HAPPY PRIDE

 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.

~Golda Meir, Leader (1898-1978)

LIVING MY LIFE

I have thought much about my gender transition now that pride month will be here in a couple of days.  It's been a strange and wonderful trip to say the least. Though I believed that I was queer when I transitioned, it was only a few years back that I actually embraced it. I'm thankful that I haven't encountered  any trouble. I can go about my life in a quiet and unassuming manner.   

MEMORIAL DAY GRATITUDE

 

EMBRACE THE JOURNEY

 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

It's never too late to be what you might have been. 

~George Eliot, Author (1819-1880)

REJECT NEGATIVITY

People will say negative things to you from time to time. Some of my best days have been after someone has said something mean. Yes, it will sting but we don't have to accept that negativity in our spirits. 

The negative comment(s) are a reflection on the one who said it. They may be having a bad day or struggling with something. I just pray for them. Meanwhile, I go about living and enjoying the day.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 

BOOK

 

TREAT PEOPLE RIGHT

 

TO ALL MOMS

 

RECONNECTING

Today I went down to the LGBT Center to escape from four days of being cooped up. Had illness, then personal business to take care of. I come here once a week, if I'm able. This is one of the places that make an impact on me coming out as transgender. 

There was a time when there wasn't many resources for LGBTQ folks, transgender in particular. Many LGBTQ Centers are standing strong despite threats of cutbacks and those trying to erase our right to exist. I am mindful of being part of a group of people who are marginalized and put down simply because of who they are. 

I'm happy that the LGBT Center exists and will continue to support it. With pride month coming here in June, I will celebrate who I am. Now I feel refreshed and relaxed.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

The power of protest depends not only on how many turn out, but also on what legislative, judicial, and civil society institutions exist to enact the will of those marching in the streets.

~Cynthia P. Schneider, Diplomat (b.1953)

SPRING BLOSSOMS

 

Spring is a lovely time when flowers bloom, and seeds are planted. Trees adorned themselves with colorful blossoms. It reminds me of my blossoming as a trans person.

Each new spring is different. I learned new things on my journey. I made changes. I trekked on roads unknown. No matter what I kepted going. It wasn't always easy but I needed to get to my next destination. 

As a child I liked walking in the forests. As a scout I loved going upstate for a couple of weeks camping out in nature. I have visited many sides of my transgender life.  My b.ossoms bloomed later in life but they bloomed nevertheless.

Each spring is different from the last. I am anticipating how my life will bloom again. More colorful. More gratitude. More of the blessings I will receive.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity.

~W. Clement Stone, Businessman (1902-2002)

PATHS UNKNOWN

 

HAPPY EARTH DAY

 

TO MY JEWISH FRIENDS

 

MANY ANTI-LGBTQ+BILLS ARE FAILING

I read an article where many anti-LGBTQ+ bills are not passing. The initial fervor of this dangerous legislation is losing steam, thank goodness. These bills would harms many people. LGBTQ+ people want to live their lives i peace. I wonder why some people are obsessed with what we do. 

We work, pay taxes, are creative, and raise families. I believe that some people in power understand that these bills will hurt not only the folks affected but the reputations of those particular state. Common sense is prevailing, mercifully.

STAY THE COURSE

 It's important that we remain vigilant during these troubling times.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Bravery is not the absence of fear, it is overcoming it.

~Mellody Hobson 

2024 NCAA DIVISION BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS

 MEN

WOMEN

CONGRATULATIONS!

EASTER AND TRANS DAY OF VISIBILITY

Last Sunday, Easter and Transgender Day of Visibility fell on the same day. Some people about lost their minds because this happened. They thought it to be sacrilege because trans people were celebrating who they were on a holy day.

Easter was the day that Jesus was resurrected from the dead. Trans people were resurrected from a life of misery to becoming their authentic selves. Jesus died for EVERYBODY! Trans people are part of God's wonderful design. 

Easter comes on various dates. March 31st is the actual day of Trans Day Of Visibility. The day was created in 2009. It just happened to fall on Easter this year. Instead of folks being riled up, they need to be thankful for a merciful Jesus  who paid for our sins so we wouldn't. 

As a Christian who happens to be trans, I'm thankful for God's mercy. I'm thankful that He has embraced me as his child. His grace and mercy is available to all.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

There is only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that's your own self.

~Aldous Huxley, Novelist  (1894-1963)

THE UNKNOWN

 

CHRISTIAN AND TRANS

I attended Easter services on Sunday. It was also Transgender Day of Visibility. This is the first time this has happened. It reminded of the time I reconciled being transgender as well as being a Christian.

Easter is very important to me because I understand what Christ's resurrection meant for me personally. Coming out as trans was a resurrection  from my old life to transgender.

In due time the apostles lives would be forever changed. My life has changed both spiritually and personally. Alleluia!

2024 DIVISION II BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH THE MENS AND WOMENS TEAMS!

2024 NAIA BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS

 MEN

WOMEN

CONGRATULATIONS!

VISIBLE

 

HAPPY EASTER

 

2024 NCAA DIVISION III BASKETBALL 🏀 CHAMPIONS

 MEN

WOMEN

CONGRATULATIONS!

HAPPY SPRING

 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Let no one define who you are. You define yourself. 

~Genevieve

 

2024 WOMEN'S NCAA TRACK CHAMPIONS

 

DIVISION I

DIVISION II

DIVISION III

NAIA

                                                                 INDIANA TECH

2024 NCAA MENS TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONS

 

DIVISION I

DIVISION II

DIVISION III

NAIA

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

The attitude is very important. Because, your behavior radiates how you feel.

Lou Ferrigno, Actor (b.1952)

SELF-CARE

 

LEAVE YOUR FOOTPRINT

Live your reality. There may be someone watching you who is struggling who may draw confidence in taking the next step. 

SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE

 

I thought much about Nex Benedict, the non binary 16 year old student who died as a result of a February 8th beating by three girls at their high school. Nex and other students had been bullied for over a year

Oklahoma is not friendly to LGBTQ+ folks. There are a number for anti- trans bills. With the anti trans rhetoric being spewed, it gives the haters permission to harm trans and non binary folks. This is dangerous and creates fear for other people who don't fit the mold.

Nex was a straight A student who had dreams and goals. She was living her reality. The school did nothing to stop the bullying of Nex and others. The administration needs to held accountable As well as the three girls who beat her.

My heart goes out to Nex's family and friends.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 

Time and memory are true artists; they remold reality nearer to the heart's desire.

~John Dewey, Philosopher (1859-1952)

MONTH #3

 

REMEMBER NEX

 

Nex Benedict, a 16 year old non binary student died from the injuries she suffered from a beating by three students in a high school in Owassa, Oklahoma. There have been numerous memorials for Nex. 

She was bullied because she lived her life openly. I hope that the attackers will be published for their crimes. Please pray for her family and friends.

KEEP LIFE IN PERSPECTIVE

 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 

SHARE YOUR STORY

 As trans people it is important that we share our stories. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Everybody has their own story; everybody has their own journey.

~Thalia, Musician (b. 1971)

SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS

 

CONGRATULATIONS, KANSAS CITY!

VARIED LIFE

This past Sunday I shared my testimony at service as part of Black History Month. I shared how my faith has shaped me as a black trans person. 

My life has been varied having been in many arenas. Farm work, messenger, college, military service, clerk, technician. My transition was a gradual process, having discovered my transgender identity as a middle age adult.

I pray that someone was touched by my testimony. As far as I know, I'm the only trans person in the congregation. There may be someone who is struggling that I don't know. I pray that my words will help them in their journey.

VALENTINE WISH

 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

If you can't get excited about living life, then what are you doing?

~Hill Harper

SHARING MY STORY

During Black History Month, I will be sharing my life story during a Sunday service. I'm looking forward to it.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 

COMMENTARY

I watched a program on YouTube which featured a debate between trans women vs conservative women. It was interesting listening to each person's thoughts.

The conservative women agreed that trans women go through a lot. I don't believe they fully grasp what being transgender is about but they doing feel for trans people and the struggles that go though. 

The conversation was civil and informative. One concern I have is straight folks having difficulty wrapping their heads around the transgender experience. Trans people have been around as long as life has existed. We just want to live our lives in peace.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 Freedom lies in being bold.

~Robert Frost, Poet (1874-1963)

NOT ALL ALIKE

The LGBTQ+ community is not a monolithic voting group. There are people of numerous political persuasions.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON 2023 COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON

BEST TEAM-  MICHIGAN

OVERRATED- TEXAS

UNDERRATED- MISSOURI, OKLAHOMA

FEEL GOOD STORY- ARIZONA

UNDER THE RADAR- KANSAS, MISSISSIPPI

DISAPPOINTING- NORTH CAROLINA

THEY WAS ROBBED- FLORIDA STATE

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

 

YOU ARE LOVED!

 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

It is not how old you are, but how you are old.

~Jules Renard, Dramatist (1864-1910)

SOMETHING NEW

 

2023 NCAA FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS

FBS

FCS

CONGRATULATIONS!