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Oklahomans for Equality Weekly News January 15, 2024

Clubs and Organizations

January 17, 2024


AFFIRM Caregiver

Thursday, January 18th, 6pm

Oklahomans for Equality

621 E 4th St, Pride St, Tulsa, OK

AFFIRM Caregiver is a 7-session group program designed to help parents and caregivers build the confidence and skills they need to best support their LGBTQ+ youth.

All people who parent and support LGBTQ+ young people are welcome, including adoptive parents, kinship/family members, chosen family, and foster and resource parents.

Thursdays, 6 pm

Meet and Greet: January 18th, 6 pm

This group will have a blended option. We will meet in person on Thursdays at 6 pm at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. We will have a Zoom open simultaneously for anyone unable to make the in-person meeting; we encourage in-person meetings as often as possible!

Space is limited, so please reserve a spot as soon as possible!

For more information or to register, please contact:

[email protected], 918-973-3150 (call or text) or [email protected]

Mancini Plays Mancini

Thursday, January 18th, 7.30pm

Oklahomans for Equality

621 E 4th St, Pride St, Tulsa, OK

Vibraphonist, composer, and band leader Nick Mancini headline January's Rainbow Room. All ticket proceeds will benefit the Mancini family's medical bills for their son, Max, who was born with HLHS and still faces another major surgery as he turns 1 year old. Come join the vibe!

TICKETS

Wonderland is Real,

A Reading Supporting

Women in Recovery

Friday, January 19th, 7pm

Oklahomans for Equality

621 E 4th St, Pride St, Tulsa, OK

Come and immerse yourself in an evening of powerful storytelling as we celebrate the strength and resilience of families in recovery.

Join us for " Wonderland is Real" a reading supporting Women in Recovery on Friday, January 19, 2024, at 7:30 PM. This event is a fundraiser for Women in Recovery, an intensive outpatient alternative for eligible women facing long prison sentences.

Blackjack Rewrite Company, with the support of Oklahomans for Equality, bring you a fundraiser for the Women in Recovery program at FCSOK. "Wonderland is Real" by acclaimed playwright and Tulsa-based artist Carlyn Flint will be presented as a staged reading at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, 621 E. 4th Street, on January 19th, 2024, at 7.30 pm.

Through the literary magic of a very different Wonderland - this time seen through the eyes of a young boy in the midst of pain and loss, we aim to explore themes of resilience, growth, and empowerment in a family undergoing a journey towards healing and self-discovery.

Join us for an unforgettable night of connection, support, and inspiration. Together, we can support Tulsa's families and encourage a space of solace and community, providing a platform for their voices to be heard. Don't miss out on this incredible event!

"Wonderland is Real" is directed by Dionne Lambert. The cast includes the talents of Jason Chunu, Christian Stubblefield, Kimberly Martin, Andrew Smith, Kathryn Hartney, Maria Pita Carmona, and Courtney Meadows. This reading contains mature and sensitive language and themes.

TICKETS

CCSD Diversity and Inclusion Hiring Fair

Saturday, January 20th, 10 am

Oklahomans for Equality

621 E 4th St, Pride St, Tulsa, OK

Are you interested in a career with CCSD? Scan the QR code or visit https://recruitment.ccsd.net/ for more information.

Pride Bingo: 80s

Saturday, January 20th, 6.30 pm

Oklahomans for Equality

621 E 4th St, Pride St, Tulsa, OK

Join us for Tulsa Pride Bingo on Saturday, January 20th, as we celebrate the 80s era with some amazing hits.

Stand a chance to win prizes from the Equality Business Alliance, and enjoy delicious food and drinks while watching some spectacular drag entertainment!

Featuring performances from your 2024 Tulsa Pride King Haze Davenport Jade and 2024 Tulsa Pride Queen Sara De La Hoya, along with Scrappy Legacy and Kitty Marie Legacy, with special guest appearance by Pastel.

Hosted by Scrappy Legacy | Doors open at 6:30 PM.

Equality Business Alliance Mixer

Thursday, January 25th, 6 pm

Atlas School

15 N. Cheyenne Ave., Tulsa, OK

Oklahomans for Equality is kicking off the new year to showcase Atlas School. Please note going forward the EBA meetings will be held the last Thursday of the month.

Atlas School, formerly Holberton School Tulsa, is a software engineering vocational school dedicated to training the next generation of Tulsa's tech workforce. Our campus started classes in 2020 and has since graduated over 100 students. Our current programs are all 20 months long designed to prepare anyone, regardless of previous experience level, for technical and professional success in a career in software development. If you are interested in seeing if a career in tech might be for you, reach out to us at www.atlasschool.com!

Atlas School is located at 15 N. Cheyenne Ave., Tulsa, OK 74103. You may reach them at 918.392.5530.

The evening will include a brief overview about Atlas School. As food and beverages will be served, please RSVP so that we may plan accordingly. You may RSVP by calling 918.743.4297.

Tulsa Anti-Racist Support Group

Thursday, January 25th, 7 pm

Oklahomans for Equality

621 E 4th St, Pride St, Tulsa OK

A white-led peer support and educational group learning about systemic racism.

Creating a safe space and facilitating support, education, and social opportunities for all individuals seeking to divest from systemic racism in their daily lives.

OkEq Youth Program Returns!

Saturday, January 27th

10 am-6 pm

Oklahomans for Equality

621 E 4th St, Pride St, Tulsa OK

OkEq is excited to announce the return of weekly Saturday youth programming at the Equality Center! The program launch is Saturday, Jan. 27, for LGBTQIA+ youth ages 12 to 19. 

Facilitated in partnership with CREOKS, every Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, it will involve opportunities for peer support, skill building, leadership learning, advocacy work, mutual-aid organizing, and, of course, socializing and fun! Participation is free, and a snack and a lunch are provided. Sign-ups open in-person and online Friday, Jan. 19! For questions, please email [email protected].

Drag Show Pug Rescue Fundraiser

Saturday, January 27th

1-5 pm

Oklahomans for Equality

621 E 4th St, Pride St, Tulsa, OK

Join us for an exciting evening of entertainment and compassion! Only $2 grants you access to various activities like bidding on silent auction items or meeting and greeting adorable pugs. This event is perfect for families and people of all ages, and the best part is that every penny of the proceeds will go to Homeward Bound Pug Rescue & Adoption of Oklahoma. Be part of a great cause and have fun at the same time!

Tickets will be available at the door.

OkEq Town Hall

Monday, January 29th, 7 pm

Oklahomans for Equality

621 E 4th St, Pride St, Tulsa, OK

Please join Oklahomans for Equality on Monday, Jan. 29, at 7 pm for our second quarterly Town Hall meeting at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center! Our Executive Director Dorothy Ballard will share updates on staff, programs and services, upcoming events, and current financial standing and milestones. Time will be reserved for an open forum to facilitate community discussion. We hope to see you there!

Rising Stars

Saturday, February 3rd, 1 pm

Oklahomans for Equality

621 E 4th St, Pride St, Tulsa, OK

Do you possess exceptional talent and skills and are between 13 and 18? Oklahomans for Equality Youth Talent Show is the perfect platform for you to showcase your abilities on stage!

Our team of experienced stylists and makeup artists will be available via our workshop to help you bring your vision to life.

Don't let this incredible opportunity slip away! Be sure to display your talents to the world!

Every first Saturday of the month | contact [email protected] for more information.

In Memoriam

Michael Duncan died December 31, 2023 after an extended illness. He attended Central High (class of 1988). Michael enjoyed all forms of rock music, and loved to tell stories about working at Cain's Ballroom or the Chalkboard Restaurant. He used to manage a local pet store near 11th and Memorial. He is survived by his best friend, Bob Lawrence, and his beloved tortoise, Gaw-ke-la. A celebration of Michael's life will be Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 1pm at Fellowship Congregational UCC, 2900 S Harvard Ave.

Dr. Robert Thompson, age 88, died on January 7th, 2024. Rosary will be held at 7 pm Friday, January 26th and the funeral mass at 10 am January 27th at Holly Family Cathedral. Dr. Thompson earned his Ph. D in Communication Disorders at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, and has been a prominent professional in eastern Oklahoma in pediatric programs. He specialized in autism (ASD), Selective Mutism, and language disorders in Pre-K children; he used play therapy techniques and involved parents and caregivers in diagnosis and treatment.

His professional history included Director of Speech-Language and Audiology at Tulsa Children’s Medical Center (16 years), consultant at Children’s Medical Center at Hillcrest MC (5 years), and consultant to the Pediatric Department at the Cherokee Nation W. W. Hastings Hospital (12 years) in Tahlequah.

In Memoriam Submissions

OKEQ Programming

OKEQ Health Clinic

Dennis R. Neill Equality Center

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

Appointments need to be made 24 hours prior to your requested appointment time. 

We currently accept Blue Cross and Blue Shield and offer a self-pay option. At the moment, we are only able to see patients who are 18 and older. 

If you want to start or transfer services, please call 918-938-6537 to set up an appointment or use the link below.

Please do not send medical or private information via email!

Clinic Hours:

Tuesdays - 9a-5p

Wednesdays - 9a-5p

Thursdays - 9a-1 p

Fridays - 1p-4p

SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT

The Library is in need of volunteers! 

If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up at the link below. Look for the New Volunteer slot on Friday evenings from 4-6. Come by anytime during that time slot. 

We will also need volunteers to attend Gender/Sexuality Alliances in schools once school starts back up, bringing a mobile library and helping our young people check out books. Please let us know if you are free during the days and would love to be a part of this vital outreach.

Volunteer Sign-up

The OKEQ Library System now has more places for you to find your next queer read!

In addition to the original Nancy & Joe McDonald Rainbow Library at the Center, you can now also find books at All Souls Unitarian Church and House Church (starting Sunday, July 23rd). If you know of a location that would enjoy hosting and assisting with book circulation in other parts of town, please email the library at [email protected] with that location's point of contact. We hope to get another three satellite locations open before the next Pride.

Library Catalog

FREE HIV Testing

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

A.C.E. - Ace's Committed to Equality

A.C.E. is a new weekly support group for the asexual community and Allies. They will meet weekly on Tuesdays at 6-7 p.m. If you would like more information, please don't hesitate to contact Tyger at [email protected].

Fair Housing: Legal Aid

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 on Wednesdays from 12 to 4 p.m. If you believe you've been a victim of housing discrimination, please call her at 918-238-1650 or email her at [email protected].

SCOUTS TROOP 7484

Hey there! If you want to join Girl Scout Troop 7484, they meet on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and welcome all girls, trans, and nonbinary youth.

Reach out to Teresa Marler at [email protected] to join in on the fun and growth opportunities.

Affirm

We are thrilled to share that AFFIRM, a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-based program, is now available through Oklahomans for Equality. This program is designed to support LGBTQ+ youth in managing stress and promoting overall well-being.

For ages 14-19! Affirm meets Fridays at 6 p.m. on This fantastic program lasts 10-12 weeks and has room for up to 15 participants. Take advantage of this incredible opportunity!

Support Group for Partners of Transgender People

The initiative offers a comprehensive platform encompassing support, educational enrichment, and social engagement tailored for partners of transgender and non-binary individuals aged 18 and above.

To ensure a cohesive experience, our gatherings are scheduled on the first Wednesday of each month, from 7-8 p.m. As an essential component of our enrollment procedure, we would like to ask all prospective attendees to engage in an initial interview.

Lawyer in the Library

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. Email [email protected] Phone (918)295-9429.

Julie L. Goree with Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma is available for drop-in discussions regarding legal issues. She is available the second Tuesday of each month from 5.30-7 p.m. It is on a "first come, first serve basis." Please be patient and prepared to wait your turn. 

Name Change & Gender Marker Change Clinic

Oklahomans for Equality is hosting a name-change clinic. We are focusing on those starting the name change process and those interested in doing so soon. This clinic occurs the second Wednesday of each month, 5.30-7.30 p.m.

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.

Queer Women's Collective

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, who are always welcome!

Brought To You Bi The Letter B

The program provides 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 at 7:00 pm.- 8:00 pm.

For more information, email Amanda Gould (she/her) or Miranda Weiss (she/her)

Sin Fronteras

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

IndigiQueer

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

Jamm Outt

Learn about different cultures and traditional music from around the world and play instruments while expanding your musical knowledge.

This program is for ages 13 - 17. Email Shay ([email protected]) with Name, School, and Age.

This group meets every second and fourth Monday of the month at 6:30p at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.

Equality Game Night

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, 7-9p

Follow Tulsa Equality Gaming: https://www.facebook.com/tulsaequalitygaming

Gender Support Group

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

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

You'll need to have a first-time interview before attending your first meeting.

Every Wednesday from 7-8.30p For more information or to schedule an interview, call 918.743.4297.

Veteran Support Group

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 second Thursday of the month at 6:00p at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.

OKEQ Seniors

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 10a at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.

Tulsa Area Prime Timers

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 at 7p

For more information, email [email protected] or call 918.592.0088

Green Country Bears

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 7:00p at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.

For more information, email Daniel or call 918.812.4640.

Relationships Outside the Box

Social and support group for non-traditional, complicated relationships. Relationships Outside the Box will meet Every First Thursday of the Month from 7-8p

Email Thomas for more information.

Tulsa TTRPGs

Mark your calendars! Our gaming sessions now occur on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month 12-6p, starting on the 18th. From Dungeons & Dragons to board games and beyond, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Please feel free to contact Weaver with any questions.