OkEq Weekly eNews October 15th, 2019
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MISSION: OkEq seeks equal rights for LGBTQ+ individuals and families through intersectional advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.
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Get your house in order and help us get our house in order, too! Go to
smile.amazon.com
for your shopping needs, and Amazon will donate a portion to Oklahomans for Equality!
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Third Thursdays in the Rainbow Room
Thursday, October 17, 8:00
p.m.
– 10:00
p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Best of Broadway…and Other Exaggerations is a delightful compilation of some of the most beloved tunes every performed on the great white way. The talented cast takes the audience on a sometimes hilarious and sometimes sentimental journey, offering important moments from more than a dozen Tony Award winning Broadway musicals. This cabaret-styled performance features members of Tulsa’s theater and entertainment scene, Sam Briggs, Kara Staiger, Denise Hoey, and Mike DeMarco, while Christy Stalcup lights up the keys. With music from "A Chorus Line" to "Hello Dolly," with moments from "Cabaret," "Man of La Mancha," and many more, this show has something for everyone who loves Broadway music.
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Alphabet Soup: OUT of the Can
October 18 - October 20
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Leadership Lock-In 2019 will bring together LGBTQ+ youth in middle school and high school from across the state to socialize, develop leadership skills, and to have a great time! Throughout the lock-In, youth will have the unique opportunity to build partnerships, learn new skills, and develop leadership skills to impact their community.
Who Should Attend?
Youth: Youth in grades 6 through 12 who identify as LGBTQ+ who also have an interest in connecting with, and impacting their community.
What Will We Do?
Youth will participate in interactive workshops focusing on leadership development, community impact, and self-expression. There will be informative and motivating keynote speakers, lots of fun activities, entertainment, and a silent disco!
Some activities will be held at alternate locations such as Youth Services of Tulsa. Staff and volunteers will be responsible for transporting youth to alternate sites.
For more information about registration, call the Equality Center at 918-743-4297.
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Tulsa Native American Day
We were honored to be a part of this historic holiday celebrating our indigenous community here in Oklahoma. Our Two Spirit leaders represented OKEQ in the parade. We are thankful for the love and support our community holds for our Two Spirit siblings.
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EBA Mixer
Wednesday, October 16, 6:00 p.m.
Serenity Financial
508 W. Atlanta St.
Broken Arrow, OK 74012
Serenity Financial will be hosting the Equality Business Alliance Mixer for October.
Preparing for your financial future is one of the most important steps you can take in life. From tax-advantaged strategies to lifetime income solutions to protecting your lifestyle, we can help you create and enjoy the future of your dreams.
We’re committed to keeping things simple and clear. We pride ourselves on providing you with quality information so you can make sound financial decisions. We tailor our recommendations around your specific goals to help create the peace of mind you deserve.
Attend one of our events to discover more about what we do or connect with us one on one to figure out if we might be a good fit.
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POC Social at OkEq
Friday, October 18, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
The People of Color Social Mixer focuses on celebrating, preserving and connecting POCs in the Tulsa LGBT+ community. Join us for drinks, food and fun! The POC events are scheduled the third Friday of each month.
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The OKEQ History Project Needs your Help
Our History Project team has been working on archiving footage, artifacts, and newspaper clippings from 1980 to the present day. We have pieces of Oklahoma LGBTQ+ history that span forty years, but we need your help! Do you have old newspapers at your house that mention OKEQ? Do you have Pride shirts from 1999? Videos from past galas?
Consider donating or loaning them to our history project so we can digitize and make our archive searchable to the public!
Bring any and all artifacts to the center! We are open 7 days a week from 9am-9pm!
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Visibly Imperfectly Perfect Tulsa Support Group Meeting
Thursday, October 24, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
This is Visibly Imperfectly Perfect Tulsa very first meeting invite!!! We are so excited to bring people together to help each other LOVE the SKIN they are in!!
LOVE the SKIN they are in!!!! Encouraging others keeps her encouraged as well!
Our first meeting was so much fun!!!! We hope to see you there :)
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Active Shooter - How to Respond and Survive
Sunday, October 27, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Learn strategies on how to survive an active shooter situation.
Profile of an Active Shooter:
Per the Department of Homeland Security:
An Active Shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area; in most cases, active shooters use firearms(s) and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims
This course will teach you how to prepare mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter situation at school, work or other public places.
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Name Change Clinic
Wednesday, November 6, 5:30 p.m
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Oklahomans for Equality is hosting a name change clinic. We are focusing on those who are in progress of starting the name Change process as well as those who are interested in doing so in the near future. Joshua Payton will be our resource.
Josh, has eight years experience as a practicing attorney and six years in the entertainment industry working for Celebrity Attractions. My desire is to apply my legal and business experience to serve at the Equality Center. I may not immediately know the answer to a question, but I pledge to walk in solidarity with those seeking clarity until we have an answer.
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Thursday, November 7, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
The November Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) showcase and exhibit of local artists and will feature a show titled “Defending abortion access is an act of love”, beginning with a reception on Thursday, November 7th from 6-9pm and continuing throughout the month.
The show begins with a reception on Thursday, November 7th from 6-9pm where there will be a door prize drawn of the artist’s work. The show continues throughout the month.
Join the Oklahoma Call for Reproductive Justice and MOREcolor Art Exhibition to talk about reproductive freedom in 2019 and what it’s going to take from each and every one of us to ensure abortion remains accessible to all.
This event will feature Oklahoma visual artist’s interpretations of the theme, “defending abortion access is an act of love,” as well as talks from local activists and opportunities to get involved. And of course since we are feeding the movement, enjoy dinner with us!
Defending abortion access is an act of love. And we fight to defend that access because we care. We fight because we know that without the ability to control our reproduction we are less free. We fight because In 2019 the right to abortion has become less secure, and at this moment in history it is crucial that we stand together to defend our reproductive freedoms.
We each have something uniquely powerful to lend this battle, and that’s why we’ve gathered artists, activists and students together to learn and to strategize together on how that message can change Oklahoma and ensure reproductive freedom. See more about OCRJ by clicking their link below:
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Fresh Start Program: Trans-formative Self Care!
Thursday, November 7, 6:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
The brain child of Victoria James and co-sponsored by Clary Sage College, Dennis R Neill Equality Center, Unity Tulsa, and Dynamite Conventions.
The Fresh Start Program is designed give a hand-up to those who are going experiencing major life-changes through teaching self-care. No matter what is happening in your
life … gender transition, divorce, or even just a much-needed change … The
Fresh Start Program provides a judgment free and life-affirming environment so
that you can build the best version of yourself through self-care and style.
So, stop hating your mirror and stop waiting on the Fab Five to swoop in to
make your life better. Join us for our free monthly classes, take control and
give yourself the skills to stride into the future with confidence.
November 7th
- Hair Care and Styling
Still looking for that perfect hairstyle? Need to update your look? Come check out our workshop where Clary Sage College's Cosmetology instructor will discuss proper hair care, styling and what styles and cuts look good for certain face shapes. Students and instructors will style hair of attendees and show what may work best for you. The first 20 Attendees will receive a free gift and samples (or for as long as supplies last).
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LEAD Together Class 2 LGBTQ+ Leadership Program
Wednesday, November 20, 7:00 p.m
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Created in partnership with Oklahomans for Equality and Leadership Tulsa, LEAD Together LGBTQ+ Leadership Program Class 2 is now accepting applications! LEAD together is the only program in Oklahoma addressing LGBTQ leadership development.
The six-month program includes an orientation, 8 day-long sessions, volunteer work for Tulsa Pride and networking opportunities. Applications are due by 5 p.m. November 15th, 2019. They can be found by clicking below.
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Transgender Day of Remembrance - TDoR
Wednesday, November 20, 7:00 p.m
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance on November 20 that honors the memory of those whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.
Additionally, during the week of November 12-19, people and organizations around the country participate in
Transgender Awareness Week
to help raise the visibility of transgender people and address the issues trans people face.
This year we will be honoring those lost and celebrating their lives.
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AIDS Quilt Narratives Wanted
The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center and Jeremy Stevens, program director of the Orbit Initiative for the Tulsa PAC, are asking anyone who knew and/or loved someone who died of AIDS to record their narratives for archival and future use. This project is for anyone affected by the AIDS crisis whose stories are connected to Tulsa. All of these stories deserve to be told.
Those who are interested in having a story recorded are asked to contact Stevens at the Tulsa PAC at (918) 596-7119 or
[email protected]
or Oklahomans for Equality Program Director Jose Vega at (918) 743-4297 or
[email protected]
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The Gender Diversity Health and
Social Experiences Survey (GHSE)
Do you identify as transgender or any gender that is different from the sex you were assigned at birth? If so, we encourage you to participate in The Gender Diversity Health and Social Experiences Survey! This research will help support our understanding of the social,
institutional, and healthcare needs of trans and gender nonbinary people.
Participants will have the opportunity to vote for a trans-related non-profit organization. $300.00 will be donated to each of the two organizations with the most votes. We will not collect any identifying information from you.
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The Deaths of Sybil Bolton
November 1st - 10th
Lynn Riggs Theater
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
The Deaths of Sybil Bolton
from the book by Dennis P. McAuliffe, Jr.
adapted for the stage and directed by David Blakely
November 1 & 2, 8 & 9 at 7:30PM
November 9 & 10 at 2:00PM
HTC Playwright-in-Residence Emeritus David Blakely returns to recount a shocking true-life piece of Oklahoma history: the Osage Oil Murders. Based on Dennis P. McAuliffe, Jr.’s 1990 nonfiction book The Deaths of Sybil Bolton, Blakely’s adaptation depicts a journalist uncovering lies, cover-ups, and murder on his quest for the truth: what exactly happened to his grandmother during the systematic reign of terror that killed an estimated 60-plus wealthy, full-blood Osage Native Americans in the 1920s? Blakely expands his four-time TATE-winning* one-act play Four Ways to Die into a full-length true-crime story from Oklahoma’s past, with an intimate look at how trauma, legacies, and lies are inherited.
The Deaths of Sybil Bolton marks the latest Heller Theatre Company production that highlights plays centered on and brought to life by women and people of color. We are dedicated to supporting and magnifying the voices of the marginalized through these powerful and well-written works.
*”Four Ways to Die” received four awards from the 2018 Tulsa Awards for Theater Excellence ceremony, including Outstanding Original Work, Outstanding Direction, Outstanding Ensemble, and Outstanding Properties.
Tickets are on sale now:
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Drag Poetics: A Writers Workshop with Matty Layne Glasgow
Saturday, November 9, 12:30 p.m
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Join us for a craft talk and workshop with poet and teaching artist Matty Layne Glasgow! This free public workshop will be held in the Goff Room at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Registration is required--sign up at the link in this event page.
Drag queens queer gender & pageantry, embodying a performance of liberation on stage. A drag poetics considers the intersection of this artistry with both the written & spoken word. In this generative workshop, we will consider persona & form, the wig & reveal, as we embrace the deathtrap divas within us & craft our own sequined ditties.
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The Tulsa Little Pajama Jammy Jam Gala!
Friday, December 6, 6:00 - 11:00 p.m
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Join us for Tulsa Little Jam's first official fundraising Gala! And this isn't your typical fundraiser. It's the Tulsa Little Pajama Jammy Jam! That means we want you to come in your PAJAMAS! The goofier, the better!
There will be a silent auction throughout the evening of amazing local arts and crafts and other items, amazing food by
Joel Bein
and
Rub
, drinks of all kinds, and, of course, live music throughout night. It's Tulsa Little Jam, after all!
This is an ALL AGES event! So bring the family and get ready to have an amazing time! A percentage of all we raise will go to school music programs in Tulsa!
See you December 6th!
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NextUp
907 S. Detroit Ave., Suite 210
Tulsa, OK 74120
(918) 442-2900
NextUp is a Tulsa-area initiative to support 18-to 24-year olds in determining, "What’s your next?" That can mean getting your GED, enrolling in technical training, or finding a job. NextUp wants to help you forge your own path and achieve your goals. With our program, you will have access to free technical training and job placement assistance, as well as a variety of individual skill-building workshops, college advancement, career coaching, and other steps to better their lives. and . Whatever your goal is, NextUp is here to help and support you.
Text "NextUp" to 31996 for more information.
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Joe and Nancy McDonald Library
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Find this selection and more by visiting the Nancy and Joe McDonald Rainbow Library.
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"
When We Love Someone We Sing to Them: Cuando Amamos Cantamos"
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"A reclamation of the Mexican serenata tradition, follow the story of a young boy who asks his father if there is a song for a boy who loves a boy.
When We Love Someone We Sing to Them
reframes a treasured cultural tradition to include LGBTQ experience. In this book, we learn about the Mexican tradition of singing to family and loved ones through one boy who naturally assumes the tradition includes him and his experience.
Watch a tradition expand as limitations are lifted to include everyone, all the way to remembering Xochipilli, the Mesoamerican deity of creativity, song, and dance.
A perfect book to bring tradition and inclusion into the conversation and support our LGBTQ young ones in knowing that they belong and always have, while providing pride in both our Mexican heritage and our LGBTQ culture and history as families.
A bilingual story with illustrations (English/Spanish)"
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New in the OkEq Pride Store:
Fanny Packs or Sport Utility Belts
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Allison Ikley-Freeman
Allison Ikley-Freeman, LPC Candidate is passionate about assisting individuals who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community who experience a range of concerns and issues. Individual, youth, and adolescent counseling is available on a sliding fee scale based on income.
You can make an appointment with Allison by calling
918-280-9645
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OSU - Tulsa Counseling Services
The Oklahoma State Tulsa Counseling Center is an LGBTQ+ affirming center located in Main Hall of OSU Tulsa. You do not have to be affiliated with OSU to benefit from these services! Our center offers clients from OKEQ sessions for
only 5 dollars
. Each member of our counseling team receives additional training and supervision in LGBTQ+ issues and is excited to work with clients from OKEQ. Please contact us at 918-594-8568 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
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Sara Griffey
S
ara Griffey is an LPC candidate under supervision. Sara specializes in LGBT+ and non-traditional relationships (i.e. kink, polyamory, etc.). She has experience working with homeless youth and individuals struggling with anxiety & trauma.
She previously worked with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
She is passionate about advocacy and public policy in order to ensure that proper treatment is available for any individual seeking services.
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Regularly Scheduled Programming
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Lawyer in the Library
2nd Wednesday of each month
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Lawyer in the Library is an opportunity to meet with a lawyer about topics such as family law (divorce, paternity, custody and child support), landlord/tenant disputes, estate planning, and bankruptcy. No appointment is necessary.
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Coming Out Workshop
1st and 3rd Monday of every month
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Are you planning to come out? Maybe you have just recently come out?
Join us for a coming out discussion group meeting
Meeting the History Project Room
Free to participate, this course is designed for individuals coming to terms with their sexuality with presentations on how to come out to family, friends, and coworkers. Question and answer session in a supportive and informed environment.
It is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so. By sharing struggles and victories the group allows those newly coming out and who have been out for a while to learn from others. All are welcome to join in the discussion whether Lesbian, Gay, Bi, or Trans.
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Free Yoga Class at OkEq
Mondays
5:45 - 6:45
p.m.
Enjoy a free class! These 60-minute, free Community Yoga classes are open to everyone of all levels. Each class is mindfully crafted to prepare the body for a peak pose in the arm balance, inversion, backbend or twist family. This class will connect the mind, body, and spirit through movement and breath.
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SAGE Tulsa
Every Tuesday
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
"drop in for coffee"
Facilitated by
John Madigan
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OkEq Board Meeting
Monthly Meeting
Thursday, November 14, 6:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.
All Oklahomans for Equality board meetings are open to all OkEq members.
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It's Complicated
1st & 3rd Monday
of each month
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
"It's Complicated" is an ongoing group for individuals in nontraditional relationships (kink, polyamory, swinging, etc.) This group meets every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 6:30-8pm at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Each session will have a new topic. For topic information, please like Unity Tulsa’s Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/UnityTulsa
or check the OkEq event calendar at
http://www.okeq.org/event-calendar.html
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SOS Group
Mondays 7:00 p.m
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
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Survivors of Incest Anonymous
Every Saturday
12:00 - 2:30 p.m.
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
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Partners of Trans*/Non-Binary Individuals Support Group
The program is providing support, education and social opportunities for partners of transgender and non-binary individuals. Ages 18+. A first time interview is required before attending your first meeting. Please contact Amanda at 918-902-4625.
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Gender Support Program
Wednesdays
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
(First time interview required before attending)
Email
The program is providing support, education and social opportunities for transgender and intersex individuals.
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Brought to You Bi
the Letter B
2nd & 4th Monday
of each month
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Bisexual support group at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Tell all your friends. The group is open to all bi/pan/queer/fluid+ folks and their allies. Facilitators
Daniel & Haley
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Tulsa Area
Prime Timers
2nd Tuesday of every month
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
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
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Intimate Partner Violence & Sexual Assault Survivor Support Group
2nd & 4th Thursday of each month
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
This support and educational group is for individuals who have survived domestic violence and are ready to explore their personal healing process and find hope and to discuss their experiences, share ideas, and provide emotional support for one another.
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Children/Siblings of Trans*/Non-Binary Individuals Support Group
This program is for youth ages 8-18 that have trans* parents or siblings. This group will provide support, education and social opportunities for those living with trans* family members. Attendees must have approval from the facilitator to participate. Please contact Amanda at 918-902-4625.
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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
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The Equality
Business Alliance fosters a sharing of information, ideas, contacts, products and services, and also strengthens and expands our businesses, careers and community.
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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.
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H.O.P.E.
HIV Testing Schedule
Tuesday
4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday
4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday
4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Testing provided by H.O.P.E. Testing
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Jose Vega
Deputy Director
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Morgan Allen
Center Coordinator
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Alex Wade
Medical Services Coordinator
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Tracy Allen
Special Projects/Library
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Kao Morris
Facilities Manager
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Krissy Dudley
Administrative Manager
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Toby Jenkins
CEO/Executive Director
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Executive Committee
Sheena Grewal - President
Chris Brecht-Smith - Vice President
Will Vaughn - Secretary
Paul Allen - Treasurer
Darci Hazelwood, D.O. - Member at Large
Trustees
Shawna Baker, Esq.
Dan Burnstein
Kirk Holt
David Nelson
Kris Wilmes
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Board of Directors
Laura Arrosmith, D.O.
Angelyn L. Dale
Allison Ikley-Freeman
Bob Hanson
Jeremy Stevens
Corey Thompson
Al Triggs
Stacy Turner
Robin VanMeter
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Oklahomans for Equality
Hours:
Mon - Sat 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. | Sun 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.
621 E. 4th St., Tulsa, OK 74120
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