eNews September 30th, 2015
Oklahomans For Equality Enews Weekly
The eNews for the week is brought to you by
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Monday-Wednesday and Friday 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Thursday 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Closed Saturday and Sunday

Tulsa Shoe Rebuilders is Tulsa's oldest and finest shoe repair shop featuring shoe repair and cowboy and western boot repair. We also provide premium maker and repair service for high end leather goods, bags, purses and various other items including custom work.

Like us on Facebook or visit our website here.
  
"First Thursday" Art Exhibit
Thursday, October 1, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Art Gallery, Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St, Tulsa, OK 74120
The October Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) showcase and exhibit of local artists will feature the works of A.K. Westerman in a show beginning with a reception on Thursday, October 1 and continuing throughout the month.

A.K. segued to a full-time professional artist after spending over a decade in the graphic design and marketing industry. She is quickly gaining worldwide recognition for her unique work, featuring fantasy and surrealistic elements and compositions, vivid color and intricate details. She applies her craft to a variety of mediums, including canvas, wood panels, 3D wooden objects and skate decks. In addition to several local solo exhibitions, her work has been showcased in a number of regional and national juried exhibitions in Oklahoma, Texas, Ohio and California. A.K. is an active member of several Oklahoma art organizations, including Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition, Paseo Arts Association, and Oklahoma's only women's art organization - Fringe. She was also a 2014 ArtistINC Live Fellowship and Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition 2014 Artist Grant recipient. She lives and works in Edmond, OK.

A.K. explains: "I work primarily within the surrealism and fantasy genres. I enjoy integrating natural and technological elements in vivid and intricately detailed compositions. While every piece is derived from my own personal narrative, I always attempt to include some ambiguity, allowing the viewer to fill in pieces of the story according to their own unique perspective. I enjoy working on a large scale, as I believe it creates an almost 'epic' feel for the viewer, allowing them to lose themselves in the minute details. The term 'organic' is an apt description for both my creative process and my choice of subject matter, as I prefer to let the work take on a life of its own and my subconscious express itself freely and fluidly without preconceptions."
 
It's Your Center - It's Your Day
Donate a Day!

OkEq is offering our donors the opportunity to sponsor the organization for a day or even a complete week. When you choose to sponsor OkEq for a day, we will honor you or the person you designate by featuring our sponsor on our website for the day, with a presentation board greeting visitors in the front lobby on the day/week designated, by listing the honoree in our weekly eNews, and a special posting on our OkEq Facebook page.

Sponsors can select a day in honor of their birthday or to celebrate an anniversary date or in memory of an individual, or whatever day means the most to you.

Find out more information here.
Cub Scout Meeting                            
Sunday, October 4, 4:00 p.m.
Event Center, Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St, Tulsa, OK 74120
Calling all Scouts and families of boys in 1st through 5th grade:

Oklahomans for Equality is starting a new Cub Scout Pack. The next organizational meetings with families of boys in 1st through 5th grades and volunteers interested in Cub Scouts will be held on Sundays at 4:00 p.m. at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. For more information or to find out how you can help the Cub Scouts, contact Cubmaster Andy Grimes here.

On September 26th, the OkEq Cub Scout pack served as a watering station for the Tulsa Bike Club's Mohawk Ride. We were proud to display our pack and show the wonderful change that is occurring in the organization.
OkEq's Cub Scouts are needing several clean, empty two liter soda bottles for an upcoming Water Bottle Rocket Launch.  If you have one or more you would like to share, just drop them off at the front desk at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.
First Year Anniversary for Marriage Equality in Oklahoma
October 6, 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
This year's celebration is extra special because it marks the one year anniversary of marriage equality in Oklahoma! 
One year ago, marriage equality arrived and our lives were forever changed! Love Won!

Celebrate the one-year anniversary Oklahoma-style at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center on October 6th, 2015 at 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome to be a part of this celebration.

We are creating a slide show featuring all the weddings throughout the entire year. Please send us your wedding photos so we can relive those wonderful moments. Email them to jose.vega@okeq.org.

Let OkEq help you celebrate your anniversary! Donate to our Donate a Day campaign and let Oklahomans for Equality let everybody know it is your anniversary.

Lawyer in the Library

October 14, 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

Nancy and Joe McDonald Rainbow Library
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, 621 E. 4th St, Tulsa, OK 74120
Lawyer in the Library is an opportunity to meet with a lawyer about topics such as family law (divorce, paternity, custody, child support), landlord/tenant, estate planning and bankruptcy. No appointment is necessary.
For more information, please contact Mia Leighty at 918-574-2931 or Amy Howe at 918-743-4297.
  
#SpiritDay @OkEq
October 15, 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, 621 E. 4th St, Tulsa, OK 74120
Oklahomans for Equality is going purple and blowing the center's roof off!

Let us show LGBT youth they are not alone. Join us on top of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center! We invite everyone to wear purple and join this year's ultimate roof top rally! Your purple shirt is your ticket in and symbolizes your support for LGBT youth as well as speaking out against bullying. For more information or to RSPV, email jose.vega@okeq.org.
Singles, Sips & Splatter Art Class
Saturday, October 17, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, 621 E. 4th St, Tulsa, OK 74120
 
LGBT Singles of Tulsa!  

Fill your glasses and load your brushes for a fun night of painting at OkEq. Art instruction will be provided by Janet Fadler Davie. Our theme will be "Autumn".

You'll leave at the end of the night with your very own original work of art, some new friends and maybe a date!

Class size is limited, so please email jose.vega@okeq.org or call 918-813-8993 to reserve your seat.  Cost is $20, which will cover all your supplies and and refreshments.
Center Awareness Day
October 18, 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. 
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
Have you ever wanted to know what your LGBT center has to offer? Now is your chance! Oklahomans for Equality is hosting an open house and a program expo event.

This is your chance to learn more about what Oklahomans for Equality at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center offers and what programs are available. This is also a chance to meet and greet the facilitators of the programs you may be interested in and answer any question you may have. For more information, please contact jose.vega@okeq.org.
 
EBA Mixer
October 21, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Dr. Blane Snodgrass, 7171 S. Yale Ave, Tulsa, OK 74136


The EBA networking mixers are terrific venues for you to meet prospective clients. Mixers are open to non-members as well as EBA members. Hosting a networking mixer is a great way to showcase your business. You may host at your establishment or use The Equality Center. If you would like to host a mixer, send a email to eba@okeq.org for more information.

The October EBA mixer will be hosted by Optometrist Dr. Blane Snodgrass, OD.

Gamily Halloween Karaoke
Saturday, October 24, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Second Floor, Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St, Tulsa, OK 74120
Come join the Halloween fun! Our upstairs area will be taken over by family fun for all ages and karaoke.

Be sure to come dressed in your Halloween costumes and be prepared to sing your heart out!

For more information, please contact jose.vega@okeq.org.
SAGE Tulsa - Halloween Party
Tuesday, October 27, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
SAGE (Services and Advocacy for LGBT Elders) is a day time programming for those who are retired or free during the day. The mission of SAGE Tulsa is to address issues related to lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender aging. In partnership with its constituents and allies, SAGE Tulsa works to achieve a high quality of life for LGBT older adults, supports and advocates for their rights, fosters a greater understanding of aging in all communities and promotes positive images of LGBT life in later years. SAGE Tulsa meets every Tuesday morning at 10:00 am at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. For more information about SAGE Tulsa, email SAGE@OkEq.org.

Their annual Halloween party will be hosted at the home of Sol Smith. The group will meet at the Center at 10:00 a.m., then commute to Sol Smith's home.
 
OkEq Zombie House
October 29-31
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
OKEQ Zombie House is back and even more terrifying than last year. We will have 18,000 feet of pure terror!

There are zombies in Tulsa and they have infested the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Escape the Zombies on October 29th, 30th and 31st, 2015. These are real flesh eating zombies being housed in complete and total darkness in downtown Tulsa. The worst part is there is only one way out, and it's your mission to find the exit and survive this zombie apocalypse. For more details please contact jose.vega@okeq.org.
 
"Unlikely Family"
Currently Playing,
Circle Cinema, 12 S. Lewis Ave, Tulsa OK 74104
Set in Tulsa, Oklahoma-home of legendary televangelist Oral Roberts--Unlikely Family depicts a progressive church family coming together in the most unlikely of places. The film follows a group of people rejected by mainstream churches, society, their families, and their jobs because of divorce, sexuality, and ignorance of religion. The movie demonstrates what people faced in 1995 and still face today when they don't fit the mold prescribed by biblical "clobber scriptures." The film challenges traditional "my way or the highway" views of salvation that straitjacket lives with narrow values and ideals.

An official trailer of the film can be viewed here.

Tickets can be purchased here.
"Cowboys & Kilt's" ICP Ball: A Night of Country-Western Dance
October 3, 7:00 p.m.
Event Center, Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St, Tulsa, OK 74120
Please join the Imperial Court of All Oklahoma  for the Annual ICP Ball "Cowboys and Kilts",  A Night of Country Western Dance.  Age is limited to 21 and over. Tickets will be $25 at the door.
The proceeds from event will benefit the ICAO Clogger Bill Francisco Youth Scholarship Fund.

For more information email impcourtok@gmail.com or visit impcourtok.org

 
"Stand Up Against Bullying"                           
October 6, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
OCCJ is teaming up with PreventBullyingTulsa.org for the 2015 Bullying Prevention Rally to highlight the issues of bullying in our community and society.  Come and help local middle and high school students stand up against bullying.
  
PreventBullyingTulsa.org is a collaboration of Tulsa area mental health and advocacy agencies that have come together to provide the community with educational, counseling and advocacy services regarding children and bullying. According to the National Association of School Psychologists, bullying is the most common form of violence in our society; between 15 percent and 30 percent of students are bullies or victims.
   
Oklahomans for Equality will be hosting a booth at the Bullying Prevention Rally.
 
More information can be found here.
Oklahoma Changing World Prize
October 11, 5:00 p.m.
Woody Guthrie Center, 102 E. Brady St, Tulsa, OK 74103
Just a little over a year after they were married at the Tulsa County Courthouse, Mary and Sharon Bishop-Baldwin will be awarded the Woody Guthrie Center's first Oklahoma Changing World Prize. The couple were the lead plaintiffs who challenged Oklahoma's ban on same-sex marriage in 2004, shortly after 76 percent of Oklahoma voters approved the ban. Together for 18 years, the Bishop-Baldwins represented thousands of gay and lesbian people in the Sooner State in Bishop v. United States, the lawsuit they filed seeking the freedom to marry.
The presentation of the first Oklahoma Changing World Prize will be at a reception at the Woody Guthrie Center at 4:00 pm on October 11. The celebration will continue in the garden space between the Hardesty Arts Center (AHHA) and the WGC with a light dinner and music from Eric Himan at 5:00 pm. In the event of rain, dinner will be held inside AHHA.

All proceeds from this special event support the Woody Guthrie Center's education initiatives. Table sponsorships are available immediately in the following levels: Friends ($1,000), This Land Table Sponsor ($2,500), and This Machine Sponsor ($5,000). Presenting sponsorships are also available. Call 918-574-2522 for information about sponsorships. Individual ticket sales to the event are $100 and will go on sale September 12. Call the Center at 918-574-2710 to purchase.

"Hedwig and the Angry Inch"
October 23 - November 1
Liddy Doenges Theatre, Tulsa Performing Arts Center
110 E 2nd St, Tulsa, OK 74103

The cult classic, rock musical smash! East German rock goddess Hedwig Schmidt suffers a botched operation and tells the tale with a performance that is part rock concert, part standup comedy - and all fabulous!

Written by John Cameron Mitchell
Music and lyrics by Stephen Trask
 

Tickets can be purchased here.

Use the promotional code OKEQHEDWIG to get 25% off opening weekend performances (Oct 23-25).

2016 Call for Exhibition Proposals
Deadline for Proposals: November 15, 2015
The OkEq Art Gallery at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is now accepting proposals for the 2016 Exhibition Calendar. Each chosen exhibit will be on display for approximately 30 days.
Our gallery encourages emerging artists and fresh challenging work in all media, including installation works. Proposals should include a few paragraphs about your vision for an exhibit, as well as 5 .jpg images which represent your current work. All proposals must be submitted online. Proposals incorporating the work of 2 artists or a small group are also acceptable.

While we continue to have a 'no repeat' policy, previous artists may serve as the curator for a group showing. The group showing must have at least three additional people who have not shown in the Gallery before. The returning artist (curator) may have work on exhibit in proportion to the other artists represented in the exhibit.

Please let us know if your idea for an exhibit will require months to prepare or if you have calendar restrictions. We would also like to know if you would be ready to go quickly, as the early months in the year are sometimes hard to fill.

OkEq hosts an opening night reception for the artist(s) on the first Thursday of the month. There will be a 30% commission on work sold. Artists will be asked to provide a "door prize" which will be awarded by a drawing at the close of the opening night.

The deadline for submissions is November 15, 2015. Notifications will be sent out by December 1, 2015.

Please submit by email to alliejensen@cox.net, with the subject heading "OkEq Gallery Proposal".
The eNews for the week is brought to you by
EBA Member Business:      Keith Hunt, McGraw Realtors

LGBT Healthcare Bill of Rights
Oklahomans for Equality is partnering with CenterLink and the LGBT Health Link to help keep the LGBT Community informed about their rights in the healthcare system today. A easy to read version of your Bill of Rights is available to download here. Keep a copy in your wallet handy for the next time your rights are not respected.

Equality Center Pride Store
These beautiful pendants celebrating the 6/26/15 SCOTUS Decision in favor of marriage equality are available in our Pride Store for $17. If you would like your pendant sent to you, there will be an additional $3 cost for shipping. Contact Stewart Wallace at   stewartwallace@cox.net with any questions or concerns.

Click here to purchase your pendant today!
 
Be sure to "Like" the OkEq Pride Store Facebook page to keep up with the new items and new sale items
Like us on Facebook
Nancy and Joe McDonald Rainbow Library
"Woof! A Gay Man's Guide To Dogs"
By Andrew DePrisco
                                            
The book Joan Rivers called "my dog bible," Woof! is the quintessential queer guide for dog lovers, offering a hilarious take on gay dog ownership unlike any other book out there! Author Andrew DePrisco and illustrator Jason O'Malley have created a LGBTQ classic that defines the 28 "breeds" of gay men and recommends which breeds are best for each. From Drag Queen and All-American Boy to Twink, Leatherman, and Log Cabin Queer, every gay man will find advice and hilarity on every page of this award-winning gift book. (For gay men who are not sure of their breed, there is a temperament sorter to help determine their homo DNA.) In addition to being a breed-selection guide for the dog-loving Q-set, Woof! provides no-nonsense information about how to purchase a dog from a breeder, bringing the puppy home, training, caring, and feeding for the dog. It also offers tongue-in-cheek pointers along the lines of choosing the best gay name for the puppy, shopping for extravagant accessories, throwing a gay puppy shower (for the gifts!), hiring the right staff to take care of the puppy, and using the well-cared-for dog as a man magnet.

Find this selection and more by visiting the   Nancy and Joe McDonald Rainbow
Library.
 
In This Issue
EBA Sponsor
"First Thursday"
It's Your Center - It's Your Day
Cub Scout Meeting
Marriage Equality's First Year
Lawyer in the Library
#SpiritDay @OkEq
Singles, Sips & Splatter
Center Awareness Day
EBA Mixer
Gamily Halloween Karaoke
SAGE Tulsa - Halloween Party
OkEq Zombie House
"Unlikely Family"
"Cowboys & Kilts"
'Stand Up Against Bullying"
Oklahoma Changing World Prize
"Hedwig and the Angry Inch"
Exhibition Proposals
EBA Sponsor
LGBT Healthcare Bill of Rights
Pride Store
Rainbow Library
Find us on Facebook

Find Us on Facebook

 

Donate Now

Andrew Grimes
Cub Scouts of OkEq
The Boy Scouts of America have lifted their ban on gay scout masters. In response to this historic decision, Oklahomans for Equality will be establishing a cub scout pack for our families.

Andrew Grimes spent years as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout ultimately earning the rank of Eagle Scout. As a young adult, Andy was employed by the Boy Scouts of America as a district executive.

If you or your son(s) are interested in joining a chapter of the Boy Scouts of America, please contact Amy Howe at amy.howe@okeq.org or you can find more information here.
 
   OkEq Board Meeting

 7 p.m. Thursday, September 17th

Dennis R. Neill Equality Center

 

All Oklahomans for Equality board meetings are open to all OkEq members.


OkEq Art Exhibit

 

The October exhibit at the

Dennis R. Neill Equality Center

feature works by A.K. Westerman.

 

 

 

Counseling Services

Weekdays
By appointment
Adult individual, Substance Abuse & PTSD counseling is available at no cost. Appointments are required.
Contact Jim Scholl

918.631.2722 

 

Dr Kurt Choate  

Counseling Services

Saturdays 

By appointment

Individual, youth, adolescent and couples counseling is available on a sliding fee scale based on income. Appointments are required.
Contact

Dr. Kurt Choate, LPC at

918.449.6574

DrKurt@OkEq.org

Counseling Services

 Wednesdays and Thursdays

By appointment

Gender identity, sexual orientation, mood problems, anxiety concerns, and/or those recovering from traumatic events. Appointments are required.

Contact

Joe Currin 

joe.currin@okeq.org

Counseling Services      

              Weekdays

           By appointment.

       Adult individual and

      couples counseling is  

       available at no cost.

  Appointments are required.

                  Contact

              Emily Howell

             918.594.8568

emily.howell@okeq.org

Counseling Services

Weekdays
By appointment
Adults, individuals, and couples counseling is available at no cost.
Appointments are required.
Contact Douglas Knutson
918-594-8568
 

SOS Group

Mondays

7:00 pm 
This open Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) Recovery and Sobriety Group meets every Monday at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. For more information, visit www.SOSTulsa.org 

Grieving Well

2nd and 4th Mondays 
6:00 pm to 7:30 pm 
Bereavement Support Program for
LGBT individuals who have lost a partner or loved one to death.
Facilitated by
Yolanda Arnold

Live Free!
Coming Out
Workshop
1st & 3rd Tuesdays of the month
7:00 - 8:00 pm.
ComingOut@OkEq.org
Facilitated by
James Prather
James Prather
John Madigan
SAGE Tulsa 
(Service & Advocacy
For Gay Elders)

Every Tuesday

10:00 am to 2:00 pm

"drop in

throughout the day" 

Facilitated by
John Madigan

 church

Tulsa Shambhala
Meditation
Every Tuesday and 1st Sunday each  month
6:30 pm
Oklahomans for Equality hosts the Tulsa Shambhala Meditation Group every Tuesday at 6:30 pm and the First Sunday of every month at 12:30 pm.

Mindfulness/awareness meditation is the foundation of Shambhala Meditation Training.   Visit
more information.
Tulsa Area Prime Timers
Tulsa Area
Prime Timers
1st Tuesday of
every month
7:00 pm
A social organization for mature minded Gay and Bisexual men age 21 and over. The purpose is to establish friendship and support through social interaction. Visit
more information.
918.592.0088  
 

Brad Sullivan 

Get F.I.T.

Mondays and Wednesdays 6:00-7:00 pm. 

An exercise class for all ages and fitness levels. The class will create an environment for the beginner as well as the advanced participant to be successful. 

Free for Members

$5 for Non Members

Instructor Brad Sullivan.

 

Yoga by Zach

 

 

Gender Outreach

Wednesdays

7:30 pm 

(First time interview required before attending)

Email Gender Outreach 

The program is providing support, education and social opportunities for transgender and intersex individuals.


Lambda Al-Anon Group

Every Friday

7 p.m.

 

Nevermore Storytellers
Every Friday
7:00 pm

A Murder of Storytellers looks for voices in genre fiction that are often ignored or asked to change. As a writing group, they seek to help make each other better and foster a sense of community among local writers of all backgrounds.
Survivors of Incest Anonymous
Every Saturday
12:30 pm

SIA strives to empower those who have survived childhood sexual abuse (who are not abusing any child), who want to become survivors and thrivers. For more information, visit siawso.org

Haley 

Game Night

Saturdays 

7:00 - 9:00 pm

 Join old friends and make new friends as you play some great board and card games at the Center!

All are welcome!

Facilitated by

Saturday Volunteers Richard Haley and

Teresa Reno 

Reno 

 
Dennis R. Neill
Equality Center
Room Rentals

The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center has many spaces for your next meeting or event. To check dates, reserve your next event or receive pricing information, contact sharon.queen@okeq.org  Stop by for a quick view of the Event Center and pick up a space

rental sheet.  


Gamily (Gay-Family) is an official program of Oklahomans for Equality and is a support network for LGBT parents and families in Oklahoma. For more information about Gamily contact Gamily@OkEq.org 

EBA Logo 2012

EBA Directory

The Equality

Business Alliance fosters a sharing of information, ideas, contacts, products and services, and also strengthens and expands our businesses, careers and community.

Workforce OK
Workforce Oklahoma
Access Point

Open every day
Workforce Oklahoma maintains a resource area at the Equality Center that includes computers, a printer and fax machine, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to register with
Oklahoma JobLink.
 

HIV Testing Schedule

Dennis R. Neill Equality Center 

Tuesday 4 - 8 pm

Wednesday 4 - 8 pm

Saturday 4 - 7 pm

 

Testing provided by H.O.P.E. Testing

 

Muscogee-Creek Nation provides testing on Thursdays from 6 - 8 pm

Check www.okeq.org for testing dates.

MISSION:
Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) seeks equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances and the operation of the
Dennis R. Neill
Equality Center.
Toby Jenkins
Toby Jenkins
Executive Director
Toby.Jenkins@OkEq.org

Amy Howe
Administrative Assistant
Amy.Howe@OkEq.org

     Sharon Queen     

Facilities Coordinator

       Sharon.Queen@OkEq.org      

Tracy Allen

Volunteer Coordinator 

Tracy.Allen@OkEq.org
Jose Vega
Program Coordinator
Jose.Vega@OkEq.org
Oklahoman's For Equality
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
Hours: Mon - Sat Noon-9 p.m. Sun Noon-6 p.m.
Oklahomans for Equality | 621 E. 4th Street | Tulsa, OK 74120 | 918.743.4297
www.okeq.org