OkEq Weekly eNews July 6, 2021
|
|
MISSION: OkEq seeks equal rights for LGBTQ+ individuals and families through intersectional advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. |
|
Get your house in order and help us get our house in order, too! Go to smile.amazon.com for your shopping needs, and Amazon will donate a portion to Oklahomans for Equality!
|
|
|
Equality Gala Tickets
Saturday, July 17
Cox Convention Center Grand Hall
100 Civic Center
Tulsa, OK 74103
Tickets for the 2021 Equality Gala are now on sale. Celebrate 40 years of Oklahomans for Equality with us at the new Cox Convention Center Grand Hall in Downtown Tulsa.
|
|
THANK YOU FOR MAKING PRIDE AMAZING |
|
Pride 2021 is officially in the books. You all did truly amazing work. I think we probably broke just about every record that we had on this one gang. The official details and numbers are still coming in, so this is just one grateful guy’s personal thoughts and observations.
To every single person that made Pride this year the absolute smashing success that it was, THANK YOU!!! Words cannot express how proud (pun not intended) I am of each and every one of you. It took an absolute village to pull this one off, and we rose to that challenge.
I want to invite all of you to join me in expressing gratitude for the tireless, selfless service each and every member of our volunteers and staff put in this weekend. I am not exaggerating when I say that they stayed through the night multiple times to make sure Pride happened and that we’re back to business this morning. I see you, and I love you.
I wanted to share my gratitude with you knowing it’s just words in an email, but I truly am in awe of you all. Honored to serve with you.
|
|
Chris Brecht-Smith
OkEq Board President
(pronouns: he/him/his)
|
|
|
SAGE Tulsa in-person meetings have resumed.
|
|
S.A.G.E. Meeting
Tuesday, July 13, 10:00 a.m.
The mission of SAGE Tulsa is to address issues related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender aging. In partnership with its constituents and allies, SAGE Tulsa 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. SAGE Tulsa meets every Tuesday at 10:00 am at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.
|
|
Aaron Rayner: "Out on a Limb"
Thursday, July 1, 6:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Tulsa-based artist, Aaron Rayner, has been honing his skills in capturing mood and human connection for the past several years. A classically trained artist and digital marketeer, Aaron has blended his formal education with his fascination with story-telling and personal empowerment (through messaging and art), bringing about a stylized human connection through color and lighting.
Aaron's evolution into various mediums allowed him to introduce a freedom and flexibility to his storytelling, with themes ranging from dance and movement to fantasy and impressionism. Constantly honoring his art professors mentorships, Aaron's compositions are bold, balanced, and true.
|
|
See the Virtual Tour Below |
|
Kenneth "Ken" Lee Roberts
September 11, 1944 - June 16, 2021
|
|
"Trish" Agnes Patricia Spurgin
January 6, 1941 - June 27, 2021
Married to Carrie Fleharty Celebrated their Anniversary is December, 15th
|
Reginald "Regie" Finley aka Raghenna
May 31, 1959 - June 18, 2021
|
Rhiannan Porterfield (Rhi)
August 13, 2005 - June 6, 2021
|
Rhiannan was taken unexpectedly June 6, 2021, at age 15. She was a talented artist and aspiring animator. She was active in band, archery, and Girl Scouts. Rhiannan was a passionate content creator and a tireless champion of the LGBTQ+ community.
She is survived by: Mother and Stepfather Brandy and Brian Schrader of Glenpool OK, Father Danny Rus (Irish) Porterfield II of Broken Arrow, OK, Brother Corbin Porterfield of Claremore, OK, Stepbrother Lane Schrader of Glenpool, OK, Maternal Grandparents Steve and Cindy Snow of Tulsa, OK and Linda Schrader of Wichita, KS, Paternal Grandparents Peggy Lindley of Broken Arrow, OK and Danny and Lorie Porterfield of Corinth, MS, Aunt & Uncle Heather and Ryan Palmatary of Oklahoma City, OK and Alan and Shaylene Schrader of Moore, OK, Uncle Mike Price of Tulsa, OK, Aunt Chelsea Raglin of Rochester, NY, Aunts and Uncles Angela and Jeff Andreason of Rienzi, MS and Shane and Cassie Rickman of Corinth, MS and Cindy and David Milliam of Phoenix, AZ, and Brandy and Roger Smith of Adamsville, TN and Danielle Porterfield of Rienzi, MS and Jori Porterfield of Corinth, MS and Landon Porterfield of Corinth, MS and numerous Great Aunts, Great Uncles, Cousins, and countless friends.
Her memorial is at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center at 621 E. 4th Street, Tulsa, OK 74120, on Friday, June 18th at 4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center in Rhiannan’s honor.
|
|
|
Crystal Meth Anonymous
Every Monday, 6:30 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Crystal Meth Anonymous is a fellowship of people for whom all drugs, specifically crystal meth, have become a problem. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop using. There are no dues or membership lists. The fellowship that is Crystal Meth Anonymous is a new way of life without Crystal Meth. Crystal Meth Anonymous advocates a twelve-step recovery program for spiritual development, no matter our religious beliefs or background. The first step in our recovery is an admission by the addict that he or she is powerless over crystal meth and that life has become unmanageable.
|
|
Neurodiversity Tulsa
1st and 3rd Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Neurodiversity Tulsa is a program of OKEQ focused on connecting neurodiverse LGBTQ+ people. If you are on the autism spectrum, have ADHD, have bipolar, have anxiety, have Down Syndrome, a personality disorder, brain injuries, or other neurodivergencies, you are welcome in this group! We will meet on the first and third Tuesday of the month at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center to play games, make art, chat, and connect with like-minded individuals in our community.
Please message Anna Puhl on Facebook or email by clicking the button below:
|
|
Brought to you Bi the letter B in-person meetings have resumed.
|
|
Brought To You Bi the Letter B
Has Resumed In-Person
2nd and 4th Monday, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Zoom option available
Our Bi+ Support Outreach group is resuming in-person meetings! The program exists to provide support, encouragement, education, and social opportunities for all Bisexual and Pansexual, Curious, & Questioning individuals.
Please call 918-798-1054 or email Daniel Buck with the link below for more information.
|
|
LGBT Women's Network: July Happy Hour
Wednesday, July 7, at 5:30 p.m.
Fassler Hall Tulsa
304 S. Elgin Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
LGBTQ++ gathering to meet new faces, imbibe, and network if you want to. ALL are welcome and we hope some of you will join us
|
|
OKEQ Compas Conectando
Sunday, July 11, 5:00 p.m
In-Person
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
A group for LGBTQ+ Hispanic or Latinx people to connect about life, identity, and culture.
All sexual identities and gender expressions are welcome.
We will speak in both English and Spanish.
Un grupo para personas LGBTQ hispanos o latinx para conectarse sobre la vida, la identidad y la cultura
Todas las identidades y expresiones de género son bienvenidas
Se habla ingles y español
|
|
En el Dennis R. Neill Equality Center en Tulsa, Oklahoma, hay muchos eventos, grupos de apoyo, grupos sociales, consejería y servicios médicos. mira abajo |
|
Lawyer in the Center
Tuesday, July 20, 5:30 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Julie L. Goree with Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma is available for drop-in discussions regarding legal issues. It is a "first-come, first-serve basis." Please be patient and prepared to wait your turn.
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.
If the question is beyond her knowledge, she can take the person's phone number and call them back after discussing it with another Legal Aid attorney. She also will accept questions via email or phone if someone does not feel comfortable getting out or coming in. Email is julie.goree@laok.org. Office phone is (918) 295-9429.
|
|
As a sign of our thanks and gratitude, OKEQ is excited to announce that all new, monthly donors supporting us at $25/month and above will receive a complimentary OKEQ T-Shirt with confirmation of their monthly donation. |
|
Post Name / Gender Marker Change Workshop
Wednesday, July 21, 5:30 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E. 4th St., Pride Street
Tulsa, OK 74120
Getting your name/gender court order is just the first part of correcting your information. This workshop is intended for those looking for what are the next steps to take.
|
|
Grateful Day Foundation Wellness Retreat
The 2021 HIV Wellness Retreat is just around the corner. Thursday 8/26/21 to Sunday 8/29/21. Follow the links below to sign up to attend the retreat, and then pre-pay your fees via the OkEq E-Store.
|
|
City Looking to Fill Critical Job Openings; Plumbers, Electricians, Heavy Equipment Operators Needed
The City of Tulsa is looking for anyone interested in applying for work at the City, specifically in many labor and trade positions.
Various job openings exist, such as openings for:
- Water and Wastewater Operators
- Plumbers
- Electricians
- Mechanics
- Heavy Equipment Operators
- Parks Utility Workers
- Parks Utility Leader
Many of these positions offer progression programs that give employees a pathway to advance in their current position. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, paid vacation, floating holidays, and sick time.
A list of job openings can be found online.
The City of Tulsa is an equal opportunity employer and has a ban the box policy, which eliminates the criminal history question from most of its initial job applications. Additionally, the City of Tulsa has also taken the Pay Equity Pledge, which is an ongoing commitment to providing employees equal pay for equal work, no matter a person’s gender.
|
|
FREE PRONOUN PINS
We now offer free pronouns pins at the front desk of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. If you don't see your pronouns listed, ask a staff member, and we can help make you a custom pronoun pin.
|
|
YOUTH GROUPS ARE BACK IN PERSON!
Alphabet Soup, Alphabet Soup Kids, Raise Your Voice, and the LGBTQ+ Parent Support Group have resumed. All groups will still have a zoom component for those who need it. Masks will be required, and social distancing practices will be in place.
|
|
Do you know a young person who loves to sing?
We are so excited to partner with Tulsa Opera and have a youth choir at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center!
This choir is open to all LGBTQIA+ youth, will be held on zoom and in-person starting this Saturday afternoon, and is COMPLETELY COST-FREE!
This group is meant for all music levels, all genders, all expressions and will be 100% fun. The group is led by a professional musician and will have multiple concert opportunities as COVID-19 allows.
|
|
 |
Join Oklahomans for Equality's youth group for kids under 13: Alphabet Soup Kids. This group is for all youth who identify as LGBTQ2SAI+ or who have parents/guardians who are LGBTQ2SAI+. This group exists to provide support, connection, and (most importantly) FUN for our kids across Oklahoma.
|
|
|
|
Being a parent is the most challenging, most amazing job on the planet but being the parent of an LGBTQ2SIA+ youth comes with its own unique challenges and amazing moments. OKEQ's support group for parents of LGBTQ2SIA+ youth is here to help you navigate hard conversations, meet other parents and have a safe space to talk about what's going on and how to create a better environment for our kids. To learn more and to join this group, contact Morgan Allen at Morgan.Allen@okeq.org
|
|
|
|
Support Group for Parents of Transgender People
1st Wednesday of the Month, 7:00 p.m.
Meets via Zoom
This group is here to support parents of transgender people at all stages of transition. Whether your child is 6 or 60, this group is for you to find community and connect to resources.
All participants must speak to one of the group facilitators before joining.
|
|
Trans Teen's Support Group
2nd and 4th Monday of the Month, 6:00 p.m.
Meets via Zoom
This support group is for all transgender teens ages 13+. This group is welcome to trans boys, trans girls, non-binary teens, and everyone under the trans umbrella.
All participants must speak to one of the group facilitators before joining.
|
|
|
Support Group for Partners of Transgender People
2nd Wednesday of the Month, 7:00 p.m.
Virtual Meeting
Support group for partners of transgender people. Whether your partner is just starting to transition or transitioned twenty years ago, you are welcome to come to talk and find community.
|
|
|
|
Non-binary Support Group
2nd Wednesday of the Month, 7:00 p.m.
Virtual Meeting
Support group for anyone who identifies outside the gender binary. Whether you identify as non-binary, genderfluid, genderqueer, or agender, everyone is welcome!
|
|
|
|
Coming Out Workshop
1st and 3rd Monday of the Month, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Virtual Meeting
Free to participate, this one-day 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.
Please contact our OKEQ Mental Health services at 918-938-6538 or click the button below to schedule.
|
|
Our clinic is open to provide the healthcare services our community needs. Right now, our clinic is taking patients for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and PrEP.
If you are interested in starting or continuing care, please contact the OKEQ Health Clinic by calling 918-938-6537. If you want to make an appointment, follow the link below.
|
|
The Equality Health Alliance strives to connect the LGBTQ+ community with friendly healthcare providers. With our searchable database, patients can find doctors based on their specialty and accepted insurance.
We provide healthcare professionals with training on working with the LGBTQ+ community and follow-up support and education on evolving best practices. All participating healthcare providers must show a commitment to being an affirming and welcoming place for the LGBTQ+ community.
As we are still getting started, our database is small, but it is growing. If you would like to look at our database, click here. |
|
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. |
|
Counseling Services: Please contact the counselor directly to schedule a virtual appointment. |
|
Allison Ikley-Freeman
Allison Ikley-Freeman, LPC, 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.
Please call 918-938-6538 and select option 2 to make an appointment or send her an email at
allison.ikley-freeman@okeq.org.
|
|
Samira Yousef
Samira has joined OKEQ Counseling team as a masters intern. Excited to assist individuals in the LGBTQ+ community on their journey to wellness. The first four sessions with Samira are free. Further sessions are available at low cost.
Please call 918-938-6538 and select option 2 to make an appointment or send an email to allison.ikley-freeman@okeq.org
|
|
Jessica Landis-Rase
Jessica has joined OKEQ Counseling team as a masters intern. Excited to assist individuals in the LGBTQ+ community on their journey to wellness. The first four sessions with Jessica are free. Further sessions are available at low cost.
Please call 918-938-6538 and select option 2 to make an appointment or send an email to allison.ikley-freeman@okeq.org
|
|
Katie Zink
Katie has joined OKEQ Counseling team as a masters intern. Excited to assist individuals in the LGBTQ+ community on their journey to wellness. The first four sessions with Katie are free. Further sessions are available at low cost.
Please call 918-938-6538 and select option 2 to make an appointment or send an email to allison.ikley-freeman@okeq.org
|
|
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.
|
|
Regularly Scheduled Programming |
|
Gender Support Program
Wednesdays
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
The program is providing support, education and social opportunities for transgender and intersex individuals.
A first time interview is required before attending your first meeting. Email
|
Support Group for Parents of Transgender People
1st Wednesday of the Month at 7:00 p.m.
Meets via Zoom
The program is providing support, education, and social opportunities for parents of transgender people.
A first time interview is required before attending your first meeting. Email
or
|
Support Group for Partners of Transgender People
2nd Wednesday of the Month at 7:00 p.m.
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. Email
|
SAGE Tulsa
Every Tuesday
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
"drop in for coffee"
Facilitated by
John Madigan
|
|
OkEq Board Meeting
Virtual
Thursday, July 8th, 6:00 p.m.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.
All Oklahomans for Equality board meetings are open to all OkEq members.
|
Support Group for Transgender Teens
2nd & 4th Monday of the Month at 6:00 p.m.
Meets via Zoom
The program is providing support, education, and social opportunities for transgender teenagers 13+.
A first time interview is required before attending your first meeting. Email
|
Alphabet Soup Youth Group
Join us for Alphabet SOUP, where all letters are welcome! Alphabet SOUP is dedicated to supporting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) youth by providing fun group activities, community, and volunteer opportunities. Alphabet SOUP’s primary goals are providing Services, Outreach, Unity, and Preparation for adulthood -- or SOUP -- to LGBTQIA+ youth ages 13-17.
Email
youth@okeq.org
for more information.
|
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 Krissy at krissy.dudley@okeq.org.
|
|
Brought to You Bi
the Letter B
2nd & 4th Monday
of each month
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Bisexual support group hosted virtually. Tell all your friends. The group is open to all bi/pan/queer/fluid+ folks and their allies. Please call 918-798-1054 or email Daniel Buck with the link below for more information.
|
Tulsa Area
Prime Timers
2nd Tuesday of the 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.
|
Survivors of Conversion Therapy T.E.A (Therapy Experienced Anew)
Every Monday at 7:00 p.m.
Over 113,000 LGBTQIA+ individuals have been subjected to Conversion Therapy. T.E.A is a new group that will utilize several different activities to help you take your narrative back and find peer support along the way. Come, sit, and spill the tea with us on this journey to the most authentic you.
Call, text, or email Jess Branston at 918-924-5624 jess@anchoredbhc.com
|
Equality Game Night
2nd Friday of the Month
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Looking for something fun to do on a Friday night? Wanna meet up with friends and make new ones? Do you have board games or video games you've been eager to play? Then Equality Gaming Night is for you!
|
|
The Equality
Business Alliance fosters a sharing of information, ideas, contacts, products and services, and also strengthens and expands our businesses, careers and community.
|
|
H.O.P.E.
HIV Testing Schedule
2nd and 4th Saturday of the Month
from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00p.m.
provided by H.O.P.E. Testing
|
|
In Memoriam
Tracy Allen
He / Him / His
|
|
Alex Wade
Medical Services Director
He / Him / His
|
Krissy Dudley
Administrative Coordinator
She / Her / Hers
|
Anna Them Puhl
Technical Coordinator
They / Them / Theirs
|
|
Morgan Allen-White
Center Director
She / Her / Hers
|
Kao Morris
BIPOC Program and Digital Media Coordinator
He / Him / His
|
Donovid Sekulits
LatinX Outreach and Library Services Coordinator
He / Him / el
|
|
Lily Piña
Nurse Practitioner
She / Her / Hers
|
Luke Scuitto
Membership Coordinator
He / Him / His
|
|
Shay Brewer
Operations Manager
He / Him / His
|
Donna Mathews
Grant Coordinator
She/Her/Hers
|
|
Allison Ikley-Freeman
Behavioral Health Director
She / Her / Hers
|
|
Toby Jenkins
CEO/Executive Director
He / Him / His
|
|
Executive Committee
Chris Brecht-Smith - President
Stacy Turner - Vice President
Will Vaughn - Secretary
Paul Allen - Treasurer
Bob Hanson - Member at Large
Board of Directors
Laura Arrowsmith, D.O.
Angelyn L. Dale, Esq.
Tery DeShong
Shannon Gordon Fair
Joe Guetlein
Darci Hazelwood, D.O.
Monique Washington
Justin Ross
Stephen Rundell
Trustees
Shawna Baker, Esq.
Dan Burnstein
Kirk Holt
Cynthia Phillips
Kris Wilmes
|
|
Board of Advisors
Amairani Perez
Christian Fencer
Cray Bauxmont-Flynn
Crista Patrick
Dani Byrd
Denise Reid
Matt Else, D.O.
Elizabeth Ortiz
Jane Wiseman
Joann Frizell
Karen Keith Wilkins, Esq.
Ty Morgan
Whitney Cipolla
|
|
Oklahomans for Equality
Reduced Hours: Please Call before you visit
621 E. 4th St.
Tulsa, OK 74120
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
