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Interim Executive Director Message

Dear Friends,

I hope this message finds you safe, happy and warm! 

As Bob shared earlier this week, I recently joined OkEq as the new Interim Executive Director. As a queer woman of color who had lived much of their life below the poverty line, I often found myself on the margins of systems and opportunities. Stepping in to serve as OkEq’s new leader is a significant personal and professional milestone, and I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve you. 

I moved to Tulsa in October of 2001 and in the years since have been supported in cultivating a thriving career and family life here in the Midwest. This is true in no small part due to this organization and its resources. Because of OkEq and its network, I was able to expand my education, gain access to health services, and move myself out of both domestic violence and poverty as a single parent. Being in the position to help steer this organization into its next chapters is for me one of the most potent examples of how we have and must continue to meet our mission in service to the LGBTQ+ community and our families and allies.

In the coming weeks, we will be sharing the details of our strategic plan in stabilizing and restructuring OkEq to sustain us in the years to come. We will, of course, continue to provide the programs our community counts on and create opportunities for our community to come together. I invite you to support us in our work and to meet with me at one of several upcoming events:

December: World AIDS Day Art Exhibit — Dennis R. Neill Equality Center Bruce Goff Event Center

Opening on December 1 is in partnership with the Grateful Day Foundation which will exhibit through the month of December featuring artworks from and in support of World AIDS Day. All proceeds benefit Grateful Day and its mission to fill gaps in services in Oklahoma's HIV/AIDS wellness community.

December 8: Holiday Open House & Rainbow Room — Dennis R. Neill Equality Center

Join us Thursday, December 8 at 5 pm for a free Holiday Open House at OkEq featuring light drinks and Hors D'oeuvres to meet our team and learn more about our programs and services. Following the Open House, we hope you stay to enjoy the December Rainbow Room event in the Lynn Riggs Theater “A Quirky Queen’s Queer Christmas Cabaret” featuring Travis Guillory at 7:30 pm, $10 dollar general admission. But hurry! Tickets are sold out!

December 15: Equality Business Alliance Holiday Mixer — Lefty's on Greenwood

A large part of OkEq’s support in meeting our mission is through the membership body of our Equality Business Alliance. The EBA exists to strengthen LGBTQ+ welcoming businesses in the Tulsa community by providing a directory of LGBTQ+ friendly local businesses; creating regular networking opportunities for members; and fostering professional environments where members can meet to have their voices heard on important issues that affect how we do business and our quality of life. This will be the last mixer of the year and we are encouraging those who have an interest in learning more and joining (or rejoining) the EBA to come out for networking and drinks at Lefty’s on Greenwood from 6 -7:30 pm.

As you can see, we have a lot going on! It is my sincere hope you will be able to join us and share these events with your networks. Most importantly, that I have the opportunity sooner rather than later to meet with you face-to-face to share my vision and passion for OkEq. Change is underway, but not without deep consideration of the legacy of OkEq and its founding leadership team, and toward better and broader services designed to meet the needs of our diverse community. We are incredibly grateful for your continued trust and support.

Dorothy Ballard

OkEq Interim Executive Director

Dorothy.Ballard@okeq.org

Board President Updates

11.07.22

11.14.22

11.21.22

Giving Tuesday Message from Board Treasurer

Dear friends of OkEq,

As I took some much-needed time with my family during the Thanksgiving holiday, like many of you, I reflected on the things I am grateful for in my life. Among them is my work with OkEq as Treasurer for the Board of Directors and in service with you — our incredible body of supporters holding the same passion for the mission of this organization.

Over the past few weeks, we have shared several updates from our Board President about the work we are undertaking in stabilizing and restructuring OkEq to sustain us into the future. I want to take this moment to share my confidence in our progress in establishing a solid financial, procedural, and management footing.  

Beyond OkEq's selection of a new Interim Executive Director, we have formed an active Finance Committee that meets monthly, at minimum, and is hands-on in financial decisions for the center, including weekly approval of all disbursements. We have also contracted a new outside accountant who has hit the ground running, holding an extensive background in managing nonprofit finances. With their guidance, the Finance Committee is implementing solid procedures for all financial activities with proper oversight and internal controls. We take our responsibilities very seriously.

On this Giving Tuesday, we ask that you show your continued support and confidence in the mission and purpose of Oklahomans for Equality with a donation to help us continue to serve the LGBTQ+ community and sustain it for generations to come.

Ours is a necessary work that continues to grow. Together we can see that work continue to come to fruition. To donate, please visit https://www.okeq.org/ and click the big orange button on the bottom right corner of the page. Don't forget to share this opportunity with your networks!

Thank you for your generosity.

Julie H. Chase

Board Treasure

OkEq Colorado Shooting Statement

Tulsa Cares Fairy Tree is back and ready for you to stop by the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center and adopt a fairy from the fairy tree this holiday season! Join us in helping some faires enjoy the magic of the holiday season. 🧚🏽❄️

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🎄Gifts list are ready for pick up Monday - Friday 9am-9pm!

🎄Dealine to return gifts is December 12th

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Tulsa CARES was founded in 1991 as a community response to the growing need for coordinated HIV/AIDS care during some of the darkest days of the epidemic. For more than three decades, Tulsa CARES has provided a compassionate response as HIV/AIDS has evolved from a fatal illness to a chronically-managed disease.

Today, Tulsa CARES is the largest and most comprehensive provider of prevention and care programs serving low-income individuals living with HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C in the state. We recognize the critical importance of addressing social determinants of health to improve community health and reduce costs. We specialize in wrap-around, client-tailored care that is rooted in principles of empowerment, self-worth, inclusion, and hope."Today, Tulsa CARES is the largest and most comprehensive provider of prevention and care programs serving low-income individuals living with HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C in the state. We recognize the critical importance of addressing social determinants of health to improve community health and reduce costs. We specialize in wrap-around, client-tailored care that is rooted in principles of empowerment, self-worth, inclusion, and hope.

Month of December

Dennis R. Neill Equality Center

621 E 4th St., Pride Street, Tulsa, OK 74120

Opening on December 1 is in partnership with the Grateful Day Foundation who will hold the space through the month of December featuring artworks from and in support of World AIDS Day. All proceeds benefit Grateful Day and its mission to fill gaps in services in Oklahoma's HIV/AIDS wellness community. The exhibit is located in the Bruce Goff Event Center.

Month of December

Dennis R. Neill Equality Center

621 E 4th St., Pride Street, Tulsa, OK 74120

David Martfeld is this month's artist in The Allie Jensen Memorial Art Gallery.

Exhibit opening night is Thursday, December 1st at 7pm.

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Each month, the Equality Center gallery spotlights work by local artists. Meet the artist at our First Thursdays gallery openings, 7:00pm – 9:00 pm on the first Thursday of every month. Snacks and drinks will be provided.

Tuesday, Dec 6th | 4:00pm - 6:00pm

Dennis E. Neill Equality Center

621 E 4th St., Pride Street, Tulsa, OK 74120

H.O.P.E. (Health Outreach, Prevention and Education) Testing Clinic provides free HIV testing at the Equality Center on Tuesdays from 4:00 - 6:00 pm.

Tuesday, Dec 6th | 7:00pm

Dennis E. Neill Equality Center

621 E 4th St., Pride Street, Tulsa, OK 74120

IndigiQueer is a space created for queer and two-spirit native/indigenous persons.

IndigiQueer aims to empower our indigenous community through cultural learning, connection and tribal involvement.

Every First Tuesday of the month.

For more information email Brian Jennings or Kao Morris

Wednesday, Dec 7th | 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Lefty's on Greenwood

10 N Greenwood Ave Suite A, Tulsa, OK 74120

LGBTQIA++ gathering to meet new faces, imbibe, and network if you want to. ALL are welcome (allies included) and we hope some of you will join us! 

Potentially a photographer from Tulsa People will be joining us for a few photo.

Thursday, Dec 8th | 7:30pm

Lynn Riggs Theater

621 E 4th St., Pride Street, Tulsa, OK 74120

Travis Guillory stars as Tracy La Louisianne in A Quirky Queen's Queer Christmas Cabaret!

Get in the Christmas spirit with not-so-classic holiday songs, such as Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis, All I Want for Christmas is Nudes, and a Mad Libs version of The 12 Days of Christmas. Featuring Powell Barca, Nick Cains, Claire Sbanotto, Kara Staiger, and Jeremy Stevens, A Quirky Queen's Queer Christmas Cabaret is sure to deck your halls and jingle your bells with a fa-la-la-la-fun evening of campy Christmas chaos!

Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Table seats are $15 and general admission seating is $10. Tickets are sold out.

Wednesday, Dec 14th | 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Dennis R. Neill Equality Center

621 E 4th St., Pride Street, Tulsa, OK 74120

Oklahomans for Equality is hosting a name-change clinic. We are focusing on those who are starting the name change process as well as those who are interested in doing so in the near future. Joshua Payton will be our resource.



Josh has eight years of experience as a practicing attorney and six years in the entertainment industry working for Celebrity Attractions. My desire is to apply my legal and business experience to serve at the Equality Center. I may not immediately know the answer to a question, but I pledge to walk in solidarity with those seeking clarity until we have an answer. 

Wednesday, Dec 15th | 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Lefty's on Greenwood

10 North Greenwood Ave, Suite A, Tulsa, OK 74120

Join us for our December Equality Business Alliance Mixer at Lefty's on Greenwood

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Lefty's on Greenwood

"A decidedly different downtown restaurant and bar. Located in the historic Greenwood District at the corner of Archer and Greenwood--across from Oneok Field--in the dramatic ground floor of the GreenArch building. Tulsa's only spot where food, drink, sports and lively music mix on a daily basis. Our offerings are proudly curated by Tiffany and staff."

http://www.leftysongreenwood.com

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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 our community.

EBA networking mixers are each month 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm. The EBA networking mixers are terrific venues for you to meet prospective clients. Mixers are open to non-members as well as EBA members. Hosting a networking mixer is a great way to showcase your business. You may host at your establishment or use The Equality Center.

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If you would like to host a mixer, send an email to Membership Coordinator, Luke Scuitto at luke.scuitto@okeq.org for more information or visit our website: https://www.okeq.org/equality-business-alliance.html

Saturday, Dec 17th | 12:00pm - 4:00pm

Dennis R. Neill Equality Center

621 East 4th St., Pride Street, Tulsa, OK 74120

A community sharing event.

Bring what you can, and take what you'd like!

No cash, barter, or trades.

Share your unwanted goods, and/or shop other people's treasures.

Luke Scuitto

OKEQ Membership Coordinator

The first piece is "Forest Scene" by Pop Chalee (Taos Pueblo).

The open enrollment period for the ACA marketplace has begun! And 4 of 5 customers can find a plan option for $10 or less per month. Visit healthcare.gov to enroll, compare options, or switch plans.

More LGBTQ+ people qualify this year for affordable health insurance options! Open enrollment for 2023 health insurance has started and runs through Jan 15, 2023. Go to healthcare.gov to get started.

Queer Women's Collective Tulsa *usually* meets every First Wednesday of the month.

Meet like-minded Tulsa women and build your network

Our monthly meet-ups are come and go gatherings for Tulsa Women who identify as LGBTQ+ and Allied Women are always welcome!

The program exists to provide support, encouragement, education, and social opportunities for all Bisexual and Pansexual, Curious, & Questioning individuals. 

Brought to You Bi the Letter B meets every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month 7:00pm.- 8:00pm

For more information email Daniel

A social organization for mature minded Gay and Bisexual men age 21+. The purpose is to establish friendship and support through social interaction.

Prime Timers meets every 2nd Tuesday of every month 7:00pm

For more information email Steven or call

918.592.0088

IndigiQueer is a space created for queer and two-spirit native/indigenous persons.

IndigiQueer aims to empower our indigenous community through cultural learning, connection and tribal involvement.

Every First Tuesday of the month.

For more information email Brian Jennings or Kao Morris

Sin Fronteras es un movimiento liderado por latinos que brinda un entorno acogedor y seguro en el cual sus miembros y aliados de la comunidad LGBTQ+ pueden prosperar en Tulsa y sus alrededores.

Sin Fronteras is a Latin-led movement that provides a welcoming and safe environment in which LGBTQ+ community members and allies can thrive in Tulsa and surrounding areas. 

Sin Fronteras meets every Third Wednesday of the month. 

The program is providing support, education and social opportunities for transgender and intersex individuals.

Groups: Trans Men, Trans Women, Non-Binary, Partners of Trans, & Gender Outreach

A first time interview is required before attending your first meeting.

Email Rowan to schedule interview

Every Wednesday from 7:00pm - 8:30pm.

For more information call 918.743.4297.

Looking for something fun to do on a Tuesday night? Wanna meet up with friends and make new ones? Do you have board games you've been eager to play? Then Equality Gaming Night is for you!

Last Tuesday of the Month 5:00pm - 9:00pm

Jamm Outt will learn about different cultures, traditional music from around the world, and get to play instruments while expanding musical knowledge.

This group meets every first and third Monday of the month at 5:30 pm at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.

This program is for ages 13 - 17. Email Shay with Name, School, and Age.

Join PFLAG & OKEQ for our new support group for parents of LGBTQ+ teens. Coffee and cookies will be provided. 

This group meets monthly on the first Saturday from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm at Fellowship Congregational Church

2900 S. Harvard Ave.

Tulsa, OK 74114

OKEQ Seniors is daytime programming for those who are retired or accessible during the day. The mission of OKEQ Seniors is to address issues related to aging lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons. In partnership with its constituents and allies, OKEQ Seniors works to achieve a high quality of life for LGBT older adults, supports and advocates for their rights, fosters a greater understanding of aging in all communities, and promotes positive images of LGBT life in later years.

OKEQ Seniors meets every Tuesday morning at 10:00 am at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.

Email SAGE@OKEQ.ORG for more information.

The purpose of the group is to provide much-needed support to LGBTQ+ veterans, who are looking for safe spaces among those who share their identities.

Veterans Support Group meets every Thursday at 6:00 pm at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.

We are a Social Group that identifies as "Bears" or part of the "Bear Culture/Subculture" that falls within the LGBT Community and is based in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Green Country Bears meets every second Thursday of the month at 7:00pm at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center

For more information email Daniel or call 918.812.4640

Social and support group for non-traditional, complicated relationships. It's Complicated will meet Every First Thursday of the Month from 7pm - 8pm.

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Email Thomas for more information.

Happy December! What better way to ride out these fluctuating temperatures than a good book, a cup of coffee/tea/wine, and a blanket? Hopefully you have had the chance to check out the online catalog, check out a new book, and explore some of the new additions as we are expanding and growing. Speaking of changes, there are two brand new initiatives we’ve implemented, and if you’d like to help with either of those, please let me know!

CHILDREN’S BOOKS: We have gotten some new children’s books in! You can view them here:  https://tinyurl.com/2s4ku89v. We’ve also started adding links to Teachers’ and Family Guides where available, as well as any reading/interest levels as we can find. Take a look at this this book:  https://tinyurl.com/yxt8hzh2. If you scroll down to the “Local Notes,” you’ll find where this information can be found. (Quick tip: If you have logged into your library account, you can click “Place Hold” for a book to be set aside for you to pick up).

BOOK DONATIONS: We’ve also been asked if there is a wish list for the library. It is now live! You can view it here:  https://tinyurl.com/yv4wn46t. As part of your holiday charity giving, consider donating a book or two, or make it a monthly commitment to purchase a book along with a regular Amazon delivery. 

Thank you for all your support this year. It has been a rollercoaster ride with all the political and societal issues that have impacted the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, but together, we can become stronger and find ways to overcome these challenges. 

Happy holidays,

Michelle Simmons

Library Director

IT'S OFFICIALLY HERE! The Rainbow Library online catalog is live! ➡️ The Rainbow Library

Here's how you can request a library card:

Or, if you have a library card already, you can log in to the catalog to see what you have checked out and request a hold on a book. 

You can also email the librarian.

Currently, we are compiling a list of over 100 books, primarily Young Adult titles, to purchase in the next month. In addition, we sent out our first batch of library cards, with more to be mailed out soon. 

There is still a lot of work to be done. With limited time, the other library volunteers and I are doing what we can to finish sending out our backlog of library card requests, add new books, process current books (since the conversion from the old system to this one was not entirely 100% smooth), and become fluent on the new system. So bear with us as we work through these things, but most importantly, come enjoy YOUR new library.

The EBA exists to strengthen LGBTQ+ -welcoming businesses in the Tulsa community by:

1. Providing a directory of LGBTQ+ welcoming businesses in the Tulsa community;
2. Creating regular networking opportunities with these businesses; and
3. Creating professional environments where gay-welcoming businesses can meet to have their voices heard on important issues that affect how we do business and our quality of life.

The EFA exists to connect the LGBTQIA+ community with affirming faith communities. 

All participating faith communities must show a commitment to being an affirming and welcoming place for the LGBTQ+ community in their spaces and in their practices. 

The EHA strives to connect the LGBTQ+ community with friendly healthcare providers. We provide healthcare professionals with training on working with the LGBTQ+ community as well as follow-up support and education on evolving best practices. 

Every Tuesday from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.

(Free Testing)

Alyssa Bryant is a Staff Attorney at Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma. Alyssa will be assisting members of the LGBTQ+ community with fair housing-related issues. If you believe you've been a victim of housing discrimination, please call her at 918-238-1650, or email her at alyssa.bryant@laok.org.

These legal services are open to everyone regardless of income and are available throughout the State of Oklahoma for LGBTQ+ persons.

Julie L. Goree with Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma is available for drop-in discussions regarding legal issues.

Julie can answer basic questions on any matter that Legal Aid covers. So divorces, paternity, child custody, protective orders, child support, guardianships, housing, expungements, Wills/Estates, and Social Security. Legal Aid does not cover criminal, personal injury, or worker's comp. However, she has some knowledge about those fields of law.  

She also will accept questions via email or phone if someone does not feel comfortable getting out or coming in. 

Do you, your partner, or your family members qualify for SNAP or Soonercare benefits? American citizens living in Oklahoma who make less than roughly $19k a year qualify for these free government services, and Tulsa Responds navigators would love to help you get enrolled and support you in the process of using those benefits. To get these services or avoid being kicked off Soonercare/SNAP, please make an appointment for assistance at www.tulsaresponds.org/healthinsurance or call 918-900-0918 ext.3 to make an appointment today.

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. 

Oklahomans for Equality and the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center are affiliates of Action Link: Center Action Network. Sign up at the link below to keep up to date with advocacy alerts across the country. 

Stan Simpson

Aug 29, 1929 - Jul 21,2022

Carol Smith

Sept 14, 1940 - Aug 22, 2022

Paul Wayne Gossett

Feb 9, 1944 - Aug 23,2022

Joseph Edward Johnson

1947 - 2022

Matt Brooks

Born Day - 2022

Daniel Davis Aston

Born Day - 2022

Bob Hendricks

Jan 27, 1957 - 2022

Community Leader

Jonathan Stanley

Aug 16, 1948 - 2022

OKEQ Seniors Member

Executive Committee

Bob Hanson, PharmD - President

Julie Chase - Treasurer

Eric Wilson - Secretary

Whitney Cipolla - Member at Large



Board of Directors

Dani Byrd

Angelyn L. Dale, Esq.

Elizabeth Ortiz

Crista Patrick

Justin Ross

Paula Shannon

Matthew Stroud

Ovidio Trejo

Monique Washington

Trustees

Shawna Baker, Esq.

Dan Burnstein

Kirk Holt

Cynthia Phillips

Kris Wilmes - Chair

Board of Advisors

Claire Combs

Heather Hornig

Caleb Jackson

Michael James

Karen Keith Wilkins, Esq.

Denise Reid

Jane Wiseman