Gloria Allen (1945-2022)
Transgender activist,
Ran a charm school for transgender youth
Was a licensed practical nurse, then a nurse's aid in private homes
Gloria Allen (1945-2022)
Transgender activist,
Ran a charm school for transgender youth
Was a licensed practical nurse, then a nurse's aid in private homes
When you encourage others, you in the process are encouraged because you're making a commitment and difference in that person's life. Encouragement really does make a difference.
~Zig Ziglar
Though I didn't have gender reassignment surgery, I did transition. Perhaps because I'm a septugenarian, some things are not as important as they were in the past.
What is important is the well being of my trans sisters and brothers. It's enough that we navigate in a world that doesn't view us as human beings. Whenever I share something about myself, I sharing my humanity. Iam fully human, something no one can deny me.
Yesterday, a lovely transgender woman delivered the sermon at Sunday service. L* was humorous, having her own twist to the scriptures.
Some of you may have heard some well meaning "Christians" declare that God doesn't make mistakes. They elude that my transgender self is a unacceptable. God has chosen me for this particular journey. I have been affirmed and confirmed by his spirit.
With the vitriol being spewed against transgender people it would east question myself. Am I wrong for being who I am? Then I'm reminded this is the course set for me. No one can run it for me. I a not fearful of what others will say or think.
Today I read a post from a facebook friend that reminded me about what transgender people deal with. Contrary to what some may believe, we have lives with all theconcerns and cares of everyday life. .
Writing has opened up areas in my life that I never knew I had. the yearnings, doubts, and challenges that I face each day. I transitioned in my mid fifties as it was my time to introduce Genevieve to the world.. I am the more than the the sum of my parts. At times I can't comprehend why my life has gone this route but it is what it is. The door behind me is locked forever. I can't stay staionary in the same spot. I must keep going.
One aspect of writing is that it will plant a seed that, at a later time, will sprout. I acknowledged that I was queer when I first came out. It was many years later that I embraced it. That act is still taking to new dimensions. I blive that gender is more fluid than I realize. I want to see where my transgender journey will lead. I'm open to anything that comes my way.
This past Friday I celebrated my nineteenth year of transition. Looking back, there were times of frustration, joy, relief, acceptance, and completeness.
This journey was a part of God's plan for my life. It was hidden from me for years. The belief that I was different kept me on track as to what would unfold later. Those feelings didn't bother me 24/7 which I am thankful for.
I was most concerned if my being transgender could be reconciled with my Christian faith? The answer came back in the affirmative. I felt no guilt or shame wearing women's clothing in a church.
The statement on my blog of 'not completely male and not completely female' is true in my case. When asked if I am male or female, I reply I'm transgender. It was case of me preferring the feminine; not hating the masculine.
I am looking to the future to see what life will bring. I want to do much to help other LGBTQ people.
How is it that LGBTQ+ people are a threat to society? We are just living our lives. I have read some of Project 2025, a blueprint of how Donald Trump and his minions will shape the policies of the country, if elected.
LGBTQ+ people are the targets of the right. It would deem us as criminals and perverts. They wish to take away our rights. A lot of things will be on the chopping block. I'm most concerned about LGBTQ+ people and how this will do harm to our communities.
I believe that it is better to tell the truth than a lie. I believe it is better to be free than to be a slave. And I believe it is better to know than to be ignorant.
~H. L. Mencken, Writer (1880-1956)
I am reading about J. D. Vance, Donald Trump's choice for running mate. Vance is a young buck, who would become president if something happens to Trump. I admit that it was a smart move by trump selecting a young guy who would further advance his agenda.
In my view, Vance is dangerous for freedom loving people. He is also anti- LGBTQ which concerns me and my friends. Anyone who wants to deny me and others their rights is an enemy to my freedom.
Folks are watching us. Some want to know what we are about. There is someone out there who is struggling with gender issues. They may be watching our every move. They see how comfortable we are in our own skin.
"I wish I could be like her." they ask themselves.
Just as we stand on the shoulders of our trans ancestors, this generation will be standing on our shoulders. Imagine how many folks were encouraged to continue their journey to transition because we dared to live authentically.
There are those forces who are railing against us. However, I will not be moved by their hate and vileness.
I WILL NOT BE INVISIBLE!
I've read just a few pages and there are so many people, articles, and books to research. I am writing down my thoughts in a notebook. It may take two books.
Your attitude is like a box of crayons that color your world. Constantly color your picture gray, and your picture will always be bleak. Try adding some bright colors to the picture by including humor, and your picture begins to brighten up.
Allen Klein
I enjoyed numerous pride festivitiess. Services. Parties. A former intern's ordination (also does drag). The month culminated with the big parade (marching days are over, I'm afraid).
I posted much on my blog of some of the places which were instrumental in my transition. I visited the Stonewall Inn a few day after the riots. I believed that it was the start of something big.
I am mindful of the political climate in the country. The LGBTQ+ communities are under attack with all the anti-LGBTQ bills being brought forth in legislatures around the country. If conservatives win the presidency, there will be an all out attack on us. Our hard fought rights are in danger of being taken away. A somber reminder of what's at stake.
I wasn't there on that hot night of June 28, 1969 (out of town). I returned to the city a few nights later and trekked right down to the Stonewall. The street was a mess.
Two things came to my mind. One, Greenwich Village wasn't poor by any stretch so something like this happening was unthinkable. Second, surveying the situation this was the start of some big. I was a twenty year old student at time.
Looking back, the folks who protested that night laid the ground work where I could transition without the thought of being arrested. Contrary to what some may or may not acknowledge, there WAS a trans presence there that night.
I am greatful to those folks who came before me. Many of them are not here but their presence is felt by me and others.
Looking back this bohemian hub was an introduction to how my life transition would unfold. Being different was okay. Many of my favorite place are long gone, but the memories of those times will last forever.
Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn, or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.
~Denis Waitley, Writer
It was here that visited a church for the first time wearing women's clothing. It felt right. I forgot that there was a midday service so I stayed. During the greetings from other worshippers, there were greetings and smiles. No frowns or disgusted looks. There was no guilt or condemnation from God. It was okay 👍. He was interested in me, not what I was wearing.
This is another place instrumental in my transition to become Genevieve.