Genevieve's Gems

When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself.



~Tecumseh (1768-1813)

Thankful

Thanksgiving is upon us again. Yesterday at church my wife and I volunteered feeding folks who were hungry. This is the second year we've done this. I pray that they felt God's love.

This time of year I reflect on the year passed. I'm thankful for being alive to see others being blessed. I'm thankful for being in my right mind and for having a roof over my head. I'm thankful that my wife and I can help others experience the joy of this season.

TDOR-It is Still Relevant

As you notice, I haven't posted here in several days. I wasn't feeling well, my sister was admitted into the hospital and found out that she had pneumonia. She home now and has a home aid to help out.

I did attend Transgender Day of Remembrance this past Wednesday. There were speakers, testimonies, and conversation. There were candles lit in remembrance of those we lost. I was moved by the testimony of a man who was taught many things by a transgender woman. The woman committed suicide. He paid his respects, thanking her for making a difference in his life. I hugged him before I went on. After the event, I saw him sitting on a bench in the hallway. I encouraged hi to stay strong. I told him that she will always be in his heart. 

I met a young cross dresser in the beginning stages of her transition. Elsie was happy to have come because she saw the many expressions of gender. I have been attending these events for the past eight years. Time has seen much progress but there's still a long way to go. It still hurts that so many are lost to violence and suicide. I said a few words encouraging every one to stay the course. People have taken notice that we mean business. 

Speaking On Wednesday At Day of Remembrance

I will be Transgender Day of Remembrance services on Wednesday. I do so every year. I'm thinking about what I will say because so much has happened in the past year. I've dedicated the year to Islan Nettles, a 21 year old transgender woman of color who was murdered about a mile from my residence.

It is important that transgender people stay vigilent. Our enemies have ramped up their efforts to deny us equality and we must continue our efforts not to let them keep us from having the same protections and rights they enjoy.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

From the equality of rights springs identity of our highest interests; you cannot subvert your neighbor's rights without striking a dangerous blow at your own.

~Carl Schurz

Windward Point Light (Faro Punta Barloventa)

This 60 foot tall structure was built in the U.S. in 1904, then shipped to Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. It remained here until 1955 when it was decommissioned. It is currently at the Coast Guard museum, where it is in serious disrepair.


www.unc.edu~rowlett/lighthouse  

Veteran's Day

As a veteran, I am reminded of what my service to the country was. It is something that I am proud of. It also bring to mind the one million homeless veterans around the country. This is a national disgrace. The VA isn't doing anything for these men and women and the politicians still keep beating the drums for war.
 
On this day we pay homage to the men and women who served. Regardless of your own beliefs and persuasion, you are to be honored and cheered.

HAPPY VETERANS DAY!

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

No struggle can ever succeed without women participating side by side with men.

~Muhammad Ali Jinnah

Those Folks Who Are In Denial

I'm feeling much better today after a bout with high blood pressure.

Over the past few days I have thought about men and women who are in denial about who they are. I'm sure there are some who want to live their authentic selves but for one reason or another do not or cannot.  I can understand why some don't come out. There are those folks who need to come clean for their on sake. I was in denial for several weeks before I came out as a cross dresser. It was a very stressful time but when I made the decision to live authentically all that stress and tension dissipated.

Denial can cause friction within the family, among coworkers, friends, and colleagues. The worst is when some politicians and high positioned folks deny TGLB people their rights, then we find out that they are struggling with the same issues. Coming out is a personal decision and I cringe when I hear some people and group who try to out those folks who haven't come out. The common reasoning I hear is that if they came out they could be an example to young people. People are more influenced by those people around them rather than some celebrity.  

In conclusion, if you have come to the decision to reveal your true identity, do it. Denial is like being on a torture rack. I understand that some cannot reveal themselves and I pray that one day you can.

Coney Island Lighthouse

I remember hearing the foghorn and bell on foggy nights from the Coney Island (Norton's Point) Lighthouse when I lived in Coney Island (1965-1979). I lived across the street from the private gated community of Sea Gate, where the light house stood and still stands today.

Coney Island Lighthouse is located on the western tip of Coney Island along Gravesend Bay. The last gatekeeper of the lighthouse was Frank Schubert who maintained the lighthouse for over 40 years. When Schubert died in the 2003, it was the last time the lighthouse was manned.

Under The Weather

Spent the day in bed. Pressure is high so I need to take it easy.

This past Friday I read poems at an open mike in a bookstore. I recited a poem titled Lily*. This is a true story about a homeless woman found dead on the street three or four years ago. Lily's plight reminds me of the many transgender people living in the streets because their families do not want them.

It's getting colder here in the northeast. When the rains and snows come, I have a warm place to retreat to. Lily didn't and neither do a lot of transgender people. With the increased visibility trans people are getting this and other needs will come sharper into focus. I wish that more TGLB organizations would discuss and address this crisis.

GENEVIEVE'S GEMS

Choosing the lesser of two evils is tantamount to making a deal with the devil.