OkEq Weekly eNews October 19th, 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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Alphabet Soup
Saturday, Oct. 24, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E 4th St. Tulsa OK 74120
Alphabet Soup is back in person at its new time: 5 pm-8 pm! This week, we will be watching a movie and making s'mores in the Event Center at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center! Alphabet Soup is our LGBTQIA+ affirming group for youth ages 13-17 (youth in middle school through high school) that focuses on service, outreach, unity, and preparation for adulthood--or SOUP! We welcome all sexualities, genders, and expressions of self. Masks are required, and social distancing will be enforced.
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Under 30 Award for Health Care |
Morgan Allen wrote a play called "The Scam Artist is Present". The play was picked up by Heller Shorts festival.
Anna Puhl was chosen to be the Director of "The Scam Artist is Present". The play was picked up by Heller Shorts festival.
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Kirk Davis
Oct. 25, 1965 ~ Oct. 12, 2020
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Ellis Tinker
Oct. 15, 1978 ~ Sept. 20, 2020
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How communities around the world honor the lives of loved ones who have passed may vary in different countries, languages, cultures, and religions, but death is something that touches us all. So in the spirit of diversity and building community, Oklahomans for Equality will honor the people we lost in the LGBTQ community this year by observing the Mexican holiday Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) which is from October 31st through November 2nd.
At the Dennis R Neill Equality center, there will be an Ofrenda (offering altar) that includes all the traditional elements of the altar: Papel Picado, candles, marigolds, and photos of those who have passed.
Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico and by people of Mexican heritage around the world. It involves family and friends gathering to pray for and remember their loved ones who have passed, and helping support their spiritual journey. In Mexican culture, death is viewed as a natural part of the human cycle. Mexicans view it not as a day of sadness but as a day of celebration because their loved ones awaken and celebrate with them.
If you would like to have your loved one included please send an email to [email protected] that includes their name, a photo, their birthdate, and when they passed by October 25 at 5 pm.
For more information about Dia de los Muertos or how you can celebrate in Tulsa check out the links below:
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EARLY VOTING EQUALITY VAN RIDE
Oklahomans for Equality will be shuttling voters to ONEOK Field for early voting Thursday, October 29th, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Friday, October 30th, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and Saturday, October 31st, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. You can park at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center at 621 East 4th Street, and the staff will shuttle you to ONEOK Ball Field (also known as Drillers Stadium). The Tulsa County Election Board has chosen ONEOK Field located at 201 North Elgin Avenue as the only designated spot in Tulsa County for early in-person voting.
A mask is required to vote in person and must be worn while riding in the Equality Van. To vote, you must have proof of identity and be a registered voter in Tulsa County. We will also provide shuttles to and from precincts in Tulsa County on election day, November 3rd, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You must schedule the ride for election day ahead of time. Please email [email protected] to plan a ride for election day.
PROOF OF IDENTITY
A document used for proof of identity for voting must have been issued by the United States government, the State of Oklahoma, or a federally recognized tribal government.
The law requires a document used for proof of identity for voting to contain the following information:
- The name of the person to whom it was issued
- A photograph of the person to whom it was issued
- An expiration date that is after the date of the election, unless the identification is valid indefinitely
The law requires that the voter's name on documentation "substantially conform" to the voter's name in the Precinct Registry. In other words, your name on your proof of identity must match your name in the Precinct Registry.
In addition, voters may use the free voter identification card they received by mail from the County Election Board when they registered to vote. The law allows the use of the voter identification card even though it does not include a photograph.
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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:
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First Thursday Art Show November 2020 - Hill Taylor
Starting Thursday, November 5,
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Approaching her third solo exhibition, Tulsa artist Hill Taylor now has her eyes wide open. Her latest exhibition, SHUT YOUR EYES, is featured in the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center’s art gallery in Downtown Tulsa for the month of November. This collection features eighteen new original abstract expressionist pieces by the artist. Visitors will be able to snatch up these highly-anticipated works while being mesmerized by the wild splashes of color and imagination of this collection. Derived from a variety of closed-eye experiences, Taylor explores how we process, remember, and imagine color, specifically when our eyes are closed. Each piece carries its own unique story and leaps out of the artist’s experiences and imagination and onto the canvas through carefully-composed
movement and saturation.
This collection, by appearances, is reminiscent of the artist’s 2014
collection STORIES, which was highlighted by the massive hanging installation of PERFECT TIMING, sixty-six metal paper planes suspended from the ceiling of Foolish Things Coffee Company.
All pieces will be available for purchase, both in-person and online. A virtual tour of the collection will also be available through the Oklahomans For Equality YouTube channel. Taylor’s exhibition SHUT YOUR EYES will be appearing through the month of November. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is hosting the event and 30% of art sales will benefit their vital work in Oklahoma. For more information, please visit www.hilltaylorart.com or www.okeq.org.
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Indigiqueer: An Evening With Justice Shawna Baker
Friday, November 6, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
As we kick off Native American Heritage Month, join us for an in-person reception with newly appointed Supreme Court Justice Shawna Baker of the Cherokee Nation. Shawna Baker will share her journey to the Cherokee Nation Supreme Court, and what the McGirt ruling means for the tribes, natives, and our queer/two-spirit native community.
This event will follow social distancing guidelines, masks will be required, and the event will be streamed live on Facebook for those unable to attend in person. Food and drinks will also be available.
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Tulsa Voter Van is providing free rides to the polls for early voting and on Election Day. People can schedule rides by calling us at 918-200-9153, sign up on our website tulsavotervan.com, or messaging us on Facebook. Our resources are available in Spanish. We are also wheelchair accessible on Election Day.
Our Halloween event, Tick & Treat, is on Halloween at 11am. We will be meeting at Guthrie Green and strutting in costume to ONEOK Field to vote during early voting. What a great reason to show off, right? It's free for everyone, and we have special treats for people who donate $13.
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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 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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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!
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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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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. |
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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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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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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. |
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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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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.
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.
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IndigiQueer
Friday, November 13, 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:
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Spanish Speaking Mixer
Friday, November 20, 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.
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Friday, November 20, 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.
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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#.
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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. |
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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
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Domestic Violence Hotlines
800-799-SAFE (7233)
TTY: 800-787-3224
405-524-0700
918-742-7480
918-430-0335
800-722-3611
800-799-7233
TTY 800-787-3224
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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
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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, October 8th, 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
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
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
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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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