Trans Day Of Action

Scenes from last Friday's Trans Day Of Action.

Genevieve's Gems

There are a group of people who would like to silence everybody and have everybody go along to get along, but that's not going to be very helpful for us in the long run, in terms of solving our problems. And somebody has to be courageous enough to actually stand up to, you know, the bullies.

~Ben Carson

Love Overcomes Hate

With the horrible carnage in Orlando, many of my GLBTQI brothers and sisters  have concern for their safety and welfare, and rightfully so. The response from all corners of the world has been amazing. 

This evening I went down to the Stonewall Inn where 50-75 people were gathered. Candles, balloons, flowers and flags were piled in front of the bar as some spoke words of encouragement. I wanted to speak but chose not to. Many of the words waxed eloquent with me. The  message to me was be yourself and be happy with who you are. These are two things that I practice everyday.   

I encouraged some of my friends to not let this event paralyze them in fear. This is what our enemies want. Continue living your life. Encourage one another. Call and check on each. Listen to each other. Love overcomes hate.   

A Wild Ride

I was sharing with friends recently that 2016 has been quite a year-and it's not even half way over! With so called bathroom bills, the elections, transgender people making their presence felt it promises to be a year that many won't forget, I believe. Shades of 1968 if you ask me.

Genevieve's Gems

Acting deals with very delicate emotions. It is not putting up a mask. Each time an actor acts he does not hide; he exposes himself.

~Rodney Dangerfield

Memorial Day Remembrance

Remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. If you see military personnel today be sure to thank them for their service.

Genevieve's Gems

There is no one to tell you who you are except yourself.

~Edward Albee

Genevieve's Gems

To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity.


~Nelson Mandela

Internet Radio Show Will back In June

My radio show Genevieve's Gems will be back online starting  June 2nd. It is a spiritual program of God's Word taken from the transgender perspective. It will be on www.blogtalkradio.com and will be available as a podcast a short time after the show ends. Stay tuned for further details.

Review-Danish Girl

I saw The Danish Girl at the Sage Center this past Wednesday. It is the story of Lili Elbe, a Danish transitioning from male to female during the 1920s.  Upon reading Lili's bio, she was in her late forties when she had her fourth and final operation, which proved fatal.  Gender reassignment surgery was in the rudimentary stages in that time.

Eddie Redmayne was excellent as Lili though I preferred that a trans woman should have played the part. Alicia Vikander was equally good as Gerda Wegener, Lili's wife. I thought The Danish Girl was a good film, well acted, and not overly dramatic.   

I give it a 7.5 rating. I recommend it.

Genevieve's Gems

It is not hard to feel like an outsider. I think we have all felt like that at one time or another.

~Alan Cumming 

Break Time!

This the first down week I've had since March. No, I'm fine emotionally. I mean I haven't been out every night. It's good to have a break. I cooked dinner tonight. Baked fish, broccoli, and corn. It was a relaxing time, Tomorrow will be the 3rd day in a row that I will be home in the evening. Hope I don't get spoiled.

Mother's Day Wish

Genevieve's Gems

The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.

H.P. Lovecraft, Novelist (1890-1937)

Out Almost Every Day

I have been out almost every day since Easter. Usually it slows down after Easter but not this year. I've been involved with a few projects and other activities. I see outing myself to a few more people in the future. I feel so much secure as a woman. Recently attended a women's group and felt right at home.     

I am come face to face with my past. Many of the places that helped shape me are disappearing. Safe place are fewer and there's people who want to see us disappear. Seems that the visibility of trans people makes some squeamish. We're here and here to stay. I'm willing to put myself out there for my trans sisters and brothers.

Performance has done much to make myself vulnerable. Expressing my deep feelings has never been easy for me. I want to see more trans/non conforming people feel good about themselves. I want them to become the people they really are. Authentic living is pleasurable to one's soul. 

Got It

Got my internet today! Now things can get back to normal, or as normal as it can be.

Getting Internet

I am sitting in Starbucks using their free Wi-Fi. I will be getting my own internet service at home on Tuesday. I'm behind on my posting because of the inconvenience. 

Genevieve's Gems

Faith in God's revelation has nothing to do with an ideology which glorifies the status quo.


~Karl Barth

My Second Birth

I am fond of the time I began hanging out in Greenwich Village in 1968. The Village, as it was called, was an avant-garde neighborhood filled with poets, artists, musicians and other artsy folks. I often went there on Fridays and Saturdays absorbing the vibes that pulsated. Walking along MacDougal Street or St. Mark's Place in the East Village, you didn't walk, you shuffled along so you wouldn't step on the heels of the person in front of you.

There were many different kinds of people. Gays, lesbians, straights, young, old, interracial couples,and trans (though I couldn't figure out who they were at that time). It was a fun time. I lament to a woman friend that I miss those times. She shared her own experiences of those times also. She stated that she enjoys today and is having so much fun. I admitted that I was too.

I was on Long Island when the Stonewall Rebellion occurred in 1969. When I returned a couple of days later I saw the aftermath of the riot. Transgender, drag queens, gays, and lesbians stood up to police harassment. I didn't know until years how much this event would impact me.

When I recently walked by the Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street, I thought of Marsha P. Johnson, Miss Major and Sylvia Rivera, three ladies who started it all. Ms. Johnson and Ms. Rivera are no longer with us. Miss Major is still quite an activist. These women are my heroines. Now nearly five decades after the rebellion, their influence is till felt.     

Genevieve's Gems

America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.


~Abraham Lincoln

The Arts As A Teaching Tool.

I recently performed in a theater production called Trans Generations. A group sixteen trans and gender non conforming men and women shared our experiences through theater, music, poetry, drama, and the spoken word. Around 150 people saw the play. It was the largest event that's happened at the SAGE Center here in New York.

I sometimes read of how demagogues and despots always silence the arts, intellectuals, and those who have solutions to the issues. Looking at the current political climate here in America, the same pattern is emerging. I'm am very happy that transgender and non conforming folks are standing up and stepping out in getting and maintaining protections they have. People in North Carolina and Mississippi are pushing back against the anti-lgbtq bills passed in those two states.

Getting back to the performances,Trans Generations made me a richer woman. I see the power that the arts have in changing hearts and minds. It can spur us too greater activism also. I mentioned in the past that I don't see myself as an activist but it seems that I've been drawn into it. Whatever it takes to educate and teach others about transgender/gender non conforming people I will do. 

Genevieve's Gems

There  is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve performance the next time.


~Malcolm X, Activist (1925-1965)

Transgender Day Of Visibility

Present yourself everywhere today. Be proud of who you are.

Spring Is Here- And It's Getting Hot For Trans People

Spring has arrived! Warm weather awaits us and the blooming of the trees and flowers beckons. The heat has been ratcheted up for transgender people as anti-trans forces are trying to take away everything we have worked for. Anti- trans legislation is everywhere. Georgia and South Dakota mercifully have vetoed such legislation. Kentucky has passed an anti-trans bill and so has North Carolina. Tennessee and Washington state are considering such legislation. 

I'm happy to see that trans people are responding to such evil legislation through grassroots movements and active participation of trans people. This year has been even more active than last. With the presidential election coming in November and state houses up for elections it's going to be very lively to say the least. We must not shrink in the face of intimidation and fear. I've decided to take it on full bore. 

The Cooper Do-nuts Uprising - LGBT Heritage Month

The Cooper Do-nuts Uprising - LGBT Heritage Month

Performing, Writing, Educating

I have been doing much writing and reading and performing. I was asked to write my life story of being transgender of which I'm doing. I have a couple of monologues coming up in April. 

I derive much joy sharing my story of becoming transgender because it educates others about people like me. It also encourages other trans folk that there is nothing wrong with them and that they can be themselves. 

Genevieve's Gems

The worst form of abuse is when others try to make you into someone you're not.

~Unknown

Quite A Year For Transgender People

It's been quite a year for transgender issues. Many states are at the least discussing transgender protections. Some have even passed measures that will ensure that trans people will have the same protections as other people. There's so much that is being considered, in particular the bathroom and access to locker rooms for transgender athletes.

One aspect of all this is the fear mongering by anti-TGLB forces. How many of these people and the people who support know about transgender people much less met one? I will remind you that the vast majority of pedophiles are heterosexual males. I'm not breaking new ground either. Transgender people are standing up for themselves and that's great. If some major TGLB organizations won't (are you listening, Empire State Pride Agenda?) then we will do it ourselves.

With New York Joining DC in Defiance Methodist Church Faces Showdown on LGBT Ordination

With New York Joining DC in Defiance Methodist Church Faces Showdown on LGBT Ordination

The World's Best Data Driven Website Marketing Tools | AddThis

The World's Best Data Driven Website Marketing Tools | AddThis: The world's best sharing, following, recommended content and audience targeting tools.

Thinking Out Loud

I was informed a few days ago that daylight saving time will begin on Sunday, March 13th. Wow! It used to be in April! I'm wondering what the reason for this. I remember when three holidays began back in 1972. We used to have holidays like Lincoln's and Washington's birthday, and  Election Day off. The Securities Exchange Commission and Merrill Lynch, a brokerage company and others for this. Seems that more is being taken away from regular folks and everything given to corporations and elites.

I have had mild interest in the presidential debates. I don't know who I'm voting for yet. I do know who I'm not voting for. To me, all of the candidates are an embarrassment to the country and to the constituents they allegedly represent. One constant them about them all is that they are all warmongers. I haven't heard anything about the economy. I'm particularly concerned about all the anti-transgender bills out there. I'm a veteran and have yet to hear any discussion about the over one million homeless veterans out there. There's still time for the candidates to improve their standing among many people. As I mentioned earlier, they are all an embarrassment.

Genevieve's Gems

If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.


~Desmond Tutu

More To Discover

I have been reflecting on my early days as a crossdresser. Those were wonderful days of sensuality and self discovery. I have progressed to my current status (transgender) however I find myself wanting to explore even deeper. My interest in burlesque and drag has been rekindled. I considering taking a stab at either one.

My gender has been fluid and it is usually a sign that I am embarking on another journey. I welcome it quite frankly. That's what I love about gender; you never know what to expect next. There's seems to be a lot more to discover.

Genevieve's Gems

True happiness is...to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future.


~Lucius Annaeus Seneca, Statesman (5BC-65AD)

Traveling

Right now I'm planning a couple of out of town trips. One is in June, the other in September, possibly. A third trip may be possible. I journeyed to Philadelphia last year as Genevieve and it felt wonderful.  I want to spread my wings.

Genevieve's Gems

When choosing which college to attend, choose the place where you feel you will get the best education. The name of the school is not important.

Bryn Kelly Memorial

I attended a memorial service for Bryn Kelly who committed suicide on January 13th. I first met Bryn two days before at our trans women's discussion group where she was to be our facilitator. It was Bryn's first meeting with us. Afterwards, we all liked Bryn and looked forward to the next meeting. Her friend relayed to us that Bryn liked us also. 

When the next meeting came up we were all shocked when told that Bryn ended her life. She was only 35. Bryn was a hairstylist, writer, loved country music, played the auto harp and piano, and make quilts. Here was a young woman so talents and yet so dogged by personal demons. 

About 400 or 500 people attended the memorial service. People around me wept openly. I handed a few people tissues in my section. Bryn had an effect on many people's lives. I met her only once and felt that effect.  Rest in peace, Bryn. You were loved by many.      

Genevieve's Gems

No matter how long the journey, I must. keep going.

Tangerine Movie

I watched this movie at the Sage Center last night. Off the bat you would think that it's about transgender women who are down on their luck. Tangerine is offbeat, funny, quirky, thought provoking and real in some cases. Many qualities come through. Betrayal, anger, desire, friendship. In spite of their circumstances, positive qualities come through.

The language is rough but life on the street isn't pretty. The movie didn't focus on transgender women per se but on the story of Sin-Dee and Alexandra, two women who through thick and thin stay with each other.  

Tangerine was filmed on an I-pad which I found fascinating. A lot more of this type of film is in offing I believe.

Genevieve's Gems

Just when you think you have the answers to your questions, more questions come up.

Gender-Ever Present

While I don't think about gender 24/7, its presence lurks over my shoulder. Whenever i'm out and about, seeing genetic women reminds me of the similarities and differences we possess. The differences have become less noticeable but it's still there.  

I've never felt guilty or ashamed about being transgender; I embraced it. I don't feel encumbered by gender norms or society's expectations.I crossed that bridge a long time ago.

It seems that I'm getting bolder as I get older. Recently, my sister and two nieces found out about me being trans. I've been clocked numerous times while out. Other times people see me as another woman. passing is nice but being able to live my life is top priority. 

From time to time I do something not expected of me. I've been viewed as a straight arrow much of my life. Coming out as transgender was totally unexpected until the day it was revealed to me. i crossed a barrier which society frowns upon. 

I hardly talk about gender. I'm willing to answer any questions people may have. Once a barrier is crossed there's no going back. At times I look back and realize that the footprints of my previous life are gone.        

Genevieve's Gems

The greatest gift you can give to others is the gift of unconditional love and acceptance.


~Brian Tracy

Underappreciated

1. Parents

2. Teachers

3. Nurses

4. Police/fire/EMS personnel

5. Servicemen and women

Interest In Burlesque and Drag Rekindled

When I was starting out on this journey, I had a strong interest in burlesque and drag. I read the history of both disciplines, the people who entertained, and the reasons why. Recently my interest in burlesque and drag was rekindled.

I have been involved with a theater project. We've done some acting, improve and playwriting. Acting allows me get out of my comfort zone and I need that from time to time. I truly admire the people who perform. I'm thinking maybe I could also do this. I admit that I'm adventurous. I do have a habit of doing what is not expected of me.

Genevieve's Gems

You cannot find peace by avoiding life.


~Virginia Woolf, Author (1882-1941)

This Year Even More Active

I thought that 2015 was an interesting year for transgender people. It's shaping up that 2016 will be an even more interesting year. The presidential election, the continuing fight for transgender people being treated fairly, trying to keep the gains we have made, and just to live our lives peacefully.

What I would love to see is more trans people from different generations interact with each other. Sharing our unique experiences will create some wonderful friendships. It's important when both group work to achieve the goal of securing rights for trans people.  I also see that we trans people will have to form our own groups if transgender rights are to become a reality. 

With several major organizations cutting back on lobbying or closing shop, once again we are being left behind. I wasn't too surprised by the backlash transgender people received last year because of our increased visibility. Even some in the  LGB community weren't all that happy either and yet we keep marching on.

Genevieve's Gems

In order to succeed, we must first believe that we can.

~Nikos Kazantzakis, Writer (1883-1957) 

First Post For 2016; Some Goals

I finally have time to making my first post of the new year. I'm looking forward to an even better year. I got off slowly with my reading in 2015 but picked it up the last six months. Play writing took the front of the stage and was able to write a few short ones. We still had Transgender Day of Remembrance with more trans women murdered than ever before. We did gain more visibility however.

This year I will work to see that the Gender Employment Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) gets passed here in New York. With the demise of the Empire State Pride Agenda (ESPA), I need to explore other options regarding improvement for transgender people. I'm currently involved in the affordable housing issues in my neighborhood. Gentrification has come where I live. From what I see, poorer and some middle class residents will lose out. It's expensive living here as it is. 

these are two of the issues I'm involved in. I'm still formulating some other goals and it looks like it will be an interesting year, especially with the presidential election coming up later this year. 

Happy New Year; Genevieve's Gems

The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help writing that story by setting goals. 

~Melody Beattie 





May 2016 be an even better year!

Interesting Conversation

I went to visit my sister on Christmas Day. We enjoyed a chicken and rib dinner and conversed. The topic of Caitlyn Jenner came up. In my sister's opinion, other people have done more to deserve woman of the year. She also mentioned to me that when she worked a person on her job had transitioned years before. Sis also said that she had no problem with it.

I've shared more about myself with her. Her response has given me the confidence that I will come out to her soon. A year ago I had no desire to share my transgender status with. Now a year later I feel that things have opened up. She's has been dealing with health issues and I've been handling some of her personal affairs. We've talked quite a bit about a lot of things. Now I believe the climate has thawed.      

Merry Christmas

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season.

Caitlyn Still Has A Lot To Learn

I have followed Caitlyn Jenner's journey since she came out back in March. Being a latecomer she is learning what it is to be transgender. Being a latecomer myself I can identify with that. I said that when Ms. Jenner first came out that she now has to live in the new gender, something that is not always easy. There would be missteps, mistakes, doubts, and fears. With what happened in Houston recently, I conclude that  Ms. Jenner still has a long way to go.

I do believe that Ms. Jenner is trying. However I believe that she needs to widened her circle. She needs to communicate with black and Latino and Asian transgender people and learn from their experiences. She needs to understand that her reality is much different that of many transgender women and men. Ms. Jenner also needs to connect with people who had been on the battle lines for equality rights for years. I think of Monica Roberts and Miss Major, two African- American trans women who talk the talk and walk the walk. If Ms. Jenner had met with trans activists of color in Houston I'm sure that she would have been really educated on what is really happening in the trans world.

Ms. Jenner also needs to acknowledge that she has a couple of things going against her. The first is people's disdain for her being related to the Kardashian sisters. The second is her conservative politics. Ms. Jenner is begrudged because of her privilege. I don't begrudge her privilege or her politics. the latter is her own.  

The point is that Ms. Jenner needs to know that the trans community is much more diverse than, maybe, she has experienced. I see that she still has a long way to go. Where Ms. Jenner learns and makes inroads as a spokesperson only time will tell. The time may be running out.

Finding Our Way to the Altar of Activism: An Open Letter to Black Clergy

Finding Our Way to the Altar of Activism: An Open Letter to Black Clergy

Knights Reign!

The Marian University (IN) Knights avenged last year's loss in the championship game with a resounding victory over defending champions Southern Oregon Raiders, 34-14.

  

CONGRATULATIONS, KNIGHTS!
2015 NAIA FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS!

NCAA Division II Football Champions

Congratulations to the Bearcats!


Northwest Missouri State-34
Shepherd University-7

Mount Union Division III NCAA Football Champs

Congratulations to the Mount Union College Purple Raiders in winning the 2015 NCAA Division III Football championship defeating the University of St. Thomas, 49-35. 

Genevieve's Gems

To have faith is to trust yourself to the waters. When you swim you don't grab hold of the water, because if you do you will sink and drown. Instead you relax, and float.


~Alan Watts, Philosopher (1915-1973)

Affordable Housing

One of the issues we are dealing with in neighborhood is affordable housing. With gentrification creeping into the neighborhood, rents have gone up. Many mom and pop stores have closed. Now the mayor wants to bring luxury housing to Washington Heights and Inwood. This Saturday I will be attending an emergency meeting to plan a course of action. How this affects the LGBTQI will be something I'll keep in mind.  

NCAA FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP-DIVISION III

                                                                               vs.

The last two teams will do battle next Saturday December 18th to decide the NCAA football champions in division III. The top ranked Purple Raiders of the College of Mount Union (Ohio) reached the championship by defeating the defending division III champions and long time nemesis University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, 36-6. Their opponent will be the Tommies of the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. They soundly defeated Oregon's Linfield College, 38-17 to reach the title game. 

Footnote: All four teams in the semi finals wear purple.

Genevieve's Gems

Progress is a nice word. But change is its motivator. And change has its enemies.

~Robert Kennedy

2015-A Year For and About Transgender People

2015 has been quite a year for transgender people, good and bad. Many municipalities, schools, and organization are changing their policies regarding transgender people. To hear them even being discussed is something that couldn't have been fathomed 30 years ago. We have become more visible

The bad is that more transgender people have been killed than in previous years. We are still vilified by politicians, anti-lgbt groups, some churches and the criminal industrial complex. Yet, we still move forward. For a long time transgender were confined to the very margins of society. No more!

We are intelligent, hard working, parents, and grandparents. We pay taxes, vote, contribute to various causes, and voice our opinions. We desire life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Anyone or group who tells us that we don't deserve any of these has a MAJOR problem with me. Never dreamed that I would be this heavily involved in all this but I have no choice.  

Holly Woodlawn

With the passing of transgender icon Holly Woodlawn (1946-2015 this past Sunday, numerous memories were conjured up. I saw Holly star in her first Trash in 1971. It was a quirky film and it introduced me to someone who had an influence on my transition.

Holly 's life wasn't always easy but she was an original. She was authentic in a time when it was very difficult for any gender non-conforming person to be. She disappeared from the public view in the late 1970s having failed to get into mainstream work. Holly had a modest comeback in the 1990s performing in cabarets, acting and theater work.

I knew nothing about transgender back then. Holly was one of those people you seem to never forget. When I did transition in 2005 I knew that I was part of a group maligned by society. Holly lived life on her terms. Her authenticity was what I aspired to be. Thank you, Holly. You were a true original.

R.I.P. 

 

Remembering Leslie Feinberg - San Francisco Bay Times | San Francisco Bay Times

Remembering Leslie Feinberg - San Francisco Bay Times | San Francisco Bay Times

Genevieve's Gems

Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.


~Albert Einstein, (1879-1955)

Flu Bug

I went to emergency today and was diagnosed with the flu. I'll be laid up for a few days but I'll post  if there's something interesting.

Post-Thanksgiving Thoughts

I trust that your Thanksgiving holiday was a joyous affair. Mine was a quiet one spent with my wife and son. Didn't overdo it with the turkey but enjoyed it nevertheless. Hard to believe that tomorrow will be December 1st.

This is also a time of reflection for me personally. I'm thankful for many things; family, friends, God, and the history that transgender people are making. There's been some harsh backlash but we keep moving forward and I'm happy to see that.

Genevieve's Gems

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by the spark of another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.

~Albert Schweitzer, Theologian (1875-1965)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! Be thankful for all the good things that has happened. Be thankful that you are here today.  If you know someone who will be alone invite them over to share in the Thanksgiving festivities.

Thanksgiving Hospitality

Earlier today my wife and I helped serve Thanksgiving dinner to the homeless at church. This is an annual event in our community. It's been tough for some folks who are struggling just to survive.

Recently, I heard some politicians and others blame the homeless and poor for their conditions. These are some of the same people who profit from the war machine, real estate speculation, and the prison industrial complex. These are the same folks who bash and vilify TGLBQI folks. These are the same folks who don't give a damn about anyone except their own financial and political gain.

Next time these people open their mouths, I would challenge them to spend a day with homeless and poor folks at a soup kitchen or a church out of the glare of the cameras and dine with people who are not looking for a handout or are lazy. If they have solutions to the problems then I wish they would express it instead of following the party or religious line.

Real Christian hospitality is having compassion on those less fortunate.

TDOR

The Transgender Day Of Remembrance vigil at SAGE Center was good. There were about 50 or so folks in attendance. I attended TDOR at the Gay Center in past years but I decided to go to Sage this time. I'm happy that I did.

The names of the trans people killed this year were read. I read the name of India Clarke, a 25 year old trans woman murdered in Tampa, Florida. Many people were struck by how young many of them were. A couple of people shared their thought on people they knew who have died. I knew someone who came to our trans women meetings who passed in may from a heart attack.

It's sad at the level of violence against transgender men and women but I'm hopeful that our lives will get better.

 

TDOR-VIctors

Tomorrow is Transgender Day Of Remembrance. We honor those sisters and brothers lost to violence by others or by their own hand. This year has been a tough year with at least 22 transgender reported  murders here in the US. It's much worse in Brazil and Mexico. Some day I hope that we never have to have TDOR. 

In the meantime, we should celebrate the living. Many of us who are older have been through the wars and have come through. I see us as victors. Yes, there's still much more work to be done but we can celebrate that we have come this far. 

Busy Week

This will be a busy week for me, concluding with Transgender Day Of Remembrance. I'm trying to think of what to say at TDOR if the opportunity comes. It's been a tough year for transgender women, especially women of color. With the increased visibility of trans people, I'm not all surprised by the backlash. What happened in Houston with HERO being shot down is a shame. Amazing how gullible some people are.

 

Photos From The 2015 Veteran's Day Parade

Genevieve's Gems

True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to to serve others at whatever cost.

~Arthur Ashe, Athlete (1943-1993) 

Veteran's Day

Be sure to remember all of our veterans on Veteran's Day.

TDOR at Sage

This year there will a Transgender Day of  Remembrance at the Sage Center here in New York for the first. I like the idea because it gives those of us who are seniors an opportunity to share our thoughts and remembrances of those we have lost. Final preparations are being made regarding the program. I'm looking forward to this event.

An Opportunity

Seems like my story is getting around. A friend of mine at church shared my story with a gay-straight alliance group. There's the chance that I may have the opportunity to speak to the group. I hope the opportunity will come to fruition. 

Arkansas judge refuses to block Fayetteville LGBT protections from going into effect

Arkansas judge refuses to block Fayetteville LGBT protections from going into effect

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, Public Servant (1829-1906)

Contentment

The feeling of contentment being transgender has been really strong the past couple of weeks. Can't say why I feel this way but I'm enjoying it. I don't believe that it's another gender shift but I feel that something is in store.

In the beginning, gender fluidity was strong perhaps because it was new to me. While not as intense as those early days, it still has an impact on me. What has helped me through the years is embracing what comes my way. I don't believe that I missed any lesson I needed to learn at a particular time. Now is another one of those times that I'm embracing my inner contentment. I' m living in the moment. That's all anyone can do.

Genevieve's Gems

In my deepest, darkest moments, what really got me through was a prayer. Sometimes my prayer was 'Help me.' Sometimes a prayer was 'Thank you.' What I've discovered is that intimate connection and communication with my creator will always get me through because I know my support, my help, is just a prayer away.

~Iyanla Vanzant, Author (b.1953)

Never Felt That Way

I've never felt that I was born in the wrong body. Yes, I did feel different but not to the point that it troubled me 24/7.

I never had an inkling that I wasn't masculine nor were any thoughts of anything feminine in my life.  I was your typical male doing things attributed to males. When I began to have these questions in the early 2Ks, I was confused. I never had such thoughts before in my life. Gradually those thoughts grew stronger. Even when it was pointed out to me that I was a cross dresser, I could wrap my mind around the idea that I had feminine thoughts and tendencies. I knew about transsexuals but never even considered going that route.

In the month that I came out as a cross dresser and discovered that I was transgender, the thought of being in the wrong body never crossed my mind. It was time for the feminine side of me to be presented to the world. In the ten plus years since then I've haven't looked back. 

I believe that I'm not completely masculine or feminine. I never hated being male, I just prefer being a woman. I have been blessed many lovely trans-women and trans-men on my journey.I have never been happier in my life. 

Genevieve's Gems

Everybody has a gift; it's to you to discover what it is.

~Genevieve

Newfest Film Festival Coming Up

A reminder that New York's LGBT Film Festival (Newfest) will begin this Thursday, October 22nd. 


Go to www.newfest.org for additional information.

Critical Times

I just started reading Janet Mock's book Redefining Realness. I can't comment on the book yet but will when done. I thought about how this year has probably been the most eventful one for transgender people. It's also one I believe where we are focusing on the critical issues that affect us as a group.

In a couple of weeks I should have more information as to what the social justice ministry has in mind. Same goes for the glbtq ministry. With the election coming up next year, it's crucial that we all fight for the things we have gained.

Genevieve's Gems

We do not remember days, we remember moments.


~Cesare Pavese, Italian Poet (1908-1950)

Hispanic/Indigenous Heritage Day

Today we celebrated Hispanic/Indigenous Heritage Day at church. Rich traditions and food were part of the celebration. Indigenous people are all over the world and have been for centuries. Places like Mexico, central and South America , Australia and North America have a rich indigenous heritage. I have indigenous blood in my ancestry (Choctaw).  

There was a spiritual ceremony of prayer, incense offerings, sage, and a reminder of what we must do for future generations. Land is the most valuable item for indigenous people and when it was stolen from us it affected many. What I see is a lack of respect and honor for a different culture. Many tribes are trying to hold onto whatever culture and customs they may have left. Sadly, other cultures have totally disappeared. Much of this was done in the name of progress.

I am mindful of the fact that my being transgender, or two-spirit if you will, has caused me to reflect on the journey I am on. It may not be easy but it's one that I must continue. To my Hispanic and Indigenous brothers and sisters, keep moving forward. 

Genevieve's Gems

Every human has four endowments- self-awareness, conscience, independent will and creative imagination. These give us the ultimate human freedom...  The power to choose, to respond, to change.

~Stephen Covey 

Sick

I was sick for a few days with sinuses. Feeling better today.

Genevieve's Gems

A smile is happiness you'll find right under your nose.


~Tom Wilson, Cartoonist (1931-2011)

Gender Reassignment Surgery

A trans woman I know will have Gender Reassignment Surgery in October. Naturally, she was nervous but me and others reassured her that everything will be okay and that she has our support. 

As I thought about this I see how important GRS is for some. To me anything that will improve one's quality of life is a step in the right direction. Not all trans women have the full surgery or, in my case, will not have the surgery. I doesn't mean that I'm not transgender. Each person is different. I'm not of the school that in order to be a 'true transsexual' one must have the complete surgery. That line of thinking is erroneous and in some cases dangerous. 

The transgender community is not a homogeneous community. There is much diversity in expression and identity, something that I witnessed during my questioning phase.  This was very instrumental in my progression to where I am now.  

To those men and women who are transitioning, I wish you the best and pray that all will go well. You are on your way to being the person that you truly are. You have my support.

Film Festival

I've attended Newfest in the past and find it very enjoyable. The films are excellent and very professionally done. To get tickets and the schedule, go to: 

www.newfest.org  

Genevieve's Gems

So I say to you, ask and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will open to you.


~Jesus Christ

Most Active Year Coming Up

It look s like this will be the most active year of my life as a transgender person. The LGBTQI ministry at church is going and planning what we'll do this year. I also signed up for the Social Justice ministry. I'm already involved with a few other activities. 

This year I want to see things DONE! There's too much at stake for trans people and I can't sit idly by and watch all that we've accomplished taken away. Making sure that our trans history is not erased is near and dear to my heart. 

There's a few more activities I'm interested in but I don't want to spread myself too thin. It's funny but since I'm retired I'm busier now than when I was working. 

Book Club

This is the book I'm reading right now. There is a Transgender Literary Book Club at the Sage center of which me and another trans woman  will be a part of. I remember seeing this book during my early days of comig out. It was published in 2000, five years before I introduced Genevieve to the world. I just found the book today (the book club is on Thursday) so I'll read as much as I can. At least I can discuss something about the book. 

Genevieve's Gems

Your big opportunity may be right where you are now.


~Napolean Hill

Bittersweet Few Weeks

The past few weeks have been bittersweet for me. I'm still smarting from the Tamara Dominguez death in Kansas City a few weeks ago. Any death of transgender people is sad but the Dominguez murder really hit me. It was inhuman and criminal. 

A friend of my sister passed also at only forty-eight years young. My sister's health aide's brother passed away at twenty. It's been a weird time to say the least. For a trans woman personal safety is an issue with the increased visibility we face. We talked about this in our discussion group last night.

All wasn't sad though. On Saturday I attended a wedding were two lesbians friends of mine married. It was a wonderful occasion for everyone. Both women had large families in attendance.  This ended the week on a positive note. 

9/11

Hard to believe it's been fourteen years.

Genevieve's Gems

The greatest trap in our lives is not success, popularly or power, but self-rejection. 


~Henri Nouwen, Clergyman (1932-1996) 

Thinking Out Loud

I know it's a good two plus months away from Transgender Day Of Remembrance ceremonies but already I'm considering how to participate this year. It's more emotional for me because of all the transgender women murdered this year, at least the ones that have been reported.

I haven't felt this way since the second year I participated. At that time, I was wondering if I could handle it emotionally. Then I came to the conclusion that I needed to go. Of course I will attend TDOR this year. There's still three months left in 2015. How many more transgender women will be killed?