Be Thankful

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!




Genevieve

Transgender Day Of Remembrance

Last night I attended a vigil for Transgender Day of Remembrance. Over one hundred people attended. We marched around the block carrying candles and glowsticks. Some people on the street asked what the event was about. There was a couple of moments of silence after we completed the procession.There were a few speakers and a number of people from the audience spoke of their experiences. I spoke for a couple of minutes sharing my journey as a transgender person. I encouraged everyone to be who they are. Later on, a few folks thanked me for those encouraging words. I met a couple people that I remember from my days in a support meeting a couple of years back. We shared our experiences. One of the ladies is transitioning. I remember as a male crossdresser. One of the suggestions she had for next year is to read names of those killed. It makes the name of that person more personal. It important to attend events like these for solidarity and support.

Genevieve

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Let us think highly of our brothers and sisters. Let us be concerned for their welfare.

An Upcoming Essay About Liberation

I am currently writing an essay about liberation. It is a subject near and dear to me. Liberation is physical, emotional and spirtual relased from the the forces of oppresion. It may take time for the latter two because of years of suppression, denial, and repression.

While this is a popular word among LGBT folks, I believe liberation begins when we first accept who we are. I will post this essay when it is completed.

Genevieve

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Standing up for what you believe takes courage, perserverance, and the willingness to be vulnerable to criticism.

Happy Veteran's Day

A happy Veteran's Day to all veterans. Today I marched in the annual parade here in NYC. It was my third time doing so. I wore my long denim skirt, sneakers, and red sweater. I marched with American Veterans for Equal Rights, a GLBT veterans group. It was the only such group in the parade.

As we marched up the avenue spectators clapped, cheered, and said 'thank you'. Their response to us is very encouraging for me. People were thankful for our service. Who we are didn't matter. It also shows why Don't Ask, Don't Tell is a worthless and destructive law. Many highly skilled men and women are being discharged because of who they are. The military will be the worse for it.

Genevieve

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

How can anyone say that they love all people then deny some of their rights?