Happy Birthday MLK

On this day eighty four years ago one of greatest champions for human rights was born. Martin Luther King is one man that I admire because he stood up for the poor and oppressed. He demonstrated love and compassion in the face of hate and personal harm. 

Earlier today I listened to his speech done on May 4, 1967, comdemning the Vietnam War. A year later on the exact day MLK was assasinated. I have listened to a number of his speeches including the 'I Have A Dream' speech in 1963. I listened to his last speech on May 3, 1968. This and the Vietnam War speech resonate with me.

 Much of what he spoke about is happening today; racism, militarism, and social injustice. More MLKs are needed to speak out and change conditions in America. People in other countries such as Greece, Spain, Irealand, and Italy are doing just that. On this occasion let's strive to fulfill the dream that Dr. King sacrificed his life for.

Cecilia Chung

Transgender patients seeking medical care face discrimination even in liberal, cutting-edge San Francisco.

But this being liberal, cutting-edge San Francisco, they also have a champion: Cecilia Chung, a transgender woman serving on the Health Commission.

Appointed to the commission overseeing the Department of Public Health by Mayor Ed Lee in April, Chung made news by pushing the department to pay for gender reassignment surgeries for uninsured transgender patients - making San Francisco the first city in the country to do so.





http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Cecilia-Chung-transgender-health-advocate-4189493.php

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Are we like late Rome, infatuated with past glories, ruled by a complacent, greedy elite, and hopelessly powerless to respond to changing conditions.


~Camile Paglia, b. 1947

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

When an individual is protesting society's refusal to acknowledge his dignity as a human being, his very act of protest confers dignity to him.


~Bayard Rustin (1910-1987)

GOALS FOR 2013

Every year at this time I go about choosing goals that I will accomplish. I have three thus far. The first is to work toward seeing the employment non discrimination pass here in New York. The law has repeatedly failed to pass in the state senate. I want to see this change. It's been on the ballot for over a decade and enough stalling is enough.

Second, I will buy my first black dress. It is said that a lady needs at least one black dress in her wardrobe. I need to get two or three.

Third, I will get my certificates so I can teach/tutor. I'm not so sure about working in the public school sector but non profits seem appealing. 

That's three goals thus far. I'll most like come up with more as time passes.  

2012-SUMMARY

If I could sum up 2012, I would conclude that it was a year of revelation, growth, and challenge. I came out to my faith community and my neighborhood. I educated many folks about what it is to be transgender and the concerns of transgender People as a group. I also saw the challenges we face in a clear and concise way.

During gay pride month in June I came out to my church family. Some were surprised but the response was overwhelmingly supportive. It was the first time my wife went out with me when I was Gennee. We met many LGBTQI men and women from other churches. The mixer that was given helped open door and established connections.

In October and November a journalism grad student interviewed my wife and me. I shared the video with friends and received positive responses. Keeping up with the issues and topics concerning transgender people was challenging. Much happened in 2012 and more will happen in the coming year. I invited a transgender woman who I met at Transgender Day of Remembrance ceremonies to church. Now Michelle is a regular.

Looking back, 2012 was a year of growth emotionally and spiritually. I met some wonderful folks and made some good friends.  In my next post I will share some goals I have in mind for 2013.



HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Response to Pope's Rant

Several days ago I read the vitriolic words of Pope Benedict's thoughts
about marriage equality and about transgender people. A rebuttal was
posted a short time after those remarks. Below is the link.



A Catholic's Response to Pope Benedict XVI's Comments Regarding Marriage Equality

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Let each new year be better than the last.

HOLIDAY GREETINGS

MERRY CHRISTMAS! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Underappreciated

Their jobs are filled with stress. They aren't paid enough and are vastly under appreciated. Yet they are vital to public service of the citizenry.

1. parents- there's no instruction book

2.teachers- they are professionals, too. They affect the future learning of our children more than one thinks.

3. nurses- just as valuable as doctors. 

4. police/fire/ems personnel- do dangerous jobs that most of us wouldn't.

5. military personnel- much sacrifice to keep us safe.

Video Of Interview

Here is a link to the interview I had in November. I hope that you enjoy it.




http://northattan.com/2012/12/18/fort-washington-collegiate-church-washington-heights-lgbt-religion-transgender/

GENDA IN 2013

I havent though about my goals for 2013 yet but one came to me while I was changing the backround of my blogsite. Purple is one of my favorite colors. This year was one of coming out many times and connecting with like minded folks. It was a year of educating others.

In the upcoming year, I will be involved in two or three issues that are very important to transgender people. One of those issues will be the Gender Expression Non Discrimination Act (GENDA) here in New York State. Probably will travel upstate as to put a face on what it is to transgender.  

I don't know what the other topics will be at this point but I'll post it when I have them.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

If you really think about it, we are changing all the time.

Coming Out To Siblings

I'm getting closer to the point that I don't have a desire to own any male clothing.
Right now, I'm sitting at my computer dressed in a red mock sweater and black
maxi skirt. Not wanting to take them off I know that I will have to when I go to bed pretty soon.

 I have the feeling that I may break the news to my brother, sister, and nephew about
Genevieve. When that my happen I can't said but 2013 could be the year.  I'm ready for
the repercussions but as I have mentioned when I come out to someone, there's no going back.
When the time is right I will do this.

Social Settings

I have been to a Christmas party and a cocktail social in recent days. I don't remember if it's the first time out for me at a party as Genevieve but it's great when it's with ladies. I wasn't conscious of being trans, I was being myself. I'm pretty comfortable in social settings.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think.
When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.

Feeing Better

I'm doing much better after a bout with a viral infection.

Under The Weather

I went to the emergency room today because of a sore throat. Found out I have a viral infection. One of my lymph nodes is swollen. I was given some antibiotics to take. I'll be in bed for a couple of days. Doesn't prevent me from reading, writing, and posting.  

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.