Creativity

Creative people have done extraordinary things to enrich the lives of  others and the world. It doesn't follow any particular pattern. I look at people like Michaelangelo, Gandhi, Martin L. King, and DaVinci. Some of the most creative people the world has known weren't greeted with open arms.

My favorite writers were ridiculed and criticized because they were unconventional. I list Edgar Allan Poe, Jack Kerouac, and Jim Morrison in that group. Herman Melville was ostracized because he didn't follow the prevailing convention of that time. Paul Laurence Dunbar was blasted by some African American critics for writing in slave dialect. He didn't speak it himself but heard it from the actual people themselves.

Creativity is something that cannot be stifled. I can't remember the last time I saw a movie that was unique and different. American movies are mostly recycled from the past (Batman, Superman). It hurts me when children's creativity is stifled for conformity. 

Creativity is something we all possess in varying degrees. It doesn't what age, race, or gender. There may someone waiting to influenced by the spark of uniqueness that you have.

Genevieve's Gems

Creativity is a great motivator because it makes people interested in what they are doing. Creativity gives hope that there can be a worthwhile idea. Creativity gives the possibility of some sort of achievement to everyone. Creativity makes life more fun and more interesting.

~Edward de Bono

Frying Pan Light Tower

This unusual structure is located 29 miles southeast of Southport, North Carolina. It was built in 1966. The 80 foot structure is at the meeting point of the Cape Fear River and Atlantic Ocean.  It has two floors. THe subfloor is used at a bed and breakfast. I admit that this is different but I'm not so sure that I would spend a night at such a place. It's a great pace for the adventurous.

Frying Pan Tower is accessible by helicopter on the heliport built on the platform. It was automated in 1976 and decommissioned in 2003.


Sources:
www.fptower.com

Smelling The Roses

Now that summer has settled in it's time for me to do things that I enjoy. I share this with people the need to enjoy their lives. Sometimes we wrapped up in our daily lives that we don't take the time to smell the roses. 

Last week, I walked along the pier in the early evening. It was a mild evening where many folks were hanging out. I've gone there many times because it's relaxing. It's one of the simple pleasures that I truly enjoy. At times I won't use the computer or write for a few days because I need to recharge. When I return I feel recharged. I sometimes come away with new and interesting perspectives about life.     

I pray that you all enjoy your summer. Enjoy those precious moments that come because in a moment, it will be gone.Put down the i-pads, laptops and phones and take time to enjoy nature. Don't sweat the small stuff either.

Genevieve's Gems

Getting away from things familiar can help us appreciate what we really have.

Reconnected With Old Friends

Last night, I attended a prayer meeting at a friend's home. It was the first time in two years that I've seen most everybody. We used to meet bimonthly at the community center. There was conversation, food, and reconnecting. Later we spoke our prayer requests before going into prayer.

Some of the people have changed. A few lost weight (me included). Others are seeking jobs and stable relationships. We all thank God where He has brought us and trust Him for our needs. I was very happy see everyone. As TGLB people we have so much in common.

World Cup-USA Ousted

I am a big fan of the world cup soccer. I watch it every four years. I played soccer when I was in the service. I watch the US-Belgium game today at a local lounge. The place was packed! It was a good game and US laid it all out and lost 2-1 to a skilled Belgium team. The US has improved much over the past 25-30 years. I'm happy that the team got this far but disappointed in the loss. Belgium is a better team. My congrats to them.

New York City Pride Parade

Yesterday, my wife and I attended the New York City Pride Parade. We and other members of the collegiate churches helped serve water to the marchers. I love being out there and providing refreshment to the weary participants. Interacting with them is a treat. 

Many thank us for the water and the words of encouragement. One marcher remarked that he had just about given up on the church but when he saw us out there providing refreshment it sparked a sense that maybe he could see the church as a part of social action. Many churches participated in the parade, more so than last year I believe. There were a number of Catholic churches there. we thanked them for what they are doing for TGLBQI folks. An estimated one million people watched the parade. I think that there were more. 

Later, I thought that 40 years ago none of the many organizations who participated weren't in existence. The march has come a long way. I would to see more political and radical aspects come back instead of the corporate feel the parade has at times. It was a fine parade nevertheless.

HAPPY PRIDE!

HAPPY PRIDE!

Genevieve's Gems

My great hope is to laugh as much as I cry; to get my work done and try to love somebody and have the courage to accept the love in return.

~Maya Angelou, (1928-2014)

Better

I am feeling better than I have in a while. I'm not ill physically; just sorting things out in my life. I meet twice a month with other trans women and it has been a blessing. They are all around my age and just listening to their stories is encouraging. 

I'm seriously looking into some activism. I want to be a part of trans people moving forward. Here in New York State, GENDA is a big topic and order of business. It's amazing that many states have protections for transgender people but New York State doesn't. 

I will be serving water to the marchers at the pride parade on Sunday. My spouse and I have done the this the past three years. We really enjoy doing this.

Hansan Hang Light

I like places and structures that are different. This South Korean lighthouse is one of most creative and unusual structures I have seen.

Genevieve's Gems

There are two kinds of pride, both good and bad. 'Good pride' represents our dignity and self-respect. 'Bad pride' is the deadly sin of superiority that reeks of conceit and arrogance.

~John C. Maxwell

Brooklyn Pride

Last Saturday, my family and I attended Brooklyn Pride. I have attended the event almost every year. It has grown from humble beginnings to a major event in the borough. It moved from Prospect Park West to the chic Fifth Avenue which has grown from a sleepy lower middle neighborhood to an upscale area with boutiques and restaurants. 

I see more different organizations there, especially religious organizations. To me that's a good sign and some churches and synagogues are accepting of TGLB people. Brooklyn has a growing TGLB community who just opened up a new community center a couple of years.

Struggling Through The Darkness

In the early days when I was all jumbled up internally, I harbored thoughts that I had never thought I had inside of me. I wanted to leave everthing behind. I wished that no one had ever known me. Disappearing into the sea of life seemed like a plausible solution to the darkness I felt in my heart.

I' m nowhere near those days now but the thoughts of those things have crept into me in recent days. I guess that this is part of the process of transition. It's tough because I know the answer is down the road. It's the figuring out and waiting that's hard. I do believe that putting myself on the line will be one element of the next chapter in my life. That I do believe. In the meantime I will seek, search, and pray for direction.
.

A Bit Of A Down TIme

For the past few weeks I have been experiencing a down period. I'm not depressed; it' just another crossroads that I've come to. This is by far the longest down period I've had. I have some ideas as to what I would like to do (activism, educating others about being transgender, writing) but I'm not going to rush into anything. 

I have to admit this has been building up in me for awhile. I'm just trusting the Lord for guidance and direction. 

Genevieve's Gems

Love is when the other person's happiness is more important than your own.

~H. Jackson Browne, Jr.

Pride Month

We kicked off pride month by having our annual prom last Friday. My spouse ad I danced our tails off. This month has become a traditionally busy one for the church. Today we celebrated Pentecost. Today's service was different with communion, the dance ministry performing and the children's choir singing.

Over the past year many churches have had to deal with the TGLB issues. Some have discovered that there are members within their on congregation who are trans, gay, lesbian, bi, and other gender non conforming identities. Perhaps they knew it all along but kept to the margins. This has been a long time coming. Forty years ago such topics were taboo. Now it come more into the open. I say that it's about time. 

I will beat attending the pride parade serving water to the marchers. Some think that pride marches have lost its relevance because of the corporate sponsors. That much is true. I would love to see the parade show more from the political and activist angle because that side of the picture is coming more to the fore. 

The landscape is changing and I'm happy to be a part of it. Changes are happening in places that were thought difficult. Places like Arkansas, Mississippi and Alabama are tackling TGLB issues. I say right on! We are o the march.  

Transgender 101

This past Sunday, the adult education class at church featured transgender basics to members of the church. A number of people (about 20) came. Tracy, a transsexual woman , and I shared our experiences which quite different. What was really clarified was the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity. 

A number of questions were asked of both Tracy and me. Later a few people thanked me for clarifying their questions. We will have another such class in November a we get near Transgender Day of Remembrance.

Transgender Ministry

This past Sunday after service, the associate pastor mentioned to me that he's considering starting a ministry for transgender people in the fall. I like the idea because it will be a place where transgender can do things together. There are transgender people in the neighborhood and from what I understand a few in our church. However, trans people are invisible. I am excited about this prospect. I' m sure there will be more discussions in the future.

Genevieve's Gems

Press forward. Do not stop, do not linger in your journey, but strive for the mark set before you.

~George Whitefield, Clergyman (1714-1770)

My Journey-A Continuing Saga

When I was an athlete, I enjoyed the practices ore than the actual event. To me the preparation was a part of where I wanted to reach. The picture above reminds of the continual journey I'm on now. It seems lonely at times but it's a journey no one else can take for me. 

Yesterday, I was sitting in a quiet spot meditating. The thought came that there's more roads to trod. I may not understand where and why I'm being led this way however I can't go back to where I was. I have looked back at my life many, many times and saw that the footprints that I left behind me were gone. So much has changed in the last decade and so have I.

 

Retired-And Busy As Ever

I am unofficially retired. If a part time job that I like comes up I will investigate it. I don't want to go through the 9-to-5 grind anymore. I am busier now than ever before. I'm able to do things that I have a passion for.

Writing is one of my passions. Still working on a chapbook I want to publish. Recently I dived into activism having attended Equality and Justice Day in Albany a few weeks ago. There are a few hot button issues that I'm interested in. There's not a lack of activities to do. I said years ago that when I retire I'm going to be doing something. Now I have the opportunity.

People should enjoy retirement years because they have earned it. Find things you are passionate about and pursue them. Two of my goals are to get my master's degree and learn to play bass guitar. I know one dear lady in her eighties who does such wonderful needlework and quilt making. Remember some of the best times are ahead of you.

Genevieve's Gems

There are dreamers and there are achievers. The difference between the two is action.


~Chinese Proverb 

From Then To Now

It was about this time nine years ago that my gender struggles came to the fore. I had never had such issues in the past. That's what really confused me. It wasn't an easy time for me because I didn't know what I was grappling with. 

In the following weeks things became clearer to me. I discovered that I was a cross dresser. moving ahead I saw that feelings ran much deeper than clothing. In time I realized that I was transgender. There were discoveries, struggles, research, meeting people, support groups, and trials by fire. Embracing each experience help moved me forward to where I needed to get to. 

Now, nine years later, I am a happy and content transgender woman. I'm being the person that I really am. Every day I discover something new. I learned long ago how fluid gender is. Trying to say I have it under control is like trying to grasp water. I just enjoy the ride. 

Gay Head Lighthouse

Located on the western end of Martha's Vineyard, Gay Head Lighthouse is located in Anniquah, Massachusetts.I did a research of the town and discovered that it was once inhabited by Indians. Gay Head was the first lighthouse constructed on Martha's Vineyard.

Gay Head Lighthouse was first constructed in 1799. The current structure was first lit in 1856 and automated in 1960.   


Sources

www.lighthousefriends.com

wikipedia.org

www.gayheadlight.org

Time Off

I took several days off from posting so I can recharge and refocus. I do this periodically because there is so much going on that I needed to slow down a bit. 

Equality and Justice Day is till very much on my mind. I'm choosing which battles I should join. Such is the life of an activist. I don't want to spread myself so thin that I'm not able to make a contribution. The next several weeks will be busy what with graduations, proms, weddings, pride month in June and celebrations of various ministries.

Genevieve's Gems

Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children.


~William Makepeace Thackeray

Much To Do

I had time to reflect on the past week and have concluded that there's much to do on my end. I was at the library gathering information to give out to various people and places about transgender topics. I feel the battle lines are drawn now because the opposition is getting bolder and so are we. I also see that more people are asking questions about transgender and what it entails.

The military is grappling with why transgender people are not allowed to serve. Churches and schools have been grappling with it also. This is an exciting time and I want to be a part of the solution. Whatever I can do, I will. If someone can be helped, I will help them. We have a right to be who we are without being harassed, demeaned or become victims of violence. In the end we will win.

Traveling The Land

This past Tuesday, I journeyed to Albany, New York for Equality ad Justice Day. Took the above route to Albany. Viewing all the streams, hills and valleys, it reminded me of my days as a scout. I loved the outdoors and nature. Still do.

When I saw this I imagined myself with a backpack traveling around the countryside. I'm part Indian and do have ties to the land. I passed by many streams and rills. I can imagine what it was like traversing the land 400 years ago.

On my way back, sadness came over me. Much of our lands and natural resources are being polluted, hydrofracked, and destroyed by corporations and developers who care nothing about it except to make profits.

Day A Success

Yesterday, I traveled to Albany, New York to partake in Equality and Justice Day. I met a number of activists, advocates, and allies. A group of us met an assemblywoman who supports our causes. After lunch, there was a rally on the capital steps.  In the afternoon, I attended a workshop which is looking to push the gender employment non-discrimination act through the senate. What was brought home was the needs to voice the concerns of transgender women of color.

I listened as a high school freshman share a heart breaking story of a friend who is a transman who is bullied by others in her school. She is a cisgirl who is standing by him. I encouraged her to keep standing with him. I was encouraged by the many young people who participated in this.

This was my baptism into activism. Now I'm figuring out what to become involved in. Employment non-discrimination act the better services for TGLBQ older adults are two areas of concern for me. I was happy to have gone and look forward to going next year.

Transgender Topics Have Come To the Front

One discussion that is more frequent is the Christian vs. TGLBQI debate. I am a Christian who happens to be transgender and I find myself being drawn into this debate.

When I acknowledged being a cross dresser early in my journey, I had heard the arguments against wearing clothes of the opposite gender. Leviticus 22:5 was used to justify the prohibition. I decide to investigate this further. I came to the conclusion that God loves everyone equally regardless of gender or sexuality.

I still have yet to see a satisfactory reason why transgender people are an abomination in some Christians eyes. Christ died for my sins just like anybody whose has found salvation. He has been in my life for over four decades.How is it that people and churches can claim that they love Jesus and hate TGLBQI people.What I see is religious, social and educational  institutions having to grapple with something they never dreamed they would have to. It's happened in the past with African Americans, Native Americans, women, and immigrants so it's nothing new.

I am hopeful that changes will continue to be made, especially in places of worship. I'm my mind all of the excuses why TGLBQI shouldn't be included in places of worship, education, and social institutions aren't valid or at the worst, bogus which has been proven in many cases.  

Genevieve's Gems

The best government is that which teaches us to govern ourselves.


~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Poet (1749-1832)

Gender Just Is

I had difficulty sleeping a few nights back. It was a fine time for my gender to be fluid when I was wanting to sleep. As I embraced the contentment I felt in those moments, I realized how much gender permeates everything I do. I don't consciously think about, it just is.

Embracing my transness made it easy for me to proceed forward as I transitioned. I haven't had SRS surgery but I certainly have transitioned emotionally and spiritually. What was important is that I was willing to change preconceived notions I had about what gender really is.

Many of our critics are in the religious communities and their lack of knowledge is really evident. I have had to educate some about gender and the difference between gender and sexuality. I have been pointing out that we are who we are and its natural. Over the next several weeks there will be opportunities to share this.

I have been happier in the past nine years than at any time in my life. Being authentic is wonderful for the mind and body and spirit. To be anything less robs us of the joy and happiness that we can have.

Transgender Topics Discussed

Last night, my wife and I talked about TGLB issues. I shared with her that transgender people have been standing up for themselves, especially over the past two years. I shared with her how a number of TGLB organizations have thrown transgender people under the bus wen the chance to pass ordinances to protect gender non conforming and transgender people from discrimination. 

The conversation started when she asked me about the Equality & Justice Day event on April 29th. I'm really excited about going to the state capitol to fact find and meet other people. I'm even more pleased that my wife and I talked about transgender topics. 

Genevieve's Gems

To a Christian, Easter Sunday means everything, when we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.


~Bernhard Langer, Athlete (b.1957)

Much Has Changed

I took this picture last Thursday on 42nd Street in Times Square. Forty years ago this was the red light district. Today, 42nd Street is malls, theaters, a wax museum and souvenir shops. It's more family friendly. 

As I stood there surveying the modern acoustics, I thought of many changes in my life. There was the tearing down of the old,  the inner struggles that I went through, then finally liberation. Change is difficult but necessary. Gentrification has changed the face of the city. I'm not against replaying old decrepit structures but it seems that the city has lost its soul. My own personal transformation has been similar but I have been more in tune with other people's feelings and concerns as well as my own. This is where I have felt the most change.

I'm a much happier individual with the changes made. I know more changes will come. Sometimes the old will rise up in us wanting us to go back to the place we once were; but the fact is that we can never go back. Forty Second Street reminds me of this fact.

Genevieve's Gems

You can't help getting older, but you don't have to get old.

~George Burns, Comedian (1896-1996)

Trans Women's Group

Tonight I attended trans women group meeting at the SAGE Center tonight for the second time. I met  two old friends there who I've known for several years. Tonight we discussed hormones and HRT. I enjoyed listening to the experiences of a number of ladies who have or are transitioning.

One of the ladies who is knowledgeable about hormones shared some valuable information with the group. I attended a similar meeting at the community center last week. I like this one much better. It's a new group, having started only a short time ago. More is being done in regards to transgender people. I believe the increased visibility of transgender topics has something to do with it.

Congratulations, Ladies!

The men's team won on  Monday. The women were even more impressive, crushing the fighting Irish of Notre Dame, 79-58. Game wasn't even close. Congratulations on a perfect championship season.

2014 NCAA MEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS!

Congratulations!

Final score: Uconn-60   Kentucky-54

Tomorrow Night! April 7th

                                                                          VS.

The 2014 NCAA men's basket champion will be crowned tomorrow night as the Connecticut and the Kentucky Wildcats battle in what should a very competitive game between two storied basketball institutions.

Genevieve's Gems

You are the one who determines if you want to be happy.

Attended Support Group Meeting

I attended a support group meeting tonight for the first time in a while. It used to be held once a week but now it's once a month. Discussed was the concerns about safety of transgender people. One trans woman mentioned that too much about being a victim was in the air. I agreed.

I spoke about my coming out and sharing the need to be there for each other. This really needs to be put into action. I look forward to the next meeting.

Questioning

Many transgender people I've spoken to knew that they were a girl or a boy when they were children. Then there are those folks who are questioning their gender. The latter was my case. I never had questions about my gender before because I assumed that I was male. It was quite a revelation when the questioning phase enveloped me.

In today's society, questioning anything  is almost tantamount to treason or being a sellout or a troublemaker. If  someone didn't question that the earth was flat, many would still believe that the earth is flat. If someone did ask the difficult questions of race and class, then Martin Luther King wouldn't have out come on the scene. If I hadn't question my gender, I wouldn't be the happy and contented transgender woman I am today.

For anyone to say to someone that they are a boy when they feel and know internally that they are a girl (and vice verse) because they are suppose to be that is telling them that there's nothing that they can do about it. This type of thinking has proven to be erroneous. To make anyone conform to someone that they are not is spirit killing and damaging to one's well being. How many transgender men and women have ended their lives because of this.

Questioning is good because it causes us to assess who we really are and where we need to go. I was in my mid fifties when my gender questioning began. I love listening to children ask questions because they are curious and want to know. It should be the same way with adults. If many adults had asked questions about the issues the country faces, I believe that the world would be different. The Vietnam War ended because the people asked questions and discovered what they were being told was lies. Laws which discriminate against transgender are slowly being dismantled because people are questioning the validity of these laws. 

We all need to question the things that are wrong, whether they be in the political arena, the neighborhood or withing ourselves. In the end, solutions can be found and life will be better for everyone concerned.

CONGRATULATIONS!

                NCAA DIVISION II 
           BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS!
                                                         

                              WOMEN
                                                                                                           
      Congratulations to the Falcons of Bentley University (35-0)

                                                     

                                                                         MEN
Congratulations are also in order to the mules of Central Missouri. 

Men's Division II Basketball Championship To be Decided Tomorrow Night 3/29

                                                                                     VS.

The Division II men basketball champion will be crowned to morrow the University of Central Missouri Mules and the West Liberty University Hilltoppers play.

Genevieve's Gems

Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it we go nowhere.

~Car Sagan, Scientist (1934-1996)

Division II Women's National Championship Tonight!

                                                                                VS.

Tonight the division II women's basketball championship will be decided when the Lady Buffaloes of West Texas A & M University tangle with the unbeaten Bentley University.

Genevieve's Gems

All men who have achieved great things have been great dreamers.


~Orison Swett Marden, Author (1850-1924)

Congratulations to FDU-Florham and Wisconsin-Whitewater

I love March Madness! There's the big boys like Louisville, Arizona, and Michigan State. However, there's the little guys in Division 3 who play good basketball, also. My hearty congratulations to the women's basketball at Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham who defeated the Whitman College Missionaries from Spokane, Washington, 80-72. It was first national championship for the Devils. 

On the men's side, a last second layup by Quardell Young gave the Wisconsin-Whitewater Warhawks a 75-73 victory and the championship over  over the Ephs of Williams College from Williamstown, Massachusetts. It was the second national championship for the Warhawks, who won the national football championship in the fall.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE DEVILS AND THE WARHAWKS!

Headed To Albany in April

I will be going to Albany on April 29th for Equality & Justice Day 2014. I'm really looking forward to this. This will be my first time going and what I'm will be paying attention to is how transgender topics are presented and how people of color are represented and presented. Will pay particular attention to the major players (on both sides) of this debate. 

I never really saw myself as an activist but it seems, like my transgender journey,that I have been nudged forward in the struggle. I'm still upset by the Gender Employment Non-Discrimination Act not passing the same night that marriage equality was passed with flying colors. I want to see what ca be done to move this bill forward.

Cattle Point Lighthouse

This lighthouse got its name when cattle and sheep were raised there after being off loaded. More cattle arrived when a stranded vessel was forced to unload its quarry. Located on San Juan Island in the Haro Straits of Washington state, Cattle Point Lighthouse is thity-four feet high. The current lighthouse was built in 1935 replacing the compass station. It is a part of the San Juan Islands National Monument 

Sources:
www.lighthousefriends.com

TGLBQI Meeting Over Brunch

Yesterday after service  Beyond Labels, the TGLBQI ministry, had another meeting over brunch. We are preparing for June's pride month. A masquerade ball is possible for the first Friday in June. Other business was discussed.

The transgender 101 presentation is still on for the second or third Sunday. A panel discussion is in the offing and other possibilities are being looked at. I brought up the idea of a Power Point presentation for pride or in November for Transgender Day Of Remembrance. I'm quite excited about this. Other ideas are coming up also. Our next meeting will be in April.

Genevieve's Gems

If you're not making mistakes, then you're not doing anything. I'm positive that a doer makes mistakes.

~John Wooden, Coach (1910-2010)

We Are Rising

I was reading this poem today and thought it to be pertinent to us as transgender people.


Still I Rise

You may write down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops,
Weakened by soulful cries?

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awfully hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own backyard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with our eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wonderfully clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.

Maya Angelou

Dreams

I'm sure that many of you have dreams of being this or becoming that. It great to have dreams; it's even better when we are able to fulfill them. 

I'm a senior citizen (don't see myself that way, though) who still has dreams and goals to accomplish. I was always a fan of radio and now I have my own radio program on the internet. I am serious considering doing my master's degree in creative writing. I have other dreams that I will accomplish. It's important to have dreams and desires throughout life because we are ever changing whether or not we may feel it. 

I have fancied myself being a queen, a bride, princess, chanteuse, and a model. Not exactly realistic but dreams nevertheless. All of us should have something in mind that we could like to do. It may involving making changes in our lives; mindset, location, even the people we may hang out with. Living a full and abundant life is something we all should strive for.

Being Prepared

I went to the library today gathering poems for an upcoming radio program. I took note of all the time that goes into reading them, choosing the poems I'll use, and some history of the author. As I think about the concerns that transgender people have, it requires that same diligence.

I have never seen myself as an activist but I'm being drawn into it more out of necessity. There are a number of concerns that I have that I will be tackling. Doing my homework on the issues and aspects of being transgender is VERY important because when you have information (and lots of it), one can go on the offensive. Transgender people are making progress because we have decided to handle our own business. We've been thrown under the bus too many times. Lives have been affected in the process.   

Genevieve's Gems

Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.

                                                              
                                                                     ~Oprah Winfrey 

Trans Women's Group

Last night I went to a trans women group meeting at the SAGE center. There were ten or twelve women in attendance. I arrived about twenty minutes late but really didn't miss much. The topic discussed was dating after sixty. I enjoyed listening to the concerns of the participants regarding dating and meeting someone who's interested in them. This was the first meeting I attended. Last month's meeting was snowed out.

I met a woman named Kelly who volunteers with Empire Pride Agenda, an organization here in New York State which is working to get the Gender Employment Non-Discrimination Act passed. There will be lobby day in late April of which I will attend.  

Ar Men Lighthouse

Located on the west end of Brittany, Ar Men was built under some difficult conditions. It is located in an isolated part of Brittany. It was completed in 1881 and automated in 1990. I love the pic above with the waves crashing around this structure. To me, Ar Men has most certainly proved its mettle.

New Day Here

More and more I see many municipalities, school administrations, and law and legal institutions, and religious organizations grappling with TGLB rights. Some seem so surprised that such an issue would come up. There was a time when such topics as gay an lesbian rights and transgender protections was taboo. Well, that day has ended.

I was reading my emails and took note of many places you wouldn't think would be talking about TGLB concerns much less voting on them. Places like Kansas, Nebraska, Georgia, Wyoming and Mississippi. Countries in Africa, Latin and South America and Europe are now having to discuss and take action on the issue. I wonder what happens when the people making these decisions discover that their son or daughter is gay. What do they think when their child tells them that they believe are opposite of their birth gender. I often wonder if some folks who are staunch enemies of TGLB rights are struggling with same sex attractions. I truly do wonder about this, but I digress.

To me, this is an exciting time in history. Being a part of te change is very exciting and scary. I know what could happen but it's worth it. Being a part of something bigger than me is a challenge that I welcome and embrace.  

Genevieve's Gems

Discontent is the first step in the progress of a man or a nation.

~Chinese proverb

Striking A Balance

One topic I see discussed on the forums I subscribe to is trying to balance the masculine and feminine side of our personality. I can imagine that it can be a shock to we possess more masculine or feminine traits than we thought. Now the hard part comes when we try and strike a balance between the two. 

It took me over a year to feel comfortable with my new identity as a transgender person. It took more months for me to progress from a cross dresser to a  transgenderist to transgender. There were times of emotional shifts in my personality and thought process. It was quite a process because of dealing with emotions that I either never felt before or may not have known that I have. Whenever I came to a fork in the road, I had to choose either to remain where I was or proceed ahead. Now, several years later, I'm still making many changes in my life. 

Interacting with the public has helped me in being comfortable about myself. I am seen as a woman for the most part and I found this satisfying. To me, it's success because I'm being my authentic self. I enjoy the activities in life that I enjoyed before my transformation. It gets better every day and I am undertaking new projects and activities.

INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS

I attended my second indoor track and  field meet yesterday along with my wife. Men and women from the City University systems in New York competed for the indoor track and field titles. City College and Hunter College, two perennial powers,won the men's and women's titles respectively. I took note that both teams are relatively young (freshman and sophomores). I still love track and field and at times felt like getting on the track and running. 

My congratulations to the City College (CCNY) Beavers and the Hunter Hawks. 

Below are a few photos from the meet.

P.S.- Notice that both City and Hunter have purple as their primary colors.

We Do Not Put Religious Freedom In Danger

The more that I'm out the more I have the desire to share more of myself to others. I have be able to give answer to why I'm the way I am. With the governor of Arizona  vetoing SB1266, it seems that battles have been drawn. In a sense I saw this coming down the pike a couple of years ago. No one has a right to tell anyone that they aren't human. No one has right to deny people of their rights to live a productive live. Using religion to discriminate is deadly wrong. 

Those who deny TGLB people service,medical care, or housing or employment because of 'religious beliefs' I would like to ask what are their beliefs? And to say that their freedom to express their will be denied is totally bogus and a lie. Religion was use to deny rights to African-Americans, Native Americans, women and immigrants.  Eventually many church have to mend the errors of their ways. 

I'll tell you who endangers religious freedom-it's those people who demand that everybody be like them, think like them, and do what they say. It's the reason why some have given up their faith or others won't touch it with a ten foot pole. It's time that we who are spiritual reclaim our faith and demonstrate God's love to ALL people.