Genevieve's Gems

Some think the truth can be hidden with a little cover-up and decoration. But as times go by, what is true is revealed, and what is fake fades away.

~Ismail Haniyeh, Palestinian Politician, (b. 1959)

Can You Judge?

Someone gave this piece some time ago. I thought that I would share it here.


CAN YOU HONESTLY JUDGE?

Pray don't find fault with the man who
   limps or stumbles along the road.
   Unless you have worn the shoes he wears
     or struggled beneath his load.
There may be tacks in his shoes that hurt,
        though hidden from view;
  Or the burden he bears placed on your back
   might cause you to stumble too.
Don't sneer at the man who's down today.
   unless you have felt the blow
   That caused his fall, or felt the shame that
    only the fallen know.
You may be strong now, but still the blows that
   were his, if dealt to you
    In the self-same way at the very same time
    might cause you to stagger too.
Don't be too harsh with the man who sins
    or pelt him with words or stones,
  Unless you are sure, yes, doubly sure, that
   You have no sins of your own.


                                                           Anonymous Philosopher
 

Genevieve's Gems

Information is not knowledge.


~Albert Einstein

Free Speech

Free speech is when an individual or group expresses his/her views about a particular topic. Trouble comes when one tried to silence the other person who views they do not agree with. Character assassinations are common also. People will say things we don't also agree with but no one should have their characters ripped and shredded because their views are different. Just a point to remember.

Genevieve's Gems

There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.


~Elie Wiesel, Novelist (1928-2016) 

Autumn

My favorite season!

Bisexual Folks Are Who They Say They Are

I'm tired of people saying that bisexuals are confused or really homosexual. THEY ARE BISEXUAL!  To try to claim that they are anything else is disrespectful.

Enjoying Life

I am truly enjoying life. Since I retired I'm doing the things I enjoy. I'm reading and writing. I'm out almost ever day either with friends or in activities that I'm passionate about. I have learned to enjoy the moment that I am in.

Preclude To My Life Today?

I used to hang out at places like this in the Times Square area back in the late 1960s and early 1970s. There were plenty of places like the above establishment where folks could have forbidden pleasures and fantasies fulfilled. Nowadays, there are only a handful of such places. 

At times I wonder if my interest was a preclude to where I am today. I was on the outside looking in never getting involved with a lot the activities but enjoyed the vibe. Here in America, sex and gender seem to be taboo subjects. Why? Perhaps, it may reveal aspects of our lives we are unwilling to acknowledge or admit. When I came out as a cross dresser I concluded that there was a lot more to me than I realized. When I discover my transgenderism it added more fuel to the fire.

What has helped me is that I embrace all that has happened thus far. Meeting and befriending folks of many genders and sexualities shows that I'm one of millions of like people. There's nothing wrong with me. This is who I am. I wonder if some of the people who frequented Show World and other such places were seeking answers to their questions and deep longings? How many died never finding what it was they were seeking or wishing to express?

.

Genevieve's Gems

The hottest place in Hell is reserved for those who remain neutral in times of great moral conflict.


~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Compliments

I was out in Greenwich Village today, enjoying the mild weather. I usually get at least one compliment on what I am wearing. Today it it happens three times. I wore an aqua skirt, burgundy top and aqua fedora. A woman came up to me and said she liked the way I coordinated everything. Someone else said 'nice hat' when they walked by. A woman even complimented me on my painted toenails . I always say 'thank you' for their kind words. 

These compliments are nice in that I believe in people's honesty and the fact that I'm presenting trans people in a positive way. When anti-trans forces still believe that we are fakes I'm doing what I can to dispel that notion.    

Genevieve's Gems

Let your hopes, not your hurts, shape your future.


~Robert H. Schuller, Clergyman (1926-2015)

Busy Summer

This summer has been an interesting one for me. I've met a lot of wonderful people. I've done some performing and open mic. I have been asked to host an event in September and possibility be a facilitator at one of the support meetings. As you can see I'm stretching out a bit.

What can  I expect for the fall I'm not certain. For TGLBQI people life could get rough if the political climate is any indication. I'm very interested in local and state politics because what bills and laws are passed and enacted could have a huge effect on us. It's important that we stay engaged and involved in whatever endeavor we do. 

A Voice In Trying Times

I have been sharing my story a number of times this summer. I have an internet radio show of which I share God's word from the transgender perspective. At the present time this is my current mission. There are so many ways of being an advocate for trans rights and this seems to be my path.

I can sit idly by while trans people are being attacked (verbally as well as physically) by the forces who wish to destroy us. In this cantankerous political climate, it's vital to be a source of encouragement as many people need it. 

Insults Hurled at Me

A couple of times this past week I  had  insults hurled in my direction. I'm not surprised. I'm still going on and living my life. Doesn't stop me one bit. 

Genevieve's Gems

Surround yourself with good people who encourage and love you. There are always ups and downs, no matter how successful you are.


~Liana Liberato 

Spoke At Evening Church Service

Last night I was a reflector at our evening service at church. I spoke about my life journey and how God has been there. I mentioned that journeys are unique to each individual and that there are many twists and turns. I shared the poem below at the end of the 3 minute reflection.


I NEVER TRAVELED THIS ROAD BEFORE

I never traveled this road before
Lined with thick brush and boulders
It looks strange and forboding
There's nothing familiar here to guide me.

Each step forward is a step closer 
To an unknown destination.
What awaits me, I know not
But I trek on.

I'm nudged ahead
By an unseen hand.
I turn around and
The footprints of my life are gone.

Genevieve's Gems

Be proud of who you are. Love yourself. Don't let others define who you are. Define yourself. Each person is beautiful and unique.

Self Acceptance

Self acceptance is the first step towards self-discovery. Once I accepted who I was, the pieces of the puzzle began to fit. My feelings of difference became clearer when I started to cross dress. The struggles and tensions dissipated upon my self acceptance.

I never felt shame or guilt that I like to wear women's clothing. It felt so natural to me. t took me over a year to feel comfortable in my own skin. When that happened, there was no turning back. I have to hold back the tears because I'm so happy.

How can we love others if we cannot love ourselves? Self loathing can stifle the love others want to give. Be who you are! Let no one define who you are; define yourself. Love yourself! You are beautiful and unique. There are people who love you for being you.

Genevieve's Gems

A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike. And all plans, safeguards, policing, and coercion are fruitless. We find after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us.


~John Steinbeck, Author (1902-1968)

Journeys

I will be speaking at the evening service at church on August 14th as a reflector. My topic will be on journeys. It is so true in the spiritual realm as well as in my transgender trek. We all are on journeys. Like a good mystery there are many twists and turns. Journeys can take us to many places and can last for years. Whatever we choose or choose not to do, the journey goes on.

Thinking About A Name Change

I have been mulling over getting a name change the past few months. It was one of the those areas that I always kept an open door. I have been encouraged to do so. I will do more research and sharing with my spouse. This will be a life changing event if I do it.

Genevieve's Gems

Never believe that a few caring people can't the world. For, indeed, that's all who ever have.


~Margaret Mead

Stay Vigilant

Some of my friends are fearful of what will happen if Trump is elected president. While not fearful I'm concerned. I wish that we didn't have to talk about racism but since it has been brought to the front during this election cycle it needs to be discussed.

Now's not the time to be fearful but to take action, regardless of who's elected. Fear can keep one from seeing clearly what solutions can be created. One thing I do believe is that people need to be proactive. Marches, protests, grassroots movements and education will need to be more of a constant.

Being Positive In A Negative World

I first heard this saying back in the 70s when the world was in turmoil. Vietnam was winding down, the nation was becoming more conservative, and people were weary from all the protests and riots. It didn't mean that people weren't fearful for the future. They were. Does anyone want to be ruled and dictate life by fear? A terrible way to live.

While I am concerned about what is happening, being positive can do wonders to others around us as well as ourselves. I'm thankful for a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Scripture says that there will be troubles in the world. I can pray for others. I can and do encourage whenever it is needed. Positive reinforcement goes a long to alleviating fear.

I remember the crazy 1960s with all the protests and civil disobedience. Jesus' world wasn't peaceful by any means. Jesus was a calm presence in the middle of the storm. There are many positive experiences happening every day. I focus on those things. Life may look desolate at the moment but those moments don't last forever.

Genevieve's Gems

It's terrible when you find out that you lived your life on someone else's terms. It's never too late to start over. Age has nothing to do with it. Many folks have changed the course of their lives while in their fifties, sixties and even seventies.

Troubling Times

It's been a tumultuous few weeks. Three more cops killed.  Another transgender woman dies from her injuries. Now the president signs a bill authorized the military to control American citizens. Add the two presidential conventions coming up and you have a recipe for some trouble. In my opinion 2016 is shaping up to be another 1968.  

Genevieve's Gems

Where there is love there is life.

~Mahatma Gandhi

Stonewall

I just finished reading this book. It gives an overview of the events prior and during the Stonewall Riots. while this book is geared more toward young adults I learned some things I didn't know. There are two other more in-depth books about Stonewall which I will read.

Transgender People In Action

I googled about the Stonewall Riots and saw this. Couldn't let this go.

Genevieve'S Gems

Fear keeps us focused on the past or worried about the future. If we can acknowledge our fear, we can realize that right now we are okay. Right now, today, we are still alive, and our bodies are working marvelously. Our eyes can still see the beautiful sky. Our ears can still the voices of our loved ones.

~Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Clergyman

July 4th

Genevieve's Gems

I guess you'd call me an independent, since I've never identified myself with one or another in politics. I always decide my vote by taking as careful a look as I can at the actual candidates and issues themselves, no matter what the party label.

~Jackie Robinson

New York City Pride Parade

Pictures from the New York City Pride Parade.

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

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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.