OkEq Weekly eNews November 13th, 2019
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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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Transgender Awareness Week
November 12 - 19
Transgender Awareness Week aims to raise visibility of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals as well as raise awareness for the issues the community faces. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is raising the transgender flag for Transgender Awareness Week.
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Transgender Day of Remembrance - TDoR
Wednesday, November 20, 7:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
The Transgender Day of Remembrance is a yearly event on November 20th to remember those we have lost due to anti-transgender violence. Join Oklahomans for Equality in
memorializing as well as
celebrating those who have passed on in 2019.
Art by Trans Individuals will be on display. Light hor-dourves and non-alcoholic beverages will be available.
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Thursday, November 21, 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Third Thursdays in the Rainbow Room presents “A Night with Cole Porter” featuring Tulsa’s own the Zuits. This one night only performance will take the audience on a magical journey of Cole Porter’s music from “Anything Goes” to the all-time hit “De-Lovely”, with stops along the way at “In the Still of the Night”, “Love for Sale” and much, much more. Come dressed for an evening straight out of the old speakeasy days. The music is sometimes sophisticated and sometimes campy, but always entertaining and sure to thrill the audience.
The fantastic Zuits are an 8-piece swing band, made up of some of the most talented musicians in the Tulsa Metro, including Brent Baldwin on tenor and baritone sax, Brandon Chambers on Alto Sax, Joe Metzer on trumpet, Doug Styers on trombone and vocals, Chuck Fluker on guitar, Andrew Ralston on upright bass, Chris Wylie on drums, and Mark Lee on grand piano. And, wherever the Zuits perform surprise vocalist always seem to appear.
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In Memoriam:
Chuck Courtney
"In This Family, No One Fights Alone."
Oklahomans for Equality is deeply saddened by the loss of Chuck Courtney. Chuck was invaluable to the HIV/AIDS activist community, serving as President of the Grateful Day Foundation, forming HIV/AIDS support groups, organizing the HIV/AIds Annual Retreat, working tirelessly to track down the 10 panels of the original AIDS Quilts for the Names Project, and creating a film about the HIV/AIDS crisis in Oklahoma called "The Secret House." Chuck loved his community and put endless energy into his projects with great success. He was kind, supportive, and always ready to laugh. We are grateful for his work, and we will miss him every day. The world has lost an incredible activist. Oklahomans for Equality will always remember Chuck Courtney.
"
Memorial Services
is at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 23rd at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.
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Share the Warmth!
We are now accepting donations of blankets, coats, socks, scarves, hats, and gloves. As a warming station, we see a high number of people who are experiencing homelessness, and these items are a necessity as the temperature drops.
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OkEq Fairy Tree
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
The Fairy Tree is back at
Oklahomans for Equality
to support
Tulsa Cares
and someone whose life is affected by HIV/AIDS. Come by, pick up a card and fulfill someone's holiday wish. Gifts must be returned by December 6th.
For more information, contact Alex Wade below.
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Marketplace Enrollment
Review and Enroll Before Time Runs Out!
LGBTQ+ people are more likely to be uninsured than non-LGBTQ+ people. Open enrollment for 2020 coverage begins November 1st and goes through December 15th. We will be hosting an enrollment event where people can meet with a marketplace navigator to help them find the best insurance option available to them. This event is free and no appointment is required.
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LEAD Together Class 2 LGBTQ+ Leadership Program
Wednesday, November 20, 7:00 p.m
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Created in partnership with Oklahomans for Equality and Leadership Tulsa, LEAD Together LGBTQ+ Leadership Program Class 2 is now accepting applications! LEAD together is the only program in Oklahoma addressing LGBTQ leadership development.
The six-month program includes an orientation, 8 day-long sessions, volunteer work for Tulsa Pride and networking opportunities. Applications are due by 5 p.m. November 15th, 2019. They can be found by clicking below.
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Come Home for Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 28, 12:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
OkEq invites you to join us on Thanksgiving Day for a FREE community meal at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.
Local affirming and inclusive congregations and OkEq provide a wonderful meal every year. The meal will be served at 12:00 p.m. Please arrive by 12:00 p.m.
Lunch will be provided by:
Labrena Shamsi, Aliye Shimi
Please confirm your attendance by clicking below.
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Worlds AIDS Day Walk
Sunday, December 1, 2:00 p.m.
Centennial Park
1028 E. 6th St. S
Tulsa, OK 74120
Held every December 1st, World AIDS Day is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show support for people living with HIV, and commemorate those who have passed. The Evergreen Health Coalition along with Tulsa CARES are proud hosts of this community-wide event to be held at Centennial Park. Free and open to the public, the event is family-friendly and pet-friendly, so bundle up and join us as we raise awareness and stand together as a community.
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Worlds AIDS Day Commemorative Service
Sunday, December 1, 5:00 p.m.
Fellowship Congregational UCC
2009 S. Harvard Ave
Tulsa, OK 74114
This years theme is, "Saving lives Through Leadership and Partnerships"
We are working on a few community wide events, for this year.
Please stay tuned, we will be posting more as it develops.
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Council Oak Men's Chorale Presents:
Have a Cool Yule
Tuesday, December 3, 5, 6 8:00 p.m.
Fellowship Congregational UCC
2900 S. Harvard Ave
Tulsa, OK 74114
What's the perfect way to hear sophisticated, fun, and jazzy stylings of some of your favorite holiday tunes? With Council Oak Men’s Chorale at their concert,
Have a Cool Yule
. “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “African Noel,” “Mary Had a Baby,” and of course “Cool Yule” are only a few of the songs sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Join us this holiday season and have a Yule that’s cool!.
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First Thursday Art Opening: Featuring the work of Tami Smith
Thursday, December 5, 6:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
The December Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) showcase and exhibit of local artists at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center (621 E. 2nd Street in Downtown Tulsa) will feature the works of April Howard, beginning with a reception on Thursday, December 5th from 6-9pm and continuing throughout the month.
I was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma and my work is inspired by my love of all things OKIE.
In my artwork, I spotlight the beauty that is found in Oklahoma, whether that is Mother Nature in all her glory, or the amazing wealth of talent and creativity found in it's citizens, such as Leon Russel, Woody Guthrie, Vince Gill, and Merle Haggard. I am extremely proud of my home, from the red dirt beneath my toes to the Tulsa Sound tradition. My artwork is a celebration of the powerful spirit and energy of Oklahoma!
The show begins with a reception on Thursday, December 5th from 6-9pm where there will be a door prize drawn of the artist’s work. The show continues throughout the month.
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Fresh Start Program: Trans-formative self care!
Thursday, December 5, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
The brain child of Victoria James and co-sponsored by Clary Sage College, Dennis R Neill Equality Center, Unity Tulsa, and Dynamite Conventions.
The Fresh Start Program is designed give a hand-up to those who are going esperiencing major life-changes through teaching self-care.No matter what is happening in your life … gender transition, divorce, or even just a much-needed change … The Fresh Start Program provides a judgement free and life-affirming environment so that you can build the best version of yourself through self-care and style. So, stop hating your mirror and stop waiting on the Fab Five to swoop in to make your life better. Join us for our free monthly classes, take control and give yourself the skills to stride into the future with confidence.
Barbering and Facial Hair Care
We will have one of our barber instructors give a presentation on hair styles, how to care for facial hair, and choosing the best style for the shape of your face . Students and instructors will then sit and talk with attendees individually about what may work best for them. The first 20 Attendees will receive a free gift and samples (or for as long as supplies last).
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14th Annual Falala Ball
Thursday, December 21, 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Join us for this year's 1th Annual Fa La La Ball. Don your "gay" apparel (or comfortable clothing for you) and bring your friends to celebrate the holidays with great dance music from DJ Alex, savory hors-d'oeuvres and a cash bar.
Admission is any of the following:
Canned goods and toiletries for St. Jerome Parish Pantry
Canned goods for Diversity Christian Food Pantry
Pet Food for A Friend for a Friend
Children's Toys for Women in Recovery.
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Advertise With Us!
Have you considered advertising in our digital weekly newsletter? Did you know we connect with thousands in the community? We are currently offering spots to advertise your business or organization in our newsletter.
$25.00 a week at the Top of the Newsletter
$15.00 a week at the Middle of the Newsletter
$10.00 a week at the Bottom of the Newsletter
All advertisements must come with a High Resolution Graphic, a fully written out copy of what you would like to offer readers, and how many weeks you would like for the ad to run.
Contact us below for more details and to get started!
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The OKEQ History Project Needs your Help
Our History Project team has been working on archiving footage, artifacts, and newspaper clippings from 1980 to the present day. We have pieces of Oklahoma LGBTQ+ history that span forty years, but we need your help! Do you have old newspapers at your house that mention OKEQ? Do you have Pride shirts from 1999? Videos from past galas?
Consider donating or loaning them to our history project so we can digitize and make our archive searchable to the public!
Bring any and all artifacts to the center! We are open 7 days a week from 9am-9pm!
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AIDS Quilt Narratives Wanted
The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center and Jeremy Stevens, program director of the Orbit Initiative for the Tulsa PAC, are asking anyone who knew and/or loved someone who died of AIDS to record their narratives for archival and future use. This project is for anyone affected by the AIDS crisis whose stories are connected to Tulsa. All of these stories deserve to be told.
Those who are interested in having a story recorded are asked to contact Stevens at the Tulsa PAC at (918) 596-7119 or
[email protected]
or Oklahomans for Equality Program Director Jose Vega at (918) 743-4297 or
[email protected]
.
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LGBTQ+ Gathering & Transgender Day of Remembrance
Dinner
Wednesday, November 20,
5:30 p.m.
All Souls
2952 S Peoria Ave, Tulsa, OK 74114
Our LGBTQ+ community is invited to gather for Wednesday Connections Dinner at All Souls. We will car pool or meet at OKEQ for the
Transgender Day of Remembrance Service. Click below for additional event details.
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The Tulsa Little Pajama Jammy Jam Gala!
Friday, December 6, 6:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Join us for Tulsa Little Jam's first official fundraising Gala! And this isn't your typical fundraiser. It's the Tulsa Little Pajama Jammy Jam! That means we want you to come in your PAJAMAS! The goofier, the better!
There will be a silent auction throughout the evening of amazing local arts and crafts and other items, amazing food by
Joel Bein
and
Rub
, drinks of all kinds, and, of course, live music throughout night. It's Tulsa Little Jam, after all!
This is an ALL AGES event! So bring the family and get ready to have an amazing time! A percentage of all we raise will go to school music programs in Tulsa!
See you December 6th!
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The Gender Diversity Health and
Social Experiences Survey (GHSE)
Do you identify as transgender or any gender that is different from the sex you were assigned at birth? If so, we encourage you to participate in The Gender Diversity Health and Social Experiences Survey! This research will help support our understanding of the social,
institutional, and healthcare needs of trans and gender nonbinary people.
Participants will have the opportunity to vote for a trans-related non-profit organization. $300.00 will be donated to each of the two organizations with the most votes. We will not collect any identifying information from you.
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NextUp
907 S. Detroit Ave., Suite 210
Tulsa, OK 74120
(918) 442-2900
NextUp is a Tulsa-area initiative to support 18-to 24-year olds in determining, "What’s your next?" That can mean getting your GED, enrolling in technical training, or finding a job. NextUp wants to help you forge your own path and achieve your goals. With our program, you will have access to free technical training and job placement assistance, as well as a variety of individual skill-building workshops, college advancement, career coaching, and other steps to better their lives. and . Whatever your goal is, NextUp is here to help and support you.
Text "NextUp" to 31996 for more information.
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Joe and Nancy McDonald Library
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Find this selection and more by visiting the Nancy and Joe McDonald Rainbow Library.
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"
When Harry Became Sally
provides thoughtful answers to questions arising from our transgender moment. Drawing on the best insights from biology, psychology, and philosophy, Ryan Anderson offers a nuanced view of human embodiment, a balanced approach to public policy on gender identity, and a sober assessment of the human costs of getting human nature wrong.
This book exposes the contrast between the media’s sunny depiction of gender fluidity and the often sad reality of living with gender dysphoria. It gives a voice to people who tried to “transition” by changing their bodies, and found themselves no better off. Especially troubling are the stories told by adults who were encouraged to transition as children but later regretted subjecting themselves to those drastic procedures.
As Anderson shows, the most beneficial therapies focus on helping people accept themselves and live in harmony with their bodies. This understanding is vital for parents with children in schools where counselors may steer a child toward transitioning behind their backs."
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New in the OkEq Pride Store:
Transgender Scarves, Hats, Flags, stickers and more! Show your support this upcoming
Transgender Awareness Week November 12-19th.
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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.
You can make an appointment with Allison by calling 918-280-9645.
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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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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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Coming Out Workshop
1st and 3rd Monday of every month
6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Are you planning to come out? Maybe you have just recently come out?
Join us for a coming out discussion group meeting
Meeting the History Project Room
Free to participate, this course is designed for individuals coming to terms with their sexuality with presentations on how to come out to family, friends, and coworkers. Question and answer session in a supportive and informed environment.
It is a safe space to share experiences about coming out and discuss topics as it relates to doing so. By sharing struggles and victories the group allows those newly coming out and who have been out for a while to learn from others. All are welcome to join in the discussion whether Lesbian, Gay, Bi, or Trans.
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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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SAGE Tulsa
Every Tuesday
10:00 am to 1:00 pm
"drop in for coffee"
Facilitated by
John Madigan
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OkEq Board Meeting
Monthly Meeting
Thursday, November 14, 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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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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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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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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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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Game Night
Saturdays
7:00 - 9:00 pm
Join old friends and make new friends as you play some great board and card games at the Center!
All are welcome!
Facilitated by
Saturday Volunteers Richard Haley and
Teresa Reno
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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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Tracy Allen
Special Projects/Library
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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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Executive Committee
Chris Brecht-Smith
- President
Will Vaughn - Secretary
Paul Allen - Treasurer
Darci Hazelwood, D.O. - Member at Large
Trustees
Shawna Baker, Esq.
Dan Burnstein
Kirk Holt
David Nelson
Kris Wilmes
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Board of Directors
Laura Arrosmith, D.O.
Angelyn L. Dale
Allison Ikley-Freeman
Bob Hanson
Jeremy Stevens
Corey Thompson
Al Triggs
Stacy Turner
Robin VanMeter
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Oklahomans for Equality
Hours:
Mon - Sat 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. | Sun 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.
621 E. 4th St., Tulsa, OK 74120
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