opposition through intimidation and misinformation. It's a job staying up to date and vigilent but it is well worth it.

What I'm amazed at is that these bills are being talked about in such conservative bastions as Nebraska, Utah, and Michigan. What I see is the need to still educate people about transgender issues because the opposition is not quitting or letting up. Some laws have been passed while others are being bandied about. It may very well be that this will be a topic during this election year.

With the opposition pulling out all the stops I see that we are making progress. It's a battleground but a battle worth fighting for.

Elections Recap-The Battle Has Just Begun

There were some gains for LGBT people in the elections but the House is in the hands of the Republicans now. While I believe we held our own in many instances, there's the national elections in two years. The fight has just begun!

There are two things I see that we as LGBT need to do. First, we need to respond to whoever is in office and share our concerns. This needs to be a consistent effort because our opponents aren't backing down. Neither can we. Second, let's not settle for incremements of equality which is no equality in my opinion. However we choose to address our concerns, let's keep working and keep educating.

I do believe that many people were educated about LGBT issues. Many really didn't know what we are about. I also believe that much of the religious dogma people see about GLBT people is bogus. This is an area that I will be heavily involved with.

Now is the time not to give up. One of the strengths of opponents is their persisitence. We need to match it with informed and intelligent presentations and facts. I certainly do not want them to beat me in the knowledge and information area. I'm going on the offensive! We need to do the same.

~Genevieve

More Attacks

Attacks against LGBT people have become more frequent. Last month, two transgender women were attacked in Queens. A gay man lies in a coma, the result of being kicked and beaten by two men. They have been apprehended.

Though I am concerned I am not afraid. As our issues are more into the public arena it's no surprise that there will be those who don't want us to have equality. All over the country and the world LGBT people have been active and working to secure our rights. It is so important that we remain vigilent. In the last post I mentioned two opportunities presented to me. I believe what ever we can do will help in our struggle.

Genevieve

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

I get angry about things, then go on and work.

~Toni Morrison, African American Novelist (b.1931)


This quote can adequately sum up what we as transgender people feel. It also encourages us to go out and do something about it. There are many people who are out on the front lines fighting for transgender equality. Granted, not all of us can picket or become lobbyists but we all can do something. You can write letters to public officials. we can speak to our friends, schools and places of worship. Young people have created grass roots organizations in the wake of the Proposition 8 fiasco in California.

Anger can be channeled in a positive way to change our situation. It's our time now. We have a great opportunity to effect change where we can be treated as first class citizens.

Genevieve

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

From the equality of rights springs identity of our highest interests;
you cannot subvert your neighbor's rights without striking a dangerous
blow at your own.

-Carl Schurz, German Revolutionary (1829-1906)