OkEq Weekly eNews May 18th, 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!
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
Tuesday May 19 at 5:00 p.m.

Join Freedom Oklahoma and Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) for a discussion on how LGBTQ+ community centers have been adjusting to COVID-19.

Register by clicking the link below:
#TULSAPRIDEINSIDE Photos!

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!), and whoever you celebrate Pride with to morgan.allen@okeq.org or share your picture online with the hashtag #tulsaprideinside and tag Oklahomans for Equality so we can preserve our history!

The Pride Store at the Dennis R. Neil Equality Center is fully stocked with flags, stickers, buttons, and all sorts of other great merchandise to help with your decorating needs. Message us at the link below if you need assistance with purchasing. We are currently offering Curb Side pickup or we can drop ship by mail for an additional $5.
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.
John Sawyer

March 21, - May 10, 2020
Services to be announced
February 11, 1999 - March 26, 2020
Services to be announced
Obituary is In the link below:
Samuel Martin
March 23, 1987 - April 23, 2020
Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at:
The Diversity Center.
Stephen Littlecrow October 6, 1977 - April 20, 2020
Services are In the link below:
Wear Orange 2020


Join us as we put on our best orange and run, walk or roll to raise awareness and recognize individuals and communities impacted by gun violence, elevate stories and successes in working to reduce gun violence in Minnesota and renew our dedication and commitment to the cause! Learn about our Twin Cities Wear Orange Mural project and how you can support and get involved, and check in with Wear Orange efforts across the state! RSVP to be added to our virtual event where will share stories, miles, and hear from people and groups around Minnesota working to prevent gun violence every day!
RSVP via link below.
IndigiQueer 
Friday June 12, at 5:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120

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 at kao.morris@okeq.org for link information.
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.
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 Contact Us Below:
Voter Registration Deadline

June 5 is the last day to apply for  Voter Registration  for the June 30 election.

Early voting for the June 30 election will be Thursday, June 25 and Friday, June 26 from 8 am - 6 pm and Saturday, June 27 from 9 am- 2 pm. 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
Move Down
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. 
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#
Reading Rainbow Book Club


Oklahomans for Equality invites you to join our virtual book club, Reading Rainbow Book Club, hosted by Donovid Sekulits. We will be reading books in the public domain, which means they can be accessed online for free. 

For our first book, we have selected Emma by Jane Austen.
Emma is a literary classic that we hope you enjoy. We plan to cover five chapters of Emma every Thursday for 60 - 90 minutes.

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.
Need a hand, or know someone in need? Click Below to visit our page at www.OKEQ.org to view available local and national resources. Please let us know if you are aware of additional resources that we may share.
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. This Saturday, May 9th, at 3:00 p.m. to discuss testosterone and what to expect from this aspect of medical transition.

Alex Wade, our Medical Services Coordinator, will be facilitating this discussion. Alex has been on testosterone for five years, so he has first-hand experience on this topic.

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
November 2020 is around the corner, and we are teaming up with  Tulsa's Young Professionals  and 918 VOTE to make sure that everyone is registered and ready to VOTE!
WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR COMMUNITY? JOIN 918 Vote and TYPROS as we gear up into the 2020 election year with our voter engagement campaign!
If you want to join a committee, please click the link provided below. Let your voice be heard! Every vote counts! Join us and make a positive impact in 2020!
Counseling Services: Please contact the counselor directly to schedule a virtual appointment.
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. 
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, April 9, 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.
Workforce OK
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.
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
Toby Jenkins
CEO/Executive Director
Donovid Sekulits
Special Projects

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