OkEq Weekly eNews August 19th, 2019

We Are Proud of the City of Tulsa for Making this Stand for Equality!

On the 20th anniversary of the creation of the transgender flag, Oklahomans for Equality applauds Mayor GT Bynum and Tulsa’s City Councilors for their commitment to the protection of transgender people in the city of Tulsa. On Monday, August 19th, 2019, Mayor GT Bynum signed an executive order, adding gender identity and expression to the City of Tulsa’s employee non-discrimination policy. This is a monumental moment for this city, and according to Mayor Bynum, “Tulsa aims to be a globally-competitive, world-class place of employment...and committed to being a leader in areas of equity, diversity, and inclusion, essential to recruiting, developing, and retaining a competent and committed workforce. ” Oklahomans for Equality is thankful for the support of our Mayor and City Councilors on this important issue. We will continue the work to ensure protections for LGBTQ+ Tulsans and our community across the state.

Dr. Laura Arrowsmith, Board of Directors at OkEq: “The Trump Administration is trying to say it is acceptable to fire people for being transgender. It is fantastic and encouraging that Mayor Bynum is insightful and brave enough to do the right thing by issuing this proclamation.” 

Krissy Dudley, Administrative Manager at OkEq: “I truly hope that this sets a precedent for our employers in the Tulsa area to do the same. Trans people work just as hard as other employees and deserve these equal protections. Just like everyone else, we want to live productive lives and provide for our families.” 

Nancy McDonald, PFLAG Tulsa: “ PFLAG Tulsa applauds the Tulsa City Council and Mayor GT Bynum of Tulsa in continuing to include all of our citizens as we work towards a more integrated community.”

Alex Wade, Medical Services Coordinator at OkEq: “My heart has been heavy with each passing announcement from our current presidential administration. With the recent call for the supreme court to permit discrimination of transgender employees, Mayor Bynum’s choice to stand with the transgender community is a brave step forward for equality.”

EBA Mixer

Wednesday, August 21, 6:00 p.m.

OsteoStrong Tulsa

5940 S. Lewis Ave.

Tulsa, OK 74105

OsteoStrong Tulsa will be hosting the Equality Business Alliance Mixer for August.

"OsteoStrong is a unique place where you can go to improve your overall health by focusing on the one thing we all have in common: a skeletal system."

Our promise to you at OsteoStrong Tulsa:

For your visit with us to be the best part of your day! We are passionate about this science. We are committed to lifelong learning and sharing that knowledge. We are invested in helping our clients excel.

OsteoStrong is a unique place where you can go to improve your overall health by focusing on the one thing we all have in common: a skeletal system."

Voting begins for the 2019-2020 Board of Directors 

Saturday, August 31, 6:00 p.m. - September 7, 5:00 p.m.

Dennis R. Neill Equality Center

621 E. 4th St., Pride Street

Tulsa, OK 74120

OKEQ VOTING MEMBERS CAN VOTE for your favorite candidates for the board of directors of Oklahomans for Equality. You can vote online or in person at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. VOTING MEMBERS are individuals who have donated $50 or more in the past 12 months to Oklahomans for Equality.

Gay Men's Dinner Group

Tuesday, September 3, 6:30 p.m.

Bricktown Brewery

3301 S. Peoria Ave.

Tulsa, OK 74105

bricktownbrewery.com

The reservations are under OkEq Men's Group.

A head count is needed for the reservations.   If you are coming please let us know by clicking below. 

Grief is not taboo (and neither are you!)

Friday, September 6, 6:30 p.m.

Dennis R. Neill Equality Center

621 E. 4th St., Pride Street

Tulsa, OK 74120

It’s okay to be sad! There are a lot of things in the world that can make us sad, but we learn incorrectly that “Sad is Bad”. Not true! Join us for an evening of learning about what grief is, what it’s not, and how to cope with with it more effectively. Intended for everyone who has experienced ANY of the 40+ identified grief causing events, this presentation shatters myths and taboos about grief.

Scharain Watkins, a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist and Happiness Coach, is an Oklahoma Native who is equal parts minister to the hurting, thought leader for creating joy, advocate for mental health care, activist for civil and equal rights, and all-around champion of the underdog. She has an impressive and creative arsenal of four-letter words and makes little apology for using them. As a woman who has worked her way through many grief events and learned how to thrive, she uses writing, speaking, and engaging people wherever they are to teach how to heal broken hearts, be confident in personal openness, spread radical grace, enjoy being human, and show love, out loud, in big ways.

OKEQ Membership Annual Meeting Vegas Casino Night: Everybody is a Winner!

Saturday, September 7, 6:00 p.m.

Dennis R. Neill Equality Center

621 E. 4th St., Pride Street

Tulsa, OK 74120

The evening will be filled with hor d'oeuvres, wine, a cash bar, and Vegas style entertainment alongside the best in Casino Games and big prize packages. The membership of Oklahomans for Equality will select their Board of Directors and hear the final results of the board election.

This is a members-only event and you must be a voting member to attend. The voting membership is a $50.00 donation to Oklahomans for Equality.

First Thursday Art Opening: Featuring the work of Tami Smith

Thursday, September 5, 6:00 p.m.

Dennis R. Neill Equality Center

621 E. 4th St., Pride Street

Tulsa, OK 74120

The September Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) showcase and exhibit will feature the works of Tami Smith, beginning with a reception on Thursday, September 5th from 6-9pm and continuing throughout the month.

This body of work is all about texture. The works consist of highly textured acrylic paintings, using out of the ordinary materials and paper collage pieces which have applied texture through many layers of paint, many of which are covered with a layer of resin. Each piece has its own unique surface which draws the viewer in close to examine the layers of paint flowing over the hills and into the valleys of applied materials. Some artworks are painted with metallic paint, which allows the light to bounce off the texture from every angle.

“The process of applying texture to a canvas, then watching the paint find its way through the crevices and cracks is quite rewarding for me. You could say some of my paintings, paint themselves – while I am able to watch as each painting transforms itself; that is what gives me joy. It's always a moment in time I get to experience - never to be repeated the same way twice; and because of the process in which I paint, no two paintings will ever be exactly the same. In creating each piece, I strive to construct in a way that will prompt questions of how it was produced.”

“I have always loved to paint, create, explore, make, and transform; I have also always loved to share what I have learned with others. After decades of teaching graphic design and computer classes, I decided to start creating for myself. Along with the composition and color theory knowledge I have from teaching, I have learned many new and unique art techniques by studying with the best - world renowned artists and local artists, numerous online classes, and self-learning from a whole library of art books. After years of perfecting my techniques and style, I am now experiencing the greatest delight – having collectors of my art!

The show begins with a reception on Thursday, September 5th from 6-9pm where there will be a door prize drawn of the artist’s work. The show continues throughout the month.

LGBT Women's Network September Happy Hour

Monday, September 9, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Cirque Coffee

1317 E. 6th St.

Tulsa, OK 74120

Cirque Coffee has invited us join them on September 9th! Come see their gorgeous, expanded space and try a drink from their new cocktail program. They have a top coffee selection as well if you're just looking to get your caffeine fix! **this is on the second Monday of September due to the holiday.

As always, our monthly meetups are come & go gatherings for Tulsa women who identify as LGBTQ+ and allies are always welcome!

If you would like to recommend a happy hour location, just send us a message! We’re interested to visit all LGBT-friendly locations!

Bi+ Visibility Week Celebration

PANCAKES WITH PANSEXUALS

Sunday, Sept 22 11:00 a.m. Bruce Golf Event Center

Dennis R. Neill Equality Center

621 E. 4th St., Pride Street

Tulsa, OK 74120

Let's kick off Bi+ Visibility Week with brunch! We celebrate all identities under the Bi+ Umbrella. Enjoy pancakes and other breakfast food, and come learn about the Pansexual identity.

BI+ VISIBILITY DAY MIXER

Monday, Sept 23 6:30 p.m. Bruce Golf Event Center

Dennis R. Neill Equality Center

621 E. 4th St., Pride Street

Tulsa, OK 74120

September 23 is International Celebrate Bisexuality Day, aka BI+ VISIBILITY DAY! Join us for a casual meet-and-greet learn about the non-monosexual identities and Bisexual+ programming at the Equality Center, and meet members of the community.

BI+ HAPPY HOUR AT DEAD ARMADILLO BREWERY

Thursday, Sept 26, 5:00 p.m. Dead Armadillo Brewery

1004 E 4th St, Tulsa, OK 74120



Have a beer or two at Dead Armadillo's kid- and dog-friendly beergarden, just across the bridge from the Equality Center! Live music beginning at 7:00.

STAND BI+ ME CELEBRATION!

Saturday, Sept 28, 6:00 p.m. Lynn Riggs Theater

Dennis R. Neill Equality Center

621 E. 4th St., Pride Street

Tulsa, OK 74120

OkEq's Brought To You Bi+ The Letter B invites you to our 4th annual Stand Bi+ Me party for Bi+ Visibility Day 2019! Join us at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center as we recognize the Bisexual, Pansexual, Fluid, Queer, and all non-monosexual identities. We will have music, dancing, stories, and refreshments. All are welcome, must be 21+ to drink. Celebrate with us and be seen!

The Last Five Years

Friday, September 6, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00p.m.

Dennis R. Neill Equality Center

621 E. 4th St., Pride Street

Tulsa, OK 74120

An emotionally powerful and intimate musical about two New Yorkers in their twenties who fall in and out of love over the course of five years. The show's unconventional structure consists of Cathy, telling their story backwards while Jamie, tells their story chronologically; the two characters only meet once, at their wedding in the middle of the show.

Friday, September 6

Directed By: Kara Staiger

Performed By: Claire Schroepfer & Travis Guillory

Saturday, September 7

Directed By: Ryan Mahannah

Performed By: Tylar Dougan, Austin Reid, & Catherine Simmons

Sunday, September 8

Directed By: Jen Thomas

Performed By: Kia Dorsey-Hightower & Nash McQuarters

Friday, September 13

Directed By: Thomas Farnan-Williams

Performed By: Kristen Simpson & Jacob Brockunier

Saturday, September 14

Directed By: Rick Harrelson

Performed By: Liz Hunt & Drew Rosene

Sunday, September 15

Directed By: Meghan Hurley

Performed By: Margaret Stall & Karlena Riggs

Music Direction (all performances): Christy Stalcup

Want to attend more than one performance? There's a discount for that! After you purchase one ticket, you will receive an e-mail confirmation with directions to receive a unique code for $5 each additional date you purchase.

This is a not-for-profit production. Additional proceeds will be donated to performance volunteers and the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.

Orbit Initiative

Saturday, September 14, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00p.m.

Dennis R. Neill Equality Center

621 E. 4th St., Pride Street

Tulsa, OK 74120

The ORBIT INITIATIVE is an educational endeavor by the Tulsa Performing Arts Center Trust that strives to reach beyond downtown to work with community partners citywide to provide theatrical education to anyone interested, ages 4-84, free of charge, and located within their community. The goal is to provide collaboration and fellowship for all of Tulsa’s communities through entertainment, education and performance that reflects Tulsa’s own unique diversity. Strong community partnerships are the bedrock of ORBIT. Reaching out to those community members who feel the theater is out of their reach or is an elitist organization is the primary objective. 

Enid Pride

Saturday, September 21, 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Garfield County Courthouse

100 W. Broadway Ave.

Enid, OK 73701

Mark your calendars for the 10th annual Enid Pride celebration on Saturday, September 21, 2019! 

Visibly Imperfectly Perfect First Meetup

Thursday, September 26, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Dennis R. Neill Equality Center

621 E. 4th St., Pride Street

Tulsa, OK 74120

This will be the first meetup for this event. It is meant to be a social event and there will be food, drinks, and plenty of conversation!

Visibly Imperfectly Perfect, VIP for short, is a group for anyone who has felt different because of their skin. We want to provide support and community for inexplicably unique people. This group started as a place for the vitiligo community but is open to anyone who could be considered unique. We are here to support one another in the skin we are in.

This group is meant for anyone with:

Vitiligo

Poliosis

Hair Congenital Nevus (Birthmark)

Freckles

Neurofibromatosis

Albinism

Dark Skin

Light Skin

Exfoliative Erythrodermatitis

Waardenburg Syndrome

Mastectomy Scars

Eczema/Severe Dermatitis

Psoriasis

etc.

McAlester Pride

Saturday, October 12, 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Chadick Park

S. 3rd St & E. Chadick Ave.

McAlester, OK 74501

Grateful Day

HIV Wellness Retreat

​ Thurs day, August 22, 3:00 p.m.



The Grateful Day Foundation is excited to announce the dates for this year’s HIV Wellness Retreat. The Grateful Day Foundation seeks to fill gaps in services in Oklahoma's HIV/AIDS wellness community through collaboration with partner organizations, providing transportation to those in need, and hosting an Annual HIV Wellness Retreat. .

 

We are looking forward to another fun and informative retreat this year.

This retreat is designed and planned around the needs of the clients we serve in our community. We will be hosting a number of workshops throughout the weekend as well as several fun things to do at the retreat.

 

Don't forget to pay your retreat fees after filling out the registration form.

Rise Up Singing - Summer Songfest at the Synagogue

Sunday, August 25, 5:45 p.m.

The Synogogue

1719 S. Owasso

Tulsa, OK 74120

Congregation B’nai Emunah invites the whole community to “Rise Up Singing,” a participatory songfest featuring roots, folk, and Americana in live performance. The event will take place on Sunday evening, August 25, at 7:00 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public, and no reservations are necessary. An optional meal of authentic kosher deli will take place at 5:45 p.m. Those who’d like to reserve a place for dinner should call (918) 583-7121 or click the link below The Synagogue is at the corner of Seventeenth and Peoria. Free valet parking is available.

Sexual Health and Risk Prevention: Sharp Class at the Equality Center

Wednesday, August 28, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Dennis R. Neill Equality Center

621 E. 4th St., Pride Street

Tulsa, OK 74120

SHARP stands for – Sexual Health and Adolescent Risk Prevention. Here are the program objectives:

· Understand how HIV and STD’s are transmitted.

· Identify incorrect HIV/STD myth’s.

· Identify behaviors that place people at risk for contracting HIV/STD’s.

· Develop sexual risk reduction strategies.

· Learn how to communicate and negotiate with a partner.

· Understand the risk of alcohol and drug use.

· Improve attitudes for the future.

· Develop long term sexual risk and alcohol use reduction goals.

· Understand how decisions about engaging in risk behaviors today can affect life tomorrow, and further down the road.

If you are between the ages of 12-24 please join us for

Sexual Health and Risk Prevention class

We will discuss STD’s and HIV infections, how to reduce your risk of getting them and pregnancy prevention.

Why should you take the class?

Learn about safer sex methods

Get a $10 QuikTrip Gift Card

(Only receive card if you complete entire class)

Pizza and snacks during class

Blue Whale Comedy Festival

Friday August 30, 7:30 p.m.

Cain's Ballroom SIDE STAGE

423 N. Main Street

Tulsa, OK, 74103

This event is 18 and over

International Overdose Awareness Day

Saturday, August 31, 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Dennis R. Neill Equality Center

621 E. 4th St., Pride Street

Tulsa, OK 74120

Nearly 800 Oklahomans die from an overdose death each year. It is important that we celebrate the lives of those lost to addiction and overdoses. It is also important that we give all Oklahomans a way to combat Opioid overdose; Naloxone/Narcan. Please join us August 31, 2019 at the Equality Center from 12:00pm-4:00pm. We will have Narcan, information about our services, community partners, and support for those who have lost someone to an overdose death.

If you can’t make the event, feel free to donate to our cause at https://fundly.com/stop-harm-on-tulsa-streets

She Likes Girls 

Saturday, September 5, 8:00 p.m. - September 8,

Tulsa Performing Art Center

110 E. 2nd St.

Tulsa, OK 74103

Presented By:

OK World Stage Theatre Company

Kia has dreamed about Marisol since the start of the school year, but always assumed she was staunchly heterosexual (like everyone else in their neighborhood). But when Marisol goes through a health crisis, the two share a forbidden kiss that starts a fulfilling — but challenging — romantic relationship they feel they must keep a secret from their conservative mothers, their classmates, and even their closest friends.

Zerlina Maxwell - CULTURE SHIFT: Understanding and Combating Rape Culture

Tuesday, September 10, 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Roxana Rozsa and Robert Eugene Lorton Performance Center

550 South Gary Place.

Tulsa, OK 74104

Join Domestic Violence Intervention Services (DVIS) and University of Tulsa as they welcome Zerlina Maxwell to speak about understanding and combating rape culture.

Tickets are free and available on a first come, first served basis. 

MisFEST

Saturday, September 14, 3:00 p.m.

Guthrie Green

111 E. M.B. Brady St.

Tulsa, OK 74103

MisFEST presented by Fowler Automotive is coming back better than ever on September 14, 2019 at Guthrie Green with KT Tunstall as our headliner!

There will be food trucks, live and interactive art installations, vendors, and fantastic music.

MisFEST is FREE with VIP ticket options for those who want a designated space on the back deck with a few other perks.

LINEUP:

4:00 pm - Shoulda Been Blonde

4:50 pm - Yardbone

5:40 pm - Smoochie Wallus

6:30 pm - Bambi feat. Tea Rush

7:10 pm - Tea Rush

8:00 pm - Good Villains

9:00 pm - KT Tunstall

New Volunteer Shifts Available

We will now be opening at 9:00 a.m. and are in need of volunteers from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. every day of the week. If you are interested in volunteering during this time, Please fill out our volunteer form here: Volunteer Form

Our Hours are Expanding!

We're happy to announce that we are expanding our hours of service!  Starting Monday, July 1st the Dennis R Neill Equality Center will open at 9:00 a.m.

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] .

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.

Joe and Nancy McDonald Library

Equality Pride Store

Counseling Services

Regularly Scheduled Programming

Community Partners

OkEq Staff

Toby Jenkins

CEO/Executive Director

[email protected]

OkEq Board and Trustees

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