OkEq Weekly eNews March 28th, 2022 |
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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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SB2 is targeting transgender girls and women in sports. This bill is harmful, dangerous, and unfortunately on its way to the Governor's desk for signing.
Transgender kids play sports for the same reasons as other kids—to have fun, foster relationships, and learn skills like leadership and teamwork. Transgender kids, like all kids, want to belong. Attempting to take that from kids who are already so vulnerable is cruel.
It’s up to us to protect our communities. We know you’ll work with us to do just that. Transgender people are a valuable part of our communities, and trans kids belong.
Call the Governor at 405.521.2342 and urge him not to sign SB2.
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Trans Day of Visibility Events
Thursday, March 31st
Facebook Live
The attorneys and plaintiffs in the "Birth Certificate lawsuit" filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma in Tulsa will be featured in an Oklahomans for Equality Facebook Live Event on Thursday, March 31st, in honor of Transgender Day of Visibility. These brave individuals are suing Governor Stitt, Interim Commissioner of Health Keith Reed, and the Oklahoma State Registrar of Vital Records Kelly Baker for refusing to issue birth certificates for nonbinary persons and transgender people wishing to change their gender marker on their birth certificate. Time to be determined.
Memorium Event
The family of Aubrey Dameon will be present for the dedication of a permanent display of Aubrey's portrait on our memorial wall at the Equality Center. We hope this portrait will raise awareness of the missing and murdered indigenous women in this country. Aubrey has been missing since March 9th, 2019. The dedication event will be on Oklahomans for Equality Facebook Live at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 31st.
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RuPaul's Drag Race Watch Party
Friday, April 1, 6:30 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Join OKEQ, Studio 66, and Black Queer Tulsa for a weekly RuPaul's Drag Race Watch Party! We will have fun raffles, a cash bar, and a great community each week!
The event is free to attend.
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Condom-Mania
Saturday, April 2, 7:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
A fashion show featuring original designs made from condoms and/or condom wrappers! PLUS don't miss the LIP SYNC BATTLE!
Designers’ imaginations will go wild using the non-traditional artistic medium of condoms! Guests will enjoy colorful and unique designs made solely, or with the addition of, contraceptives. While some designers keep the prophylactics in the wrapper, most are using the condoms themselves for their creations. Designs range from warrior costumes to ball gowns. All designers are local and range from artists to college students. Guests will also enjoy an evening of dancing, lip-sync competition, light hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar.
The Little Blue House presents this safe-sex fashion show to promote the belief that sexual health is important. April is National STDs Education and Awareness Month.
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Donate to OutRight Action International to support LGBTQ+ people in Ukraine. |
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OKEQ Seniors Meeting
Tuesday, March 29, 10:00 a.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
The mission of OKEQ Seniors is to address issues related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender aging. In partnership with its constituents and allies, OKEQ Seniors works to achieve a high quality of life for LGBTQ+ older adults, supports and advocates for their rights, fosters a greater understanding of aging in all communities, and promotes positive images of LGBTQ+ in life's later years. OKEQ Seniors meets every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.
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First Thursday Art Exhibition: Tables by Tara
Open Through March
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
The exhibition, “A Place at the Table,” features a series of custom tables made specifically for the LGBTQ advocacy non-profit organization’s gallery. The tables’ designs and colors were inspired by several identity flags representing sexual and gender minorities.
Each month, Oklahomans for Equality spotlights work by local artists in the gallery, which is located inside the Equality Center. Frizell has been selected as their featured artist for March, and her work will be on display for the entire month.
“I am so grateful to be chosen to show my artwork at Oklahomans for Equality’s art gallery,” said Frizell. “Not every artist gets a chance like this, so I certainly do not take this opportunity for granted.”
In her short time as a woodworker, Frizell’s has already garnered a following, mainly through word of mouth. After selling products on Facebook Marketplace, Frizell quit her job and launched a full-time business out of her home, called Tables by Tara.
“We are excited to display Tables by Tara inside the Allie Jensen Memorial Art Gallery,” said Toby Jenkins, CEO/Executive Director for Oklahomans for Equality. “I know Allie, our longtime curator, would have loved bringing in a new medium to the space, and the message behind it would mean the world to her.”
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First Thursday Art Exhibition: Jay Hinely’s Exhibition “Wow”
Opens Thursday, April 7th, 6:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Jay Hinely grew up in a rural town outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee. As a child, he developed a love for visual arts, science-fiction movies, and alien beings. Growing up in the 80s, Star Wars, MTV, ATARI, and NASA were influential in his artistic style. When he was young, it became evident, that Jay was very different from other children. He was bullied and labeled as a “dumb kid.” He could not read because he had severe dyslexia.
Fortunately, one of his teachers recognized that he had the God-given ability to draw, paint, sculpt, and express himself with his hands. He learned he could put things on canvas that “wowed” people and truly made people wonder what he saw and felt. He attended Vicky Hardy School of Art and Harrison Bay Vocational Technical Center in Tennessee.
At the age of 19, he stopped painting and raised 3 children as a single father, but never lost his passion. Jay’s love has always been to create art that encompasses his mind, heart, voice, emotions, and vision to connect with the outside world. As a middle-aged man, he is using his God-given gift to paint, to create, to express, and to “wow”. Enjoy…..
"One of the most vulnerable populations among youth today is LGBTQ teens. As a father of seven children, I want to be an example to them. I chose to display my art to promote equality and awareness to my children as well as the community."
The show opens with The Artist Reception with Jay Hinley at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center at 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa OK 74120 on Thursday, April 7th, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. The exhibit continues throughout the month.
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Tulsa Pride Bingo 2022
Saturday, April 16, 6:30 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
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Third Thursday in the Rainbow Room:
Denise Hoey in Uncovered
Thursday, April 21, 8:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
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Workout for a Cause
Hosted by Next Level Athletics
Saturday, April 9, 11:00 a.m.
Next Level Athletics
9525 E. 51st St., Suite I
Tulsa, OK 74145
The team at Next Level Athletics is so excited to be partnering with the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center and to be a part of Oklahomans for Equality! As a local business, we know how important it is to give back to the community and we are proud to do so!
Beginning March 5th and running through all of June, Next Level Athletics is hosting Workout For A Cause! This will be a registration-based workout class specifically for those who want to work out and make a difference. Workout For A Cause will take place every Saturday at 11 am and will consist of a group workout, music based on the theme for that week, and some social time! Each class will last an hour and will only cost $10 per person, with 10% of that class total being donated back to the Equality Center.
These classes will be a safe place for everyone to come and move their bodies, have fun, and be themselves. We are looking forward to what these events could bring, not only for us and our members but to Tulsa and the LGBTQ+ community we have here!
Workout For A Cause details in sum:
- Each event is $10 per person with 10% of each class going back to the Equality Center
- Workout For A Cause will take place every Saturday from March 12th through the end of June
- Each event will have a different theme and workout
- 11 am at Next Level Athletics. 9525 E 51st St Suite I
- Follow @workoutforacause_tulsa on Instagram for updates and to find out the theme of the week!
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Health Insurance Navigation & Enrollment
Every Tuesday
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Sylvester Harris with Tulsa Cares will be at the Equality Center every Tuesday! He can answer any of your questions and get you started on the enrollment process.
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OKEQ has compiled a list of bills that we oppose and support. Please read them and contact your legislator to let them know you do not support this kind of overt hate against our community. |
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Lawyer in the Center
Tuesday, April 12, 5:30 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Julie L. Goree with Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma is available for drop-in discussions regarding legal issues. It is a first-come, first-serve basis. Please be patient and prepared to wait your turn.
Julie can answer basic questions on any matter that Legal Aid covers. So, divorces, paternity, child custody, protective orders, child support, guardianships, housing, expungements, Wills/Estates, and Social Security. Legal Aid does not cover criminal, personal injury, or worker's comp. However, she has some knowledge about those fields of law.
If the question is beyond her knowledge, she can take the person's phone number and call them back after discussing it with another Legal Aid attorney. She also will accept questions via email or phone if someone does not feel comfortable getting out or coming in. Email is [email protected]. Office phone is (918) 295-9429.
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Pre-OP/Post-OP Support Group
Wednesday, April 20, 6:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
This support group is for women who have gone through gender affirmation surgery or who are on the road to getting surgery. This serves as a place to discuss some of the concerns and changes after surgery as well as share resources amongst one another. A first-time interview is required before attending. Please contact us below to set this up or to ask any questions.
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Deaf/Hard of Hearing LGBTQ+ Social
Tuesday, March 29, 6:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Come, chat and meet friends and learn about the Equality Center. If we have a good attendance we will have more LGBTQ+ social events in the future. Please spread the word. This is a come and go event, no program and no cost!
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OKEQ Game Night
Tuesday, March 29, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Looking for something fun to do on a Tuesday night? Wanna meet up with friends and make new ones? Do you have board games you've been eager to play with others? Then Game Night is for you! Come join us for four hours of gaming fun for everyone!
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Tyler Matney
Jan 1, 1994 - March 05, 2022
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Harry Cramton
March 3, 2022
Memorial Service will be held at All Souls Unitarian Church on Wednesday, March 9th at 11:00 a.m.
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Tulsa County Community Priorities Survey
Tulsa County residents:
Check out this survey opportunity from our friends at Tulsa County Extension and the OSU-Tulsa Center for Public Life!
Tulsa County Extension and the OSU-Tulsa Center for Public Life want to focus resources and build partnerships that address the issues that are most important to the people in Tulsa.
Take a few moments to take a survey to share what issues are most important to you and your community using an option below:
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LGBTQ+ Parent Support Group
Co-Hosted by PFLAG and OKEQ
Saturday, April 2, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Join OKEQ and PFLAG for our new support group for parents of LGBTQ+ teens. This group will meet monthly on the first Saturday from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Coffee and cookies will be provided.
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Post Name / Gender Marker Change Workshop
Wednesday, April 6, 5:30 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Getting your name/gender court order is just the first part of correcting your information. This workshop is intended for those looking for what are the next steps to take.
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Name and Gender Marker Change Clinic
Wednesday, April 13, 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 the 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 of 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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Fair Housing Legal Aid
Weekly Assistance
Every Wednesday, 12:00 p.m - 6:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Alyssa Bryant is a Staff Attorney at Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma. Alyssa will be assisting members of the LGBTQ+ community with fair housing-related issues. If you believe you've been a victim of housing discrimination, please call her at 918-238-1650, or email her at [email protected]. Please also be on the lookout for upcoming announcements on fair housing presentations, which will be open to the public.
These legal services are open to everyone regardless of income or whether or not they are part of the LGBTQ+ community.
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The overwhelming majority of Americans support the #EqualityAct. So let's make our message clear: Contact your Senator today and tell them to #PassTheEqualityAct! Call 888-439-0303 to get started.
The Equality Act would provide consistent anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ Americans in areas like housing, education, federally funded programs, credit, public spaces, healthcare, and more. Tell your Senators it's #EqualityTime. https://lgbtactionlink.org/equality-act
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People who identify as LGBTQ+ can still be fired, denied housing, or refused service in many parts of the nation. Passing the #EqualityAct will change that. Tell your Senators to support federal nondiscrimination protections and learn more here: https://lgbtactionlink.org/equality-act
Follow the link below to find your US Senators.
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Did you know that on July 1st, 200,000 Oklahomans became newly eligible for Medicaid? You could be one of them! If you're uninsured or think you may qualify, contact Tulsa Responds to make an enrollment appointment. Tulsa Responds is a non-profit that connects Tulsans to federal programs like SoonerCare (Medicaid), SNAP, free tax filing, and internet discounts, all for free!
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As a sign of our thanks and gratitude, OKEQ is excited to announce that all new, monthly donors supporting us at $25/month and above will receive a complimentary OKEQ T-Shirt with confirmation of their monthly donation. |
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Oklahomans for Equality and the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center are affiliates of Action Link: Center Action Network. Sign up at the link below to keep up to date with advocacy alerts across the country. |
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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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Regularly Scheduled Programming |
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Gender Support Program
Wednesdays
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
The program is providing support, education and social opportunities for transgender and intersex individuals.
A first time interview is required before attending your first meeting. Email
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Support Group for Partners of Transgender People
2nd Wednesday of the Month at 7:00 p.m.
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. Email [email protected]
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OkEq Board Meeting
Virtual
Thursday, April 21, 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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OKEQ Seniors
Every Tuesday
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
"drop in for coffee"
Facilitated by
John Madigan
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Equality Game Night
Last Tuesday of the Month
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Looking for something fun to do on a Tuesday night? Wanna meet up with friends and make new ones? Do you have board games you've been eager to play? Then Equality Gaming Night is for you!
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Brought to You Bi
the Letter B
2nd & 4th Monday
of each month
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Tell all your friends. The group is open to all bi/pan/queer/fluid+ folks and their allies. Please call 918-798-1054 or email Daniel Buck for more information.
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Tulsa Area
Prime Timers
2nd Tuesday of the 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.
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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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H.O.P.E.
HIV Testing Schedule
Every Tuesday
from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
2nd and 4th Saturday of the Month
from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
provided by H.O.P.E. Testing
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In Memoriam
Tracy Allen
He / Him / His
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Alex Wade
Deputy Director
He / Him / His
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Anna Them Puhl
Technical Coordinator
They / Them / Theirs
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Lily Piña
Nurse Practitioner
She / Her / Hers
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Kao Morris
BIPOC Program and Digital Media Coordinator
He / Him / His
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Shay Brewer
Operations Manager
He / Him / His
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Luke Scuitto
Membership Coordinator
He / Him / His
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Andi Gunter
Clinic Operations Manager
She / Her / Hers
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Donna Mathews
Grant Coordinator
She / Her / Hers
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Toby Jenkins
CEO/Executive Director
He / Him / His
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Executive Committee
Stacy Turner - President
Bob Hanson, PharmD - Vice President
Tery DeShong, Esq. - Treasurer
Board of Directors
Laura Arrowsmith, D.O.
Chris Brecht-Smith, Esq.
Dani Byrd
Angelyn L. Dale, Esq.
Joe Guetlein
Darci Hazelwood, D.O.
Elizabeth Ortiz
Justin Ross
Monique Washington
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Trustees
Shawna Baker, Esq.
Dan Burnstein
Kirk Holt
Cynthia Phillips
Kris Wilmes
Board of Advisors
Julie Chase
Whitney Cipolla
Claire Combs
Joann Frizell
Karen Keith Wilkins, Esq.
Crista Patrick
Denise Reid
Ovidio Trejo
Eric Wilson
Jane Wiseman
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Oklahomans for Equality
Monday - Friday: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Saturday: 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
621 E. 4th St.
Tulsa, OK 74120
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