DIVISION I
Cornell University Big Red.
DIVISION II
DIVISION III
NAIA
There were a few takeaways from this year's pride parades. In spite of all the anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, the parades went on with much more purpose. We were making ourselves loud and proud.
One irony is that world pride was held in Washington, D.C. where President Trump and his minions want to push us back in the closet.
A special shoutout to Budapest. The Hungarian hierarchy said that the pride march was illegal. Turned out to be one of the biggest parades I saw.
Yes, we are defying all the obstacles that designed to stop us. Onward and upward!
I recently visited the AIDS Memorial here in the West Village. I felt the urge to come here, for reasons unknown. Just like the 9/11 memorial site and Vietnam Veteran's Memorial, I did not personally know anyone who died from HIV/AIDS.
As I sat on the seat (foreground), I listened to music sung by the gay men's chorus over a loudspeaker. The feeling of connection swept through me. I felt a peace in my heart just being here.
Early in the Aids crisis, I was indifferent about it. I reasoned that it was their own fault. It was when I saw how AIDS patients were treated by society that I really changed my tune. These were human beings! They were hurting and afraid. I'm thankful to the people who helped during that time.
Sitting there, I almost felt like crying. As I post this I feel the same way. I needed to be there at that particular time. It was as if the songs were speaking to me. I believe that I was forgiven for my indifference.
As I left there, I resolve that I will visit here more often. I am thankful for that experience.
The U.S. Supreme Court upheld Tennessee's ban on healthcare for transgender youth. This decision will also impact doctors nationwide who provide essential medical care.
I read a few days ago that some folks believe that June should be veterans month instead of pride month. There are plenty of times that veterans are honored. Memorial Day. Military Appreciation Day. Veterans Day. As a veteran, I attend activities in support of veterans.
Pride is important for many folks. Some want to take pride month away because it offends their sensibilities about sex and gender. Pride is about celebrating who we are. We have no need to be ashamed of ourselves. Just like our veterans, we honor those who sacrificed much so we can enjoy the freedoms we have now.
There were a lot of pride parades this past weekend. Despite all the anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric being spewed, we are out and proud of who we are. We are aren't going anywhere!
HAPPY PRIDE!
The past week has been a roller coaster of emotions. Memorial Day as one of conflcted feelings. Later in the week I read about the House of Representaives in Washington voted to deny trans people any kind of medical care.
I felt anger and conflict, two emotions I rarely show. The country is so divided. A leader should bring the nation together. From what I'm seeing now, It's anything but.
This is the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Plaza in the financial district 8n New York City. I visit here a few times during the year. When I reading the quotes of people carved on the wall, I come away with conflicted feelings. Yesterday, those feelings were stronger than ever.
I was in the military (army) during the Vietnam conflict. I was state side during the time (1971-1974). The war was unpopular, and some folks took out their wrath against the men and women serving. I sat on the bench nearby struggling g with my own feelings. These soldiers were my contemporaries. Some of them never made it home.
Why do I have these feelings of conflict? I don't know, and I wasn't there. I will continue to visit the memorial. It's my own personal homage to the men and women who served during that time. I suppose I will always have this conflict. However, I will always remember their service and those who lost their lives.
MEMORIAL DAY MEMORIES
The military will be discharging all transgender personnel. Trans people will not be allowed to join the service either. As a veteran I am appalled by this order. To say that we are incapable of performing our duties is a lie.
The military will need to replace these spots. I'm m sure that some were in high security positions. The services have to maintain a particular quota. When gay and lesbian personnel were discharged, they needed to be replaced. Some of the replacements weren't the best or the brightest.
As a veteran who is transgender, I served with honor and distinction. So have many others. This order sends a chilling message to the trans men and women who want to serve our country.
Things will only improve when the people-all of us- say to authorities, 'I will hold you responsible.' We shall all be showing up at city council meetings, lighting up every community with activism and mobilization.
~Erin Brockovich
Earlier this evening I shared my life story at a community rally and press conference at Fort Washington Collegiate Church. The church is slated to close on June 30th. However the worshippers and the community are fighting against this.
Fort Washington is the poorest of the four collegiate churches. Despite obstacles we have been able to raise funds and get tenants to share our space. The will be a protest on May 20th to challenge the Collegiate board to change their mind.
FWCC has been a pillar in the community. Many folks have been helped. Lives have been saved. There is a community fridge, activities for young people, and a community garden. There have been concerts, a community Thanksgiving dinner annually, weddings and other activities. FWC. is an open AND affirming church.
I am attending May 20th protest. This is very important to me and the community. This reluctant activist not going to go down without a fight.
The past week has been one of mixed blessings. Confusion over the need to bash transgender folks. The powers that be blame us for the ills of society. Inam also feeling blessed about who I am and where I'm heading to. In spite of all the naysayers, I'm still marching on.
This journey is taking me to new places. Questions about gender, sexuality, and protest have give new meaning as to what it is to be different. I welcome these questions and know, down the line, they will be answered. Once I make a decision to do something, nothing will stop me from proceeding ahead. This is where I am right now.
I generally don't talk much about myself. Being out as a transperson is how I choose to speak. There may be someone who is watching me who may be struggling. I pray that they know they aren't alone.