OkEq Weekly eNews November 22nd, 2021

Not everyone is vocal; however, you can Access Your Voice through writing, painting, and drawing to get your voice heard. Unfortunately, the stigma is still strong surrounding HIV/AIDS, preventing people from seeking accessible testing and treatment, though access to treatment can also be hard depending on where you're located.

"Art has always been a central part of my being. When I was diagnosed with HIV, making my art became a great way to express how I felt about it." -HIV+ artist, Anonymous. Positive since 2008.

"Art is so healing for me! Making art is necessary to cope and deal with day-to-day stresses. Add in HIV and AIDS on top of that, and life becomes very challenging. Art helps me keep my sanity and balance in life." -HIV+ artist, local resident, Positive since 1993.

"It's simply the fact that there are usually large organized walks, gatherings, and ceremonies for World AIDS Day, however with this pandemic going on worldwide, no one wants to risk the health and wellbeing of so many that already have an underlying health issue. So we thought this would be a great way to allow safe participation of all those wanting their voices heard in one place on this special day, just in a different way, with art." Paul McClure.

The exhibit opens on Tuesday, December 1st, WORLD AIDS DAY. Hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday throughout the month. Art will be available for purchase, and 100% of the proceeds will benefit the local nonprofit A GRATEFUL DAY FOUNDATION, INC., a valuable local service for people living with HIV. You can take a virtual tour of the exhibit on the Oklahomans for Equality Facebook page and Youtube channel.

The show opens at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center located at 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa OK 74120 on Thursday, with COVID measures for those not vaccinated.

For more information, please visit www.gratefulday.org or www.okeq.org.

In honor of World AIDS Day, Echo Theatre Company is proud to present Lee Blessing’s PATIENT A, an exploration of the experience of Kimberly Bergalis, whose case marked the first known instance of HIV transmission from a healthcare worker to a patient. Issues of testing, discrimination, and personal responsibility are examined against the larger backdrop of the AIDS epidemic in America.

Commissioned by the Bergalis family to explore daughter Kimberly’s case of contracting the AIDS virus, the playwright (Blessing) becomes part of the story as an essential observer. Kim’s encounters with Lee reflect their relationship in real life as well as the “playwright” and “character” in the play. A third character, Matthew, represents a composite of the thousands of gay men who have suffered in the AIDS epidemic. As the play recounts Kim’s case, spotlighting the media and political circuses surrounding it, we see all three characters struggle with the debate and with their innermost feelings about themselves and each other.

The play is directed by Machele Miller Dill, director of Musical Theatre at Tulsa University. Machele also serves on the advisory board for OkEq’s Lynn Riggs Theatre.

SAGE Tulsa in-person meetings have resumed.

We have added another day to our testing schedule! We will now be able to offer H.I.V. testing every Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

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:

Fair Housing Legal Aid Weekly Assistance

Every Monday and Wednesday 12:00 p.m - 4:00 p.m.

Fair Housing presentation and Bingo with Legal Aid's Elissa Furlong. There will be Pizza and Prizes available for those in attendance.

Join us Sunday and Monday for some guided meditation. Every Monday, we will set our goals, and on Sunday, we will reflect on the week. We will go over daily affirmations and how to live with intention.

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.

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.

Come out and enjoy Awkward Monologue with OKEQ and Blackjack Rewrite Company for an evening of laughs and awkwardness. Click below for tickets.

Oklahomans for Equality is devastated to hear of the report that Sheena Grewal, a valued member of our LGBTQ+ community, died on October 26, 2021.  Sheena was a former President of the board of directors of OkEq and a longtime advocate, not only for the LGBTQ+ community but for social justice for all people. We mourn this tragic loss of a life taken much too quickly. Sheena leaves behind a loving family, treasured friends, and a community that will miss her deeply. Please keep Sheena's family, friends, and loved ones in your hearts and spirit, during this time of sadness. 

For more information, please visit www.okeq.org

Council Oak Men's Chorale will be performing on December 7th, 9th & 10th. It is called" Behold, a Star!" Tickets are for sale on the website www.counciloak.org. Go to "Tickets and Donations," show events, then Register on one of the three days. Seating is limited to 75 a night to meet Covid safety issues, and all audience members must wear a mask during the concert. So please don't wait to buy tickets.

Tuesday, December 14, 5:30 p.m. 

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 julie.goree@laok.org. Office phone is (918) 295-9429.

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

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

To make an appointment visit TulsaResponds.org/medicaid, call 918-900-0918, or email (medicaid@tulsaresponds.org) and look for us at the Trans Resource Fair on November 13th.

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.

For those interested in learning more about working at the City, visit www.cityoftulsa.org/jobs.  

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.

Please contact our OKEQ Mental Health services at 918-938-6537 opt 2. or click the button below to schedule.

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 and 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.

Jessica Landis-Rase

Katie Zink