Calm In the Face of Conflict and Struggle

I was browsing the GLBT section of Barnes and Noble. I thumbed through some of the books which I was interested in. I realized that I've come along way just in the last year.

My post about what happened in an eating establishment doesn't deter me from living life in a positive manner. I try to remain calm in the face of conflict and struggle. I also see the challenges that we all face. With increased visibiblity have come acts of violence and hatred against us.

I don't see myself as a leader of some movement or platform but I can't sit by and not lend a hand in some manner. This is something that has come into my path and I must follow it

Close To Home

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/man-22-slashed-razor-gay-slurs-greenwich-village-mcdonald-article-1.1164580


I have frequented this establishment a few times. I usually hang out in Greenwich Village. This hits close to home for me. Won't stop me from going there.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time. 



~Malcolm X

More Opportunities

Tuesday evening, I shared with a young woman at bible study about my transition. Previously she saw and knew in male mode. I shared with her about my coming out in June.  She was pleased with my response. 

Later, another woman told me that she would like me to meet someone she knows that is transgender. I look forward to meeting her. 

Very Hectic

The past couple of weeks have really been hectic. First my sister was in the hospital for surgery. She's doing okay in her rehabilitation. My brother and I put her belongings in storage. She's going to move into a smaller and less expensive place.  My wife spent a few days in the hospital after complaining of dizziness and blurred vision. She's better now and is at home. She uses a cane now because her arthritis in her right knee. We looking to get therapy. Things are calming down and getting back to normal.

More Surprises

On Sunday at church, a young couple discovered that I am transgender. They sat in the same pew as my wife and me. We know the couple. After service she shared with them that the woman standing next to her was her husband. They were quite shocked  to say the least. Every week at least one person discovers that I'm transgender. It's my way of educating the public.

Later in the evening, my wife and I were having coffee  at a local restaurant. While she was getting our coffee, a woman at the next table was staring at me. I was busy reading my email but sensed that her eyes were searching me trying to figure me out. Later, my wife stated such. It's happened to me before but I pay no attention to them.

It was quite a day from two different perspectives.

Experience is not what happens to you; it's what you do with what happens to you.


Aldous Huxley

Quite a Week

The past week has really been dramatic. The three day weekend was very nice and relaxing. I have been to a couple activities at the SAGE center here. I met some wonderful people and look forward to being more involved. 

I have had some family drama also. My sister is recuperating from surgery. My nephew has moved on after splitting from his ex. Can't say my life has been boring.

Weekend

Enjoy the Labor Day weekend!

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

I thank you God for this most amazing day, for the leaping greenly spirits of trees, and for the blue dream of sky and for everything which is natural, which is infinite, which is yes.


~E.E.Cummings

Clearer Picture

When I first posted this I wasn't sure at all what the changes would be. Now I have a clearer picture. I sense that in a year or two I'll reveal my identity to my brother and sister. This will be a huge step and I'm not really sure if it will happen.


I also sense there will be another shift in my transgender expression. I have shared with many folks over the past couple of months. This past Sunday another member of the church discovered that I was transgender.

I have degree in childhood education. I have maintained that my teaching career will not necessarily be in a tranditional setting. This seems to be happening more often. I'm preparing some materials about transgender pioneers. Possibly I may educate more folks about our history. That's about where I am at the present time.

More Changes In Store

I have been out in my neighborhood more and more. It's very refreshing to see that people see and treat me like anyone else. I've even received some compliments. It's really wonderful that I can be authentic self.

I see that there will be some changes ahead. I don't know what they will be but I sense it. This is nothing new with me because whatever I did sense in the past came to fruition. I will have a clearer picture in the months ahead.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Never forget the folk who came before you. Never forget thse who helped you.

Compliments

I have been out and about in my neighborhood. I get some compliments about my attire, all positive. I wear sandals during these months and I have received some positive compliments about my feet. A man told me just last night that I have beautiful feet. I always seem to get compliments about me that I don't expect.

Poem

I trek through the same places,
New environs create new spaces.
Have I evolved?
Is the riddle solved?
The storm clouds have lifted,
I see now that I'm gifted.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

None are so old as those who have outlived enthusiasm


~Henry David Thoreau

Tucson's Birthday

I was reading on of my posts about the upcoming birthday party for the city of Tucson, Arizona. The city will be 237 years old. I didn't know that Tucson was around that long.

www.antigonebooks.com

Seen As A Woman

Ever since I came out at my place of worship, I have been treated and spoken to as a woman. It's even happened in other places that I go. Been hit on a number of times also.It's really been amazing. Interacting with the public has helped along with some pointers from my spouse.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

As I approve of a youth that has something of the old man in him, so I am no less pleased with an old man that has something of the youth. He that follows this rule may be old in body, but can never be so in mind.

                                                                                                              ~Marcus Tullius Cicero

Chooosing To Be Authentic

You decide that you can no longer continue life on the current course. The gender struggles get stronger and are not going away. The day comes when a decision has to be made. Do you make the changes needed or continue on the track you're running on?

I enjoy reading many posts and the progress people are making. It encourages me that my trans sisters and brothers are choosing to be authentic. This is wonderful and greatly needed. Actions can affect others in ways that we may not always see. It's the reason I choose to be open with others. Just recently, I educated a young couple about my transgenderism. I have seen other transgender people in my neighborhood. I know that they are out there, but not always visible.

There are common threads that run through all the posts. The one that makes the most impression on me is people choosing to be authentic. I was afraid in the beginning. When I made the choice to proceed forward, I never looked back. The footprints of the past were gone. I'm still moving forward. Many of my sisters and brothers are doing likewise.



I never travel this road before.
Lined with thick brush and boulders,
it looks strange and forboding.
there's nothing to guide me.
Each step forward is a step closer to my destiny.
I trek on, not knowing what awaits me.
I'm gently nudged forward by an unseen hand
I look behind me and footprints of my past are gone.