GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

There's no excuse for the young people not knowing who the heroes or heroines are or were.


~Nina Simone, Musician (1933-2003)

CORONAVIRUS

I have been reading about the symptoms of coronavirus.  Unfortunately, some people have died. In many cases, the persons who died had other medical conditions. You also had some idiots hating on Chinese people because the virus originated from China. 

Like all illnesses, rest, drink fluids,  see the doctor if you have difficulty breathing, which is one of the symptoms. Also, people need to calm down and stop overreacting, which exasperates the current situation. It will pass.  

NO REAL CHANGE

With Elizabeth Warren dropping out of the Democratic primary that leaves Dems with two old white men. If Joe Biden wins the Democratic nomination it tells me that people want the same old, same old. Bernie Sanders is too leftist for some. Biden is a safe choice, more establishment. 

I will not vote for either one of them. President Trump will win again. Sorry to say that, Democrats. If you wanted REAL change these two men wouldn't be your choice. Elizabeth Warren and the other candidates weren't any better. They were all bad. Shades of 2016 with the Republican nominees. 

SOUTH CAROLINA

Joe Biden needed a big showing in the South Carolina primary and he got it big time. It has signaled the end of the line for Pete Buttigieg and possibly Amy Klobuchar. Looks like Biden, Bernie Sanders, and Elizabeth Warren.

To me, SouthCarolina Democrats took the safe route in choosing Biden. Sanders's socialist views won't cut it anywhere in the South. Warren may be hurt by the fact that she has not taken advantage of her early success. 

What this shows me is that Americans aren't willing to roll the dice on an outsider like the Republicans did with Donald Trump in 2016. It was a huge gamble and it paid off. I have stated many times that the reason Mr. Trump was chosen was that people were tired of the status quo.  Mr. Biden IS the status quo and that's a shame because there are better candidates out there. Status quo doesn't cut much anymore, in my opinion. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.

~Martin Luther King, Jr.

DON'T WORRY ABOUT CRITICS AND NAYSAYERS

I don't go about concerned about what my critics say about me. First of all, they aren't living my life and me not theirs. If me being who I am is bothering them, it's not my concern. If they have questions about me they can ask. What they do with the answers is up to them.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

I think that a church should be setting the pace for social justice.


~Max Lucado

Lucy Hicks Anderson

Lucy Hicks Anderson: An illustrated compendium of queer people in the 19th and 20th centuries

CRAZY WINTER

This has the strangest winter I ever experienced. It's snowed only once and only a few inches. Used to be that we would get at least one big snowstorm every winter. No more.  

VERY HIGHLY RECOMMEND

I won't divulge anything about the movie. What I will say is that it resonated with me on many different levels. I thought about the 1980 case of the Central Park 5 who was accused of rape. When the real criminal came forward, the men were released. They received neither an apology or any kind of help. 

Just Mercy touches on injustice, institutional racism in the criminal justice system, class, corruption, and identity. I related to the LGBTQ+  and how poorly we are treated. I've said a lot in just a few sentences. When you see the movie I'm sure it will be clarified.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves-we find it with another.

~Thomas Merton, Author, Trappist monk (1915-1968)

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR

Nowhere in the bible does it say that one is to trash our neighbor because they are a difference race,gender, or sexuality. The bible tells us to love, period.

GO! GO! GO!

Thus far anti-trans bills have been defeated in South Dakota and Alabama. Keep it up, people!

COMMENTARY

After a wild week of Democratic tomfoolery, it's time to get back to the real business of resolving the problems which ail us. President Trump won the election in 2016. Here it is three years later and people are still ticked off. I won some and lost some. I also learned from mistakes made and correct them. 

There's plenty of concerns people can work on. Education, the environment, homelessness. substance abuse, and numerous other issues. I wish that people could work on these things instead of raising their blood pressure over something that happened three years ago. 

One of my concerns is the attempt to erase trans people from the conscience of the people. Many states are proposing anti-LGBTQ that will greatly affect this segment of people of which I am a part of. Working on this is so much better than crying over spilled milk. It's time to move on.  

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

We have always held to the hope, the belief, the conviction that there is a better life, a better world, beyond the horizon. 

~Franklin D. Roosevelt, President (1882-1945) 

DISASTER

What happened in Iowa, I believe, sealed the fate of the Democrats for 2020.

IOWA

The Iowa caucus is happening now. Will have a clearer picture as to who the Democratic contenders are for the highest office.

SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS!

REPUBLICANS PUSHING ANTI TRANS BILLS

A number of states are proposing bills that will greatly affect the transgender community. The South Dakota legislature overwhelmingly approved a bill that criminalizes medical procedures that address gender dysphoria in children under 16. If passed through the Senate and signed by the governor, trans youth will be severely affected. Some states will assess fines and jail time if doctors and medical personnel help trans people.

This is a sad commentary of what our fearless leaders are doing to our community. They are doing this in the trans community because we are less in numbers. Don't think that they don't go after gays and lesbians. It's on their agenda. Time for us to step up 

LET'S BE ADULTS

One hope I have for 2020 is for differing groups to begin talking and listening to each other. Nothing will be solved if people are hollering and screaming at each other. Tribalism just creates more tension and angst. There are numerous problems that need to be resolved. It is time for people to act like adults find solutions.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Patience is not simply the ability to wait-it's how we behave while we're waiting. 

~Joyce Meyer

ANTI TRANS BILLS

Many states are proposing bills that would limit trans people's access to medical care, counseling, and public accommodations. In one case some treating a trans person is subject to a felony. It's time for activists and people of good will to see that these bills don't get passed.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

FCS CHAMPIONS

Congratulations to the North Dakota State University Bisons on winning their 8th FCS championship.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

You must do the things you think you cannot do.


~Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady (1884-1962)

ONE GOAL FOR 2020

Each year I list some goals I will attain. Last year I wrote much poetry (between 150 and 200 poems). This year one goal is to write a full-length play. I have written small plays in the past. I have a few ideas as to what I will write. Still thinking of a few other goals.

TRANS AND PROUD

The new year was just two days old when the news of a transgender person in Oklahoma was murdered. The attacks on trans people have been ramped up in recent months. The media, in my mind, is complicit in fomenting some of the anti-LGBTQ bigotry. Trans people are being made to become invisible because of policies that wish to deny our existence.

It is time that we stand in solidarity for the right to be who we are. No one can tell us how to live our lives. I will not go into a closet because someone feels uncomfortable being around me. That's not my problem. many have sacrificed much to have what we have now and I'm not going to relinquish because of some bigoted politician, preacher, or anyone else.

COMMENTARY

The troubles in Iran, the brush fires in Australia, and the craziness in our streets, and anti-semitism signals more trouble times ahead. The so-called leaders are either powerless, lack a spine, or just out for themselves. The bible talked about these troubled times and it"s happening right before our eyes.

As a Christian I must 🙏 pray. It is time to do what is right. I don't know what will happen in the future but it is important not to be fearful. I am concerned but not fearful. Christian everywhere need to pray for our world. People, do whatever you can to resolve the concerns we may have.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

New Year's Day. A fresh start. a new chapter in life waiting to be written. New questions to be asked, embraced, and loved. Answers to be discovered and then lived in this transformative year of delight and self-discovery. today carve out a quiet interlude for yourself in which to dream, pen in hand. only dreams give birth to change.


~Sarah Ban Breathnach

2020

FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS

DIVISION II

DIVISION III

North Central Cardinals

NAIA

CONGRATULATIONS!

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Live! Live the wonderful life that is in you! Let nothing be lost upon you. Be always searching for new sensations. Be afraid of nothing.

~Oscar Wilde

A SPECIAL MERRY CHRISTMAS TO MY LGBTQ+ SISTERS AND BROTHERS

I wish a Merry Christmas to folks who are estranged from their families just because of who they are.  

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS!

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.


~Aristotle (384BC-322BC)

NUMBER TWENTY THREE

Nikki Kuhnhausen, 17, of Vancouver, Washington, is the 23rd reported murdered this year. She is the second teenager killed.

DINNER FOR LGBTQ+ YOUTH

Tonight the Beyond Labels ministry hosted a dinner for LGBTQ+ youth. A number of people of various ages came. I had a wonderful conversation with a transman who remembered me from a panel I was on back in November.  There were games, food, music, dancing, and fun.

I would do another one of these and pray that it happens again in the future.   

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Education is an admirable thing, but it is well to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught.

~Oscar Wilde, Dramatist (1854-1900) 

STANFORD WOMEN WIN NCAA SOCCER TITLE

The Cardinals won their second title in three years with a hard-fought victory over the University of North Carolina (0-0; 5-4) on penalty kicks. 

PUSH BACK

The way I see it if the government is going to push back on denying trans people their rights, then we need to push right back. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection.

~Winston Churchill

FIELD HOCKEY CHAMPIONS

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CHAMPIONS


DIVISION I

DIVISION II

DIVISION III

LIVING MY LIFE

It's early for me to give my thoughts about the past year but I'm breaking with my tradition. The bias against transgender and non-conforming people has been ramped up. Combine that with the current administration undoing the rights we fought for and there may a storm coming. I'm not going to let anyone stop me from living my life I refuse to be invisible.  

COMMENTARY

Thanksgiving festivities will conclude tonight. People returning home from visiting family in other places. Thankful for getting together with people we love. I am mindful of people who spent the holiday alone. Some have been estranged from their families for years for various reasons. Others have no living relatives. 

Will hearts of thanks continue in our daily lives? I surely hope so. There's so much to be thankful for. There are people around the world who wish to have what we have: the freedom to worship and live and enjoy life. Let us not complain about what we don't have. Be grateful for the things you do have.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Thanksgiving is a time when the world gets to see how blessed and how workable the Christian system is. The emphasis is not on giving or buying, but on being thanking and expressing that appreciation to God and to one another.  

~John Clayton, Clergyman (1709-1773)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

THE WORK CONTINUES

Another Transgender Day of Remembrance has come and gone. The work continues. Many trans and non-conforming people are killed every day just because of who they are. There have been many positives, one of them being more visibility. A negative has been the increased attack on trans and non-conforming folks from numerous quarters. Would like more discussion about suicide in the trans community. 

I pray that people were encouraged and challenged. Continue the fight for our rights. I certainly will. We have every right to life, liberty, and happiness.

ADVISORY COUNCIL

I completed a two-year term on the advisory council at SAGE, my senior center. I served as part of the meal committee. I've never before served on any committee as such. I learned much in the time I was on the council. I was educated on the purpose of bylaws and procedures needed to run an effective council. I will continue to be active on the meal committee. 

The main point is that if people want to see and affect change, they need to become involved. whining and complaining don't do anything. Meetings on your particular concern are a great place to voice opinions and come up with solutions. When enough people voice their concerns, change can happen. Many folks have said that the meals have improved since I've been on the council. I'm pleased that they feel that way. It was them that helped affect the improvement. 

I hope to run again next year. This is from a person one could say is a reluctant activist.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone's face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come. 


~Henri Nouwen, Clergyman (1932-1996)  

TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE-HONORING DECEASED AND LIVING

I attended Transgender Day of Remembrance ceremonies yesterday at the senior center I go to. Celebrated were the lives of 'transcestors' such as Marsha P. Johnson, Storme DeLaverie, Leslie Feinberg,  Christine Jorgensen, and Sylvia Rivera. Also noted were trans activists who are living such as Miss Major Griffin-Gracy (79 years young), Renee Richards, Janet Mock, Jamison Green, M J Rodriquez, Kate Bornstein, and many others.

My names of the 22 known trans women who were murdered this year were read. One of them, Bailey Reeves, was just 17 years old.  The oldest person was 40 years old. The real number of trans people murdered is much higher. Many cases go unreported or the person is often misgendered. Today is the actual date of TDOR. 

Days like today will trigger strong emotions in some folks which I do understand. Take care of yourself first. I pray that someday we won't have to have Trans Day of Remembrance but a day of celebration. 

TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE

I will be participating in Transgender Day of Remembrance ceremonies tomorrow night at the SAGE center. I will be reciting a poem of which I'm fine-tuning. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Goodness is about character-integrity, honesty, kindness, generosity, moral courage, and the like. More than anything else, it is how we treat other people.


~Dennis Prager

NIKKI ARAGUZ-LOYD

I was saddened by the passing last week of Nikki Araguz-Loyd in Texas. A transgender activist who fought successfully for her late husband's benefits, she opened the door for other trans spouses to receive benefits from a deceased partner. Araguz-Loyd was very active in the trans community. She was 44 years old.

HAPPY VETERANS DAY

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Do not give back to his master a servant who has gone in flight from his master and come to you: let him go on living among you in whatever place is most pleasing to him.


~Moses

CALIFORNIA

My heart goes out to the folks in California. I have watched the news reports of all the devastation by those fires. So much loss of property and people's lives disrupted. I pray that they will receive the aid desperately needed. Is California sustainable? That's a question that will need to be answered.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Common sense is genius dressed in its working clothes. 


~Ralph Waldo Emerson, Poet (1803-1882)

LEADERSHIP

I have had people tell me that I'm a leader. I have never seen myself as one. There are those times when I believe leadership is overrated. I'm not saying that we shouldn't have leaders-there should be leaders. The mistake, I believe, is when people believe that a leader should do everything, cater to every whim of ther constituency. 

A leader is someone who desires the best for the people he/she represents. I'm about solutions and want to be part of it. Unfortunately, I see a woeful lack of 'leaders' with solutions. If a leader (and the people around them} don't have any then what's the point of being that position. One doesn't have to be the top person to have solutions to whatever need there is.

LETTING IT PLAY OUT

I won't be distracted by the circus going in Washington. I'll let this all play out.

INDEPENDENT ROUTE

I don't know who I will be voting for in 2020 but I am going the independent route. In the last election, I voted for Jill Stein of the Green Party. Both Hillary Clinton and Trump, in my view, were horrible choices. During both debates, I saw the worst group of candidates that I can remember. 

Both the Republican and Democratic parties don't have the answers to the pressing needs of Americans. The Democratic candidates is an embarrassment and a joke. They bicker like children over everything. No solutions or a plan on how to help us the voting public. 

I was criticized by a few when I told them I voted third party. A few said it was a vote for Mr. Trump. How so? My vote didn't go to his coffers. Clinton won the popular vote so my not voting for her wasn't a factor at all. I'll never vote for someone I do not believe is best for the country. Whoever wins the Democratic nomination next year, I won't be voting for them. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

When you find your definitions in God, you find the very purpose for which you were created. Put your hand in God's hand, know His absolutes, demonstrate His love, present His truth and the message of redemption and transformation will take hold.

~Ravi Zacharias

CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE

With all the civil unrest happening around the world one wouldn't know it by the way mainstream media is reporting (or not reporting) it. The protests in Hong Kong have gone on for months. Who knows about the protests in Chile, France, England, and Amsterdam? I haven't heard much in the mainstream media about it. All we hear about is the circus that's going on in Washington D.C.   

ON BEING POSITIVE

I try to be a positive influence in a world of negativity about transgender folks. I believe that one kind word does wonders to lift another person's spirits. While there are those who wish to make me invisible, I refuse to be. I go about life with anticipation and joy. 

It's wonderful when my friends succeed. Encouragement is greatly needed in the trans community. Offering it gives me much joy. When others share their stories, I am amazed by the honesty and clarity they express. It encourages me because many of them have had it much tougher than I have. They have been a positive influence on me in that they are victors. I am proud to consider them my friends and family.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

You just have to find your activism and don't let anyone tell you what that should look like. If you're doing the work, and you're getting someone to think, your on the right path.


~Angie Thomas, Author

ROUND FOUR

Round Four of the Democratic presidential debates tonight. We'll see who shines and who bombs.

SUPREME COURT HEARINGS

Following the Supreme Court hearings on the LGBTQ+ discrimination cases,  this may be a long ordeal. I hope not. It's sad that it comes to this. 

COMING OUT EXPERIENCES

This past Thursday I was part of a panel of five people sharing their experiences of coming out as queer. I shared about my coming out as transgender in middle age and coming out in my place of worship.  I also responded to a question of reconciling my faith with my queerness. Five of us of different gender expressions and sexualities shared our coming out experiences. A good crowd came out to support us.   

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Leadership is about vision and responsibility, not power.


~Seth Berkley

NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY

ENJOY THE DAY!

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Hope is the magic carpet that transports us from the present moment into the realm of infinite possibilities.


~H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

COMING OUT DAY

I will be on a panel on Coming Out Day Storytelling and Queer Witness at Fort Washington Collegiate Church on Thursday, October 10th at 7PM.

2019 MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SEASON

I am a big sports fan. The regular baseball season will end tomorrow. There were a few surprises and a few disappointments. Here is my list of them


SURPRISES 

Minnesota-thought they would be better but never this better. Congratulations to the Twins.

Arizona-thought they would falter but D-backs held tough

Texas-had decent first half, then tailed off. Played better than expected. .

Milwaukee- thought Brew Crew would fade but they toughed it out. Still don't like their starting pitching. 



DISAPPOINTMENTS

Colorado- Rockies didn't hit as well as last year and their starting pitching really crashed and burned.

Pittsburgh- really hit the skids the last two months. Pirates definitely in a rebuild.

Boston- from WS champs to out of the playoffs. Enough said.


IMPROVED

Cincinnati- hitting tailed off, pitching improved. Reds could be a good team in 2020.

Chi White Sox- much more competitive. Lot of young talent coming through pipeline.


HORRIBLE

Baltimore-O's couldn't win fifty games. Reminds me of '62 Mets. Yep, that bad.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

We can choose to wake up and grumble all day and be bitter and angry and judge others and find satisfaction in other doing bad instead of good. Or we can wake up with optimism and love and say, 'Just what is this beautiful day going to bring me?'

~Margaret Trudeau

FLOURISH IN THE SCHOOL YOUR IN

School is in session. Grade school, middle school high school, and college. My best wishes to all the students on a successful year. I'm addressing college students. I share to students that they should attend a school where he/she will flourish. One can receive an excellent education at a state school as you can at Harvard, Yale, or Stanford. 

I have met some very gifted and intelligent people who attended colleges I've never heard of. Employers are always looking for talented people regardless of what college or university one attends. I attended a Christian college and received an excellent education. I earned a bachelor's degree in childhood education and a minor in English. I was 54 when I went to college.

I believe that its what you can do for the school rather than the other way around. I like to believe that I made an impact on other people's lives.    

EMOTIONS AND FEELINGS

I have emotions that are strong. I have learned show them when the time is right. I have the ability to keep my emotions in check. Are some things worth arguing about?  Will it help in a positive and constructive manner?

There is no shame in having emotions and feelings. Keeping things bottled up can do more harm than good. As I have gotten older,  I learned to pick my fights judiciously. I won't lash out at someone just because they have a different viewpoint. I wouldn't want anyone lashing out at me for no reason.  Emotions and feelings, we all have them. It's how each of us handle them.   

AUTUMN IS HERE!

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.

~Albert Camus

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

We have the incredible privilege of serving in the highest offices in the state. We must prove ourselves worthy of our fellow citizens' faith. We must be trusted to always place the public's good above our own and to always choose fairness over favoritism.

Jody Rell 

NO TRANS

I watched a couple of hours of the Democratic debate on Thursday. I'm still not impressed by any of the candidates thus far. Maybe it will change in the coming months, There was absolutely nothing mentioned regarding trans people. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

One of the great joys of a creative life is that your observations and loose moments aren't lost forever; they live in your work.


~Pamela Druckerman, Writer   

STILL RESONATES

After eighteen years, the events of 9/11 still resonates in our conscience. Pray it never happens again.

LABOR DAY

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Each year, Labor Day gives us an opportunity to recognize the invaluable contributions that working men and women make to our nation, our economy and our collective prosperity. It gives us a chance to show gratitude for workers' grit, dedication, ingenuity and strength, which define our nation's character. 


~Tom Perez

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Where justice is denied, where poverty is enforced, where ignorance prevails, and when any one class is made to feel that society is an organized conspiracy to oppress, rob and degrade them, neither persons nor property will be safe.


~Frederick Douglass, Author (1818-1895)   

SELF CARE

There comes a time when each of us needs to take a break from our activities. A few days away from social media can be the panacea needed to reengage with the real world.

There may events that happen that conjure up past traumatic feelings. Sometimes it's best to physically disengage from that moment. A walk, going into another room, or changing the subject can help the person regain his/her/their bearings.

Taking care of yourself is not selfish. Your physical, spiritual, emotional well being is important.

HAPPY TRANSGENDER FLAG DAY

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.

~Albert Einstein

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Leadership is about vision and responsibility, not power.


~Seth Berkley

MASS SHOOTINGS

I've don't ever remember this many mass shootings in such a short period of time. No sooner then one such act is concluded another happens. Personally, I'm not at all surprised by all this. It's been brewing for years.

One reason Donald Trump won the 2016 election was that his message resonated with people who for years have been disenchanted with the way the country is going. They have been lied to, dismissed, trashed, and taken for granted. I believe with the remarks the president has tweeted, it seems to give the perpetrators permission to hurt people that are not like them. Pretty sad, I think, that it's come to this. 

Right now gun control is being bandied by by the Democrats and some Republicans. The whole point in my view is that no one has really talked about the people who committed these vile acts. Men has been attacked by feminists hard since 2000. It's great that girls and women have more opportunities, but what about boys and men? One reason, I believe, many men do not marry is because of the confusion as to what women want. Boys are being neglected because of much of the feminist stuff that has nothing to do with improving girls and women's live and people venting their hatred toward anyone who is male. 

I don't know the backgrounds of all the perpetrators but I'm willing to bet that what some of the thoughts I mentioned played a part. There are a lot of angry men out there. Men need fathers to demonstrate to them how to be men, husbands, and fathers. Gun control will be tough sell because the second amendment of the Constitution guarantees that citizens can bear arms. People with mental health issue need help. Just to say that all the perpetrators are mentally ill glosses over the real issues.

My heart goes out the victims of these horrendous acts. However, there needs to some real and genuine    solutions to this, not just knee jerk reactions that, in a short time, will be forgotten about in a short time. 

COMMENTARY-DEMOCRATIC DEBATES

I got a chance to watch some of recent debates by the candidates of the Democratic party. The race for the presidency in 2020 has began. I watch the first round of debates. I missed the second night. So far I'm not impressed.

The statement I resonated with was made by Maryanne Williamson, a real looong shot, who chastised some of her Democratic compatriots for taking money from corporations. I am a registered Independent who will follow future debates (the next one in September in Dallas).

The way I see it if President Trump ran again at this moment, he would win. The Democrats are a mess with no real idea how they would make the country better.

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.