WE ARE STRONG!

 There have been a spate of anti- trans bills presented in various legislatures around the country. These bills will single us out and, in some cases, put lives in jeopardy. Transgener people are being   blamed for the ills in our country.

Instead of blaming us, why don't they shine a light on the lousy politicians and officials who don't care about their constituency. They only care about power. Those religious leaders who claim to love God, and yet,  demean us as human beings, need to examine what it means to love your neighbor.

Yes, we are shamed, demeaned, and singled out but we rise. We have always been here. We aren't going anywhere. God loves us just as we are!

COMMENTARY-ONE YEAR LATER

 One year ago a disease we knew nothing about cast a dark cloud over every aspect of our lives. Schools were closed. Jobs were lost. Restaurants shut down, some permanently. Crowded streets became ghost towns. 

As many as 500,000 people have died from the coronavirus in the US, and over 2 million worldwide. Vaccines have been developed and are now being distributed to all who want them (have my reservations about its effectiveness but that's another story). The question is what have we learned about our medical systems? The government?. Ourselves? One thing is certain; life WILL be different.

I have many thoughts about the covid-19 pandemic. My sympathies go out to the people who lost loved ones, friends, and coworkers.  Even when coronavirus abates, there still will be the need for therapy for front-line workers-many who have seen the devastation coronavirus has reaped.  As human beings, I pray that we have become better people in our relationships, our jobs, and our communities. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 Some of the best work comes out during times of crisis.

HEROINES

Here is a list of women who made an impact in the world and worked to improve the lives of women.

Sara Moore Grimke

Harriet Tubman

Rosa Parks

Dorothy Day

Judi Bari

Betty Friedan

Gloria Steinem 

QUEER SPACES

 This may be an odd time to bring up the need for queer spaces. With the pandemic still with us, it has affected nearly every facet of our daily lives.  We will get through this, however, how will our lives as queer people be in the so-called new normal (words I loathe to use)? 

Many businesses and establishments have closed shops. Numerous spaces for LGBTQ people have gone into history for several years. In a sense, some of the histories of our community is lost. One of the drawbacks of the lockdown is the inability to connect with other human beings. This especially affects LGBTQ people since personal interaction keeps us connected with one another. 

As a trans person who is a senior citizen, I want to see more spaces created. We need them. I'm curious to see what creative ideas will emerge when the pandemic is over? I pray that more things for our community will happen. 

COMMENTARY-CANCEL CULTURE

This week Dr. Seuss's books were declared unacceptable by cancel culture.  Statues have been knocked down. If anyone disagrees with the left, they are vilified, their livelihoods, taken away, and reputations destroyed. They want to tell everyone how to think and what to believe. I'm having none of it. 

I'm a person of color. I know what racism and prejudice is. I've seen some horrible pictures of black people who were murdered. I remember a number of years ago viewing a picture of a black boy screaming for his mother as she was taken away in chains. Revisionist history is a lie which is saying that these events did not exist. This does a disservice to the people affected and to the people who desire to know what actually happened. 

Cancel culture is a bunch of people who think that they are doing a service to right the wrongs of the past. Many horrendous events happened throughout history and nothing can change that. One can learn from it. Regarding the statues being torn down, the majority of them are of people I have never heard of. If I'm interested I will research who the individual. Part of education is gaining knowledge of the people or events. 

Now people are buying  Dr. Seuss's books like hotcakes. I have read some of his books and enjoyed them. I am liberal and have some friends who are conservative. I want to have a dialogue with them so the problems in the country can be dealt with and resolved. There are people on both sides of the aisle who desire this. Cancel culture doesn't want that. They create more problems. With them, it's their way or they will destroy you.

More folks, liberal and conservative, need to challenge the cancel culture. They don't have a market on ideas because they don't have any solutions. They live in a utopia that does not exist. If America is to move forward there needs to be united, not divided. I believe that the ills of the country can be resolved. Let us work together.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow man.

~Herman Melville, Novelist (1819-1891)

EQUALITY ACT

The Equality Act has passed in the House. Now it goes to the Senate, where it will probably fail. The level of ignorance and misinformation about transgender people is still high.

GENEVIVE'S GEMS

 A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have.

~Gerald R. Ford

BACK IN THE SADDLE

 I took some time off. A lot going on. I will be back in a couple of days.

VALENTINE

 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

A good leader takes a little more than his share of the blame, a little less than his share of the credit.

~Arnold H. Glasow

COMMENTARY

 Many transgender women have been murdered since November20th. The vast majority are women of color. We are getting bashed on many sides. It seems that many folks' sensibilities about what a woman or man should look like have been disturbed. 

Transgender women are women. Transgender men are men. We bleed just like anybody else. We want to live happy, productive lives. Trans people have been in existence since time began. We are more visible now, thus the attacks and ridicule. 

I chose to live my life openly 15 years ago and have never been happier. Many transgender and non-binary people are out and I'm happy to see this. More will do so. While there will be pushback, we will NOT be made invisible.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

We must never forget that Black History is American History. the achievements of African Americans have contributed to our nation's greatness. 

~Yvette Clarke

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

When we are no longer able to change a situation we are challenged to change ourselves.

~Viktor E. Frankl

I WONDER

 I wonder if the fences surrounding the Capitol will be removed?

INAGURATION-THOUGHTS

I watched the inauguration this morning. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were sworn in as the 46th President and Vice-President, respectively. I was impressed with Lady Gaga's rendition of the National Anthem. Amanda Gorman's poem was simply beautiful. 

I didn't vote for Biden but I wish him well. I said the same for Trump when he was president. Now the real work begins. Right now the country is divided. People of all political persuasions will need to come together talk and listen to each other. There are people of goodwill who have solutions to the ills that presently trouble us. Now's the time to come together and heal as a nation.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Just as despair can come to one only from other human beings, hope, too, can be given to only by other human beings.

~Elie Wiesel, Novelist (1928-2016) 

BIG FAN OF NFL

 The pro football playoffs are going on now. However, I want to recap the 2020 season. There were surprises, disappointments, and some downright awful play by some teams.

SURPRISES

Miaimi- Dolphins are rebuilding but have a promising future. Vet QB Fitzpatrick was a steady influence.

Cleveland- didn't see them making the playoffs. Was I fooled! Physical team; Good QB in Mayfield

DISAPPOINTMENTS

Las Vegas- Gruden's teams tend to falter late in the season; defense not good. Raiders need improvement on D line.

Philadelphia- Eagles were really bad. Unsettled at QB. Need more talent at skill positions.

Chicago- Bears unsettled at QB; 

Minnesota- Vikings were inconsistent. 

REALLY BAD

Jacksonville, NY Jets- nothing more to be said. 

COMMENTARY

Over the past four years, I have witnessed the extremes of the left and the right. Violence is violence and I don't care what kind of ribbon they try to put on it. People have been hurt, harassed, and sadly lost their lives. What have we become? 

People are fearful, lost, confused, and angry. If one is not part of a particular tribe then they consider you the enemy. The so-called 'leaders' of the nation have failed to bring peace and direction. Whatever happened to the time when people can agree to disagree without having their character ripped to shreds? 

I am praying for America. The country needs a spiritual renewal of minds and hearts. Yes, there are many concerns that do need to be dealt with. Solutions need to be found. I am an optimist because I believe that the good will prevail. I believe the majority of people want to see and help resolve climate change, hunger, homelessness, racism, sexism, and hopelessness. It has to start in each person's heart and mind. Something to think about in the coming days.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.

~Alexander the Great 

INSURRECTION

 What happened yesterday at the Capitol was horrible but hardly surprising. President foments much of this with the rhetoric he spews.  What is sad is that a woman was shot and later died.  Does Trump care about her?

In the past four years, I have seen the extremes of the left and right in full display and it's not a pretty picture. Also on full display was how the protestors were treated. There were police in full regalia at the Black Live Matter protest. They were prepared for the worst.  When Trump supporters stormed the Capitol, where was the show of force? If this was black or brown people there would be injuries and death, for sure.  Many were concerned that this would happen but were ignored. 

Right now, the country is so divided. The extremes on both sides are fueling this. One side won't talk with the other about anything. There are much fear and loathing. Perhaps in a future post, I will share my thoughts about the drive for nationalism and patriotism and why we are at this point. Stay tuned.

TRANSFORMATION

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR

 

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS

 

MUCH LOSS

2020 has been a tough year in many ways. A number of people I know have lost loved ones. This was the bloodiest year for transgender and non-conforming people with over forty reported deaths here in the US.

 I am mindful of how precious friendships are. Life is fragile as I can personally attest. Wearing a mask, not being able to dine in a restaurant, or go to a movie is minuscule in comparison to not being able to see my friends. 

This year after the Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil in November, I was emotionally drained like never before. Perhaps it was the combination of the loss of life and the way we go about our daily lives. It may have been the disappearance of the many places I used to frequent, some permanently. Perhaps it is the time to support each other like never before. In the end, this is more valuable than what any pandemic can serve up. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

BE YOURSELF!

DON'T LET OTHERS DEFINE WHO YOU ARE!

ATTACKS ON TRANS AND NON CONFORMING PEOPLE

 Democratic wanna-be Tulsi Gabbard recently filed an anti-transgender bill that attempts to limit trans athletes from participating on sports teams.  This has been a tough year for transgender and gender non-conforming people. We keep moving forward though. If we are being attacked, mocked, and ridiculed like we are, it means that we are having an impact. 

THIRSTING FOR MORE

Usually from Thanksgiving to New Years' is my time of reflection. This year I had even more time. I have written more, read in greater depth, and discover the need to be challenged. 

I have numerous points in my life where I will pass from one threshold to another. Last year I embraced my queerness though I always believed that I was. Here I am, a 72-year-old trans woman who still thirsts for more from life. If there's one positive from the covid pandemic. it is the willingness to break down more barriers.

I believe as I get older I need to do new activities. I'm thankful for many things but I need to cross new roads. I know that I will in 2021.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

I like to be a free spirit. Some don't like that, but that's the way I am.

~Princess Diana

ROBERT HAYDEN

 I am reading some of Robert Hayden's poetry. Like a number of authors, he was criticized because he referred to himself as an American author rather than a black author. What I didn't know about Hayden is that though he was married, he struggled privately with his own bisexuality. Whether he acted upon it I haven't found out. I will do more research on his life.

1968

 The year 1968 was touched on during a discussion last night. It was the year I believe a big change was coming to America. Reverend Martin Luther King was bringing together diverse groups of people in an effort to change the course of the country. April, Dr. King was assassinated. Two months later, Democratic presidential hopeful Robert Kennedy met the same fate. All hell broke loose during the Democratic National Convention. America had lost its innocence and its way.

Some may think 1968 doesn't affect us today but I beg to differ. Are there any great leaders with some kind of spiritual or moral values? Is there anyone who is concerned about the poor and middle class and have solutions to the problems that ails them? I left the Democratic Party over a dozen years because they weren't listening to me. The Republican party never listened to me. 

Today I sat in Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village. I first went there in 1968 where it became a regular hangout. The ideas were free-flowing. People could speak their minds without the threat of being silenced. At times I wish '68 could happen again. There needs to be a BIG change because as I see it if the course isn't changed, then our way of life is headed down the crapper.    

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all the others.

~Marcus Tullius Cicero, Roman Statesman (106BC-43BC)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

 

COMMENTARY

 Transgender Awareness Week has concluded. Forty-one transgender and non-conforming sisters and brothers murdered in the United States. This year's Transgender Day Of Remembrance vigil was emotionally draining for me. 

I attended two vigils. The one I went to yesterday also presented TGNC who committed suicide. One person was just sixteen. I was personally affected five years ago by the suicide of someone I met just two days prior. It's very sad that a person resorts to this simply because she/he cannot live in the gender/identity they really are. It's disconcerting when, reading the names of the deceased, the person you read was just seventeen years old.

Looking ahead, attacks against transgender and non-conforming people are being ramped up. Our soon to be ex-president gave permission to homophobes, transphobes, and racists to unleash their hatred and vitriol. How many more lives will be lost because people are so blinded by hate.

Transgender and non-conforming have been around since life began. we will always be around no matter what. It's high that society, politicians, and law enforcement understand that we ask to be treated as human beings. 

 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 

 

Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance. Forty-one transgender people were reported murdered in the United States. Over 350 have been murdered worldwide. There are many more who go unreported or are misgendered. Most were women of color. There were four transgender men. At least five were 21 years of age and younger.  I was emotionally drained later in the evening after attending a vigil.

I want to pay special tribute to Monica Roberts, a transgender activist and advocate who lived in Houston, Texas. Ms. Roberts passed away on October 5th of natural causes at 58. She was instrumental in my education about transgender people of color when I came out. Her blog, Trans Griot, which she created, was chock full of information about how trans people of color were an integral part of past and present LGBTQ movements.

Ms. Roberts was very vocal about the racial discrimination of transgender people in the criminal justice system. She made sure that who died were properly represented in their chosen gender. Ms. Roberts was instrumental in many changes which improved the lives of transgender people in the Houston area and beyond.

I corresponded with her for over a decade. I will miss her insight, honesty, and passion. RIP, MONICA!

TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE

 The members of SAGE held its 8th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil this evening. We celebrated the lives of the 41 transgender men and women murdered in the United States and Puerto. The vast majority were people of color. At least five people were 21 years old and under, the youngest being seventeen. 

I read a spoken word piece titled '41' in honor of the folks who were murdered. It has been suggested that the day be renamed 'Transgender Day of Remembrance and Resilience.' I like the idea. In spite of everything we are a resilient group.

SAGE celebrated TDOR today (actual day is November 20th) so we wouldn't be in conflict other vigils.

TRANSGENDER AWARENESS WEEK

 This week homage will be paid to all the transgender people who lose their lives through violence. It is also a time where people can learn more about who we are and what we are about. 

There will be day of remembrance ceremonies all over the world. I will be participating in one here locally with a monologue piece. The actual day of Transgender Day of Remembrance is November 20th. The ceremony I will attend is on the 19th. There were thirty-four reported transgender deaths, the vast majority are women of color. There are probably more however many people are misgendered or not reported. This has been the bloodiest year for transgender and gender non-conforming people. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 It's really great to see the queer landscape really change to include everybody and make the rest of the world understand that we're not just one or two things. There's so much about the queer community that needs to be represented. 

~Nico Santos, Actor (b. 1979)

BICURIOUS

 The COVID pandemic has forever changed how we live our lives. On a personal level,  this time has revealed some deep yearning and feelings about what it is to be transgender and queer. The lens of how I view life When I was going through my gender questioning phase it was a matter of time that I discovered that was transgender. Now I'm bicurious and wonder where this will lead.

I  

TDOR

 TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE

                      NOVEMBER 20TH

COMMENTARY-PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

 Today former Vice-president Joe Biden has been declared the winner of the 2020 presidential election. The absentee and military ballots are being counted but it looks like Biden will win. 

I did not vote for Biden ( I voted third party) as I view him as a safe but mediocre candidate. Biden supported issues in the past that I was opposed to. He supported the Patriot Act. He also supported the invasion of Iraq. 

I was offended when he said if I am black and don't vote for him, then I'm not black. I am black and I had to deal with this stuff from some of the black students when I was in junior college (many of my friends were white).  I wish we were past all this but when Donald Trump was elected he brought all the racists out of the closet. 

I pray that people will be brought back together for the sake of the country. I've never experienced the polarization palpable like I have the past four years. What will happen next only time will tell. I believe there were better candidates than Joe Biden. Today, the Democratic and Republican parties are two sides of the same coin. In conclusion, I believe people picked the lesser of two evils.

ELECTION DAY

Today is the last to vote for the next commander-in-chief. I voted early as many people did. When the polls close here in NYC at 9PM, the wait begins.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 

AMY CONEY BARRETT

With the election of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court, the LGBTQI+ community needs to be diligent about how we are affected by this. I'm researching more about her.

EARLY VOTING A HIT

I have two polling places near my home and the lines of folks waiting to cast their votes are something I haven't seen in years. This is a critical election and people are making their votes count. 

There have been a few glitches in the process but overall it has been good. With COVID affecting everything this way of voting is virgin territory for many. I cast my vote the other day.

VOTE!

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Like many teens, I struggled with my body and looks, but my despair was amplified by the expectations of cisnormativity and the gender binary as well as the impossibly high beauty standards that I, and my female peers, measured myself against.

~Janet Mock  

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 Don't make a problem bigger than it really is.

~Genevieve

BLOODY YEAR

Thirty-three transgender people have been killed this year. These are those deaths reported. This is the bloodiest year for transgender people in the US. 

NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY

 

Be proud of who you are. How you choose to identify is your right and your choice. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Faith is different from proof, the latter is human, the former is a gift from God.

~Blaise Pascal, French Philosopher (1623-1662)  

MONICA ROBERTS PASSES

 I was shocked to hear that TransGriot Creator Monica Roberts has passed. Don't have any further details.

DON'T UNDERESTIMATE YOUR INFLUENCE

Recently a friend of mine revealed that she is bisexual. I was surprised because I assumed (never assume) that she was straight. She shared that she never felt anything though she had inklings in the past. This is similar to my experience in that I never knew that I was trans. I never put on a woman's article as a child nor did I have that desire. Then she told me that I was an influence on her because I lived my reality openly. It allowed her to live an authentic life.

Some folks may believe that their lives aren't important or don't matter. You may be influencing someone and may not know it. Another person may be on the cusp of living authentically because you are actually doing it. I'm thankful for young people who are challenging gender norms and living as themselves. 

I am so happy for my friend. I want to meet with her and let her share her story. All of our journeys are different but unique. One never knows who may be watching. Perhaps you may have pulled someone over that last hurdle to authentic living.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

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

~Albert Camus

SEEING MY CHURCH FAMILY

Yesterday, members of my church gathered at a nearby park. Social distancing and masks were in order. I hadn't seen them since the coronavirus hit in March.  What thrilled me is the children playing. Personal interaction is very, very important for all of us. 

Personal interaction is very important to people who really need the contact. People struggling with depression, substance abuse, the elderly, the LGBTQI+ community, and other vulnerable folks are being affected by the lack of personal contact.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933-2020)

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Always pray and never give up.

~Luke 18:1  😄

BE AN ASSET

COMMENTARY

I am of the mind that if one holds a position on a topic, they should be able to defend their position in a rational and constructive manner.  For example, to say that someone opposes something because of his/her religious convictions does nothing to explain to me their position. What are their convictions and why they believe what they believe? 

The way transgender and gender non conforming people are sometimes treated led me to write this commentary. We are called demonic, perverts, and not worthy of living. What happened to Layleen Polanco in 2019 at Rikers Island as a result of neglect and, in my mind, bias. When someone claims to love God but hates someone because they are different, then they go against the God they claim to love and worship. 

I'm willing to learn something new if I don't know anything about the subject. To take a position on something one knows little or nothing about does nothing for anyone. Comments such as 'it goes against my religious beliefs' or 'I don't believe in science' or 'you are a racist' does nothing to explain why one believes what they believe. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all the darkness.


~Desmond Tutu

THE FRANCHISE HAS PASSED

                                                                TOM SEAVER
                                        (1944-2020)

2020 BASEBALL

I'm a huge Mets fan as you can see. in this weird baseball season, there have been some surprises and disappointments.

SURPRISES
1. San Diego Padres-playing better than expected. Can mash the ball

2. Chicago White Sox- thought they could compete. Playing well after a slow start.

3. Toronto Blue Jays- were not on my radar. Have some mashers. Decent pitching.


DISAPPOINTMENTS
1. Cincinnati Reds- Thought they could be a factor. Not hitting. Outside of Sonny Gray, inconsistent pitching.

2. Washington Nationals- fell off the map. When Strasburg opted out, that was it.

3. New York Mets- maddeningly inconsistent. Very streaky bats. Lousy bullpen.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

WE ARE AMERICA TOO

I fail to see how people can say that trans people are a threat to women and children. The right talks about treating everyone the same and yet discriminate against us. I know that my chromosomes say that I am male. There's much more to me than my chromosomes. I think, feel, chose to identify how I feel. Society cannot dictate how I or anyone else should express his/herself. 

We are of all races, genders, sexualities, and political persuasions. Maybe it was a trans or non-conforming person who said the only kind word you heard all day. They may have given you directions, made your lunch, or served you coffee. We may have created some of the things you may use. 

I wish I could have been at the Republican convention and shared my story. I may not change any minds but they will know that I'm a flesh and blood person who wants the best for everybody. My trans brothers and sisters should not be the target of wrath and murder and being made invisible. It says in the bible if one member hurts then everybody hurts. This is not conjecture but fact.

YES

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Crises are part of life. Everybody has to face them, and it doesn't make any difference what the crisis is.


~Jack Nicklaus

BE YOU

CHANGE

When the pandemic is finally over the world will be different. I'm seeing it now. Businesses shutting down, people unemployed, and old ways of doing things forever changed. Reminds me of when computers became part of our daily lives.  

There are few constants in life and change is one of them. Social sites like Zoom have made it easier for folks to meet, work, and socialize. The downside is the lack of personal interaction with family and friends. I wonder how children are affected by this, not being able to see their friends and classmates. 

With the presidential election coming in a few moments it could be the moment of truth of where we are headed. I generally don't discuss politics on my blog but we, the people will need to decide what kind of future do we want. 

RESPECT AND SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER

When I came out I was free to be who I wanted to be. Society couldn't dictate who I suppose to be. I sought to create my own identity and I have. Each of us possesses the chance to do this. 

I don't discuss transgenderism much because I choose to live life. When certain forces say that I have to believe or look a certain way, then I have a problem with this. We come from many different political persuasions and life experiences. This is what makes life interesting. Yes, I'm transgender and queer but it's not the only aspect of my life. Identity politics has created more problems, I believe because everyone has to believe a certain way. This is something I chafed at growing up and I get chafed about it now. 

I respect each person for who they are. People will say whatever they want about me. It doesn't phase me at all.  I do and will always support the LGBTQI+ community. It's important that we respect and support one another.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

THE NEXT FEW MONTHS

The next three months will be very interesting. There are so many factions clamoring to have their positions be heard. Will anybody be listening to what the other person has to say?  

KAMALA HARRIS

 Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has selected former prosecutor Kamala Harris as his running mate.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Real reform comes when people's hearts are changed.


~Genevieve

COMING OUT

Last week I shared my story on my radio program of coming out as a crossdresser then later as transgender. As I think about it each year seems to be different from the previous one. Is it life experiences? Or realizing that the journey is continuous? Or the idea there's a lot more to me than is being revealed.

The timing of my presenting Genevieve was right. So have numerous other experiences. I embrace them and enjoy the ride.

POEM OF HOPE AND RESILIENCE

LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING

by James Weldon Johnson

Lift every voice and sing   

Till earth and heaven ring,

Ring with the harmonies of Liberty;

Let our rejoicing rise

High as the listening skies,

Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.

Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,

Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us.   

Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,

Let us march on till victory is won.

Stony the road we trod,

Bitter the chastening rod,

Felt in the days when hope unborn had died;   

Yet with a steady beat,

Have not our weary feet

Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?

We have come over a way that with tears has been watered,

We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered,

Out from the gloomy past,   

Till now we stand at last

Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.

God of our weary years,   

God of our silent tears,

Thou who hast brought us thus far on the way;

Thou who hast by Thy might   

Led us into the light,

Keep us forever in the path, we pray.

Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee,

Lest, our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee;

Shadowed beneath Thy hand,   

May we forever stand.   

True to our God,

True to our native land.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

It isn't what you do, but how you do it.


~John Wooden

LIVE!

Life may be hard sometimes. It's good to laugh, tell jokes, and let loose. I enjoy life grateful to be alive. Each day is the opportunity to do something different.

ANNIVERSARY

ON THIS DAY IN 2005, GENEVIEVE WAS INTRODUCED TO THE WORLD!

COMMENTARY

The next few months promise to be interesting. With Black Lives Matter, pro and anti-police factions, and extreme groups on the left and right, the last time I remember the country in a mess was back in 1968. Local politics are as important as national. 

What I'm praying for is that people will tone done their anger and communicate with each other. What are the issues that are important to EVERYBODY? How can we as people resolve them?  Mainstream does nothing to help clarify anything. I believe that we the people need to speak and take charge, leader, or no leader. 

The elite on both sides sees this as a sideshow in which they are jerking us around with nonsense and empty promises. No more! Many of these so-called leaders are an embarrassment to the country and the constituency they allegedly represent. I'm happy I don't have power because if I did, EVERYBODY WOULD BE DISMISSED!   

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

The hope of a secure and livable world lies with disciplined nonconformists who are dedicated to justice, peace, and brotherhood.

~Martin L. King, Jr.

DEFUNDING THE POLICE-A BAD IDEA

Talk of defunding the police has ramped up in the wake of George Floyd's death in May. In a number of cities, moves are being made to defund or, in some cases, dismantle the police force. Is this a good idea?

From my vantage point, this is a bad idea that will hurt law-abiding citizens. I agree that the police have become militarized and this needs to stop. Peaceful protestors have treated roughly like violent criminals.  Peaceful protest is a right people have. My objection is that there are over 30 thousand gangs throughout the country. What's going to stop them from wreaking havoc our neighborhoods. Here in New York, shootings have increased. Innocent people are being hurt or killed.

Bad cops need to be weeded out of the police force. If they commit a crime they should be prosecuted. I don't know what the police budget is but I believe efficient policing would serve the public better. Stop and frisk was a bad idea because of a lot of innocent people  (mostly people of color) being targeted and harassed. I also believe that defunding the police to divert money to social programs seems good on the surface but it's 'robbing Peter to pay Paul', something New York politics is notorious for.  Perhaps all of the cities services need to be reviewed and revamped.

Defunding the police is a bad idea because it will hurt all of us in the long run. The change will need to come from the public as well as the police department.  The men and women in blue have a tough job and I pray for them and their families. I pray for all the families who have lost loved ones through violence. It's time people get serious about REAL reform. Defunding the police will hurt all of us in the long run.

LOOKING INWARD

   COVID 19 has made me change a few things in my life. It's forced me to look inside. Where I am now. Where do I want to go when all this is over. I have noticed the change in my poetry writing. I have written things some very personal things I am feeling that that moment. This has never been easy for me because of my introvert demeanor.

     As a queer person, I'm challenged to keep exploring and keep seeking. Say and write the things that are deep inside me. Not all of these thoughts are related to gender and sexuality. I do take life from the perspective of a queer trans person and have, in some instances, turned my world upside down. The complexity of my feelings is both exhilarating and challenging.

I'm not at liberty to share much at this time because the process is ongoing. This reminds me of the early days of my transition. While this is challenging it is not stressful. Something wonderful will be coming out in my future writings.  

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Many sophisticated, intelligent people lack wisdom and common sense.


~Joyce Meyer

ANTI- TRANSGENDER ATTACKS

Have you noticed the number of attacks against transgender and gender non-conforming people?  politicians, school administrators, medical people, and others are doing everything they can from letting trans and non-conforming people participate in life's activities. It seems to them that we are the source of the country's ills. 

It's nothing new. Minorities are always targeted as scapegoats for the lousy decisions made by elected officials. Many of the ills in the country did not happen overnight. We have always been here and we are not going anywhere. Transgender women are women. Transgender men are men. Period.

AT LEAST FIVE BLACK TRANSGENDER WOMEN HAVE BEEN MURDERED

In the past couple of weeks at least five black transgender women have been murdered. I cannot remember when so many trans people were killed in such a short time. There are those women who have been reported. God knows how more black trans women have been murdered.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

In solitude, we become aware that we were together before we came together and that life is not a creation of our will but rather an obedient response to the reality of our being united.

~Henri Nouwen, Clergyman (1932-1996)