OkEq Weekly eNews September 14th, 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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Proposed City of Tulsa Hate Crime Ordinance |
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Tulsa City Council has introduced an ordinance that would add sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity as protected classes under Tulsa's hate crime laws. Currently, Oklahoma's hate crime laws cover hate bias crimes motivated by race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, and disability.
This ordinance, proposed by Councilor Crista Patrick of District 3, would be the first time Tulsa has recognized sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity as protected classes under Hate Crime law.
Please contact your City Councilor and the Mayor's Office to voice your support for this ordinance!
Use the District Finder to find your City Councilor and use the links below to find their contact information.
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Dr. Darci Hazelwood, D.O. |
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They will be joining current board members who are fulfilling the second year of their elected term. |
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Dr. Laura Arrowsmith, D.O. |
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Thank You to our board of directors who have completed their term |
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Oklahomans for Equality wishes to thank the following individuals who served on the board of advisors during the 2019/2020 fiscal year. |
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Catherine Betances
Dani Byrd
Jade Duckworth
Shannon Fair
Joann Frizell
Andrew Gordon
Dale Hogan
Kelly Kushnerick
Aderyn Lonigan
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Tyler Morgan
William Murphy
Denise Reid
Kirsten Robertson
Justin Ross
Justin Rosser
Stephen Rundell
Jane Wiseman
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MORE SKY: THE STORY OF LYNN RIGGS
September 17 and 18, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Echo Theatre Company, in conjunction with the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center’s Lynn Riggs Theatre, is set to premiere MORE SKY: THE STORY OF LYNN RIGGS, a play about the life of gay Cherokee playwright, Lynn Riggs. The show will take place in September 17 and 18 at the Lynn Riggs Theatre in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
MORE SKY: THE STORY OF LYNN RIGGS will play to a limited social-distanced seated crowd of 25 in the Lynn Riggs Theatre on Thursday September 17, 2020 and Friday, September 18, 2020 at 7:00pm. Admission is FREE and will be limited to the first 25 tickets each night.
Riggs is portrayed by Russ Tallchief, an Osage actor who is descended from famous Osage ballerinas Maria and Marjorie Tallchief. Tallchief is an Osage playwright, director, actor, and is currently the Director of Student Diversity and Inclusion at Oklahoma City University.
Gregory Hinton, the playwright, is also an author and lecturer, and produced OUT WEST, a national museum education series dedicated to shining a light on LGBTQ history and culture in the American West. The story of Lynn Riggs, a rural-born gay man who evacuates home and community for a higher creative calling, resonates deeply with Hinton.
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Survivors of Conversion Therapy T.E.A
Online Event
Monday, September 14, at 7:00 p.m.
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.
Please email us by clicking the button below for the zoom link:
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Tulsa Pride 2021 Design Contest
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.
Make this PRIDE your PRIDE!
Tulsa Pride 2021
Please submit your entry design electronically by emailing Pride director below:
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September Art Show - John Hammer
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Masks will be required and social distancing will be observed. Capacity will be limited to 20 persons at any time in the art gallery.
We are constantly bombarded with one message at a time, over and over, until the next news cycle brings the latest message. Then it starts all over again. This happens so quickly and so often, we forget about what we were just upset about. It keeps us only focused on what’s in the news now. This series of protest art was created to bring attention to all of these things at once. There is no order to them and one is no more important than the other. Each has cycled through the news and become number one, but has not gone away as the others have come to take it’s place, one by one.
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See it Virtually
You may also visit the Allie Jensen Memorial Gallery virtually. The September exhibit at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is featuring the works of John Hammer and their The Hammer Studio Art. Click the video below to visit John Hammers Art Exhibit.
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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.
Please call 918-798-1054 or email Daniel Buck with the link below for more information.
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Warrior Sisters Self Defense Signup
Monday, September 14, 2020 at 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
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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.
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No experience needed
Free for all
Space is Limited
Social distancing and masks are required.
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Friday, September 18, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
Wellness Room
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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Come watch Waves (2019) The epic emotional journey of a suburban African American family as they navigate love, forgiveness and coming together in the wake of a tragic loss.
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Spanish Speaking Mixer
Friday, September 18, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
Glass Conference Room
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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Equality Gaming Night
Friday, September 18, 6:30 p.m - 7:30 p.m.
Virtual
Looking for something fun to do on a Friday night? Wanna meet up with friends and make new ones? Let's Play some games on Zoom while meeting new people and enjoying our own drinks and snacks at home.
If you would like to join click the button below to email
you don't want to miss out on all the fun!
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Edward Durnal
1949 - 9/3/2020
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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])
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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. You can call 918-938-6537 or email [email protected] for more information. If you want to make an appointment, follow the link below.
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Gender Support Group
Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Our Gender support Group is coming back Live and in person Wednesday June 24th! We will continue to offer a virtual version for anyone who needs access.
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.
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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
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.
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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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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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Online Event
Friday, September 25 at 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m
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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Oklahomans for Equality is excited to welcome Rigoberto González for a virtual event to discuss his experience as a gay Latino and his memoir, Butterfly Boy: Memoir of a Chicano Mariposa in celebration of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month.
Rigoberto will be 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.
This is a free event and will be hosted on the Zoom platform and Facebook live.
About the Author: Rigoberto González is the author of eighteen books of poetry and prose. His awards include Guggenheim, NEA, NYFA, and USA Rolón fellowships, the PEN/Voelcker Award, the American Book Award from the Before Columbus Foundation, the Lenore Marshall Prize from the Academy of American Poets, and the Shelley Memorial Prize from the Poetry Society of America. A critic-at-large for The LA Times and contributing editor for Poets & Writers Magazine, he is currently Distinguished Professor of English and Director of the MFA Program in Creative Writing at Rutgers-Newark, the State University of New Jersey.
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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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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.
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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
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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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Regularly Scheduled Programming
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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. Email
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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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OkEq Board Meeting
Virtual
Thursday, September 17th 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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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 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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SAGE Tulsa
Every Tuesday
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
"drop in for coffee"
Facilitated by
John Madigan
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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SOS Group
Sunday's at 1:30 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.SOS-Tulsa.org
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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
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
He / Him / His
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Morgan Allen
Center Director
She / Her / Hers
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Tracy Allen
SAGE
He / Him / His
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Alex Wade
Medical Services Director
He / Him / His
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Kao Morris
Facilities Manager
He / Him / His
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Krissy Dudley
Administrative Coordinator
She / Her / Hers
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Lily Piña
Nurse Practitioner
She / Her / Hers
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Donovid Sekulits
Outreach and Library Services
He / Him / His
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Anna Them Puhl
Technical Coordinator
They / Them / Theirs
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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
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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