LABOR DAY HONOR

 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds.

~Marcus Garvey, Publisher (1887-1940)

WE ARE AMERICAN HISTORY

Like America, transgender history is varied. Different experiences from different folks is woven into the landscape of our country. 

SHOULDERS

We stand on the shoulders of those who started the liberation of LGBTQ+ people. Future generations will stand on the shoulders of what we have accomplished.

ABOUT TIME

The bust of Stonewall icon Marsha P. Johnson in Christopher Park in Greenwich Village.

 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

A true community is not just about being geographically close to someone or part of the same social web network. It's about feeling connected and responsible for what happens. Humanity is our ultimate community, and everyone plays a crucial role.

  ~Yehuda Berg 

HAPPY TRANSGENDER FLAG DAY

 

WHAT NOW

What will happen to women and the LGBTQ+ community now that the Taliban has taken over in Afghanistan?

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 We have always been around. We are who we are.

~Genevieve

MAGNUS HIRSCHFELD

I wonder how the lives of LGBTQI+ people would be if all his research on sexuality and gender had survived the Nazi purge.

COMMENTARY

I was so happy when pride was held this year. It was wonderful being with my LGBTQI+ and nonbinary sisters and brothers. A month later I celebrated the 16th anniversary of introducing Genevieve to the world. 

Three years later, in 2008, I, for the first time, entered a church (above)dressed in women's clothing. Unbeknownst to me, a church service started a few moments later. Having grown up in church, I decided to stay. I felt no guilt or condemnation by the way I was dressed. There were no disapproving looks or stares. Just people taking in the service. During the passing of the peace, there were smiles, nods, and warm hellos. Another milestone for me. A few years after this I found a church that accepts and affirms trans people. 

From time to time I stop in Holy Cross Church whenever I'm in the area. It holds a special place in my heart. It confirms that God does not hate transgender and queer folk like some believe.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me. 

~Carol Burnett

RENEWED VISION

I visited my senior center and the LGBT center. They have reopened recently. Though my senior center has had food pickups people are slowly trickling back. Some of my friends can't wait until it gets to some kind of normalcy. The LGBT center, or The Center, reopened a couple of weeks ago. it was quiet with staff and a few visitors.   

One thing that was evident is the isolation many feel during the pandemic. It's felt even more in the LGBTQ+ circles. Yes there was a pandemic but did the city have to be shut down? I don't believe that it should have.  It has done more harm than good, in my opinion.

I also see how much I appreciate life. I miss seeing my friends and doing some of the activities I was doing before. I pray as the city reopens more will be focused on the needs of people. The pandemic exposed many things lacking. Homelessness, food challenges, violence, anger, etc. It's time for leaders and corporate officials to put up or shut up.

STUMBLED

Yesterday, I stumbled upon a street fair during a foray downtown. Was surprised that there was one. I walked up  Eighth Avenue browsing through the many booths. There was clothing, jewelry, precious stones, leather goods, and plenty of food. 

This made me think of the people and places I stumbled upon during my life. Never planned anything, it just happened. Many of these occurrences had a impact on my life. Still do. 

Many of the places are gone. Some of the people are still here. I wonder if someone will follow in my footsteps. 

SWEET SIXTEENTH

Yesterday was the sixteenth anniversary of my coming out as Genevieve.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Joy is what happens to us when we allow ourselves to recognize how things really are.

~Marianne Williamson

FLORIDA

Florida is a key state where trans people need to make ther presence felt AND heard. Governor DeSantis will do anything to keep trans and queer people in the shadows. Cannot let that happen. All the anti-trans bills must be defeated.

BASEBALL

 

I have been a Mets fan since 1962. Currently, they are in first place in the National League Eastern Conference.  With half of the 2021 season over, there have been surprises and disappointments.  Here is my view of the season thus far.

Biggest Surprise: Boston Red Sox. Saw a rebuild this year but the Bosox has one of the best records. This is not a great team but 

sox fans aren't complaining.  

Underrated: Milwaukee Brewers. Had many questions about their rotation.  Now they have a couple of good ones in Brandon Woodruff and Freddy Peralta. Have a great bullpen and a potent offense.

Biggest Disappointment(s): Minnesota Twins. Thought they would challenge in the American League Central Division but they are a train wreck. They aren't hitting. Outside of Jose Berrios, the rest of the rotation has been awful. Maeda is inconsistent. Matt Shoemaker (in minors now) and JA Happ. have been putrid.

New York Yankees: What happened? Pitching rotation is a mess. Many guys aren't hitting. Now Aroldis Chapman is all messed up.  

Atlanta Braves: I had the Braves winning the National League East. Injuries and inconsistency have hurt them.

Better Get It Going Now!: Washington, Atlanta, Yanks, Toronto (I don't trust the Jays starting pitching).  

On the rise: Seattle Mariners.  Had a decent year in 2020. Now over .500. The future looks bright.

                    San Francisco Giants. I liked them last year though many did not. Were competitive until the last week. Now they lead the National League West Division.  

How Are They Doing It?: Los Angeles Angels. I saw a big project ahead. When Mike Trout went down, I thought that was it. Lo and behold the team pulled together and are now playing .500 ball. Trout is returning  now. Let's see how the Halos perform.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

I am not afraid of tomorrow, for I have seen yesterday and I love today!

~William Allen White, Editor (1868-1944) 

PRIDE-AFTERTHOUGHTS

 I attended the pride parade and the liberation March. It was the first time in two years. Much has changed and so have I. I know I'm queer however I felt it on a much deeper level. Being around my queer and trans sisters and brothers was refreshing.

There were more gender expressions and identities. Men with beards wearing dresses. Women wearing androgynous hairstyles and clothing. It reminded me of when I was exposed to many gender identities and expressions years ago during my questioning phase. Hat gave the impetuous to move ahead.

I am so happy to have gone to pride. It made me see how fortunate I am to be a member of communities often vilified by society. I love my queer and trans siblings.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 The road less traveled can lead to self-discovery.

~Genevieve

IMPRESSIONABLE WOMEN WHO INFLUENCED MY VIEWS ON GENDER

From the bottom left: Holly Woodlawn, Jackie Curtis, and Candy Darling. These three women helped me see gender expression in a different light.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Festivals promote diversity, they bring neighbors into dialogue, they increase creativity, they offer opportunities for civic pride, they improve our general psychological well-being. In short, they make cities better places to live. 

~David Binder

LESBIAN PRIDE FLAG

I saw a number of these flags at the march. 

PHOTOS FROM PRIDE DAY

 

HAPPY PRIDE!

 

GENEVIVE'S GEMS

Very often a change of self is needed more than a change of scene.

~A.C. Benson, Author (1862-1925) 

FATHERS!

 

PRIDE SIGN

 I saw this today in the window of a bank in Union Square today. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 Embrace all the good things that come your way. 

~Genevieve

TRANSGENDER AND RESISTANCE

 

       I have had this symbol for at least two years. It states on my blog 'Not completely male and not completely female. I have a male body and a female brain. There have been occasions when this feeling has been very strong. Having embraced my queerness, I crossed another threshold.  I believed that I was queer however me acknowledging it publicly made a marked difference in how I perceive myself. 

       The resist slogan has a twofold meaning. I will resist anyone who discriminates against the transgender community. You can bank on that. The second meaning is to resist the negative vibes some will hurl in my direction. I'm fortunate that I have never felt guilty or ashamed about being transgender. I was liberated from what society says that I should be. I was also completed as a person. I have never been happier.

       There won't be a pride parade here in New York City this year but I don't need a parade to express my joy and happiness of being a transgender woman. That will never abate or change.

HAPPY PRIDE!

CAME OUT TO CONGREGATION

This past Sunday was the ninth anniversary of my coming out at my place of worship. This is one of the highlights of my journey. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Be who you are!

Let no one else define who you are.

~Genevieve

PRIDE MONTH IS HERE!

It's Pride Month! Unlike 2020, there will be some outside activities albeit limited. Covid has changed how we celebrate and, more importantly, how we do so in the future. 

I have a couple of thoughts about where pride events may be headed in the future but that's for a future post. I'm just happy that there will be a parade. In the meantime, celebrate your pride with all your heart.   

HAPPY PRIDE!

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Those who are able to see beyond the shadows and lies of their culture will never be understood, let alone believed, by the masses.

~Plato

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

The truth is: Belonging starts with self-acceptance. Your level of belonging, in fact, can never be greater than your level of self-acceptance, because believing that you're enough is what gives you the courage to be authentic, vulnerable, and imperfect.

~Brene Brown  

2021 FCS FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS

Congratulations to the Bearkats of Sam Houston State University

 

LEARNED SOMETHING NEW

I didn't know that May 17th is International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and  Biphobia.

COMMENTARY

There are people who don't want trans youth to participate in school sports. This is specifically trans girls. I've heard nothing regarding trans men. I listen to the way opponents frame the subject. They refer to tans girls as biological males. Aren't trans men biological females? What's the point?

What I definitely see is that many folks still haven't a clue about who trans people are and what we are about. The lockdown didn't help matters any as many trans people have been isolated from the people and activities they enjoy. Keeping them from participating in school sports only adds to that isolation.

I'm happy that parents of trans children are speaking up in support of their trans child(ren). Children have even testified to legislators. With a spate of anti-trans bills being presented (and passed in some cases), this will only create more problems for trans youth and, in my opinion, youth in general.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

It's good to sit down and smell the roses. Cherish the moment that you're in.

~Genevieve 

KEEP BEING WHO WE ARE

I don't know how 2021 will pan out for trans and gender non-conforming people, but we must keep being who we are.

HOMAGE TO MOM

 

Mom never knew me as Genevieve when I came out in 2005. She passed in 2001. We shared an interest in fashions and flowers. I asked her numerous times about color schemes when she was making her own clothing. She knew what went well together and what colors looked good on me. I wasn't embarrassed about wearing pink. We shared a love/hate relationship with the fashion industry. 

Mom taught me about hospitality as she entertained people who were lonely. Mom had that quiet strength, something I inherited from her. I didn't know that I was trans while she was living but I wonder if she knew that there was something different about me. In recent years the words of wisdom she shared have come to fruition in me.

I thank her for helping me become the person that I am now. I believe that she would have loved Genevieve just as much as she did her son. I do miss you, mom.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Some men see things as they are, and say why. I dream of things that never were and say why not.

~Robert Kennedy 

GALA

 Another wish I have is to attend a fancy gala with satin dresses and stilettoes. 

BRIDESMAID

I have harbored dreams of being a bridesmaid for a long time. I think that it would be cool.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

No matter how dark or precarious it may seem, continue to pursue your truth.

~Andra Day, Musician (b. 1984)

THE FIRST TIME I WORSHIPPED AS GENEVIEVE

Today I stopped by the church where I first entered wearing women's attire. A couple of weeks earlier I visited the same church wearing a suit. This happened in 2008. I am not a worshipper here, however, I stop by on occasion to meditate and pray.

My spiritual walk is very important to me. I grew up in church and wanted to be involved as Genevieve. I attend a place of worship where LGBTQ+ people are accepted and welcomed. I want be more a part of trans people being affirmed and welcomed in churches. I've heard so many sad stories of people being asked to leave their places of worship because of who he/she is.  This shouldn't be. I share my experiences whenever I can. 

I don't know how God will lead on this matter but I certainly will be a part of it.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself.

~Harvey Fierstein

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Empathy is about standing in someone else's shoes, feeling with his or her heart, seeing with his or her eyes. Not only is empathy hard to outsource and automate, but it makes the world a better place.

~Daniel H. Pink, Author (b.1964)

HEALTH CHALLENGES

 I have had some health challenges in recent days. I'm doing much better, thanks.

TRANS DAY OF VISIBILITY

 

Some folks cannot be out for various reasons. I honor you and support you. Be yourself and love yourself.

NCAA DIVISION II WOMENS BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS

 

Congratulations to the Lady Chaps in defending their title.

NCAA DIVISION II MENS BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS

 

Congratulations to the Bearcats.

GENEVIVE'S GEMS

Justice without force is powerless; force without justice is tyrannical.

~Blaise Pascal, Philosopher (1623-1662)

  

WRONG!

Five states want to keep transgender youth from any kind of help. Mississippi wants to give EMT workers the choice of not helping trans people. Anyone who refuses to help anyone because of who they are isn't worthy of being in their profession.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

One of the worst things about racism is what it does to young people.

~Alvin Ailey, Dancer (1931-1989)

ST. PATRICK'S WISH

 

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.