OkEq Weekly eNews November 23rd, 2020 |
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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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Due to COVID Restrictions, the annual Thanksgiving Dinner at the Dennis R. Equality Center has been canceled. We are thankful for 20 years of support from inclusive faith communities and community sponsors who help us provide a welcoming holiday event for our LGBTQ community. We are thankful for each of you who have attended the Come Home for the Holiday events of the past. We reflect on how grateful we are for the community, but we know that the pandemic has taken those we love and forced us into isolation, but we are still connected. Please check on each other and show compassion for your neighbor by wearing a mask. Next year Thanksgiving will be bigger and more joyous because hopefully, we can gather and celebrate the resilient human spirit. |
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Happy Polyamory Day!
Polyamory is defined as practicing or being open to intimate relationships with more than one person. Polyamory is about communication and openness with your partners or prospective ones. Polyamory is also sometimes called ethical non-monogamy because it requires the respect and consent of all partners. To learn more about polyamorous or non-monogamous relationships, visit More Than Two or check out It's Complicated OK.
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SAGE Tulsa has moved their weekly in-person meeting on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. to a conference call.
You can join the SAGE call at (918) 398-8780 and enter the access code, 60#.
If you are 50 or older and would like to be a part of our SAGE Tulsa program or would like to help, please contact us today.
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All Souls Church in Tulsa, OK presents
FAMILIES AND POLITICS
HOW TO TALK WITH LOVED ONES ON THE OTHER SIDE
A Braver Angels Workshop
Sunday, December 6 | 3 to 5 p.m. Central Time
Join this workshop to preserve important family bonds while still being true to your values and political beliefs, this workshop will offer you:
● Insight into why family differences over politics are uniquely challenging
● Recognition of common roles that family members play in political conversations (for example, the Gladiator, the Defender, and the Sniper).
● Strategies and skills for handling family political differences in a constructive way
Although the focus is on family relationships, you can use learnings in this workshop with any loved one. You’ll laugh and have some fun in this workshop—it won’t be all serious. After all, we all come from quirky families.
To prepare for the workshop, please complete the 40-minute e-course, at your convenience. Click HERE.
*Prior to the workshop, please print or save a copy of this Participant’s Guide. It will be used throughout the workshop. Click HERE.
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The December Oklahomans for Equality
Allie Jensen Memorial Art Gallery will feature a special one-of-a-kind show!
World AIDS Day 2020 Event: “POZitive Art”
Featuring works from Jeff Tarwater, Joanne Reynolds, Patrick Cusac, Brenda on behalf of her late brother Chuck Courtney, Shana Cozad, Isadore Boni, and several anonymous artists.
"It's simply the fact that there are usually large organized walks, gatherings, and ceremonies for World AIDS Day, however with this pandemic going on worldwide, no one wants to risk the health and wellbeing of so many that already have an underlying health issue. So we thought this would be a great way to allow safe participation of all those wanting their voices heard in one place on this special day, just in a different way, with art." Paul McClure.
"Art is so healing for me! Making art is necessary to cope and deal with the day to day stresses. Add in HIV and AIDS on top of that, and life becomes very challenging. Art helps me keep my sanity and balance in life." -HIV+ artist, local resident, Positive since 1993.
"Art has always been a central part of my being. When I was diagnosed with HIV, making my art became a great way to express how I felt about it." -HIV+ artist, Anonymous. Positive since 2008.
The exhibit opens on Tuesday, December 1st, WORLD AIDS DAY. Hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday throughout the month. Art will be available for purchase, and 100% of the proceeds will benefit the local nonprofit A GRATEFUL DAY FOUNDATION, INC., a valuable local service for people living with HIV. You may take a virtual tour of the exhibit on the Oklahomans for Equality Facebook page and Youtube channel.
To purchase the art, visit the OKEQ.ORG website and click on the Store tab. Support this great cause and buy some great art! Perfect time for holiday shopping! This event will be a safe way to celebrate World AIDS Day for our community. All necessary precautions will be in place to protect our participants and loved ones during this pandemic.
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Joey Phillips
June 30, 1968 ~ Nov. 11, 2020
Donald Dearman
Nov. 7, 1965 ~ Oct. 12, 2020
He is survived by his long time partner John Barons.
Terry Luce
Aug. 6 1933 ~ Nov. 4, 2020
"Terry Luce a TU psychology professor was the HRC’s first chair of the Sexual Preference Task Force (later Sexual Orientation Task Force) The Task Force issued a report in 1976 that was very sophisticated for its time and copies went all over the world. Gay Tulsans owe a big debt of gratitude to Terry Luce for his work on behalf of the gay community." says Bob Ritz who served on the City of Tulsa Human Rights Commission with Terry."
Midge Elliot
June 3, 1954 ~ Oct. 27, 2020
Kathryne Naomi Schrader
October 7, 1972 ~ Oct. 1, 2020
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Oklahomans For Equality's Transgender Programming is launching a new Gender Marker and Name Change Scholarship fund! Help raise money for transgender and gender non-conforming folks in Oklahoma to secure funds for legal fees, gender marker change, and name change fees.
The full cost for each scholarship is $300, but any amount helps!
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Join Oklahomans for Equality's NEW 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 new 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.
Meets via Zoom
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
2nd and 4th Monday of the Month, 6:00 p.m.
Meets via Zoom
This support group is for all transgender teens ages 13+. This group is welcome to trans boys, trans girls, non-binary teens, and everyone under the trans umbrella.
All participants must speak to one of the group facilitators before joining.
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Support Group for Partners of Transgender People
2nd Wednesday of the Month, 7:00 p.m.
Virtual Meeting
Support group for partners of transgender people. Whether your partner is just starting to transition or transitioned twenty years ago, you are welcome to come to talk and find community.
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Non-binary Support Group
2nd Wednesday of the Month, 7:00 p.m.
Virtual Meeting
Support group for anyone who identifies outside the gender binary. Whether you identify as non-binary, genderfluid, genderqueer, or agender, everyone is welcome!
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Brought To You Bi the Letter B Virtual Programming
2nd and 4th Mondays, 7:00 p.m. - 7:40 p.m.
Meets via Zoom
Our Bi Support Outreach group is now Virtual! The program exists to provide support, encouragement, education, and social opportunities for all Bisexual and Pansexual, Curious, & Questioning individuals. The group will meet virtually via Zoom. You will be able to access via Video, Chat, and/or telephone.
Please call 918-798-1054 or email Daniel Buck with the link below for more information.
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Coming Out Workshop
1st 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 session in a supportive and informed environment.
Please contact our OKEQ Mental Health services at 918-938-653 opt.2 or click the button below to schedule.
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Friday, December 11, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
POC Social is a space for people of color across various backgrounds to come together and create a community through friendship, connections, entertainment, and thoughtful conversations.
This event is our Holiday Party! Come sing, dance, and have a great time connecting at this free and fun event.
Masks are required, and social distancing will be enforced.
For more information contact:
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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. If you want to make an appointment, follow the link below.
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H.O.P.E. Testing at OKEQ
Every 2nd and 4th Saturday, 4:00p.m. - 6:00p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
H.O.P.E. offers free HCV and HIV testing at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center and has been a long time partner with OKEQ in helping the LGBTQ+ community. Most tests have rapid results to quickly give you peace of mind. H.O.P.E.’s outreach specialists are certified in HIV Counseling, HIV Testing and Referral (CTR), and work to help you feel comfortable throughout the process, no matter the outcome.
HIV and /or HCV Test:
- Confidential
- Results in 20-30 minutes
- Free
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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 as well as 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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McAlester police and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation are continuing to investigate the shooting. No arrests have been made. Anyone with information related to the investigation can contact the OSBI Tip Line at 1-800-522-8017 or can call McAlester police at 918-423-1212. You can remain anonymous.
Dustin was a founding member of the Oklahomans for Equality McAlester chapter SeEq. Dustin was senselessly killed on New Years Day, and at this time, the murderer is still at large. We honor his memory to the LGBTQIA+ movement in Oklahoma. #justicefordustin
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Oklahomans for Equality Sponsors
The Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation
George Kaiser Family Foundation
Sanford and Irene Burnstein Foundation
Cresap Family Foundation
Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation
Hardesty Family Foundation
American Airlines
Boomtown Tees
Williams
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma
Direct Energy
Temple Israel
Bank of Oklahoma
Phillips 66
Hilti
Creoks Mental Health Services
Phillips Theological Seminary
Habitat for Humanity
PFLAG Tulsa
Dennis R. Neill and John Southard
Kelly Kirby CPA
Dwight Kealiher
Timothy T. Cole and Chance Phillips
Larry Ward
Richard and Debra Gordon
Sasha and Ethan Warlick
Jason McVicker and Justin Clary
Joe and Nancy McDonald
The Estate of John Raveill
Al and Renee Carlozzi
Marylyn Tippeconnic
Barbara Abercrombie and Tery DeShong
Cynthia Phillips and Chere Gibbs
William Murphy and Todd Holland
Joe Hukills
Hollis Holcomb
David Nelson
Christopher and Michael Brecht-Smith
Mark Fitch
Daniel S. Burnstein and Martin Martinez
Kristopher Wilmes and Dusty Gross
Carol Tandy
Greg Gray
Tom and Kathy Williams
Danny Thomason
GOOGLE
Doug Campbell
College Hill Presbyterian Church
Darci Hazelwood and Sharon Kimberlin
Sue Welch and Marcy Smith
Anonymous
Trevor Project
Linda Ford
ONEOK
Fellowship Congregational Church UCC
AEP/PSO
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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 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.
Please call 918-938-6537 and select option 2 to make an appointment or send her an email at [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
or
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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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OkEq Board Meeting
Virtual
Thursday, December 10th, 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. It will be Every Saturday Upstairs area of the Dennis R Neill Equality Center!
Email
for more information.
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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 Krissy at [email protected].
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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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Survivors of Conversion Therapy T.E.A (Therapy Experienced Anew)
Every Monday at 7:00 p.m.
Over 113,000 LGBTQIA+ individuals have been subjected to Conversion Therapy. T.E.A is a new group that will utilize several different activities to help you take your narrative back and find peer support along the way. Come, sit, and spill the tea with us on this journey to the most authentic you.
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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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COVID-19 Canceled:
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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Arts and Crafts Night
1st and 3rd Friday
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
On the First and Third Friday of the month, the Equality Center will have an arts and craft night. Bring your knitting needles, crochet hooks, paint, and pencils! Whatever you like to do, you can do it with friends in a fun and supportive atmosphere.
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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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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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Sisters in Song
Tuesdays
6:45 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Sisters in Song would like to invite new women to join our fun loving group of singers! We are just now choosing music for our holiday performances, so it's a great time to start!
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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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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
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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Tracy Allen
SAGE
He / Him / His
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Shay Brewer
Operations Manager
He / Him / His
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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.
Allison Ikley-Freeman
Joe Guetlein
Darci Hazelwood, D.O.
Corey Thompson
Monique Washington
Justin Ross
Shannon Gordon Fair
Trustees
Shawna Baker, Esq.
Dan Burnstein
Kirk Holt
Cynthia Phillips
Kris Wilmes
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Board of Advisors
Aderyn Lonigan, C.P.A.
Amairani Perez
Christian Fencer
Cray Flyn
Crista Patrick
Dani Byrd
Denise Reid
Matt Else, D.O.
Elizabeth Ortiz
Jane Wiseman
Joann Frizell
Karen Keith Wilkins, Esq.
Stephen Rundell
Ty Morgan
Whitney Cipolla
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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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