OkEq Weekly eNews March 25th, 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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Queer the Census 2020
The Census starts this year on April 1st! 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.
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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.
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Lynn Riggs Theatre Virtual Concerts: Patt Hobbs
Join us once a week for virtual concerts in the fabulous Lynn Riggs Theatre. This weeks video is below.
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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
The access code is 60#
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Coming Soon: At Home Fitness with Jake Landry
Working out, getting, and staying fit is hardwork. Lets help each other. Jake has been working on his fitness to help us keep ours. Join us each week for techniques to keep us healthy.
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Daily Facebook Live
Things are changing daily in Tulsa and in Oklahoma. At OKEQ, we are working tirelessly to make sure that our essential services remain available for our constituents.
Right now, the center remains open for limited drop in services and our medical clinic and help line remain open. We continue to check temperatures of all who enter the building and we consider safety our highest priority.
However, it has been difficult to not have our regular programming for the past week and we have received many questions about what we can do to help mitigate the struggles of isolation.
We will be doing Facebook live to update everyone on what is going on at the center and answer any questions you may have about LGBTQIA+ issues in our area. Join Oklahomans for Equality Facebook page and participate with us!
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Hunger Free Oklahoma
Hunger Free Oklahoma is coordinating a one-stop information hub for COVID-19 food resources and announcements in Oklahoma. Please see how you can plug into this valuable resource.
Meals4KidsOK.org
, the Oklahoma summer meal location website, is being equipped to display key serving information for students that are affected by COVID-19 school closures. Visitors will be able to input their zip code and will be directed to the closest open meal site where children ages 1 – 18 years can receive a meal.
Thank you for all you are doing to help Oklahomans weather this crisis.
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Take some time out of your hectic day to enjoy a story from your Gay Uncle Toby.
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Are you a person with an LGBT or related identity who has ever served in the US Armed Forces?
We invite you to participate in a study focusing on your health behaviors and life experiences as a Veteran with a LGBT or related identity.
The goal of the Health for Every Veteran study is to better understand the experiences of Veterans from all backgrounds and promote their health and well-being, including those with LGBT or related identities. We are especially interested in hearing the diverse voices within our communities.
The study is being conducted by researchers at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System. It consists of completing a confidential, web-based questionnaire every 9 months for approximately 2 years (for a total of 4 questionnaires). All research activities are completed online, with no in-person visits required. For more information please click below.
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Tulsa Metro Softball League
The Spring Season of 2020 is upon us. All skill levels welcome to participate in the Tulsa Metro Softball League. On March 22 at 11:00 a.m. they will have a "Come Out and Shake the Dust Off Day."This day will be a chance to meet new and old players, take some batting practice, and maybe scrimmage a little. They will also use the opportunity to connect players with teams as well. Sign ups are now open on the link below as well as the dates of play and registration.
Tulsa Metro Softball League (TMSL) is an amateur softball league for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Community and our allies of the Tulsa Metro Area. TMSL is an official program of Oklahomans for Equality and a founding member of the Equality Sports Alliance of Tulsa.
TMSL is a member league of the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance which allows us to send teams to represent Tulsa at the annual Gay Softball World Series.
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OKEQ Board Response to COVID-19
To our family, friends, community, clients, and supporters,
OkEq strives to be continually mindful of the healthcare crisis sweeping our city, state, country, and beyond. While we have no desire to cancel any services that benefit our community: your health, safety, and wellness is our primary concern.
With this in mind, the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors has unanimously agreed that it is in the best interests of the community we serve to cancel or postpone the following events:
- TDOV Trans Health Fair, scheduled 3/29 - Postponed
- Pride Bingo, scheduled 4/4 - Postponed
- 40th Anniversary Equality Gala scheduled for 4/18 - Postponed
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. Nothing will break our focus or dampen our commitment to this mission. As we all go through this time of uncertainty, we encourage everybody to exercise the best personal healthcare practices and always know that OkEq is, and always will be, here for you all. Be safe. Be careful. Stay strong.
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Chris Brecht-Smith, Board President
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Art Call for MOREColor 2020
Submission Deadline: May 1st
Oklahomans for Equality is pleased to announce our call for entries to the 2019 MOREcolor regional juried exhibitions and sale of fine art. Long a tradition to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride through the arts, MOREcolor strives to be artist-friendly and encourage innovative work. The exhibition will be held at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
As always, artists receive 70% of their sales. Cash prizes will be awarded. There is a single entry fee of $15 for up to five entries.
To Enter:
Go to
https://morecolor2020.artcall.org/
for online submission of entries. All entries must be made online. Each artist may submit up to 5 original works, which have been created in the last 3 years and have never been shown at any OkEq event.
Proposals for performance and installation works should be addressed to Jose Vega at
[email protected]
, or call for information 918-813-8993.
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7th Annual Rainbow Run Fun Run and 5k
Friday, June 5, at 8:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
The Rainbow Run, held on June 5th, is just one of the events on Tulsa Pride Weekend. The Rainbow Run proceeds benefit Tulsa Pride and the Oklahomans for Equality. There will be a 5k as well as a 1 mile fun run. Strollers, mobility aides, and dogs are all welcome on the course that runs through downtown Tulsa. Children are welcome to participate in the fun run and in the 5k as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
All finishers of both races will receive a shirt and a medal.
Signing up before May 1st saves you $10 compared to race day registration! Get your spot today!
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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.
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
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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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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.
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COVID-19 Canceled:
Regularly Scheduled 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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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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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.
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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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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. Please contact Amanda at 918-902-4625.
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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).
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OkEq Board Meeting
Monthly Meeting
Thursday, April 9, 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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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
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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
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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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SAGE Tulsa
Every Tuesday
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
"drop in for coffee"
Facilitated by
John Madigan
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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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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
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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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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.
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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 Amanda at 918-902-4625.
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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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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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Workforce Oklahoma
Access Point
Open every day
Workforce Oklahoma maintains a resource area at the Equality Center that includes computers, a printer and fax machine, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to register with
Oklahoma JobLink.
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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
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Morgan Allen
Center Coordinator
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Alex Wade
Medical Services Coordinator
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Kao Morris
Facilities Manager
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Krissy Dudley
Administrative Manager
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Toby Jenkins
CEO/Executive Director
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Donovid Sekulits
Special Projects
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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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