OkEq Weekly eNews August 30th, 2021
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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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Art Exhibit: Bonny Lee Hardgrove "The Psychotarium"
Thursday, September 2, 6:00 pm
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
My work is a collaboration of all the states and seasons of my life. I draw heavily from my interest in Theatre and Literature. In everything, I consider myself a storyteller, whether that be in pictures or words. Generally, what I offer are not complete stories. They are lines of poems, flashes of dreams, lost puzzle pieces, and random debris carried by the wind and dropped wherever they are dropped. The viewers may conclude from them what they will, even if the conclusion is just as vague. Sometimes too many answers spoil the mystery.
When putting together a collection of pieces that basically give illustration and form to the inner workings of the psyche, what better place than one that strives to offer hope, peace, and unity for those in our community who have historically had to work harder to achieve such things, the beasts and monsters of the mind are universal to all and like the parable of the two wolves, we decide which ones we feed. The Equality Center is where the benevolent parts of us are given a safe haven, where they can be figuratively fed. On a personal note, the LGTBQA+ community has always supported me and past projects, and I am certainly honored to be able to work with this community and be invited into this space. Love is love.
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Neurodiversity Tulsa Drag Night
Tuesday, September 7th, 6:30 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Start Your Engines! Neurodiversity Tulsa is hosting its first Drag Night on Tuesday, September 7th. Bring your own wigs, makeup, costumes, or whatever you want to create your character. We'll have makeup tutorials from Kings and Queens, and a fashion show at the end! This is a fun opportunity to learn about and try drag. This is not a competition, we are all winners in Neurodiversity Tulsa's Drag Race.
Neurodiversity Tulsa is a program focused on connecting neurodiverse LGBTQ+ people. The group is open to people on the autism spectrum, people who have ADHD, anxiety, Down Syndrome, a personality disorder, brain injuries, or other neurodivergencies, as well as supportive friends and family. We want everyone to feel welcome and know that they have a home in this community. We meet twice a month to play games, make art, go on outings, chat, and connect with like-minded individuals in our community.
For more information, or to join our next meeting, please message Anna Puhl on Facebook or email by clicking the button below:
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SAGE Tulsa in-person meetings have resumed.
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S.A.G.E. Meeting
Tuesday, August 31, 10:00 a.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
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 LGBTQ+ in life later years. SAGE Tulsa meets every Tuesday at 10:00 am at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.
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S.A.G.E. Summer Pool Party
Tuesday, September 7, 10:00 a.m.
RSVP for the address
Members should meet on Tuesday, September 7, at 10:00 a.m. at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center if they want to carpool to the party. Lunch at the pool party will be burgers and hot dogs. Participants are encouraged to bring side dishes, desserts, and drinks. The pool has a shallow end and has a railing with steps to help people into the pool.
If you would like to attend, please email [email protected] to RSVP. Put "Pool Party" in the subject line.
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SAGE Museum Friday
Friday, September 24, 9:00 a.m.
Meet at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
We will meet at Dennis R. Neill Equality Center at 9:00 a.m. and travel in the Equality Van to First Americans Museum. Please bring money for lunch.
The First Americans Museum is located at 659 First Americans Boulevard, Oklahoma City, OK 73129. You can find more information about the museum here: famok.org
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Document of Life: The Legacy of Clogger Bill
Saturday, September 4, 7:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Document of Life: The Legacy of Clogger Bill will have special performances by Clogger Bill. Carolyn Wiley, Kris Kohl, and Anita Richards.
All are welcome. Admission is free. Donations are accepted.
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Annual Meeting
Thursday, September 9, 6:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
The 41st Annual Meeting of Oklahomans for Equality will be held virtually on Thursday, September 9th, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. There will be an in-person option for vaccinated people at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, but space will be limited. Click the button below to get the Zoom link. Please put "Annual Meeting" in the subject line of your email.
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Lawyer in the Center
Tuesday, September 14, 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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Night of Latin Culture
Thursday, September 16, 7:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
Lynn Riggs Theatre
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
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Join OKEQ for a Night of Latin Culture in the Lynn Riggs Theatre in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month! There will be performances by Ballet Folklorico Sol Azteca and Mariel Luna. |
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Outside the Box: First Meeting
Monday, September 20, 7:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Facilitated by Katie Zink, Outside the Box is an ongoing all-inclusive group for individuals in nontraditional relationships (kink, polyamory, swinging, etc.) This group meets on the 3rd Monday of the month from 7:00 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Each session will discuss a new topic.
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Third Thursday in the Rainbow Room
Thursday, September 23, 8:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Jeremy Stevens is back and reunited with a cast of Tulsa All-Stars featuring:
- Lori Dector Wright
- Morgan Allen
- Cristen Burdell
- Jacob Brockunier
Please have your vaccination card to show at the door.
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Visibly Imperfectly Perfect Tulsa
Thursday, September 23, 6:30 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
This is Visibly Imperfectly Perfect Tulsa's very first meeting back! Visibly Imperfectly Perfect, VIP for short, is a group for anyone who has felt different because of their skin. We want to provide support and community for inexplicably unique people. This group started as a place for the vitiligo community but is open to anyone considered unique. We are here to support one another in the skin we are in
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Club Arcoiris
Friday, September 24, 7:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
Lynn Riggs Theatre
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Join OKEQ at Club Arcoiris for a night of Latin Music and Dancing with DJ Klave and DJ Tambora. Club Arcoiris is an 18 and up event with alcohol for those 21 and up.
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EBA Mixer
Thursday, September 30, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Securian Advisors Mid America, Inc.
1616 S Main St.
Tulsa, Ok 74119
From everyday moments to major milestones, our strategies can help you focus on your most important asset: family. We will listen to what's important to you throughout our process and develop customized financial strategies that can help turn your goals into reality.
Our team of professionals helps prepare you for the future, so you have the confidence to focus on what's truly valuable: making memories with those who matter most.
Securian Advisors will be hosting the Equality Business Alliance Mixer for September.
For more information on the EBA and the benefits of being a member, click the button below.
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OKEQ stands with the Hudson-Evans family against religious discrimination of LGBTQ+ families. Read their story here and look for our upcoming SPIRIT interview with Sara and Brittney.
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Applications are open from August 3rd to September 15th.
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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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The Youth and Young Adult COVID-19 Impacts Study
Our partners at Evaluation, Data Integration, and Technical Assistance (EDIT) Program have a new exciting paid research opportunity. Please see their message below:
Researchers at the EDIT team wanted to let you know about a new study we are starting. The Youth and Young Adult COVID-19 Impacts Study! The new study is for LGBTQ+ individuals ages 14-24. If that describes you, then please keep reading to learn more about the study. If that doesn’t describe you, then please share this announcement with any LGBTQ+ people you know!
If you agree to participate, you’ll be asked to complete an online survey two times: once on the day, you enroll and once exactly six months after that. The survey will take about 45 minutes.
How does it work?
You’ll be asked questions about topics such as:
· You
· Your experiences during COVID-19
· Your mental, physical, and emotional health
You will receive $30 for completing the first survey and $15 for completing the second survey. You will receive your payment in the form of a virtual gift card, which you can use anywhere online. We will email the gift card to you within two weeks of completing the survey.
If you’re interested, we may also invite you to participate in an interview with us. If you agree to participate in an interview, you will receive an additional $50.
If you’re interested in participating, please click on the link below. It will take you to a page where you can book a time to speak to someone from our study team over the phone and enroll in the study.
If you have any questions, you can email me back or e-mail the study team at [email protected].
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City of Tulsa Emergency Rental Assistance Program
The City of Tulsa was awarded more than $12 million from the U.S. Department of the Treasury to implement an Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). This COVID-19 relief funding aims to assist individuals who cannot pay rent and utilities due to a negative financial impact from the pandemic. Eligible households can receive up to 15 months of assistance.
The City is partnering with Restore Hope Ministries, a local nonprofit with over 45 years of experience in homeless prevention, to distribute the funds as fast and efficiently as possible to offer rental and utility assistance to Tulsa citizens.
To find out more, Click the Link Below:
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Donald Fruechting
July 4, 1938 - August 20, 2021
Memorial service will be held Monday, August 30, 2021, at 10 a.m. at Add'Vantage Funeral and Cremation Service. Burial will take place in Collinsville at 2 p.m. further details are pending.
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William Arnold Sherwin
December 5, 1931 - July 20, 2021
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Brought To You Bi the Letter B
Has Resumed In-Person
2nd and 4th Monday, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Zoom option available
Our Bi+ Support Outreach group is resuming in-person meetings! The program provides support, encouragement, education, and social opportunities for all Bisexual and Pansexual, Curious, & Questioning individuals.
Please call 918-798-1054 or email Daniel Buck with the link below for more information.
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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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City Looking to Fill Critical Job Openings; Plumbers, Electricians, Heavy Equipment Operators Needed
The City of Tulsa is looking for anyone interested in applying for work at the City, specifically in many labor and trade positions.
Various job openings exist, such as openings for:
- Water and Wastewater Operators
- Plumbers
- Electricians
- Mechanics
- Heavy Equipment Operators
- Parks Utility Workers
- Parks Utility Leader
Many of these positions offer progression programs that give employees a pathway to advance in their current position. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, paid vacation, floating holidays, and sick time.
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.
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FREE PRONOUN PINS
We now offer free pronouns pins at the front desk of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. If you don't see your pronouns listed, ask a staff member, and we can help make you a custom pronoun pin.
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YOUTH GROUPS ARE BACK IN PERSON!
Alphabet Soup, Alphabet Soup Kids, Raise Your Voice, and the LGBTQ+ Parent Support Group have resumed. All groups will still have a zoom component for those who need it. Masks will be required, and social distancing practices will be in place.
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Join Oklahomans for Equality's youth group for kids under 13: Alphabet Soup Kids. This group is for all youth who identify as LGBTQ2SAI+ or who have parents/guardians who are LGBTQ2SAI+. This group exists to provide support, connection, and (most importantly) FUN for our kids across Oklahoma.
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Being a parent is the most challenging, most amazing job on the planet but being the parent of an LGBTQ2SIA+ youth comes with its own unique challenges and amazing moments. OKEQ's support group for parents of LGBTQ2SIA+ youth is here to help you navigate hard conversations, meet other parents and have a safe space to talk about what's going on and how to create a better environment for our kids. To learn more and to join this group, contact Morgan Allen at [email protected]
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Support Group for Parents of Transgender People
1st Wednesday of the Month, 7:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
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.
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Trans Teen's Support Group
1st Wednesday of the Month, 6:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
This support group is for all transgender teens ages 13+. This group is welcome to trans boys, trans girls, non-binary teens, and all teens under the trans umbrella.
All participants must speak to one of the group facilitators before joining.
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Coming Out Workshop
1st and 3rd Monday of the Month, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Virtual Meeting
Free to participate, this one-day 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 sessions in a supportive and informed environment.
Please contact our OKEQ Mental Health services at 918-938-6537 opt 2. or click the button below to schedule.
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Our clinic is open to provide the healthcare services our community needs. Right now, our clinic is taking patients for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and PrEP.
If you are interested in starting or continuing care, please contact the OKEQ Health Clinic by calling 918-938-6537 opt 1. If you want to make an appointment, follow the link below.
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The Equality Health Alliance strives to connect the LGBTQ+ community with friendly healthcare providers. With our searchable database, patients can find doctors based on their specialty and accepted insurance.
We provide healthcare professionals with training on working with the LGBTQ+ community and follow-up support and education on evolving best practices. All participating healthcare providers must show a commitment to being an affirming and welcoming place for the LGBTQ+ community.
As we are still getting started, our database is small, but it is growing. If you would like to look at our database, click here. |
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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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Counseling Services: Please contact the counselor directly to schedule a virtual appointment. |
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Allison Ikley-Freeman
Allison Ikley-Freeman, LPC, 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.
Please call 918-938-6538 and select option 2 to make an appointment or send her an email at
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Samira Yousef
Samira has joined OKEQ Counseling team as a masters intern. Excited to assist individuals in the LGBTQ+ community on their journey to wellness. The first four sessions with Samira are free. Further sessions are available at low cost.
Please call 918-938-6538 and select option 2 to make an appointment or send an email to [email protected]
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Jessica Landis-Rase
Jessica has joined OKEQ Counseling team as a masters intern. Excited to assist individuals in the LGBTQ+ community on their journey to wellness. The first four sessions with Jessica are free. Further sessions are available at low cost.
Please call 918-938-6538 and select option 2 to make an appointment or send an email to [email protected]
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Katie Zink
Katie has joined OKEQ Counseling team as a masters intern. Excited to assist individuals in the LGBTQ+ community on their journey to wellness. The first four sessions with Katie are free. Further sessions are available at low cost.
Please call 918-938-6538 and select option 2 to make an appointment or send an email to [email protected]
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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 Parents of Transgender People
1st Wednesday of the Month at 7:00 p.m.
Meets via Zoom
The program is providing support, education, and social opportunities for parents of transgender people.
A first time interview is required before attending your first meeting. Email
or
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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
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OkEq Board Meeting
Virtual
Thursday, September 9th, 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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Support Group for Transgender Teens
2nd & 4th Monday of the Month at 6:00 p.m.
Meets via Zoom
The program is providing support, education, and social opportunities for transgender teenagers 13+.
A first time interview is required before attending your first meeting. Email
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Alphabet Soup Youth Group
Join us for Alphabet SOUP, where all letters are welcome! Alphabet SOUP is dedicated to supporting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) youth by providing fun group activities, community, and volunteer opportunities. Alphabet SOUP’s primary goals are providing Services, Outreach, Unity, and Preparation for adulthood -- or SOUP -- to LGBTQIA+ youth ages 13-17.
Email
for more information.
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SAGE Tulsa
Every Tuesday
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
"drop in for coffee"
Facilitated by
John Madigan
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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 hosted virtually. 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 with the link below 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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Equality Game Night
2nd Friday of the Month
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Looking for something fun to do on a Friday night? Wanna meet up with friends and make new ones? Do you have board games or video games you've been eager to play? Then Equality Gaming Night is for you!
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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
2nd and 4th Saturday of the Month
from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00p.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
Medical Services Director
He / Him / His
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Krissy Dudley
Administrative Coordinator
She / Her / Hers
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Anna Them Puhl
Technical Coordinator
They / Them / Theirs
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Morgan Allen-White
Center Director
She / Her / Hers
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Kao Morris
BIPOC Program and Digital Media Coordinator
He / Him / His
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Donovid Sekulits
LatinX Outreach and Library Services Coordinator
He / Him / el
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Lily Piña
Nurse Practitioner
She / Her / Hers
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Luke Scuitto
Membership Coordinator
He / Him / His
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Shay Brewer
Operations Manager
He / Him / His
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Donna Mathews
Grant Coordinator
She/Her/Hers
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Allison Ikley-Freeman
Behavioral Health Director
She / Her / Hers
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Toby Jenkins
CEO/Executive Director
He / Him / His
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Executive Committee
Chris Brecht-Smith - President
Stacy Turner - Vice President
Will Vaughn - Secretary
Paul Allen - Treasurer
Bob Hanson - Member at Large
Board of Directors
Laura Arrowsmith, D.O.
Angelyn L. Dale, Esq.
Tery DeShong
Shannon Gordon Fair
Joe Guetlein
Darci Hazelwood, D.O.
Monique Washington
Justin Ross
Stephen Rundell
Trustees
Shawna Baker, Esq.
Dan Burnstein
Kirk Holt
Cynthia Phillips
Kris Wilmes
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Board of Advisors
Cray Bauxmont-Flynn
Dani Byrd
Whitney Cipolla
Matt Else, D.O.
Christian Fencer
Joann Frizell
Karen Keith Wilkins, Esq.
Ty Morgan
Elizabeth Ortiz
Crista Patrick
Denise Reid
Jane Wiseman
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Oklahomans for Equality
Reduced Hours: Please Call before you visit
621 E. 4th St.
Tulsa, OK 74120
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