TRANSGENDER AND RESISTANCE

 

       I have had this symbol for at least two years. It states on my blog 'Not completely male and not completely female. I have a male body and a female brain. There have been occasions when this feeling has been very strong. Having embraced my queerness, I crossed another threshold.  I believed that I was queer however me acknowledging it publicly made a marked difference in how I perceive myself. 

       The resist slogan has a twofold meaning. I will resist anyone who discriminates against the transgender community. You can bank on that. The second meaning is to resist the negative vibes some will hurl in my direction. I'm fortunate that I have never felt guilty or ashamed about being transgender. I was liberated from what society says that I should be. I was also completed as a person. I have never been happier.

       There won't be a pride parade here in New York City this year but I don't need a parade to express my joy and happiness of being a transgender woman. That will never abate or change.

HAPPY PRIDE!

CAME OUT TO CONGREGATION

This past Sunday was the ninth anniversary of my coming out at my place of worship. This is one of the highlights of my journey. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Be who you are!

Let no one else define who you are.

~Genevieve

PRIDE MONTH IS HERE!

It's Pride Month! Unlike 2020, there will be some outside activities albeit limited. Covid has changed how we celebrate and, more importantly, how we do so in the future. 

I have a couple of thoughts about where pride events may be headed in the future but that's for a future post. I'm just happy that there will be a parade. In the meantime, celebrate your pride with all your heart.   

HAPPY PRIDE!

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Those who are able to see beyond the shadows and lies of their culture will never be understood, let alone believed, by the masses.

~Plato

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

The truth is: Belonging starts with self-acceptance. Your level of belonging, in fact, can never be greater than your level of self-acceptance, because believing that you're enough is what gives you the courage to be authentic, vulnerable, and imperfect.

~Brene Brown  

2021 FCS FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS

Congratulations to the Bearkats of Sam Houston State University

 

LEARNED SOMETHING NEW

I didn't know that May 17th is International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and  Biphobia.

COMMENTARY

There are people who don't want trans youth to participate in school sports. This is specifically trans girls. I've heard nothing regarding trans men. I listen to the way opponents frame the subject. They refer to tans girls as biological males. Aren't trans men biological females? What's the point?

What I definitely see is that many folks still haven't a clue about who trans people are and what we are about. The lockdown didn't help matters any as many trans people have been isolated from the people and activities they enjoy. Keeping them from participating in school sports only adds to that isolation.

I'm happy that parents of trans children are speaking up in support of their trans child(ren). Children have even testified to legislators. With a spate of anti-trans bills being presented (and passed in some cases), this will only create more problems for trans youth and, in my opinion, youth in general.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

It's good to sit down and smell the roses. Cherish the moment that you're in.

~Genevieve 

KEEP BEING WHO WE ARE

I don't know how 2021 will pan out for trans and gender non-conforming people, but we must keep being who we are.

HOMAGE TO MOM

 

Mom never knew me as Genevieve when I came out in 2005. She passed in 2001. We shared an interest in fashions and flowers. I asked her numerous times about color schemes when she was making her own clothing. She knew what went well together and what colors looked good on me. I wasn't embarrassed about wearing pink. We shared a love/hate relationship with the fashion industry. 

Mom taught me about hospitality as she entertained people who were lonely. Mom had that quiet strength, something I inherited from her. I didn't know that I was trans while she was living but I wonder if she knew that there was something different about me. In recent years the words of wisdom she shared have come to fruition in me.

I thank her for helping me become the person that I am now. I believe that she would have loved Genevieve just as much as she did her son. I do miss you, mom.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Some men see things as they are, and say why. I dream of things that never were and say why not.

~Robert Kennedy 

GALA

 Another wish I have is to attend a fancy gala with satin dresses and stilettoes. 

BRIDESMAID

I have harbored dreams of being a bridesmaid for a long time. I think that it would be cool.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

No matter how dark or precarious it may seem, continue to pursue your truth.

~Andra Day, Musician (b. 1984)

THE FIRST TIME I WORSHIPPED AS GENEVIEVE

Today I stopped by the church where I first entered wearing women's attire. A couple of weeks earlier I visited the same church wearing a suit. This happened in 2008. I am not a worshipper here, however, I stop by on occasion to meditate and pray.

My spiritual walk is very important to me. I grew up in church and wanted to be involved as Genevieve. I attend a place of worship where LGBTQ+ people are accepted and welcomed. I want be more a part of trans people being affirmed and welcomed in churches. I've heard so many sad stories of people being asked to leave their places of worship because of who he/she is.  This shouldn't be. I share my experiences whenever I can. 

I don't know how God will lead on this matter but I certainly will be a part of it.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself.

~Harvey Fierstein

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Empathy is about standing in someone else's shoes, feeling with his or her heart, seeing with his or her eyes. Not only is empathy hard to outsource and automate, but it makes the world a better place.

~Daniel H. Pink, Author (b.1964)

HEALTH CHALLENGES

 I have had some health challenges in recent days. I'm doing much better, thanks.