Last night, I attend a gathering at a neighborhood gathering place. A video was shown about student activism during the early days of the civil right movement. Those young people were attacked and villified by the racist white power structure of Mississippi in the early 1960's. I was so proud of their courage in the face of almost certain death.
During the question and answer period I shared with gathering about my volunteerism. The question was asked about student activism then and the need for activism. I said that activism and volunteerism is needed now more than ever. Later as I reminisced the evening, I see that my decision last year to speak out against injustice is subtlely nudging me into unchartered waters.
I am pursuing an internship as a peer counselor at the community center. The position will be to counsel transgender people of color. I have been wanting to be more involved in the LGBT community and this seems to be a great opportunity. I remember saying to one of my professors in college that my goal is to teach. I stated that I don't believe that it will be in a traditonal setting. Looks like it's heading that way and I am glad.
Genevieve
Saturday, February 28, 2009
GENEVIEVE'S GEMS
I would rather speak for what is right and be hated than to speak false platitudes and be loved.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Be Encouraged!
In these times, people need encouragement. There's so much happening in the world these that life can sometimes can be overwhelming. I have read a number of posts on the forums that are some folks struggling to figure out who they are. Others are transitioning and are going through changes. Some may be down in the dumps.
I want to encourage you to be positive. You're not alone out there. There are people who love you and are rooting for your success. Remember, during the darkest times the sunshine is just around the corner.
Genevieve
I want to encourage you to be positive. You're not alone out there. There are people who love you and are rooting for your success. Remember, during the darkest times the sunshine is just around the corner.
Genevieve
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Part Two
On my post from Friday, I read the quote by this great leader and decided to do a follow-up. Like African Americans did during the civil rights movement, transgender people are standing up to inequality and discrimination.
When I came out I made a choice that I was not going back into the closet. I have chosen to be out in public and express who I am. I have chosen to respond to those who say we are evil and perverted. Granted, it may not get any publicity but I'm sure many others are doing the same. With many of the transgender deaths being women of color, I could not sit idly by while some transphobe spews his vitriole at my sisters, brothers, children, and friends. I never sought to be an activist but I had to take action.
When I meditated further on Mister Rustin's quote, I surmised because transgender people are standing up the attacks are more violent and vicious. The dignity of every person is worth standing up for. I have chosen to stand up for those who are oppressed. Brother Rustin is right about dignity being conferred on people who stand up. Many more are needed.
Genevieve
When I came out I made a choice that I was not going back into the closet. I have chosen to be out in public and express who I am. I have chosen to respond to those who say we are evil and perverted. Granted, it may not get any publicity but I'm sure many others are doing the same. With many of the transgender deaths being women of color, I could not sit idly by while some transphobe spews his vitriole at my sisters, brothers, children, and friends. I never sought to be an activist but I had to take action.
When I meditated further on Mister Rustin's quote, I surmised because transgender people are standing up the attacks are more violent and vicious. The dignity of every person is worth standing up for. I have chosen to stand up for those who are oppressed. Brother Rustin is right about dignity being conferred on people who stand up. Many more are needed.
Genevieve
Friday, February 20, 2009
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 on him.
~Bayard Rustin, African-American leader (1910-1987)
his very act of protest confers dignity on him.
~Bayard Rustin, African-American leader (1910-1987)
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Perceptions About Crossdressers Changing?
I have been out in public for a few years now and I have noticed changes in the public's perception about crossdressers. My comfort level is to the point of being totall natural. I do normal activities lke anyone else. I have dined in restaurants, shopped, browsed bookstores, and spoken to people in public. People don't seem to notice. I am totally comfortable being out.
I think the public's perception about crossdressers is changing albeit slowly. I have received compliments from both men and women. I have also been asked out on dates and proposed to a couple of times. Perhaps, I am TOO good at passing. I'm enjoying and loving the journey and wouldn't change a thing.
Genevieve
I think the public's perception about crossdressers is changing albeit slowly. I have received compliments from both men and women. I have also been asked out on dates and proposed to a couple of times. Perhaps, I am TOO good at passing. I'm enjoying and loving the journey and wouldn't change a thing.
Genevieve
Friday, February 13, 2009
GENEVIEVE'S GEMS
Jesus is the beacon of light to those who are drowning
in the seas of hopelessness and despair.
He will bring us the safe port of His love and care.
in the seas of hopelessness and despair.
He will bring us the safe port of His love and care.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Monday, February 09, 2009
Vets Meeting
Yesterday I attended my monthy veterans meeting. I am a member of the America Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER). I remember when I attended my first meeting two years ago. I never desired to be a part of a vets group but I felt at home. AVER is the only glbt veterans group in New York. There are a number of transgender veterans in the group. A transgender woman came to the meeting yesterday. Business was discussed, plans were made for future activities and ideas thrashed out.
I am proud of being a trasngender veteran. At the time I was in the service I never knew that I was transgender until a few years ago. Just because I was in the macho world of the military, it didn't do anything to quench the feelings of difference that were in me. I knew of gay and lesbian soldiers in my unit. It didn't matter to me because they were my comrades.
One of horrible pieces of legislation is the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell ' amendment". Many intelligent and skilled lgbt soldiers are discharged from the service if their gender or sexual orientation differed from the norm. Transgender soldiers have served in the military throughout the history of this country. Some have paid the ultimate sacrifice and yet they could not be open about who they are .
American Veterans for Equal Rights is working to get 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell repealed. They are working to make sure that lgbt vets get the services they are entitled to. This is what I'm concerned about.
I am proud of being a trasngender veteran. At the time I was in the service I never knew that I was transgender until a few years ago. Just because I was in the macho world of the military, it didn't do anything to quench the feelings of difference that were in me. I knew of gay and lesbian soldiers in my unit. It didn't matter to me because they were my comrades.
One of horrible pieces of legislation is the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell ' amendment". Many intelligent and skilled lgbt soldiers are discharged from the service if their gender or sexual orientation differed from the norm. Transgender soldiers have served in the military throughout the history of this country. Some have paid the ultimate sacrifice and yet they could not be open about who they are .
American Veterans for Equal Rights is working to get 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell repealed. They are working to make sure that lgbt vets get the services they are entitled to. This is what I'm concerned about.
Friday, February 06, 2009
GENEVIEVE'S GEMS
How you perceive yourself will go a long way in determining
your own contentment with life.
your own contentment with life.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Expectations
It's funny how expectations are foisted upon us. There are those of our parents, teachers, church, community, friends, relatives, and other people and institutions. We have our own expectations, also. What happens if our expectations are vastly different from that of the greater society? Will there be support? Acceptance? Love? Will others understand the way we feel?
Don't get me wrong! Expectations are fine. A question I sometimes pose to a person is what do they want for themselves? Sometimes people get so busy fulfilling others expectations that they neglect their own. Today, I read a number of threads and blogs by glbt people folks who are struggling with accepting their sexuality or gender. It grieves me that they fear rejection, loss of family and livelihood, and loneliness. I wish that I could sit with and share that it's not wrong to have goals and desires different from what others say they should be.
Being a transgender woman wasn't expected of me. It was a shock to my spouse but thankfully she has accepted my transgenderism as a part of me. I implore my glbt sisters and brothers that there's nothing wrong with questioning aspects of your life that are not in tune with other people program. You have dreams and desires. Your sexuality and gender are part of those dreams. I can't live to others expectations and neither can you. I encourage you seek answers to those questions you may have. Remember, many people have been blessed because they were willing to be who they do what was not expected of them. Others have benefitted. More will be be.
Don't get me wrong! Expectations are fine. A question I sometimes pose to a person is what do they want for themselves? Sometimes people get so busy fulfilling others expectations that they neglect their own. Today, I read a number of threads and blogs by glbt people folks who are struggling with accepting their sexuality or gender. It grieves me that they fear rejection, loss of family and livelihood, and loneliness. I wish that I could sit with and share that it's not wrong to have goals and desires different from what others say they should be.
Being a transgender woman wasn't expected of me. It was a shock to my spouse but thankfully she has accepted my transgenderism as a part of me. I implore my glbt sisters and brothers that there's nothing wrong with questioning aspects of your life that are not in tune with other people program. You have dreams and desires. Your sexuality and gender are part of those dreams. I can't live to others expectations and neither can you. I encourage you seek answers to those questions you may have. Remember, many people have been blessed because they were willing to be who they do what was not expected of them. Others have benefitted. More will be be.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Myths
One of the results of being a gender variant person is that many of the myths perpetrated upon us have been greatly erroneous. The medical, legal, and religious establishments have been proven wrong about who we are. This may not be a profound comment but it demonstrates that gender variant people are making marks about the perceptions people have about us.
It's amazing how little people know about how we live. If I were to share to people why I crossdress, I'm sure some would hold on to the idea that we are perverted. I have attended a few events where I was the only transgender person. Each time I was able to share how transgender people have long been at the forefront of the liberation movement. I also shared that while we have differences, we share much in common with each other. This is what bothers me about HRC and other groups where the 'T' is just window dressing.
Myth busting is something that has to be done if the public's perception of gender variant people is going to be changed. Those groups would seek to discriminate against us must be confronted. I'm pleased to see that people of color are taking the lead in this because they are ignored by many mainstream lgbt organizations. Most of the transgender deaths are women of color.
Transgender people have existed throughout history. I have been researching quite a bit about it and am preparing essays on the subject. I'm tired of the perception that we're just interested in sex. We are vibrant, creative, and productive people who have contributed much to the improvement of life through the centuries. It's time that society acknowledges that.
It's amazing how little people know about how we live. If I were to share to people why I crossdress, I'm sure some would hold on to the idea that we are perverted. I have attended a few events where I was the only transgender person. Each time I was able to share how transgender people have long been at the forefront of the liberation movement. I also shared that while we have differences, we share much in common with each other. This is what bothers me about HRC and other groups where the 'T' is just window dressing.
Myth busting is something that has to be done if the public's perception of gender variant people is going to be changed. Those groups would seek to discriminate against us must be confronted. I'm pleased to see that people of color are taking the lead in this because they are ignored by many mainstream lgbt organizations. Most of the transgender deaths are women of color.
Transgender people have existed throughout history. I have been researching quite a bit about it and am preparing essays on the subject. I'm tired of the perception that we're just interested in sex. We are vibrant, creative, and productive people who have contributed much to the improvement of life through the centuries. It's time that society acknowledges that.
Friday, January 30, 2009
GENEVIEVE'S GEMS
The road we have traveled may not have been planned,
but we may be closer to our destination.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Best Laid Plans
I have reflected over the past several days over where this journey is taking me. In my bible discussion Tuesday evening, I shared that being transgender certainly was not in my plans. Crossdressing wasn't even on my radar. Sometimes our plans may not be what God has in mind for us.
There is a verse in Romans 8:28 which says that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. I always knew that there was a purpose in life for me. I didn't know what it was but I never doubted for a moment that there was a goal or need to I was to fulfill. It may account for the life long feeling that I was different.
I remember times when nothing seem to work out. The trials and travails of life led me to a personal relationship with God. I remember the dry periods where nothing seemed to quench the parched landscape of my heart. I remember the several years of yearnings, struggles, and disappointments prior to my coming out. It was as if I was wandering through the wilderness with no direction.
All throughout history, ordinary people have performed extraordinary acts. It resulted in the improvement of many lives. Many of the scientific, social, and economic advances never would have happened if someone wasn't willing to step out from among the crowds. I could have chosen to reject the fact that I was transgender. I would have missed out on meeting people who are ostracized because of gender identity and sexual orientation. God does not create clones. No two people are alike.
Just because our original plans may not have worked out doesn't mean that our lives are over. Life never goes in a straight line. It's not that difficulties won't come but it's how we respond when challenges do come. I am so happy that I chose to embrace my gender identity. The result was inner peace and contentment. I have also come to love a group of people that aren't always loved.
God has always loved the poor, the downtrodden, the foreigner, the widow, and the fatherless and motherless, and the oppressed. I believe that glbt people are among them. I am so glad that my plans didn't work out.
Genevieve
There is a verse in Romans 8:28 which says that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. I always knew that there was a purpose in life for me. I didn't know what it was but I never doubted for a moment that there was a goal or need to I was to fulfill. It may account for the life long feeling that I was different.
I remember times when nothing seem to work out. The trials and travails of life led me to a personal relationship with God. I remember the dry periods where nothing seemed to quench the parched landscape of my heart. I remember the several years of yearnings, struggles, and disappointments prior to my coming out. It was as if I was wandering through the wilderness with no direction.
All throughout history, ordinary people have performed extraordinary acts. It resulted in the improvement of many lives. Many of the scientific, social, and economic advances never would have happened if someone wasn't willing to step out from among the crowds. I could have chosen to reject the fact that I was transgender. I would have missed out on meeting people who are ostracized because of gender identity and sexual orientation. God does not create clones. No two people are alike.
Just because our original plans may not have worked out doesn't mean that our lives are over. Life never goes in a straight line. It's not that difficulties won't come but it's how we respond when challenges do come. I am so happy that I chose to embrace my gender identity. The result was inner peace and contentment. I have also come to love a group of people that aren't always loved.
God has always loved the poor, the downtrodden, the foreigner, the widow, and the fatherless and motherless, and the oppressed. I believe that glbt people are among them. I am so glad that my plans didn't work out.
Genevieve
Friday, January 23, 2009
GENEVIEVE'S GEMS
Contentment is being satisfied with who one is.
I have been thinking about this word all day. It is a heartfelt prayer that I have for all my transgender sisters and brothers. The fiery darts of hate and negativism are thrust our way almost daily.
I'll never forget that day in August 2006. I was strolling through the park enjoying the warm weather. A warm feeling swept over me. I felt relaxed and serene with my surroundings. For the first time, I felt that I could call myself a transgender woman and emphatically mean it. I was content with my identity. The inner angst was gone. Peace filled my heart. I was truly complete.
I have been thinking about this word all day. It is a heartfelt prayer that I have for all my transgender sisters and brothers. The fiery darts of hate and negativism are thrust our way almost daily.
I'll never forget that day in August 2006. I was strolling through the park enjoying the warm weather. A warm feeling swept over me. I felt relaxed and serene with my surroundings. For the first time, I felt that I could call myself a transgender woman and emphatically mean it. I was content with my identity. The inner angst was gone. Peace filled my heart. I was truly complete.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Commitment
As the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King is celebrated today, there are many words that can describe this great man. I was a twenty year old college student the day he was assassinated. April 4, 1968 is a day forever etched in my mind and heart.
Commitment is the one word I associate with Dr. King. People who are dedicated and committed to a cause have always been favorites of mine. Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, Jesus, William Tyndale are four other people besides Dr. King would sacrificed everthing to improve the lot of others. I know a young woman who has dedicated about fifteen years of her life to helping to create an independent media that addresses the needs of poor and working class people.
Dr. King was threatened, jailed, arrested, and lambasted by racists, and yet he stayed the course. He used non violence to bring about change to the lives of black people in America. He sought to improve the lives of all people, regardless of race.
Committment means sacrifice, work, educating one self, selflessness. It means carrying on the work despite failures, criticism, a lack of resources. Committed people see the bigger picture. Dr. King saw the big picture. He said that if a group of people are oppressed, we are all oppressed. I believe that Dr. King may have referred to transgender people.
Commitment means that we are willing to reach out to people who may not agree with us. Committed people are respected for their efforts though folks may not agree with them. I have seen that throughout much of my life. It's amazing how Dr King's committment to justice brought the civil rights, peace and labor movements together. I sincerely believed that change in this country was within reach. An assassin's bullet ended it.
Dr. King showed all of us that commitment to a cause can and will bring about change. He reached out to people and changed hearts ad minds. I see many who are committed to changing the lot of lgbt people, and transgender people in particular. Transgender people of color make up many of the transgender murder victims.
Dr. King was a voice for oppressed people. He committed his life to changing the lives of all people. When I think about Dr. King, his commitment to justice entices me to do the same.
Genevieve
Commitment is the one word I associate with Dr. King. People who are dedicated and committed to a cause have always been favorites of mine. Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, Jesus, William Tyndale are four other people besides Dr. King would sacrificed everthing to improve the lot of others. I know a young woman who has dedicated about fifteen years of her life to helping to create an independent media that addresses the needs of poor and working class people.
Dr. King was threatened, jailed, arrested, and lambasted by racists, and yet he stayed the course. He used non violence to bring about change to the lives of black people in America. He sought to improve the lives of all people, regardless of race.
Committment means sacrifice, work, educating one self, selflessness. It means carrying on the work despite failures, criticism, a lack of resources. Committed people see the bigger picture. Dr. King saw the big picture. He said that if a group of people are oppressed, we are all oppressed. I believe that Dr. King may have referred to transgender people.
Commitment means that we are willing to reach out to people who may not agree with us. Committed people are respected for their efforts though folks may not agree with them. I have seen that throughout much of my life. It's amazing how Dr King's committment to justice brought the civil rights, peace and labor movements together. I sincerely believed that change in this country was within reach. An assassin's bullet ended it.
Dr. King showed all of us that commitment to a cause can and will bring about change. He reached out to people and changed hearts ad minds. I see many who are committed to changing the lot of lgbt people, and transgender people in particular. Transgender people of color make up many of the transgender murder victims.
Dr. King was a voice for oppressed people. He committed his life to changing the lives of all people. When I think about Dr. King, his commitment to justice entices me to do the same.
Genevieve
Friday, January 16, 2009
GENEVIEVE'S GEMS
Part of being an activist is that I be willing to go against conventional wisdom. It is also the willingness to stand in the face of bigotry and oppression.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Reassessing My Life
January isn't over and already I see that there will more changes in my life than I imagined. When they will happen I don't know but they will happen.
Circumstances have forced me to challenge myself and really work on my home business. I need to overcome some fears I have and move ahead. My thought process will need to change. I see the same analogy in regards to how I can best utilize my talents in working for the equality of transgender people. I already write for an online magazine. The magazine has encouraged many and I'm thankful for that.
I have mentioned that transgender people will need to do things for themselves. I'm thankful for all our allies and I love them but transgender people will have to do things for ourselves. Writing is one way I can help in the fight for equality. I am a member of a couple of organizations, yet I believe that I can do more.
Part of what drives me is that much time is wasted on petty differences. Transgender Day of Remembrance demonstrates that much remains to be done. I came out in my mid fifties. I don't know how much time the Lord has given me but I want to make difference. I'm thankful for young people become active and I applaud and support their efforts. I believe that many glbt organizations have become too 'status quo'. If the protests on the passage of prop 8 is any indication, I believe that some goals and ideologies of some glbt organizations will need to be examined.
I don't know why I am writing like this but i see that 2009 is a pivotal year for transgender people. It would be a shame if in 2010 we are just an afterthought.
Circumstances have forced me to challenge myself and really work on my home business. I need to overcome some fears I have and move ahead. My thought process will need to change. I see the same analogy in regards to how I can best utilize my talents in working for the equality of transgender people. I already write for an online magazine. The magazine has encouraged many and I'm thankful for that.
I have mentioned that transgender people will need to do things for themselves. I'm thankful for all our allies and I love them but transgender people will have to do things for ourselves. Writing is one way I can help in the fight for equality. I am a member of a couple of organizations, yet I believe that I can do more.
Part of what drives me is that much time is wasted on petty differences. Transgender Day of Remembrance demonstrates that much remains to be done. I came out in my mid fifties. I don't know how much time the Lord has given me but I want to make difference. I'm thankful for young people become active and I applaud and support their efforts. I believe that many glbt organizations have become too 'status quo'. If the protests on the passage of prop 8 is any indication, I believe that some goals and ideologies of some glbt organizations will need to be examined.
I don't know why I am writing like this but i see that 2009 is a pivotal year for transgender people. It would be a shame if in 2010 we are just an afterthought.
Friday, January 09, 2009
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Journeys
Yesterday, I was having my devotions when I read the something that describes my journey as a transgender person.
Our lives are journeys that often detour us to places we least expect. But that's
all right. Journeys rarely go as planned. Having a guide is better than making it alone.
Thanks be to God who endures with us, and the Lord Christ who, if asked, travels
with us wherever we go.
~ from the Devotional Day By Day, Wednesday, January 7, 2009
This describes my journeys so well.
Our lives are journeys that often detour us to places we least expect. But that's
all right. Journeys rarely go as planned. Having a guide is better than making it alone.
Thanks be to God who endures with us, and the Lord Christ who, if asked, travels
with us wherever we go.
~ from the Devotional Day By Day, Wednesday, January 7, 2009
This describes my journeys so well.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)