Task Force Meeting

The meeting we had about the creation of an LGBTQI ministry went well. About twenty people came to the meeting including my wife. Each person shared why they came. I shared my reasons plus revealing my transgenderism. I discovered that there other transgender folks who attend the church. The minister who lead the meeting is bisexual.

I'm trying to come up with some suggestions for the ministry. My wife is still trying to understand what it is to be transgender. In time I believe that she will. One young woman asked what name I would like to be called. I haven't come come to the church dressed as Gennee yet but I have a feeling that will come soon. The next meeting is in April.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

In a gentle way, you can shake the world.



~Mahatma Gandhi

Writing Projects

Some writing projects have come up.The interested parties need trans persons to write about their experiences, articles, stories, etc. At the present time I'm considering two projects. I have always wanted to do something like this. I'm cautious because I do NOT want this to turn into a circus. I will NOT put transgender people in a negative light either. My hope is to educate many about me and others like me.  

Knowing One's History

On yesterday's post I quoted a statement by Marcus Garvey about knowing one's history. Though directed to African Americans it can certainly apply to transgender folks. We have a long and valient history of activism, exuberance, and creativity.

I thank sister Monica Roberts of Transgriot for her research on this subject of role models for people of color. Transgender role models are important because it shows the diversity of humankind regardless of socio-economic status or culture.

I have Indian ancestry (Choctaw) and transgenderism was a normal part of the culture until colonization. Upon further research, at 130 Indian tribes have transgender-two spirit persons. I agree with Garvey that people need to know their history because it gives us a foundation to stand on. It also refutes the constant attack that transgender and gender variant people are deviants and sinners. We have always existed.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

A people with the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.


~Marcus Garvey

I will comment further on this tomorrow.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

We need to give each other the space to grow, to be ourselves, to exercise our diversity. we need to give each other space so that we may both give and receive such beautiful things ideas, openness, dignity, joy, healing, and inclusion.

~Max de Pree

New Ministry Forming

A task force is being created at my church in the lauching of a ministry for LGBTQI persons, allies, family and friends. The initial meeting will be held on 29th. I will be attending the meeting I'm really excited about this. There are a number of gay and lesbian couples who attend the services. So far as I know I'm the only transgender person there. Hey, maybe I'll meet some other TG persons.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

We need to look beyond our immediate future and aim higher and farther.

~Paul Biya, Cameroonian Statesman, (b.1933)

Transgender Bills Being Talked About

I have been doing quite a bit of reading about bills for transgender equality and identity protections in various parts of the country and the world. With that there is also much opposition through intimidation and misinformation. It's a job staying up to date and vigilent but it is well worth it.

What I'm amazed at is that these bills are being talked about in such conservative bastions as Nebraska, Utah, and Michigan. What I see is the need to still educate people about transgender issues because the opposition is not quitting or letting up. Some laws have been passed while others are being bandied about. It may very well be that this will be a topic during this election year.

With the opposition pulling out all the stops I see that we are making progress. It's a battleground but a battle worth fighting for.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

My ancestors foresaw that I could travel this journey.

No Winter Here

We really haven't had a winter here. There's only been one snowstorm (about 5 inches) and that's it. Much of the time it has been in the high 40's and low to mid 50's. I'm not complaining. I love it.

I tied what I'm experiencing as a winterless season with my transgender journey. On the calendar it's still winter but the outside forces which I normally associate with winter aren't there. I may consciously or unconsciously associate my journey to some feeling or a look or a behavior. I'm reminded that each person's journey is different. While I may not see or feel the changes, they are occuring nevertheless. I'm enjoying the ride because I'm cherishing the moment that I'm in.

Just like the weather I have no control over what comes my way. I do have control on how I respond to the changes. Comparing one experience to another is easy to do but does it really speak about how we actually perceive ourselves?

We are all unique and travel our own paths. We may not always comprehend the events in our lives but they are happening for our betterment. I mentioned earlier that I do love the unusually warm winter. I'm embracing each moment as something special.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Happiness is not matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony

~Thomas Merton (1915-1968)

Shared With Pastor That I'm Transgender

Last night after bible study I shared with the pastor that I am transgender. He was so happy for me sharing this with him. The church I attend is affirming. There are gay and lesbian couples that attend regualrly. As far as I know I'm the only transgender person there. I felt joy and relief at the same time.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

IF THE HEART AND MIND IS NOT TRANSFORMED THEN NOTHING WILL CHANGE.

BUSY, BUSY

Life has been very busy for me the past two or three weeks. I have been keeping up (trying) with advancements of transgender people. With the failed measures in South Dakota and Minnesota, it demonstrates that there's more work to be done. In the coming weeks I will present article resources and comments on topics about and which affect the transgender community. I will continue to share about my ongoing journey.

My wife and I joined an affirming church this past Sunday. It's an affirming and open church for ALL. As far as I know I'm the only transgender person. Soon I will meet with the pastor and share my concerns and and that I'm transgender.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.

~George Washington Carver, African American Scientist (1864-1943)

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

He is richest who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature.

~Socrates

Avid Reader

I am an avid reader of many subjects and topics. Everything from geography to history to poetry to biography piques my interest. It's good to read because it keeps the brain sharp.

One of my favorite topics is stories about trans people. I read a lot of them because I want to keep up with the progress we are making, albeit slowly. I also have read some horror stories about the treatment of transgender people. It keeps things in proper perspective. It also pushes me to keep working towards trans equality.

Attend Affirming Church

I attend an accepting church. My wife and I have become members as of yesterday. There were at least 3 gay couples and 5 or 6 lesbian couples. As far as I know I'm the only transgender person there. My wife and I feel comfortable and have made some friends.

I may speak with the pastor about my being transgender. I can honestly say that I feel comfortable about doing this. I'm also sensitive to my wife's feelings. She accepting of my dressing up to a point. Recently, for the first time, she walked beside me on the street while I was dressed. As you can small advances have made. I would make my day when I attend service dressed up.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson