OkEq Weekly eNews November 5th, 2019
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.
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!
Share the Warmth!

We are now accepting donations of blankets, coats, socks, scarves, hats, and gloves. As a warming station, we see a high number of people who are experiencing homelessness, and these items are a necessity as the temperature drops. 
OkEq Fairy Tree
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120

The Fairy Tree is back at  Oklahomans for Equality  to support  Tulsa Cares  and someone whose life is affected by HIV/AIDS. Come by, pick up a card and fulfill someone's holiday wish. Gifts must be returned by December 6th.

For more information, contact Alex Wade below.
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.
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:
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).
Tulsa Veterans Day Parade
Monday, November 11, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
VFW Post 577
1109 E. 6th St.
Tulsa, OK 74120

Tulsa Veterans Day Parade is a televised event. The Veterans Day Parade has been part of a century old tradition in the Tulsa Community.

Come out and celebrate the dedication in our service members.

To participate apply/register here:
Transgender Awareness Week
November 12 - 19

Transgender Awareness Week aims to raise visibility of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals as well as raise awareness for the issues the community faces. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is raising the transgender flag for Transgender Awareness Week.
POC Social at OkEq
Friday, October 17, 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.
Marketplace Enrollment

Review and Enroll Before Time Runs Out!

LGBTQ+ people are more likely to be uninsured than non-LGBTQ+ people. Open enrollment for 2020 coverage begins November 1st and goes through December 15th. We will be hosting an enrollment event where people can meet with a marketplace navigator to help them find the best insurance option available to them. This event is free and no appointment is required.
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.
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

The Transgender Day of Remembrance is a yearly event on November 20th to remember those we have lost due to anti-transgender violence. Join Oklahomans for Equality in memorializing as well as celebrating those who have passed on in 2019.
Art by Trans Individuals will be on display. Light hor-dourves and non-alcoholic beverages will be available.
Thursday, November 21, 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120

Third Thursdays in the Rainbow Room presents “A Night with Cole Porter” featuring Tulsa’s own the Zuits. This one night only performance will take the audience on a magical journey of Cole Porter’s music from “Anything Goes” to the all-time hit “De-Lovely”, with stops along the way at “In the Still of the Night”, “Love for Sale” and much, much more. Come dressed for an evening straight out of the old speakeasy days. The music is sometimes sophisticated and sometimes campy, but always entertaining and sure to thrill the audience.

The fantastic Zuits are an 8-piece swing band, made up of some of the most talented musicians in the Tulsa Metro, including Brent Baldwin on tenor and baritone sax, Brandon Chambers on Alto Sax, Joe Metzer on trumpet, Doug Styers on trombone and vocals, Chuck Fluker on guitar, Andrew Ralston on upright bass, Chris Wylie on drums, and Mark Lee on grand piano. And, wherever the Zuits perform surprise vocalist always seem to appear.
Come Home for Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 28, 12:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120

OkEq invites you to join us on Thanksgiving Day for a FREE community meal at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.
Local affirming and inclusive congregations and OkEq provide a wonderful meal every year. The meal will be served at 12:00 p.m. Please arrive by 12:00 p.m. 


Lunch will be provided by:
    PFLAG Tulsa
Labrena Shamsi, Aliye Shimi

Please confirm your attendance by clicking below.
Worlds AIDS Day Walk
Sunday, December 1, 2:00 p.m.
Centennial Park
1028 E. 6th St. S
Tulsa, OK 74120

Held every December 1st, World AIDS Day is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show support for people living with HIV, and commemorate those who have passed. The Evergreen Health Coalition along with Tulsa CARES are proud hosts of this community-wide event to be held at Centennial Park. Free and open to the public, the event is family-friendly and pet-friendly, so bundle up and join us as we raise awareness and stand together as a community.
Worlds AIDS Day Commemorative Service
Sunday, December 1, 5:00 p.m.
Fellowship Congregational UCC
2009 S. Harvard Ave
Tulsa, OK 74114

This years theme is, "Saving lives Through Leadership and Partnerships"
We are working on a few community wide events, for this year.
Please stay tuned, we will be posting more as it develops.
Council Oak Men's Chorale Presents:
Have a Cool Yule
Tuesday, December 3, 5, 6 8:00 p.m.
Fellowship Congregational UCC
2009 S. Harvard Ave
Tulsa, OK 74114

Stay tuned for additional information regarding our upcoming 2019 Winter concert!

Tickets are available for purchase through our website below or at the door of each evening's performance.
14th Annual Falala Ball
Thursday, December 21, 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120

Join us for this year's 1th Annual Fa La La Ball. Don your "gay" apparel (or comfortable clothing for you) and bring your friends to celebrate the holidays with great dance music from DJ Alex, savory hors-d'oeuvres and a cash bar. 

Admission is any of the following:

Canned goods and toiletries for St. Jerome Parish Pantry
Canned goods for Diversity Christian Food Pantry 
Pet Food for A Friend for a Friend
Children's Toys for Women in Recovery. 
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!
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] .
The Deaths of Sybil Bolton
November 8th - 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 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:
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.
Isis King: Model, Actress and Trans Rights Advocate
Tuesday, November 12, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
The University of Tulsa, Lorton Performance Center: Gussman Hall
550 South Gary Place
Tulsa, OK 74104

Come listen to Isis King, one of the first openly trans models on America's Next Top Model and actress in the Emmy winning Netflix series "When They See Us", discuss her physical/mental transformation, television career, and her perspective on the current climate of Trans rights and acceptance.
The Tulsa Little Pajama Jammy Jam Gala!
Friday, December 6, 6:00 p.m. - 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!
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.
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.
Joe and Nancy McDonald Library
Find this selection and more by visiting the Nancy and Joe McDonald Rainbow Library.
" Transgender History, second edition: The Roots of Today's Revolution 2nd Edition"
"Covering American transgender history from the mid-twentieth century to today, Transgender History takes a chronological approach to the subject of transgender history, with each chapter covering major movements, writings, and events. Chapters cover the transsexual and transvestite communities in the years following World War II; trans radicalism and social change, which spanned from 1966 with the publication of The Transsexual Phenomenon, and lasted through the early 1970s; the mid-'70s to 1990-the era of identity politics and the changes witnessed in trans circles through these years; and the gender issues witnessed through the '90s and '00s.

Transgender History includes informative sidebars highlighting quotes from major texts and speeches in transgender history and brief biographies of key players, plus excerpts from transgender memoirs and discussion of treatments of transgenderism in popular culture."
Equality Pride Store



New in the OkEq Pride Store: Transgender Scarves, Hats, Flags, stickers and more! Show your support this upcoming Transgender Awareness Week November 12-19th.




Be sure to "Like" the  OkEq Pride Store Facebook  page to keep up with the new items and new sale items
Counseling Services
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. 
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. 
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.

Regularly Scheduled Programming
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.
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.
Please contact [email protected] or call 918-743-4297 .
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.
SAGE Tulsa 
Every Tuesday
10:00 am to 1:00 pm

"drop in for coffee" 
Facilitated by
John Madigan
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.
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 facebook/UnityTulsa or check the OkEq event calendar at okeq/events
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
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
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.
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.
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
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 
  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. 

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.
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 
Community Partners
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.
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
 
Check  www.okeq.org  for testing dates.
OkEq Staff
Jose Vega
Deputy Director
Morgan Allen
Center Coordinator
Alex Wade
Medical Services Coordinator
Tracy Allen
Special Projects/Library
Kao Morris 
Facilities Manager
Krissy Dudley
Administrative Manager
Toby Jenkins
CEO/Executive Director
OkEq Board and Trustees
Executive Committee
Chris Brecht-Smith - 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 
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


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