TRANS PEOPLE HAVE SERVED THE COUNTRY WITH DISTINCTION

As a veteran and trans person I am appalled by the president desire to keep transgender people from serving the military. I have heard all the excuses. The one that rankles me is one I heard that trans people threaten troop readiness. That is bunk! What threatens troop readiness is some of the people who are leading. 

The exclusion of trans people from the military is is similar to don't ask, don't tell. Many of those men and women removed were in high security positions. The military had to replace them somehow. By telling trans people that they cannot serve, it's putting a label on them that they are defective and cannot be trusted. If they want us to just disappear that isn't happening. We have been everywhere, done many things, and will continue to do so, critics be damned.   

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one.


~Dolly Parton

TRANSGENERATIONAL THEATER PROJECT

On Thursday, March 22nd, the Transgenerational Theater Project will begin its third year. I've been a part of the first two and I will be a part of it this time. Trans people from different generations come and create art, theater, poetry, and other forms of art. It's a collaboration of diverse talents that produce one play. Last year the group performed in a theater in Brooklyn. It was well received by the public.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Excellence is to a common thing in an uncommon way.


~Booker T. Washington, Educator (1856-1915)

LUNCH AND LEARN

This past Sunday the Beyond Labels Ministry sponsored a lunch and learn event at the Ft. Washington Church in honor of the Transgender Day Of Visibility. There was a light lunch and a special performance by playwright Mashuq Mushtag Deen. There was a question and answer session at the end. 

I recited a poem at the opening. A wonderful woman asked if there needs to be more conversation about transgender people and issue. I answered yes because the gender spectrum is wide and varied. I shared my story of transition. This is the start of I pray future events like this. 

AN INCIDENT

This past Thursday I was on Staten Island visiting the place of my birth. I checked a few place I frequented as a child. It was great visiting the Pride Center there which was about a half mile from the ferry.

On my way back to the ferry I passed by three teenage guys. I could here them commenting about me. I realized that I had been read. As I continued ahead one of them threw a cup of ice in my direction missing me by several feet. This is the first time something like this has happened to me.

I wasn't afraid and didn't become nervous. I' m not surprised by what happened. I'm okay. I will continue to be myself and live my life.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in action.


~Harold S. Geneen, Businessman (1910-1997

BUCKET LIST

There are two which are a must see for me: BLACK PANTHER and A FANTASTIC WOMAN.

GOING ABOUT IT ALL WRONG- GUN CONTROL DEBATE-COMMENTARY

Ever since the Parkland Florida shootings over two weeks ago, the gun control debate has raged on and on. I do understand both sides of the issue. however, there are some things not being said or are misunderstood. 

I have spent time reading and rereading the second amendment to the Constitution. Citizens have the right to defend themselves, their families, and their properties. One reason slaves couldn't defend themselves is that they were not allowed to have weapons where they could defend themselves. Citizens do have the right to bear arms. The Constitution never said how weapons one is allowed to have. Yes, folks are allowed to have AK-15s. Personally, I don't why anyone should need one but that's their right.

A second point is that nearly all the shooters were on some sort of anti-depressant medication. Strange that nothing has been said about this. Maybe it's because many of these politicians get money from Big Pharma. The left has it wrong because they defend Big Pharma regarding some of these drugs of which many shouldn't be on the market. Where was the outcry about that? 

Third, more people (over 100,000 annually) needlessly in hospitals every year. Medical malpractice is the predominant cause. Where's the outcry about that? I understand the concern the affected students have about this however I would like to see a more balanced and civil discussion about this. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Associate yourself with people of good quality, for it is better to be alone than in bad company.


~Booker T. Washington, Educator (1856-1915)

GUN CONTROL-GOING ABOUT IT ALL WRONG

From my vantage point, people are going about gun control all wrong. I do understand both sides of the issue but there some things that haven't been taken into consideration. I will elaborate in a future post.

PERCEPTION AND REALITY

Perceptions about place and people can be correct and they can be wrong. When misplaced and incorrect perceptions become reality this is where problems come.

For decades many folks believed that Africa was wild and untamed with savages. Nothing is further from the truth. There are cosmopolitan cities, art, and people who love and care for their country. Much racial strife has been caused by misconceptions of a particular ethnic group. All groups have experienced some form of discrimination. Misperceptions can have disasterous effects.  

As a trans person I see the same misconceptions. I'm amazed that even in LGB community the misconceptions about trans people boggles the mind. I can educate folks about trans topics, it's also up to them to educate themselves. It's also up to people to drop their pride and be open to the fact that maybe their belief system is wrong. Not easy but necessary if wrong perceptions are to change.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Knowing that we can be loved exactly as we are gives us all the best opportunity for growing in the healthiest of people. 


~Fred Rogers, Celebrity (1928-2003)

UPCOMING COMMENTARIES

Right now I'm creating a commentary about the gun control debate after what happened at Parkland last week. I believe that some points are not being addressed on both sides. I have a different take on this.  

I'm also will addressing the dismantling of our rights and protections (especially TGLBQI protections) as citizens.  

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

A Christian reveals true humility by showing the gentleness of Christ, by being always ready to help others, by speaking kind words and performing unselfish acts, which elevate and ennoble the most sacred message that has come to our world. 


~Ellen G. White, Writer (1827-1915)

POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT

There is the need for all of us to become more politically involved. Whether it be community, local, state or nationally, we really need to make our voices heard to those in power.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

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


~Brian Tracy, Author

PERSEVERANCE

Perseverance will be needed if the concerns we have are to be solved. The pressure needs to be kept on those in power who do not represent their constituents.I have seen too many politicians and leaders sell out their constituents for money and power. I need to remind them that they will not always be in power.

ADVISORY COUNCIL

I was recently nominated to be on the advisory council of my senior center. SAGE (Services Advocacy for G(LBT) Elders is a place where many seniors come to see friends, dine, and participate in the numerous programs available. I will be in the meal committee suggesting ideas from the community on improving meal selection. Maybe I can convince them to serve chocolate cake every once in a while.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Everybody has a story to tell.

DEMS TAKE BACK THE CONGRESS AND SENATE-NOT A SURE THING

I have heard the talk of the Democrats pushing to take back the congress and senate. I don't believe that this is a sure things. The Democrats have made crucial mistakes which created the mistrust of the voters. They had the chance to do something for working people and haven't done it. Bill Clinton gave them NAFTA, which was a bad bill to begin with. The American worker didn't benefit and neither did the folks coming from Mexico. I saw right away that their situation wasn't going to get better for them. 

Many Democratic candidates have made the mistake of engaging the black community as a last resort when things aren't looking good. Why should they vote for you when you were more interested in your big money donors. Hillary Clinton made the same mistake and it cost her in the electoral votes. Working folks aren't necessarily enamored with the Republicans, but they are ticked off with the Dems. They've been lied to, ignored, walked over, and ridiculed. Some folks were surprised when I said that I believed that Donald Trump had a chance to win. I didn't know if he would but that's how it turned out.

Personally speaking, both the Democratic and Republican parties are lapdogs for corporations. The Democrats used to be for the working person. Not anymore.  I will say one thing about the Republicans; when they are thrashed in the elections they circle the wagons and thrash about figure what went wrong. The Democrats will keep making the same mistakes and losing. Couple that with this being the worst group of candidates I have ever seen.

I left the Democratic party over a decade because they no longer listened to people like myself. I never felt the Republicans cared about me. That's why I'm a registered Independent 

More Independents

There are more Independents than Democrats and Republicans. There are independent liberals and independent conservatives. If those of us who are Independent could come together, we could be a viable force.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

You cannot find peace by avoiding life.

~Virginia Woolf

LET NO ONE ELSE DEFINE WHO YOU ARE

One of my mantras is 'let no else define who you are'. In today's cookie cutter world, we are bombarded with ads about what to wear, what you should look like, how we should act. Whatever happened to the day when originality was priceless.

I remember growing up in the 1950s and 1960s, I could tell you what model an auto was even from two or three blocks away. Each car had its own style. It could be tail fins, or white wall tires, or the way the auto sounded. Today, all the cars look alike. I'll take a model T over the cars we have now on the road. It may not be fast but it will be different.

As a trans person, some powers want to erase our existence, our contributions, our authenticity. We don't look or act like the so-called norm says we should. So-called "Christians" say we are sinners, abominable, perverts. They would try to define me but they don't even know me. I am creative person, parent, spouse, veteran, grandparent. I have contributed much and am still contributing. My trans sisters and brothers are also creative, gifted, and intelligent. I remind them that they are valuable. 

Always be proud of who you are. Never let others define you.  

ADVISORY COUNCIL

I was nominated to be part of the advisory council at the SAGE center here. I will be going to orientation next Thursday afternoon.

INFLUENCES

Here is a list of some of the people in history who have influenced me. 

1. Frederick Douglass
2. George Washington Carver
3. Martin Luther King
4. Carter G. Woodson
5. Marsha P. Johnson. 
6. Sylvia Rivera
7. William Tyndale
  
There are others who I will list in the coming days.

Feeling Better

Today was the first day out of be since Tuesday. Had bad case of flu. It's been bad all over the country with some deaths reported. Would like to know if there were extenuating circumstances involved.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

I have seen great intolerance in support of tolerance.


~Samuel Taylor Cooleridge, Poet (1772-1834)

PEOPLE OF ALL BACKGROUNDS MADE AMERICA GREAT

President Trump's mantra during the presidential election.was 'Make American Great Again'. While this theme isn't new many question 'Great for whom?' With the recent comments the president has allegedly said, it does make one wonder if he has all people in mind?

Many people built America and made it what it is today. People of all races, faiths, and genders worked to make this country a place where people can come and make a life in freedom. I would ask the president if making American great means denying certain groups of people the opportunity to achieve their dreams? Aren't blacks, Haitians, Africans, indigenous, Latinos,  LGBTQI,  and Asians part of the tapestry of our country? 

I am a black person. I was born, raised, and educated here. I served three years honorably in the military. I've worked all my life. I had some setbacks but I always got up and went back at it. I have fulfilled many dreams and still have more as I approached my 70th birthday. I am also a trans person. To say that I have less value than someone else is demeaning and disrespectful. And Mr. President, you want people to respect you, then respect those would are different from you, don't look you, or think like you. A final thought, it was people would thought outside the box that created many of the conveniences we enjoy today.

WOMEN'S MARCH

Next Saturday I will be a participant in the women's march. I went last year and hadn't seen a march that large since the 1980s. It begins at 72nd Street and Central Park West at 11 AM. Let's be loud and proud. I also hope that this will produce some actions in which we can take part in.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Out of difficulties grow miracles.


~Jean de la Bruyere, Philosopher (1645-1696)

FIVE IN 2018

These are five things I want like to happen this year.

5. Younger people run for political office.

4. People read and educate themselves.

3. Stop being  oversensitive about everything.

2. Those folks seeking a partner will find one.

1. People talk AND listen to each other.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Stay true to yourself, yet always be open to learn. Work hard, and never give up on your dreams, even when nobody else believes they can come true but you. These are not cliches but real tools you need no matter what you do in life to stay focused on your path.

~Phillip Sweet

SNOW AND COLD

It snowed at least eight inches here plus it's windy and very cold. Tomorrow will be sunny but very cold with minus 5 wind chill- and I have to go out.

RESIST AND RESIST

This year will prove to be a more active one for me. I will attending the women's march later this month. I hope that it will trigger some courses of action in what we need to focus on. I'm working on whether to take a trip to Albany to help pass the Gender Employment Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA).  I cannot sit idly by as our rights are being taken away. 

I attended a community forum this past September in my Washington Heights neighborhood. I saw what a sellout my councilmen is. Couple that with the fact that he backed state senator who is an enemy of the LGBTQI community. As you can see local politics is on my plate, albeit reluctantly. It's been said that all politics is local and I saw it first hand. 

These are just a few things up for me. I will fill you in as events and changes happen.

ONWARD!

A new year has begun. New goals, new changes, more activity. I'm currently working on goals for 2018 some of which will be life changing. Instead of resolutions, I set goals. I write them down and think about how they will be achieved. This is putting teeth to it. A goal isn't worth it if  there is no action plan. Goals may involve changing some of our habits. This is where perseverance and resolve come in.

I'm sure there are many of you that are setting goals and I pray that you achieve them. If they are achieved, set new goals. It's very satisfying when we accomplish which we previously set out to do. It gives us confidence that we can achieve anything.

NEW YEAR WISH

May 2018 bring joy and happiness to you.

Living and Enjoying Life

As I interact with the public, my being trans doesn't ever come up. I rarely think about. Being trans isn't the focal point of my life. I'm rarely asked about it. I'm always open to questions if people have them. I'm just living life and enjoying it.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

There is a plan and a purpose, a value to every life, no matter what its location, age, gender, or disability.


~Sharron Angle

CRUDDY POLITICS

It's very rare that I comment or write anything about politics. After reading an article about celebrities are Republicans I was bothered by it. Not by the celebs because I maintain that it's a person's right choose whatever party they want to support. It's the whole political climate.
First of all, I'm a registered Independent. I left the Democratic Party over a decade ago because they no longer listen to people like me. I never believed that the Republicans cared about me at all. I also believe that both parties pander to the corporation. They do the corporations bidding to pass laws which do not benefit the average American. Can a third party work? I believe it can if folks can find a few things they all agree on then start from there. People will need to put aside their pettiness and check their egos. Will it happen? I hope so.

I have said that 2016 saw the worst bunch of candidates I've ever seen.They are control freaks, narcissistic, lack empathy, inexperienced in some case, racist in others, and care only for filling their own pockets. I voted third party. Never liked neither Trump or Clinton.   Some will say that voting for a third party is a wasted vote. I wholeheartedly disagree. Some tried to convince me that should vote for Clinton, who I don't like, to keep Trump out, who I dislike even more. To me THAT is a wasted vote.

I'm not crying over spilled milk. I'm working on the things that I believe in.  Affordable housing. tax breaks for small businesses, GENDA, and immigration reform are the areas I'm most concerned with. I'm taking a greater interest in local and state politics because there some cruddy politicians here also. the coming year promises to be an active one for me, personally. 

CHRISTMAS WISHES

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

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


~Ban Ki-moon, South Korean diplomat

GOALS

I already have two goals for 2018; getting my teeth fixed and legally changing my name. I could be a year I will become more involved with local and state politics. Thought 2018 would be a down year politically but it turns out not to be the case. There's so much misinformation and lies being spewed out which is confusing to many folks.

People will need to be more informed AND involved if they really want to see real change. Moaning and whining won't change anything. Also people need to quit being oversensitive about EVERYTHING! It's not worth it.  it's going to take courage, clear headed-ness, and perseverance if we are to be victorious.

Genevieve's Gems

Memories are the keys not to the past, but to the future.


~Corrie Ten Boom

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CHAMPIONS-FOOTBALL

                                           DIVISION II
             

                                                             

                                                                   DIVISION III

                                                NAIA

                             CONGRATULATIONS!!!

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Be brave enough to live life creatively. The creative place where no one else has ever been.



~Alan Alda

NAIA 2017 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

                                                            ST. FRANCIS (IND.) COUGARS

                                                                         
                                                                             VS.
                                                
                                                   REINHARDT UNIVERSITY EAGLES

DIVISION III 2017 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

MOUNT UNION RAIDERS TANGLE WITH THE DEFENDING DIVISION III CHAMPS MARY HARDIN BAYLOR CRUSADERS.

DIVISION II 2017 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

SAT. 12/16   6 PM ON ESPN3

The University of West Florida Argonauts will tangle with Lions of Texas A & M-Commerce for the Division 2 football championship.

THEM CHANGES

I remember creating this blog months before I came out. So much was going on inside of me, so much I didn't understand. I sometimes wrote for several hours just to relieve the stress and tension I felt. This was my public journal of what was to be a life changing transformation.

Fast forward to now, I'm still going through so life changing transformations. I see how far this journey has brought me and it is continuing. I'm so happy where I am but every now and then there is a subtle shift. Next year I will legal change my name. I'm sure that will be another life altering event.

FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES SEMI FINALS

SAT. 12/16 @ 4:30 PM

SOUTH DAKOTA STATE  @ JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY 

FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES SEMI FINALS

FRIDAY 12/15 @ 8 PM


SAM HOUSTON STATE  @ NORTH  DAKOTA STATE

STILL MANY HURDLES

Its been nearly three months since hurricanes devastated Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands .It does not means that all is okay. Many places are still without water, electricity and medicine. You don't hear it in the news anymore. The fact is that there are still many hurdles for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Elected leaders need to be held accountable for the lack of response. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

You can kill the revolutionary but you can never kill the revolution.


~Fred Hampton, Activist (1948-1969)

Came Out To Nephew

Yesterday my my wife and I visited her nephew. We went to the annual Christmas party at the group home he resides in. It was also the first time he saw me as Genevieve. I wasn't nervous at all. He hugged me like always. We had a good time together. The people there treated me well. No drama or fireworks. 

I made it a mission to come out to all that I'm associated with since I will legally change my name next year. There a a few places that will meet Genevieve for the first time.

Pray For California

Please pray for the folks out in California. Don't ever remember the fires being this bad.

Internet Back On

I got my internet back on today. I'll do my internet radio program on Thursday afternoon. It's gotten now that I need to do some things ahead of time. I used to could do things on the fly but not anymore. December is traditionally an active month for me so I need to make sure that I don't forget anything.

I will need to think of goals for 2018. I have two thus far. Get all my dental work done and legally change my name. I need to publish my chapbook and will do so in January. I am keeping up with as much news as possible. Narrowing down to a few issues that I can work on with other folk. Picking my battles.

Genevieve's Gems

I look forward to the day when there will be a transgender day of celebration.  

Winding Up

Tomorrow will be the last month of 2017. It's been an interesting year to say the least. I have many thought which I will post near the end of the year. In the meantime I will enjoy the Christmas season in song and reflection.

Genevieve's Gems

There should be no discrimination against languages people speak, skin color, or religion.


~Malala Yousafai, Pakistani Activist, (b. 1997)

Transgender Day of Remembrance

Today trans people are having ceremonies all over the world paying homage to those who have been lost to violence, suicide, and illness. For some it's not an easy day because they've lost friends and family members. My heart goes out to them.

It's also important that we honor those from the past such as Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. Honor is to be paid to the activist today who are fighting for us. I know a few personally who are out there on the front lines.

We need to be thankful that we have made it through another year. Some who were here a year are no longer with us. Yes there is sadness however reflect on the many good things that have happened. Keep moving ahead. Don't let anyone deter you from being who you are. You are beautiful!

Commentary

Last night I attended Transgender Day of Remembrance ceremony downtown. Homage was paid to the 26 known transgender murders in America.

The name of each person was read along with a slide presentation. I read the name of a young trans woman who was only seventeen. Seventeen! She had dreams, talent, and a steady who loved her. Ally will never fulfill them because people killed her because she was different.

I pray that some day the day of remembrance will become a day of celebration. My deceased trans sisters and brothers were smart, empathetic, bold talented, and loved. They lived their lives authentically and proudly.

Genevieve's Gems

People have to liberate themselves; liberation is not a single act. It's a question of eternal vigilance. Otherwise, you will be ensnared by someone else.


~Norman Finkelstein, Educator

Edgy About TDOR

The Transgender Day of Remembrance ceremony will be held at Sage Center tomorrow at 6:30 PM. I'm am a bit nervous, something that never happened in previous years. Maybe it's because many items will need to be stressed. 

Transgender people have made tremendous strides, as witnessed by the eight transgender people elected to public office in recent elections. However, there is still much misunderstanding and misinformation about who transgender are and the struggles that many face every day. Even in the LGB communities, the misunderstanding is surprising and sad. 

I will be reciting a poem at the ceremony. I'm wanting to convey the sadness of the transgender people lost in 2917 but also the successes we have had. We are not just survivors; we are victors living authentically in a world that wishes to silence us.

TDOR

Vet's Parade

Yesterday I attended the Veterans Day parade. I wore a black cap with gold writing spelling 'Army Veteran'. As many marchers past by a few of them came up to me thanking me for my service. And I was ma'amed!

The mood was subdued. Perhaps with ehat has happened in recent weeks may have something to do with it.

TDOR Ceremonies

A group of us is preparing for ceremonies for the Transgender Day of Remembrance. It has been the bloodiest year for trans people. Besides honoring those who have passed, we want remember those who are living. There will be another planning session next week. Can't wait to see what we come up with.

Election Day

Be sure to vote today!

Genevieve's Gems

Rights were won when people took to the streets. They were never won in a corporate boardroom.

Twenty Two

The murder of Candace Towns in Macon, Georgia makes her the 22nd trans person murdered in the US in 2017. This has been quite a year and, with the current political climate, I'm surprised that number isn't higher. One of those murders, Barbara Bostick, happened near senior place I go to every week.

 Transgender Day of Remembrance is very important not just to honor those who has passed on but also those of us who are living. We are marching on though. I have never lived my life and not going to. I support my trans sisters and brothers.

Genevieve's Gems

Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses. 



~George Washington Carver

All Lives Matter vs. Black Lives Matter

This is purely my own thoughts. It's very true that all lives matter. When its put out there to counteract the message of black lives matter it comes off as the lives and concerns of black people being dismissed. I'm reading between the lines possibly but this is what I come up with.

Transgender Day Of Remembrance

Preparations will be made for Transgender Day of Remembrance. We are brainstorming ideas for the event this year. I'm going to read a poem this time. SAGE will celebrate TDOR on Friday, November 17th at 6:45 pm.

Genevieve's Gems

The smallest deed is better than the greatest intention. 


~John Burroughs

Newfest

Today is opening of the annual Newfest Film Festival in New York City. Tere are all kinds of films from shorts to documentaries to full length features. 

Go to www.newfest.org for more information.

Commentary

There are a few things I would love to see happen.

1. I want to see less trying to score brownie points by the left. I'm tired of reading headlines like 'Trump mad' or 'we are dead in the water'. How about spending more time on the things that really matter. The fifteen minutes of is soon  forgotten.

2. I would love to see the right understand that life does not always follow a linear path. There are differences in people you may not comprehend but they do exist. Try to sit with the people and see where they are coming from. Just because some folks aren't part of your tribe or paradigm does not invalidate their values

3. There are serious problems in the country. Going into denial, being angry or depressed doesn't do you or anyone else any good. There is the need to work on the concerns important to you.

Genevieve's Gems

Racism oppresses its victims,  but also binds the oppressors, who sears their consciences with more and more lies until they become prisoners of those lies. They cannot face the truth of human equality because it reveals the horror of the injustices they commit. 


~Alveda King  

Coming Out Day

Today is National Coming Out Day. The moment I step outside I'm out.

California

Please pray for the folks in California.

Genevieve's Gems

Leadership is not about a title or a designation. It is about impact, influence, and inspiration. Impact involves getting results, influence is about spreading the passion you have for your work, and you have to inspire teammates and customers.



~Robin S. Sharma

Prayers

Please continue to pray for Mexico, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and Las Vegas.

Depth and Perception

I have gotten back to creating and writing poetry again. The difference this time is that I'm seeking to share more of my inner thoughts and concerns. This is quite a evolution for me personally.

I always said that I was going to live my life openly and I'm doing that. The néed for me to be a rock in the times I'm presently living in is pushing me to be more in depth about sharing and living. I'm not so sure where this will but the past few poems I've written indicates a shift in focus and depth.

Commentary-Anthem

It's been a long time since the national anthem has sparked so much conversation. Predominantly black players in the NFL are refusing to stand during the playing of the anthem because of the injustice done to black people as a whole. 

I'm playing devil's advocate here. A few points to be considered. I am black. I stand for the playing of the anthem(always have). While I don't particularly agree with what they are doing I understand their position. Second point is that the country has been this way before. Muhammad Ali refusing induction into the military in 1967.  Tommie Smith and John Carlos raising clenched fists at the 1968 Olympics.  When I was in junior college in 1968 and 1969 black student did not stand at the play of the anthem much to the chagrin of the predominantly white audience.

What I notice is that white folks get really angry when black folks do this. They may say that they are hurting our men and women serving in the military. I was in the army in 1971 during the Vietnam era. Protests were happening almost every day. It didn't affect me one bit. For years I've heard people say if you don't like America, then leave. Why? Theirs and mine ancestors came here in chains and were subjected of some of the harshest treatment. 

I'm sure some have said why should I stand for the anthem when America hasn't respected me as a person? A valid question. Some will say that they are just spoiled brats who don't appreciate what they can have in America. Some of these players come from some rough backgrounds where drugs, violence and poverty were rampant. Another point is that just because a few people have found success does not mean that the masses are have, far from it. One needs to remember after the game the players still live in society. That's why when someone says 'just shut up and play' is, in my mind, is a stupid and ignorant comment.

I mentioned earlier that I was in the service. I attend the Veteran's Day parade every year. I have marched in it and now view it as a spectator. I served to preserve the freedoms we enjoy. I served so that white supremacists had to right to protest though their message is deplorable. The anthem protests are also people exercising their free speech. This is what America is about. 

I still believe that there are many white folks who really don't know what black people have to go through on a daily basis. It seems that people are going to tribal warfare and that is not good for anyone. I would love to discuss this topic with anyone who cares to. 

As I also mentioned earlier, I'm just playing devil's advocate. 

Genevieve's Gems

When the women's liberation movement began, whe people began protest agaist the Vietnam War, civil rights movement, at the beginning of these movements, the majority of the country was not with them, did not believe in the basic principles of any of these philosophies.

~Michael Moore

Poem

While I going through some old stories I ran across this poem. It was posted by Zythyra on mysbandbetty.com. I thinks a great time to post this.

T is for all Trans persons who have gone before us.
R is for the realities of our lives
A is for Awareness, Action, and Acceptance.
N is for Never again will we be silenced
S is for our Songs and Stories
G is for all Genders in between the two
E is for Expressing our inner beauty
N is for our unknown names
D is for the Duality of our spirits
E is for the Essential truths of our beings
R is for Re-awakening to new possibilities

P is for Passing as what others need to see
R is for Reclaiming our ancient Roles in society
I is for the Invisibility of our history
D is for the deaths of too many trans sisters and brothers
E is for Equality for Everyone!


Zythyra

Activism

I just hope and pray that more people will be stirred up to activism than apathy.

Commentary-Village Voice

I picked up the last copy of the Village Voice in print form. It was announced earlier that the once venerable alternative newspaper was no longer in the paper form.

I first read the Voice around 1968 or 1969. It was almost as thick as the Sunday New York Times on occasion. One could read a particular topic from an alternative point of view. Everything from civil rights to gay liberation to womens rights to labor was discussed. No topic was left untouched. There were many rag sheets during the 1960s and 1970s (I read many of them). The Voice discussed issues in a rational and intelligent manner while still being edgy. One could find where the next rock concert would be or if a poetry jam was on McDougall or Bleecker Street. Voice reporters were at anti war dempnstrations, concerts, movies, a chess tournament or the do a review on the latest new restaurant.

With the rise of social media like Google and Facebook the Voice and other print becsme obsolete. So another alernative newsweekly bites the dust. It will be on the web but it's not the same as having those pages in your hand.

I miss picking up the Voice on newsstands. Thanks for all the memories.

Genevieve's Gems

Some of the greatest achievements have come from people you least expect.

Perseverance

Perseverance is one needed in these trying times. I said shortly after last year's election that people will need to find causes they are passionate about and work with them. Yes, people will criticize and make fun of you. So What?

Perseverance is staying focused on the task at hand. Many things will try to throw you off course. Some folks do not want you to succeed and will do anything to get you off track. One aspect of successful people is that they stay focused and don't care what others think or say. I'm seeing that people are opening up their eyes and minds and becoming more involved with issues that matter. 

I've become more interested in local politics because I see how it affects people in my neighborhood. I'm becoming involved with the TGBLQ community in my neighborhood. Being a senior citizen I'm naturally concerned about items such as medical care and housing and safety.

The main point is to keep fighting, keep going. Whatever task I take up I go into it for the long haul. Things aren't won overnight. Many of the benefits and right we have were won because people persevered and worked until the goals were accomplished. 

TGLBQ Ministry

I'm looking forward to the TGLBQ ministry at church starting up again. It's needed now more than ever. I see a smattering of trans people in my neighborhood though not always visible. I'm praying the ministry will be a place where the ministry, Beyond Labels, can be a safe space for TGLBQ people.

People I Admire

There are many people throughout history who I truly admire. Some stand out for various reasons. Here is a list of those people who stand out to me personally.

Martin Luther King, Jr.
Carter G. Woodson
George Washington Carver
Frederick Douglass
Harriet Tubman
Malcolm X

Genevieve's Gems

Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.

~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Local Politics

Last Friday I attended a political forum in which three candidates were running for the council position in my district. The event brought an audience of a diverse group of people. Gentrification, affordable housing, and infrastructure are hot topics in my neighborhood. The forum went along smoothly though a few times it threatened to become testy.

I see how important local politics are perhaps more so than national politics. I will be paying much more attention to the local scene. I will also be more thorough in my research of the candidates. This is a trying time in my neighborhood and I want to see that ALL residents are treated equally and fairly.

What Happened?

What ever happened to the time when people could agree to disagree?

9/11

Hard to believe that it's been sixteen years since that fateful day. Time has moved on but the memories of that day will always linger. What I remember most is how New Yorkers stepped up big time to help their fellow citizen. Folks from all over the country lent a helping hand as the city was in recovery.

I was a mile and a half away from the towers. I saw the north tower burning. People were going everywhere trying to get away as fast as possible.  I remember the posters of loved one who would never return. I remember the confusion, the fear, the anger, and the hope. 

On this day, let us pray for the people who still feel the pain keenly. Let us work for peace and reconciliation with our neighbors and friends. Above all don't let fear stop us from living life.

Never Forget! 

Genevieve's Gems

It is during the darkest moments that we must focus on the light.


~Aristotle

Prayers

Please pray for the folks in Florida and Puerto Rico in the wake of the latest hurricane.

Number Eighteen

Thus far eighteen trans trans people have been murdered in 2017. The latest murder happened in upstate New York where Kashmire Redd, a trans man was stabbed multiple times by his live in partner. Though we hear much about trans women being murdered, trans men aren't invulnerable to violence. You just don't hear about it much.

Last year twenty seven women were murdered, most of them people of color. With the current administration and the climate the president has created trans people are getting it from many sides. This is where we need to be vigilant and persevere. I'm making a point of calling out things that affect us. Misgendering, misreporting, and anyone who denigrates us as a group. I am NOT going to be made invisible! 

Labor Day

Happy Labor Day!!!

Genevieve's Gems

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


~H. Jackson Brown, Jr.