OkEq Weekly eNews January 3rd, 2022
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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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SAGE Tulsa in-person meetings have resumed.
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SAGE Meeting
Tuesday, January 04, 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 LGBTQ+ 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's later years. SAGE Tulsa meets every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.
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Margaret K. Eagler's "Your Weeds are My Wild Flowers"
Artist Reception
Thursday, January 6, 6:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Margaret was raised in a family of highly creative people with perfectionist and success-driven tendencies. Margaret was put in a box of "only" being creative with the written word by her family, and discovering painting helped break out of that box and discover new ideas, talents, and freedom. When the pandemic struck and Margaret's work became remote access, she knew she had to have something to DO that was not work-related or she would fall into the habit of working non-stop. So, even though she had "no talent," she decided to pick up acrylic paint. Margaret fell head over heels in love with the process and learned many life lessons through her projects, such as there is no right or wrong in art; if you don't like something, you can start over or completely change it - learn from it; mistakes are incredibly valuable in learning; the play of color and light is as much about the shadows and spaces as it is about the focus.
As Margaret continued to explore her more artistic side, she discovered that some of the characteristics in her that had been so strictly constrained by her family of origin were actually qualities that she craved and that she was at her best when able to touch on those hidden aspects of herself. One day while discussing, with a friend, the nature of growth and learning to love one's self as a whole person, not lacking because of someone else's prescribed identity, the concept of the dandelion kept coming up - how much her sons loved to give her dandelions and how much her neighbors put in work to kill those glorious wildflowers. She realized, just like some people think dandelions are weeds, and she thinks they are wildflowers, she may not be what others think she should be, but that doesn't take away one bit of who she is meant to be.
Margaret works as a Child Welfare Specialist with the Department of Human Services. She spends her days working to help families change the way they live life on this planet in order to provide a safe and secure environment for her family. Margaret likes nothing more than when a parent gets to bring their child home and successfully complete their case. Margaret has found that in advocating for the vulnerable, she must examine her own vulnerability, and painting has helped to bring grounding and allowed a safe space to examine those vulnerabilities. Margaret will continue to make a stand for both clients and friends; fight for the rejected, the marginalized, the hurting, and the weary; and stand with those who are standing for themselves. Margaret's desire is that those who look at her art see the full range of emotions and relational connection and celebrate differences and imperfections.
The show opens at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center located at 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa OK 74120 on Thursday, January 1st, with COVID measures in place for those Non-vaccinated. The Artist Reception is Thursday, January 6th, at 6:00 p.m. The exhibit continues throughout the month.
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RuPaul's Drag Race Watch Party
Friday, January 07, 6:30 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Join OKEQ, Studio 66, and Black Queer Tulsa for a weekly RuPaul's Drag Race Watch Party! We will have fun raffles, a cash bar, and a great community each week!
The event is free to attend.
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OKEQ Taking Nominations for Community Awards
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Oklahomans for Equality is now taking nominations to recognize individuals or groups who have impacted the fight for equality for the LGBTQ+ community. These awards will be presented at the annual Equality Gala on April 30th, 2022, at the Cox Business Convention Center Grand Hall.
Lifetime Achievement Award - Recognizes a lifetime dedication to the cause of equality for the LGBTQ+ community in Oklahoma.
Community Hero Award - Recognizes individuals and groups who have represented or served our community in the previous year.
The Rev. Russell Bennett Award for Spiritual Inclusion - Presented to a faith leader who leads and supports affirming the faith of the LGBTQ+ community in our local congregations.
Carolyn Wagner Youth Leadership Award - Presented to a local youth who demonstrates extraordinary character and makes a positive difference in their school, youth group, and community.
Grand Marshal for the Tulsa Gay Pride Parade June 2nd - Recognizes an individual who has supported the LGBTQ+ community courageously and visibly.
Dennis R. Neill Collegiate Leadership Award - Presented to a local college student who demonstrates extraordinary character and makes a positive difference in their school and community.
Nancy McDonald Advocacy Award - Recognizes an individual who advocates for inclusion, equality for not only the LGBTQ community but for all marginalized populations.
Bishop-Baldwin, Barton & Phillips Civil Rights Advocacy Award - Presented to those individuals who have fought for equality through the United States Justice system.
Lynn Riggs Performing Arts Award - Honors individuals or groups that have advanced LGBTQ awareness through the fine arts.
Workplace Inclusion Award - Recognizes a workplace that has shown a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
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Third Thursday in the Rainbow Room Presents:
Tired, Loud, & Over It!
Thursday, January 20, 8:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
Lynn Riggs Theatre
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Features Machele Dill and Lori Decter Wright, with special guests Crista Patrick, Machelle Cullom, and others!
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Bob The Drag Queen
Friday, March 11, 2022
Cain's Ballroom
423 N. Main St.
Tulsa, OK 74103
Bob The Drag Queen is having a moment. A MAJOR moment! The season 8 winner of RuPaul's Drag Race was noted for her focus on comedy. Bob won three challenges during the show, including the recurring "Snatch Game, " where she exquisitely portrayed Uzo Aduba and Carol Channing.
Bob is back with a plethora of projects to impress. She is currently starring alongside Shangela Laquifa Wadley and Eureka O'Hara in HBO's first unscripted hit series, "We're Here", which was just renewed for a second season and is nominated for the Emmy Award for Best Unstructured Reality Series. She also has a brand new comedy special, "Bob The Drag Queen: Live at Caroline's" as well as MTV's "Drag My Dad" series, "The Pit Stop", and her ever-popular podcast "Sibling Rivalry" with best friend, touring partner and RuPaul All-Star Drag Race winner herself Monet X Change.
Bob may have won Drag Race, but it's her comedic prowess that is really shining brightest of all. With two comedy specials under her belt, Bob is making the world laugh with her impeccable timing and true tale stories about her life and hilarious observations.
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Brought To You Bi the Letter B
Monday, January 10, 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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Health Insurance Navigation & Enrollment
Every Tuesday
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74107
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Sylvester Harris with Tulsa Cares will be at the Equality Center every Tuesday! He can answer any of your questions and get you started on the enrollment process.
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Tulsa County Community Priorities Survey
Tulsa County residents:
Check out this survey opportunity from our friends at Tulsa County Extension and the OSU-Tulsa Center for Public Life!
Tulsa County Extension and the OSU-Tulsa Center for Public Life want to focus resources and build partnerships that address the issues that are most important to the people in Tulsa.
Take a few moments to take a survey to share what issues are most important to you and your community using an option below:
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Fair Housing Legal Aid Weekly Assistance
Every Monday and Wednesday, 12:00 p.m - 4:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Elissa Furlong is a Staff Attorney at Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma. She is from upstate New York but attended Mississippi College School of Law, graduating at the top of her class. In addition to having worked for two private attorneys, Elissa has previously interned with the legal department of a United Nations agency. Ms. Furlong has also completed legal fellowships and externships in the areas of employment discrimination, workers' rights, civil rights, and LGBTQ+ legislation and advocacy.
Elissa will be assisting members of the LGBTQ+ community with fair housing-related issues. If you believe you've been a victim of housing discrimination, please call her at 918-409-2115, or email her at [email protected]. Please also be on the lookout for upcoming announcements pertaining to fair housing presentations, which will be open to the public.
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Lawyer in the Center
Tuesday, January 11, 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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Post-OP Support Group
Wednesday, January 19, 6:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
This support group is for women who have gone through gender affirmation surgery and serves as a place to discuss some of the concerns and changes after surgery. A first-time interview is required before attending. Please contact us below to set this up or to ask any questions.
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Outside the Box
Monday, January 17, 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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Carrie Lynn Hughes
April 25, 1973 - December 9, 2021
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Kelly Halpine
December 30, 2021
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LGBTQ+ Parent Support Group
Co-Hosted by PFLAG and OKEQ
Saturday, February 5, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Join OKEQ and PFLAG for our new support group for parents of LGBTQ+ teens. This group will meet monthly on the first Saturday from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Coffee and cookies will be provided.
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Post Name / Gender Marker Change Workshop
Wednesday, January 5, 5:30 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Getting your name/gender court order is just the first part of correcting your information. This workshop is intended for those looking for what are the next steps to take.
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Name and Gender Marker Change Clinic
Wednesday, January 12, 5:30 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Oklahomans for Equality is hosting a name change clinic. We are focusing on those who are in the progress of starting the name change process as well as those who are interested in doing so in the near future. Joshua Payton will be our resource.
Josh has eight years of experience as a practicing attorney and six years in the entertainment industry working for Celebrity Attractions. My desire is to apply my legal and business experience to serve at the Equality Center. I may not immediately know the answer to a question, but I pledge to walk in solidarity with those seeking clarity until we have an answer.
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OKEQ Game Night
Tuesday, January 25, 5:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Looking for something fun to do on a Tuesday night? Wanna meet up with friends and make new ones? Do you have board games you've been eager to play with others? Then Game Night is for you! Join us on the last Tuesday of every month from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
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Visibly Imperfectly Perfect Tulsa
Every Fourth Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
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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The overwhelming majority of Americans support the #EqualityAct. So let's make our message clear: Contact your Senator today and tell them to #PassTheEqualityAct! Call 888-439-0303 to get started.
The Equality Act would provide consistent anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ Americans in areas like housing, education, federally funded programs, credit, public spaces, healthcare, and more. Tell your Senators it's #EqualityTime. https://lgbtactionlink.org/equality-act
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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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Did you know that on July 1st, 200,000 Oklahomans became newly eligible for Medicaid? You could be one of them! If you're uninsured or think you may qualify, contact Tulsa Responds to make an enrollment appointment. Tulsa Responds is a non-profit that connects Tulsans to federal programs like SoonerCare (Medicaid), SNAP, free tax filing, and internet discounts, all for free!
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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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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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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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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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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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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 In-Person and 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
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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, January 20, 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
1st Wednesday of the Month at 7:00 p.m.
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
Last Tuesday of the Month
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Looking for something fun to do on a Tuesday 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. - 6:00 p.m.
Every Tuesday
from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.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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Anna Them Puhl
Technical Coordinator
They / Them / Theirs
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Lily Piña
Nurse Practitioner
She / Her / Hers
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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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Luke Scuitto
Membership Coordinator
He / Him / His
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Allison Ikley-Freeman
Behavioral Health Director
She / Her / Hers
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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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Andi Gunter
Clinic Operations Manager
She / Her / Hers
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Toby Jenkins
CEO/Executive Director
He / Him / His
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Executive Committee
Stacy Turner - President
Bob Hanson, PharmD - Vice President
Stephen Rundell - Secretary
Paul Allen - Treasurer
Shannon Gordon Fair - Member at Large
Board of Directors
Laura Arrowsmith, D.O.
Chris Brecht-Smith, Esq.
Dani Byrd
Angelyn L. Dale, Esq.
Tery DeShong, Esq.
Joe Guetlein
Darci Hazelwood, D.O.
Elizabeth Ortiz
Justin Ross
William Vaughn
Monique Washington
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Trustees
Shawna Baker, Esq.
Dan Burnstein
Kirk Holt
Cynthia Phillips
Kris Wilmes
Board of Advisors
Julie Chase
Whitney Cipolla
Joann Frizell
Karen Keith Wilkins, Esq.
Crista Patrick
Denise Reid
Ovidio Trejo
Jane Wiseman
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Oklahomans for Equality
Monday - Friday: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Saturday: 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
621 E. 4th St.
Tulsa, OK 74120
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