GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Follow your passion, be prepared to work hard and to sacrifice, and, above all, don't let anyone limit your dreams.

~Donovan Bailey

SUNDAY NIGHT

On my good night posts on Facebook, I generally post a picture of a quiet street or city scene at night. Sometimes it's mountains or sunsets.

I do this as it, to me, signals the end of the long week. The past week may have been good or bad. Exciting or trying. No matter how the week has gone, it is in the past. Be thankful that you made it through.

A new week beckons. Ideas. Dreams. Goals.
Each day has its own challenges but remember that God is with you. Stay focused, have a positive attitude, and work hard. Don't let the naysayers thwart you. Keep going. Be encouraged.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something.


~Plato, Philosopher (427 BC- 347 BC)

PHASE II

We just celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall rebellion. I believe the parade was an exclamation point to the celebration.

The next phase will see some of old issues and needs. There will also be some new ones. Gender non conforming people will have an impact on the advancement of TGLBQ+ topics. Only time will tell as to how many victories there will be.

LONG AND WINDING ROAD

This road reminds me of the many miles journeyed throughout my life. I still have many miles to travel.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watch the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.

~John Lubbock, British Statesman (1834-1913)

TRANS HEALTH CONFERENCE

I will be traveling to Philadelphia in a couple of weeks to attend the three day trans health conference. I attended in 2015 but for only one day. I'm really looking forward to this representing SAGE, a place where senior TGLBQ+ elders go. Can't wait.

TAME

This weekend is far tamer than last. It's been rather quiet for a 4th of July weekend.

I' m reflecting on the World Pride Parade last Sunday and was happy to part of it.  Now the real work continues. Picking my battles as to which one interests me. Still believe trans visibility is important. I refuse to be erased. So do my friends.

Have been reading a few articles about other movements before and after Stonewall. Read one that happened in Atlanta, Georgia. Need to keep our history alive.

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 downright moron.

H.L. Mencken, Writer (1880-1956)

4th of July

INDEPENDENCE

Independence Day and World Pride coincided on the same week. When I thought about it I see some similarities in both events.

One, people were fighting for their independence. People fled Europe so they could be free to choose how they wanted to live. In 1969 trans, drag queens, and street people led the charge for the freedom to choose how they wanted to live. The Stonewall Riot was a turning point for TGLBQI people.

Much has improved however more needs to be done. We remember those men and women who wanted to make life better fior all. I agree that George Washington was the father of our nation. Marsha P. Johnson was the mother of the fight for gay liberation.

It has been a week to celebrate, to reflect on far we have come. It also cause us to pause and see what more needs to be done.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

HAPPY PRIDE!

HONORING DADS

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

LEE GREER BREWSTER (1943-2000)

Lee Brewster was an American drag queen who created and performed drag balls in New York City in the1960s and 1970s. She is noted for opened up Lee's Mardi Gras Boutique,  which was located on West 14th Street in Greenwich Village which catered to drag queens and cross dressers. 

Brewster advocated for people who wanted to cross dress. She founded the Queens Liberation Front,  a transvestite rights advocacy organization.  When some feminists took opposition performing in the pride march, Brewster stood her ground.

I know a few people who frequented Brewster's boutique. It was a godsend in a difficult for cross dressers ad trans people. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

When it comes Father's Day, I will remember my dad for being there to nurture me and also for the times he gave me my own to cultivate my own interests and nurture my own spirit.

~ Jennifer Grant

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

~Jesus Christ

BEWARE OF PROVACATEURS

During the 50th anniversary of Stonewall, thete will be dome who do not share our pride and joy. Watch out for people who will try to demean and insult you, to stir up trouble.

In this current climate, there will be the push to try to erase us. Stand up and be proud of who you are. Stand up to the hate mongers. We stood up before the hate and bigotry. We will need to do so again.

BE VIGILANT

Three trans women of color have been murdered in the past two weeks. Yesterday I read of a trans woman in Mexico who was decapitated. Attacks against TGLBQ have ramped up since President Trump has become president. As trans people we must be vigilant in these troubling times. We have every right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

When government-in pursuit of good intentions-tries to rearrange the economy, legislate morality, or help special interests, the cost come in inefficiency, lack of motivation, and loss of freedom. Government should be a referee, not an active player.

~Milton Friedman, Economist (1912-2006)

ALREADY

It's amazing that already the run to the 2020 presidential election has begun. Sad if you ask me. Who's working on behalf of us citizens in resolving the issues that really concern us? All the innuendos, backbiting, infighting and the other nonsense. I also see a serious lack of anyone with moral and spiritual positives.

MOM' S DAY

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Motherhood is a great honor and privilege, yet it is also synonymous with servanthood. Every day women are called upon to selflessly meet the needs of their families. Whether they are awake at night nursing a baby, spending their time and money on less-than-grateful teenagers, or preparing meals, moms continuously put others before themselves.

~Charles Stanley

BEEN A WHILE

It's been a while since the last post. Easter was very good. I enjoy the Easter season much. Got caught in other stuff also. I recently attended a memorial for a friend.  There's been so much happening in the world that I'm trying to keep up with. I will be posting my thoughts about many subjects in the coming days.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Nature always wear the colors of the spirit.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

PASSOVER

Happy Passover to all my Jewish friends.

DOCUMENTARY

A documentary about International Chrysis (1951-1990),  an icon in the drag scene in the 1970s and 1980s in the East Village will be shown at the IFC Center on Monday, May 13, at 8PM.

 I just stumbled upon this a few days ago. The drag scene was pretty big back in the day and I want to know more about International Chrysis and others like her.

TRANS BAN NOW IN EFFECT

With the president's edict to bar transgender people from serving in the military, my resolve is strengthened in that I will not be erased.

Many good soldiers will not be able to serve. Some may be drummed out of the service. This is similar to 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' which many gay and lesbian troops were dismissed.

I am a veteran and trans. I find this law without merit. A number of these service member are in high security positions which are not easy to fill. The military has to maintain a quota each month. Finding top quality is not easy and even more difficult to replace.

I am appalled by this. The final say on trans people's careers were decided by a five time draft dodger and a person in denial of his own sexuality. A real shame.

MARCH AND RALLY FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

DIVISION I MEN'S AND WOMEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

People who trash others because they are different shows how miserable they are. It's a reflection on THEM.

~Genevieve

TRANSGENDER

A friend on the net was insulted by a transsexual woman because she has not had surgery. Statements like this divide the trans community.

Transgender is an umbrella term who covers many expressions and identities. Many people, like myself, elect to not have surgery or take hormones. Just because many don't have the surgery or take hormones does not invalidate us as trans people. I still get stares and looks. There are people who wish us harm whether or not we have had surgery.

Those people who belittle others because they haven't surgery are often dealing with their own insecurities. I came out as transgender nearly 14 years ago and have never been happier. And fidn't have surgery. Each perdon has to do what's best for them. No one should be put into a box because some small group wants to set the narrative for everyone else. This is harmful, divisive and shuts others out. I don't want any part of this.

MORE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS

MEN

DIVISION I           

DIVISION II

WOMEN

DIVISION I

DIVISION II

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!!!!

HONORED

I was honored to open Sunday service on this Transgender Day Of Visibility. It was the call to worship and the opening prayer.

I am out to my church family and probably some folks for the first time heard from a trans woman. The assistant pastor was very pleased and wants to talk with the senior minister (speaking at our sister church) about something in the future.

LUBBOCK CHRISTIAN ON TOP OF WORLD

The Division II Women's Basketball Championship goes to the Chapparals of Lubbock Christian.

CONGRATULATIONS! LADY CHAPS!

BEARCATS WIN!

Congratulations to the Bearcats winning the Division II men's basketball championship.

Northwest Missouri St.- 64

Point Loma Nazarine- 58

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Right and wrong are not relative terms. They are fundamental truths. Evil flourishes, but good men continue to battle it-and win. 


~Mike Gallagher

CLOSED

The Edie Windsor Sage Center in New York is closed today due to no water in the building.

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 believes they can come true. These are not cliches but real tools you need no matter what you do in life to stay focused on your path.


~Phillip Sweet  

TRASNSGENDER VISIBILITY

Transgender Day of Visibility is Sunday, March 31st. Make your presence felt and seen.

SAINTS WIN!

2018-2019 Division 3 Women's Basketball Champions!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Thomas More- 81
Bowdoin-         67

TITANS REIGN

Congratulations to the 2018-2019 Division 3 men's basketball champions.

UW-Oshkosh.  96
Swarthmore   82

DIVISION III WOMEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

                                                                             VS.

DIVISION III MEN'S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

                                                                               VS.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning dew and is refreshed.

~Khalil Gibran, Lebanese Poet (1883-1931)

DISCUSSION

With new identities coming into the open, it is time to expand knowledge of gender identity and expression. It will be happening at my senior center.

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP DECLINING ACCORDING TO SURVEY

I recently read an article about the decline in church membership among some denominations.  A survey was used to cite those finding. The churches were small (100 or more). Age of the pastors were used in the questions.

What the survey did not answer was why were these churches stagnant or declining in attendance. Were the member older folks or younger folks? Where were the churches located? Was the demography hanging? The survey failed to mention this.

After reading this article I wonder if these churches are wrestling with issues of LGBTQI inclusion. With the recent ruling of the United Methodist Church to exclude them from the clergy and address same sex marriage at their annual meeting. Not saying this was the case with participants in this survey but it does give pause for thought.

There are many in the LGBTQI community who do attend church and are active in the activities. The church is one place where we should be free to be ourselves. Sadly, that's not always the case.

I pray that one day more churches, synagogues and mosques will be welcoming and affirming to their LGBTQI brothers and sisters. The United Methodist Church blew a golden opportunity to set a standard. I'm blessed to attend a place where ALL are welcomed and loved. I pray that this will become commonplace.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don't wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it's at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored.


~Earl Nightingale, Entertainer (1921-1989)  

SPRING AHEAD

Don't forget to move your clocks one hour ahead Saturday night before going to sleep.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Don't be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.

~Roy T. Bennet

UNITED METHODIST'S LOST OPPORTUNITY

The leaders of the United Methodist Church have voted to keep restrictions on LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriages at the church's General Conference. With declining membership and changing demography you would think the leaders would move into the 21st century. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

He said "To be nobody
but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else-means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting".

~E.E. Cummings, Poet (1894-1962)

TRANS IN LEADERSHIP

I am on the advisory council of my senior center. Four of the members are trans women. We want to create more activities for trans people.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

I have chosen to be someone who wants to make a difference. There are so many ways to do this. Each day I try and be a better person than I was the day before.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

There is nothing impossible to him who will try.


~Alexander The Great

TESTY POLITICAL CLIMATE?

I'm wondering what the political climate will be here in New York over the next six months?

AWARD SHOWS

Can't remember the last time I watched the Grammy's. I don't watch the Oscars, Emmy's and the others. When was the last time there were real entertainers? The acts are predominantly pop artists and most of them aren't any good.

Another reason I don't watch them is all the self-congratulatory adulation about how great they are. The awards is no place for bashing others, especially the president.

There's a time and a place for politics and the award venues aren't the place.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Change your life today. Don't gamble on the future, act now, without delay.

~Simone de Beauvoir, Writer, (1908-1986)

IF YOU LOVE GOD, YOU MUST LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR

I am a Christian and have been for nearly a half century. What I find disappointing is that many well meaning Christians hate me and others like me. How can you say that you love God and hate your neighbor? Very hypocritical. 

FINDING LOVE

One desire I have for my single trans sisters and brothers is to find A significant someone who will love and accept them for who they are.

LIVING AUTHENTIC LIVES

Living authentically can be difficult but it's the only way to live. The world screams for authenticity but, at the same time, is frightened by it. There are folks who say 'you are courageous' or 'I wish that I could be like you'. Being vulnerable is part of being who we really are. I believe it comes with the territory.

Many of the great social moments happened because people saw something better and took risks and criticism to improve the lives of others. As a trans person, I live openly and won't disappear because someone is uncomfortable around me or other trans people. It's something there have to deal with. 

No one needs to be ashamed of who they are. You are important! There are people who love you for being you.  Being yourself is freeing and liberating.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

I would rather admit being wrong rather than keep traveling on the wrong trail.

~Genevieve

TRANS BAN-A BAD IDEA

I served three years in the military (army) in the early 1970s. I am proud of my service to the country. I did not know that I was trans until 2005. Still I feel feel an affinity to trans service members currently serving. 

What the ban is saying is that trans people do not have the capacity to serve. There's the idea to trans people are mentally unstable. They said that about gays and lesbians. The difference is that trans people are visible. With nearly fifteen thousand trans people currently services they have proven that they are capable of performing their tasks. One can choose not disclose their sexual orientation. Identity is in plain sight. 

I worked in the pharmacy during my tour of duty and performed well. There are many gifted and talented men and women who may be drummed out of the military simply because of who they are. Many are in sensitive positions that are not to fill. The military has a quota to fill every month. Will they fill it with people who are less qualified? I hope not.

In the end everyone loses. The men and women not allowed to serve their country because who they are. The current service members who can see that trans people can and are good soldiers. The military loses because gifted people who can improve the services will not be allowed to display those skills. The ban on trans service members- a bad idea.

TRANS BAN IN MILITARY GOES INTO EFFECT

Transgender men and women who want a military career won't be able to because they will be barred from serving.

Currently there are 15 thousand trans service members on active duty. I wonder if they will be drummed out of the military like gay and lesbian people were before 'don't ask, don't tell".

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.


~Marti Luther King, Jr., Leader (1929-1968)

FINALLY

The Gender Employment Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) at lone last passed both the state assembly (100-40) and state senate (42-19). New York has been waiting and working for this day. GENDA adds gender identity as a protected class in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations. Protections already exist in New York City. Now the rest of the state has it.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble, the small children, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.

~Ashley Smith

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BISONS!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2018-2019 FCS CHAMPIONS

North Dakota State- 38

Eastern Washington- 24

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been.

~Rainer Maria Rilke, Poet (1875-1926)

FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

                                                       FCS CHAMPIONSHIP

                                                                           VS.
   

FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

                                                             FBS CHAMPIONSHIP

                                                                             VS.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

A Happy New Year to all! A clean slate. What happened last year is over. I pray that each person will have a great 2019 with new dreams and goals.

 As I mentioned last year work on the issues that concern you. 

Don't be bitter or fearful. 

Keep a positive outlook!

Don't let other people's negativity disrupt you.

Encourage others.

Pray.

BE THANKFUL

In less than 31 hours, 2018 will be history. I would take the approach of posting the highs and lows of the year. I'm going to ask this: has the quality of your life changed?

There are a lot of angry folks out there. Reasons are many and varied. Has that anger been channeled to motivate you to make positive changes in life? A lot of people would be stymied by this question at the current time.

Be thankful for the things you already have. There are people who have lost everything. I'm thankful for being alive. Fourteen years ago on New Year's Eve, I was lying in the hospital having a massive heart attack. I have been brought to this point thus far.

It may have been a tough for some. Take time to assess and learn from those experiences. We cannot change what has happened. Have a positive outlook and work on the areas that need to change. Personal change is difficult but necessary if our lives are to move forward. Make peace with your adversaries, love everyone and don't be oversensitive about everything.

 HAPPY NEW YEAR!

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Communication leads to community, that is, to understanding, intimacy and mutual valuing.

~Rollo May

TRUTH

Some may say that I'm brave because I am living openly as a trans person. I'm just living life as the person I am.

CHRISTMAS WISHES

              




                  MERRY CHRISTMAS!

GOALS

As 2018 draws to its conclusion, I have a few goals for the upcoming year. Some are personal, others for folks out here who I pray will have a blessed and positive year. I will post them in the new year.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

If you're not having a good time, find something else that gives you some joy in life. 


~Penny Marshall, Actress-Director (1943-2018)

CONGRATS TO THE CHAMPS

Congratulations to the winners of their division championship games.

                                             
                                                    DIVISION II- VALDOSTA STATE

                                              DIVISION III- MARY-HARDIN-BAYLOR

                                                    NAIA- MORNINSIDE COLLEGE

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Being confident in one's abilities doesn't mean you trash someone else's abilities.

THIRD YEAR IN A ROW

                           DIVISION III COLLEGE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

                               UNIVERSITY OF MARY HARDIN BAYLOR CRUSADERS 


                                                                             vs.

                                      UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT UNION RAIDERS

DIVISION II COLLEGE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

                                                          FERRIS STATE BULLDOGS


                                                                              vs.

                                                       VALDOSTA STATE BLAZERS

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

With so many things coming back in style, I can't wait until morals, respect and intelligence become a trend again.


~Denzel Washington

NAIA COLLEGE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME

I am a huge fan of college football playoff games. This game is set for December 15th in Florida.





                        Benedictine College (KS) Ravens 

                                                vs.




                          Morningside College Mustangs

WORLD AIDS DAY

I didn't lose anyone in the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s and early 1990s but met a few people who did. Gay men were dropping like flies to the this then little known disease.

What was appalling was the treatment these people received from their families and society as a whole. Their bodies were not claimed upon their deaths. Churches and preachers didn't give them funerals and burials. There was much self righteous vilification of these men, who needed their families the most at a critical time.

Whenever I visit a memorial honoring those lost to AIDS, I reflect on the many talents, gifts, and humanity that will never be fulfilled. There could have been someone who possibly could have found a cure fir AIDS. The many family members, friends and mates left behind opens a void that may never be filled.

As I reflect on this World Aids Day, the battle still rages on. It's not in the news much anymore but there is a new generation who may not know the devastation the AIDS epidemic created. It's important to do things to improve the quality of life through education and personal changes needed to end this dreaded disease.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

When things are a disappointment, try not to be so discouraged.

~Carol Burnett

COMMENTARY

The week began at church with a community Thanksgiving dinner.  A number of folks who are struggling were fed. On Monday, it was Transgender Day of Remembrance ceremony at SAGE senior center. Thanksgiving on Thursday and the craziness that is called Black Friday(I wasn't out there).

Common threads were the range of emotions from gratitude to sympathy and celebration to madness. Another is the people who were part of this. Many have fared well. Others are still struggling. In the TGLBQI community loneliness and estrangement is magnified even more. The sense of no one caring and vilification can make daily life a living hell.

During my annual time of reflection, I think about all the tumultuous events that have happened. I am reminded that people are my fellow human beings, my neighbors. I have experienced highs and lows, lack and plenty. I am thankful to God that He has sustained and kept me up to this point. I wish the best for my neighbor whether or not I know them.  

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.


~Melody Beattie, Writer

TDOR

Attended Transgender Day of Remembrance ceremony at SAGE earlier this evening. Besides reading a few names of those departed, I alson read a poem I had written only a couple of hours earlier titled "I Am Your Neighbor".

SUPPORT THE T

As Transgender Awareness Week is drawing to a close I am concerned about the well being of all TGLBQI people. With the edit from the president to erase our existence, I and others have stated that we will not be erased.

I believe it is high time that LGBT stand up and support the T. Many major LGBT organizations do not have any trans representatives on their board of directors. I'm still mystified by the lack of understanding about trans people even with all the information out there.

On Monday, I will be attending the Transgender Day of Remembrance ceremonies at my senior center to honor the trans and non conforming people lost to violence. Until things change this will be an ongoing event. I pray that change will come sooner rather than later.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.


Marie Curie, Scientist (1867-1934)

TRANS PEOPLE CAN DRESS ACCORDING TO THEIR GENDER

A court in Guyana struck down a law which banned trans people from dressing according to their gender. The law, which was enacted in 1893, has been deemed unconstitutional. Great news for trans Guyanese.

HONORING OUR VETERANS

HAPPY VETERANS DAY!

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 downright moron. 


~H. L. Mencken

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to all the winners of last night's election results. A lot of women and people of color won. There were a few shockers also. Democrats made inroads in some tough areas (Texas, Kansas).

Here in New York, the senate flipped from red to blue. Now, hopefully, GENDA can be moved through the senate.

VOTE!

BE SURE TO VOTE!

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