GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Don't let your ideologies and beliefs stop you from doing what is right.

Book Opens Up Discussion

I am presently reading Peggy Rudd's book My Husband Wears My Clothes. My spouse is reading it also. I have also been thoughful of my spouse's feelings about my dressing. The book reminds me that others are affected by what I do. Conversely, her attitude towards crossdressing and transgender affect the both of us.

She is asking quesions again which I always welcome. I feel this time the questioning will go deeper than in previous times. She's still trying to wrap her mind around a male wearing women's clothing. What I like about Rudd's book is that it takes crossdressing from the spouse's perspective. My spous revealed to me that when she found out that I crossdress she wished tha she would wake up one day and find the whole idea of it gone.

I remind her that I'm still trying to understand what being transgender is. When I came out to her seven years ago, the main thing I was concerned with was how this would affect our family and our marriage. Thus far it has been positive. We do a lot of things together and enjoy being wih each other. One woman at our church took notice of this.  

I said earlier this year that it would be a pivotal in ou lives. I seems to be heading in that direction. I've been out in public dressed almost every day for the past few weeks. I've felt much better about doing this and even a few folks on the sreet hae taken notice. I'm very upbeat about where all this is heading. 

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Change is such hard work.



Billy Crystal

Seven Years

I have been out for nearly seven years now. There have been many improvements and changes. Protections for GLBT persons are law in many counties, towns, states, and countries. There is also more backlashes because we dare to make our voices heard. Transgender Day of Remembrance reminds me that we’re still in a fight.



What is encouraging is that more people are seeing through the labyrinth of lies thrown up by our enemies. I am seeing cracks in the armor of seemingly impenetrable social institutions because people are being educated about gender and sexuality. The church is one such institution. I am part of a task force that forming a ministry for LGBTQI persons. I’m very happy about this because I’m involved with the church. No longer can churches ignore part of their congregations because we are everywhere. One of my desires is share my story and educate the church about what it is to be transgender.


On a personal level, I’m very comfortable with where I am at the present time. The gender has been fluid the past several days. I have been interacting with the public quite a bit. I enjoy speaking with others. Others hve taking notice because I’ve been sent emails and notes. I even have an admirer at the community center.


My spouse is still trying to understand my being transgender but she has made progress. I’m making new discoveries as I continue on this journey. I’m really happy about life.

Gender Is Fluid

My gender has been fluid the past few days. The weather has been warm so I'm out and about the city quite a bit. This past Saturday I wore a dress for the second time. I kept getting looks from folks everywhere. There were two men who took notice and remarked to each other. I was recently called ma'am by someone in my building.  

I spent time at the library, the community center, two bookstores, a park hung out in during the 60s and 70s, and a book fair. It has been much for me interacting with the public.This is a victory for me because at one time I was reticent about speaking. 

Last night, I discovered that I have an admirer. I was waiting for a friend at the community when this man came over and spoke with me I had seen and exchanged hellos with him in the past. He was fascinated with my hands. I have long sleek fingers. He complimented me on my attire. We spoke f or about ten minutes before he had to leave. Earlier in the day I received fou emails from gentlemen desiring a relationship. Basically all I did was change my avatar. I guess that got the ball rolling. 

I've had som moments of total contentment. Once again, I flirted with idea of transitioning.  my spouse has noticed more changes in me, most noticably about clothing. I talk quite a bit about all the pretty dresses and skirts in the stores. I'm still rather fluid so I expect more things to happen today.      

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children.



~Sitting Bull, Lakotan Statesman

Looking at life from the feminine perspecive has opened up my view of life in general. I've always been open to new experiences and ideas because of my natural curiosity. I'm not sure if gender fluidity contributes to this perception but the more I live as awoman the moreI believe that perception.

My wife has noticed this and she points it out. Looking ahead, I see that there will be more changes in my life. Some of them will not be easy but I'm willing to make the necessary changes to improve the lives of transgender people. I hae changed my views about many of our institutions and some of the things we've been taught. I see that there are beter ways of improving the lives of other as well as ourselves. To this end I will continue to work.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Spring is awakening from a dark and cold winter.

One of the beautiful aspects of spring is the flowers that bloom. Where I live tulips have been blossoming early because of the unusually warm weather for this time of year. I love the color they give to the dull landscape of a dry winter. 


In the same analogy, we trans people give the world beauty and color. We may see life from a different perspective (speaking for myself). I see myself as a flower that adds beauty to the landscape of the world. I may not be recognized or held in high esteem but I am a part of a diverse tapestry. 

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.