SAGE Tulsa in-person meetings have resumed.

Margaret was raised in a family of highly creative people with perfectionist and success-driven tendencies. Margaret was put in a box of "only" being creative with the written word by her family, and discovering painting helped break out of that box and discover new ideas, talents, and freedom. When the pandemic struck and Margaret's work became remote access, she knew she had to have something to DO that was not work-related or she would fall into the habit of working non-stop. So, even though she had "no talent," she decided to pick up acrylic paint. Margaret fell head over heels in love with the process and learned many life lessons through her projects, such as there is no right or wrong in art; if you don't like something, you can start over or completely change it - learn from it; mistakes are incredibly valuable in learning; the play of color and light is as much about the shadows and spaces as it is about the focus.

As Margaret continued to explore her more artistic side, she discovered that some of the characteristics in her that had been so strictly constrained by her family of origin were actually qualities that she craved and that she was at her best when able to touch on those hidden aspects of herself. One day while discussing, with a friend, the nature of growth and learning to love one's self as a whole person, not lacking because of someone else's prescribed identity, the concept of the dandelion kept coming up - how much her sons loved to give her dandelions and how much her neighbors put in work to kill those glorious wildflowers. She realized, just like some people think dandelions are weeds, and she thinks they are wildflowers, she may not be what others think she should be, but that doesn't take away one bit of who she is meant to be.

Margaret works as a Child Welfare Specialist with the Department of Human Services. She spends her days working to help families change the way they live life on this planet in order to provide a safe and secure environment for her family. Margaret likes nothing more than when a parent gets to bring their child home and successfully complete their case. Margaret has found that in advocating for the vulnerable, she must examine her own vulnerability, and painting has helped to bring grounding and allowed a safe space to examine those vulnerabilities. Margaret will continue to make a stand for both clients and friends; fight for the rejected, the marginalized, the hurting, and the weary; and stand with those who are standing for themselves. Margaret's desire is that those who look at her art see the full range of emotions and relational connection and celebrate differences and imperfections.

For more information, please visit www.okeq.org.

Oklahomans for Equality is now taking nominations to recognize individuals or groups who have impacted the fight for equality for the LGBTQ+ community. These awards will be presented at the annual Equality Gala on April 30th, 2022, at the Cox Business Convention Center Grand Hall.

Lifetime Achievement Award - Recognizes a lifetime dedication to the cause of equality for the LGBTQ+ community in Oklahoma.

Community Hero Award - Recognizes individuals and groups who have represented or served our community in the previous year.

The Rev. Russell Bennett Award for Spiritual Inclusion - Presented to a faith leader who leads and supports affirming the faith of the LGBTQ+ community in our local congregations.

Carolyn Wagner Youth Leadership Award - Presented to a local youth who demonstrates extraordinary character and makes a positive difference in their school, youth group, and community.

Grand Marshal for the Tulsa Gay Pride Parade June 2nd - Recognizes an individual who has supported the LGBTQ+ community courageously and visibly.

Dennis R. Neill Collegiate Leadership Award - Presented to a local college student who demonstrates extraordinary character and makes a positive difference in their school and community.

Nancy McDonald Advocacy Award - Recognizes an individual who advocates for inclusion, equality for not only the LGBTQ community but for all marginalized populations.

Bishop-Baldwin, Barton & Phillips Civil Rights Advocacy Award - Presented to those individuals who have fought for equality through the United States Justice system.

Lynn Riggs Performing Arts Award - Honors individuals or groups that have advanced LGBTQ awareness through the fine arts.

Workplace Inclusion Award - Recognizes a workplace that has shown a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Dawn Tree is an abstract surrealist painter/graphic artist, author, storyteller, journalist, spoken word artist, educator and DJ. Tree was born in St. Louis, MO and resides dually in Ghana’s Eastern Region and Tulsa, Oklahoma. She earned her BA in Journalism and minor in Africana Studies from the University of Oklahoma. Dawn Tree’s passion for African and Black American cultural representation is clear in her artwork. In 2021, she presented The Greenwood Joy Experience as part of the Greenwood (Tulsa) Race Massacre Centennial. This interactive exhibit of visual art, historical artifacts, food, music, and community both examined and embodied the deeply sustaining joy that has endured in Black consciousness through generations of constant and violent injustice. Tree is currently displaying work, including "The Frequency of Fear" at the University of Tulsa, Alexandre Hogue Gallery. Her chosen medium includes wood canvas with latex acrylic, aerosol, found objects including feathers, skulls/bones, branches, etc. Tree has held residencies and exhibitions all over the world including Ghana, New York, Maryland, Philadelphia and more.

The show opens with The Artist Reception with Dawn Tree at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center located at 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa OK 74120 on Thursday, February 3^rd, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. with COVID measures in place. The exhibit continues throughout the month.

St. Francis will be holding a clinic at the Equality Center for people to get their COVID vaccines! They will provide Pfizer vaccine for those five years of age and older for all doses (1^st, 2^nd, and boosters).

Bob The Drag Queen is having a moment. A MAJOR moment! The season 8 winner of RuPaul's Drag Race was noted for her focus on comedy. Bob won three challenges during the show, including the recurring "Snatch Game," where she exquisitely portrayed Uzo Aduba and Carol Channing.

Bob is back with a plethora of projects to impress. She is currently starring alongside Shangela Laquifa Wadley and Eureka O'Hara in HBO's first unscripted hit series, "We're Here", which was just renewed for a second season and is nominated for the Emmy Award for Best Unstructured Reality Series. She also has a brand new comedy special, "Bob The Drag Queen: Live at Caroline's" as well as MTV's "Drag My Dad" series, "The Pit Stop", and her ever-popular podcast "Sibling Rivalry" with best friend, touring partner and RuPaul All-Star Drag Race winner herself Monet X Change.

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:

Fair Housing Legal Aid Weekly Assistance

Every Monday and Wednesday, 12:00 p.m - 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, February 8, 5:30 p.m. 

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.

This support group is for women who have gone through gender affirmation surgery and serves as a place to discuss some of the concerns and changes after surgery. A first-time interview is required before attending. Please contact us below to set this up or to ask any questions.

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

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

To make an appointment visit TulsaResponds.org/medicaid, call 918-900-0918, or email ([email protected]) and look for us at the Trans Resource Fair on November 13th.

A list of job openings can be found online.

The City of Tulsa is an equal opportunity employer and has a ban the box policy, which eliminates the criminal history question from most of its initial job applications. Additionally, the City of Tulsa has also taken the Pay Equity Pledge, which is an ongoing commitment to providing employees equal pay for equal work, no matter a person’s gender.

For those interested in learning more about working at the City, visit www.cityoftulsa.org/jobs.  

This group is here to support parents of transgender people at all stages of transition. Whether your child is 6 or 60, this group is for you to find community and connect to resources.

All participants must speak to one of the group facilitators before joining.

Please contact our OKEQ Mental Health services at 918-938-6537 opt 2. or click the button below to schedule.

621 E. 4th St.