OkEq Weekly eNews May 23, 2018
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MISSION: Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) seeks equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) individuals and families through 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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Annual Tulsa Pride Interfaith Service
Tuesday, May 29th, 6:30 p.m.
St. Paul's United Methodist Church
1442 S. Quaker Ave., Tulsa, OK 74120
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Join us for the Annual Tulsa Pride Interfaith Service. For 20 years, the LGBTQ+ community and allies have come together with inclusive, affirming and welcoming faith communities during pride week to bless the rainbow flag that flies over the Equality Center and the Tulsa Pride Festival.
Participants will hear from faith leaders and be blessed with music, readings, prayers, and meditations. The interfaith service is interactive and inspirational. We remember those who have died in the LGBTQ+ community this past year with the In Memoriam portion of the program. A reception with refreshments will follow the service.
This service is an official Tulsa Pride event and is free and open to the public.
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Tulsa Pride 2018
June 1-3
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103
The Tulsa Pride Planning Committee and Oklahomans for Equality would like to thank you for your support of Tulsa Pride, now in its 36th year!
Sponsorship of Tulsa Pride has consistently shown to be financially beneficial to companies seeking to do business with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBTQ) community. In 2017, Tulsa Pride attracted more than 35,000 people from across the region – the largest Tulsa Pride celebration ever!
Thank You,
Tulsa Pride Planning Committee 2018
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Register to Vote for the June 26th Primary
Deadline to Register June 1
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June 1 is the last day to register to vote and be eligible for the June 26 primary. Voter registration forms are available at any Oklahoma tag agency, the Tulsa County Election Board, and at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.
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TMSL 2018 Spring Schedule
Indian Springs Softball Complex
13600 S 145th E Ave, Broken Arrow, OK 74011
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Hey TMSL members! Come play ball! Spectators always welcome!
2018 Spring Schedule
Games are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
June 3 - Final Day
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LGBT Women's Network June Happy Hour
Monday, June 4, 5:00 p.m.
Laffa - Medi-Eastern Restaurant & Bar
111 N Main St, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103
This month our sponsor is
Rio Premier Waxing
! We'll have light appetizers and don't forget to bring business cards to be entered into a drawing for a gift from our monthly sponsor!
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Proud Politics
Thursday, June 14, 6:30 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Tulsa, Oklahoma 74120
Oklahomans for Equality will be hosting a panel of openly LGBTQ candidates from across Oklahoma to hear what motivates them to seek public office.
Moderated by state Sen. Allison Ikley-Freeman, Tulsa’s first openly LGBTQ elected official, who will share her story and successful campaign experience.
These proud politicians who are OUT and raising the visibility of LGBTQ Oklahomans will discuss the role that sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression plays in politics. They will share their experiences and challenges of campaigning in Oklahoma.
The state leads the nation in anti-LGBTQ legislation each year, and the Human Rights Campaign does not list one city in Oklahoma that scores more than 50 points on its annual municipal index.
The Proud Politics panel discussion is free and open to the public.
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Council Oak Men's Chorale Presents: Encor
e
June 15 & 16, 8:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Tulsa, Oklahoma 74120
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In 1998, 12 men joined together to perform at the World AIDS Day remembrance service. Now, 20 years later, with more than 600 songs sung, the Council Oak Men’s Chorale is still OUT performing, educating and raising awareness. Encore will take you back to some of your favorite songs over the past 20 years.
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EBA Mixer
Wednesday, June 20, 6:00 p.m.
Hosted by
Parlour Salon & Spa
1335 E. 11th St., Ste. C, Tulsa, OK 74120
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(918) 949-4666
The Equality Business Alliance networking mixers are terrific venues for you to meet prospective clients. Mixers are open to non-members as well as EBA members. Be sure to bring business cards, business information, brochures, etc. Hosting a networking mixer is a great way to showcase your business. You may host at your establishment or use the Equality Center. If you would like to host a mixer: Please send an email to
[email protected]
for more information.
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Out of This World Intergenerational Dance Party
June 22, 7:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Tulsa, Oklahoma 74120
We’ll dance through the time and space, sharing friendship and fun!
All ages are welcome. This is an alcohol-free event.
Wear your best space garb for this cosmic experience.
Free Event
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Tulsa Project Theatre Season 2017-2018
Tulsa Performing Arts Center - Charles E. Norman Theatre
110 E 2nd St, Tulsa, OK 74103
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Tulsa Project Theatre, the city's only theatre company operating under an Actors Equity Association (AEA) contract, will close its seventh season in the Liddy Doenges Theatre with another Oklahoma Premiere of the rock opera "Lizzie," set to run July 13-22, 2018.
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On a sweltering summer morning in 1892 in a small new England city, a prominent business man and his wife were brutally axed to death in their home. Their youngest daughter, Lizzie Borden, was the prime suspect, and her trial was a coast-to-coast media sensation. "Lizzie" features four women fronting a six-piece rock band. "Lizzie" is sex, rage, betrayal, blood, murder, and American mythology set to a scorching rock score.
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As many of you are already aware, when our LGBT families go through the adoption process - either one parent in a stepparent adoption or both parents in a traditional placement - a new birth certificate must be issued from the Department of Vital Records. We are pleased to announce that the Oklahoma Department of Vital Records has recently amended its procedures and is now issuing birth certificates with the following designations:
MOTHER/FATHER
MOTHER/MOTHER
FATHER/FATHER
PARENT/PARENT
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Birth certificates previously were issued only with the "mother/father" designations, regardless of the genders of the parents. If your child was issued a birth certificate with an incorrect designation of your gender identity, you can get an amended birth certificate. Please contact:
Christopher Brecht
You will not be charged anything for attorney time or preparation, but there is a $50 Department of Vital Records fee to obtain any updated birth certificate.
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Sara Griffey is a clinical counseling intern with Bellevue University. She facilitates OkEq's Coming Out Workshop and the Challenging Beliefs in Non-Traditional Relationships group.
This survey has been crafted to better understand provider bias in the LGBTQ+ and nontraditional relationship communities. The information will be used to provide information about ways to better train and educate providers.
All responses are confidential. To take the survey, please go here:
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Joe & Nancy McDonald Rainbow Library
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"A Tale of Two Daddies"
By: Vanita Oelschlager
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“A Tale of Two Daddies” is a playground conversation between two children. The boy says he heard that the girl has two dads. The girl says that’s right – she has Daddy and Poppa. True to a child's curiosity, practical questions follow: “Which dad helps when your team needs a coach?” “Which dad cooks you eggs and toast?” She answers: “Daddy is my soccer coach. Poppa cooks me eggs and toast.”
Find this selection and more by visiting the Nancy and Joe McDonald Rainbow Library.
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Equality Center Pride Store
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New transgender pride necklaces are now available in the Pride Store!
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Dr. Kurt Choate
Saturdays
By appointment
Individual, youth, adolescent and
couples counseling is available on a
Sliding fee scale based on income.
Appointments are required
Contact
Dr. Kurt Choate, LPC at
918.449.6574
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Stephanie Miller
Stephanie is a counseling intern at Northeastern State University. She is passionate about working with diverse families and clients, now expanding to the LGBTQ+ community and allies. Stephanie has experience with families, children and adolescents. She believes in helping the client identify and achieve their goals through a holistic approach.
Contact Stephanie at
[email protected]
to make an appointment. All sessions are free and will be held at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays or 12:30 and 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays.
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Alyssa Pasquini
is a mental health counseling intern at the OSU-Tulsa Counseling Center. She is passionate about assisting clients who are a part of the LGBTQQIA+ community who experience a range of concerns including issues surrounding gender identity, sexual/affectional orientation, and mood or anxiety concerns. Appointments with Alyssa can be made by calling the
OSU Tulsa Counseling Center
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Amanda Rogers
is a mental health counseling intern at the OSU-Tulsa Counseling Center. She welcomes the opportunity to work with persons with concerns related to gender identity, sexual or affectional orientation, relationship issues, mood/anxiety concerns and trauma. She is passionate about social justice and working with the LGBTQQIA+ community. Appointments can be scheduled with Amanda by calling the
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Temple Hull
is a mental health counseling intern at the OSU-Tulsa Counseling Center. She has experience counseling transgender, bisexual, lesbian, gay and asexual persons, and looks forward to working with all individuals represented in the bright colors of the rainbow flag. Appointments with Temple can be made by calling the OSU-Tulsa Counseling Center at
918-594-8568
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Merrill Reiter, M.S
.,
is in the Counseling Psychology Doctoral Program at Oklahoma State University. She is a mental health counselor at OSU-Tulsa Counseling Center. Merrill is passionate about social justice, advocacy and counseling. She enjoys working with people of all identities and strives to make her sessions a safe place for all clients. She has experience working with LGBTQ+ people and welcomes the opportunity to work with persons with concerns related to sexual or affectional orientation, gender identity, mood/anxiety, depression, self-injury, death/grief, and those experiencing major changes or transitions in life. Appointments with Merrill can be made by calling the
OSU-Tulsa Counseling Center
at (918) 594-8568
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Kathy Kavanaugh
is a doctoral counseling psychology intern at the OSU-Tulsa Counseling Center. She is dedicated to working with clients of all identities (including all sexual and affectional orientations, gender identities, races, ethnicities, and ages) from a multicultural perspective. Kathy works with clients to address concerns regarding anxiety, mood, sexual and gender identity development, and overall personal enrichment. To schedule an appointment with Kathy, please contact the
OSU-Tulsa Counseling Center
at (918) 594-8568.
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Mark Taracuk, MSEd, NCC
is a doctoral student in counseling psychology at the OSU-Tulsa Counseling Center. He received his master's degree in counseling from Indiana University and is a National Certified Counselor. Mark has past experience working with members of the LGBTQ+ community on a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, spiritual concerns, trauma, intimate partner violence, and concerns related to gender identity. Appointments with Mark can be made by calling the OSU Tulsa Counseling Center
at (918) 594-8568.
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Jennie Martin
is a Licensed Professional Counselor - Candidate and Counseling Psychology Doctoral Intern at the OSU-Tulsa Counseling Center. She enjoys working with LGBTQQIA+ community members on a wide variety of topics including relationship/family concerns, body image, community advocacy, religiosity/spirituality concerns, trauma, and more. She has experience with family and couples counseling and is passionate about advocating for social justice. Appointments can be scheduled with Jennie by calling the
OSU-Tulsa Counseling Center
at 918-594-8568
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Regularly Scheduled Programming
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OkEq Board Meeting
Monthly Meeting
7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 21
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
All Oklahomans for Equality board meetings are open to all OkEq members
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May OkEq Art Exhibition
The May Oklahomans for Equality showcase and exhibit of local artists features an exhibit of works by Arthur James Uphold.
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Family Ties
Family Ties is an official program of Oklahomans for Equality and is a support network for LGBTQ parents and families in Oklahoma. For more information about Family Ties, email
[email protected]
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Lawyer in the Library
June 13
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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Asexual Meeting
2nd & 4th
Tuesday of every month
7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
It's the A in LGBTQA. Come join us for an affirming, open discussion at this peer-led group for individuals 18 and over who identify as asexual or are interested in discussing asexual issues.
This a place for asexuals to form community. Be a part of the first Tulsa asexual group.
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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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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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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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LGBTQ Veterans Support and Entertainment
1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month
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Challenging Beliefs in Nontraditional Relationships
1st & 3rd Monday
of each month
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
This therapeutic discussion group provides a haven for individuals who engage in nontraditional relationship structures, with a focus on internal and social stigmas, personal belief systems, and the struggles surrounding this population. This group is open to individuals who take part in ethically nonmonogamous relationships (polyamory, swinging) and kink relationships. The Oklahoma Poly Network is a proud supporter of this group.
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Non-Binary Support Group
3rd Tuesday of each month
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
A new support group for folks who identify with non-binary genders, including but not limited to, genderqueer, genderfluid, agender, bigender, neutrois, genderflux, and more. This group will be a safe space to discuss our identities, receive support, and build a strong non-binary community in Tulsa. For information contact Vic Wiener at
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SOS Group
Mondays 7:00 pm
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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No Shade for Plus
Every Thursday
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
A new support group to bring together people who have found they are HIV positive and those who have been living with HIV for many years.
The group will provide support, Education, Social activities and so much more.
The group will be here at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center to provide a safe place to discuss issues and meet other people who are navigating their lives being PLUS.
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Tulsa Writers, Ink.
1st & 3rd Saturday of each month
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
An LGBT inclusive group of writers providing support and resources to authors and writers regardless of where they are in their writing career.
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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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Tulsa Indigenous &First Nation Support Group
1st & 3rd Thursday of each month
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Live Free!
Coming Out
Workshop
2nd & 4th Monday
of each month
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Are you planning to come out? Maybe you have just recently come out? Join us for a coming out discussion group meeting in the History Project Room. It's free! This course is designed for individuals coming to terms with their sexuality with presentations on how to come out to family, friends, and co-workers. Question and answer session in a supportive and informed environment.
Please contact
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Southern Pride Drum Group
Every Thursday
7:30 p.m.
The Southern Pride Drum Group is the only such group of its kind in the world, being the only drum group composed of mainly 2 spirit (GLBT Native) members and their families. They have traveled across the U.S. and Canada singing for powwows, gatherings and Pride events for more than 10 years, with more than 100 years of combined experience singing at the drum. They seek to teach drumming and singing and drum etiquette at the Equality Center in Tulsa and to add to their tight-knit drum family.
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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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Lambda Al-Anon Group
Every Friday
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
This open Al-Anon group meets at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center every Friday at 7:00 pm. Contact 918.743.2754 for more information.
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Intimate Partner Violence & Sexual Assault Survivor Support Group
1st Wednesday of each month
5:30 - 7:30 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.
For more information contact Jim Scholl at 918.631.2722.
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Dissertation Study - Sexual Behaviors in MSM
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This research study seeks to investigate if one's HIV-status and respective adherence/non- adherence to preexposure prophylaxes (PrEP) or antiretroviral therapy (ART) is linked to a reduction in consistent condom use, and increased risky sexual behaviors, among men who have sex with men (MSM). It also seeks to determine what stage of change MSM are likely to be in by using the transtheoretical model of change. With such information, one of the goals is to see if there might be points when mental health professionals and/or primary care providers could intervene to reduce HIV and sexually transmitted infection transmission rates.
Please direct questions to
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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 - 8 pm
Wednesday 4 - 8 pm
Friday 4 - 8 pm
Saturday 4 - 7 pm
Testing provided by H.O.P.E. Testing
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Toby Jenkins
CEO / Executive Director
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Olivia Cotter
Office Manager
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Sharon Queen
Service Coordinator
Veterans, Transgender and
Indigenous People
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Jose Vega
Program Director
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Alex Wade
Volunteer & Pride Store Coordinator
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Luke Welvaert
Facilities Coordinator
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Tracy Allen
Special Projects
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Denise Polonchak
Janitorial Services
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Executive Committee
Stuart Ashworth, Esq., President
Sharon Bishop-Baldwin, Vice President
Jan Baldwin, Secretary
Paul Allen, Treasurer
Robin VanMeter, At Large
Board of Directors
Christopher Brecht-Smith, Esq.
Rev. Geoffrey Brewster
Sheena Grewal
Darci Hazelwood, D.O.
Marcia Keesee
Ben Matthews
Mike Redman, Esq.
Chris Shoaf
Al Triggs
John Williams
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Board of Advisors
Laura Arrowsmith, D.O.
Peter Brennan
Alyssa Bryant, Esq.
Jamie Catlett
Michael Farr
Joann Frizell
Andrew Gordon
Amanda Lowe
Jim Scholl
Mikeal Vaughn
William Vaughn
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Trustees
Shawna Baker, Esq.
Dan Burnstein
Kirk Holt
David Nelson
Kris Wilmes
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Oklahomans for Equality
Hours:
Mon - Sat Noon-9 p.m. | Sun Noon-6 p.m.
621 East Fourth Street, Tulsa, OK 74120
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