OkEq Weekly eNews April 22nd, 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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National Deaf LGBTQ Awareness Week
April 19th - 24th
Oklahomans for Equality spotlights our own Glenna Cooper for National Deaf LGBTQ+ Awareness Week. Glenna is a translater for the City of Tulsa and has been communicating critical information to the community during the COVID -19 briefings. Glenna identifies as LGBTQ+ and has been married to her wife Timi Richardson since 2013.
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The Great Tulsa Howl and Holler - A Citywide Stay at Home Event
Wherever You Are
Friday, April 24, 7:00 p.m.
Set your alarms for Friday, April 24 at 7:00 p.m. and get ready to make some collective noise! Join everyone else in the City of Tulsa as we attempt to create the largest stay-at-home event Tulsa has ever seen! On Friday, April 24, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. open your window, step onto a balcony or out in your front yard and make some NOISE! Let’s howl at the moon, scream, clap, bang pots and pans, make music, yell out YASSS!!, but most of all give thanks and gratitude to all the frontline workers who are out there making things better for us all during this time.
Let this be a moment when we can all show our gratitude by sending a loud virtual hug to all the health-care workers, delivery drivers, grocery store workers, those grieving, and everyone else who is out there, every day, in the thick of it.
How does it work?
Step one: When the clock strikes at 7 o’clock on Friday, April 24, 2020
Step two: Open up your window or step into your yard
Step three: Make noise for at least 2 minutes!
Join us as we come together by staying at home for this special event!
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Stephen Littlecrow October 6, 1977 - April 20, 2020
Services are In the link below:
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Mike Green (June 25, 1932 - March 29, 2020)
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Michael Hulsey (July 13, 1987 - March 28, 2020)
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A Message from Our Treasurer Paul Allen:
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Reading Rainbow Book Club
Thursday April 30, 3:00 p.m.
Oklahomans for Equality invites you to join our virtual book club, Reading Rainbow Book Club, hosted by Donovid Sekulits. We will be reading books in the public domain, which means they can be accessed online for free.
For our first book, we have selected Emma by Jane Austen.
Emma is a literary classic that we hope you enjoy. We plan to cover five chapters of Emma every Thursday for 60 - 90 minutes.
Fun Fact: Clueless the movie was based on the book, and Jane Austen and Donovid share the same birthday.
For mobile users, Emma can be found on the Kindle or Nook app, Apple Books, Google Books, and Audible. Emma can also be downloaded or read securely at the links below.
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Click below to sign up with Donovid for the Reading Rainbow Book Club.
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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.
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. Our next meeting is at 7:00 p.m. on the 27th.
Please call 918-798-1054 or email Daniel Buck with the link below for more information.
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At Home Fitness with Jake Landry
Working out, getting, and staying fit is hard work, but boy is it worth it! Exercise can boost your immune system, improve your mood, and reduce stress, and, even without the gym, you can still work out and stay healthy!
Jake Landry is here to teach you techniques to keep fit and stay healthy from your own home.
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Lynn Riggs Virtual Concerts: Quentin Marcellis
Don't let quarantine keep you from enjoying the sound of good music and the joy of live performance. Music is a great way to relieve stress and improve your mood, and we all need some of that right now.
Join us once a week for virtual concerts in the fabulous Lynn Riggs Theater. You can watch this week's video at the link below.
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Take some time out of your hectic day to enjoy a story from your Gay Uncle Toby.
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American Heretics: The Politics of the Gospel
Abramorama, Butlerfilms & Contemporary Dialogs announced today that they will host a free Facebook live screening of American Heretics: The Politics of The Gospel on Saturday, April 25th at 4pm EST / 3pm CST / 1pm PST immediately followed by a virtual Zoom gathering with the film’s cast. The virtual panel event will be hosted by All Souls Unitarian Church, Tulsa. Unavailable on any digital or broadcast platforms until now, the film made its theatrical world premiere to critical and audience acclaim in theaters across the United States in June 2019.
American Heretics: The Politics of the Gospel challenges what we think we know about the Christian heartland by offering a rare personal glimpse into the contentious and often misunderstood history of religion, race, and politics in America. In this compelling documentary, Emmy Award-winning filmmakers Jeanine and Catherine Butler take audiences into the buckle of the Bible belt where a group of defiant ministers, congregations and community leaders challenge deeply rooted fundamentalist Christian doctrine. Rev. Bishop Carlton D. Pearson, featured in the movie, Come Sunday, is just one of the many courageous voices we hear from.
TUNE IN AT 3PM CST, APRIL 25TH BELOW:
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FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT:
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You can purchase Ken's stained glass art by visiting our web store.
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Our SAGE Tulsa members are one of the most at-risk age groups during this pandemic. Oklahomans for Equality has been working to get necessary supplies to our Sage Members. We want to thank Penny Fruth who made masks for those living with HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ older adults. 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.
SAGE Group Call
Daily Monday - Friday at 2:00 p.m.
Monday - Friday at 2:00 p.m. our SAGE elders (those over 60) are invited to participate in virtual programming by calling in to the SAGE Group Call.
To join, call (918) 398-8780 and enter the access code, 60#
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Love playing Animal Crossing on your Switch, DS, or iPhone? Want to play with other LGBTQIA+ Oklahomans from the safety of your home? OKEQ has a virtual gaming Facebook group! To join, please comment or message our page and you will be added to our private group.
See you on the island!
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Even though the Equality Center is closed, our clinic is still 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. You can call 918-938-6537 or email clinic@okeq.org for more information. 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 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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Need a hand, or know someone in need? Click Below to visit our page at www.OKEQ.org to view available local and national resources. Please let us know if you are aware of additional resources that we may share.
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If your college or your child's school has moved to online learning, there are options for you to get access to the internet. Several internet and telephone service providers have promised to maintain connectivity and to expand internet access to lower-income households. Follow the link below to find out which companies are providing these services and how to access them.
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Research Study for Apps Marketed to Gay Men
Researchers at Oklahoma State University are recruiting gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men to discuss your experiences on social networking apps marketed for gay/bi men. Individuals who complete the questionnaire can earn a $10 Amazon gift card. If you have questions, please feel free to contact Kristopher Struckmeyer (
struckm@okstate.edu
). Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to hearing from you.
To see if you are eligible, please click the link below:
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Queer the Census 2020
The Census starts this year on April 1st! Every individual not counted costs our local communities $1,700 annually through federal programs. Please tell everyone you know to respond to the census questionnaire. To learn more about the census, what will be asked, and why it is important to be counted, click the link below.
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"Love Pride? So do we! Love
Oklahomans for Equality
? So do we! Boomtown has created a pride shelf and rainbow 918 tees. Proceeds will be donated to the OKEQ Center to help with their many amazing programs."
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Gender Support Group Virtual Programming
Monday-Friday, 6:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
This is our Gender Support Outreach group now Virtual and Daily!
The program exists to provide support, encouragement, education and social opportunities for all transgender and intersex individuals. The group will meet virtually via tele conference style. You will be able to access via Video, Chat, and/or telephone. A first time interview is required before attending your first meeting.
Please call 918-743-4297 or email Krissy Dudley with the link below for more information or to schedule an interview and for an invite to the online group
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Trans Men's Virtual Social Group
Saturday, 3:00 p.m.
Join us every Saturday at 3:00 p.m. for an hour-long discussion. This space is meant for trans men and trans-masculine people to discuss issues they face and to provide support.
If you are interested in joining this weekly chat, please email alex.wade@okeq.org.
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Lez Cook: Facebook Live Cooking
Monday-Friday, 6:00 p.m.
Looking to learn new tips and tricks in the kitchen while staying home? Join Morgan Allen as she cooks her way through her pantry to learn helpful tips on eating healthy, making food last, and how to jazz up otherwise boring meals!
You can watch these videos live on the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center Facebook Page, Monday through Friday at 6:00 p.m.
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In Regards to Tulsa Pride and the Equality Gala:
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Due to the current global healthcare crisis, the OkEq Board of Directors met and agreed that it is in our community’s best interests to cancel TULSA PRIDE 2020. In addition to the parade and festival, this also includes the Rainbow Run, MOREColor Art Show and the TULSA PRIDE Picnic. Our hearts are broken by this decision, because this celebratory experience brings our entire community together; however, this decision was made to honor our community’s best interests.
We also acknowledge our current vendors, sponsors and supporters that had already committed to supporting TULSA PRIDE 2020. We appreciate your partnership and support with OkEq and the Oklahoma LGBTQ+ community. We will be reaching out to you, directly, to make sure that this partnership continues, especially during these trying times.
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It is with deep regret that I must announce that the Equality Gala 2020 will be postponed. Current events are changing hourly and, after advice and direction from local and state officials and following the guidelines of the CDC, the Board of Directors felt our only course of action for the health, safety and well being of our attendees and community is to postpone our event.
The Equality Gala is an important event for Oklahomans for Equality. This principle fundraiser for our organization raises over 50% of the funds needed to operate the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, fund programming, services, the medical clinic, advocacy efforts, and other vital services.
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Christopher Brecht-Smith,
Board President
Oklahomans for Equality
(pronouns: he/him/his)
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Let the spirit of pride carry you through!
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Are you a person with an LGBT or related identity who has ever served in the US Armed Forces?
We invite you to participate in a study focusing on your health behaviors and life experiences as a Veteran with a LGBT or related identity.
The goal of the Health for Every Veteran study is to better understand the experiences of Veterans from all backgrounds and promote their health and well-being, including those with LGBT or related identities. We are especially interested in hearing the diverse voices within our communities.
The study is being conducted by researchers at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System. It consists of completing a confidential, web-based questionnaire every 9 months for approximately 2 years (for a total of 4 questionnaires). All research activities are completed online, with no in-person visits required. For more information please click below.
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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.
The Transgender Flag continues to fly at half staff in memory of Dustin Parker. 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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November 2020 is around the corner, and we are teaming up with
Tulsa's Young Professionals
and 918 VOTE to make sure that everyone is registered and ready to VOTE!
WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY? JOIN 918 Vote and TYPROS as we gear up into the 2020 election year with our voter engagement campaign!
If you want to join a committee, please click the link provided below. Let your voice be heard! Every vote counts!
Join us and make a positive impact in 2020!
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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.
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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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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.
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COVID-19 Canceled:
Regularly Scheduled 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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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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Fitness Class at OkEq
Tuesdays
7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Christopher Gomez's
Workout program is designed with science to help individuals meet their fitness goals in a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment.
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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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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.
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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.
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Every 2nd Monday
Join us for our monthly Heart Circle at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. We meet on the second Sunday of every month. All queer men are welcome to the circle (gay, bisexual, transgender, asexual and queer).
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OkEq Board Meeting
Monthly Meeting
Thursday, April 9, 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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Alphabet Soup Youth Group
Every Saturday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
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!
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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
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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
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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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SAGE Tulsa
Every Tuesday
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
"drop in for coffee"
Facilitated by
John Madigan
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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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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
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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
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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.
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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 Amanda at 918-902-4625.
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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.
Call, text, or email Jess Branston at 918-924-5624 jess@anchoredbhc.com
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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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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.
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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
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Jose Vega
Deputy Director
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Morgan Allen
Center Coordinator
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Alex Wade
Medical Services Coordinator
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Kao Morris
Facilities Manager
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Krissy Dudley
Administrative Manager
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Toby Jenkins
CEO/Executive Director
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Donovid Sekulits
Special Projects
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Executive Committee
Chris Brecht-Smith
- President
Stacy Turner - Vice President
Will Vaughn - Secretary
Paul Allen - Treasurer
Darci Hazelwood, D.O. - Member at Large
Board of Directors
Laura Arrowsmith, D.O.
Angelyn L. Dale
Allison Ikley-Freeman
Joe Guetlein
Bob Hanson
Marcia Keesee
Corey Thompson
Al Triggs
Robin VanMeter
Trustees
Shawna Baker, Esq.
Dan Burnstein
Kirk Holt
Cynthia Phillips
Kris Wilmes
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Board of Advisors
Catherine Betances
Dani Byrd
Jade Duckworth
Shannon Fair
Joann Frizell
Andrew Gordon
Dale Hogan
Kelly Kushnerick
Aderyn Lonigan
Tyler Morgan
William Murphy
Denise Reid
Kirsten Robertson
Justin Ross
Justin Rosser
Stephen Rundell
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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