December

December is here (so fast). This is usually an active month for me. Gatherings, a little shopping, sharing the joy of the season. This past Saturday, there was a Christmas Tree lighting celebration at church. Estimates of how many people came range between eight hundred and a thousand people.

This is also a time of reflection. I'm thankful about the many blessings  bestowed on many folks and on me.Many people will be alone. Some will be depressed. This is particularly true in the LGBT community. Many are estranged from loved ones and families. Bringing joy can be as simple as a smile, a card, a meal, or an invitation to a concert. 

 As the years pass I am reminded of the many people would have passed through my life. I have been  enriched by them and share some of the good tidings with others.     

WORLD AIDS DAY

On this day, I am reminded of the millions of people who succumbed to the disease. I am mindful of the millions who are suffering. The HIV/AIDS crisis may not be in the headlines as it was thirty years ago but it's still a crisis today. New cases, particularly among young men of color and African American women are on the rise. 

I do not know anyone personally who died from AIDS but I know a few folks who had friends and partners die from it. A couple of years ago, I was at the community center on WORLD AIDS DAY. I listened to some classical music being played by an orchestra. When I heard that some of the instruments being used belonged to deceased partners or friends, I wept. The loss of so many gifted and talented people has been felt by the LGBT community in particular. 

I look forward to the day when this dreaded disease will no longer exist. There are successful treatments out there, though. Education is still needed because there is still stigmatization and ignorance about HIV/AIDS.   

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

It takes courage to admit when one is wrong.

Internet Back On

After more than a year I finally have my own internet. I've been using the library computers and there are days that I don't feel like leaving the house. I hope to post more and read more. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

How can someone tell me what I should be when they don't even know anything about me?

Transgender Day Of Remembrance

Last night, I attended the Transgender Day of Remembrance ceremonies at the community center. Well over 100 people attended. There were speakers with some interesting stories about how the work they are doing to end transphobia. It was both somber and yet encouraging to hear so many stories of struggle, discovery, and victory.

A transwoman named M* shared her story about her unhappy life as a male and is now transitioning. M* shared the story of her friend Venus, who was murdered 20 years ago. Venus was instrumental in M* deciding to transition. A transman shared his story of being attacked and seriously injured. I took many of these stories to heart because there's such a long way to go.
I spoke a few words to the audience about my coming out at my place of worship and my family's acceptance. I encouraged them to be themselves. Afterwards, a number of folks thanked me for the words that I spoke. I was invited to speak at one place and the possibility of a portrait of me and my wife from someone else.
I felt this was the best TDOR I've attended because the resolve and determination of folks to fight against transphobia and discriminnation was definitely there.

Thanksgiving Dinner

Today, Thanksgiving dinner will be served to those in need at church. My wife and I will be helping out. There are many folks in need in the neighborhood and we do whatever we can to help. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

The fight for equality requires knowledge, information,determination, and perseverance.

Documentary

This past Saturday evening, I watched DVD named Out Of The Box. It is the stories of transgender people of faith. Interviewed were a cross dresser, two trans women, and a trans man. Each shared their stories of discovery, struggle, transition,  loss, and redemption. Each individual is now serving in the ministry. It was a positive story to show that transgender people have a vital part in God's kingdom and work.

Afterwards Vivian, a transgender woman, shared her own story. I was fascinated how she broke the news to her family. During refreshments, we talked for fifteen minutes or so,sharing our desire to affect the spiritual community that transgender people are God's people also.  

Coming Out Later in Life

I have been reading the stories of folks who discovered later in life that their sexuality or gender expression were different. Many of the people who commented discovered in their thirties, forties, fities, and even sixties. I was in my mid fifties when I discovered that I love wearing women's clothing.

I took note that not everyone knows that they're gay when they are children. A woman could discover that she attracted to women when she married. A man or woman may realize that they would be much happier as the other gender. Circumstances varied with each person but the results were life changing. What I see is the evolution of each person into their authentic and true identities. When they embraced it, they were much happier and complete.

I came out as a crossdresser then later saw that my feelings ran deeper than clothing. When I researched about my my concerns, that's when I discovered that I  was transgender. From time to time, my gender identity undergoes a shift. I have no desire to fully transition but I haven't closed the door to it. Some may think that I missed out on a lot by coming out late. I just believe that it was the right time for me to coming out in the world.

It's been over seven years since I came out as Gennee. This year I came out to more people. I will be coming out to more people in the future. 

Survived Hurricane Sandy

I survived Hurricane Sandy. Where I live, there was only some downed trees, a little flooding, and a few power outages. My residence is on a hill so was spared much of the flooding. Some other neighborhoods were really devastated. I used to live in Coney Island and was born in Staten Island so I know how vulnerable these places are. New Jersey was really decimated.

I thought the news coverage was spotty in that they showed the same pictures over and over. Also the poor areas and the projects were virtually neglected.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Discontent is the first step in the progress of a man or a nation.


~Chinese proverb

Transgender In Africa

I read this article today that may be of interest to you.

http://www.blacklooks.org/2012/10/transgender-community-as-an-african-in-the-diaspora/

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

JUST ONE KIND WORD CAN BRING JOY TO THE WHOLE DAY.

Wearing Purple this Weekend.

I am wearing purple in support of those who have been bullied.  It's time that this scourge is confronted. Let's wrap our arms around those who have been bullied and harassed and tell them that we love them.

Beyond Labels

This past Thursday the Beyond Labels ministry at church met to discuss ideas for the coming year. Many wonderful ideas were presented. I mentioned that Transgender Day of Remembrance was coming up next month. I informed the group that I will be attending the ceremony at the community center. Some folks may come in support.

The assistant pastor is writing something about transphobia.  I am gathering materials about the origins of Transgender Day of Remembrance.  My wife stated publically that she fully supports me. One of my desires is to reach out to transgender people who may be stealth or struggling. What I'm really pleased about is that people of faith both LGBTQI and straight are involved in spearheading this outreach.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. 


~ALBERT EINSTEIN

2012

This year has gone by so fast! The elections are less than a month away, transgender day of remembrance ceremonies come up next month,  and once again Thanksgiving and Christmas will be upon us. 

2012 has been a big year for transgender people in that many communities around the country are even discussing this issue. There have been some victories, some defeats. What has been consistent in my life is the desire to share with others what being transgender is. There have been inroads in my place of worship and within the community that I live in. I have seen more trans folks here and there on the street. The trans community is largely invisible. 

I'm aware of some concerns (safety) but I cannot let that stop me. With each passing day my trans identity is being defined and refined. I sense that there will be more internal changes in the future. I am thankful for an accepting and understanding mate who has come to terms with my transgenderism. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Each day presents us with a new opportunity to improve ourselves.

Getting Back To Normal

September was a very trying month. My sister was evicted from her apartment while she was in the hospital. My wife was in the hospital for three days. My brother and I handled the storage and moving affairs. My wife is much better now. I haven't been on the forums or posting much lately but now I'm getting back to normal.