OkEq Weekly eNews September 28th, 2020
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.
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!
Transgender youth, specifically transgender girls, are under attack in a new proposed bill co-sponsored by Oklahoma Senator James Lankford and authored by Georgia Senator Kelly Loeffler.
This new bill, poorly titled the “Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act”, would make it violation of federal law to allow transgender girls to participate in girls sports. Schools that recieve federal funding for their sports programs would lose that funding should they choose to be inclusive of transgender students in sports.
We encourage our constituents to contact Senator Lankford and say NO to this proposed bill.

James Lankford
316 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Office Number: (202) 224-5754
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.
Support Group for Parents of Transgender People
Starts Wednesday, October 7
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.
Tulsa Pride 2021 Design Contest

Make this PRIDE your PRIDE!

Tulsa Pride wants you to design our 2021 Pride logo!
This contest includes a grand prize award, and the logo will be on all the marketing material, T-shirts, Posters, and social media promotion material.

The contest closes on Nov. 2nd, 11:00 p.m.

Please submit your entry design electronically by emailing Pride director below!








Ellis Tinker
Oct. 15, 1978 ~ Sept. 20, 2020
Celebration of Life Service
Friday, October 2, 2p.m.
Bixby Funeral Service
RiverCrest Chapel
13329 S. Memorial Dr.
Bixby, OK 74008




















Edward Durnal
1949 ~ 9/3/2020
SAGE Tulsa Talks
Friday, October 9, 10:30 a.m -11:30 a.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120

An in person or virtual peer support group for adults 55+ who have experienced the loss of a partner or a significant break up. 
Saturday, October 17, 10:00 a.m.
Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area

OUT in Nature: Hike at Turkey Mountain

Join OKEQ's new outdoor group "OUT in Nature" for their first adventure: a hike at Turkey Mountain! We will meet at the Parking lot off of Elwood (the lower lot) and walk the red line trail (the easiest trail ).

In celebration of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month We invited author, Rigoberto González for a virtual event to discuss his experience as a gay Latino and his memoir, Butterfly Boy: Memories of a Chicano Mariposa. Rigoberto was joined by Donovid Sekulits, the Outreach and Library Services Manager to moderate the conversation.
Butterfly Boy is a unique coming out and coming-of-age story of a first-generation Chicano who trades one life for another, only to discover that history and memory are not exchangeable or forgettable.
For more info about him and his stories checkout his website here:

To watch the Conversation with Rigoberto González, click the button below.

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.
Age Discrimination Research Study

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. To see if you are eligible, please click the button below.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact Kristopher Struckmeyer ([email protected])
We Will Notarize Your Ballot!

Save time, and protect your health. We are excited to announce that we have a notary that can notarize your ballot at no cost. If you would like to schedule to have your ballot notarized please contact us below:
Gender Support Group
Every Wednesday, 7:00 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
In person or virtual peer support group

The program exists to provide support, encouragement, education and social opportunities for all transgender and intersex individuals. 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.
Gender Support Small Groups
2nd Wednesday of the Month, 7:00 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
In person or virtual peer support group

On the 2nd Wednesday of every month the Gender Support Group will break out into four small groups.

The program exists to provide support, encouragement, education and social opportunities for all transgender and intersex individuals. A first time interview is required before attending your first meeting.

Email Alex Wade for more information.
Support group for trans men. Topics will range from clothing to surgeries, hormones, masculinity, or any other issue that affects our community. We are here to support one another in our transition journeys.
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.
Support group for anyone who identifies outside the gender binary. Whether you identify as non-binary, genderfluid, genderqueer, or agender, everyone is welcome!
Support group for trans women. Topics will range from clothing to surgeries, hormones, femininity, or any other issue that affects our community. We are here to support one another in our transition journeys.
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
Coming Out Workshop
Starts Monday, October 5
1st Monday of the Month, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Tulsa, OK 74120

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 918-938-6538 opt.2 or click the button below to schedule.
Warrior Sisters Self Defense
Monday, October 5, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120

We invite all those currently engaging in street protests for black lives, community safety, and racial justice to train with Warrior Sisters in de-escalation and community intervention!

--We will cover--
Protest Awareness & Safety Tactics
De-escalation
Boundary Setting
By-stander / up-stander intervention
---
Protect yourselves and stand up for your comrades while out in the streets and organizing for justice! Learn practical de-escalation techniques and options for interrupting injustices and supporting community members targeted by racist violence.
---
No experience needed
Free for all
Space is Limited
Social distancing and masks are required.
IndigiQueer
Friday, October 9, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m
Meets via Zoom

IndigiQueer is a space created for queer and two-spirit native/indigenous persons.

"IndigiQueer aims to empower our indigenous community through cultural learning, connection and tribal involvement." – Vnokeckv.

For more information or link to virtual meeting contact Kao with the buttons below:
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.
Survivors of Conversion Therapy T.E.A
Monday, October 12, 7:00 p.m.
Meets via Zoom

Over 113,000 LGBTQIA+ individuals have been subjected to Conversion Therapy. T.E.A (Therapy Experienced Anew) 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.
Contact Jess Branston at 918-924-5624 or [email protected].

Please email us by clicking the button below for the zoom link:
Friday, October 16, 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 a variety of backgrounds to come together and create a community through friendship, connections, entertainment, and thoughtful conversations.
Spanish Speaking Mixer
Friday, October 16, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120

The group will be for Spanish-speaking queer people, exploring and allies. It is a social and support group where people can ask questions. Where we can find out together how we feel and how we can move forward with a better understanding of both our identities and our attractions, what the recommendations are to approach other people with questions about us and how we could potentially come out to our families and friends.Join us at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center if you are fluent at Spanish. We are hosting a mixer to meet and greet one another. We are still practicing Safe social distancing here at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. We will be observing the W.H.O. safety guidelines. For questions please contact Liz at the button below.

El grupo será para personas queer de habla hispana, exploradores y aliados. Es un grupo social y de apoyo donde las personas pueden hacer preguntas. Donde podemos descubrir juntos cómo nos sentimos y cómo podemos avanzar con una mejor comprensión de nuestras identidades y nuestras atracciones, cuáles son las recomendaciones para acercarnos a otras personas con preguntas sobre nosotros y cómo podríamos llegar a nuestras familias y amigos. Únase a nosotros en el Centro de Igualdad Dennis R. Neill si habla español con fluidez. Estamos organizando una mesa de mezclas para conocernos y saludarnos. Todavía estamos practicando el distanciamiento social seguro aquí en el Centro de Igualdad Dennis R. Neill. Estaremos observando la W.H.O. reglas de seguridad. Para preguntas, comuníquese con Liz en el botón a continuación.
SAGE Tulsa In-Person Meetings Have Resumed

SAGE Tulsa has their weekly in-person meeting on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m.. 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.

You can also join via call at (918) 398-8780 and enter the access code, 60#.
Can't be here in person? Now you can join SAGE Tulsa virtually. The virtual SAGE Tulsa group meets Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. Click below to contact us for the link to the virtual meeting.
Check out our selection of colorful pride masks, now available at the Pride Store and on our online shop! Each mask is $7 and 100% your purchase supports the work of OKEQ!
Click the image below to visit our store. 
Suicide Hotlines

918-744-4800

866-488-7386

877-360-LGBT (5428)

800-273-8255 (online chat available)
Crisis Text START to 741-741

877-565-2260

888-843-4564

(youth serving youth through age 25):
800-246-7743
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.
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
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
Counseling Services: Please contact the counselor directly to schedule a virtual appointment.
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].
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. 
Regularly Scheduled Programming
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
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
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
SAGE Tulsa 
Every Tuesday
10:00 am to 1:00 pm

"drop in for coffee" 
Facilitated by
John Madigan
OkEq Board Meeting
Virtual
Thursday, October 8th, 6:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.
All Oklahomans for Equality board meetings are open to all OkEq members.
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 
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.
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].
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.
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.
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 [email protected]
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!
COVID-19 Canceled:
Programming
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
Community Partners
The Equality
Business Alliance fosters a sharing of information, ideas, contacts, products and services, and also strengthens and expands our businesses, careers and community.
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
 
Check www.okeq.org for testing dates.
OkEq Staff
Alex Wade
Medical Services Director
He / Him / His

Krissy Dudley
Administrative Coordinator
She / Her / Hers
Anna Them Puhl
Technical Coordinator
They / Them / Theirs
Morgan Allen
Center Director
She / Her / Hers
Kao Morris 
BIPOC Program and Digital Media Coordinator
He / Him / His
Donovid Sekulits
Outreach and Library Services
He / Him / His
‌
Lily Piña
Nurse Practitioner
She / Her / Hers
Tracy Allen
SAGE
He / Him / His
Shay Brewer
Facilities Manager
He / Him / His
Toby Jenkins
CEO/Executive Director
He / Him / His
OkEq Board and Trustees
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
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 




Board of Advisors
Catherine Betances
Dani Byrd
Jade Duckworth
Joann Frizell
Andrew Gordon
Dale Hogan
Kelly Kushnerick
Aderyn Lonigan
Tyler Morgan
William Murphy
Denise Reid
Kirsten Robertson
Justin Rosser
Stephen Rundell
Jane Wiseman
Oklahomans for Equality
Reduced Hours: Please Call before you visit 
621 E. 4th St. 
Tulsa, OK 74120