OkEq Weekly eNews June 9th, 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!
Historic Broadcast!!!!
Tulsa Pride Parade On FOX 23
This Saturday, June 13th, at 12:30 p.m. the Tulsa Pride Parade will be broadcast on FOX23. This will be the very first time an LGBTQ+ PRIDE PARADE has been broadcast on a local television station in Oklahoma. The program is an edited, pre-recorded version of last year's pride parade which commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.

The video will remain up on our YouTube channel if you are not able to watch the broadcast.
Congratulations
to the winners of
Pride On Your Street  
Announcing the first place winners of the 2020 Tulsa Pride On Your Street. 1st Place Winner for Pride Household: The Allen Lawrence Family! 1st Place Winner for Community Spirit Jen Sanders' 22nd Place Neighborhood! 1st Place Winner for Pride Business The Starbucks on Lynn Lane in Broken Arrow! Amazing entries, so much PRIDE all over Green County.
#TULSAPRIDEINSIDE Photos!
June 1-30th

Show us your Pride, Tulsa! We want to make sure we are documenting this historic moment in history where we came together while apart. Send a picture of you, your family (chosen family too!), your pets, or whoever you celebrate Pride with to Morgan Allen at the link below or share your picture with the hashtag #tulsaprideinside and tag Oklahomans for Equality so we can preserve our history! Tulsa PRIDE inside will go on throughout the month of June. 
CREATE, CONSTRUCT, CRAFT, WITH PRIDE YOUTH COMPETITION
JUNE 1-30th

For the first time in Tulsa Pride history, we are inviting young people ages 4-19 to bake, construct, craft, and create art to show us what Pride means to them! Children and youth are encouraged to get creative with items from around the house and work as a family to create something amazing! The competition is free to enter, and there will be prizes for winners in each age category. 

Submissions will be judged based on age group, and winners will be announced on Tuesday, June 30th.
GET YOUR PRIDE HERE!

The Pride Store is fully stocked with flags, stickers, buttons, and all sorts of other great merchandise to help you show your Pride! Support your community and shop local! We are currently offering Curb Side pickup or we can drop ship by mail for $5 allowing 10 days for shipping. Message us at the link below if you need assistance with purchasing.
Tulsa Pride Street T-Shirt are in!

We are excited to introduce our Tulsa Pride Street T-Shirt Commemorating this years Pride. We have these available in our Pride Store. Available for only 20.00. We are currently offering Curb Side pickup or we can drop ship by mail for $5 allowing 10 days for shipping.
H A P P Y   P R I D E  M O N T H ! ! !
from the Staff of the
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center!
BLACK LIVES MATTER!
Oklahomans for Equality condemns police brutality and racism in all of its forms. We call on our membership and constituents to speak out and work for justice for the countless deaths of black people at the hands of law enforcement. Once again, these accounts of murderous actions grab the headlines, and elected officials and government leaders promise to change and reform. We must hold our officials and law enforcement accountable, and we must work for justice to be served!

To see the rest of the pictures, click below to go to our website.
2020 OkEq Board Elections

Oklahomans for Equality (“OkEq”) is accepting applications for both the Board of Directors and the Board of Advisors. The Board of Directors serves as the governing body of OkEq and meets monthly to address the essential functions of the organization and the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. The Board of Advisors serves as an advisory body to the Directors at these meetings and throughout the year. In addition to monthly meetings (and meeting on an as-needed basis certain times throughout the year), the Board of Directors are required to:

  • Participate and sponsor the Equality Gala
  • Participate and volunteer at the Tulsa Pride Festival
  • Participate and attend various special events throughout the year
  • Be a Member of Oklahomans for Equality

We are looking for driven individuals motivated and committed to the mission and goals of OkEq. Please keep in mind that Directors serve a two-year term, and Advisors serve a one-year term. If you are interested in serving as either a Director or Advisor to the organization, please notify Alex Wade below. An application will be sent to you directly.
We Will Notarize Your Ballot!

We are excited to announce that we have a notary that can notarize your absentee ballot. If you would like to schedule to have your ballot notarized please contact us below:
Voter Registration Deadline

Early voting for the June 30th election will be Thursday, June 25th and Friday, June 26th from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 27th from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the following locations:

Tulsa County Election Board
555 North Denver Ave.
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103

Hardesty Regional Library
8316 E 93rd St
Tulsa, OK 74133
Reading Rainbow Book Club


Rainbow Book club welcomes everyone who would like to participate. Currently we meet for one hour, twice a month virtually via Zoom. The only thing we we ask is that you are kind and respectful and keep the discussion related to the book. We will discuss and answer critical questions about the current book we reading.

 This month we are continuing Emma by Jane Austen. The next two dates and chapters that will be discussed are below. The zoom link will be provided once you have reached out. For any questions or concerns please email Donovid at the link below.

June 11th at 3pm
(Chapters 11–20)

June 25th at 3pm
(Chapters 21-30)
Last year, the U.S. Supreme Court heard three cases that could either take away existing LGBTQ+ employment protections, or affirm that existing federal law does protect LGBTQ+ people. 

So we’re inviting you to join us on #DecisionDay** for both our Virtual National Rally, followed by our Virtual Town Hall. More information to follow.
IndigiQueer 
Friday June 12, at 5:00 p.m.

IndigiQueer will meet via Zoom on June 12th at 5 pm. Hosted by Christian Fencer and Kao Morris. This is a space exclusively for queer-identifying indigenous people, two-spirit people, and LGBTQ+ Native Americans. The groups goal is to create a space for indigenous queer persons to come together, celebrate, communicate, and create friendships. Christian is a member of NOISE (Northeast Oklahoma Indigenous Safety & Education) and Kao is on staff here at OKEQ.

Email Kao Morris below for link information.
Queer the Census 2020

Every individual not counted costs our local communities $1,700 annually through federal programs. Please tell everyone you know to respond to the census questionnaire. To learn more about the census, what will be asked, and why it is important to be counted, click the link below. 
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





Eric Creason
November 8, 1973 - May 20, 2020
Lost to Covid-19






John Sawyer

March 21, - May 10, 2020
Services to be announced
Our SAGE Tulsa members are one of the most at-risk age groups during this pandemic. Oklahomans for Equality has been working to get necessary supplies to our Sage Members. We want to thank Penny Fruth who made masks for those living with HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ older adults. If you are 50 or older and would like to be a part of our SAGE Tulsa program or would like to help, please contact us today.

SAGE Group Call
Daily Monday - Friday at 2:00 p.m.

Monday - Friday at 2:00 p.m. our SAGE elders (those over 60) are invited to participate in virtual programming by calling in to the SAGE Group Call.

To join, call (918) 398-8780 and enter the access code, 60#
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.
Love playing Animal Crossing on your Switch, DS, or iPhone? Want to play with other LGBTQIA+ Oklahomans from the safety of your home? OKEQ has a virtual gaming Facebook group! To join, please comment or message our page and you will be added to our private group.

See you on the island!

Even though the Equality Center is closed, our clinic is still open to provide the healthcare services our community needs. Right now, our clinic is taking patients for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and PrEP.

If you are interested in starting or continuing care, please contact the OKEQ Health Clinic. You can call 918-938-6537 or email clinic@okeq.org for more information. If you want to make an appointment, follow the link below.
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.
Gender Support Group Virtual Programming
Monday-Friday, 6:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

This is our Gender Support Outreach group now Virtual and Daily! The program exists to provide support, encouragement, education and social opportunities for all transgender and intersex individuals. The group will meet virtually via tele conference style. You will be able to access via Video, Chat, and/or telephone. A first time interview is required before attending your first meeting.

Please call 918-743-4297 or email Krissy Dudley with the link below for more information or to schedule an interview and for an invite to the online group .
Trans Men's Virtual Social Group
Saturday, 3:00 p.m.
Join us every Saturday at 3:00 p.m. to discuss issues related to transitioning as a trans man or transmasculine person.

Alex Wade, our Medical Services Coordinator, will be facilitating this support group.

If you would like to join this online group, please email Alex at alex.wade@okeq.org or call 918-938-6537.
McAlester police and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation are continuing to investigate the shooting. No arrests have been made. Anyone with information related to the investigation can contact the OSBI Tip Line at 1-800-522-8017 or can call McAlester police at 918-423-1212. You can remain anonymous.

The Transgender Flag continues to fly at half staff in memory of Dustin Parker. Dustin was a founding member of the Oklahomans for Equality McAlester chapter SeEq. Dustin was senselessly killed on New Years Day, and at this time, the murderer is still at large. We honor his memory to the LGBTQIA+ movement in Oklahoma. #justicefordustin
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 the West
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 

Counseling Services: Please contact the counselor directly to schedule a virtual appointment.
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. 
Sara Griffey
S ara Griffey is an LPC candidate under supervision. Sara specializes in LGBT+ and non-traditional relationships (i.e. kink, polyamory, etc.). She has experience working with homeless youth and individuals struggling with anxiety & trauma.
She previously worked with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.
She is passionate about advocacy and public policy in order to ensure that proper treatment is available for any individual seeking services.

COVID-19 Canceled:
Regularly Scheduled 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.
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.
Fitness Class at OkEq
Tuesdays
7:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Christopher Gomez's Workout program is designed with science to help individuals meet their fitness goals in a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment.
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!
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.
Partners of Trans*/Non-Binary Individuals Support Group
The program is providing support, education and social opportunities for partners of transgender and non-binary individuals. Ages 18+. A first time interview is required before attending your first meeting. Please contact Amanda at 918-902-4625.
Every 2nd Monday
Join us for our monthly Heart Circle at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. We meet on the second Sunday of every month. All queer men are welcome to the circle (gay, bisexual, transgender, asexual and queer).
OkEq Board Meeting
Monthly Meeting 
Thursday, June 11, 6:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.
All Oklahomans for Equality board meetings are open to all OkEq members.
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!
It's Complicated
1st & 3rd Monday
of each month
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

"It's Complicated" is an ongoing group for individuals in nontraditional relationships (kink, polyamory, swinging, etc.) This group meets every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 6:30-8pm at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Each session will have a new topic. For topic information, please like Unity Tulsa’s Facebook page at facebook/UnityTulsa or check the OkEq event calendar at okeq/events . 
SOS Group
Mondays 7:00 p.m 

This open Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS) Recovery and Sobriety Group meets every Monday at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. For more information, visit  www.SOSTulsa.org
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
SAGE Tulsa 
Every Tuesday
10:00 am to 1:00 pm

"drop in for coffee" 
Facilitated by
John Madigan
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.
Brought to You Bi 
the Letter B 
2nd & 4th Monday
of each month 
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
 
Bisexual support group at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Tell all your friends. The group is open to all bi/pan/queer/fluid+ folks and their allies. Facilitators
Daniel & Haley
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 
  Intimate Partner Violence & Sexual Assault Survivor Support Group
2nd & 4th Thursday of each month
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

This support and educational group is for individuals who have survived domestic violence and are ready to explore their personal healing process and find hope and to discuss their experiences, share ideas, and provide emotional support for one another. 

Children/Siblings of Trans*/Non-Binary Individuals Support Group
This program is for youth ages 8-18 that have trans* parents or siblings. This group will provide support, education and social opportunities for those living with trans* family members. Attendees must have approval from the facilitator to participate. Please contact Amanda at 918-902-4625.
Survivors of Conversion Therapy T.E.A (Therapy Experienced Anew)
Every Monday at 7:00 p.m.
Over 113,000 LGBTQIA+ individuals have been subjected to Conversion Therapy. T.E.A is a new group that will utilize several different activities to help you take your narrative back and find peer support along the way. Come, sit, and spill the tea with us on this journey to the most authentic you.

Call, text, or email Jess Branston at 918-924-5624 jess@anchoredbhc.com
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!
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

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
 
Check  www.okeq.org  for testing dates.
OkEq Staff
Jose Vega
Deputy Director
Morgan Allen
Center Coordinator
Tracy Allen
Library
Alex Wade
Medical Services Coordinator
Kao Morris 
Facilities Manager
Krissy Dudley
Administrative Manager
‌
Lily Piña
Nurse Practitioner
Donovid Sekulits
Special Projects
Toby Jenkins
CEO/Executive Director
OkEq Board and Trustees
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 

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


Oklahomans for Equality
Reduced Hours:  Please Call before you visit 
621 E. 4th St. 
Tulsa, OK 74120