GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Voting is our right, but it's also our responsibility because if we don't take the next step and elect leaders who are committed to building a better future for our kids, others rights-our rights to clean air, clean water,
 health, and prosperity-are placed directly in harm's way.


~Tom Steyer

TRANS RIGHTS PROTEST

There will be a protest Friday, November 2, at 6 PM in Union Square.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

The time has come for transgender and non conforming people to resist those who threatened our safety and well being.

STANDING STRONG

With the threat of transgender and non conforming people being erased by the powers that be, it is time for us to stand up and resist. I for one will not be erased.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

To live in this world, you must be able to do three things; to love what is mortal; to hold it against your bones knowing your life depends upon it; and, when the time times to let it go, to let it go.


~Mary Oliver, Poet

BETTER

I'm feeling much better.

RECOVERING

High blood pressure has kept me down the past couple of days. Getting better though.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

A sympathetic friend can be quite as dear as a brother.


~Homer

TWO DAYS OF EVENTS.

The past two days have been eventful for me. Yesterday the mayor signed a bill in which transgender and non conforming people and intersex in New York City can change their marker on their birth certificate, passport and other legal documents with out a letter from the doctor. There will less hassle and trouble for TGNC folks. This was a long time coming.

Today members of SAGE attended a luncheon at Viacom for LGBT history month. A veteran of the gay liberation front f shared this knowledge of the early days of struggle, activism and liberation. He refuted the idea that trans people started the rebellion, which I found questionable. He admitted that he may need to do more research on this.  

A number of us from SAGE were present at both events. It was great for us seniors to be there. Some day I would love to speak to a group of young folks about my experiences. 

KEEPING PROPER PERSPECTIVE

Life can throws us for a loop sometimes. Too many things happening at the same time. The gloom and doom of the daily news. Many things trying to grab our attention. It is important to events do not overwhelm us. There's much to do and the need to focus on what's important is vital.

Feeling guilty because one cannot become involved in a project cause unnecessary inner turmoil. One can only what he/she can. Not everybody can be an activist but one can write letters, make phone calls, encourage others. Some folks have the gift of nurturing folks in hospitals helping in their healing process. Others can comfort the grieving. Still others create and develop programs that help the poor rise from their undesirable conditions.

It is important to keep perspective on and about. Take time to smell the roses. Even one small act can do much to inspire and encourage.Yes, there are battles to be fought and won. Doing so without nourishing and refreshing the soul and spirit will lead to discouragement and burnout. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

The mediocre teacher tells.
The good teacher explains. 
The superior teacher demonstrates.
The great teacher inspires.


~William Arthur Ward, Writer (1921-1994)

RADIO SHOWS IN NOVEMBER

My computer is still out of commission so my radio show will hopefully begin again in November. I have ample time to choose topics that will touch people's lives. There are MANY topics to choose from.

I WILL KEEP YOU UPDATED AS TO WHEN THE PROGRAMS WILL START.

EXCITING TIMES

To say that these are exciting times is an understatement. I'm happy to be alive because changes are happening that I can be part of the solutions to the ills that affect all of us. Yes, It will be a fight but I'm willing to do just that.

I have reminisced about my being trans and I hardly ever think about it. I'm going about life enjoying the activities that I enjoy. I'm still curious about learning new things (photography, bass guitar), traveling, and  meeting new people. Appreciating the little joys in live makes living worthwhile and meaningful.

FIVE UNDERAPPRECIATED PROFESSIONS

1. Parents

2. Teachers

3. Nurses

4. Police/Fire/EMS personnel

5. Military personnel

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

By all these lovely tokens September days are here with summers the best of the weather and autumns the best of cheer. 


Helen Hunt Jackson, Writer (1831-1885)

LOCAL POLITICS

I'm staying more in tune with local politics. I attended a women's retreat last Saturday. One workshop I attended was 'Lawmaker Accountability'. It was pointed out that positions such as judges are just as important as council members and state senators. Before I vote in November I will know more about the judiciary members and their platforms.

OPEN AND VISIBLE

I'm thankful that I've had very little trouble going about life as a trans woman. Most people really don't care. I pray for safety and go about my business.

With the current political climate it may change. I do know is that I'm not going in the closet or let others render me invisible.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

People are so docile right now. It is almost as if good government means when the politicians lie to us for our own good, for the public good, and bad government is when politicians lie for their own selfish interests.


~James Bovard  

COMMENTARY-LOCAL ELECTIONS

The presidential election gets much national attention. It happens every four years and it can mean a shift in the political landscape or a continuance of the current policies. However, it is the local politics that affect people more.

It may be being involved with a school board, community board, neighborhood watch, running for the city or town council, state senate ,etc. Here in New York City more people were involved in local elections than in previous years. Just like national politics, if the constituency believes he/she isn't doing the job, they can and will be replaced. 

Affordable housing and gentrification is a huge issue here. Though not always victorious, grass roots groups made their presence felt. Many incumbent politicians were put on notice that unless they do the job they were elected to do they will be removed by the people. More young people were running for office and I believe that bodes well for the future. Congratulations to all the winners. Remember, do what you promised.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

There are heroes/heroines that you'll never find in the history pages, but are no less important to those people they affected.

ELECTION

Hope everyone voted today.

9/11

Will never forget the events of that fateful day as long as I live.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Leadership is not about a title or a designation. It's 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 team-mates and customers. 



~Robin S. Sharma

MORE TRANS SISTERS LOST TO VIOLENCE

Four transgender women murdered within the past ten days. When does it all end? 

FUTURE COMMENTARIES

Come September I will be posting a number of commentaries about various topics. There's so much happening and it's sometimes hard to keep up. When I am able to focus on a topic I have been able to come to a conclusion all my own. 

While trans issues are one topic so is the direction of the country and my own thoughts about traditions that are being challenged. Stay tuned. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Truth is powerful and it prevails.


~Sojourner Truth, Activist (1787-1883)

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

The things that we love tell us what we are.

~Thomas Aquinas

NEED FOR SOLUTIONS

As I live life, I see that there needs to be more respect for others views. This I believe is keeping people from resolving the issues in the country.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Forgiveness is not always easy. At times, it feels more painful than the wound. We suffered to forgive the one that inflicted it. And yet, there is no peace without forgiveness.


~Marianne Williamson

CONFORMITY

Conformity is a wide open topic which will elicit many different viewpoints. There are times when one may need to conform; on the job, the military, etc. I thinking more about when people have viewpoints different from my own. People are entitled to their own opinions and I respect that. No one has the right to trash someone else's character because he/she has a different viewpoint.

I make no secret that I admire people who are outside the box. They stepped away from the conventions of their times. They went against the prevailing mindsets of their times. I welcome listening to opposing view points because it can be a point of educating and opening the mind. Forcing someone to think the way they do does a disservice to them. I've been called names because I have a different viewpoint or live my own life contrary to theirs. 

Conformity is neither good nor bad. Forcing someone to think the way they do shows a lack of respect. Enjoy life and be who you are. 

COMMENTARY

The protests by NFL players over American anthem has picked steam again. Both the protesters and the defenders are making their own talking points.

I do stand for the pledge of allegiance and have done so all my life. It's the right thing to do. I am a veteran who served during the Vietnam era when it wasn't popular to be in the military. I have several American flags in my home. I am also black.

I possibly would get some push back because of my position. America is the only country I have known. When I see protesters burning the flag, it disgusts me. Yes, there are problems that must be dealt with. I strongly believe that folks on both sides must put their anger away and start finding solutions to the country's ills. I would love to talk with the people who don't recite the pledge and find out their reasoning for their acts.

People who come to America and become citizens have the advantage of having lived in one place and finding America the land of opportunity. There are people who do not believe that they are part of America's tapestry. Reasons seem to vary.

Though I don't agree with the kneeling, they have the right to do it. America is the land of opportunity and I encourage people to seek them out. It's the only place I know where one will have that chance. To me that says a lot.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Be who you are.

Let no one define you. You define yourself.

Love yourself.

RADIO SHOW

Come September I will resume my iternet radio show 'Genevieve's Gems'. Will have more details in the coming weeks.

SEVENTY AND EXCITED

I celebrated my 70th birthday (August 4th). I've been on earth for seven decades! I have seen a lot, done many things, faced difficult challenges. I'm bullish about the future.

JOY

I derive much joy from seeing other people succeed.  I being each day with something positive and end it the same way.   

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Every day brings new choices.


~Martha Beck

WORKING FOR SOLUTIONS

I read conservative sites to get a different point of view. I do admit that I'm liberal on a number of issues. I hold a conservative view on abortion, the Second Amendment, and immigration. One of my concerns is the tribalism that has happened instead of conversation about finding solutions to the ills of the country. 

Part of finding solutions is being willing to be vulnerable and willing to change if they are wrong. It's still amazing that nearly two after the presidential election people are still ticked off. My advice is that Donald Trump is our president.We need to move on. Let's work on solutions to homelessness, high taxes, immigration, substance abuse, and other ill. There's no time for fighting and arguing.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Life ain't always beautiful, but it's a beautiful ride. 


~Gary Allan

VIOLENCE BRINGS MORE VIOLENCE

Many people will say that they want peace in the world. When I hear some of those same people say that they want to (or someone else) kill our current president is isn't inciting violence? I don't like our current president but remember violence begets violence. I like to believe we're better than that.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a moron.


~H. L. Mencken, Writer (1880-1956) 

ACTIVE AND ALIVE

Since retirement I am busier now than when I was working. Just this month it has been performances, a fundraiser for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, writing poems and monologues, listening to other trans people's stories, and encouraging others to achieve greater heights. My spouse and I saw a musician friend of mine perform at one of the local venues. It's been all good.

WORK FOR CHANGE

Instead of focusing on throwing vitriol at President Trump a better idea would be to work with the things you are concerned about.

VIVA LA FRANCE

A belated congratulations to France on winning the World Cup.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

It is beyond a doubt that all our knowledge begins with experience.


~Immanuel Kant (1724-1804)

WORLD CUP FINAL

The 2018 FIFA World Cup final is set for Sunday, July 15, at 11AM (ET)



                                    CROATIA

                                          vs

                                     FRANCE

FIFA WORLD CUP

I enjoy watching the world like I do March Madness. There were some compellng games and colossal disappointments. Below my thoughts about 2018 world cup.

MOST IMPRESSIVE:
Uruguay, Begium, Japan

MOST DISAPPOINTING:
Germany, Spain

MOST OVERRATED:
Argentina, Portugal

MOST SURPRISING:
Croatia, Russia, Senegal

ON THE RISE:
Colombia, Costa Rica.

BEST SPORTSMANSHIP:
Japan

BASEBALL PREDICTIONS- MID SEASON ASSESSMENT

With the baseball more than half way through. How are my predictions holding up? Some surprises, a number of disappointments.




American League
Houston-playing good and can improve. The best starting pitching and diverse lineup.

Cleveland-muddling around .500 but capable of going on a hot streak
 
NY Yankees-playing great baseball. Concern is starting rotation. Severino's been great. Tanaka inconsistent. Sonny Gray a disappointment and back of the rotation a question mark.   

Wild Card
Boston-great lineup, solid rotation. Can win AL East.


Minnesota, LA Angels-both disappointing. losing Ervin Santana hurt the Twins and their rotation's been spotty. Haven't hit like I thought they would. Always questioned the Angels rotation, bullpen is meh. Kinsler and Calhoun have been horrible.

Team that will rebound: Baltimore- in one word, awful.
Team that will slip:   Toronto-about there I thought they would be
Surprises: Seattle, Tampa, Oakland

National League

LA Dodgers-playing much better after awful start. Need more from Maeda and Hill.
Chicago Cubs- hanging in there. Darvish going down hurt, Lester has been good. Need more from Hendricks. Need more consistency from Quintana. Like Cleveland, can go on a hot streak with their lineup.
 
Washington- a .500 team. Always questioned their grit and Harper's been awful this year.

Wild Card
NY Mets-injuries again. This is a slow boring team that will see changes.
Arizona- a gritty team. Solid rotation, decent pen.  

Team that will rebound: SF Giants-playing decent ball. Just a few games from wild card spot. Bumgarner coming back a plus.



Team that will slip: Colorado-never liked their rotation and their bullpen stinks. Not hitting like they did last year.


Surprises: Phillies, Brewers (thought they would slips but they lead NL Central)
                   Atlanta-thought they would be good last year but everything went wrong.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

You have to understand that people have to pay a price for peace. If you dare to struggle' you dare to win.


~Fred Hampton

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Whatever happened to civility in our discourse? 

POST PRIDE MARCH THOUGHTS

I marched in the pride event for the first time in a number of years. My spouse and I made it to the end. As pride month comes to a conclusion, a doubling down of improving the lives of LGBTQ is important. 

I am concerned that many of the young folks don't know or have interest in the history of our movement. A young woman wore a t-shirt that said it all about it and I'm paraphrasing "Gay liberation was started by trans people of color. This is an issue that I have taken on as a personal mission. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Pride means that I can be happy about myself and who I am.

COMMENTARY-DEPRESSION AND SUICIDE

With the celebrity suicide deaths of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain this week, the topic of depression has again come to the fore. Two people who seems to have it all apparently battled depression.

Depression is a bigger problem in the LGBTQ communities. In the trans communities depression and suicide is even higher. It's so important that people know there are resources out there.

ANNUAL PRIDE PARTY

Celebrated pride at our annual pride party at the church. There was poetry spoken word, singing,and, later on, dancing. The theme of the party was 1970s music. Some folk wore 1970s style clothing. There was plenty of food also. Spouse and I danced a lot. Hope I can get up in the morning.

GENEVUEVE'S GEMS

Respect for ourselves guides our morals, respect for others guides our manners.


~Laurence Sterne, Novelist (1713-1768)

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Youth is the gift of nature, but age is a work of art.


~Stanislaw Jerzy Lec, Poet (1909-1966)

MEMORIAL DAY-REMEMBERING OUR HEROES/HEROINES

Remember the men and women who gave their lives for the freedoms we enjoy. As a veteran, I am very mindful of this.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

There is one, and only one, thing in modern society more hideous than crime namely, repressive justice.


Simone Weill, Philosopher (1909-1943) 

TRANSGENDER FLAG DAY

August 19th is transgender pride flag day! mark it on your calendar.

COMMENTARY-GUN VIOLENCE

Once again there's been another mass shooting in a school. At least ten people lost their lives by a person(s) with a gun. THere are calls for for gun control. THere are those who, despite what happened and are sympathetic, defend the Second amendment. fortudiously. 

What is missing here is any thoughts about the shooters. Are they all mentally ill? Did they break because of problems at home? Not all the shooterswere mentally ill. Some were angry. Others were hell bent on hurting whoever came in their path. I understand both sides of the argument abot guns but a greater point is being overlooked- the people who commit these horrible acts. Unless how to intercept the people with help they need before hand, all that is being blown is hot air. .

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Through perseverance many people win out of what seemed destined to be certain failure.


~Benjamin Disraeli

REFLECTION AND THOUGHTS ABOUT CONVERSION

I sat in an empty church today, praying and meditating. Thoughts of my childhood flooded my mind. I was blessed to have wonderful parents who nurtured me along with my brother and sister. I remember going to church and Mass. I never knew that years later I would have a spiritual conversion. Many years after that, I have a conversion of moving from one gender to the other (male to female).  

Looking back I believe that my spiritual conversion helped me to weather the storms of questioning whether my gender was the authentic one I was living. Now thirteen years later, I can say that I made the right choice. I've never been happier in my life.

MOM'S DAY

TRANS SOCIAL AT SAGE CENTER

The Transgeneration Theater Project performed at the Sage Center in midtown. It was the third year of performing. The theme was 'Stages of Birth' from the trans and gender non conforming perspective. A number of trans and gnc people were in attendance and the performance was a success. Afterwards there was a Q & A and comments. There will be a second performance this Friday, May 18th, at 7 PM which is open to the general public.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.


~Theodore Hesburgh

LET PEOPLE BE THEMSELVES

I have always believed that people can be whoever they want to be. It bothers me when some say that we have to dress, look, or speak in a particular way. A person can be ignored or pushed aside because they aren't a particular generation, age, or part of a particular group. Having been on my own since I was a teen, those dynamics are unimportant to me. 

No one defines me or who I should be. What helped me during my questioning phase was seeing the many different gender expressions and identities. Each individual is free to discover life on their own terms.  Being comfortable in one's own skin is priceless.

SWEEP! SWEEP!

The Mets were swept by Atlanta and Colorado. No one is hitting.

JUNE PRIDE PARTY

The Beyond Labels Ministry at church is preparing for a Pride Party in June. That month is full with activities capped off  with the pride march later in the month. The theme this year will be the 70s dance music. Wow! I love this! Donna Summer. The Trammps. Chic. Have to visit some vintage or consignment stores for some outfits. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Grief can be the garden of compassion. If you keep your heart open through everything, your pain can become your greatest ally in your life's search for love and wisdom. 


~Rumi, Poet (1207-1273)

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Infuse your life with action. Don't wait for it to happen. Make it happen. Make your own future. Make your own hope. Make your own love. And whatever your beliefs, honor your creator, not by passivity waiting for grace to come down upon high, but by doing what  you can to make it happen...yourself, right now, right down here on Earth. 

~Bradley Whitford 

LOVE TRANSGENDERATIONAL THEATER PARTICIPANTS

I just love the Transgenerational  Theater Project. The people that I'm working, creating and performing with are a blessing to me. I hope that I have influenced them in some way.

ARTS,GENDER, AND ECONOMICS

I am involved with the arts. Acting, performance, spoken word, writing, and other things. It allows me to express myself that mere words cannot convey. Arts does not see gender, race, sexuality, or economics. 

I am part of a theater project with trans and gender non conforming folks of all ages. This is my third year of participation and I'm so blessed to be a part of this. I have met some truly wonderful people who I consider as friends. We enjoy being with each other and creating art. I have the arts touch lives right before my eyes. A number of people have blossomed because art allowed them to express themselves. 

Problems in the country and world will not be solved unless people are willing to sit down and talk about them and find solutions. The arts bridges diverse groups and intertwines diverse viewpoints. One reason the arts is the first to go during economic crises is that it brings people together who normally may not associate with each other. Makes me wonder if America really wants to solve its problems.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

If you have knowledge, let other light their candles by it.


~Chinese Proverb

PROTEST SONGS

Remember the days of protest songs? I remember many of the songs from the civil rights and anti war movements. One song that I believe was the anthem of the Vietnam anti-war movement was 'For What It's Worth' by Buffalo Springfield. Marvin Gaye's great album "What's Going On?" was a protest against war, racism, economic exploitation, and greed.

Radio stations were reluctant to play them back them for fear of offending their advertisers. It would be a major miracle if you heard a protest song in this corporate driven world. Maybe some day the protest song will become a part of protest once again. I sure hope so. Sure do need it.

SPEAKING OUT

I'm usually quiet and reserved, not always sharing my thoughts out in public. That changed in 2012 or 2013. I was tired of trans and gender non conforming people being trashed by the media, politicians, preachers, and administrators. It motivated me to speak out that it was drag queens and trans people who set off the Stonewall Rebellion. Trans people do the hard pulling and pushing then are shuttled to the sidelines because we don't "look right" (whatever that means).

Too many folks have been battered by the vitriol spewed out by some of these 'well meaning' people and it has done nothing but hurt and destroy. I'm a senior citizen and trans and where can be harder just to get basic needs. Well, I'm silent no longer. I'm out and proud every day and will be so.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Memories of our lives, of our works and our deeds will continue in others.



~Rosa Parks, Activist (1913-2005)

BEING TRANS IN A WORLD THAT SCORNS US

Transgender is an umbrella term of a wide spectrum of gender identity and expression. Seeing the many different expressions of gender during my questioning phase helped to understand that I could express myself however I choose. 

It's frustrating at times that the trans community is still bickering over how each person should present themselves. How they should look, speak, and act. Each person has traveled their own journey and have come to their own conclusions in their walk. I may have experienced what they have; I may not understand what they experience is about. What I do is support them wholeheartedly.

Our lives are not always easy. I am a trans senior citizen who is blessed to have a supportive and accepting spouse. Many trans women and men do not have someone to love and support them and it saddens me. If one is a senor citizen it's even harder. 

Trans people need to support each other. We need to respect one other as sisters and brothers. We need to empathetic to those who are struggling. Those people and groups who seek to harm us need to be called out PUBLICALLY!

BASEBALL 2018

It's been a while since I've been this excited about the baseball season. I'm a die hard Mets fan and believe if the pitching stays healthy the team will rebound and have a good year.

Here are my predictions for 2018  for the teams that will make the playoffs. 

American League

Houston
Cleveland 
NY Yankees

Wild Card
Boston
Minnesota, LA Angels

Team that will rebound: Baltimore
Team that will slip:   Toronto


National League

LA Dodgers
Chicago Cubs
Washington

Wild Card
NY Mets
Arizona

Team that will rebound: SF Giants
Team that will slip: Colorado

NCAA BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS

                                                                           MEN


DIVISION I-           VILLANOVA WILDCATS

DIVISION II-          FERRIS STATE BULLDOGS

DIVISION III-         NEBRASKA WESLEYAN PRAIRIE WOLVES

NAIA DIV. I-           GRACELAND YELLOWJACKETS

NAIA DIV. II-          INDIANA WESLEYAN WILDCATS




                                                                          WOMEN


DIVISION I-             NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH

DIVISION II-            UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL MISSOURI MULES

DIVISION III-           AMHERST MAMMOTHS

NAIA DIV. I-             FREED-HARDEMAN LIONS

NAIA DIV. II-            DAKOTA WESLEYAN TIGERS


               


                         CONGRATULATIONS TO A JOB WELL DONE!

               

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow.

~Unknown

HOLY WEEK AND TRANSGENDER DAY OF VISIBILITY

I hope that your Holy Week was a good one. I attended Good Friday and Easter services. My spouse and I are part of the dance ministry at church. We performed twice (had two Sunday services) which was well received by many folks. This was one of the best Holy weeks I have experienced.

Saturday was the Transgender Day od Visibility. Just being out and about is a blessing. I'm out all the time. I was pleased reading that Scotland had its first trans pride parade. It's wonderful that trans and gender non conforming people are stepping up and stepping out asserting their right to live a life of happiness.

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.