Today we’d like to introduce you to Gene Garrison.
Gene, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The start of Gene was very very rough. The obstacles faced in my life could have either made you or broke you and I decided to make it. As a kid, life seemed to be going normal for a little kid, flying kites with my dad and big brother in our project home, playing with my family and also neighbors we met along the way. Moving into my uncle’s trailer park was oh so exciting because it’s owned by my uncle and I’m close to family. I mean, we had neighbors but mostly family. I was six years old when I first got raped or molested by a neighbor in the same trailer park, I told it to my mom and it seemed like the world broke for me not knowing I’m a victim of something that involves the police. When I thought that was the ending. It went from the neighbor molestation to it happening with my own family members. Just imagine how confused I was.
Life goes on, now I’m wondering why does I feel like a girl trapped in a boy’s body? Why do boys want to touch on me and never girls? Just so many questions ran through my mind. I always stood out as a kid as that gay one or girly one and felt the need to always stand up for me and what’s right. In middle school, I was assaulted by what seemed to be the biggest guy I have ever seen started in the lunchroom ended up in the bathroom. This is during school lunch by the way. Teachers and students all watched but no one helped me. I went on to endure mistreatments, judgment, hatred from people especially the ones close. I was told I would never be nothing or go anywhere in life with the attitude and the way I lived my life that I was gone either end up dead or in someone’s prison. From that moment at a young age was when I first heard a voice tell me you will be the opposite of exactly what they meant for bad. I didn’t understand it but I knew I had a voice. Not just a loudmouth talking voice but a voice, a joyful noise, a sound. I sang many days young as a kid in church actually lead the praise team at our church.
During youth, night was when I first met the now mega gospel star Tasha Cobbs. She was just a girl with a voice right from Jesup. She has always inspired me with the spirit she had. So from a young age, I decided to use my voice just like Tasha did, use my voice to conquer, to break through, to inspire, up life and move all bad out the way. From the rough to now, I’m nothing what they claimed me to be. My image is not what makes me, it’s my heart. I’m nowhere near where God is taking me but nowhere near where I use to be. I’m now a well-respected grocery store manager inspire and touching lives in ways never imagined. My singing is touching lives and so much more. Excited to where the future holds as I Am Gene, the brand takes off. Stay tuned to television shows, music albums, merchandise and so much more coming right from I Am Gene.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Oh been through so much but the main struggle has been getting the world to look pass the image the nails, the clothes, the hair, the heels, etc. for those are just additives and just focus on my heart.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Well, my main job is being part of the Grocery store management team at a store in a small community where every knows everyone. I’m known for being an inspiration, motivating, brave human who treats every individual in its path as if it’s his mom or dad. I’m all for love. The Bible told us all that there is going to be people that hate people that Kill but with love we can conquer all. I’m also known for being an outspoken person with great vocals. I love to sing that has always been my first passion and what got me through.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
So many people I can give the credit to, but the main one is my family. They taught me that God and Love is the key to it all. We all gone endure some things that make us feel low or want to give it. But the power in forgiveness. Prayer and Love is oh so amazing.
Contact Info:
- Email: guestgene@gmail.com
- Instagram: @thequeengeee
- Facebook: Gene Guest Garrison
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