GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.

~Confucius

Moving Ahead

I haven't posted as much this month because I working through some domestic issues. Things are looking up for my spouse and I. We're positive that this crisis is just before some great blessing.

I will be changing the layout of my blog in the coming weeks. I'm writing about some topics which I believe are relevant to our lives. Some of these postings will be about some things that have been happening in my life. What I hope to accomplish is to educate, edify, and encourage others.


~Genevieve

Happy Pride

Here's wish everyone Happy Pride. I know it will be tough for some for various reasons. Nevertheless, I'm just happy that you are who you are. That means more to me than anything.

I'm happy about the accomplishments attained. I'm mindful of many LGBT people around the world who are on the front lines battling for equality. We have suffered some setbacks and yet we continue on the march. We choose to be who we are. Choosing to be authentic will make others uncomfortable. At the same time there are others who long to see someone open and unashamed of who they are.

I encourage each person to be proud of who they are. We are all brothers and sisters.

HAPPY PRIDE!

~Genevieve

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

I don't try to figure out why I'm transgender; I just enjoy living as one.


~Genevieve

Remebering Those Lost

This morning I lay in bed thinking about this month of pride. My thought shifted to LGbt people have lost their lives to violence or by their own hand. When I think about this I start crying. I have decided to dedicate this month to their remembrance.

~Genevieve

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

One good deed can brighten someone's day.

Remember Those Who Are Struggling

June is here and so are many pride events. People will be participating in various event all around the world showing their pride in who they are. My transformation has been quiet and subtle for the most part. I am happy with what has happened and look forward to what lies ahead.
Even during this month of LGBT pride, I can't help but think about all the folks who are struggling with their gender identity and sexuality. I am a member of a number of forums. The main need I have been helping out is encouraging folks to be themselves. I'm happy about the progress that's been made but there's so many who are still hurting. Homophobiaand transphobia are still strong.
I came out late in life (five years ago at age 56). The past several days my thoughts have been on folks who are my age and still struggling with guilt and shame. My heart goes out to them because I know what the cost could be if they decided to live an authentic life. I was faced with this when I came out to my wife and son. Thankfully, they are both accepting. I know some who have lost everything. I may have to come to some others for various reasons. I am prepared for what could happen. I have decided to live an authentic life.
As we celebrate pride, I'm mindful of many who are hurting. After all the events are over, there's still somuch that needs to be done. I wish that I could meet the folks face to face who are
struggling so I could encourage and hug them. This is what this month means to me-helping those who need it.

~Genevieve

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

There are times when we all want to quit, but it may not be an option.


~Genevieve

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

There comes a time in our lives when we have to cross the river all by ourselves.


~Genevieve

Still Standing

Well I'm back to the lighthouses again. I"ve always been a fascinated by them. There are a myriad of reasons why but to me it's the fact that lighthouses are often away from any civilization. They are solitary structures which can withstand what the forces of nature throws at them.

Transgender people have much thrown at them and from many directions. It can be family, church, friends, school, or job. It can be our own doubt and fear that threaten to undrmine our sense of well being. Some forces wish to erase us from existence. Yet through all these tribulations, we are still standing.

As the summer months approach us, I am reminded that much has been achieved. I am reminded that much needs to be done. Five years ago, I was just discovering my transgenderism. Today I embrace it wholeheartedly. Nothing can me from being what I was created to be.

~Genevieve

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

The greatest goal is making a difference in someone's life.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

If we give in to self-loathing and despair, the enemy wins. If we live authentic lives in the midst of persecution then we give others hope.


~Genevieve

Job Hunting, Receiving an Award

I have been busy seeking employment and a new place to live. I haven't written as much lately but my head buzzes with things to say. When things settle down I will be on here more often.

I will be receiving an award from my veterans group this Sunday. Dan Choi is also expected and will also receive an award. I'm debating whether or not to say a few words. Politicians were invited to the ceremony so it could be a chance to speak. I'm a little nervous about it. I'll tell how it went.

~Genevieve

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY LADIES!!


Gennee

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

An authentic life lived openly is what many people desire to see.

~Genevieve

Life More Settled, Accentuating The Positive

I haven't been across any roads of late. I feel more settled where I am now. My life has been peaceful. I have been reading numerous emails about many events about transgender folks. Numerous cities around the world are considering passing laws giving equality to transgender people in regards to housing, employment and identity.

There's so much information that at times it can be overwhelming. I focus on a few topics and respond accordingly. On of my concerns is the powerlessness many GBLT people feel. Beaten down by many forces some believe that they are strange and evil. I'm here to say to we have every right to be who we are just like anyone else. Our lives have enough drama without the self-loathing. What galls me is when you have people like Michael Musto and Dan Savage trashes parts of the LGBT community, which causes division and angst. I'm past the point of stooping to the level of people like this.

Whenever I read of people's successes and triumphs I am overjoyed. Each little victory means a glimmer of hope that life will be better. Investing time with things that encourage andbuild up make life worth living.

~Genevieve

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Oppression and bigotry is never to be accepted or tolerated, regardless if it costs you popularity and friends.


~Genevieve

Talked about being Transgender With My Son

I talked about GLBT with my son. He asked a number of questions to which I was able to answer. He asked if being gay is a sin? I answered no. I shared with him that I knew that I was different all my life. I love these moments because it presents an opportunity to share that we are people, too.

We touched on topics like gays in the military, trangenderism, my wearing women's clothing, Christianity, GLBT people in the church, and numerous other topics. I'm happy that he's accepting and open about my transgenderism. He's always been perceptive about life. I hope that there will be more opportunities like this.

~Genevieve

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

The fight for equality was never won sitting in a corporate boardroom.


~Genevieve

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

The greatest victories have occured in the most perilous of situations.

~Genevieve