NCAA FIELD HOCKEY CHAMPIONS

 DIVISION I

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY WILDCATS

DIVISION II

SHIPPENSBURG UNIVERSITY RAIDERS

DIVISION III

MIDDLEBURY COLLEGE PANTHERS

CONGRATULATIONS!

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.

Saint Francis de Sales, Cleveland (1567-1622)

THANKSGIVING THOUGHTS

     Thanksgiving Day is about a week after Transgender Day of Remembrance.  I never saw the significance of this occasion until now. We celebrate the lives of transgender people lost to violence. We also are thankful for the impact they may have made on our lives. 

     I can imagine that it must be bittersweet when we realize that a member of the family will not be there to celebrate Thanksgiving dinner. The sting of our trans sibling being lost to senseless violence is strong. I temper that with the gratitude that they were a part of my journey. 

     Regardless of the feeling you may have about this holiday, reflect on the people who may no longer be here but will forever be in your heart. That is something to be thankful for.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

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)

BE THANKFUL

 

TRANS DAY OF REMEMBRANCE

 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Equality and separation cannot exist in the same space. 

~Jason Mraz

GRATITUDE

 

THOUGHTS FROM A TRANSGNDER VETERAN

I attend the Veterans Day parade religiously every year. Each year I trek downtown to pay homage to my fellow veterans. As I watched the contingent of Korean veterans march by, it reminded me of how they encouraged me to participate and share my story.

I served in the U.S. Army at Fort Riley, Kansas in the First Meddac Division (1971-1974). I was a pharmacy tech. I never went overseas but the experience of being a part of something greater than myself was life-changing. I didn't know that I was transgender until 2005 but maybe it was better that I didn't. 

Men and women of all sexualities and identities have served in the armed forces with dignity. The ban on transgender people serving was wrong-headed and stupid. I am proud to have served my country. I am proud to be a transgender veteran.  

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, chaos to clarity.  It can turn a meal into a feast, 

It can turn into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.

~Melody Beattie, Writer (b.1948)

TRANGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE

We are making preparations for Transgender Day of Remembrance.  We will be having it on Friday, November 19th, at my senior center, both virtual and in person. I saw the list of the women and men murdered this year and it's really sad. 

THANKFUL PEOPLE ARE HAPPY

 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.

~Nido Qubein 

THANKFUL PEOPLE

 

BEING THANKFUL

This month I will post much about Thanksgiving and thankfulness. It is a 365 day thing. I'm thinking that, maybe, Thanksgiving Day is overlooked. However one feels about that special day we should always be thankful for everything.

GRATITUDE

 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Life is a journey that must be traveled no matter how bad the roads and accommodations.

~Oliver Goldsmith, Poet (1730-1774)

STANDING UP

 A decade ago I said that transgender people needed to share their own stories. Now trans people are not only sharing their stories. We are taking to task those who will try to silence us or making our existence irrelevant. 

When I came out years ago I made up my mind to live openly. I will tell anybody that we transpeople were the ones who began the liberation movement for LGBTQ+ people. No one can deny this or take away that fact.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

All human beings deserve equal treatment, no matter their gender identity or sexuality.  

~Andreja Pejic

JOURNEYS ARE VARIED

 Each trans person's journey s uniquely their own.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Love who you are, embrace who you are. Love yourself. When you love yourself, people can kind of pick up on that: they can see confidence, they can see self-esteem, and naturally, people gravitate towards you. 

~Lilly Singh  

OCTOBER 11TH

 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

What people call impartiality may simply mean indifference, and what people call partiality may simply mean mental activity.

~Gilbert K. Chesterton, Writer (1874-1936)

I AM WHAT I SAY I AM

 

TIME FOR PAUSE

 I am curious to see how all the anti-trans bills will proceed. While some have passed, others have not. Others, legislators and administrators are taking pause. I pray they realize that these bills will cause more problems. For the people who are targeted. For the community. For the cost to the taxpayer. Above all, for the needless suffering trans people will endure. 

What concerns me is the people who use God and the Bible to justify their biases. I have been a Christian for over half my life. Nowhere does Jesus condemn or trash others because they are different. NOWHERE! 

I pray that the people will see these bills as evil and wrong. More parents are standing and accepting their trans children. BRAVO! I trust that those in power will see us as loving human beings who want to live happy and productive lives. 

STANDING ON SHOULDERS

This year was a year for transgender people. We are more visible now than ever. There has more folks learning about transgender and non conforming people. When I came out sixteen years ago there was hardly any resources for parents of transgender children. Now there's plenty of resources.

I'm thankful for the people who paved the way for what we have today. Future generations will stand on our shoulders. Much has been accomplished, however there's more that needs to be addressed. 

BE YOURSELF

 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.

~Isaac Newton

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

I didn't get to experience proper autumn until I was eighteen and heading off to college on the East Coast.

~Alexandra Bracken

QUEER POETS OF COLOR

 

I stumbled upon this book. I'm very interested in it.

SOMETHING TO PONDER

If the far left or far right were to take over the country queer and trans people would still lose out.

NEVER FORGET

 

GENEVIEVE`S GEMS

The greatest gift that you can give to others is the gift of unconditional love and acceptance.

~Brian Tracy, Author (b. 1944)

COMFORT ZONE

This symbol is posted on my blog. I view myself as not completely male and not completely male. I never hated being male but prefer to live as a female. Every person has his/her comfort zone. I'm happy where I am and live life openly.

HOW TO RESPOND

Watching some news clips I see people who are angry, confused, depressed, stressed out. There are also people who are looking ahead and are ready to take on what challenges lie ahead. We may not control all the situations but we do choose how we respond to those challenges. 

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.