20 20 683 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/ca740745b3399226fd6c8d7e770a44e2.jpg 119dfe938806a81283fc6659f7c47478 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/2f021f5f242b922e87e885333e07d696.pdf 869c9f2511afb42525b63e33cc6dde50 PDF Text Text ~ Serving Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual + Transgendered Tulsans, Our Families + Friend~ :9th Annual Feast For Friends i Was Death Sentence : And Other Community Events i Based onAnti-Gay Bias? ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ TULSA (TFN) - September is shaping up as a mostly quiet : OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A federal appeals court month with only The NAMES Project Tulsa Area Chapter’s ¯ upheld the death sentence of an Oklahoma death row annual Feast for Friends as a major event on Saturday, the 29th. ¯ inmate convicted of killing four people during a 1984 The event features private dinners at homes as wall as larger " bank robbery. dinners sponsored by community organizations and churches " The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver where contributions are encouraged to support The NAMES ~ split 2-1 in upholding Jay Wesley Neill’s death sen" Project Tulsa Area Chapter’s programs. ¯ tenceforthemurdersduringtherobberyofaGeronimo ¯ After each dinner, guests gather for dessert at the Great Hall of " bank. The dissenting judge, Carlos Lucero of Alamosa, ¯ the Allan Chapman Activity Center at the University of Tulsa, " Colo., said the penalty phase of Neill’s trial was not ¯ 5th Street and Gary Avenue, from 8:30 till 10:30. There will be ¯ fair because Comanche County District Attorney : a silent auction, entertainment, information about The NAMES : Robert Schulte repeatedly told jurors that Neill was a ¯ Project and portions of the Quilt as well. " homosexual. ¯ To register a dinner, call The NAMES Project Tulsa Area ¯ ’The prosecutor’s blatant homophobic hate mon¯ gering at sentencing has no pl~,,cein the courtrooms of a civilized society, and Neill s (original) appellate ¯ ¯ connsd’s failure to raise the issue.., constitutes clear ~ and plain prejudicial neglect," Lucero wrote. OKLAHOMA CITY (AP)- City officials willconsider : ¯ Schulte, of Lawton, said he presented evidence ¯ regulating advertising messages on bus-stop benches about Neill’s homo,sexuality because it was .relevant ¯ and .on. banners flying from city-owned light poles after " to how he and his co-defendant used some. of the receiving numerous complaints about a Gay-pride flag. ¯ : $17,000 they stole. ’‘i do not recall emphasizing or A new law that will be brought before the City ¯ ¯ calling for _th~,,,t penalty because of his homosexual ¯ Council would allow only messages that would "pro- " relationships, he said. "It was because of the gruemote or celebrate the city, its civic institutions, or public " ~ some nature of the crime." His statements about activities or events in the city of Oklahoma City." This ¯ efll s homosexuahty came m 1992 at a retrial. The could prohibit messages promoting prayer, voting or " ¯ first conviction was overturned because the two dedrug-abuse prevention. Oklahoma City has 1,240 ban- " " fendants were not tried separately. her locations that are available for use by community -." ¯ The appellate judges who formed the majority, groups to promote activities. ¯ ~ Deanell R. Tacha of Lawrence, Kan. and Bobby Mayor Kirk Humphreys and City Manager Jim Couch ° ¯ Baldock of Roswell, N.M., concluded that none of sought the new law after the city spar~ed controversy ." The NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt at the Fair Grounds. " Neill’s claims of misconduct by Schulte have merit. ¯ earlier this year when it took down, triton put back up, ¯ 27-p.ag,es decision for "were the six-state court, Chapter at 748-3111 or e-mail to info@TulsaQuilt.org Admis- : Theyissued saying that aSchulte comments relevant to banners promoting Gay pride. The banners, paid for by the Cimarron Alliance Foundation, drew numerous ¯ sion to the dessert extravaganzais free for dinner hosts and quests ¯ both the (prosecution’s) case and Neill’s defense see Feast, p. 8 " theory." complaints at City Hall. see Censor, p. 2 " and others are welcome OKC Sets Up Censorship : Because of Gay Banners ¯ Murderer Now Claims "Homosexual Panic’" ¯ Gay Tulsan In Military Exhibit " Agmn a Hope ForVaccine ." Poem of Kicked Out Sailor in Smithsonian Show " ATLANTA (AP) - The scientists trying to create a OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A Mexican citizen on ." WASHINGTON (AP) - A Smithsonlan Institution exhibit on " vaccine to prevent AIDS suddenly seem optimistic, Oklahoma’s deathrow is seeking anew trial after a state ¯ submarines includes apoem by asailor who was kicked out of the " even bullish, words that have not been heard much in ¯ Navy for being Gay. "It’s kind of like a validation of my service," " this perennially gloomy field. For the first time, many psychiatrist recanted his testimony, saying new infor¯ mation shows Gerardo Valdez suffered from brain said Tim Beauchamp, a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, who lives in ] researchers appear confident a vaccine is possible. ¯ damage, paranoia and "homosexual panic" when he ¯ Washington. ’’I was considering the Navy as a career." More than anything else, the monkeys are respon: Beauchamp, a yeoman who served in the Navy for more than : sible for the change in attitude. Scientists have long killed another man in 1989. Psychiatrist Cecil F: Mynatt said it is now his conclu- ¯ four years, wrote "Sub Sailor’s Views on ’Glasnost’ "in Decem- " used monkeys to test theories about AIDS treatment sion that Valdez was unable to control his own behavior ~ ber 1987 on board the USS Henry Clay, a nuclear submarine " and prevention. But in two decades of trying, they ¯ could not concoct a vaccine that would safely protect or was "temporarily insane" when Valdez killed Juan patrolling the North Atlantic. ¯ Barron. "Mr. Valdez suffers from paranoia, specifically The poem is part of the exhibit "Fast Attacks & Boomers: : a monkey from dying of AIDS. Until now. triggered in this instance by homosexual panic," Mynatt ¯ Submarines in the Cold War" at the National Museum of Ameri- ¯ blond, Now4-year-old there are monkeys Godot, handsome, macaque like living in thealevel 2 biosaid. "Additionally, he is brain damaged and was under can History. A copy of it is displayed.on a sailor’s bunk in a part : hazard containment facility at the Yerkes Regional the influence of alcohol." ." of the exhibit dealing with daily life on a submarine, Mynatt had previously testified that Valdez was com- ." Harkeuing back to the days of the Cold War, thepoemindudes " Primate Research Center on the leafy fringes of petent to stand trial. He said he changed his mind after lines like, "Reagan and Gorbacliev back and forth volley while : Emory University. Just over a year ago, Godot got a reviewing information provided by Valdez’s attorney, Nancy and Ralsa put on their best. Capitalist!Commuuist - " big dose of SHIV, an especially nasty lab-made amalgam of HIV and SIV, the human and monkey including opinions of two neurophsychologists and a Political’folly! What does it matter? It’s East against West." medical report. Eight months after writing the poem, Beauchamp, now 36, ~ versions of the AIDS virus. Ordinarily, he would be received an honorable discharge from the Navy after his superidead in six to eight months. Attorney Robert Nance is asking for a new trial based n a recent deeision by the International Court of Justice ~,di’seovered, he’ was Gay. Before his discharge, Beauchamp " , A~.yone entering Godot’s living space must dress at deplored the 1999 execution in Arizona of German oeen awaraea a Good Conduct Medal, a Sea Service Ribbon n.eao to toe in protective clothing, because SHIV brothers Walter and Karl LaGrand. The court held that and a letter of commendation. ~ cxrculates in his bloodstream. But his curious, alert the brothers were denied their rights underinternational ’The fact that such a committed and rule-bound serviceman ~ .stare at visitors peeking through a window shows he law to access thor consul after their arrest. Nance said was kicked out of the Navy for no other reason than being Gay ." ~s outwardly unscathed. Godot is infected but otberthe world court s decision prevents domestic proceillustrates the stupidity and,wastefulness of our current policy wise healthy. dural rules from interferin~ with judicial review of toward Gays in the military, saidRep. BameyFrank, D-Massa_ " Sevenmonthsbeforehewasinfected, Godotgotan cases involving international law violations. 7 experimental new AIDS vaccine, see Vaccine, p. 2 chusetts, an openly Gay member of Congress. The application was filed with the Oklahoma Court of When Beanchamp was in the military, homosexuals were " Criminal Appeals, on the same day Amnesty Internaprohibited from serving. Under the current "don’t ask, don’ t tell,, ¯ Ill DIRECTORY tional officials and other death penalty foes renewed P. 2 policy, homosexuals can serve so long as they do not engage in : their demand that Gov. Frank Keating commute Valdez’s ~ EDITORIAL P. 3 homosexual conduct or state their sexual preference. : sentence. ¯ ~ US & WORLD NEWS Beauchamp, who has worked since his discharge as a computer P. 4 -. Keating has granted two stays, while rejecting Fox’~ ¯ systems analyst and a writer, said he’d forgotten about the poem : ~ HEALTH NEWS P. 6 ¯ request and a parole board recommendation of clemuntil he came across it in an old notebook from his days as a ¯ ency for Valdez, 41. Keating granted a second 30-day P. 8 Z ENTERTAINMENT + MORE submariner. It was included in the exhibit after Beauchamp’s ; stay for Valdez, see Valdez, p.2 ¯ partner brought it to the attention of the curator. ~ GAY STUDIES/R. LESBIAN P. 10/11 ¯ ~h ¯ . . . �Besides promoting pride, they featured a ¯ torch with a rainbow flame over the 918.583.1248, fax: 583.4615 Tulsa Clubs& Restaurants FOB 4140, Tulsa, OK 74159, e-mail: TulsaNews@earthlink.net 832-1269 ¯ foundation’s name. *Bamboo Lounge, 7204 E. Pine ¯ 610-5323 Publisher + Editor: Tom Neal *CW’s, 1737 S. Memorial The city’s staff granted a permit for ¯ Cimarron Alliance banners to be put on 44 838-9792 Writers + contributors: James Christjohn, Karin Gregory, Barry *Play-Mor, 424 S. Memorial 744-4280 Hensley, J.-P. Legrandbouche, Lamont Lindstrom, Esther Polo Grill, 2038 Utica SCluare : poles. City leaders decided to take the ban585-3405 *Renegades/Rainbow Room, 1649 S. Main Rothblum, Mary Schepers, Hughston Walkinshaw . hers down after receiving complaints, but ¯ they had to put them backup after attorneys *St. Michael’s Alley Restaurant, 3324-L E. 31st 745-9998 280-1316 ¯ representing the alliance threatened to sue. Member of The Associated Press *Schatzi’s, 2619 S: Memorial 834-4234 : Bill Rogers, an attorney and a member of *The Star, 1565 Sheridan Issued around the 1st of each month, the entire contents of this 660-0856 *TNT’s, 2114S. Memorial ", the Cimarron Alliance, said the banners publication are protected by US copyright 2001 by Tulsa ¯ were legally protected free speech. ’The 584-1308 *Tool Box II, 1338 E. 3rd Family News and may not be reproduced either in whole or in 835-2376 ¯ city has provided a forum for speech and it *Vortex, 2182 S. Sheridan part without written permission from the publisher. Publica*The Yellow Brick Road Pub, 2630 E. 15th 749-1563 ¯ must not prohibit speech unless there is a tion of a name or photo does not indicate a person’s sexual Tulsa Businesses, Services, & Professionals ~ compelling governmental interest in doing ’ orientation. Correspondence is assumed to be for publication ¯ so," he said "It would be very difficult to Assoc. in-Med. & Mental Health, 2325 S. Harvard 743-1000 unless otherwise noted, must be signed & becomes the sole ¯ demonstrate such an interest in these cirBarnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 71 250-5034 property of Tulsa Family News. Each reader is entitled to 4 665-4580 ,* cumstances." Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 5231 E. 41 copies of each edition at distribution points. 712-1122 Humphreys contends the banners go be’, Body Piercing by Nicole, 2722 E. 15 Additional copies are available by calling 583-1248. ¯ yond the concept of public speech because 712-9955 *Borders Books & Music, 2740 E. 21 ¯ the city requires.groups who want to use the 494-2665 *Borders Books & Music, 8015 S. Yale ¯ Dignity/Integrity of Tulsa- Lesbian & Gay Catholics & 743 -5272 poles to provide the banners and to pay for Brookside Jewelry, 4649 S. Peoria 355-3140 ¯ their installation and removal. He said many Episcopalians, PUB 701475, 74170-1475 746-0313 *CD Warehouse, 3807c S. Peoria 747-7777 *Fellowship Congreg. Church, 2900 S. Harvard 295-5868 advertisers choose not to carry certain rues*Cheap Thrills, 2640 E. 1 lth *Free Spirit Women’s Center, call for location & info: 587-4669 "- sages, and that Oklahoma City can, too. Cherry St. Psychotherapy, 1515 S. Lewis 58120902, 743 -4117 747-6827 ¯ Friend For A Friend, PUB 52344, 74152 622-0700 The city has not responded to the alliance’ s Community Clearfing, Kerby Baker 582-0438 Friends in Unity Social Org., PUB 8542, 74101 request to hang banners on city poles for 352-9504, 800-742-9468 " ¯ Tim Daniel, Attorney 834-4194 749-3620 " *Tulsa C.A.R.E.S., 3507 E. Admiral Gay and Lesbian History Month, which *Deco to Disco, 3212 E. 15th 834-8378 HOPE, HIV Outreach, Prevention, Education 744-5556 . " takes places in October, Rogers said. The Doghouse on Brookside, 3311 S. Peoria 838-8503 ¯ *HouseoftheHoly SpiritMingtries,1517S. Memorial 224-4754 : group’s earlier banners finally came down *Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan 838-1715 369-8555 " *MCC United, 1623 N. Maplewood in mid-July after the time the alliance had Encompass .Travel, 13161H N..,~/I.emorial 748-3111 ¯¯ reserved for them ran out. NAMES Project, 3507 E Admiral PI. 584-0337, 712-9379 " Ross Edward Salon 365-5658 592-0460," NOW, Nat’I Org. for Women, PUB 14068, 74159 Events Unlimited, 507 S. Main OK Spokes Club (bicycling), PUB 9165, 74157 744-9595 Floral Design Studio, 3404 S. Peoria 610-0880 " *OSU-Tulsa Four S~ar Import Automotive, 9906 E. 55th P1. 749-4901 628-3709 ¯ PFI_AG, POB 52800, 74152 Cathy Furlong, Ph.D., 1980 Utica Sq. Med. Ctr. 587-7674 ¯ while saying he had not changed his mind *Planned Parenthood, 1007 S. Peoria 808-8026 : Gay & Lesbian Affordable Daycare 627-2359 Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118, 74152 742-1460 ¯ that the execution should go forward. *Gloria Jean’s Gourmet. Coffee, 1758 E. 21 st 749-4195 Keating has apologized for a violation of 459-9349 " R.A.I.N., Regional AIDS Interfaith Network Leanne M. Gross, Insurance & financial planning 584-2325 ¯ the article of the Vienna Convention that 744-7440 ~ *Red Rock Mental Center, 1724 E. 8 Mark T. Hamby, Attorney 425-7882 : guarantees foreign nationals, upon arrest, *Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E. Skelly 745-1111 ¯ St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 4045 N. Cincinnati 492-7140 St. Dunstan’s Episcopal, 5635 E. 71st 341-6866 " the right to contact their country’s consul. *International Tours 582-3088 ~ Keating said that did not change Valdez’s *St. Jerome’s Parish Church, 205 W. King 712-2750 " Jacox Animal Clinic, 2732 E. 15th 582-3018 " Soulforce-OK, Rt.4,# 3534, Stigler 74462 587-3248,452-2761 ¯ guilt the slaying. *Jared’s Antiques, 1602 E. 15th 583-7171 ; An Amnesty International report said all 747-0236 ¯ *Tulsa Area United Way, 1430 S. Boulder David Kauskey, Country Club Barbering 582-7225 15 foreign nationals executed in the U:S. *TNAAPP (Native American men), Indian Health Care 582-8460 " ¯ The Keepers, Housekeeping & Gardening 595-4105 since 1993 were denied theright to consular 599-8070 " Tulsa County Health Department, 4616 E. 15 *Ken’s Flowers, 1635 E. 15 Confidential H_IV Testing - by appt. on Thursdays only ¯ access. 747-5466 ¯ Kelly Kirby, CPA, 4021 S. Harvard, #210 Valdez admits killing Barron after Barron 585-1234 ¯ Tulsa Okla. for Human Rights, Gay Comm. Center 743-4297 ¯, *Living ArtSpace, 308 South Kenosha made advances toward him in abar. Valdez - 584-3112 " TUL-PAC, Positive Advocacy Coalition, POB2687,Tulsa 74101 *Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3rd 298-0827 ~ took Barron home, forced him to strip, and 663-5934 " T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform/Leather Seekers Assoc. ¯ Mingo Valley Flowers, 9720c E 31 *Tulsa City Hall, Ground Floor Vestibule shot him twice in the head before burning 664-2951," *Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 Place ¯ his body. *Tulsa Community College Campuses 838-7626 Puppy Pause II, 1060 S. Mingo 7434297 743-4297 " *Tulsa Gay Community Center, 21 st & Memorial *The Pride Store 749-8833 Unity Church of Christianity, 3355 S. Jamestown 747-5932 ¯ Rainbowz on the River B+B, PUB 696,74101 BARTLESVILLE 834-0617 ~ Richard’s Carpet Cleaning 918-33%5353 834-7921, 748-0224 ¯ Bartlesville Public Library, 600 S. Johnstone Teri Schutt, Ellen & Co. one experts hope will be the model for a shot 481-0558 " ¯ TAHLEQUAH *Tulsa Comedy Club, 6906 S. Lewis to control the worldwide epidemic. 835-5563 ¯ 918-456-7900 Venus Salon, 1247 S. Harvard Stonewall League, call for information:. Two other variations of the same ap743-1733 918-456-7900 Fred Welch, LCSW, Counseling Tahlequah Unitarian-Universalist Church proach have been tested on monkeys at 665-2222 918-453-9360 Green Country AIDS Coalition, PUB 1570 *Wherehouse Music, 5150 S. Sheridan Harvard Medical School and Merck & Co. *Whittier News Stand, 1 N. Lewis 592-0767 EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS ," with similar results. The Merck vaccine is www.gaytulsa.org website for Tulsa Gays & Lesbians 501-253-7734 " already in first-stage human testing, and the Autunm Breeze Restaurant, Hwy. 23 501-253-7457 -" Yerkes and Harvard versions should start Tulsa Agencies, Churches, Schools & O niversities Jim & Brent’s Bistro, 173 S. Main 579-9593 501-253-6807 AIDS Walk Tulsa, PUB 4337, 74101 : within six months. DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center St. 743-2363 501-253-5445 ¯ All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S. Peoria Vaccine discovery has been a notoriously Emerald RainbOw, 45 &l/2 Spring St. 587-7314 501-363-9203 ~ discouraging area of AIDS research, clouded Black & White, Inc..PUB 14001, Tulsa 74159 Heart of the Hills B&B, 5 Summit St. 501-253-9337 ~ by doubts that such a thing is even scientifiBless The Lord at All Times Christian Center, 2207 E. 6 583-7815 MCC of the Living Spring 583 -9780 501-253-2776 ¯" cally thinkable. Butoverthepastyear, thanks B/L/G/T Alliance, Univ. of Tulsa United Min. Ctr. Geek to Go!, PC Specialist, PUB 429 585-1201 501-253 -5332 ¯ to this impressive series of monkey experiChamber of Commerce Bldg., 616 S. Boston Old Jailhouse Lodging, 15 Montgomery 501-624-6646 " ments, many researchers have grown up*Chapman Student Ctr., University of Tulsa, 5th P1. & Florence Positive Idea Marketing Plans 587-1314 501-253-4074 :beat. Church of the Restoratio~ UU, 1314 N.Greenwood White Light, 1 Center St. 747-6300 *Community of Hope Church, 2545 S. Yale An AIDS vaccine is still no sure bet, they JOPLIN, MISSOURI *Community Unitarian-Universalist Congregation 749-0595 , " say. But many believe they are at least on a 417-623-4696 Spirit of Christ MCC, 2639 E. 32, Ste. U134 748-3888 Council Oak Men’s Chorale ¯ rational path toward finding one. 712-1511 *Delaware Playhouse, 1511 S. Delaware : The chances of success? "Ve~. _good," * is where you can find TFN. Not all are Ga_y-ownedbut allare Gay-friendly. 742-2457 *Democratic Headquarters, 3930 E. 31 �cells by the billions, taking over their machinery, forcing them to build new copies of the virus and obliterating then~ - ~ in theprocess. Eventually, though, the killer cells awaken ." ’ and destroy most 6f the infected cells before they can " predicts Dr. Harriet Robinson, who oversaw experiments : release more virusl Virus levels fall and then level off. : !n~volving~eca Q.odor an,d _a__~t. 80 .... other, monkeys...Wl~.y? .: In the years that follow, stalemate. the war is nearly a . . . us~ ot me mo,nKey,s: she says. ~re are not all tlmt , The body produces new hel cells almost as mckl as dif~ __ . . . per . .. q . y ~~erm.en~unk2~Yns; _ ~. ,., , : ~e-v.~..rams,~.em. ~ut ,g~.,,d.ually;, their levels slide too by Tom Neal, publisher/editor : Well,maybe. You’ve got to figure that The Tulsa World " has to love The Dail Okl " " " . . y .ahoman, its sister rag in Olda:homaC.ity. After all, anything The World does, nomatter m~, m,~l~w u ~.~ Lrom monkeys ls Key. anaa : Iar._ _A_t tl~s point, .vtr~.s kilh,n~..arugs can restore the : ho..w ~ss- .ix?or a~_d.pro.vm~al it might be, is going to be ~veOf~ ~.anlong sclen,ttsts. So,,me, wonder ft. these . bal,,~ance; butoth_e~wise theresultls AIDS and dentla.., betterthantimtot wlmthasbeendeelaredAmericaYsworst ~ .: ~ ~gtvenmega~aoses oi lao-~’ownvlri~: , . lne new :¢aceines are desi~.,ned tostart .the .ot~min~ .... news~aoer-Tbatbein,,.~id it’l~tillru~ %unt ...................au ;.,~a,,,~,~o~,~ _ t_ --__,_ __~~ ¯ ~S-’-~’s,":"~7:"~,’=~°~’ki~’g’,,mb°th_m_.°~,m,~eyan,.,um~n~ i ~emnv~ne ~e~u~_~_s ~ts_~n_,m_ s ce.,ns, aert~.~aat.oranea)~t, the . ,_ mtvuut¢unt:s..mmonkeys, me vaccme seems to munt ¯ tilts le. too-. . attack. Maybe ....it wl!l in,, ~, , ,.¯ . : ~Sudde~l. Ythere~sasensef°r.thefirst:ttmcthatperhaps : Wns mc a.y, f we hel -7 .World f bl :. So ,here homd we sm in this our muem:towerieveL.. -~y. oomg reaanvety su0tle,thmgs .’-- (besides TFN tn our modest way and Lordknows,..we’re du ", ~thefirstho.urs~ to w_ee.ks of infection, wethinkwe : certainly a David to their Goliath)? . .can havea, dramatic pay~off m allowing the body’s own : ’ We’re notreallypickingon them- someone’sgot toffy ~mmuneres nseoverthelonehanltocontalnthisv’rzl , tokeen mfecuon , sa ......... . criticize . y.s Le~twn. , , , . esO. and it ShOt" as ¯ though The World doesnt , . .... Instead~ofdyingfromAIDS, vac~nated people who get :. , everyone else in theireditorialpages. " ,, . ,, for decades or even a :, , My’favorite waste of newsprint is our local "society, ¯~.mv,~.~.,.,_~.,,,~.~uymm~_" 0t mr:. r~tv epl~mmlc, says.., -menme. ires como atso slow ~ svread of,the disease; . column the wo k¢~-l~ rmrvaro s L~r.Norman Letvm. ’~low there is an.absolute ¯ because when virus levels are low. ~ie are much les~ : but wonde~ ff M~V~i ~o%~’~t ~’a’~’~’~r~e’~ ....v and all stampede to get these technologies into humans and ask : likely to pass .on HIV. s .bLt t : liv,o,w!th vi ,s ¯ ofthe rest of us, a whole lotof trouble ffinstead of listing the question: Can we-translate these monkey findings into : Details of the vaccines developed by Yerkes, Harvard ~ all the people who attend Tulsa events, she would simply the human situation?" ¯ and Merck differ, but all involve the same strategy: First :. say that all the usual people were there - since it is the Researchers hope to know soon whether these expericome injections of several HIV genes, which are taken in : same-cast of criminals in column after colunm That mental shots launch the same early immune system deby muscle cells that use them as blueprints to make viral : would that reduce her column to a size .appropriate to its fenses seem in vaccinated monkeys. This would be an proteins. Next comes an immune system booster, such as ¯ usual level of content, as well as saving someone the encouraging hint of the vaccine’s eventual power. Some a smallpox virus that has been rebuilt to carry some of the ¯ trouble of typing in all those names, over and over. answers could be offered at an international AIDS vaccine HIV genes. The ultimate goal is still a vaccine that will ¯ Actually, as much as I hate to admit it, I find Ms. conference in early September.. block HIV infection. But in the meantime, many believe Walker’s colulnn somewhat useful, if vulgar. In a town as .. However, vaccine development is frustratingly slow. wide use of the latest vaccines could reduce spread of th~ ¯ screwed up and elitist/racist/homophobic as Tulsa is, it Even if all goes flawlessly, Robinson estimates it will be disease, especially in parts of the world where it is ramnever hurts to know who among Tnlsa’s "social elite" is 2905before large-scale experiments begin with her vacpant. Experts believe a vaccine is the only thing tlmt will ¯ in bed with each other, figuratively speaking. one. Learning whether it truly prevents AIDS will take tame an epidemic that has already killed 20 million people ¯ Top World editor Joe Worley took umbrage about TFN ¯ another two years. Many estimate these vaccines are still and infects 15,000 more daily. calling The Worm a country club newspaper some years a decade or more away. Dr. Gary Nabel, director of the National Institutes of " back. My response is just read Ms. Walker’s column, see So with clear answers so far off, is all’this optimism Health’s Vaccine Research Center, says that even if the ¯ how much space it regularly commands and try to argue realistic? ’~I ask myself whether it is justified based on the first versions are only modestly effective, tinkering will ¯ with me. Imagine if The Worm devoted as much space to science," says Dr.. Peggy Johnston, assistant director for probably make them better. ’"vVe’ll start with a Model T ¯ international news regularly as they do to Ms. Walker! AIDS vaccines at the National Institute of Allergy and and hope to get to a Mercedes fast." Another interesting aspect of Tulsa Worm "reporting" Infectious Diseases. "And my conclusion is yes." While much of the attention is on novel strategies, a is the flagrant disregard for professional ethics in some One reason is that scientists have lowered the bar. Until more traditional vaccine is already in final-stage testing. cases. Recently The World published an article about a now, all useful vaccines prevented infections. However, The AIDSVax, developed by VaxGen, has been given to ~¯ new image/fundraising campaign~oyq~ulsa~ s most pron~ithe human immune system cannot mm back an HIV 7,900 volunteers in North America, Europe and Thailand ¯ nent non-profit organization. The only problem was that infection, and no one knows how to make a vaccine that The vaccine is made from the outer wrapper of the AIDS the information in the article had/has yet to be released to accomplishes something the human body cannot do for virus and is intended to trigger antibodies to prevent ¯ the public. The "reporter" was privy to the information itself. ¯ infection. Many AIDS experts are skepti ,c01, because the because s/he serves on an advisory committee for the nonSo thenew vaccines are designed to accomplish the next approach has been disappointing in monkeys, and some " profit and took theinformation direcdy out ofanonpublic best thing- train the immune defenses to hold an infection early volunteers contracted HIV after being vaccinated. meeting without permission. Even first year journalism in Check without preventing it entirely. However, VaxGen’s president, Dr. Donald Francis, ¯ students would recognize that this was obtained and used "For a long time, people assumed that the only success¯ says more promising data from chimp experiments sugimproperly - and The World reporter who did this should fnl vaccine would completely prevent infection," says Dr. gest it has as good a chance as any other approach, ¯ know better. Robert Schooley of the University of Colorado. ’The new Researchers will take their first look at the results in ¯ But part of the incestuous nature of Tulsais that the nonstudies suggest that a vaccine might also have a moderab November, but unless it proves surprisingly effective, the " profit will likely tolerate just about anything The World ing influence on the disease process itself." experiment will condnue until at least the end of next year. ¯ does because The World donates so very many dollars a Scientists agree that blocking an infection requires the Next in development is an Aventis Pasteur vaccine. It ." year. Given this compromised financial relationship, it’s production, of powerful antibodies. This is how standard consists of a canarypox virus engineered to carry HIV little surprise that this non-profit only gets promotional vaccines work: They show the immune system a protein genes, followed by a boost with AIDSVax. The Walter ¯ newscoverage from The WorM. And incompetence at the that is unique to the germ. If the bug ever gets into the Reed Army Institute of Research plans to start testing on ¯ helm of this non-profit has been covered up for years by all body, the defenses will blaze back with antibodies that 16,000 volunteers in Thailand next summer. ¯ of Tnlsa’s news outlets. latch onto the protein, blocking the germ and destroyingit. Even ifaaone of these works out, other ideas are in the ¯ But shoddy journalism should hardly be a surprise to HIV, however, is a moving target. It mutates so fast that development pipeline. The National Institute of Allergy ¯ thosewho’vebeenrcading The World’sreligioncoverage it constantly changes the proteins on its surface. So a and Infectious Diseases, the biggest vaccine backer, is ¯ for some months. The first clue that The WorMhas thrown vaccine that triggers an attack against one strain of HIV financing two dozen different possible vaccines. ¯ journalistic balance out Joe Worley’s window onto Main may be powerless against another. Furthermore, the virus Still, a few dozen healthy monkeys like Godot do not ¯ Street is that World religion "reporter" Bill Sherman covers its surface with sugar, which hides its proteins from prove an AIDS vaccine is on the horizon. Some in the field ¯ allegedly is a "Promise-Keeper". antibodies. worry that the wishforonehas dissolved~bealthy scientific Being a member of this rightwing, misogyuistic and When all of this became clear in the 1990s, scientists skepticism. ¯ anti-Gay organization would be considered radically corn_ went back to basics. How is it, they asked, that people ¯ "We tend to swing from momentous lows to momenpromised as a journalist by most news organizations but often live with HIV for eight or 10 years before falling sick tous highs in the AIDS field," says Dr. Mark Mulligan of ¯ not at The WorM, apparently. with AIDS? And why do some never seem to get ill at all? " the University of Alabama at Birmingham. ’’We may be in ¯ Since Sherman took over the religion post, stories about The answer turns out to be another line of defense ¯ an Alan Greenspan time of irrational exuberance, because ¯ evangelical and fundamentalist groups have dominated against germs, the killer cells. Unlike antibodies, which " we need this so desperately." guard against free-floating microbes, the killer cells recognize infected cells and destroy them. HIV’s favorite target is a blood cell called the helper cell. This complicates matters enormously, since one of the hel.per cells’ most important jobs is nourishing and managing the killer cells. In the first days of aninfection, HIV burrows into helper " ¯ " : " Worm coverage while newsworthy stories coming out of other moreprogressive traditions.have been ignored. And : Tulsa’s moderate and progressive religious leaders have ¯ given up hope for fair coverage from The World. ¯ But at TFN, we always hold out hope for redemption, ¯ and note that Sherman is asking for stories about miracles. ¯ Here, we’re just hoping for fair and accurate reporting from The World. Now that would be a miracle, indeed. ¯ �Newspaper, Chain Offers Partner Benefits ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) - Gannett Co., the nation’s largest newspaper publisher, will soon offer full medical benefits to same-sex partners who live together, the company announced. The company also will offer benefits to unmarried domestic partners of the opposite sex. The benefits for partners will become available in Janua~ 2002. To be eligible, partners must first have had a 12-month relationship. They must also sign an affidavit that declares there is financial dependence between them. Gannett spokeswoman Tara Connell said there have been several requests from empl,oyees for equal coverage for domestic partners. "We ve been looking at it for years," Connell said. She said the company’s rapid growth last year slowed the process of revamping the benefits. Gannett employs about 53,400 people at 98 newspapers in the United States. The company also owns about 23 television stations. Unlike married couples of the opposite sex, an employee claiming the benefits will still have to pay taxes on the amount used to insure his or her partner. The IRS does not extend tax exemptions for medical benefits to domestic partners. Gannett’s decision was hailed by Gay and Lesbian groups. ’q~o stay competitive you have to provide good benefits," said Sherry Boschert, a board member of The National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association. "It just makes good business sense." ends there is no specific legQ, right allowing a person to claim a share of property. A significant and growing proportion of couples living together in Western Australia have no access to the Family Court if their relationship ends," McGinty said. "Instead, they must argue their case before the Supreme Court, resorting to principles of equity that can be expensive, time consuming, public and uncertain." McGinty said the legislation, which will be introduced in Parliament this week, would also ensure all de factor couples can ask for alimony, just as married couples can. The legislation comes after Prime Minister John Howard said that he would not support homosexual weddings and that same-sex couples should not have the same legal status as married couples. Teens Held in Gay Killing Cincinnati Schools Address Anti-Gay Attacks CINCINNATI (AP) - Public, school students who xntimidate others because of sexual orientation or disability can be suspended or expelled. The board of education voted 6-1 to add those two provisions to the Cincinnati Public Schools’ discipline policy. Board lawyer John Concannon said principals and assistant principals were trained to pr.operly enforce the new policy during in-service sessxons two weeks ago. Mindy Sandfort, a spokeswoman for the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, urged the board to teach educators how to recognize, prevent and discipline harassment based on sexual identity, which is not explicitly mentioned in the new policy. ’q~eachers need to understand the difference between gender identity and sexual orientation and how to deal with the harassment that comes with both situations," she said. Concannon said he believes gender identity is covered under the current policy. The policy applies to serious incidents of harassment, intimidation or threatening, he said. It does not apply to incidents that involve free speech rights. If a student says, "I’m opposed to homosexuality because God says homosexuality is a sin," it is not a violation of the policy, Concannon said. Australian Gay Partners . To Be Recognized PERTH, Australia (AP) -De facto partnerships, including homosexual relationships, will be recognized in the same way as marriages under new propertyrights legislation to be introduced in a state parliament. Western Australia state Attorney General Jim McGinty said the legislatiqn would allow those heterosexual and same-sex couples whose relationships .are recognized by the state to have property disputes settled through the Family Court rather than having to go to the Supreme Court. Australia has a vibrant and vocal Gay community. Sydney each year plays host to the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, one of the largest international Gay pride - festivals. Under Australian law, when a de facto relationship . WICHITA, Kan. (AP) - A beating and arson that killed a 58-year-old Wichita man began with him making sexual advances to two teen-agers now charged with killing him, witnesses said. The co-defendants - 18year-old Zachary Steward and 17-year-old Brandon Boone - blamed each other for repeatedly striking Marcell Eads on his head, according to testimony presented at a preliminary hearing. District Court Judge Joseph Bribiesca ruled there was enough evidence to charge the two with firstdegree murder, aggravated arson, aggravated burglary and aggravated robbery. The judge also ruled that Boone, 16 when the crimes occurred, would be tried as an adult. Innocent pleas have been entered for both men. Trial was set for Oct. 8. Early the morning of June 29, firefighters found the body of Eads on the floor of his smoldering home. Although Eads was beaten severely, it was the fire that killed him, Deputy Coroner Jaime Oeberst said. Eads was burned over 60% to 70% of his body and inhaled smoke that left alethal level of carbon monoxide in his blood, he said. Testimony showed that sex and sexual orientation appeared to be key factors in the motive. Police Det~tive Blake Mumma said Steward gave a statement m which he said that Eads had made sexual advances toward him and Boone - prompting Boone to start beating Eads with a broomstick, and later with the end of a table and a rock. Steward also admitted to striking Eads, Mumma said. According to Steward’s statement to police, the two teens returned to Eads’ house and Boone started the fire. Eads, a hairstylist, was openly Gay, said neighbor Zusan Livingston. She said Eads told her he was having an affair with Steward. Steward and his father had come to Eads for haircuts. Steward grew up in Riverside,, several blocks west of F_ads’ bungalow. Rachel Mroczkow sk, Boone’ s 15-year-old girlfriend, testified she heard Steward say the night of the killing that he was angry because he had gone to a man’ s house andthe man,had grabbed the area around his genitals and propositioned him. She said Steward used a slur to .describe the man and said he wanted Boone to go with him to beatthe man and steal things from his home. Under Kansas law, if it can be shown that someone was a crime victim because of his sexual orientation, a judge can use that to justify a harsher sentence. US Women Wed In Netherlands PROVINCETOWN, Mass. (AP) - Two women from Provincetown were married last month in the Netherlands, but it is unclear whether their marriage will be legally recognized in Massachusetts. Heather Wishik and Susan Donegan said they will not fight for their overseas mamage to be legal in Massachusetts, but Gay civil fights advocates predict state courts may soon be forced to confront the issue of same-sex couples who marry or are joined in a civil union out of state or overseas. MCC United MetropolRan Coctmltardgy C~urch United is a cor-,gre~jaUon of the Univer~a~ Fellowship of Metropcdita~ Community ~hurcl~,s Sunday Morning Traditional 11:00 AM Sharing the ~oodness of the Lord with our community.= Wednesday EvenJn, Contemporary 7:00 PM Rev. Cathy Elliott, Pastor "1623 N. Maplewood (918) 838-1715 mcctulsa@aoLcotn Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Community of Hope 2545 South Yale, Sundays at llam, 749-0595 A Welcoming Congregation HOUSE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Sun. Worship, 10:45 am, Sunday School, 9:30 am Wed. Bible Study, 7 pm, Sunday Eve. Service, 6pm 1517 S. Memorial, 628-0802, lnfo: 224-4754 The Open Arms Project Young Adult Support Group Outreach Program Thurs. Nights Meet Others in a Safe Enviroment Call for meeting times and place: 918-584-2325 Mingo Valley Flowers 9413 E. 31st St., Tulsa 74145 918-663-5934, fax: 663-5834, 800-A.A,A.-5934 Family Owned & Operated Trinna L. W. Burrows, LSW, ACSW Child, Family, Individual & Couple Psychotherapy (918) 743-9559 2121 South Columbia, Suite 420 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74114-3518 �The Pride Store 21st Street & Memorial Tulsa Gay Community Services Center 743-GAYS (743-4297) 6-9 pm, Sunday - Friday 12-9 pm, Saturday, all sales benefit the Center Heart of the Hills Bed & Breakfast 5 Summit, Eureka Springs, Arkansas 501 - 363 - 9203 Come Stay Us for the Next Diversi~. Celebration, Nov. 2 - 4 Red Rock Tulsa Free Confidential HIV Testing Walk-in Clinics Tues. & Thurs., 5 -8 pm at the Center; 1307 East 38th Daytime appointments available. Call for more information: 918-584-2325 i v e I r American Red Cross Tulsa Area Chapter~ 10151 East Eleventh Tulsa 74128 Dannette Mclntosh Diversity Co-ordinator 838-1100 American Red Cross OPENARMS OPEN MINDS OPEN I-IFAI~S Saint Aidan Saint Dunstan 4045 N. Cincinnati, 425-7882 5635 East 71st, 492-7140 Saint John Trinity 4200 S. Atlanta Place, 742-7381 501 S. Cincinnati, 582-4128 The Episcopal Church Welcomes You A lawsuit recently filed in Suffolk Superior Court challenges the rights of same-sex couples to marry in Massachusetts. Five’months ago, the Netherlands became the first country to allow same-sex marriage. "For us, our Dutch marriage is simply that - it’s a Dutch marriage entered into for very personal reasons," Donegan said. "We did not get married as a political or legal challenge to Massachusetts or to the United States." Mary Bonauto, staff attorney for Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, said she had not yet seen couples married in the Nefherlands or joined in civil union in Vermont go to court in Massachusetts to extend the legal recognition. But Bonauto said she has seen same-sex couples who went to Vermont for a civil union return to Massachusetts and successfully negotiate employee benefits with employers or family rates with clubs. "It’s evolving in its own way," she said. ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ : ¯ ¯ European Scouts Do Accept Gays ¯ During the last European Conference of Scouts and [gift] Guides, at the initiative of the Belgian delegation a resolution was approved not to consider homosexuality as a discriminatory factor, neither inside nor outside scouting. This resolution was a reaction by Belgium to the recent troubles with the Boy Scouts of America regarding the exclusion of gay members, on account of which Steven Spielberg, among others, resigned from the organization. The European Conference of Scouts and Guides, which took place from 7 - 12 July in Prague, was attended by more than 400 representatives from throughout Europe. Belgian delegates represented the five Belgian scouts and guides organizations, which have around 150,000 members. Scouting and Guiding is active in 41 European countries, with approximately 3.5 million boys and gifts participating. Worldwide the organization counts around 35 million scouts and guides in 216 countries, and the Jamboree, to be held next year in Thailand, is its most eye-catching international initiative. The Belgian proposal to avoid discrimination based on sexual preference opened with the charter of fundamental rights of the child adopted by the European. Union in Nice in December 2000. Further, the amendment pointed out evolutions in present day society and the fact that scouting and guiding always follow the tendencies of youth culture, put to the test of the principles of the movement. Following this it was stated that ’l~olebis" (the Belgian abbreviation for Gays, Lesbians, and Bisexuals) are to be universally accepted within European society and that this cannot be used as an exclusionary criterion by national (scouting) federations. The Belgian proposal was approved by a large majority of the conference representatives. Turkey, Greece, Romania, Portugal, Cyprus, and Malta voted against the initiative. The five Belgian "scouts and guides organizahons (VVKSM, FOS, FCS, GCB, and SGP) hope that the approval of this resolution will have an impact on other regions of the world. The American observer at the conference was "not really happy" with the result [of the vote on the initiative]. However, news is trickling out that the scouting movement in the United States is.coming under pressure from, among others, gigantic sponsors such as Levis and Coca Cola, to revise its policy against Gays. ¯ ¯ : . ¯ ¯ . ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ : ¯ : : ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯. : Supreme Court has ruled. The 8-1 decision will likely stretch beyond the city’s borders. Other cities, including Seattle, and the state have similar policies, along withlocal governmentsinatleastfourotherstates.The policy allows domestic partners, including same-sex partners, to receive health insurance benefits. It also allows employees to use theii sick leave to care for partners or partners’ children. Vancouver resident Roni Heinsma challenged the policy soon after it was adopted in 1998, arguing that the city was creating akind of mini-marriage in violation of the state law against same-sex marriage. But the justices agreed with the city’s argument that regulation of employee benefits is alocal matter. ’’We conclude that the city’s recognition of domestic partnershipis limited and that the program does not unconstitutionally interfere with the Legislature’s ability to regulate familial relationships on a statewide level," Justice Susan Owens wrote for the majority. Heinsma’s challenge was argued by the Northstar Legal Center, a conservative nonprofit law firm m Fairfax, Va., which challenged the city’s argnment that the benefits were necessary to recruit and retain good workers. ’The city or county that enacts this is saying that we do not agree with the state Legislature’s decision to ban same-sex marriage," said Jordan Lorence, the Northstar attorney who argued the case. ’q-his isn’t based on need, it’s based on a political agenda." Similar polices in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver and Broward County, Fla., have been upheld by other state supreme courts, Lorence said. Policies in Minneapolis, Boston, and Arlington County, Va., were struck down. Courts are still considering cases in Philadelphia and Montgomery County, Maryland. "Every time we get domestic partner benefits like this, the fight wing swoops in and raises some kind of challenge," said Pat Logue, senior counsel for the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, a Gay civil fightsgroup. "I think the courts recognize that domestic partnership is not marriage." In Washington, King County and the cities of Seattic, Olympia and Tumwater have similar policies. The Public Employees Benefits Board approved a similar policy for state workers last year at Gov. Gary Locke’s request. Since Vancouver’s policy was initiated in 1998, about 30 domestic partnerships have been registered and approved. The city paid more than $20,000 to cover the cost of the policy in 1998. "A lot of private businesses have similar policies," said Ted Gathe, Vancouver’s city attorney. "It was felt by the city that recruiting and retaining employees is important, and this was one of the benefits that should be included in our package." ¯ Gay Friendly Governor i To Run for US Senate : NEWBURY, N.H. (AP) - Democratic Gov. Jeanne ¯ Shaheen, New Hampshire’s first female governor and ¯ the first to openly support abortion fights, took the first official step toward running for Senate. Shaheen, a ¯ social liberal and fiscal conservative, filed papers ." creating an exploratory committee for a run for the seat ¯ now held by conservative Republican incumbent Bob ¯ Smith. ¯ Shaheen has signed bills protecting Gay civil rights in housing, jobs and public accommodations and re. pealing a ban on Gay adoptions. "Democrats, independents and Republicans all have ¯ told me that they want a U.S. senator who will be a ¯ champion for them in Washington and take action on the real problems they face," Shaheen said in a state" merit. Democrats have held a 50-49-1 advantage in the ¯ Senate since Jim Jeffords of Vermont switched from OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - The city of Vancouver can ¯ the GOP to independent in June. Shaheen said she keep providing health benefits to domestic partners of ¯ won’t officially decide whether to run until next year. Gay and Lesbian city employees, the Washington _" She is serving her third two-year term as governor. Washington State Court Upholds Partner Benefits �So. Africa to Provide Free AIDS Drug JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AP) The government made a verbal agreement with a German drug company to accept a key AIDS drug for free in pilot projects aimed at reducing the number of babies born with HIV,company officials released recently. The deal to provide free nevirapine for the prevention of motherto- child transmission of HIV at pilot projects in the country was tentatively accepted, said Kevin McKenna, technical director of B oehringer-Ingelheim in South Africa. The.company made the offer of free Nevirapine to more than 100 developing countries last year, provided it was part of a properly managed, comprehensive mother-to-child Transmission prevention program. The government had been criticized for not taking up the offer. AIDS activists and doctors sued the government demanding the immediate administration of nevirapine nationwide. About 200 babies are born with HIV every day in South .africa and the drug could slash that number in half. By refusing to make nevirapine widely available to HIV-infected pregnant women, the government is denying women .and children ¯ their constitutional rights to health care, the suit filed in the Pretoria High Court claimed. The government, which is reviewing the suit, says it stands by its policy of first distributing nevirapine on a small scale ¯ through pilot programs to test its effects~ Young So. Africans Speak of AIDS CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) - In a steady voice, 16-year-old Jabu tells how her father raped her repeatedly, infecting her with the HIV virus. Once too scared to speak out, she encouraged others to fight anti-AIDS discrimination in South Africa at the first national meeting of children who are either infected or who have relatives with the virus. An estimated 4.7 million South Africans, about 11% of the population, are infected with HIV. The country has 700~000 AIDS orphans. Those infected are often stigmatized by a society who considers it a shameful illness, Infected children at the meeting spoke of being shunned by their peers, abandoned by their own families and even blamed by health care workers for contracting the virus. Jabu, who asked to be identified only by her first name, encouraged the young people to speak out. ’%’ou don’t have to keep quiet," Jabu told the group of about 90 children. The children, aged seven to 18, gathered from across the country in this coastal city and read anonymous testimonials out loud. Participants told of having to leave school to care for their infected siblings. Rejected by their families, others spoke of having to support themselves by collect" cattle. "My rd a’ firewood ¯ lng and tending fives discriminate between me and their children," wrote one of the children in a testimonial. "It’s like I am a slave." Monene, 14, lost her mother to the dis- ease. She said she frequently goes hungry and does not have proper clothes to wear. Monene, who asked to be identified only by her first name, urged the government to build more orphanages. "If they don’t do that, what are we going to become in the future?" she asked. The South African government has been ambasted for an inconsistent policy on combatting AIDS and for refusing to provide anti-retroviral drugs through the public health system. At the meeting, Dr. Nono Simelela, who heads the health department’s AIDS program, told the children the government was doing the best it could. "It’s dear that a~ore resources as going to be needed," Simelela said. "As far as humanly possible, we are responding to these challenges, (but) the processes are slow." Partners agree to joint ownership of patents for first AIDS vaccine specifically designed for Africa NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - Three partners developing and testing the first HIV/AIDS vaccine specifically designed for an African strain of the disease have agreed to joint ownership of the drug’s patents. The three-year agreement settles one of the hurdles that had earlier threatened to delay testing the vaccine to combat the viral strain most common in eastern Africa: Kenyan trials of the vaccine started several months later than expected, partly because of wrangling over ownership and patent rights. ’q~nis was a delicate matter, requiring a lot of patience and compromise from all parties," said Francis Gichaga, vice chancellor of the University of Nairobi. Gichaga and Seth Berkley, president of the New York-based International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, signed the agreementin Nairobi. Britain’ s Medical Research Council signed it in England earlier last month. ’q~he task force was guided by the principle of.fairness, equal partnership and need to equitably apportion credit and any revenues that may accrue from this project," Gichaga said. The groups have been working since November 1998 to develop a double vac, cine, basing much of their research on prostitutes from a Nairobi slum who appear to be immune to the HIV virus that causes AIDS. The first component is a simple_DNA vaccine that delivers the genetic information on HIV. The second component, known as MVA~ is a vaccine that delivers the same genetic information but uses a weakened smallpox virus to carry it to the cells. The DNA vaccine is in its first phase of testing on both Kenyans and Britons. Tests of the MVA vaccine are being conducted in England and are expected to begin in Kenya in September or October, said G_ilbert Camathan, project manager at the vaccine initiative, which is funding the research. Trials combining the components are expected to begin later this year in Britain and in early 2002 in Kenya, Camathan said. There is no HIV virus in the injections. The safety tests will determine whether they have any toxic effects. Once the combination vaccine has proven safe, it will be Power Connect. Public Service Company of Oklahoma Service Is Now Available 24 Hours A Day, Seven Days A Week. These days, traditional 8-5 business hours aren’t always convenient. So PSO has made it easier than ever for you to contact us. Our Customer Service Center operates 24/7 - offering around-the-clock answers to your questions - and better access to service. Now it’s easier for you to inquire about your monthly electric bill. Or report a power outage. Or arrange tohave your power turned on or off. Our professionally trained, friendly and knowledgeable customer service representatives are standing by to serve you. All day, every day. To provide faster response to your needs, we have listed our toll-free numbers below. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I C .L HOU FOR TOLL-FREE SER CE Customer Services: 1-888-216-3523 Billing Inquiries: 1-888-216-3490 Ou~ge Repo~g: 1-888-218-3919 Servicio a Clientes: 1-888-216-3505 Preguntas Sobre su Cuenta: 1-888-216-3491 Falta De Suministro: 1-888-218-3924 Public Service Company of Oklahoma i, I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I �tested to see if it actually wards off AIDS. The process is expected to take several years. Berkley will sign an agreement with the Uganda Vaccine Research Institute soon that will pave the way for testing there of an orally administered version of the vaccine, Camathan told The Associated Press. Tests so far have "not only been safe, but also generated surprisingly good immune responses," Berkley said. Africa, the world’s poorest continent, is ground zero in the fight against HIV/AIDS. More than 24 million Africans live with the vires but most cannot afford expensive drugs designed to slow its effects. Health officials estimate that more than 2.6 million Kenyans alOne have HIV/AIDS, and 700 more are infected each day. Other vaccines-target strains prevalent in Europe and North America. AIDS Activist Sees Less Harassment Timothy W. Daniel Attorney at Law An Attorney who will fight for justice & equality for Gays & Lesbians Domestic Partnership Planning, Personal Injury, Criminal Law & Bankruptcy 1-800-742-9468 or 918:352-9504 128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma Weekend and evening appointments are available. reversed itself and announced it was sending a team of health officials to open a clinic in the worst-hit village, Wenlou. More recently, a vice minister of health said an April survey of 1,645 Wenlou villagers found that 318 - or 19% - were HIV-positive. Among villagers who sold blood, an even larger proportion were infected - 244 out of 568, or 43 % Officials are now examining blood supplies in all hospitals and donor centers in Henan, the Health Ministry’s newspaperHealth News - said Friday. Police also are searching for illegal blood-buyers, known as "bloodheads," and government officials who helped them, it said. "It’s a good start that the government is beginning to acknowledge this problem and take action against it," Gao said. ’’I am not sure how effective the crackdown will be or if the problem will just reappear after the campaign is over, but at least it’s much better than before when the officials did nothing at all." Brazil Strips Patent On AIDS Drug SHANGHAI, China (AP) - The threatening phone calls and summons by angry officials are over. Government leaders who once shunned her now smile and say hello ¯ RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AP)-Brazil’s in public. The reversal represents a victory : decision to disregard patent protections of sorts for Gao Yaojie, aretired gynecolo- ¯ and begin manufacturing a genetic vergist who publicized the spread of AIDS ¯’ sion of a powerful anti-AIDS drug could through illegal blood buying in rural vil- ¯ open the way for other developing counlages in the central Chinese province of ." tries to follow suit, experts said in August. ¯ I-Ienan. Brazil has become the first country to ¯ After years of official attempts to constrip the patent on an anti-AIDS medicaceal the deadly outbreak, the government ¯ tion. Health Minister Jose Serra said govis acknowledging that hundreds of villag- ¯¯ ernment laboratories would begin manuers are infected and that dozens have alfacturing Nelf’mavir, an anti-AIDS drug ready died. ¯ made by the Roche group and sold under Gao said a deputy governor of Henan ¯ the trade name Viracept. Serra justified even went out of his way last week to greet ¯ the move, saying six months of negotiaher at an art exhibition. The government ¯ tions with Roche failed to lower the drug’s still hasn’t broken down and told Gao she ¯ price sufficiently for Brazil to be able to was right. But it has stopped treating her as ~ distribute the drug free of charge to all in if she were trying to reveal state secrets, ¯ need. Brazil, has the highest number of Gao, 74, told The Associated Press by : AIDS victimsin Latin America, with about telephone. ’‘itrs so quiet now," she said. ¯ 203,000 people with the disease. "A couple of months ago, I was getting ¯ Mark Weisbrot, co-director of the Cenphone calls from government officials al- ¯ ter for Economic Policy and Research, a most every day." : Washington-based think tank, hailed Gao stumbled onto the hidden epidemic ¯ Brazil’s decision and said it could prompt in 1996, when one of her patients tested ¯ other countries to do the same. "I think positive for the virus that causes AIDS. ¯ you’regoing to see more developing counGao was able to link the infection to an ¯ tries resisting these attempts to enforce the illegal blood-buying industry in rural ¯ U.S. patent law all over the world. Very Henan. Since the 1980s, collectors had ." often, this is the ease: When one country been paying villagers for their blood, ex- ¯ challenges these laws, the U.S. backs tracting the valuable plasma and then rein- ¯ down," he said. Weisbrot points to U.S. jecting what was left back into donors’ ¯ decisions to back away from attempts at veins. Donated blood was often pooled ¯ stricter patent enforcement on AIDS drugs ¯ together, facilitating Transmission of HIV. in South Africa and Brazil. ¯ Gao printed more than 300,000 flyers The law also contains clauses that allow and 100,000 booklets to warn the villagers ¯ patents to be stripped in cases of national about the danger. She also paid for the ¯ emergency or when the company has been treatment of infected children. She said ~ judged to employ abusive pricing. Serra she has spent more than $25,000 of her ~ used the abusive pricing clause in justifyown money over the last five years. Health ." ing this move. officials at first ignored her and then grew Roche spokesman Daniel Piller said the hostile as her efforts drew Chinese and : company was not expecting Brazil’s latest foreign media attention, she said. _" move. "We were surprised to hear the In May, officials at the hospital where ¯° news from the Brazilian government. We she had worked in Zhengzhou, Henan’s really think the government of Brazil ~s capital, blocked her application for a pass- ~ really committed to combatting this dreadport to visit the United States to accept an ." ful disease, andin ourpoint of view, we are award for anti-AIDS activism. Officials ¯ stillinnegotiations withthe Health Minisaccused her of collaborating with "anti- ." try," Piller said by telephone from the Chinese foreign organizations," she said. ¯ company’s headquarters in Switzerland. But this month:the government abruptly �This year’s New Genre Festival, Octo~ ¯ cal. On the physical level, the artist reher 3-7,-2001, will present a diverse range " minds us that we can consciously hold our of artists, many of whom cross disciplin- " breath and halt the automatic process of ary lines to create exciting new art works.. ¯ breathing for a short period of time until These works push the limits of traditional " the body revolts and reasserts control. The media while incorporating the new media " act of breathing creates a dynamic intermadepossiblebytoday’s technology. New ¯ face between our exterior and interior environments. Genre Festival is a program of Living Arts On Thursday, Oct. 4, Willy Le Maitre & of Tulsa. Eric Rosenzveig will present "The ApThis year the following art venues have ¯ chosen to collaborate on promoting corn ¯ pearance Machine"- a live video installation which begins in New York City with temporary art in Tulsa: Living ArtSpace, Nightingale Theatre, Philbrook Museum " the collection of trash from the streets. The of Art, SoBo 2, TulsaModem Art Center, ¯ garbage starring in the drama is manipulated, analyzed, videotaped and then Tulsa Performing Arts Center Trust, Tulsa Pror~e~ ¯ le, University of Tulsa School of " streamed in realtime over the internet diArt, Utica Square " rectly to the Alexandre Hogue Gallery, Phillips Hall, University of Tulsa, 2935 E Since 1969, Living Arts of Tulsa has been steadfast inits mission of"presenting ¯ 5th St. It opens from 5-Tpm and continues and devdoping contemporary artforms in " through October 25. Eric Rosenzveig also Tulsa." Living Arts is interested in newly " will give a talk at TU about the work and other artworks using new technologies at evolving ideas and concepts, and in sharingits interests with the community through " 6pro. Chris Wildrick of ’~2funBasTards" from creative workshops, performances, exhi- " bitions, films/videos, demonstrations of ", Madison, Wisconsin will perform Local Reality Test: Temporal Continuity Test, current art, lectures, related educational an out-of-theater performance by walking activxties and research. Living Arts has two principal goals: 1) ¯ around Tulsa from 9-5pm asking people what timeitis. He will then check this time to bring Outside artists and works to Tulsa against his watch, marking down the difwho are pushing their media to its limit ference in minutes and his location. He and, 2) to present opportunities and. chalwill also check times fOund on public lenges for local artists to develop and docks. Throughout the day he will accupresent new, exploratory works,which are mulate avast amount of data regarding the not normally seen in Tulsa. discrepancies between time and space m ’~3rrrl Power" Elizabeth.Whitney is one Tulsa. of this year’s emcees and she will be A ground-breaking new program of the making several appearances throughout New Genre Festival this year, the Perforthe festival: Thursday at the Performance mance Open allows for several short perOpen; Friday at Die Audio Gruppe - 8pro formance artworks by artists from Tulsa andat A.K.A. - 10pro; and Saturday at Jos4 and around the country to be seen at one Torres Tama - 8pm. venue, The Nightingale Theatre, 1416 E Grrrls: Subversive Performances of 4th St 8:00pm $8. ($6. students) on ThursFemininity Utilizing multiple perso_~,ae day, Oct. 4. (Rizzo - tough girl, Barbie, Miss FlizaThe amazing Berlin-based multimedia beth, Bridesmaid, and Ethyl), Elizabeth art group, Die Audio Gruppe,build electroWhitney leads us through many aspects of acoustic clothing and then perform using stereo typed women today - only with a them. Studio Performances at the Tulsa twist! Performing Arts Center, Doenges ThencSis the other of this year’ s emcees and ater, 2rid. & Cincinnati, 8:00pm.$12. ($6. they will be making several appearances/ students) Friday/Saturday, Oct. 5/6. Resperformances throughout the festival: ervations are required through the PAC at Thursday at the Performance Open - 8pm; 596-7111 or www.tnlsapac.com. Friday at Jos4 Torres Tama- 10pro SaturA workshop will be offered, "Making day at Die Audio Gruppe - 8pro Electro-acoustic Clothing" with inventor he5 had its .begin~,~,n,gs as a band. AlBen0it Manbrey on Monday, Oct. 1, ways "very theatrical for a rock group, it 7:00pro at Living ArtSpaee. wasn’t until the dialmmer quit that the Also on "Oct. 5/6, Living Arts will remaining band members decided to ditch feature ’qm Exile Close to the Equator the gigs and dive into theatrical Personal Stories of Universal Truths in a experimentaion. Utilizing various disciSearch for the "American Dream." In this plines, technology and whatever else they autobiographical verbal and visual coican find, nc5 strives to incorporate the l lage, performance artist Jos~ Tortes Tama energy of a rock concert into their perfor: returns to Tulsa with a work that combines mances. On Wednesday, Oct. 3, 5-Spin will fea- : personal stories and incantations withdrature ’q’he Culture of Breath," an interac- ~ matic movement and visual tableaus. ¯ Moving rapidly from poetic drama to the tive computer projection insthllation by Chicago Art Institute Professor of New ¯ hilariously absurd, he creates a dynamic piece that explores the immigrant experiMediaTiffany Holmes which investigates ence and rites-of-passage in urban Amerithe physiological, the biological, and the ] can culture. ~psychological aspects of breathing. The New Genre Festival also will offer It opens at Living ArtSpace, 308 S ¯ Kenosha. The installation continues on : anumber more events. For moreinformadisplay through October 25. The act of ¯¯ tion, call 918-585-1234 or check out: breathing is presented as a series of visual ¯ www.livingarts.org. Living Arts of Tulsa is located at 308 S Kenosha. layers: physical, biotic, and psychologi- It’s too expensive." You can subscribe to Tulsa Opera’s entire season for as little as $13 per opera. That’s cheaper than a ballgame and at that price you can even bring a date. ]’re sure to score. Herland Fall Retreat September 14-16 Roman Nose State Park Featuring entertainers Mary N Bright Mary Catherine Reynolds, -Kristall Bright and Nancy Nesser Herland, 2312 NW 39th Oklahoma City, www.herlandsister.org �Hungry for Atlantic Herring or ¯ mother, takes him on a journey that inA Prince in a Shetland? : eludes a cast of ordinary but uncommon by Deborah J. Hunter ¯ people. His thoughts turn from Atlantic If you like Stephen McCauley (Object ¯ herring, "These are fish that travel inlarge ofMy Affection, Easy Way Out, Man ofthe " schools and reproduce as casually as I House and True Enough) you’ll love Louis untangle phone cords," to other species, Bayard. I read Bayard’s two novels, En- " "Cowbirds have been on mindlately. They "dangered Species (2001) and Fool’s Er- ¯ are brown-headed creatures that decline rand (1999) back to back. I get hungry for : the honor of building nests and instead lay" good writing with peculiar characters that ¯ eggs in thenests of other birds. Some birds happen to be Gay. pick up on the ruse, but Bayard gives us both most will happily incu"... Like MeCauley, in a feast of storytelling bate the new eggs as about thirty-something one of their own." Bayard gently Nick Broome who hasIn Fool’s Errand, urges toward parentbashes stereotypes Patrick Beaton learns to hoodandPatrick Beaton hate naps and learns to who is in search of love Seth. He thinks - "Prince Charming" or in Seth is helping him find of people this case "Prince Shetthemanin the cranberry land." Shetland sweater. He ’like you and me’ Like McCauley, thinks their days spent Bayard gently bashes in the parking lots of "(and some not stereotypes in favor of discount stores and their people "like you and so like anyone I nights spent in bars are me" (and some not so in search of a "Scottish like anyone I have ever have ever met)..." Prince" who Patrick met) that are trying to barely met on~ sleepy make alife that on most daysdoesn’t seen ¯ afternoon in someone’s den. the least bit-"altemative." ¯" That Seth is the ex-boyfriend of Patrick’ s Nick Broome’s experience with sperm ¯ ex-boyfriend, Alex only adds to the flavor banks and finding out his own motility ¯ of the stew, as does the long visit from ¯ rates are hilarious. Thephysiclan s assisPatrick’ s bi-polar father who ends up mar~ tant.., leads me down along hallway with ¯ rying his best friend Marianne. shell-colored carpet...She hands me three : Fool’s Errand is a long book and the medium-size glass vials, a box of Kleenex ¯ yearning for love is there under the escaand a back issue of Pro Wrestling maga- ¯ pades and in every day. Like Endangered zine." He evolves from wanting to propa- ¯ Species, the search is what gives life its gate to wanting to parent. His search for a ¯ substance, the finding is what helps bring ¯ ¯ Lesbian co-parem, or finally, a surrogate life’s meaning. in favor THE GILDED AGE Treasures from the Smitbsonian American Art Museum 9 SEPTEMBER -- 4 NOVEMBER 2OO1 THE PHILBROOK MUSEUM OF ART 2727 SOUTH ROCKFORD ROAD : ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ." ¯ ¯ ¯ and other equality issues such as domestic partnership. Prior, HRC had issued $114,000 in but are asked to donate $10 at the door. Equality Fund grants and also gave $5,000 Earlierin September, Tulsa Oklahomans to the Federation of Statewide Political for Human Rights (TOHR) will kick off Advocacy Organizations. These grants the planning for Diversity Celebration 2002 helped to fund essential state house lobby from 5:30 to 7pm on Thursday, Sept. 6th at work, such as Maryland’s non-discrimiRenegades in the Rainbow Room. The nation and Texas’ hate crimes bills. public is welcome and for more informaOthers receiving grants include: tion, call 743-4297, or e-mail to ." Texas’ Lesbian/Gay Rights Lobby community@tohr.org ¯ which got a $5,000 grant to support their Looking forward to the end of October, ¯ lobby program, including to continue to TOHR will be hosting a Rocky Horror ." defeat attempted bans on same-sex marMasquerade Ball featuring Helga’s . riage and civil unions and to advance their Horribles to benefit the Pyramid Project ¯ safe schools initiative. (the-ftm.draising effort for a permanent ¯ Unity Utah will receive $4,000 to lobby commumty center) at the Downtown ." the Salt Lake City Council to codify an Doubletree on the 27th. More details will ¯ existing mayoral executive order which be available in October. ¯ prohibits discrimination in city employ" ment based on sexual orientation. This HRC Announces Grant to ¯ local project is an important first poliltical Oklahoma Group ...step for this organization, and also is an WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) made announced ¯ important first step towards state level decisions about its first round of Equality : advocacy. Vermonters for Civil Unions LegislaFund grants to Gay state lobbying groups ¯: tive Defense Fund is getting $5,000 for in 10 states. ¯ lobbying and polling efforts to keep the Amoung these grants (totaling $47,000) is one to Oklahoma’s Cimarron Alliance ¯ legislature from denigrating the legal stares of civil unions as a marriage-equivaFoundation of $4,000 to conduct the first ¯ lent. poll in Oklahoma to guidedevelopment of : A number of other organizations also public outreach messages, with special ¯ received grants or are still under consideremphasis on hate crimes, discrimination ¯ ation for aid. �¯ by Lamont Lindstrom Creator of the universe has sown a very Well, kind of. I was a Boy Scout. The : important fluid. This fluid is the most years, 1965 - 1970; the place, Martinez, : wonderful material in all the physical CA,Troopl81.And, nowadays, I amGay. ¯ world. Some parts of it f’md their way into ButwhenI was a ldd; I had yet to hear any : theblood, andthroughthebloodgivetone oftheearlynotesbftoday’s - ~ -~ : to the muscles, power-to~ elaborated language of -":-. ~;~outs havealways~- thebrain, and : strength to . Gayness and;eve~ii,~-Ihad, - ]md ~ex and aender ~ " the nerves:. This fluid"isthe : I probably ,wouldn thave - ........ ¯ ~’~ -sex fluid ’Am habit ldentifiedmyselfwlth.lt. A ¯ mind; An explleit ~l ....whichaboyhas that causes . GayBoyScout,backthen,.. o[ the o~,anJ=atloi~ is to this fluid robe discharged wasanthinkable.Wenever .. ~ .’ . ,. " ’ ¯ from the body tends-to . turn boys into men ~.~ :’weaken his $[rength,"to " once "sniggered at.: the double entendre, so obvi- men-o[ a imrt-leu]ar tTl~, makehimlessabletoresist disease :. ~to yield:means ~ous today, in thefinal.lin,~e dmt I~. I w~’t alone of theBoy Scout oath: ’I-to Sacrifice strengthS,and promise .... to keepmyself my Troop. Several power and m~liness. physically strong, mentally Jeez, we ~ought. Could scout mates a|so ~rew awake and morally we even survive our teens.’? into Gayness. Many straight." Scoutmasterly duties,~ The Boy Scouts of parents, I’m sure, prayed given Boy Scout dogma, America, backed by five included the regulation of tlmt scouting would U.S. Supreme Court Jusboyish sexuality and this toughen up their tices, have recently aftask could be approached firmed their legal right to withall shades of interest. I worrisome sons .... " discharge Gay Scoutmas.... spent part of four s||mmers ters and perhaps also (although this is less ¯¯ at Wolfboro, a camp in the Sierra Nevada. clear) boys who affirm ahomosexual idenOar leaders trooped us up river to "Baretity. The Gay community andbeyondhave " Ass Slide" and ordered to take off our condemned this invidious policy as harm- ,. clothes and slide down shallow, mossy ful, But theScouts, clearly, are in a dicey ¯ river rapids. On one 50-mile hike, buckposition. We might try to understand, al- " naked Scoutmaster Bob chased five of us though not necessarily sympathetically, ¯ boys, equally buck-naked, squealing the orgardzati0n’s problems in ha,vigating ¯ through the woods because we refused to the dangerous American cultural ~hoals of ¯ hop into the icy aver. childhood and sex. Innocent male hi-jinks, of course. But ¯ The Boy Scouts have always had sex ¯ some of this past must inform the Boy ¯ and gender in mind. An explicit goal of the Scouts’ present sexual bad conscious. Itis organization is to turn boys into men - ¯ sweet irony,’as many have noted (e.g., see men of a particular type, that is. I wasn’t ¯ Tim Neal’s biography The B oy-Man), that alone in my Troop. Several of my scout ¯ -the founder of the Boy Scouts, Lord Robmates also ~ew into Gayness. Many par- . eft Baden-Powell, was obsessed with eats, I’m sure, prayed that scouting would ¯ "boyology," had a 30 year relation with a ¯ younger man, K~uneth McLaren- whom toughen up their worrisome sons. The Boy Scouts, !ike the Marines, Little ¯ he called The Boy - and adored watching League sports, and certain small fundahis lithesome Scouts swim nude. mentalist Christian colleges, are a last re- ¯ Postmodem theorists warn that the past sort of desperate parents hoping to make a (life-long male friend) is often misunderman out of one. My fellow Scouts ranged " stood in contemporary terms (Gay). Still, from the ambitiously normal to hopeless Baden-Powell and some of his Scoutmastwinks (although we didn’t have that word ter successors clearly appreciated boys in back then either): The proto-gangbangers ¯ complicated ways. at my school, who wouldn’t be caught ¯ Pricking this Boy Scout bad conscious, dead in the Boy Scouts, weren’t fooled by ¯ Americais currently on the warpath against our organized protestations of masculinany sort of child sexuality; When I was a ity. All those silly (if sometimes still sur- ¯ kid, we had never heard of the term sexual prisingly useful) ropes and knots. harassment let alone sexual abuse. These Although Troop 181 had no language of ¯¯ notions, like Gay, had yet to hit Martiuez. Gayness, this does not mean that there In that heyday of the miniskirt, my 7th were no sexual frissons - a sexuality that, ¯ grade Algebra teacher used to force those in an all-male organization, is at least by ¯ 12-year old gifts who wore the shortest default homosexual. Such currents surely ¯¯ minis to sit in the front row of his class so feed the organization’s recent touchiness he could gawk up their skirts. (He also about Gayness. ¯ used to hang troublesome boys out his I remember friends giggling over the ¯ second-story window by the scruffs of Boy Scout Handbook’s warnings against their neck.) Today? Run, don’t walk, to masturbation. When I got my first Handyour nearest hungry lawyer. book I eagerly sought out those paragraphs. ¯ The reasons for America’s recent childThe Handbook, subsequently, wo~tld be * sex pamc are complex, reflecting, probsomewhat liberalized. My 1960’ s edition, " ably, parental guilt about working morns however, hadn’t progressed much beyond ¯ and about divorce. Nowadays, with suspithese 1927 admonitions published under ¯ cious parents and enterprising lawyers all the subtitle ’~onservation" (which, in the o¯ around, the BOy Scouts have their backs to 1970’s, would acquire a more ecological, the wall. You can see why they mightnot less Taoist gignificance): "In the body of ¯ want to get in bed with us Gays. We every boy who has reached his teens; the ¯ remindthemoftoomuch, seeScout, p.11 KellyKirby, CPA, PC Certified Public Accountant a professional corporation Lesbians and Gay men face many special tax situations whether single or as couples. Electronic filing is available for faster refunds. 747-5466 4021 South Harvard Avenue, Suite 210, Tulsa 74135 IGTA member ~~ Call 341.6866 International TOH~ formoreinformation. TULSA COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY Country Club Barbering Custom Styling for Men & Women David Kauskey 3310 E. 51st, 747-0236, Tues.-Fri., 8-5:30, Sat. 8-5pro �College Hill Presbyterian Church In response to God’s Love, College Hill Presbyterian Church is a community of God’s people called to tell others the Gospel of Jesus Christ through worship, service, and evangdism. To nurture our faith, we gather for worship~ prayer, study and fellowship. ¯ Trusting in a living, loving God, we seek to become a compassionate voice for peace and justice. Our congregation welcomes all persons who respond in trust and obedience to God’s grace in Jesus Christ, and desire to become part of the membership and ministry of Christ’s church. Membership is open to all people regardless of race, ethnic origin, worldly condition, marital status, or sexual orientation. Sunday Worship, 11am 712 S. Columbia Ave., 592-5800 (One block west of Delaware and the University of Tulsa Campus) Tulsa’s only professional body-piercing On September 3oth, something brand new is hitting the Tulsa scene! Soulful Sundown is an alternative worship experience that celebrates the mystery and wonder of life, within a non-dogmatic context. Soulful Sundown combines live music, inspirational readings., video, and audience participation to create an experience that moves, challenges, transforms and connects people to e~tch other and the ~¢orld. Soulful Sundo.wn happens at All Souls Unitarian Church at 5:3oPM on Sundays starting September 3oth and continuing through the rest of the year. All people are welcome! All Souls Unitarian Church 2952 S. Peoria, 743-2363. Karma just bit me in the ass! Here I was, pining for something I thought I’d never have, when lo and behold, a woman told me she was in love with me. Of course this was three hours after meeting he_r, so you can imagine how frightened I was, thinking I’ d run into Psycho Lesbian From Hell. Remember Miss No-Longer-InterestedIn-Me? Well, she stir isn’t. But that’s not the point. Miss No-Longer-Interested-InMe and I reached an agreement and have done what many Lesbian couples do (or non-couples, in this case) and become friends. I know what you’re saying. ’Raging Lesbian, this is just a way to get to see her!" I could tell you how much we click on a friendship level; how much we value that friendship; how much we respect each other, etc. OK- it’s a way to get to see her! I never knew how she felt because no one’s ever said those three little words to me. I found out how she felt the other weekend when I heard them whispered into my ear. You need to know rightnow thatinternet acquaintances should be a slow process. No need to rush into meeting her after writing to her once or twice. She might turn into a Karin, and you might become a Miss No-Longer-Interested-In-Me. The other weekend was my first date since Miss No-Longer-Interested-In-Me told me that, well, she was no longer interested in me. It was the first time since May that I even thought of trying to move on. I didn’t realize I’d meet Miss U-Haul Lesbian. My experiences since coming out have been with users until I met Miss No-LongerInterested-In-Me. This explains why she’s making yet another starring role in the column. Her honesty disarmed me and made me realize I hadn’t been honest with the most important person in my life--me¯ How could I be honest with her, or anyone else,.for that matter? Timing tndy sucks sometimes. Had I met Miss U-Haul,. fallen for her, learned my lesson, then met Miss No-LongerInterested-In-Me, perhaps... No, I won’t go there. We fill our lives with so many ’~vhat-ifs" and "if onlys" that we don’t see the people in front of us. The person in front of me now is a woman who would do anything for me. Scary, huh? But don’t we look for this all our lives? Here is it, staring me in the face, and I’m feeling very different than I did in April¯ I feel like Miss No-Longer-Interested-In-Me. I let my new-found "friend" in on what was happening. She told me never to say anything to Miss U-Haul I didn’t mean. Wise advice which I learned from her through first-hand experience. I’ve told Miss U-Haul about my recent history, and I also let her know that I don’t think I can realm her feelings. She says I will. Umm, no, I don’t think so. What’ s she like? Besides living in outer Dallas and dres sing in men’ s clothing (well, somewhat), she’s kind, caring, and listens to my every word¯ Where I was almost a non-entity with Miss No-Longer-Interested-In-Me, I am a"Diamond" to Miss UHaul. In fact, that’s her name for me. So what is my problem? I didn’t feel that "something"; that immediate feeling that Miss No-Longer-Interested-In-Me was looking for with "us". I always thought you grew into it. But she’s right. The spark, if you will, just isn’t there. I can wish for it all I want, but Miss U-Haul doesn’t do it for me. Yes, I HAVE become Miss No-Longer-Interested-In-Me, with a vengeance! And yet I still see Miss U-Haul. Why? My immediate response? No one’s cared for me this much, or treated me this wall since .... ever. Certainly not since I’ve become active in this life. I shouldn’t let that sway me, or confuse Miss U-Haul. Above all, I don’t want to hurt her. I don’t want anyone to feel what I have the past few months - hurt, lonely, confused, desperate, despairing, you get the drill. And yet, I don’t see.any other way. As I perceive it, Miss No-Longer-InterestedIn-Me had three choices: A. Hurt me; B. Hurt me; C. Hurt me; D. All of the above. That she chose D for a triple shot of hurt annoys me, but what can you do? Try NOT to repeat her pattern. It really doesn’t help that the townspeople where Miss U-Haul lives dre telling her that I may be "I’he One." I’ve already let her in on my Love-OMeter¯ You know, the thing that lets you comprehend, unequivocally, that you’re in love? A friend asked me about a month ago, what I would have told my mother if Miss No-Longer-Interested-In-Me and I had a different experience: in other words, if she returned my feelings. "I would say, ’Mother, this is Miss Interested-In-Me. We’ re in love.’" My friend asked what I would do after my mother fainted. Oh please. She knows. Even MY mother can’t be THAT naive! I guess what I’m trying to say is that until that woman comes along again (IF she ever comes along again) who makes me want to come out to my family, then it ain’t love. Sure, I may love being with her, talking to her, and heating how wonderful I am. The sex may be great (yes, Horny Lesbian strikes again!), but the feding’s not there. Does that make me a terrible person? I think not. I certainly hope not. I told Gay Felix one night, after Miss UHaul let me know (as have so many others) that Miss No-Longer-Interested-In-Me used me, that only the two people in that relationship truly understand what went on between them. Miss No-Longer-Interested-in-Me didn’t use me. Being in her shoes now, I honestly believe that. Only She and I comprehend the feelings and the loss¯ I’m sure Miss U-Haul’s neighbors and friends will one day say that I used her. I hope she understands a simple truth - I met a wonderful woman whose feelings I can’t return. As Miss No-Longer-Interested-In-Me said recently, ’q’here are a billion reasons why someone would fall inlove withyou." Unfortunately, I’m afraid I’ll be saying the same thing soon to Miss U-Haul. Love, no matter which side you’re on, is often the most difficult and most agonizing feeling in the world. - by Karin Gregory Gregory is a Ft. Worth based writer. �The NAMES Project Tulsa Area Chapter 3507 East Admiral Place Tulsa, OK. 74115-8211 (918) 748-3111 www.TulsaQuilt.org MEMORIAL Feast with Friends® in TV Land Saturday, September 29, 2001 Following the individual Dinner Parties, join us for the Dessert Extravaganza 8:30 to 10:30 PM Allan Chapman Activity Center, University of Tulsa, 5th and Gary, Admission js free for Dinner Hosts and their guests; others may attend for a $10.00 donation at the door � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document :9th Annual Feast For Friends i Was Death Sentence : And Other Community Events i Based onAnti-Gay Bias? ¯ ¯ TULSA (TFN) - September is shaping up as a mostly quiet : OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A federal appeals court month with only The NAMES Project Tulsa Area Chapter’s ¯ upheld the death sentence of an Oklahoma death row ¯ annual Feast for Friends as amajor event on Saturday, the 29th. ¯ inmate convicted ofkilling four people during a 1984 ¯ The event features private dinners at homes as wall as larger " bank robbery. ¯ dinners sponsored by community organizations and churches " The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver ¯ where contributions are encouraged to support The NAMES ~ split 2-1 in upholding Jay Wesley Neill’s death sen- " Project Tulsa Area Chapter’s programs. ¯ tenceforthemurdersduringtherobberyofaGeronimo ¯ After each dinner, guests gather for dessert at theGreat Hall of " bank. Thedissentingjudge,Carlos LuceroofAlamosa, ¯ the Allan Chapman Activity Center at the University of Tulsa, " Colo., said the penalty phase of Neill’s trial was not ¯ 5th Street and Gary Avenue, from 8:30 till 10:30. There will be ¯ fair because Comanche County District Attorney : a silent auction, entertainment, information about The NAMES : Robert Schulte repeatedly toldjurors that Neill was a ¯ Project and portions of the Quilt as well. " homosexual. ¯ To register a dinner, call The NAMES Project Tulsa Area ¯ ’The prosecutor’s blatant homophobic hate mon- ¯ gering at sentencing has no pl~,,cein the courtrooms of ¯ a civilized society, and Neill s (original) appellate ¯ connsd’s failure to raise the issue.., constitutes clear ~ and plain prejudicial neglect," Lucero wrote. ¯ Schulte, of Lawton, said he presented evidence ¯ ¯ about Neill’s homo,sexuality because it was .relevant to how he and his co-defendant used some. of the : $17,000 they stole. ’‘i do not recall emphasizing or ¯ calling for _th~,,,t penalty because of his homosexual ¯ relationships, he said. "It was because of the grue- ~ some nature of the crime." His statements about efll s homosexuahty came m 1992 at a retrial. The ¯ first conviction was overturned because the two de- " fendants were not tried separately. ¯ The appellate judges who formed the majority, ~ Deanell R. Tacha of Lawrence, Kan. and Bobby ¯ Baldock of Roswell, N.M., concluded that none of The NAMES ProjectAIDS Memorial Quilt at the Fair Grounds. " Neill’s claims of misconduct by Schulte have merit. ¯ Chapter at 748-3111 or e-mail to info@TulsaQuilt.org Admis- : Tsahyeiynigsstuheadt aS2c7h-upl.ateg,es dceocmismioennftosr "thweesriex-rsetlaetveacnoturtto, sion to the dessert extravaganzais free for dinnerhosts and quests ¯ both the (prosecution’s) case and Neill’s defense and others are welcome see Feast, p. 8 " theory." ¯ Gay Tulsan In Military Exhibit " Agmn a Hope ForVaccine ." Poem of Kicked Out Sailor in Smithsonian Show " ATLANTA (AP) - The scientists trying to create a ." WASHINGTON (AP) - A Smithsonlan Institution exhibit on " vaccine to prevent AIDS suddenly seem optimistic, ¯ submarines includes apoemby asailorwhowas kicked out of the " even bullish, words that have not been heard much in ¯ Navy for being Gay. "It’s kind oflike a validation ofmy service," " this perennially gloomy field. For the first time, many ¯ said Tim Beauchamp, a native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, who lives in ] researchers appear confident a vaccine is possible. ¯ Washington. ’’I was considering the Navy as a career." ¯ More than anything else, the monkeys are respon- : Beauchamp, a yeoman who served in the Navy for more than : sible for the change in attitude. Scientists have long ¯ four years, wrote "Sub Sailor’s Views on ’Glasnost’ "in Decem- " used monkeys to test theories about AIDS treatment ~¯ ber 1987 on board the USS Henry Clay, a nuclear submarine " and prevention. But in two decades of trying, they patrolling the North Atlantic. could not concoct a vaccine that would safely protect ¯ The poem is part of the exhibit "Fast Attacks & Boomers: : a monkey from dying of AIDS. Until now. ¯ Submarines in theColdWar" at theNational MuseumofAmeri- ¯ bloNnodw, 4t-hyeeraer-aorledmmoanckaeqyuselliikveinGgoidnotth,ealehvaenlds2obmioe-, can History. A copy of it is displayed.on a sailor’s bunk in a part : ." of the exhibit dealing with daily life on a submarine, hazard containment facility at the Yerkes Regional ." Harkeuing back to the days of the ColdWar, thepoemindudes " Primate Research Center on the leafy fringes of lines like, "Reagan and Gorbacliev back and forth volley while : Emory University. Just over a year ago, Godot got a Nancy and Ralsa put on their best. Capitalist!Commuuist - " big dose of SHIV, an especially nasty lab-made Political’folly! What does it matter? It’s East against West." amalgam of HIV and SIV, the human and monkey Eight months after writing the poem, Beauchamp, now 36, ~ versions of the AIDS virus. Ordinarily, he would be received an honorable discharge from the Navy after his superi- dead in six to eight months. ~,di’seovered,he’ was Gay. Before his discharge, Beauchamp " , A~.yone entering Godot’s living space must dress oeen awaraea a Good Conduct Medal, a Sea Service Ribbon n.eao to toe in protective clothing, because SHIV and a letter of commendation. ~ cxrculates in his bloodstream. But his curious, alert ’The fact that such a committed and rule-bound serviceman ~ .stare at visitors peeking through a window shows he was kicked out of the Navy for no other reason than being Gay ." ~s outwardly unscathed. Godot is infected but otberillustrates the stupidity and,wastefulness of our current policy wise healthy. toward Gays in the military, saidRep. BameyFrank, D-Massa_ " Sevenmonthsbeforehewasinfected, Godotgotan chusetts, an openly Gay member of Congress. 7 experimental new AIDS vaccine, see Vaccine, p. 2 When Beanchamp was in the military, homosexuals were " prohibited fromserving. Under the current "don’t ask, don’ t tell,, ¯ Ill DIRECTORY P. 2 policy, homosexuals can serve so long as they do not engage in : homosexual conduct or state their sexual preference. ~ EDITORIAL P. 3 : ~ US & WORLD NEWS P. 4 Beauchamp, whohas worked since his discharge as a computer -. systems analyst and a writer, said he’d forgotten about the poem : ~ HEALTH NEWS P. 6 until he came across it in an old notebook from his days as a ¯ submariner. It was included in the exhibit after Beauchamp’s ; Z ENTERTAINMENT + MORE P. 8 partner brought it to the attention of the curator. ¯ ~ GAY STUDIES/R. LESBIAN P. 10/11 OKC Sets Up Censorship : Because of Gay Banners ¯ OKLAHOMACITY (AP)- City officials willconsider : regulating advertising messages on bus-stop benches and .on. banners flying from city-owned light poles after " receiving numerous complaints about a Gay-pride flag. ¯ A new law that will be brought before the City ¯ Council would allow only messages that would "pro- " mote or celebrate the city, its civic institutions, orpublic " activities or events in the city of Oklahoma City." This ¯ could prohibit messages promoting prayer, voting or " drug-abuse prevention. Oklahoma City has 1,240 ban- " her locations that are available for use by community -." groups to promote activities. ¯ MayorKirkHumphreys and City ManagerJim Couch ° sought the new law after the city spar~ed controversy ." earlier this year when it took down, triton put back up, ¯ banners promoting Gay pride. The banners, paid for by the Cimarron Alliance Foundation, drew numerous ¯ complaints at City Hall. see Censor, p. 2 " Murderer Now Claims "Homosexual Panic’" OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - A Mexican citizen on Oklahoma’s deathrow is seeking anew trial after a state psychiatrist recanted his testimony, saying new information shows Gerardo Valdez suffered from brain damage, paranoia and "homosexual panic" when he killed another man in 1989. Psychiatrist Cecil F: Mynatt said it is now his conclusion that Valdez was unable to control his ownbehavior or was "temporarily insane" when Valdez killed Juan Barron. "Mr. Valdez suffers fromparanoia, specifically triggeredin this instance by homosexual panic," Mynatt said. "Additionally, he is brain damaged and was under the influence of alcohol." Mynatthadpreviously testified that Valdez was competent to stand trial. He said he changed his mind after reviewing information provided by Valdez’s attorney, including opinions of two neurophsychologists and a medical report. Attorney Robert Nance is asking for anew trial based ~hn arecent deeisionby the International Court ofJustice at deplored the 1999 execution in Arizona ofGerman brothers Walter and Karl LaGrand. The court held that the brothers were denied their rights underinternational law to access thor consul after their arrest. Nance said the world court s decision prevents domestic procedural rules from interferin~ with judicial review of cases involving international law violations. The applicationwas filed with theOklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals, on the same day Amnesty International officials and other death penalty foes renewed theirdemandthatGov. FrankKeating commute Valdez’s sentence. Keating has granted two stays, while rejecting Fox’~ request and a parole board recommendation of clemency for Valdez, 41. Keating granted a second 30-day stay for Valdez, see Valdez, p.2 ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ . . . Tulsa Clubs& Restaurants *Bamboo Lounge, 7204 E. Pine *CW’s, 1737 S. Memorial *Play-Mor, 424 S. Memorial Polo Grill, 2038 Utica SCluare *Renegades/Rainbow Room, 1649 S. Main *St. Michael’s Alley Restaurant, 3324-L E. 31st *Schatzi’s, 2619 S: Memorial *The Star, 1565 Sheridan *TNT’s, 2114S. Memorial *Tool Box II, 1338 E. 3rd *Vortex, 2182 S. Sheridan 832-1269 610-5323 838-9792 744-4280 585-3405 745-9998 280-1316 834-4234 660-0856 584-1308 835-2376 *The Yellow Brick Road Pub, 2630 E. 15th 749-1563 Tulsa Businesses, Services, & Professionals Assoc. in-Med. & Mental Health, 2325 S. Harvard 743-1000 Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 71 250-5034 Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 5231 E. 41 Body Piercing by Nicole, 2722 E. 15 *Borders Books & Music, 2740 E. 21 *Borders Books & Music, 8015 S. Yale Brookside Jewelry, 4649 S. Peoria *CD Warehouse, 3807c S. Peoria *Cheap Thrills, 2640 E. 1 lth Cherry St. Psychotherapy, 1515 S. Lewis 665-4580 712-1122 712-9955 494-2665 743-5272 746-0313 295-5868 58120902, 743-4117 Community Clearfing, Kerby Baker 622-0700 Tim Daniel, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468 " *Deco to Disco, 3212 E. 15th 749-3620 " Doghouse on Brookside, 3311 S. Peoria 744-5556 ." *Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan 838-8503 ¯ Encompass .Travel, 13161H N..,~/I.emorial 369-8555 " Ross Edward Salon 584-0337, 712-9379 " Events Unlimited, 507 S. Main 592-0460," Floral Design Studio, 3404 S. Peoria 744-9595 Four S~ar Import Automotive, 9906 E. 55th P1. 610-0880 " Cathy Furlong, Ph.D., 1980 Utica Sq. Med. Ctr. 628-3709 ¯ Gay & Lesbian Affordable Daycare 808-8026 : *Gloria Jean’s Gourmet. Coffee, 1758 E. 21 st 742-1460 Leanne M. Gross, Insurance & financial planning 459-9349 " Mark T. Hamby, Attorney 744-7440 ~ *Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E. Skelly 745-1111 ¯ *International Tours 341-6866 " Jacox Animal Clinic, 2732 E. 15th 712-2750 " *Jared’s Antiques, 1602 E. 15th 582-3018 " David Kauskey, Country Club Barbering 747-0236 ¯ The Keepers, Housekeeping & Gardening 582-8460 " *Ken’s Flowers, 1635 E. 15 599-8070 " Kelly Kirby, CPA, 4021 S. Harvard, #210 747-5466 ¯ *Living ArtSpace, 308 South Kenosha 585-1234 ¯ *Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3rd - 584-3112 " Mingo Valley Flowers, 9720c E 31 663-5934 " *Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 Place 664-2951," Puppy Pause II, 1060 S. Mingo 838-7626 *The Pride Store 743-4297 " Rainbowz on the River B+B, PUB 696,74101 747-5932 ¯ Richard’s Carpet Cleaning 834-0617 ~ Teri Schutt, Ellen & Co. 834-7921, 748-0224 ¯ *Tulsa Comedy Club, 6906 S. Lewis 481-0558 " Venus Salon, 1247 S. Harvard 835-5563 ¯ Fred Welch, LCSW, Counseling 743-1733 *Wherehouse Music, 5150 S. Sheridan 665-2222 *Whittier News Stand, 1 N. Lewis 592-0767 www.gaytulsa.org - website for Tulsa Gays &Lesbians Tulsa Agencies, Churches, Schools & O niversities AIDS Walk Tulsa, PUB 4337, 74101 579-9593 All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S. Peoria 743-2363 Black & White, Inc..PUB 14001, Tulsa 74159 Bless The Lord at All Times Christian Center, 2207 E. 6 B/L/G/T Alliance, Univ. of Tulsa United Min. Ctr. Chamber of Commerce Bldg., 616 S. Boston *Chapman Student Ctr., University of Tulsa, 5th P1. Church of the Restoratio~ UU, 1314 N.Greenwood *Community of Hope Church, 2545 S. Yale *Community Unitarian-Universalist Congregation Council Oak Men’s Chorale *Delaware Playhouse, 1511 S. Delaware *Democratic Headquarters, 3930 E. 31 587-7314 583-7815 583-9780 585-1201 & Florence 587-1314 747-6300 749-0595 748-3888 712-1511 742-2457 918.583.1248, fax: 583.4615 FOB 4140, Tulsa, OK 74159, e-mail: TulsaNews@earthlink.net Publisher + Editor: Tom Neal Writers + contributors: James Christjohn, Karin Gregory, Barry Hensley, J.-P. Legrandbouche, Lamont Lindstrom, Esther Rothblum, Mary Schepers, Hughston Walkinshaw Member of The Associated Press Issued around the 1st of each month, the entire contents of this publication are protected by US copyright 2001 by Tulsa Family News and may not be reproduced either in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Publication of a name or photo does not indicate a person’s sexual orientation. Correspondence is assumed to be for publication unless otherwise noted, must be signed & becomes the sole property of Tulsa Family News. Each reader is entitled to 4 copies of each edition at distribution points. Additional copies are available by calling 583-1248. Dignity/Integrity of Tulsa- Lesbian & Gay Catholics & Episcopalians, PUB 701475, 74170-1475 355-3140 *Fellowship Congreg. Church, 2900 S. Harvard 747-7777 *Free SpiritWomen’s Center, call for location&info: 587-4669 Friend For A Friend, PUB 52344, 74152 747-6827 Friends in Unity Social Org., PUB 8542, 74101 582-0438 *Tulsa C.A.R.E.S., 3507 E. Admiral 834-4194 HOPE, HIV Outreach, Prevention, Education 834-8378 *HouseoftheHoly SpiritMingtries,1517S. Memorial 224-4754 *MCC United, 1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715 NAMES Project, 3507 E Admiral PI. 748-3111 NOW, Nat’I Org. for Women, PUB 14068, 74159 365-5658 OK Spokes Club (bicycling), PUB 9165, 74157 *OSU-Tulsa PFI_AG, POB 52800, 74152 749-4901 *Planned Parenthood, 1007 S. Peoria 587-7674 Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118, 74152 627-2359 R.A.I.N., Regional AIDS Interfaith Network 749-4195 *Red Rock Mental Center, 1724 E. 8 584-2325 St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, 4045 N. Cincinnati 425-7882 St. Dunstan’s Episcopal, 5635 E. 71st 492-7140 *St. Jerome’s Parish Church, 205 W. King 582-3088 Soulforce-OK, Rt.4,#3534, Stigler74462 587-3248,452-2761 *Tulsa Area United Way, 1430 S. Boulder 583-7171 *TNAAPP (Native American men), Indian Health Care 582-7225 Tulsa County Health Department, 4616 E. 15 595-4105 Confidential H_IV Testing - by appt. on Thursdays only Tulsa Okla. for Human Rights, Gay Comm. Center 743-4297 TUL-PAC, PositiveAdvocacy Coalition, POB2687,Tulsa 74101 T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform/Leather Seekers Assoc. 298-0827 *Tulsa City Hall, Ground Floor Vestibule *Tulsa Community College Campuses *Tulsa Gay Community Center, 21 st &Memorial 7434297 Unity ChurchofChristianity, 3355 S. Jamestown 749-8833 BARTLESVILLE Bartlesville Public Library, 600 S. Johnstone 918-33%5353 TAHLEQUAH Stonewall League, call for information:. 918-456-7900 Tahlequah Unitarian-Universalist Church 918-456-7900 Green Country AIDS Coalition, PUB 1570 918-453-9360 EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS Autunm Breeze Restaurant, Hwy. 23 501-253-7734 Jim & Brent’s Bistro, 173 S. Main 501-253-7457 DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center St. 501-253-6807 Emerald RainbOw, 45 &l/2 Spring St. 501-253-5445 Heart of the Hills B&B, 5 Summit St. 501-363-9203 MCC of the Living Spring 501-253-9337 Geek to Go!, PC Specialist, PUB 429 501-253-2776 Old Jailhouse Lodging, 15 Montgomery 501-253-5332 Positive Idea Marketing Plans 501-624-6646 White Light, 1 Center St. 501-253-4074 JOPLIN, MISSOURI Spirit of Christ MCC, 2639 E. 32, Ste. U134 417-623-4696 * is where you canfindTFN. Notall are Ga_y-ownedbutallare Gay-friendly. ¯ torch with a rainbow flame over the ¯¯ foundation’s name. The city’s staff granted a permit for ¯ Cimarron Alliance banners to be put on 44 : poles. City leaders decided to take the ban- . hers down after receiving complaints, but ¯ they had to put them backup after attorneys ¯ representing the alliance threatened to sue. : Bill Rogers, an attorney and a member of ", the Cimarron Alliance, said the banners ¯ were legally protected free speech. ’The ¯ city has provided a forum for speech and it ¯ must not prohibit speech unless there is a ~ compelling governmental interest in doing ’ ¯ so," he said "It would be very difficult to ¯ demonstrate such an interest in these cir- ,* cumstances." ’, Humphreys contends the banners go be- ¯ yond the concept of public speech because ¯ the city requires.groups who want to use the ¯ poles to provide the banners and to pay for ¯ their installation and removal. He said many advertisers choose not to carry certain rues- "- sages, and that Oklahoma City can, too. ¯ The city has notrespondedto the alliance’ s ¯ request to hang banners on city poles for Gay and Lesbian History Month, which takes places in October, Rogers said. The : group’s earlier banners finally came down ¯ in mid-July after the time the alliance had ¯ reserved for them ran out. Besides promoting pride, they featured a ¯ while saying he had not changed his mind ¯ that the execution should go forward. ¯ Keating has apologized for a violation of the article of the Vienna Convention that : guarantees foreign nationals, upon arrest, the right to contact their country’s consul. ~ Keating said that did not change Valdez’s ¯ guilt the slaying. ; An Amnesty International report said all ¯ 15 foreign nationals executed in the U:S. since 1993 were denied theright to consular ¯ access. ¯, Valdez admits killing Barron after Barron made advances toward him in abar. Valdez ~ took Barron home, forced him to strip, and ¯ shot him twice in the head before burning ¯ his body. ¯ one experts hopewill be themodel for a shot to control the worldwide epidemic. Two other variations of the same approach have been tested on monkeys at Harvard Medical School and Merck & Co. ," with similar results. The Merck vaccine is " already in first-stage human testing, and the -" Yerkes and Harvard versions should start : within six months. ¯ Vaccine discovery has been a notoriously ~ discouraging areaofAIDS research, clouded ~ by doubts that such a thing is even scientifi- ¯" cally thinkable. Butoverthepastyear, thanks ¯ to this impressive series of monkey experi- " ments, many researchers have grown up- :beat. An AIDS vaccine is still no sure bet, they ," say. But many believe they are at least on a ¯ rational path toward finding one. : The chances of success? "Ve~. _good," cells by the billions, taking over their machinery, forcing them tobuildnew copies ofthevirus and obliterating then~ - ~ in theprocess. Eventually, though, the killer cells awaken ." ’ and destroy most 6f the infected cells before they can " : release more virusl Virus levels fall and then level off. : by Tom Neal, publisher/editor !n~volving~eca Q.odor an,d _a__~t. 80..o.th.er, monkeys...Wl~.y? .: In the years that fsollotw,athelwear ismnearlyaa t.e.. : Well,maybe. You’ve got tofigure that The TulsaWorld . us~ ot me mo,nKey,s: she says. ~re are not all tlmt , The body produces new hel cells almost as mckl as " has to love The Dail Okl " " " dif~ __ . . . per . .. q . y . . y .ahoman, its sister rag in Olda- ~~erm.en~unk2~Yns; _ ~. ,., , : ~e-v.~..rams,~.em. ~ut ,g~.,,d.ually;, their levels slide too :homaC.ity. After all, anything The World does, nomatter m~, m,~l~w u ~.~ Lrom monkeys ls Key. anaa : Iar._ _A_t tl~s point, .vtr~.s kilh,n~..arugs can restore the : ho..w ~ss-.ix?or a~_d.pro.vm~al it might be, is going to be ~veOf~~.anlong sclen,ttsts. So,,me,wonder ft. these . bal,,~ance; butoth_e~wise theresultls AIDS and dentla.., betterthantimtot wlmthasbeendeelaredAmericaYsworst ~ .:~~gtvenmega~aoses oi lao-~’ownvlri~: , . lne new :¢aceines are desi~.,ned tostart .the .ot~min~ .... news~aoer-Tbatbein,,.~id it’l~tillru~ %unt Wns mc a.y, f we hel -7 .World f bl :. So ,here homdwesmin this our ...................au ;.,~a,,,~,~o~,~ _ t_ --___,_~~ ¯ muem:towerieveL.. -~y. oomg reaanvety su0tle,thmgs .’-- (besides TFNtn ourmodest way and Lordknows,..we’re ~S-’-~’s,":"~7:"~,’=~°~’ki~’g’,,mb°th_m_.°~,m,~eyan,.,um~n~ i du ", ~thefirstho.urs~ to w_ee.ks of infection, wethinkwe : certainly a David to their Goliath)? . ~emnv~ne~e~u~_~_s ~ts_~n_,m_s ce.,ns, aert~.~aat.oranea)~t,the . .can havea, dramatic pay~off m allowing the body’s own : ’ We’renotreallypickingon them- someone’sgot toffy ,_ mtvuut¢unt:s..mmonkeys, mevaccme seems to munt ¯ ~mmuneres nseoverthelonehanltocontalnthisv’rzl , tokeen tilt.s attack. M.a.yb.e.itwl!l in,,~,le. too-. ¯ mfecuon sa ......... " ¯ . - . , ,. , . y.s Le~twn. , , . .... , , . esO. and it ShOt as though The World doesnt criticize : ~Sudde~l.Ythere~sasensef°r.thefirst:ttmcthatperhaps : Instead~ofdyingfromAIDS, vac~nated peoplewhoget :. , everyone else in theireditorialpages. " ,, . ,, - s .bLt t : liv,o,w!th vi ,s for decades or even a :, , My’favorite waste of newsprint is our local "society, ¯~.mv,~.~.,.,_~.,,,~.~uymm~_" 0t mr:. r~tv epl~mmlc, says.., -menme. ires como atso slow ~€ svread of,the disease; . column the wo k¢~-l~ rmrvaro s L~r.Norman Letvm. ’~low there is an.absolute ¯ because when virus levels are low. ~ie are much les~ : but wonde~ ff M~V~i~o%~’~t ~’a’~’~’~r~e’~ ....v and all predicts Dr. Harriet Robinson, who oversaw experiments stampede to get these technologies into humans and ask : likely to pass .on HIV. ¯ ofthe rest of us, a whole lotof trouble ffinstead of listing the question: Can we-translate these monkey findings into : the human situation?" ¯ and Merck differ, but all involve the same strategy: First Researchers hope to know soon whether these experimental shots launch the same early immune system defenses seem in vaccinated monkeys. This would be an encouraging hint of the vaccine’s eventual power. Some answers could beoffered at an international AIDS vaccine conference in early September.. However, vaccine development is frustratingly slow. Even if all goes flawlessly, Robinson estimates it will be 2905before large-scale experiments begin with her vacone. Learning whether it truly prevents AIDS will take another two years. Many estimate these vaccines are still a decade or more away. So with clear answers so far off, is all’this optimism realistic? ’~I ask myself whether it is justified based on the science," says Dr.. Peggy Johnston, assistant director for AIDS vaccines at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. "And my conclusion is yes." One reason is that scientists have lowered the bar. Until now, all useful vaccines prevented infections. However, the human immune system cannot mm back an HIV infection, and no one knows how to make a vaccine that accomplishes something the human body cannot do for itself. So thenew vaccines are designed to accomplish thenext best thing- train theimmune defenses to hold an infection in Check without preventing it entirely. "For a long time, people assumed that the only successfnl vaccine would completely prevent infection," says Dr. Robert Schooley of the University of Colorado. ’The new studies suggest that a vaccine might also have a moderab ing influence on the disease process itself." Scientists agree that blocking an infection requires the production, of powerful antibodies. This is how standard vaccines work: They show the immune system a protein that is unique to the germ. If the bug ever gets into the body, the defenses will blaze back with antibodies that latch onto the protein, blocking the germ and destroyingit. HIV, however, is amoving target. It mutates so fast that it constantly changes the proteins on its surface. So a vaccine that triggers an attack against one strain of HIV may be powerless against another. Furthermore, the virus covers its surface with sugar, whichhides its proteins from antibodies. When all of this became clear in the 1990s, scientists went back to basics. How is it, they asked, that people often live with HIV for eight or 10 years beforefalling sick with AIDS? And why do some never seem to get ill at all? " The answer turns out to be another line of defense ¯ against germs, the killer cells. Unlike antibodies, which " guard against free-floating microbes, the killer cells rec- " ognize infected cells and destroy them. ¯ HIV’s favorite target is a blood cell called the helper " cell. This complicates matters enormously, since one of the hel.per cells’ most important jobs is nourishing and : managing the killer cells. In the first days ofaninfection, HIV burrows into helper " Details of the vaccines developed by Yerkes, Harvard come injections of several HIV genes, which are taken in by muscle cells that use them as blueprints to make viral proteins. Next comes an immune system booster, such as a smallpox virus that has been rebuilt to carry some of the HIV genes. The ultimate goal is still a vaccine that will block HIV infection. But in the meantime, many believe wide use of the latest vaccines could reduce spread of th~ disease, especially in parts of the world where it is rampant. Experts believe a vaccine is the only thing tlmt will tame an epidemic that has already killed 20 million people and infects 15,000 more daily. Dr. Gary Nabel, director of the National Institutes of Health’s Vaccine Research Center, says that even if the first versions are only modestly effective, tinkering will probably make them better. ’"vVe’ll start with a Model T and hope to get to a Mercedes fast." While much of the attention is on novel strategies, a more traditional vaccine is already in final-stage testing. The AIDSVax, developed by VaxGen, has been given to 7,900 volunteers in North America, Europe and Thailand The vaccine is made from the outer wrapper ofthe AIDS virus and is intended to trigger antibodies to prevent infection. Many AIDS experts are skepti,c01, because the approach has been disappointing in monkeys, and some early volunteers contracted HIV after being vaccinated. However, VaxGen’s president, Dr. Donald Francis, says more promising data from chimp experiments suggest it has as good a chance as any other approach, Researchers will take their first look at the results in November, but unless it proves surprisingly effective, the experiment will condnue until at least the end ofnext year. Next in development is an Aventis Pasteur vaccine. It consists of a canarypox virus engineered to carry HIV genes, followed by a boost with AIDSVax. The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research plans to start testing on 16,000 volunteers in Thailand next summer. Even ifaaone of these works out, other ideas are in the development pipeline. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the biggest vaccine backer, is financing two dozen different possible vaccines. Still, a few dozen healthy monkeys like Godot do not prove anAIDS vaccine is on the horizon. Somein the field worry that the wishforonehas dissolved~bealthy scientific skepticism. "We tend to swing from momentous lows to momentous highs in the AIDS field," says Dr. Mark Mulligan of the University ofAlabama at Birmingham. ’’Wemaybe in an Alan Greenspan time ofirrational exuberance, because we need this so desperately." ~ all the people who attend Tulsa events, she would simply :. say that all the usual people were there - since it is the : same-cast of criminals in column after colunm That : would that reduce her column to a size .appropriate to its ¯ usual level of content, as well as saving someone the ¯ trouble of typing in all those names, over and over. ¯ Actually, as much as I hate to admit it, I find Ms. .. Walker’s colulnn somewhat useful, if vulgar. In a town as ¯ screwed up and elitist/racist/homophobic as Tulsa is, it never hurts to know who among Tnlsa’s "social elite" is ¯ in bed with each other, figuratively speaking. ¯ Top World editor JoeWorley took umbrage about TFN ¯ calling The Worm a country club newspaper some years " back. My response is just read Ms. Walker’s column, see ¯ how much space it regularly commands and try to argue ¯ with me. Imagine if The Worm devoted as much space to ¯ international news regularly as they do to Ms. Walker! Another interesting aspect of Tulsa Worm "reporting" is the flagrant disregard for professional ethics in some ~ cases. Recently The World published an article about a ¯ new image/fundraising campaign~oyq~ulsa~ s most pron~i- ¯ nent non-profit organization. The only problem was that the information in the article had/has yet to be released to ¯ the public. The "reporter" was privy to the information ¯ because s/he serves on an advisory committee for the non- " profit and took theinformation direcdy out ofanonpublic meeting without permission. Even first year journalism ¯ students would recognize that this was obtained and used ¯ improperly - and The World reporter who did this should ¯ know better. ¯ But part of the incestuous nature ofTulsais that the non- " profit will likely tolerate just about anything The World ¯ does because The World donates so very many dollars a ." year. Given this compromised financial relationship, it’s little surprise that this non-profit only gets promotional ¯ newscoverage from The WorM. And incompetence at the ¯ helm of this non-profit has been covered up for years by all ¯ of Tnlsa’s news outlets. ¯ But shoddy journalism should hardly be a surprise to ¯ thosewho’vebeenrcading The World’sreligioncoverage ¯ for some months. Thefirst clue that The WorMhas thrown ¯ journalistic balance out JoeWorley’s window onto Main ¯ Street is that World religion "reporter" Bill Sherman ¯ allegedly is a "Promise-Keeper". Being a member of this rightwing, misogyuistic and ¯ anti-Gay organizationwouldbe consideredradicallycorn_ ¯ promised as a journalist by most news organizations but ¯ not at The WorM, apparently. ¯ Since Sherman took over the religion post, stories about ¯ evangelical and fundamentalist groups have dominated ¯ Wormcoverage while newsworthy stories coming out of other moreprogressive traditions.have been ignored. And : Tulsa’s moderate and progressive religious leaders have ¯ given up hope for fair coverage from The World. ¯ But at TFN, we always hold out hope for redemption, ¯ and note that Shermanis asking for stories aboutmiracles. ¯ Here, we’re just hoping for fair and accurate reporting from The World. Now that would be a miracle, indeed. Newspaper, Chain Offers Partner Benefits ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) - Gannett Co., the nation’s largest newspaper publisher, will soon offer full medical benefits to same-sex partners who live together, the company announced. The company also will offer benefits to unmarried domestic partners of the opposite sex. The benefits for partners will become available inJanua~ 2002. Tobeeligible, partners mustfirst havehad a 12-month relationship. They mustalso sign an affidavit that declares there is financial dependence between them. Gannett spokeswomanTara Connell said there have been several requests from empl,oyees for equal coverage for domestic partners. "We ve been looking at it for years," Connell said. She said the company’s rapid growth last year slowed the process of revamping the benefits. Gannett employs about 53,400 people at 98 newspapers in the United States. The company also owns about 23 television stations. Unlike married couples of the opposite sex, an employee claiming the benefits will still have to pay taxes on the amount used to insure his or her partner. The IRS does not extend tax exemptions for medical benefits to domestic partners. Gannett’s decision was hailed by Gay and Lesbian groups. ’q~o stay competitive youhave to provide good benefits," said Sherry Boschert, a board member of The National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association. "It just makes good business sense." Cincinnati Schools AddressAnti-Gay Attacks CINCINNATI (AP) - Public,school students who xntimidate others because of sexual orientation or disability can be suspended or expelled. The board of education voted 6-1 to add those two provisions to the Cincinnati Public Schools’ discipline policy. Board lawyer John Concannon said principals and assistant principals were trained to pr.operly enforce the new policy during in-service sessxons two weeks ago. Mindy Sandfort, a spokeswoman for the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, urged the board to teach educators how to recognize, prevent and discipline harassment based on sexual identity, which is not explicitly mentioned in the new policy. ’q~eachers need to understand the difference between gender identity and sexual orientationandhow to deal withthe harassment that comes with both situations," she said. Concannon said he believes gender identity is covered under the current policy. The policy applies to serious incidents ofharassment, intimidation or threatening, he said. It does not apply to incidents that involve free speech rights. If a student says, "I’m opposed to homosexuality because God says homosexuality is a sin," it is not a violation of the policy, Concannon said. Australian Gay Partners . To Be Recognized . PERTH, Australia (AP) -De facto partnerships, including homosexual relationships, will be recognized in the same way as marriages under new propertyrights legislation to be introduced in a state parliament. Western Australia state Attorney General Jim McGinty said the legislatiqnwouldallow thoseheterosexual and same-sex couples whose relationships .are recognized by the state to have property disputes settled through the Family Court rather than having to go to the Supreme Court. Australia has a vibrant and vocal Gay community. Sydney each year plays host to the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, one of the largest international Gay pride - festivals. Under Australian law, when a de facto relationship ends there is no specific legQ, right allowing a person to claim a share of property. A significant and growing proportion of couples living together in Western Australia have no access to the Family Court if their relationship ends," McGinty said. "Instead, they must argue their case before the Supreme Court, resorting to principles of equity that can be expensive, time consuming, public and uncertain." McGinty said the legislation, which will be introduced in Parliament this week, would also ensure all de factor couples can ask for alimony, just as married couples can. The legislation comes after Prime Minister John Howard said that he would not support homosexual weddings and that same-sex couples should not have the same legal status as married couples. Teens Held in Gay Killing WICHITA, Kan. (AP) -Abeating and arson that killed a 58-year-old Wichita man began with him making sexual advances to two teen-agers now charged with killing him, witnesses said. The co-defendants - 18- year-old Zachary Steward and 17-year-old Brandon Boone - blamed each other for repeatedly striking Marcell Eads on his head, according to testimony presented at a preliminary hearing. District Court Judge Joseph Bribiesca ruled there was enough evidence to charge the two with firstdegree murder, aggravated arson, aggravated burglary and aggravated robbery. The judge also ruled that Boone, 16 when the crimes occurred, would be tried as an adult. Innocent pleas have been entered for both men. Trial was set for Oct. 8. Early the morning of June 29, firefighters found the body of Eads on the floor of his smoldering home. Although Eads was beaten severely, it was the fire that killed him, Deputy Coroner Jaime Oeberst said. Eads was burned over 60% to 70% of his body and inhaled smoke that left alethal level of carbon monoxide in his blood, he said. Testimony showed that sex and sexual orientation appeared to be key factors in the motive. Police Det~- tive Blake Mumma said Steward gave a statement m which he said that Eads had made sexual advances toward him and Boone - prompting Boone to start beating Eads with a broomstick, and later with the end of a table and a rock. Steward also admitted to striking Eads, Mumma said. According to Steward’s statement to police, the two teens returned to Eads’ house and Boone started the fire. Eads, a hairstylist, was openly Gay, said neighbor Zusan Livingston. She said Eads toldherhewas having an affair with Steward. Steward and his father had come to Eads for haircuts. Steward grew up in Riverside,, several blocks west of F_ads’ bungalow. Rachel Mroczkowsk, Boone’ s 15-year-old girlfriend, testified she heard Steward say the night of the killing that he was angry because he had gone to aman’s house andthe man,had grabbed the area around his genitals and propositioned him. She said Steward used a slur to .describe the man and said he wanted Boone to go with him to beatthe man and steal things from his home. Under Kansas law, if it can be shown that someone was a crime victim because of his sexual orientation, a judge can use that to justify a harsher sentence. US Women Wed In Netherlands PROVINCETOWN, Mass. (AP) - Two women from Provincetown were married last month in the Netherlands, but it is unclear whether their marriage will be legally recognized in Massachusetts. Heather Wishik and Susan Donegan said they will not fight for their overseas mamage to be legal in Massachusetts, but Gay civil fights advocates predict state courts may soon be forced to confront the issue of same-sex couples who marry or are joined in a civil union out of state or overseas. MCC United MetropolRan Coctmltardgy C~urch United is a cor-,gre~jaUon ofthe Univer~a~ Fellowship of Metropcdita~ Community ~hurcl~,s Sharing the ~oodness of the Lord with our community.= Sunday Morning Traditional 11:00 AM Wednesday EvenJn, Contemporary 7:00 PM Rev. Cathy Elliott, Pastor "1623 N. Maplewood (918) 838-1715 mcctulsa@aoLcotn Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Community ofHope 2545 South Yale, Sundays at llam, 749-0595 A Welcoming Congregation HOUSE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Sun. Worship, 10:45 am, Sunday School, 9:30 am Wed. Bible Study, 7 pm, Sunday Eve. Service, 6pm 1517 S. Memorial, 628-0802, lnfo: 224-4754 The Open Arms Project Young Adult Support Group Outreach Program Thurs. Nights Meet Others in a Safe Enviroment Call for meeting times and place: 918-584-2325 Mingo Valley Flowers 9413 E. 31st St., Tulsa 74145 918-663-5934, fax: 663-5834, 800-A.A,A.-5934 Family Owned & Operated Trinna L. W. Burrows, LSW, ACSW Child, Family, Individual & Couple Psychotherapy (918) 743-9559 2121 South Columbia, Suite 420 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74114-3518 The Pride Store 21st Street & Memorial Tulsa Gay Community Services Center 743-GAYS (743-4297) 6-9 pm, Sunday - Friday 12-9 pm, Saturday, all sales benefit the Center Heart of the Hills Bed & Breakfast 5 Summit, Eureka Springs, Arkansas 501 - 363 - 9203 Come Stay Us for the Next Diversi~. Celebration, Nov. 2 - 4 Red Rock Tulsa Free Confidential HIV Testing Walk-in Clinics Tues. & Thurs., 5 -8 pm at the Center; 1307 East 38th Daytime appointments available. Call for more information: 918-584-2325 e i I v r American Red Cross American Red Cross Tulsa Area Chapter~ 10151 East Eleventh Tulsa 74128 Dannette Mclntosh Diversity Co-ordinator 838-1100 OPENARMS OPEN MINDS OPEN I-IFAI~S Saint Aidan 4045 N. Cincinnati, 425-7882 Saint John 4200 S. Atlanta Place, 742-7381 Saint Dunstan 5635 East 71st, 492-7140 Trinity 501 S. Cincinnati, 582-4128 The Episcopal Church Welcomes You A lawsuit recently filed in Suffolk Superior Court challenges the rights of same-sex couples to marry in Massachusetts. Five’months ago, the Netherlands became the first country to allow same-sex marriage. "For us, our Dutch marriage is simply that - it’s a Dutch marriage entered into for very personal reasons," Donegan said. "We did not get married as a political or legal challenge to Massachusetts or to the United States." Mary Bonauto, staff attorney for Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, said she had not yet seen couples married in the Nefherlands or joined in civil union in Vermont go to court in Massachusetts to extend the legal recognition. But Bonauto said she has seen same-sex couples who went to Vermont for a civil union return to Massachusetts and successfully negotiate employee benefits with employers or family rates with clubs. "It’s evolving in its own way," she said. European Scouts Do Accept Gays During the last European Conference of Scouts and [gift] Guides, at the initiative of the Belgian delegation a resolution was approved not to consider homosexuality as a discriminatory factor, neither inside nor outside scouting. This resolution was a reaction by Belgium to the recent troubles with the Boy Scouts of America regarding the exclusion of gay members, on account of which Steven Spielberg, among others, resigned from the organization. The European Conference of Scouts and Guides, which took place from 7 - 12 July in Prague, was attended by more than 400 representatives from throughout Europe. Belgian delegates represented the five Belgian scouts and guides organizations, which have around 150,000 members. Scouting and Guiding is active in 41 European countries, with approximately 3.5 million boys and gifts participating. Worldwide the organization counts around 35 million scouts and guides in 216 countries, and the Jamboree, to be held next year in Thailand, is its most eye-catching international initiative. The Belgian proposal to avoid discrimination based on sexual preference opened with the charter of fundamental rights of the child adopted by the European. Unionin Nice in December 2000. Further, the amendment pointed out evolutions in present day society and the fact that scouting and guiding always follow the tendencies of youth culture, put to the test of the principles of the movement. Following this it was stated that ’l~olebis" (the Belgian abbreviation for Gays, Lesbians, and Bisexuals) are to be universally accepted within European society and that this cannot be used as an exclusionary criterion by national (scouting) federations. The Belgian proposal was approved by a large majority of the conference representatives. Turkey, Greece, Romania, Portugal, Cyprus, and Malta voted against the initiative. The five Belgian "scouts and guides organizahons (VVKSM, FOS, FCS, GCB, and SGP) hope that the approval of this resolution will have an impact on other regions of the world. The American observer at the conference was "not really happy" with the result [of the vote on the initiative]. However, news is trickling out that the scouting movement in the United States is.coming under pressure from, among others, gigantic sponsors such as Levis and Coca Cola, to revise its policy against Gays. Washington State Court Upholds Partner Benefits OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - The city of Vancouver can keep providing health benefits to domestic partners of Gay and Lesbian city employees, the Washington ¯ Supreme Court has ruled. The 8-1 decision will likely ¯ stretch beyond the city’s borders. Other cities, includ- ¯ ing Seattle, and the state have similar policies, along ¯ withlocal governmentsinatleastfourotherstates.The ¯ policy allows domestic partners, including same-sex : partners, to receive health insurance benefits. It also ¯ allows employees to use theii sick leave to care for ¯ partners or partners’ children. Vancouver resident Roni Heinsma challenged the ¯ policy soon after it was adopted in 1998, arguing that : the city was creating akind of mini-marriage in viola- . tion of the state law against same-sex marriage. But thejustices agreed with the city’s argument that ¯ regulation of employee benefits is alocal matter. ’’We ¯ conclude that the city’s recognition of domestic part- . nershipis limited and that the program does not uncon- ¯ stitutionally interfere with the Legislature’s ability to ¯ regulate familial relationships on a statewide level," ¯ Justice Susan Owens wrote for the majority. Heinsma’s challenge was argued by the Northstar ¯ Legal Center, a conservative nonprofit law firm m Fairfax, Va., which challenged the city’s argnment that the benefits were necessary to recruit and retain good workers. ’The city or county that enacts this is ¯ saying that we do not agree with the state Legislature’s decision to ban same-sex marriage," said Jordan Lorence, the Northstar attorney who argued the case. ¯ ’q-his isn’t based on need, it’s based on a political ¯ agenda." Similar polices in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver and Broward County, Fla., have been upheld by other state supreme courts, Lorence said. Policies in Minneapo- ¯ lis, Boston, and Arlington County, Va., were struck ¯ down. Courts are still considering cases in Philadel- ¯ phia and Montgomery County, Maryland. ¯ "Every time we get domestic partner benefits like ¯ this, the fight wing swoops in and raises some kind of challenge," said Pat Logue, senior counsel for the ¯ Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, a Gay civil fightsgroup. "I think the courts recognize that : domestic partnership is not marriage." ¯ In Washington, King County and the cities of Seattic, Olympia and Tumwater have similar policies. : The Public Employees Benefits Board approved a : similar policy for state workers last year at Gov. Gary Locke’s request. ¯ Since Vancouver’s policy was initiated in 1998, ¯ about 30 domestic partnerships have been registered and approved. The city paid more than $20,000 to ¯ cover the cost of the policy in 1998. "A lot of private ¯ businesses have similar policies," said Ted Gathe, ¯ Vancouver’s city attorney. "It was felt by the city that ¯. recruiting and retaining employees is important, and this was one of the benefits that should be included in : our package." ¯ Gay Friendly Governor i To Run for US Senate : NEWBURY, N.H. (AP) - Democratic Gov. Jeanne ¯ Shaheen, New Hampshire’s first female governor and ¯ the first to openly support abortionfights, took the first official step toward running for Senate. Shaheen, a ¯ social liberal and fiscal conservative, filed papers ." creating an exploratory committee for a run for the seat ¯ now held by conservative Republican incumbent Bob ¯ Smith. ¯ Shaheen has signed bills protecting Gay civil rights in housing, jobs and public accommodations and re- . pealing a ban on Gay adoptions. ¯ "Democrats, independents and Republicans all have told me that they want a U.S. senator who will be a ¯ champion for them in Washington and take action on the real problems they face," Shaheen said in a state- " merit. Democrats have held a 50-49-1 advantage in the ¯ Senate since Jim Jeffords of Vermont switched from ¯ the GOP to independent in June. Shaheen said she ¯ won’t officially decide whether to run until next year. _" She is serving her third two-year term as governor. So. Africato Provide Free AIDS Drug JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AP) - The governmentmade a verbal agreement with a German drug company to accept a key AIDS drug for free in pilot projects aimed at reducing the number of babies born withHIV,company officials released recently. The deal to provide free nevirapine for the prevention of motherto- child transmission of HIV at pilot projects in the country was tentatively accepted, said Kevin McKenna, technical director ofBoehringer-Ingelheimin South Africa. The.company made the offer of free Nevirapine to more than 100 developing countries last year, provided it was part of a properly managed, comprehensive mother-to-child Transmission prevention program. The government had been criticized for not taking up the offer. AIDS activists and doctors sued the government demanding the immediate administration of nevirapine nationwide. About 200 babies are born with HIV every day in South .africa and the drug could slash that number in half. By refusing to make nevirapine widely available to HIV-infected pregnant women, the government is denying women .and children ¯ their constitutional rights to health care, the suit filed in the Pretoria High Court claimed. The government, which is reviewing the suit, says it stands by its policy of first distributing nevirapine on a small scale ¯ through pilot programs to test its effects~ Young So. Africans Speak of AIDS CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) - In a steady voice, 16-year-old Jabu tells how her father raped her repeatedly, infecting her with the HIV virus. Once too scared to speak out, she encouraged others to fight anti-AIDS discrimination in South Africa at the first national meeting of children who are either infected or who have relatives with the virus. An estimated 4.7 million South Africans, about 11% of the population, are infected with HIV. The country has 700~000 AIDS orphans. Those infected are often stigmatized by a society who considers it a shameful illness, Infected children at the meeting spoke of being shunnedby theirpeers,abandonedby their own families and even blamed by health care workers for contracting the virus. Jabu, who asked to be identified only by her first name, encouraged the young people to speak out. ’%’ou don’t have to keep quiet," Jabu told the group of about 90 children. The children, aged seven to 18, gathered from across the country in this coastal city and read anonymous testimonials out loud. Participants told of having to leave school to care for their infected siblings. Rejected by their families, others spoke of having to support themselves by collectl’ ng fi¯ rewood and tendi"ng cattle. "My rdafives discriminate between me and their children," wrote one of the children in a testimonial. "It’s like I am a slave." Monene, 14, lost her mother to the disease. She said she frequently goes hungry and does not have proper clothes to wear. Monene, who asked to be identified only by her firstname, urged the government to build more orphanages. "If they don’t do that, what are we going to become in the future?" she asked. TheSouthAfrican governmenthasbeen ambasted for an inconsistent policy on combatting AIDS and for refusing to provide anti-retroviral drugs through the public health system. At the meeting, Dr. Nono Simelela, who heads the health department’s AIDS program, told the children the government was doing the best it could. "It’s dear that a~ore resources as going to be needed," Simelela said. "As far as humanly possible, we are responding to these challenges, (but) the processes are slow." Partners agree to joint ownership of patents for first AIDS vaccine specifically designed for Africa NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - Three partners developing and testing thefirstHIV/AIDS vaccine specifically designed for an African strain of the disease have agreed to joint ownership of the drug’s patents. The three-year agreement settles one of the hurdles that had earlier threatened to delay testing the vaccine to combat the viral strain most common in eastern Africa: Kenyan trials of the vaccine started several months later than expected, partly because of wrangling over ownership and patent rights. ’q~nis was a delicate matter, requiring a lot of patience and compromise from all parties," said Francis Gichaga, vice chancellor of theUniversity ofNairobi. Gichaga and Seth Berkley, president of the New York-based International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, signed the agreementin Nairobi. Britain’ s Medical Research Council signed it in England earlier last month. ’q~he task force was guided by the principle of.fairness, equal partnership and need to equitably apportion credit and any revenues that may accrue from this project," Gichaga said. The groups have been working since November 1998 to develop a double vac, cine, basing much of their research on prostitutes from a Nairobi slum who appear to be immune to the HIV virus that causes AIDS. The first component is a simple_DNA vaccine that delivers the genetic information on HIV. The second component, known as MVA~ is a vaccine that delivers the same genetic information but uses a weakened smallpox virus to carry it to the cells. The DNA vaccine is in its first phase of testingonbothKenyans andBritons. Tests of the MVA vaccine are being conducted in England and are expected to begin in Kenya in September or October, said G_ilbert Camathan, project manager at the vaccine initiative, which is funding the research. Trials combining the components are expected to begin later this year in Britain and in early 2002 in Kenya, Camathan said. There is no HIV virus in the injections. The safety tests will determine whether they have any toxic effects. Once the combination vaccine has proven safe, it will be Power Connect. Public Service Company of Oklahoma Service Is Now Available 24 Hours A Day, Seven Days A Week. These days, traditional 8-5 business hours aren’t always convenient. So PSO has made it easier than ever for you to contact us. Our Customer Service Center operates 24/7 - offering around-the-clock answers to your questions - and better access to service. Now it’s easier for you to inquire about your monthly electric bill. Or report a power outage. Or arrange tohave your power turned on or off. Our professionally trained, friendly and knowledgeable customer service representatives are standing by to serve you. All day, every day. To provide faster response to your needs, we have listed our toll-free numbers below. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I C .L HOU FOR i, TOLL-FREE SER CE Customer Services: 1-888-216-3523 Billing Inquiries: 1-888-216-3490 Ou~ge Repo~g: 1-888-218-3919 Servicio a Clientes: 1-888-216-3505 Preguntas Sobre su Cuenta: 1-888-216-3491 Falta De Suministro: 1-888-218-3924 Public Service Company of Oklahoma I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Timothy W. Daniel Attorney at Law An Attorney who will fight for justice & equality for Gays & Lesbians Domestic Partnership Planning, Personal Injury, Criminal Law & Bankruptcy 1-800-742-9468 or 918:352-9504 128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma Weekend and evening appointments are available. tested to see if it actually wards off AIDS. The process is expected to take several years. Berkley will sign an agreement with the Uganda Vaccine Research Institute soon that will pave the way for testing there of an orally administered version of the vaccine, CamathantoldTheAssociated Press. Tests so far have "not only been safe, but also generated surprisingly good immune responses," Berkley said. Africa, the world’s poorest continent, is ground zero in the fightagainstHIV/AIDS. More than 24 million Africans live with the vires butmost cannot afford expensive drugs designed to slow its effects. Health officials estimate that more than 2.6 million Kenyans alOne have HIV/AIDS, and 700 more are infected each day. Other vaccines-target strains prevalent in Europe and North America. AIDS Activist Sees Less Harassment SHANGHAI, China (AP) - The threatening phone calls and summons by angry officials areover. Governmentleaders who once shunned her now smile and say hello inpublic. Thereversal represents a victory ofsorts forGao Yaojie, aretired gynecologist who publicized the spread of AIDS through illegal blood buying in rural villages in the central Chinese province of I-Ienan. After years of official attempts to conceal the deadly outbreak, the government is acknowledging that hundreds of villagers are infected and that dozens have already died. Gao said a deputy governor of Henan even went out ofhis way last week to greet her at an art exhibition. The government still hasn’t broken down and told Gao she was right. Butithas stopped treating her as if she were trying to reveal state secrets, Gao, 74, told The Associated Press by telephone. ’‘itrs so quiet now," she said. "A couple of months ago, I was getting phone calls from government officials almost every day." Gao stumbled onto the hidden epidemic in 1996, when one of her patients tested positive for the virus that causes AIDS. Gao was able to link the infection to an illegal blood-buying industry in rural Henan. Since the 1980s, collectors had been paying villagers for their blood, extracting the valuable plasmaand then reinjecting what was left back into donors’ veins. Donated blood was often pooled together, facilitating Transmission ofHIV. Gao printed more than 300,000 flyers and 100,000 booklets to warn the villagers about the danger. She also paid for the treatment of infected children. She said she has spent more than $25,000 of her ownmoney over thelastfive years. Health officials at first ignored her and then grew hostile as her efforts drew Chinese and foreign media attention, she said. In May, officials at the hospital where she had worked in Zhengzhou, Henan’s capital, blocked her application for a passport to visit the United States to accept an award for anti-AIDS activism. Officials accused her of collaborating with "anti- Chinese foreign organizations," she said. Butthis month:the governmentabruptly reversed itselfand announced it was sending a team of health officials to open a clinic in the worst-hit village, Wenlou. More recently, a vice minister of health said an April survey of 1,645 Wenlou villagers found that 318 - or 19% - were HIV-positive. Among villagers who sold blood, an even larger proportion were infected - 244 out of 568, or 43% Officials are now examining blood supplies in all hospitals and donor centers in Henan, the Health Ministry’s newspaper- Health News - said Friday. Police also are searching for illegal blood-buyers, known as "bloodheads," and government officials who helped them, it said. "It’s a good start that the government is beginning to acknowledge this problem and take action against it," Gao said. ’’I am not sure how effective the crackdown will be or if theproblem will just reappear after the campaign is over, but at least it’s much better than before when the officials did nothing at all." Brazil Strips Patent On AIDS Drug ¯ RIO DEJANEIRO, Brazil (AP)-Brazil’s : decision to disregard patent protections ¯ and begin manufacturing a genetic ver- ¯’ sion of a powerful anti-AIDS drug could ¯ open the way for other developing coun- ." tries to follow suit, experts said in August. ¯¯ Brazil has become the first country to strip the patent on an anti-AIDS medica- ¯ tion. Health Minister Jose Serra said gov- ¯ ernment laboratories would begin manu- ¯ facturing Nelf’mavir, an anti-AIDS drug ¯ made by the Roche group and sold under ¯ the trade name Viracept. Serra justified ¯ the move, saying six months of negotia- ¯ tions with Roche failed to lower the drug’s ¯ price sufficiently for Brazil to be able to ~ distribute the drug free of charge to all in ¯ need. Brazil, has the highest number of : AIDS victimsin Latin America, with about ¯ 203,000 people with the disease. ¯ Mark Weisbrot, co-director of the Cen- ¯ ter for Economic Policy and Research, a : Washington-based think tank, hailed ¯ Brazil’s decision and said it could prompt ¯ other countries to do the same. "I think ¯ you’regoing to seemoredeveloping coun- ¯ tries resisting these attempts to enforce the ¯ U.S. patent law all over the world. Very ." often, this is the ease: When one country ¯ challenges these laws, the U.S. backs ¯ down," he said. Weisbrot points to U.S. ¯ decisions to back away from attempts at ¯ stricterpatent enforcementonAIDS drugs ¯ in South Africa and Brazil. ¯ The law also contains clauses that allow ¯ patents to be stripped in cases of national ¯ emergency or when the company has been ~ judged to employ abusive pricing. Serra ~ used the abusive pricing clause in justify- ." ing this move. Roche spokesman Daniel Piller said the : company was not expecting Brazil’s latest _" move. "We were surprised to hear the ¯° news from the Brazilian government. We really think the government of Brazil ~s ~ really committed to combatting this dread- ." ful disease, andin ourpoint ofview, we are ¯ stillinnegotiations withthe Health Minis- ." try," Piller said by telephone from the ¯ company’s headquarters in Switzerland. This year’s New Genre Festival, Octo~ ¯ her 3-7,-2001, will present a diverse range " of artists, many of whom cross disciplin- " ary lines to create exciting new art works.. ¯ These works push the limits of traditional " media while incorporating the new media " madepossiblebytoday’s technology. New ¯ Genre Festival is a program ofLiving Arts of Tulsa. This year the following art venues have ¯ chosen to collaborate on promoting corn ¯ temporary art in Tulsa: Living ArtSpace, Nightingale Theatre, Philbrook Museum " of Art, SoBo 2, TulsaModem Art Center, ¯ Tulsa Performing Arts CenterTrust, Tulsa Pror~e~ ¯ le, University of Tulsa School of " Art, Utica Square " Since 1969, Living Arts of Tulsa has been steadfast inits mission of"presenting ¯ and devdoping contemporary artforms in " Tulsa." Living Arts is interested in newly " evolving ideas and concepts, and in sharingits interests withthe communitythrough " creative workshops, performances, exhi- " bitions, films/videos, demonstrations of ", current art, lectures, related educational activxties and research. Living Arts has two principal goals: 1) ¯ to bring Outside artists and works to Tulsa who are pushing their media to its limit and, 2) to present opportunities and. challenges for local artists to develop and present new, exploratory works,which are not normally seen in Tulsa. ’~3rrrl Power" Elizabeth.Whitney is one of this year’s emcees and she will be making several appearances throughout the festival: Thursday at the Performance Open; Friday at Die Audio Gruppe - 8pro andatA.K.A. - 10pro; and Saturday atJos4 Torres Tama - 8pm. Grrrls: Subversive Performances of Femininity Utilizing multiple perso_~,ae (Rizzo - tough girl, Barbie, Miss Flizabeth, Bridesmaid, and Ethyl), Elizabeth Whitney leads us through many aspects of stereo typed women today - only with a twist! ncSis theotherof this year’ s emcees and they will be making several appearances/ performances throughout the festival: Thursday at the Performance Open - 8pm; Friday at Jos4 Torres Tama- 10pro Saturday at Die Audio Gruppe - 8pro he5 had its .begin~,~,n,gs as a band. Always "very theatrical for a rock group, it wasn’t until the dialmmer quit that the remaining band members decided to ditch the gigs and dive into theatrical experimentaion. Utilizing various disciplines, technology and whatever else they can find, nc5 strives to incorporate the energy of a rock concert into their performances. On Wednesday, Oct. 3, 5-Spin will feature ’q’he Culture of Breath," an interactive computer projection insthllation by Chicago Art Institute Professor of New MediaTiffany Holmes whichinvestigates the physiological, the biological, and the ~psychological aspects of breathing. It opens at Living ArtSpace, 308 S Kenosha. The installation continues on display through October 25. The act of breathing is presented as a series of visual layers: physical, biotic, and psychological. On the physical level, the artist reminds us that we can consciously hold our breath and halt the automatic process of breathing for a short period of time until the body revolts and reasserts control. The act of breathing creates a dynamic interface between our exterior and interior environments. OnThursday, Oct. 4, Willy Le Maitre& Eric Rosenzveig will present "The Appearance Machine"- a live video installation which begins in New York City with the collection of trashfrom the streets. The garbage starring in the drama is manipulated, analyzed, videotaped and then streamed in realtime over the internet directly to the Alexandre Hogue Gallery, Phillips Hall, University of Tulsa, 2935 E 5th St. It opens from 5-Tpm and continues through October 25. Eric Rosenzveig also will give a talk at TU about the work and other artworks using new technologies at 6pro. Chris Wildrick of ’~2funBasTards" from Madison, Wisconsin will perform Local Reality Test: Temporal Continuity Test, an out-of-theater performance by walking around Tulsa from 9-5pm asking people what timeitis. He will then check this time against his watch, marking down the difference in minutes and his location. He will also check times fOund on public docks. Throughout the day he will accumulate avast amount of data regarding the discrepancies between time and space m Tulsa. A ground-breaking new program of the New Genre Festival this year, the Performance Open allows for several short performance artworks by artists from Tulsa and around the country to be seen at one venue, The Nightingale Theatre, 1416 E 4th St8:00pm $8. ($6. students) onThursday, Oct. 4. The amazing Berlin-based multimedia artgroup, DieAudioGruppe,buildelectroacoustic clothing and then perform using them. Studio Performances at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, Doenges Theater, 2rid. & Cincinnati, 8:00pm.$12. ($6. students) Friday/Saturday, Oct. 5/6. Reservations are required through the PAC at 596-7111 or www.tnlsapac.com. A workshop will be offered, "Making Electro-acoustic Clothing" with inventor Ben0it Manbrey on Monday, Oct. 1, 7:00pro at Living ArtSpaee. Also on "Oct. 5/6, Living Arts will feature ’qm Exile Close to the Equator - Personal Stories of Universal Truths in a Search for the "American Dream." In this autobiographical verbal and visual coil lage, performance artist Jos~ Tortes Tama : returns to Tulsawith awork that combines : personal stories and incantations withdra- ~ matic movement and visual tableaus. ¯ Moving rapidly from poetic drama to the hilariously absurd, he creates a dynamic ¯ piece that explores the immigrant experience and rites-of-passage in urban Ameri- ] can culture. ¯ The New Genre Festival also will offer : anumber more events. For moreinforma- ¯¯ tion, call 918-585-1234 or check out: www.livingarts.org. Living Arts of Tulsa ¯ is located at 308 S Kenosha. It’s too expensive." You can subscribe to Tulsa Opera’s entire season for as little as $13 per opera. That’s cheaper than a ballgame and at that price you can even bring a date. ]’re sure to score. Herland Fall Retreat September 14-16 Roman Nose State Park Featuring entertainers Mary N Bright Mary Catherine Reynolds, -Kristall Bright and Nancy Nesser Herland, 2312 NW 39th Oklahoma City, www.herlandsister.org THE GILDED AGE Treasuresfrom the Smitbsonian American Art Museum 9 SEPTEMBER -- 4 NOVEMBER 2OO1 THE PHILBROOK MUSEUM OF ART 2727 SOUTH ROCKFORD ROAD Hungry for Atlantic Herring or A Prince in a Shetland? by Deborah J. Hunter If you like Stephen McCauley (Object ofMyAffection, Easy Way Out, Man ofthe Houseand TrueEnough) you’ll love Louis Bayard. I read Bayard’s two novels, En- "dangered Species (2001) and Fool’s Errand (1999) back to back. I get hungry for good writing with peculiar characters that happen to be Gay. Bayard gives us both in a feast of storytelling about thirty-something Nick Broome who hasurges toward parenthoodandPatrick Beaton who is in search of - "PrinceCharming"orin this case "Prince Shetland." Like McCauley, Bayard gently bashes stereotypes in favor of people "like you and me" (and some not so like anyone I have ever met) that are trying to make alife that on most daysdoesn’t seen the least bit-"altemative." Nick Broome’s experience with sperm banks and finding out his own motility rates are hilarious. Thephysiclan s assistant.., leads me down along hallway with shell-colored carpet...She hands me three medium-size glass vials, abox ofKleenex and a back issue of Pro Wrestling magazine." He evolves from wanting to propagate to wanting to parent. His search for a ¯Lesbian co-parem, or finally, a surrogate but are asked to donate $10 at the door. Earlierin September,TulsaOklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) will kick off theplanningfor Diversity Celebration2002 from 5:30 to7pmonThursday, Sept. 6th at Renegades in the Rainbow Room. The public is welcome and for more information, call 743-4297, or e-mail to community@tohr.org Looking forward to the end of October, TOHR will be hosting a Rocky Horror Masquerade Ball featuring Helga’s Horribles to benefit the Pyramid Project (the-ftm.draising effort for a permanent commumty center) at the Downtown Doubletree on the 27th. More details will be available in October. HRC Announces Grant to Oklahoma Group WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) madeannounced decisions about its first round of Equality Fund grants to Gay state lobbying groups in 10 states. Amoung these grants (totaling $47,000) is one to Oklahoma’s Cimarron Alliance Foundation of $4,000 to conduct the first poll in Oklahoma to guidedevelopment of public outreach messages, with special emphasis on hate crimes, discrimination "... Like MeCauley, Bayard gently bashes stereotypes in favor of people ’like you and me’ "(and some not so like anyone I have ever met)..." ¯ mother, takes him on a journey that in- : eludes a cast of ordinary but uncommon ¯ people. His thoughts turn from Atlantic ¯ herring, "These are fish that travel inlarge " schools and reproduce as casually as I untangle phone cords," to other species, " "Cowbirds have beenonmindlately. They ¯ are brown-headed creatures that decline : the honor of building nests and instead lay" ¯ eggs in thenests of other birds. Some birds pick up on the ruse, but most will happily incubate the new eggs as one of their own." In Fool’s Errand, Patrick Beaton learns to hate naps and learns to love Seth. He thinks Seth is helping him find themaninthe cranberry Shetland sweater. He thinks their days spent in the parking lots of discount stores and their nights spent in bars are in search of a "Scottish Prince" who Patrick barely met on~ sleepy ¯ afternoon in someone’s den. ¯" That Seth is the ex-boyfriendofPatrick’ s ¯ ex-boyfriend, Alex only adds to the flavor ¯¯ of the stew, as does the long visit from Patrick’ s bi-polar father who ends up mar~ ¯ rying his best friend Marianne. : Fool’s Errand is a long book and the ¯ yearning for love is there under the esca- ¯ pades and in every day. Like Endangered ¯ Species, the search is what gives life its ¯ substance, the finding is what helps bring ¯ life’s meaning. : and other equality issues such as domestic ¯ partnership. ¯ Prior, HRC had issued $114,000 in ¯ Equality Fundgrants and also gave $5,000 ¯ to the Federation of Statewide Political ¯ Advocacy Organizations. These grants ." helped to fund essential state house lobby ¯ work, such as Maryland’s non-discrimi- ¯ nation and Texas’ hate crimes bills. ¯ Others receiving grants include: ." Texas’ Lesbian/Gay Rights Lobby ¯ which got a $5,000 grant to support their ¯ lobby program, including to continue to ." defeat attempted bans on same-sex mar- .¯ riage and civil unions and to advance their safe schools initiative. ¯ Unity Utah will receive $4,000 to lobby ." the Salt Lake City Council to codify an ¯ existing mayoral executive order which ¯ prohibits discrimination in city employ- " ment based on sexual orientation. This ¯ local project is an important first poliltical ...step for this organization, and also is an ¯ important first step towards state level : advocacy. ¯ Vermonters for Civil Unions Legisla- : tive Defense Fund is getting $5,000 for ¯ lobbying and polling efforts to keep the ¯ legislature from denigrating the legal stares of civil unions as a marriage-equiva- ¯ lent. : A number of other organizations also ¯ received grants or are still under consider- ¯ ation for aid. ¯ Creator of the universe has sown a very Well, kind of. I was a Boy Scout. The : important fluid. This fluid is the most years, 1965 - 1970; the place, Martinez, : wonderful material in all the physical CA,Troopl81.And,nowadays, I amGay. ¯ world. Some parts of it f’md their way into ButwhenI was a ldd; I had yet to hear any : theblood, andthroughthebloodgivetone oftheearlynotesbftoday’s - ~ -~ : to the muscles, power-to~ elaborated language of -":-. ~;~outs havealways~- thebrain, and : strength to . Gayness and;eve~ii,~-Ihad, - ]md ~ex and aender ~ " the nerves:. This fluid"isthe : I probably ,wouldn thave - ........¯ ~’~ -sex fluid ’Am habit ldentifiedmyselfwlth.lt.A ¯ mind; An explleit~l ....whichaboyhas thatcauses . GayBoyScout,backthen,.. o[ the o~,anJ=atloi~ is to this fluid robe discharged wasanthinkable.Wenever .. ~ .’ . ,. " ’ ¯ from the body tends-to . once "sniggered at.: the turn boys into men ~.~ :’weaken his $[rength,"to " double entendre, so obvi- men-o[ a imrt-leu]ar tTl~, makehimlessabletoresist by Lamont Lindstrom ~ous today, in thefinal.lin,~e dmt I~. I w~’t alone of theBoy Scout oath: ’I-- promise .... to keepmyself my Troop. Several physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight." The Boy Scouts of America, backed by five U.S. Supreme Court Justices, have recently affirmed their legal right to scout mates a|so ~rew into Gayness. Many parents, I’m sure, prayed tlmt scouting would toughen up their worrisome sons.... " disease :. ~to yield:means to Sacrifice strengthS,and power and m~liness. Jeez,we~ought. Could we even survive our teens.’? Scoutmasterly duties,~ given Boy Scout dogma, included the regulation of boyish sexuality and this task could be approached withall shades ofinterest. I discharge Gay Scoutmasters and perhaps also (although this is less clear) boys who affirm ahomosexual identity. The Gay community andbeyondhave condemned this invidious policy as harmful, But theScouts, clearly, are in a dicey position. We might try to understand, although not necessarily sympathetically, the orgardzati0n’s problems in ha,vigating the dangerous American cultural ~hoals of childhood and sex. The Boy Scouts have always had sex and gender in mind. An explicit goal of the organization is to turn boys into men - men of a particular type, that is. I wasn’t alone in my Troop. Several of my scout mates also ~ew into Gayness. Many pareats, I’m sure, prayed that scouting would toughen up their worrisome sons. The Boy Scouts, !ike the Marines, Little League sports, and certain small fundamentalist Christian colleges, are a last resort of desperate parents hoping to make a man out of one. My fellow Scouts ranged from the ambitiously normal to hopeless twinks (although we didn’t have that word back then either): The proto-gangbangers at my school, who wouldn’t be caught dead in the Boy Scouts, weren’t fooled by our organized protestations of masculinity. All those silly (if sometimes still surprisingly useful) ropes and knots. AlthoughTroop 181 hadno language of Gayness, this does not mean that there were no sexual frissons - a sexuality that, in an all-male organization, is at least by default homosexual. Such currents surely feed the organization’s recent touchiness about Gayness. I remember friends giggling over the Boy Scout Handbook’s warnings against masturbation. When I got my first HandbookIeagerly soughtoutthoseparagraphs. The Handbook, subsequently, wo~tld be somewhat liberalized. My 1960’ s edition, however, hadn’t progressed much beyond these 1927 admonitions published under the subtitle ’~onservation" (which, in the 1970’s, would acquire a more ecological, less Taoist gignificance): "In the body of every boy who has reached his teens; the .... spent part of four s||mmers ¯¯ atWolfboro, a camp in the Sierra Nevada. Oar leaders trooped us up river to "Bare- " Ass Slide" and ordered to take off our ,. clothes and slide down shallow, mossy ¯ river rapids. On one 50-mile hike, buck- " naked Scoutmaster Bob chased five of us ¯ boys, equally buck-naked, squealing ¯ through the woods because we refused to ¯ hop into the icy aver. ¯ Innocent male hi-jinks, of course. But ¯ some of this past must inform the Boy ¯ Scouts’ present sexual bad conscious. Itis ¯ sweet irony,’as many have noted (e.g., see ¯ Tim Neal’s biography The Boy-Man), that ¯ -the founder of the Boy Scouts, Lord Rob- . eft Baden-Powell, was obsessed with ¯ "boyology," had a 30 year relation with a ¯ younger man, K~uneth McLaren- whom ¯ he called The Boy - and adored watching his lithesome Scouts swim nude. ¯ Postmodem theorists warn that the past (life-long male friend) is often misunder- " stood in contemporary terms (Gay). Still, Baden-Powell and some of his Scoutmaster successors clearly appreciated boys in ¯ complicated ways. ¯ Pricking this Boy Scout bad conscious, ¯ Americais currently onthe warpath against any sort of child sexuality; When I was a ¯ kid, we had never heard of the term sexual harassment let alone sexual abuse. These ¯ notions, like Gay, had yet to hit Martiuez. ¯ In that heyday of the miniskirt, my 7th ¯ grade Algebra teacher used to force those ¯ 12-year old gifts who wore the shortest ¯ minis to sit in the front row of his class so ¯ he could gawk up their skirts. (He also ¯ used to hang troublesome boys out his ¯ second-story window by the scruffs of their neck.) Today? Run, don’t walk, to your nearest hungry lawyer. ¯ Thereasons for America’s recent child- * sex pamc are complex, reflecting, prob- " ably, parental guilt about working morns ¯ and about divorce. Nowadays, with suspi- ¯ cious parents and enterprising lawyers all ¯o around, theBOy Scouts have their backs to the wall. You can see why they mightnot ¯ want to get in bed with us Gays. We ¯ remindthemoftoomuch, seeScout,p.11 KellyKirby, CPA, PC Certified Public Accountant a professional corporation Lesbians and Gay men face many special tax situations whether single or as couples. Electronic filing is available for faster refunds. 747-5466 4021 South Harvard Avenue, Suite 210, Tulsa 74135 IGTA member ~~ Call 341.6866 International TOH~formoreinformation. TULSA COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY Country Club Barbering Custom Styling for Men & Women David Kauskey 3310 E. 51st, 747-0236, Tues.-Fri., 8-5:30, Sat. 8-5pro College Hill Presbyterian Church In response to God’s Love, College Hill Presbyterian Church is a community of God’s people called to tell others the Gospel of Jesus Christ through worship, service, and evangdism. To nurture our faith, we gather for worship~ prayer, study and fellowship. ¯ Trusting in a living, loving God, we seek to become a compassionate voice for peace and justice. Our congregation welcomes all persons who respond in trust and obedience to God’s grace in Jesus Christ, and desire to become part of the membership and ministry of Christ’s church. Membership is open to all people regardless of race, ethnic origin, worldly condition, marital status, or sexual orientation. Sunday Worship, 11am 712 S. Columbia Ave., 592-5800 (One block west of Delaware and the University of Tulsa Campus) Tulsa’s only professional body-piercing On September 3oth, something brand new is hitting the Tulsa scene! Soulful Sundown is an alternative worship experience that celebrates the mystery and wonder of life, within a non-dogmatic context. Soulful Sundown combines live music, inspirational readings., video, and audience participation to create an experience that moves, challenges, transforms and connects people to e~tch other and the ~¢orld. Soulful Sundo.wn happens at All Souls Unitarian Church at 5:3oPM on Sundays starting September 3oth and continuing through the rest of the year. All people are welcome! All Souls Unitarian Church 2952 S. Peoria, 743-2363. Karmajust bitmein the ass! Here I was, pining for something I thought I’d never have, when lo and behold, a woman told me she was in love with me. Ofcourse this was three hours after meeting he_r, so you can imagine how frightened I was, thinking I’druninto Psycho LesbianFrom Hell. RememberMiss No-Longer-Interested- In-Me? Well, she stir isn’t. But that’s not the point. Miss No-Longer-Interested-In- Me and I reached an agreement and have done what many Lesbian couples do (or non-couples, in this case) and become friends. I know what you’re saying. ’Raging Lesbian, this is just a way to get to see her!" I could tell you how much we click on a friendship level; how much we value that friendship; how much werespect each other, etc. OK- it’s a way to get to see her! I never knew how she felt because no one’s ever said those three little words to me. I found out how she felt the other weekend when I heard them whispered into my ear. Youneed toknow rightnow thatinternet acquaintances should be a slow process. No need to rush into meeting her after writing to her once or twice. She might turn into a Karin, and you might become a Miss No-Longer-Interested-In-Me. The other weekend was my first date since Miss No-Longer-Interested-In-Me told me that, well, she was no longer interested in me. It was the first time sinceMay that I even thought of trying to move on. I didn’t realize I’d meet Miss U-Haul Lesbian. My experiences since coming out have been with users until I met Miss No-Longer- Interested-In-Me. This explains why she’s making yet another starring role in the column. Her honesty disarmed me and made me realize I hadn’t been honest with the most important person in my life--me¯ How could I be honest with her, or anyone else,.for that matter? Timing tndy sucks sometimes. Had I met Miss U-Haul,. fallen for her, learned my lesson, then met Miss No-Longer- Interested-In-Me, perhaps... No, I won’t go there. We fill our lives with so many ’~vhat-ifs" and "if onlys" that we don’t see the people in front of us. The person in front of me now is a woman who would do anything for me. Scary, huh? But don’t we look for this all our lives? Here is it, staringmein the face, and I’m feeling very different than I did in April¯ I feel like Miss No-Longer-Interested- In-Me. I let my new-found "friend" in on what was happening. She told me never to say anything to Miss U-Haul I didn’t mean. Wise advice which I learned from her through first-hand experience. I’ve told Miss U-Haul aboutmy recent history, and I also let her know that I don’t think I can realm her feelings. She says I will. Umm, no, I don’t think so. What’ s she like? Besides living in outer Dallas anddressinginmen’ s clothing (well, somewhat), she’s kind, caring, and listens to my every word¯ Where I was almost a non-entity with Miss No-Longer-Interested- In-Me, Iama"Diamond" to Miss UHaul. In fact, that’s her name for me. So what is myproblem? I didn’tfeel that "something"; that immediate feeling that Miss No-Longer-Interested-In-Me was looking for with "us". I always thought you grew into it. But she’s right. The spark, if you will, just isn’t there. I can wish for it all I want, but Miss U-Haul doesn’t do itfor me. Yes, I HAVEbecome Miss No-Longer-Interested-In-Me, with a vengeance! And yet I still see Miss U-Haul. Why? My immediate response? No one’s cared for me this much, or treated me this wall since.... ever. Certainly not since I’ve become active in this life. I shouldn’t let that sway me, or confuse Miss U-Haul. Above all, I don’t want to hurt her. I don’t want anyone to feel what I have the past few months - hurt, lonely, confused, desperate, despairing, you get the drill. And yet, I don’t see.any other way. As I perceive it, Miss No-Longer-Interested- In-Me had three choices: A. Hurt me; B. Hurt me; C. Hurt me; D. All of the above. That she chose D for a triple shot of hurt annoys me, but whatcan you do? Try NOT to repeat her pattern. It really doesn’t help that the townspeople where Miss U-Haul lives dre telling her that I may be "I’he One." I’ve already let her in on my Love-OMeter ¯ You know, the thing that lets you comprehend, unequivocally, that you’re in love? A friend asked me about a month ago, what I would have told my mother if Miss No-Longer-Interested-In-Me and I had a different experience: in other words, if she returned my feelings. "I would say, ’Mother, this is Miss Interested- In-Me. We’reinlove.’"Myfriend asked what I would do after my mother fainted. Oh please. She knows. Even MY mother can’t be THAT naive! I guess what I’m trying to say is that until that woman comes along again (IF she ever comes along again) who makes me want to come out to my family, then it ain’t love. Sure, I may love being with her, talking to her, and heating how wonderful I am. The sex may be great (yes, Horny Lesbian strikes again!), but the feding’s not there. Does that make me a terrible person? I think not. I certainly hope not. I told Gay Felix one night, after Miss UHaul letmeknow (as have so many others) that Miss No-Longer-Interested-In-Me used me, that only the two people in that relationship truly understand what went on between them. Miss No-Longer-Interested- in-Me didn’t use me. Being in her shoes now, I honestly believe that. Only She and I comprehend the feelings and the loss¯ I’m sure Miss U-Haul’s neighbors and friends will one day say that I used her. I hope she understands a simple truth - I met a wonderful woman whose feelings I can’t return. As Miss No-Longer-Interested-In-Me said recently, ’q’here are a billion reasons why someone wouldfall inlove withyou." Unfortunately, I’m afraid I’ll be saying the same thing soon to Miss U-Haul. Love, no matter which side you’re on, is often the most difficult and most agonizing feeling in the world. - by Karin Gregory Gregory is a Ft. Worth based writer. The NAMES Project Tulsa Area Chapter 3507 East Admiral Place Tulsa, OK. 74115-8211 (918) 748-3111 www.TulsaQuilt.org MEMORIAL Feast with Friends® in TVLand Saturday, September 29, 2001 Following the individual Dinner Parties, join us for the Dessert Extravaganza 8:30 to 10:30 PM Allan Chapman Activity Center, University of Tulsa, 5th and Gary, Admission js free for Dinner Hosts and their guests; others may attend for a $10.00 donation at the door Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data newspaper periodical Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2001] Tulsa Family News, September 2001; Volume 8, Issue 9 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation toward Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual communities. Description An account of the resource Tulsa Family News was a monthly newspaper; No. 1 issued December 1993-January 1994. The final issue available was published in September 0f 2001 (Volume 8, Issue 9). The newspaper brings up important, evolving topics of marriage, Pride, TOHR, HIV/AIDs, events, advice, and politics all at the local and national level. This document is available in searchable PDF attached. It is also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Family News Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/24 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tom Neal Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource September 2001 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Chrsitjohn Karin Gregory Barry Hensley J.P. Legrandbouche Lamont Lindstrom Esther Rothblum Mary Schepers Hughston Walkinshaw Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Tom Neal/Tulsa Family News Relation A related resource Tulsa Family News, August 2001; Volume 8, Issue 9 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource newspaper periodical Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Tulsa(Oklahoma)---newspaper Tulsa---Oklahoma Oklahoma---Tulsa United States Oklahoma Tulsa United States of America (50 states) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/616 AIDS AIDS treatment AIDS vaccine Australia Boy Scouts Brazil bullying businesses censorship churches Cincinnati death penalty discrimination Domestic Partnership European Conference of Scouts and Guides Feast for Friends Feast with Friends Gannet Co. gay bashing gay panic HIV testing homosexual panic Human Rights Campaign Jeanne Shaheen Louis Bayard military Murder NAMES Project Netherlands New Genre Festival Oklahoma City Openarms Youth Project Partner Benefits Raging Lesbian Red Cross Red Rock Tulsa restaurants Shanghai South Africa the AIDS Quilt Tulsa Family News Washington https://history.okeq.org/files/original/5b3ec3af4a36fc21000b89d0f9966a3b.jpg 028d77afa9ecb28698e13d3d0a4bb33a https://history.okeq.org/files/original/1f0650f00365da9e19c5717761490826.pdf 8aff83534c77c1b4740f4abdbee6f703 PDF Text Text Serving:Lesbian, .Gay, Bisexual + Transgendered Tulsans, Out’Families.+ Friends i Male on Male Rape at Webster i TOHR Drops State Bank i Some Speculate Whether Anti-Gay Bias at Issue ¯ TULSA, Okla. (AP)- Two 14:year-old football players accused ¯ of raping a teammate with a broom handle won’t be tried as : adults, prosecutors said. The Tulsa County District Attorney’s ." Office filed rape by instrumentation charges in juvenile court ¯ against the Webster High School students. ¯ The boys are accused of forcing a 14-year-old freshman : football player to a school locker room floor and raping him with ¯. a broom handle Sept. 21. An hour later, the students allegedly _. spanked the same boy with a weight belt and pelted his genitals with traffic cones. Students said no affults were in the locker room ¯ when the alleged rape occurred. Tulsa Police spokesman Lucky Lamons responded that police ~ detectives claim there was no anti-Gay verbal abuse which could ¯ indicate that this assault had aspects of a hate crime. However, ¯ several longtime community activists from TOHR and PFLAG Bin Laden Joins Anti-Gay i speculated that the assault may have ties to issues of actual or sexual orientation. Officer Lamons noted that detecTerrorist on Wanted List ¯¯ perceived tives feel one of the motives may have been that victim was small. WASHINGTON, D.C. - Osama bin Laden isn’ t the only terrorist bombing suspect on the FBI’ s Ten Most Wanted list. Right here at home, the bureau is still hunting for Eric Robert Rudolph in connection with the 1996 Olympics bombing and other crimes. And some of the parallels are striking: both are trained soldiers and survivalists, accused of killing to further extreme religious and political beliefs. Both have eluded capture for years among sympathetic souls in mountainous terrain, despite a huge price on their heads. For nearly four years, agents have combed the sawtooth ridges of western North Carolina for Rudolph, an Army veteran and sometime carpenter charged with four bombings, including fatal blasts at the Atlanta Games and at an Alabama abortion clinic. Rudolph was last seen in the area in July 1998 after stealing supplies from a health store.owner. His truck had been spotted there early that year. see Terror, p. 2 :¯ ¯ : : ¯ ¯ : ¯ : : : ¯ ¯ i ¯ ¯" : The accused have been released from a juvenile shelter on bail. Their case will remain in the juvenile system, where the focus is on rehabilitation rather than punishment, said Assistant District Attorney Rebecca Nightingale. She said the district attorney’s office will not seek adult certification for the teens. Prosecutors considered the boys’ sophistication and maturity, their record and history, the likelihood of rehabilitation in the juvenile systern, and the prospects for protection of the public, she said. Fourteen student-athletes were suspended after the incident, and Webster’ s ninth-grade football season has been canceled. Five students received the maximum penalty allowed under the school district’ s code of conduct - suspension for the rest of the academic year. They also were banned from ever participating in school sports in the district. The other nine students got five-day or 10,day suspensions. Superintendent David Sawyer warned coaches and school district employees this week not to tolerate or ignore hazing and bullying; i overAnti-Bias Policy : TULSA (TFN)-TulsaOklahomaus forHuman Rights ." (TOHR) recently transfered its business from State Bank and BancOne to Bank of Oklahoma because of : BOk has an dear non-discrimination policy which ¯ includes "sexual orientation." ." Under the direction of the organization’ s treasurer, Angela Bruce, letters were written to TOHR’ s former i bank, informing them of the reason for the change. ¯ According to TOHR spokesman, Greg Gatewood, ¯ the move was really about doing business with those : who support the community_ and not doing business ¯ with those who do not. Gatewoodnoted that the funds : were not an enormous amount but should have been ¯. enough to get the institution’ s attention. ¯ Bank of Oklahoma instituted a non-discrimination ¯ policy which includes "sexual orientation" a couple i of years ago, and is the only bank in Tulsa which has ¯ included the Lesbian and Gay community in’ its : marketing outreach. State Bank’s president Don ¯ Walker was not available for comment at press time. Candidate for US Congress at TOHR ¯ On Tuesday, NOvember 13, Democratic candidate ¯ : for Oklahoma’s First Congressional District, Dong : Dodd will speak at the Community Center at 21st and ¯ Memorial at 7pro. TOHR organizers note that Cathy : Keating, one of three Republican candidates has also : been invited to meet with TOHR and the community. : Keating, unlike many Oklahoma Republicans, has ¯ stated that her campaign will exclude no one and : while announcing her candidacy at the Tulsa Press ¯ Club, Mrs. Keating noted that she was not very ¯ familiarwiththeconcemsofLesbianandGayTulsans, ~ but she is willing to educate herself. And Dodd has ¯ stated publicly his opposition to a constitutional ¯ amendment to ban same gender marriages. Iowa Rights Group Says ¯ Rocky Horror Benefit, Oct. 27 : Slow Come, Quick Go (TFN) - Tulsa’ s downtown Doubletree Hotel will host Add Sexual Orientation ¯: TULSA a new Halloween gala event which will benefit Tulsa Oklaho- i KS County Gives, Now May Drop Benefits DES MOINES, IOWA (AP) "The Iowa Civil Rights Commission is recommending that the state’s civil rights law specifically prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation. The commission voted 6-1 in September to recommend that the Legislature add sexual orientation to the wording of the law, marking the first time it has gone on record backing that step. Commission member Alicia Claypool said the move makes sense, because there’s strong evidence of discrimination. Republican legislative leaders have opposed the step, saying the inclusion of Gays in the law gives them special treatment. A commission subcommittee that studied the proposal said the state is facing a looming shortage of workers and diversity is one way tO attract new people to the state. "If we are to grow and remain a vital and productive state, we must create a current and future work force that is stable, wall-educated and sees Iowa as a viable place in which to grow up, live and work," said a subcommittee memo. The commission’ s recommendation likely will spark a renewed round of debate over an issue that’ s been around for years. The state’s civil rights law protects people from discrimination in employment, housing and lending based on age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, physical disability, or familial status: Backers long have said that Gays and Lesbians face discrimination as well and that sexual orientation should be added to the list. The Legislature specifically rejected that step because Republicans did not want to approve a measure they said gave special protection to Gays. Gov. Tom Vilsack issued an executive order in 1999 that also would have banned discrimination based on sexual orientation in state hiring, but legislative leaders successfully argued see Iowa, p.2 ¯ mans for Human Rights (TOHR) and the Pyramid Project - the ¯ capital campaign to purchase a permanent community center. ¯ Helga’ s Horfibles will perform live their version of the Rocky Horror Picture Show beginning at 8:15, featuring Helga, Animal, ¯ Peaches Lennox, Anita Richards, Shirley Nott, Scott, Brenda " Lynn Stewart, Patti, Crystal Meth and Johnny Cronin, all di; rected by Timothy Snapp. " After the show, the Time Warp Masquerade Ball will go till midnight. Costumes are en,co.uraged, ID is required and tickets ¯" are $25 in advance (at Ken s Flowers, Salon 41, the Pride Store ¯ at the Center and on line at www.Pyramidproject.org) or $30 at ¯: the door. VIP tickets and tables are available. The event will offer .. a cash bar, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, party pies, valet . parking and a dj. ¯ : Mr. Oklahoma Leather to Aid TOHRKulsa CARES ¯ ¯ The Mr. Oklahoma Leather contest which will be held at CW" s ¯ : on Oct. 19-21 will benefit TOHR/the Community Center and ¯ ¯ Tulsa C.ARES. For more information, call CW" s at 610-5323. : Other Community News : ¯¯ On Saturday, Oct. 13, PFLAG is having a Come Out and Fly ¯ ¯ Your Kite event in honor of National Coming Out Day (NCOD) ¯ ¯ at a local park. Call PFLAG at 749-4901 for more information: ¯ ¯ : . Annual AIDS Walk, Oct. 6, 9:00am ¯ ¯ Saturday, Oct. 6, Tulsa AIDS Walk 2001 will begin and end at ¯ Veterans Park at 21st and Boulder (site of the annual Diversity : ." Festival). Funds raised at the event help TCAP, the Tulsa Com- ¯ "¯ munity AIDS Partnership (TCAP). All funds will be increased by 50% with matching dollars from the Elton John AIDS Founda¯ tion. TCAP helps to fund the following groups: RAIN, the ¯ Regional AIDS Interfaith Network, Tulsa CARES, the American ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ : ¯ : ¯" ¯° ¯" ¯ Red Cross, Red Rock Behavioral Health Services and HOPE Testing Clinic. The Walk is now eight years old and has raised : thousands of dollars for direct care and education/prevention for : HIV/AIDS. It is an all volunteer effort which has no administra_ : ¯ tive costs For more information, call 585-5551 ¯ WICHITA, Kan. (AP) - Sedgwick County’s new insurance benefits for unmarried domestic partners may not last more than a week. County commissioners appear to have the votes to overturn County Manager William Buchanan’ s decision to offer employees the option of extending their health coverage to gay or straight partners. Employees were told of their option to cover domestic parthers in a packet of materials outlining insurance plans for 2002. Commissioners put the item on their agenda after receiving numerous phone calls and e-mails from constituents who say the policy gives official sanetion to "sinful" unions. Commissioner Tim Norton said he originally was willing to defer to Buchanan and the county’ s human resources staff. But now, he said, he would probably vote to rescind the policy because that’s what residents have toldhim they want. "I don’ t know that this is the right time, or the right place, for us to be stepping out and taking a leadership role on a social issue like this," he said. Commissioners Carolyn McGiun and Ben Sciortino said last week that they oppose the policy because they think the county’s health benefits should be reserved for employees and their immediate families only. see-Wichita, p.]O DIRECTORY EDITORIAL US & WORLD NEWS HEALTH NEWS Z ENTERTAINMENT+ MORE ~ GAYSTUDIES --- ---- P. 10/~1 ~ �Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants ¯ 918.583.1248, fax: 583.4615 *Bamboo Lounge, 7204 E. Pine PUB 4140, Tulsa, OK 74159, e-mail: TulsaNews@earthlink.net 832-1269 ." *CW’ s, 1737 S. Memorial 610-5323 ; Publisher + Editor: Tom Neal *Play-Mor, 424 S. Memorial 838-9792 ¯ Writers + contributors: James Christjohn, Karin Gregory, Barry Polo Grill, 2038 Utica Square 744-4280 ." Hensley, J.-P. Legrandbouche, Lamont Lindstrom, Esther *Renegades/Rainbow Room, 1649 S. Main 585-3405 Rothblum, Mary Schepers, Hughston Walkinshaw *St. Michael’s Alley Restaurant, 3324-L E. 31st 745-9998 *Schatzi’ s, 2619 S. Memorial 280-1316 ." Member o! The Associated Press *The Star, 1565 Sheridan 834-4234 ¯ Issued around the 1 st of each month, the entire contents of this *TNT’ s, 2114 S. Memorial 660-0856 publication are protected by US copyright 2001 by Tulsa *Tool Box I!, 1338 E. 3rd 584-1308 ¯ Family News and may not be reproduced either in whole or in *Vortex, 2182 S. Sheridan 835-2376 ¯¯ part without written permission from the publisher. Publica*The Yellow Brick Road Pub, 2630 E. 15th 749-1563 .lion of a name or photo does not indicate a person’ s sexual Tulsa Businesses, Services, & Professionals ¯ orientation. Correspondence is assumed to be for publication Assoc. in Med. & Mental Health, 2325 S. Harvard 743-1000 unless otherwise noted, must be signed & becomes the sole ¯ Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 71 250-5034 property of Tulsa Family News. Each reader is entitled to 4 : Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 523 1 E. 41 665-4580 ¯ copies of each edition at distribution points. Body Piercing by Nicole, 2722 E. 15 712-1122 ¯ Additional copies are available by Calling 583-1248. *Borders Books & Music, 2740 E. 21 712-9955 *Borders Books & Music, 8015 S. Yale 494-2665 Brookside Jewelry, 4649 S. Peoria 743-5272 : Dignity/Integrity of Tulsa- Lesbian & Gay Catholics & *CD Warehouse, 3807c S. Peoria 746-0313 : Episcopalians, PUB 701475, 74170-1475 355-3140 ¯ *Cheap Thrills, 2640 E 1 lth 295-5868 *Fellowship Congreg. Church, 2900 S. Harvard 747-7777 Cherry St. Psychotherapy, 1515 S. Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117 ." *Free Spirit Women’ s Center,call forlocation &info: 587-4669 Community Cleaning, Kerby Baker 622-0700 ¯¯ Friend For A Friend, PUB 52344, 74152 747-6827 Tim Danid, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468 Friends in Unity Social Org., PUB 8542, 74101 582-0438 ¯ *Deco to Disco, 3212 E. 15th 749-3620 *Tulsa C.A.R.E.S., 3507 E..Admiral 834-4194 Doghouse on Brookside, 3311 S. Peoria 744-5556 ." HOPE, HIV Outreach, Prevention, Education 834-8378 *Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan 838-8503 ¯¯ *HouseoftheHoly SpiritMinstries,1517 S. Memorial 224-4754 Encompass Travel, 13161H N. Memorial 369-8555 *MCC United,-1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715 Ross Edward Salon 584-0337, 712-9379 ¯ NAMES Project, 3507 E. Admiral P1. 748-3111 Events Unlimited, 507 S. Main 592-0460 ¯¯ NOW, Nat’l Org. for Women, PUB 14068, 74159 365-5658 Floral Design Studio, 3404 S. Peoria OK Spokes Club (bicycling), PUB 9165, 74157 744-9595 ¯ Four Star Import Automotive, 9906~E. 55th H. *OSU-Tulsa 610-0880 Cathy Furlong, Ph.D., 1980 Utica Sq. Med. Ctr. 628-3709 ¯ PFLAG, PUB 52800, 74152 749-4901 Gay & Lesbian Affordable Daycare 808-8026 ¯ *Planned Parenthood, 1007 S. Peoria 587-7674 *Gloria Jean’s Gourmet Coffee, 1758 E. 21st 742-1460 Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118, 74152 627-2359 ¯ Leanne M. Gross, Insurance & financial planning R.A.I.N., Regional AIDS Interfaith Network 459-9349 749-4195 Mark T. Hamby, Attorney 744-7440 ¯ *Red Rock Mental Center, 1724 E. 8 584-2325 *Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E. Skelly 745-1111 ¯ St. Aidan’ s Episcopal Church, 4045 N. Cincinnati 425-7882 ¯ *International Tours St. Dlmstan’s Episcopal, 5635 E. 71st 341-6866 492-7140 ¯ 712-2750 *St. Jerome’ s Parish Church, 205 W. King Jacox Animal Clinic, 2732 E. 15th 582-3088 *Jared’ s Antiques, 1602 E. 15th 582-3018 ; Soulforce-OK, Rt.4,#3534,Stigler74462 587-3248,452-2761 747-0236 ¯ *TulsaArea United Way, 1430 S Boulder David Kauskey, Country Club Barbering 583-7171 The Keepers, Housekeeping & Gardening 582-8460 " *TNAAPP (Native American men), Indian Health Care 582-7225 599-8070 ¯ Tulsa County Health Department, 4616 E. 15 595-4105 *Ken’s Flowers, 1635 E. 15 Confidential HIV Testing - by appt. on Thursdays only 747-5466 ¯¯ Kelly Kirby, CPA, 4021 S. Harvard, #210 585-1234 Tulsa Okla. for Human Rights, Gay Comm. Center 743-4297 *Living ArtSpace, 308 South Kenosha ¯ TUL-PAC, Positive Advocacy Coalition, POB2687,Tulsa 74101 584-3112 *Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3rd 663 -5934 ¯ T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform]Leather Seekers Assoc. 298-0827 Mingo Valley ~Flowers, 9720c E. 31 *Tulsa City Hall, Ground Floor Vestibule 664-2951 *Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 Place 838-7626 ¯. *Tulsa Community College Campuses Puppy Pause II, 1060 S. Mingo ¯ *Tulsa Gay Community Center, 21st & Memorial 743 -4297 743-4297 *The Pride Store 747-5932 ¯ Unity Church of Christianity, 3355 S. Jamestown Rainbowz on the River B+B, PUB 696, 74101 749-8833 Richard’s Carpet Cleaning 834-0617 : BARTLESVILLE 834-7921,748-0224 Teri Schutt, Ellen & Co. 918-337-5353 ¯" Bardesville Public Library, 600 S. Johnstone *Tulsa Comedy Club, 6906 S. Lewis 481-0558 TAHLEQUAH 835-5563 Venus Salon, 1247 S. Harvard 918-456-7900 743-1733 ¯.¯ Stonewall League, call for information: Fred Welch, LCSW, Counsding Tahlequah Unitarian-Universalist Church 918-456-7900 665-2222 *Wherehouse Music, 5150 S. Sheridan ¯ Green Country AIDS Coalition, PUB 1570 918-453-9360 592-0767 *Whittier News Stand, 1 N. Lewis www.gaytulsa.org website for Tulsa Gays & Lesbians ¯ EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS ¯ Autunm Breeze Restaurant, Hwy. 23 501-253-7734 Tulsa Agencies, Churches, Schools & Universities 501-253-7457 579-9593 ¯¯ Jim & Brent’s Bistro, 173 S. Main AIDS Walk Tulsa, PUB 4337, 74101 501-253-6807 DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center St. 743-2363 All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S. Peoria 501-253-5445 ¯ 587-7314 ¯ Emerald Rainbow, 45 &l/2 Spring St. Black & White, Inc. PUB 14001, Tulsa 74159 501-363-9203 Bless The Lord at All Times Christian Center, 2207 E. 6 583-7815 ¯ Heart of the Hills B&B, 5 Summit St. 501-253-9337 ¯ 583-9780 ." MCC of the Living Spring B/L/G/T Alliance, Univ. of Tulsa United Min. Ctr. 501-253-2776 ¯¯ 585-1201 : Geek to Go!, PC Specialist, PUB 429 Chamber of Commerce Bldg., 616 S. Boston 501-253-5332 .Old Jailhouse Lodging, 15 Montgomery *Chapman Student Ctr., University of Tulsa, 5th PI. & Florence ¯ 501-624-6646 587-1314 ¯ Positive Idea Marketing Hans Church of the Restoration UU, 1314 N.Greenwood ¯ 501-253-4074 747-6300 : White Light, 1 Center St. *Community of Hope Church, 2545 S. Yale ¯ ¯ *Community Unitarian-Universalist Congregation 749-0595 JOPLIN, MISSOURI ¯ ¯ 748-3888 Coundl Oak Men’ s Chorale Spirit of Christ MCC, 2639 E. 32, Ste. U 134 417-623-4696 ¯ 712-1511 *Delaware Playhouse, 1511 S. Delaware ¯" 742-2457 : * is where you can find TFN. Not allare Gay-owned but allare Gay.friendly. *Democratic Headquarters, 3930 E. 31 Authorities say they also ran across some of his camping sites and found garbage or buried debris connected to him. Now, a task force coordinating the Rudolph search has dwindled from 200 agents to just afew. "No question that the focus right now for the immediate need of agents for time and resources" is to investigate last week’ s terror attacks, said Patrick Crosby, a spokes~ man for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta. But Crosby added: "Nobody’ s dropping anything on Rudolph or the investigation." Rudolph, for whose capture an award of $1 million has been offered, is believed to adhere to Christian Identity, a white supremacist religion that is rabidly anti-Gay, antiSemitic and anti-foreigner. Sdme of the four bombs Rudolph was charged with planting included messages from the shadowy "Army of God." Western North Carolina has long had a reputation as a haven forright-wing extremists. Many there mocked the government’ s inability to find Rudolph with bloodhounds, infrared-equipped helicopters and space-age motion detectors- and some said they would hide him if asked. Bin Laden, a wealthy Saudi who helped push the Soviets out of Afghanistan, has likewise become an almost mythic figure in Islamic militant circles. His protectors have not been swayed by a $5 million bounty. "These are both men who are pursuing their personally received messages, supposedly from God, and who are ruthless as a result," said Mark Potok, who tracks domestic terrorists for the Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery, Ala. "presumably, there’s a litde more national will involved in the bin Laden case," he says. ’¢Fhis is a sdckin the eye of America in away that the Rudolph attacks really were not." in court that he had exceeded his authority. Vilsack challenged lawmakers to take that step on their own, but the issue hash’ t been debated since the legal battle. Republican legislative leaders have refused to bring the measure up for debate. Subcommittee members said the numbers alone argue for protecting Gays and Lesbians, because estimates are that up to 4% of the state’ s population is Gay, roughly 114,500 people. That’ s a larger population than the 2.8% of the state that is Hispanic and2.1% African-American population, they said. i Cummins Ends ¯ Support for Scouts COLUMBUS, Ind. - Heavy engine manufacturer Cummins Inc. almonnced Sept. 18 it plans to stop sponsoring an event that raises money for the Boy Scouts of America because of the organization’ s ban on Gays serving as troop leaders, according to The Associated Press. Cnmmin s has been a major donor to scouting programs, in Indiana’s Bartholomew County. seeScouts, p.11 �by Rich Tafel ¯ have a clear enemy today, that is absolutely bent on our " Everything in America has changed since the attacks of ¯¯ collective destruction, who brutalizes women, murders : Gays and sees a free society as the world’ s greatest evil. ¯¯ September 11,2001. While.Americans return to work and Now is not the time to attack the President. This will be their daily lives, Washington-based special interest groups : ¯ the hardest for groups whose fundraising has depended on : are struggling to figureout where to go from here. The Sierra Club, which earlier this year saw an increase ¯ demonizing him, but next time they do it, we all~eed to ask ¯ them to refrain. That doesn’t mean we cannot disagree in fundraising fromils attacks onnewly-inaugurated President George W. Bush, has sent a memo to their leading ¯¯ with President Bush or abrogate the freedoms we are truly ¯" members instructing them to stop bashing the president. fighting to defend, but as fellow Americans we have a " Other groups preparing to spend millions on ad campaigns : common moral duty to rekindle-a tone of respect for the : to fight the "lfckbox" budget wars have gone silent. ¯ office of the presidency, and for the burden on the man ¯ ¯ who sits there today. Democrats and Republicans are working together. : " Gay organizations are not sure how to respond. The ¯ debate in Washington. now revolves around a central "Gay organizations are not sure how question - do Gay groups move ahead with the "old" agenda items? Do they put Gay-specific issues on hold? to respond. The debate in Or, do they rise to meet the new challenges fa,c.ing Gay Washington now revolves around a Americans in this new period, even ifthey don t fit what -these groups have long argued was "the Gay agenda"? central question - do Gay groups move To me what has ehangedmost since September 11 is the ¯ rubric for debate. Throughout the years, Gay activists : ahead with the old" aCenda items? ¯ have relied on a paradigm of "victimization" to formulate ¯ Do they put Gay-speciflc issues on hold? their agenda for advancing our community’ sinterests. A divergence of reality began to take place, where our : Or, do they rise to meet the new political leaders argued our lives were getting worse and : challenges facing Gay Americans worse while, in reality, we were gaining greater accep¯ tance. In the end, Gay.politics became dominated by a in this new period, even ff they don’t fit "virtual victimization, with our own sogiety full of en: ¯ emies oppressing us. Obscured by this paradigm was the what these groups have long argued ¯ reality that, while we still have barriers to dear, life for was "the Gay agenda’S." Gay Americans has never been better. : ¯ The "virtual victimization" paradigm may have fit the time. But there was a cost. Gay Americans who bought New, more pressing issues have come to the forefront ¯ into this paradigm were left to believe that the power to and need our attention. Gay couples and families have ¯ live life on their own terms 4s outside their control. been ripped apart in the attacks. We must be vigilant in "Virtual victims’" become increasingly alienated from ensuring that those left behind are not cut off from survi- ¯ society, more inward-driven, and less connected to a sense vor benefits and legal rights that they deserve. We as a ¯¯ of personal responsibility about how their lives tnm out. community should take notice of the vital importance of ¯ We’ 11 look back on the 1990’ s with an almost embarrasspartner benefits and responsibilities in light of this tragedy ing realization of just how self-absorbed we were. The and ensure we have provided for our loved ones should ¯ ¯ same Gay community whose political leaders demanded anything happen to us. ¯ employment anti-discrimination laws and hate crime proDonating blood surfaced as an issue in the days after the tections was travding on RSVP cruises, packing ware- ¯ attacks. The Red Cross policy on donating bloodis dearly ¯ ¯ house circuit parties, and filling black-tie dinner halls to out of date and harmful in how absolute its exclusion of ¯ ¯ hear keynote addresses from Hollywood celebrities. Gay men has been since the 1980’s. The only response ¯ ¯ If the attack on September 11 shocked our nation back ¯¯ from Gay leaders thus far is still ringing of victimization, ¯ to reality, it might do the same for the Gay movement. At or has just been silence for fear of raising an issue that LEF’s July leadership conference, entitled "Redefining : makes us all sound selfish. However, there is a "united we stand" approach to ¯ the Gay Agenda," syndicated columnist Hasting Wyman ¯ ¯ made an observation about why Vice President AI Gore, ¯¯ giving blood. Again, sad as it is, there will likely be need ¯ the 2000 Democratic nominee for President, didn’t do for more blood before this war is over. We should respectbetter among Gay voters even though he supported what " fully, without fanfare and action alerts, approach the Red ¯ was knows as the Gay agenda: "... I think this raises an ~ Cross and explain that Gay men would like to hdp the interesting question and I say a question, not a conclusion. ¯ effort. While we do understand that Gay men are more : ¯ ...A lot of the Gay agenda, while it may be right or it may likely to be HIV positive then the general public, we ¯ be wrong, it’s not terribly relevant to the average Gay ¯ should not confuse sexual orientation with health status, person." : and the policy should be consistent in its approach to ¯ Hastings is right, and as we examine what is real and ¯ sexual behavior. For instance, heterosexuals with mul- ¯ relevant in our lives after September 11. Now is the time ¯ . tiple partners are not screened out in the same way as a Gay ¯ ¯ to reject the "virtual victim" paradigm and, maybe for the ¯ man who has had sex once since 1977. ¯ first lime ever, think of ourselves as fellow Americans, ; During times of war, scapegoats are often sought out in united with the rest of the nation, confronting a common ¯ every society. Will Gays and Lesbians become targets of : enemy. I think Gays and Lesbians get this, even if our ¯ greater hate crime activity? I doubt it. But I do believe that : leadership doesn’ t. One thing is clear as I walk through the : Arab Americans or anyonelooking like them will be. The ¯ Gay neighborhoods of Washington, where the American ¯ greatest weapon against intolerance is educating our- ¯ flag is draped from hundreds of windows, and as I read of " selves, so we should be role models. ¯ a conservative Republican Senator eulogizing Mark ¯ In the "united we stand" paradigm, we can explain to the : Bingham as an American hero who save the U.S. Capitol, public that we know what it is like to be judged, discrimi- ¯ ¯ Gays and Lesbians are part of the greatness of America hated against and even physically beaten because of who ¯ and they know it. : we are. Though we know many Islamicleaders in America ¯ What unique role can Gays and Lesbians play as we : have shown little tolerance for Gays and Lesbians, we as ¯ ¯ unite against the terrorists? First, Gay and Lesbian leaders ¯ a community love and respect our fellow Americaus under ¯ can stop the incessant negative backbiting against Presiattack. We support them and their civil rights, so that we ¯ dent Bush and his administration. Like every other Ameri- : never again make the mistake of how we treated Japanese ¯ can, we need him to succeed in this mission. Throw away ¯ Americans in World War II. ¯ ¯ those "He’ s Not My President" t-shirts. Gay organization ¯ The overall paradigm of the Gay civil rights movement ¯ leaders need to stop referring to him as the "enemy" - we must change, see Change, p.ll ¯ Welcome to Our Reality by Tom Neal, editor & publisher Hate crimes have been much on my mind in these weeks since the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. This horror has brought out the best in so many Americans but it has also brought out the worst in a few. Some of those few have used this mad event as an excuse to express their prejudices, theirracism, their antiimmigrant bigotry, and their homophobia, around the country as well as here in Tulsa. In Tulsa, we’ ve seen the beating of a Pakistani man and apparently, according to Barbara Moore of the AsianAmerican Society, others who are perceived as "foreign" have been harassed. No one in th.e Gay communities has missed the shameless opportunism of Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, perhaps the greatest disgraces to contemporary Christendom, at trying to incite violence against Lesbians and Gay Americans and others in the wake of the terrorist attack. My comment to our Muslim and Asian sisters and brothers is welcome to our reality of violence, prejudice and hatredin Tulsa. What you’re experiencing as, new has been our ongoing reality. What you’re experiencing as a new sensation of lack of safety has long been our experiBut while attacks on you are decried by Tulsa’ s profoundly hypocritical "do-good" organizations: NCCJ, Jewish Federation, Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry, Tulsa Interfaith Alliance, those same groups have been shamefully silent when Gay men were brutally beaten like the Tulsa Pakistani man. It’ s not that they didn’ t know that the attacks happened. Tim Beauchamp and Tony Orr’ s beating on Brookside a few years ago was well reportedin this newspaper as well as in The World. Beauchamp and Orrlater testified before the US House of Representatives about their beating, a fact also reported by The WorM. I personally told Nancy Day of NCCJ of the most recent beating of a Gay man which this newspaper reportedin our August issue. But neither Ms. Day nor NCCJ, nor any other of these organizations has felt it incumbent to express for Gay Tulsans what they fall over themselves to do for Muslim Tulsans. Clearly the message here is that NCCJ, Jewish Federation, and possibly TMM and Tulsa Interfaith Alliance do not consider the attacks on Gay Tulsans to rise to the same level of concern as the attacks on other minorities. Or if perhaps their values are slightly more humane, then they are cynically utterly unwilling to expend any of their effort or "capital" in acting upon them. As horrible as it to contemplate, for some time I have been convinced that the only thing that would get these groups off dead center would be for Tlffsa to have our own Matthew Shepard murdered- as much as I pray that such will never happen. What is it about this city that it is so profoundly morally bankrupt that only the veritible cruxcifiction of an iunocent might, and only_ might, move them to acknowledge the right of Lesbian and Gay Tulsans to live unassaulted and with even a fractiOi~ of the civil rights and other legal protections other residents, including other minorities, take for granted? Indeed I am glad to see that attacks against Muslim and others are condemned. I also am glad to see new networks formed to address hate crimes but I am deeply troubled that this new effort, again, starts by excluding Gay and Lesbian Tulsans and describes hate crimes only as race, religion and ethnicity when those who hate, attack race, ethnicity, rdigion and sexual orientation equally, and sometimes us first. The latest Tulsa anti-hate crime network did invite our Nancy McDonald, PFLAG founder, butit’ s not at all dear that she was invitedinher role as a more acceptable proxy for Gay folk but rather in her role as new co-convertor of the Say No to Hate Coalition. see Hate, p. 10 �Czechs Seek Partners Recognition ." ." ¯ : : ¯ ¯ ¯ PRAGUE, .Czech Republic (AP) - Czech Gays and Lesbians soon could become the first in a former communist country to be allowed to register their partnerships. Prime Minister Milts Zeman’ s Cabinet has thrown its support behind a draft law granting Gays equal rights with the rest of the population. And ¯ backers of the legislation say they’ ve never had a better ¯ ¯ chance for passage of the measure. The bill gives Gay and Lesbian couples the same _" fights as those of heterosexual ones in areas such as ¯¯ inheritance and health insurance. Couples would be ¯ allowed to seal their partnerships at local government : offices, and severing a union would require a court- : approved divorce. The draft, approved by the Cabinet, ¯¯ however; bars couples from adopting children. Legislation that would allow homosexual unions ¯ already has been turned down twice by the Czech : parliament, in 1997 and 1999. But this time will be ¯ ¯ different, Gay activists say. "Public opinion has changed," said Jiri Hromada, an activist. "Any deputy ¯ ¯ should listen to that." ¯ A May survey by the state-sponsored CVVM polling agency said only 33 % of those polled opposed such a law, compared to 42% in 1999. The margin of error was 3%, To pass, supporters of the law need only a simple majority in the 200-seat chamber. Since the ruling party holds 74 seats, supporters say they only need just over two dozen votes to make the measure pass. Several other European nations already extend legal fights to same-sex partners. Denmark granted legal rights in 1989, a move followed later by other countries, including Sweden and the Netherlands. Germany recently began to allow Gay couples to register their unions, and in the United States, Vermont became the first state to recognize same-sex unions last year. The Czech Republic would be the first post-communist country, however, to approve such a measure. Most post-communist societies, burdened with massive economic troubles, have largely neglected such social questions. Opponents are bracing for a fight. The Roman Catholic Church, which has long opposed such unions, sponsored a petition to pressure the parliament to reject the measure. Petition organizer Josef Zeman of the Brat-based group National Center for Family says 72,000 have already signed. Some 2.7 million people in the Czech Republic say they are Roman Catholic: "It will have an irreversible impact on those young people who still are not clear about their sexual orientation,’" Zeman warned. The draft law should be discussed in the lower ch~amber, the House of Deputies, by the end of this year. Cleveland United Way Drops-Boy Scouts ¯ CLEVELAND (AP) - The Clevdand chapter of the United Way has decided to stop funding traditional ¯" Boy Scouts programs that discriminate against Gays. ¯ The money will instead go to Boy-Scout-affiliated ~ programs such as Learning for Life, a program that : does not prohibit Gay menfrom being leaders. ¯ -. Earlier this month, United Way Services of Greater ¯ Cleveland shifted $268,000 in Boy Scout donations to : the Learning for Life program, said Mike Benz, presi- ¯ dent Of the local United Way organization. The pro- ¯ gram will be taught in Cleveland, Bedford and Lakewood public schools and teaches children to apply ¯ classroom lessons in their everyday life. ¯ Last year, the United Way Services gave about . $90,000 of its Boy Scout donation to Learning for Life. ¯ This year, the group considered cutting support to the ." Boy Scouts entirely but decided instead to shift all of ¯ its donation to ~ng for Life. Susan Lewis, spokeswoman for the Greater Cleveland Council for the Boy Scouts of America, said shifting the money to a Boy Scout-affiliated program was a good compromise. She said her chapter will try to shift around other donor money to make up for losing the United Way funding, which accounts for about 14% of t!~ir budget. Nearly 50 United Ways across the country and a dozen corporations have quit giving money to Boy Scouts of America since ihe U.S. Supreme Court last year upheld the Scouts’ right to reject homosexual leaders. Jan Cline, an Eagle Scout and associate director of the Lesbian Gay Community Service Center in Cleveland, said he wanted United Ways to stop funding the Boy Scouts altogether until they stop discriminating. "If I give to United Way, I don’ t want one cent to go to Boy Scouts," Cline said. "There’ s no better place for boys tolearn citizenship, personal fitness and camping skills. But by enforcing a membership standard that teaches young Gay men their feelings are second-class, they’re teaching bigotry and discrimination." None of the Northeast Ohio United Way organizations,including Uuited Way Services of Greater Cleveland, has employment policies that prohibit discrimination against Gays. Finland Recognizes Same Gender Partners HELSINKI, Finland (AP) - Lawmakers passed a goveminent proposal recently that makes Gay partnerships legally binding but stops short of letting Gay couples adopt children or use the same surname. The bill, which comes into force next year, was approved 99 to 84, with 17 abstentions or absentees. The new law says Finns who are at least 18 can register a same-sex union in a civil ceremony comparable to matrimony. It also give~ Gay couples the same rights as married heterosexual couples when inheriting each other’ s property and in cases of divorce. The Finnish Lesbian and Gay AsSociation welcomed the law but said it wished it went further. ’q’his at long last gives Gay couples the rights they deserve," said Rainer Hiltunen, the association’s secretary-general. "But it’ s a compromise, and we are disappointed that it doesn’ t secure the rights of chil&en in a Gay marriage because they can only be registered to one parent." The Finnish Evangdical Lutheran Church, to which 85% of the 5.2 million population belongs, has opposed giving Gay partners the same rights as married couples. However, Archbishop Jukka Paarma has said that the legal position of homosexual and Lesbian couples should be improved. The new law is in line with similar legislation in the other Nordic countries of Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland, where Gay partnerships have been legalized. Denmark and Iceland permit adoptions by Gay couples in certain circumstances. Houston Partner Benefits Up for Vote HOUSTON (AP) - Houston, voters in November will consider whether the city should offer health and other benefits to same-sex parmers of its employees. The Houston City Council approved for the Nov. 6 ballot a referendum that, if passed,-would prohibit the city from providing same-sex benefits. The city doesn’t offer thosebenefits now, but had been considering changing its benefits policy to include them. The council approved the ballot addition by a 9-5 vote after City Secretary AnnaRnssell validated enough signatures on petitions to call for a vote. Petitioner Dave Wilson, who,opposes offering same-sex benefits, led an effort to gather 21,028 signatures on those petitions. City law requires 20~000 valid signatures from registered voters in Houston to force a vote on a change to the city charter. "1623 N. Maplewood (918) 838-1715 mcctu/saOaoLcom Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Community of Hope 2545 South Yale, Sundays at llam, 749-0595 A Welcoming Congregation HOUSE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Sun. Worship, 10:45 am, Sunday School, 9:30 am Wed. Bible Study, 7 pm, Sunday Eve. Service, 6prn 1517 S. Memorial, 628-0802, Info: 224-4754 The Open Arms Project Young Adult Support Group Outreach Program Thurs. Nights Meet Others in a Safe Enviroment Call for meeting times and place: 918-584-2325 Mingo Valley Flowers 9413 E. 31st St., Tulsa 74145 918-663-5934, fax: 663-5834, 800-44d-5934 Family Owned & Operated Trinna L. W. Burrows, LSW, ACSW Child, Family, Individual & Couple Psychotherapy (918) 743-9559 2121 South Columbia, Suite 420 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74114-3518 �The Pride Store 21st Street & Memorial Tulsa Gay Community Services Center 743-GAYS (743-4297) 6-9 pm, Sunday - Friday 12-9 pm, Saturday, all sales benefit the Center Heart of the Hills Bed & Breakfast 5 Summit, Eurel~a Springs, Arkansas 501 - 363 - 9203 Come Stay Us for the Next Diversity Celebration, Nov. 2 - 4 Red Rock Tulsa Free Confidential HIV Testing Walk-in Cgtnics Tues. & Thurs., 5 -8 pm at the Center, 1307 East 38th Daytime appointments available. Call for more information: 918-584-2325 d i Ame.rlcan Red Cross American Red Cross Tulsa Area Chapter 10151 East Eleventh Tulsa 74128 Dannette Mclntosh Diversity Co-ordinator 838-1100 OPENARMS OPEN MINDS OPEN HEARTS Saint Aidan Saint Dunstan 4045 N. Cincinnati, 425-7882 5635 East 71st, 492-7140 Saint John Trinity 4200 S. Atlanta Place, 742-7381 501 S. Cincinnati, 582-4128 The Episcopal Church Welcomes You CouncilwrmanAnniseP~rker, thecity"srnly openly ;" issues raised on appeal do not merit’fotther consider: Gay elected official, voted against adding the referen- ¯¯ ation because theplay has already been performed. Six sold-out performances took place Aug. 10 to 18 in a dum to the ballot, claiming that Russell missed errors or irregularities on !, 101 signatures. Mayor Lee Brown ¯ theater on the university’ s Fort Wayne campus. Opponents led by former Republican gubernatorial said he intends to oppose the referendum and that ¯ authorities should investigate any possible fraud. Har- : candidate John Price had argued that staging the play ris County District Attorney Chuck Rosenthal said his ¯ on the grounds of a state university_violated the constioffice would investigate if a complaint is fried. Wilson : tutional separation of church and state. Attorney S tephen R. Pennell represented the universaid he knew of no problems with the petitions or ¯ ¯ sity in thelawsuit. He said school leaders were pleased signatures. Houston voters in 1985 nullified a nondiscrimina- ¯ by the court’ s action. "The play has been performed, so tion ordinance approved by the council. Earlier this ¯¯ there is no longer any relief the court could grant that would be effective in any way, so the point is moot," year, the council approved.a similar ordinance protect¯ Pennell told The Journal Gazette. ing Gays and Lesbians from discrimination, and the The same appeals court ruled Aug. 7 in favor of Nov. 6 referendum does not address the ordinance. Gay Adoption Considered In Nebraska LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - As the state Supreme Court prepares to hear a case that could decide if Gay couples have the right to adopt children, groups on both sides are weighing in on the dispute. The high court is to hear the case next week of a Lincoln Lesbian who wants her lover to be able to adopt her 3-year-old boy. The case already has generated so-called "friend of the court" briefs from scores of organizations, including: theAmerican Psychological Association; the Family Research Institute; the Alliance for Children’s Rights; The National Organization for Women; the National Adoption Center; and the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund. The Nebraska Catholic Conference, the Family Research Council, the Nonpartisan Family Coalition and Family First also have weighed in. The boy, called "Luke" in court papers, was born to "B.P," in 1997 through artificial inseminataon. The boy has lived with his mother and her lover, "A.E.," since birth. The two women were joined in a commitment ceremony in 1995, according to court records. Such ceremonies are not recognized as marriages in Nebraska, where voters last year approved a measure to keep same-sex marriages from being legally recogB.P. already has custody of her 9-year-old son from a previous marriage. While Nebraska law contains no specific provision prohibiting adoptions by Gay couples, Deputy Attorney General Steve Grasz said does not mean it is legal. He also said A.E. has no legal rights to adopt the child, even though she has helped raise him. "Such caregivers, unlike parents, possess no substantive liberty interest in the child," he said in briefs filed in the case. "No fundamental constitutional right has been accorded in the law to individuals such as foster parents, grandparents, caregivers or ’partners’ of parents even though they have a deep emotional attachment to the child." Amy Miller, a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union, dismissed those arguments. "The state’ s bias is based on its discomfort with A.E. and B.P.’ s relationship, but is irrelevant asthe real issue is Luke’ s interests," she said. "The law only inquires into the best interests of the child to be adopted. Court Rejects Gag on Play ¯ allowing "Corpus Christi" to be performed while the ¯ appeal was pending. The decision upheld a July ruling ¯ by U.S. District Judge William C. Lee, who said : issuing a preliminary inJunction against the production ¯ would cause more harm than allowing the play to : proceed. ¯ Patricia Corbat of Fort Wayne, one of the three ¯ plaintiffs participating in the appeal, was not sure ¯ whether there are any other ways to pursue the com. plaint. ¯° She said the S ept. 11 terrorist attacks put the churchstate relationship in a new perspective. "We don’t ¯ allow prayer in government at all, but all of a sudden ¯ everyone in government is praying," Corbat told the ¯ newspaper. "I just think that, all of a sudden, we’re : trying to get back in God’ s graces.’" Maine City OKs Civil Rights Bill BANGOR, Maine (AP) - Bangor became the 1 lth ¯ Maine city to enact a Gay civil rights ordinance when ¯ the city council approved the law by a lopsided vote. ¯ The law, approved by an 8-1 vote, bars discrimination ¯ based on sexual orientation in housing, public accom¯ modations, credit, education and employment. It is ." similar to measures that have been enacted by the ¯ Legislature, but overturned by Maine voters. The Bangor council’s passage came a week after a ¯ ¯ three-hour public hearing on the measure. Supporters ¯ said such a law is long overdue 17 years after a Gay youth named Charlie Howard died after being thrown i off a downtown Bangor bridge by three local teen" agers. But opponents cited religious objections, and said it ¯ ¯ is an unneeded extension of the Maine Human Rights ¯ Act that_ should be decided by voters. Some asserted ¯ that the-law confers special rights on a specific group. Maine voters last November turned down a law that ¯ would have outlawed discrimination based on sexual ¯ orientation. Similar bills had been rejected by the : Legislature for two decades until 1997, when a mea¯ sure was enacted and signed by Gov. Angus King. ¯ Voters repealed it in 1998, and lawmakers responded ¯ by sending a new bill back to referendum. ~ While the state’ s voters repealed the Gay civil rights ¯ question in 2000, a majority of voters in Bangor ¯ favored the state law. After Monday night’s council ¯ vote, about two dozen spectators broke into applause. ¯ "Equal rights and equal dignity are not special rights," ¯ said Councilor Joe Baldacci, who sponsored the pro" posal with Councilor Judy Vardamis. An opponent, Bangor Baptist Church Pastor Jerry : ¯ Mick, said he believed a planned effort to repeal the ¯ ordinance could be successful. ¯ Challenges to Gay civil rights laws in other Maine : cities have had mixed results. In 1992, Portland voters FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) - A federal appeals court has dismissed a lawsuit that sought to block a controversial student play, ruling that the issue is moot since the play has already been performed. The 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Chicago last week rejected the complaint filed by opponents of the play "Corpus Christi" who accused Indiana University-Purdue Uni- ¯ rejected a proposal to overturn the city’s Gay civil versity of using taxpayer money to support an attack on ", rights ordinance. But Lewiston voters repealed their Christianity. : city’ s ordinance a year later. The play featured a Gay, Christ-like character named Joshua and 12 other male characters, most of whom had the names of Christ’s disciples. In a one-page order issued Sept. 19, the court said the �Los kn0olos May Host 2006 Games LOS ANGELES (AP) - A nonprofit group will send a delegation to SouthAfricanext month to lobby for the city to host the 2006 Gay Games, an Olympics-styl_e~l. event~that draws Gay and Lesbian athletes trom around the world. Los Angeles faces three other finalists - Chicago, Atlanta and Montreal - in its bid to host the games, which have been held every four years since 1982: As many as 15,000 competitors take part in the games, drawing upward of 250,000 spectators. The Federation of Gay Games will begin the selection process in Johannesburg, South Africa on Oct. 21, with the winning city announced four days later. The Gay Games include more than 30 sports, from aerobics to sailing to wrestling. The event was founded by Olympic decathlete Tom Waddell after enduring jokes and harassment on the sports circuit. The two-weekGay Games VII wouldbe the largest single event inLos Angeles in the next five years, according to the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau. The games could generate as much as $400 million for the city. San Francisco has played host to two previous games. Los Angeles has bid on the games, but has never been selected. LOs Angeles als0 is seeking to host the 2012 summer Olympic Games. Tt{~’summer Olympiad previously was held in the city in 1932 and 1984. Members of the nonprofit Los Angeles 2006 Inc. group that is seeking to draw the Gay Games said many Olympic venues would be used during the event. ment would prevent the city from providing employee benefits to Gay couples. City attorneys say the policy does not mention sexual orientation and therefore may not be voided if the amendment passes. So far, "very few" of about 900 city employees have applied for same-sex benefits, said City Attorney Robert Cinabro. Kalamazoo is among three cities in Michigan and 17 communities nationwide that will vote on Gay civil rights measures in November. Huntington Woods and Traverse City also are voting on human rights measures. "The whole country will be watching the three communities in Michigan," said ;can Kosofsky, director of policy and victim services for the Triangle Foundation, a Detroit-based Gay civil rights organization. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force in Washington, D.C., last week announced it will give $10,000 to Kalamazoo Against Discrimination. Meanwhile, American Family Association is supporting Kalamazoo Citizens Voting Yes For Equal Rights Not Special Rights, which is promoting the proposal. That group has about 50 volunteers, about half of whom live outside the city, the Kalamazoo Gazette said Sunday. Among them is the group’ s spokesman, Kalamazoo County Commissioner Jack Hoogendyk Jr. of Portage. "I have interest because I work in the city," Hoogendyk said. "Most people rig,h,t now have no clue what the issues are. Massachusetts May Add Benefits BOSTON (AP) - Gay, Lesbian and unmarried state workers would be able to get health insurance for their domestic partners under a bill approved by a key state Senate committee late in September. The bill, approved by the Senate Ways and paign is under way here in the campaign MeansCommittee, would also let cities over an anti-Gay civil rights proposal on and towns decide to offer domestic parmer the Nov. 6 city ballot. Both sides pledge to benefits as a local option. keep debate civil. But city voters could A domestic partner is defined by .the bill ¯ face an onslaught of door-to-door cam- ¯ as someone of the same or opposite sex paigns, yard signs, telephone polls, radio ¯ who shares financialresponsibilities and a talk show forums and church debate. ¯ home with a state employee. They must "We feel there is a great deal of dis- ¯ crimination in the impetus to getting this ¯ also say that they are in a relationship of "mutual support, care and commitment" ballot initiative. It just r’eally stinks," said and plan to live together indefinitely. Robert Dempsey, campaign manager for : The Senate has approved two similar the group fighting the proposal. : bills in recent yb,ars. None became law. "I It has been more than a year since City ¯ approach it as a matter of basic fairness," Manager Pat DiGiovatmi enacted a policy ¯ said Senate President Thomas Birmingallowing Gay city employees to cover ¯ their parmers under health insurance. Op- ¯ ham, D-Chelsea. The full Senate is scheduled to vote on ponents immediately moved to put before ¯ the bill soon. It is also expected to vote on voters a broadly worded charter amend¯" bills that would allow Cambridge and ment that bans the city from adopting any ¯ Brookline to extend domesticpartner benordinances or policies that give special to their employees. preference based on sexual orientation. " efits Opponents of domestic partner benefits "We plan to explain to people why this is ¯ say they places homosexual relationships a bad amendment," said Dempsey, of : on the same level as heterosexual marKalamazoo Against Discrimination. They also say that giving nnmar" The Michigan branch of the Tupelo, "¯ riages. ried heterosexual couples the same benMiss.-based American Family Association is aiding the group seeking the "¯ efits as married couples weakens theinstitution of marriage. Kalamazoo Gays-rights b~a. The group’ s ¯ In 1998, the Legislature passed a bill Michigan president said he is hopeful for "- allowing Boston to provide the benefits ¯ its passage because the public is returning known as a"home rule petition" - but the to spirituality. "Churches are full. People ¯ bill was vetoed by former Gov. Paul are returning to a faith in.God," said Gary Cdlucci. It is unclear whether the charter amend- Michigan City to Vote Against Gays Conne . �: ¯ HIV ACtiViStS Educate Online ¯ Kelly Kirb.y, CPA, Certified Public Accountant a professional corPoration Lesbians and Gay men face many special tax situations whether single or as. couples¯ Electronic filing is available for faster refunds. 747-5466 SOuth Harvard Avenue, Suite 210, Tulsa 74135 ~AMI (AP) - Lighted by the blue glow ¯" of a portable computer, Marc Cohen is ¯ blazing a new trail in AIDS awareness. He : logs on to the Intemet, surfs into a busy chat room and uses his screen name ¯ hivoutreachmiami@aol.com- to answer ¯ questions aboutAIDS, hepatitis and other ¯ sexually transmitted diseases. "Awareness Alert," he types in bold ¯ letters. "Miami is now secondinthenation ¯ for syphilis infection. Wilton Manors has ¯ had an outbreak, too. STDand HIV screen, ings can be done free of charge." "We are not the sex police," said Cohen, ¯ president of the United Foundation for¯ AIDS, a South Beach-based group-that offers counseling; HIV screening and ¯ therapy to people with the AIDS virus that ¯ causes AIDS. ¯ With the AIDS epidemic in its third ¯ decade, Cohen and a cadre of national ¯ AIDS prevention advocates are invading : chat rooms to get the attention of those ¯ most at risk of HIV infection. It’ s an ap: proach that counselors and health Officials ¯ from San Francisco to South Beach be¯ lieve is working. Finding new ways to reach the (principal) at-risk groups - de" fined as young Gay and Bisexual men, ¯ especially blacks - has been a focus of ¯ AIDS awarenes~ conferences. ¯ As chat-room counselors, they answer" questions about HIV, hepatitis and syphi¯ lis that many would feel uncomfortable ¯ asking in person or on the phone. The ¯ Internet provides anonymity. "We treat it ~ as an opportunity for in-depth individual education," said Joseph Interrante, execu¯ tive director of Tennessee’ s Nashville CARES, an AIDS organization with staff ¯ members dispensing information in chat ¯ rooms. "The education actually becomes ¯ an online counseling session." ¯ Increasingly, warnings andAIDS statis¯ tics have fallen on the deaf ears of a ¯ younger, more reckless generation, health officials say. This summer, the U.S. Cen¯ ters for Disease Control and Prevention ¯ reported that among young men who have ¯ sex with other men, 4.4% - about 1 in 25 ¯ - get HIV. That’ s the same infection rate : asin the 1980s, before AIDS prevention ¯ methods andresearchtookroot. In Florida, ¯ blacks accounted for almost six of every : 10 new cases of HIV infection in the past ¯ four years. : Another trend: syphilis outbreaks in ¯ Wilton Manors, South Beach and Liberty -" City. Health officials say thegrowing num," bers are a signal mean thatGay and Bi: sexual men are encouraged by news of ¯ powerfully effective drug cocktails and longer life spans and are less worried about ", HIV infection. ¯ "The old modds do not work," said Jeff ¯ Wilkinson of the South Beach AIDS ¯ Project, where staff members cruise chat : rooms as sobequest @aol.com. They an¯ swer questions and ask others to share ¯ what they learn. "The more the pebble hits ¯ the pond, the more it ripples out." ¯ Cohen says he spends at least 25 hours a ¯ week online as hivoutreachmiami on : America Online. His online profile gives ¯ information about syphilis, how itis trans" mitted sexually., symptoms and telephone numbers to call for testing. He logs on in the afternoon and during peak chatting times, after 7 p.m. till until as late as 2 a.m. Since Cohen started the online campaign in June, he has seen the number of people who ask for HIV tests grow from a handful to a dozen or more a night. He takes their phone numbers, calls them and walks them through explains the process. He is training two volunteers to help. "So much that went on in bathhouses and public parks now takes place in chat rooms, where people meet to engage in unsafe sex from the comfort of their living room,’" Cohen said. "It’s opening a tremendous dialogue in this town." Some Blood Donors Get Surprise RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - Shocked by the terrorist attacks in Washington and New York, thousands have lined up the past two weeks to give blood. Now, some of those donors are the ones asking for help. Because many people are donating blood for the first time, more people have learned that they have viral diseases such as hepatitis, syphilis and even AIDS. Since the mid-1980S, blood has been tested for viral diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis, andprospective donors have been screened for risky behavior such as intravenous drug use. Now, with so many more people learning they are infected, disease hoflines have experienced an increase in calls from donors seeking help. "They’re really panic-stricken. They have no idea what it means," said Thelma King Thiel, chairman of Hepatitis Foundation International. More than 22,000 units of blood have been donated in the Carolinas blood services region of the American Red Cross since Sept. 11, spokeswoman Debbie Estes said. The organization collected twice as much blood as normal the week of the attacks and donations are running about 20% to 30% more than usual every day, Estes said. Offices are staffed 24 hours a day and donors have been asked to make appointments for later this fall. Since the attacks, more than 330,000 people nationally have donated blood to the American Red Cross, said Dr. Peter Page, senior medical officer for the Red Cross. The Red Cross, which supplies about half the blood in the country, was collecting two to three times more blood than normal the week after the attack and about 11/2 times more last week. Just over 1% of donors test positive for infections, Page said. Onein 20,000 wholeblood donors to the American Association of Blood Banks will test positive for anti- bodies to HIV, said Sara Foer, spokeswoman for the American Association of Blood Banks in Maryland. One in 2,500 will test positive for hepatitis B and one in 500 for hepatitis C, she said. But Thiel says it may be good for donors to find out they are infected. ’’The tests and screens in tiff s blood drive are a good thing for them," Thiel said. "Otherwise they may go blissfully on their way not knowing ~ey are infected, spreading the disease. �." streets of London and take him to the by TFN entertainment editor Tulsa’ s Theatre Arts will present Lionel ¯ master pickpocket, Fagin. That training Bart’ s"Oliver!" outin the country atTulsa ~ quickly lands Oliver in jail, where he is Community College’ s PACE Theatre at " rescuedby Mr. Brownlow,arich old gentle81st Street and Highway 169 from De- [ man who takes the boy into his home. Meanwhile, Fagin and his cohorts - Bill cember 14th - 22nd. The production will ¯¯ Sikes and Nancy - fearful of being inbe directed by Jon Grodeski of NYC and will star as "Fagin," Jamie Farr wall [ criminated by thelad, plot his kidnapping. Nancy abducts him but known for playing then is overcome with "Klinger"in television’ s "...Tulsa guilt and attempts his M.A.S.H. series. Family News return to Brownlow. Tulsa Family News is Suspecting her kind delighted to note that is delighted to (and traitorous) intenTFN writer and former tions, Sikes kills Nancy. entertainment editor, note that TFN He grabs Oliver but is James Christjotm, has writer and former foiled by the amval of been cast in the characthe police Finally, ter of"Mr. Sowerberry ," entertainment editor, Oliver is safely returned the undertaker that James Christjohn, has to the arms of his beneOliver is sold to before factor, who proves to he ends up in London as been east in the be his own grandfather. Fagin’s prot~g6 pickOliver! (the pocket. character.., of the name shortened for And on December undertaker..." Broadway) became a 6th, Theatre Arts will part of the musical s tage host "An Evening With ¯ repertoire in 1960, written in total by the ~Iamie Farr," at the PACE at 7pm, where the actor will speak about his life and ¯¯ multitalented Lionel Bart, who crafted the book, the music and the lyrics. With Ron career, and take audience questions. Please call 595-777 for ticket information. ¯ Moody. as Fagin and Georgia Brown as Charles Dickens’ novel,"OliverTwist," ¯ Nancy, Oliver! opened in London on June is the basis for Lionel Bart’ s musical Oliver! :¯ 30, 1960,and ran until September 9, 1966, foratotal of 2,618 performances - making Dickens began the novel as a magazine serial that ran in a London.monthly for ¯ it the longest-running musical in British more than two years beginning in 1837. Its ¯¯ theatre. This production marks Christjohn’ s repopularity was so great that Dickens rushed it to completion for publication - in three " turn to the stage after a long absence. volumes ~-in 1838. Still, the serial contin- ¯¯ "There w as a point that I thought the talent, ued to run for more than six months after ¯ the gift, the ability hadleft me. So I shut. the dooronthatdream."Ironically,thatdream the publication of the book. Some well¯ began as a young boy, when he was taken known songs from the show include "Where Is Love," "Consider Yourself," ¯¯ to his first live production- a performance of "Oliver!" at Theatre Under The Stars "Who Will Buy," "As Long as He Needs ; (TUTS), in Houston, Texas. Christjoha Me," and many others. ¯ notes, "I remember seeing the little boy The story of Oliver Twist begins in. a seedy workhouse where he and the other ¯ singing "Where Is Love," and identifying orphans are kept by Mr. Bumble and ; completdy. I also was filled with wonder Widow Comey. When Oliver asks for ¯ at’the ’magic’ of seeing London appear more food, Bumble is enraged and decides ; when they sang ’Who Will Buy?’, and to sdl the boy. Mr. Sowerberry, the under- ¯¯ seeing the city literally fly in from left, right, andabove. Andlknew then I wanted taker, buys him, but Oliver is terrified of ¯ to be a l~art of that, to help make the magic the man and his coffins and runs away. TheArtful Dodger andhis gang of young ¯ happen. And I wanted the applause that kid was getting!" Info: 595-7777. street thieves find Oliver woandering the Tulsa’ s Performing .Mas Center Trust ¯¯ celebrates its 25th znniversary season with ¯ a number of great performers. At the end of October, on the 30th, the usually staid ¯ and fairly stodgy Chapman Music Hall ." ." will host nothing less than a circus! Quebec’ s Cirque Eloize (that’ s said,"el- was") and the Tulsa Philharmonic will ¯¯ combine classical music with circus spectacular: aerials, haru~s work,and feats of ¯ strength (and I’m sure men and women in ." fights,, could Lesbians and Gay men want " ¯ anything more.’?). ¯ Cirque Eloize began in 1993 as part of the "Cirque Nouveau" movement that : sprung from Quebec. Seven then recent ¯ graduates of Montreal’ s National Circus : School began the company which drew on ¯ the Eurotx~tn, animal-free style of circus combining theater, music and dance. Cirque Eloize quickly gained acclaim forits acrobatics, and choreography. After touring Canada and the US, then in the United Kingdom, France and Ireland, Cirque Eloize garnered rave reviews from London’ s Sunday Times, "... hauntingly heart-catching.., conjur[ing] up the spirit of a medieval fair..." and from The Scotsman in Edinburgh, "pure dead billliant.., this is circus with atmosphere, poetry, humor and above all, hear~..." The music ranges from RimskiKorsakov, Sibelius, Grieg, Saint-Sachs, Rachmaninov and more. This is a don’ t miss performance. Call 596-7111 or800364-7111 for information or tickets. The Twilight of the Golds What happens when a young couple finds thru’ genetic testing that their unborn child might be Gay and how their conflict about whether to keep the child affects the young mother’s Gay brother¯ Oct. 26th- Nov. 4th Broken Arrow Community Playhouse Only 1,487 miles off Broadway In the Main Place, 1800 South Main 258-0077 for tickets and info. �THE GILDED AGE Treasures from the Smitbsonian American Art.MuSeum SEPTEMBER -- 4 .NOVEMBER 200I SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - For a while, character is a transsexual woman who entertainer Ha Ri-soo seemed to be everyworks as an express delivery worker by where: in a film, in a music video, in ads day and moonlights as a singer. The movie for makeup and wedding gowns. Televititle alludes to the bleached blond look that sion talk shows couldn’ t get enough of the some young South Koreans adopt to be sex symbol and her sensual dances. People rebellious. gabbed about her at home and on thestreet, "I chose the fi~m because I went through in offices and coffee shops. a lot and I wa~ed to look back on those No wonder. Ha, 26, is a transsexual. days," Ha s~d. "I wanted to break the While sex change operations are old stereotype of transsexuals - the demurenews from the United States to Thailand, ness and extreme weakness with which they’re a novelty in they are often porSouth Korea, where trayed." Confucian ideals of illHa’s autobiography, ial piety and a maleoperations are old ~’From Adam to Eve," dominated hierarchy are also failed to make the strong. So it was star- news from the United best sdler list. fling when Ha surged to She got her sexStates to Thailand, thetopofSouth Korea’ s change operation seventertainment industry eral years ago in Japan, they’re a novelty in this year. where she studied hair"I think the society styling. While in high South Korea, where and cnlture is changing school, she had taken in Korea and it should Confucian ideals of female hormone injecchange," Ha said in an tions and was exempted filial piety and a interview at a beauty from mill tary service on salon, her hair in curlers of "mental illmah-domlnated hier- grounds as makeup artists ness." dabbedher face with lipSouth Korean archy are strong°. 2 stick, eyeliner and powmen must serve 26 der. "Transsexuals haven’t killed or months in the armed forces, a precau¯ cheated anyone. Why should they be mis- ¯¯ tion in the event of conflict with commutreated when they haven’ t done anything nist North Korea. ’¢Fhink about it: What ¯ wrong to others?" She said. would happen to the. military’ s discipline Many South Koreans agree, but their ¯ if a man with breasts went into the milifascination with Ha reflects .as much pru- ~ tary?" Ha said, laughing. rience as tolerance for the maverick. In a ¯ Her sex change was tough on her family, country where women flock to clinics for ¯ particularly in a society that covets male ¯ offspring. Ha said she played with dolls as cosmetic surgery, Ha fits right in. "I think she is popular because of her ¯ a child, and her frustrated father eventucharm and looks,, said Jeon Dong-ki, a ¯ ally accepted her femininity. male university student. "It doesn’ t.mean Ha’ s career took off in January with a ¯ that people’ s prejudices against Gays and television ad for cosmetics, but it’s untranssexuals have changed as wall." ." dearhowlong she’ 11 stay in thepubliceye. Ha’ s overheated presence in pop culture ¯ Some religious leaders have denounced ¯ has cooled some recently, and she’s had her. "It makes me angry that the media is mixed success. She appeared in "Ydlow -." trying to make something ’abnormal’ apHair 2," a movie about people on society’ s ¯ pear normal," said Lee I-Iee-ja, a 58-yearfringes that failed at the box office. Her old housewife. Saturday, October 20, the historic town of Medicine Park will host the first annual Drum Fest. Organizers hope to attractmore than 800 drummers to this eventin hope of breaking the current Guirmess Book of World Records. Medicine Park is located at the main entry to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, the second most visited wildlife refuge in the country - hosting almost 2 million annual visitors. The community has a rich and colorful history. Originally founded on July 4th, 1908- Medicine Park was Oklahoma’s first planned tourism resort, THE PHILBROOK MUSEUM OF ART 2727 SOUTH ROCKFORD ROAD Medicine Park was once the "playground" of the state’s rich, famous and notorious. Folks would come to town for the weekend and leave their "work-a-day" world, troubles and reputations behind them. Outlaws and horsethieves mixed with noted politicians and businessmen, families and socialites. The pages of the ¯ town’s colorful history are filled with the ¯ -likes of Teddy Roosevelt, Will Rogers, ¯ Wiley Post, Frank Phillips, Bob Wills, A1 ¯ Capone, Col. Jack Abernathy, Lil Hardin, Bonny & Clyde, Pretty Boy Floyd, Les ¯ Brown, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans and ¯ countless others. : Ok Spoke Bike Rides All these rides begin at Ziegler Recre¯ ¯ ation Park, 3903 West Fourth Street, at the ¯ parking lot. All rides are open to GLBT ¯ people and those who are Gayffriendly. ¯ OnOct. 6andOct. 13,there will bea20¯ 25 mile rides beginning at 7:30am, helmet ¯ and water bottle required. Later on the 6th, ¯ there is also 5 mile ride along the Sand ¯ Springs Trail beginning at 2pro. And on ¯ Oct. 13, therewillbea5mileridealongthe ¯ Arkansas River Trail starting at 2pro. For more information, contact Okiebicycle@prodigy.net, or write to POB ¯ 9165, Tulsa 7~157. �Timothy W. Daniel by LamontLindstrom : the not-unhappy looking bin Laden. The Internet slowed to a crawl on Sep- ¯ Whether F.rnpire State Building as phaltember 1 lth. People crowded the system ¯ lus, or middle finger as phallus, these folk with messages and postings about that : imagesconceivemale-on-maleintercourse day’ s death and destruction. We turned to ¯ as appropriate revenge. Osama-"screws" America; we screw him email,chatrooms,lists,dis- ,, ¯ . . equations d sex right back. cussion groups and clubs These representations of to discuss, mourn, be anand vlolenee are so skyscraper as phallus (or gry or be reflective about dildo) are no metaphorical the attacks: The older mefamiliar, so accident. Beyond the dia - newspapers, teledeaths of 6500 innocents, embedded in our phones, radio, television some of ,amaerica’s rage still carry the bulk of our language and certainly stems from this words andimagery. But the symbolism. Osama’s hiInternet further speeds and culture, as to be jacked planes ftrst appeared spreads national (and into circumcise both the ternational) conversation, unremarkable. But mighty shafts of the WTC, intensifying this exchange. we should remark slicing into their heads. But .. And exchange still conthen, ~brribly, the towers tinues. Since September them, at least collapsed completely and 1 lth, I have been collectNew York, and America, ing folk-produced images occasionally. suffered an awful castrathat respond to the attacks. These, like the Interuet’ s First, if we can think tion. Actually, the WTC had bothersome chain letters it we can do it - this already lost its Big Man and bad jokes, are still claims. Since 1998,the tallbouncing from site to site, is anthropology’s est buildings in the world person to person. Computer are the twin Petronas Towmessage about the imaging software (Photoers in KualaLumpur, Mashop and the like) and the power of cultural laysia. Their edifice is bigWWW facilitate this outger than our edifice. But burst of creative reaction. understandings to luckily, New York has in Years ago, one of my anthropology professors, shape behavior..." hand a backup tool - the Empire State Building U.C. Berkeley folklorist ¯ (once again the tallest in the city) - that, Alan Dundes, along with Carl Pagter pubsymbolically, can stick it to Osama. lished a collection of Urban Folklore from ¯ Mass murderers need be brought to justhe Paperwork Empire (1975). Such "paper folklore" consisted of joke letters, ¯ tice, but what does it mean when we represent justice (or perhaps revenge) as homomemos, cartoons, drawings, and the like that people produced and circulated using " sexual anal intercourse? The penis, more an earlier technology -the office copy ¯ than a tool , becomes awcapon. Andsexual machine: As soon as photocopiers became ". intercourse, .rather than an act of love, ¯ becomes one of rape or war. I penetrate a standard business appliance, people copied and recopied joke memos and cartoons ¯ you, and thereby I dominate you. These equations of sex and violence are that spread from office to office, and cu- ~ ¯ so familiar, so embedded in our language bicle to cubicle. Today, the Internet, like the photocopy machine, spreads our re- ¯ and culture, as to be unremarkable. But we ¯ should remark them, at least occasionally. sponses to the everyday world, and to ¯ First, if we can think it we can do it - this tragic national events. Much of the attack-related folklore ¯"¯ is anthropology’ s message about the power of cultural understandings to shape behavflooding the Internet is patriotic, affirming the goodness and the spirit of Ainerica. Images of U.S. flags, pictures of candles and ribbons, uplifting poems, and recycled Canadian newspaper columns lauding American generosity probably filled your email boxes, as they did mine. Other imagery, less warm-hearted, portrays anger and revenge. Two of the folk images that ended up in my email box particularly caught my eye. Both strum American cultural chords that blur violence with sex. The first depicts a reconstructed World Trade Center. Instead of the Twin Towers, however, this features five towers in a row, like fingers. The middle tower sticks up highest into the air. This folk image rebuilds the WTC as "the bird," flipping off m~icious Osama bin Laden and his terrorists. The second image is ruder. In this "jpg," Osama’ s turbaned head is superimposed on a nude, muscular body that bends forward. Coming in behind is the Fxnpire State Building. Its pointy tower sodomizes ¯ ¯ ¯ ". : ¯ : : ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ ¯ . " : ¯ : ¯ : lOt. Currently, two 14-year-old boys are in custody here in Tulsa. They, along with other members of their freshman football " team, anally raped one of their young teammates with a broom handle in their high ~chool locker room. This is Tulsa’s teenaged version of the Abner Louima case. New York cops likewise wielded broom as dildo to prove their manliness. (The Empire State Building, presumably, was unavailable.) Our folk fantasies of homosexual rape are far more likely to be realized here in America than in Afghani- Attorney at Law An Attorney who will fight for justice & equality for Gays & Lesbians Domestic Partnership Planning, Personal Injury, Criminal Law & Bankruptcy 1-800-742-9468 or 918-352-9504 128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma Weekend and evening appointments are available: IOTA member Call341. 6866 International TourSio, mo,e nio on. TULSA COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY start. Second, all those "sex = war," and "peuis = weapon," metaphors are dangerously slippery. What, exactly, are we saying when we admit a desire to sodomize Osama? Where does violent hatred end and erotic desire begin? Dildos also are toys, and sex (of whatever sort) is play more often than it is aggression. Are we then to pleasure Osama to death? Country Club Barbering Custom Styling for Men & Women David Kauskey 3310 E. 51st, 747-0236, Tues.-Fri., 8:5:30, Sat. 8-5pm �College Hill Presbyterian Church In response to God’ s Love, College Hill Presbyterian Church is a community of God’ s people called to tell others the Gospel of Jesus Christ through worship, service, and evangelism. To nurture our faith, we gather for w.orship~ prayer, study and fellowship. Trusting in a living, loving God, we seek to become a compassionate voice for peace and justice. Our congregation welcomes all persons who respond in trust and obedience to God’ s grace in Jesus Christ, and desire to become part of the membership and ministry of Christ’ s church. Membership is open to all people regardless of race, ethnic origin, worldly condition, marital status, or sexual orientation. Tulsa’s only professional Sunday Worship, 1 lam 712 S. Columbia Ave., 592-5800 (One block west of Delaware and the University of Tulsa Campus) body-piercing Soulful Sundown combines live music, inspirational readings, video, and audience articipation to create a rand new experience. ~ Soulful Sundown is an alternative worship experience that celebrates the mystery and wonder of life, without telling you what to believe. happens at All Souls Unitarian Church at 5:3oPM on Sundays. Join us. on Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 3oth. All people are welcome! All Souls Unitarian Church z95z S. Peoria, 743-z363 And it’s only 20 years now that our oldest community organization, indeed Oklahoma’ s oldest non-religious community non-profit, Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, TOHR, has been around. Any one want to bet how many more years it will be until these groups figure out that we exist? It is in the end this: you are either part of the solution, or you are part of the problem. And Tul sais filled with those who are not part of the solution. ~Ihey are our mayor and most of our city councilors: certainly they are Tulsa’ s business elite: the Chamber of Commerce staff and board and especially some of Tulsa Area United Way’ s board and staff for whom I have little doubt that Dante notes a special place in hell; and they are TU’s unrepentent bigot president and those prominent Tulsans who selectedhim despitehis documented prejudice. And it will take all these individuals deciding that they are going to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem for Tulsa ever to be that which it hopes to be. In the meantime, I hope that Muslim Tulsans will be safe and if God really moves their hearts that Tulsa Muslims might actually take their horrible experience as being this moment’s America’s hated "other" and will try to be do for Gay and Lesbian Americans that what they would have done for themselves. Average Gays and Lesbians feel much more in me with the American people in the spirit of "united we stand." For those weaned on identity politics, it will be hard to verbalize or imagine an America where they can speak from a "united we stand" perspective, but this new period will require it. We still have challenges as Gay Americans, but the terrorist agenda of America’ s enemies is far more dangerous to Gay Americans than anything we face within our own society. These terrorists have come to our country to murder us, and hope to eradicate our way of life in all its forms. The Taliban of Afghanistan, who is harboring these terrorists, believe that homosexuality is a crime punishable by a sadistic death, which is meted out with pride in their society. More than ever, we should welcome the chance to serve in defense of liberty. We should document carefully the success of Gay soldiers. This act of patriotism, of the willingness to die for our country, is precisely why the current military policy is wrong. Our determination will be hugely educational to an American public who views our motives on this issue with suspicion. We will demonstrate with action the moral absurdity of the old policy and it will cave-in under that moral weight. Steve May, the hero who fought the "don’t ask, don’t tell" policy and won, is on message now. He said recently that it is an obligation of every Gay servicemember to accept the country’ s call to serve. United we stand today, and the military’ s policy on Gays has divided us as Americans. We now can look at new, real heroes. I’m g!ad Mark Bingham was such a strong man m body and soul. He took brave action with a small group of men and women who answered the call of service in that moment of crisis, sacrificing their lives to save maybe thousands of others to thwart the murderous actions of those who want to destroy our country. Can we find a maturity and resolve inside ourselves that we have neglected for so long, and defiaonstrate that unity means equality? Surely, as we look squarely at our enemies, and see the face of brutality and hatred that stares back at all of us, that hates freedom and liberty in any form and would annihilate Gays and Lesbians at the first opportunity, the answers to these questions become dear. Buchanan has said that he approved the domestic partner policy in order to keep the county competitive in recruiting and retaining the best employees possible. He was not required to get the commissioners’ approval beforehand, although he did discuss it with them. Domestic partner benefits are common among many of Wichita’ s major employers, such as Boeing Co. Such benefits also are routinely offered by government agencies on both coasts. However, in a stretch of the country from the Mississippi River to Arizona, domestic partner benefits are offered by local governments in only four metropolitan areas: Denver; Albuquerque; Austin, Texas; and Iowa City, Iowa. "Nationwide, it’ s been going on for a good while," Norton said. "But in the Midwest, we’re probably a little far up on the curve. Whether you call it Midwest values or Moral Majority or whatever you call it, I think that’ s what you have to deal with in the Midwest." Commissioner Tom Winters said last week that he would back Buchanan’ s action because it was within the manager’s area of responsibility to make such changes. Commissioner Betsy Gwin said Monday that she initially saw the policy as a business decision to make the county a more attractive employer and to "show some sort of compassionate understanding for all people." Now, she said She is undecided after receiving about 50 phone calls and e-mails, all but one in opposition to the policy. One event raises about 4.4% of the annual budget for the Hoosier Trails Council. A Boy Scouts spokesman told The Republic that scouting programs in the county may have to be scaled back if they cannot find a replacement for Cummins’ funding. But a company statement said that the en.gine, manufacturer’s executives were revzewmg their contributions to reflect the corporation’ s values. This was not the first time the company has confronted criticism regarding its policies. Last year, Cummins’ decision to extend partner benefits to employees’ same- and oppositesex partners was met with anger by some employees and shareholders. �Helga’ Horribles present the Rocky Horror Pictu re Show followed by the Time Warp Ball Saturday, October 27 8pm midnight Doubletree Hotel Downtown 616 West Seventh � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Bin Laden Joins Anti-Gay Terrorist on Wanted List WASHINGTON, D.C. - Osama bin Laden isn’ t the only terrorist bombing suspect on the FBI’ s Ten Most Wanted list. Right here at home, the bureau is still hunting for Eric Robert Rudolph in connection with the 1996 Olympics bombing and other crimes. And some of the parallels are striking: both are trained soldiers and survivalists, accused of killing to further extreme religious and political beliefs. Both have eluded capture for years among sympathetic souls in mountainous terrain, despite a huge price on their heads. For nearly four years, agents have combed the sawtooth ridges ofwestern North Carolinafor Rudolph, an Army veteran and sometime carpenter charged with four bombings, including fatal blasts at the Atlanta Games and at an Alabama abortion clinic. Rudolph was last seen in the area in July 1998 after stealing supplies from a health store.owner. His truck had been spotted there early that year. see Terror, p. 2 Iowa Rights Group Says Add Sexual Orientation DES MOINES, IOWA (AP) "The Iowa Civil Rights Commission is recommending that the state’s civil rights law specifically prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation. The commission voted 6-1 in September to recommend that the Legislature add sexual orientation to the wording of the law, marking the first time it has gone on record backing that step. Commission member Alicia Claypool said the move makes sense, because there’s strong evidence of discrimination. Republican legislative leaders have opposed the step, saying the inclusion of Gays in the law gives them special treatment. A commission subcommittee that studied the proposal said the state is facing a looming shortage of workers and diversity is one way tO attract new people to the state. "If we are to grow and remain a vital and productive state, we must create a current and future workforce that is stable, wall-educated and sees Iowa as a viable place in which to grow up, live and work," said a subcommittee memo. The commission’ s recommendation likely will spark a renewed round of debate over an issue that’ s been around for years. The state’s civil rights law protects people from discrimination in employment, housing and lending based on age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, physical disability, or familial status: Backers long have said that Gays and Lesbians face discrimination as well andthat sexual orientation should be added to the list. The Legislature specifically rejected that step because Republicans did not want to approve a measure they said gave special protection to Gays. Gov. Tom Vilsack issued an executive order in 1999 that also would have banned discrimination based Serving:Lesbian, .Gay, Bisexual + Transgendered Tulsans, Out’Families.+ Friends i Male on Male Rape at Webster i Some Speculate Whether Anti-Gay Bias at Issue ¯¯ TULSA, Okla. (AP)-Two 14:year-old football players accused of raping a teammate with a broom handle won’t be tried as : adults, prosecutors said. The Tulsa County District Attorney’s ." Office filed rape by instrumentation charges in juvenile court ¯ against theWebster High School students. ¯ The boys are accused of forcing a 14-year-old freshman : football player to a school locker room floor and raping him with ¯. a broom handle Sept. 21. An hour later, the students allegedly _. spanked the same boy with a weight belt and pelted his genitals with traffic cones. Students said no affults were in the locker room ¯ when the alleged rape occurred. ~ Tulsa Police spokesman Lucky Lamons responded that police ¯ detectives claimtherewas no anti-Gay verbal abusewhich could indicate that this assault had aspects of a hate crime. However, ¯ several longtime community activists from TOHR and PFLAG i speculated that the assault may have ties to issues of actual or ¯ perceived sexual orientation. Officer Lamons noted that detec- ¯ tives feel one ofthe motives may have been that victim was small. ¯: The accused have been releasedfrom ajuvenile shelter on bail. ¯ Their case will remain in thejuvenile system, where the focus is : on rehabilitation rather than punishment, said Assistant District : Attorney Rebecca Nightingale. She said the district attorney’s ¯ office will not seek adult certification for the teens. Prosecutors ¯ considered the boys’ sophistication and maturity, their record : and history, the likelihood of rehabilitation in the juvenile sys- ¯ tern, and the prospects for protection of the public, she said. : Fourteen student-athletes were suspended after the incident, : and Webster’ s ninth-grade football season has been canceled. : Five students received the maximum penalty allowed under ¯ the school district’ s code of conduct - suspension for the rest of ¯ the academic year. They also were banned from ever participati ing in school sports in the district. The other nine students got ¯ five-day or 10,day suspensions. ¯" Superintendent David Sawyer warned coaches and school district employees this week not to tolerate or ignore hazing and : bullying; i TOHR Drops State Bank i overAnti-Bias Policy : TULSA (TFN)-TulsaOklahomaus forHumanRights ." (TOHR) recently transfered its business from State Bank and BancOne to Bank of Oklahoma because of : BOk has an dear non-discrimination policy which ¯ includes "sexual orientation." ." Under the direction of the organization’ s treasurer, AngelaBruce, letters were written toTOHR’ s former i bank, informing them of the reason for the change. ¯ According to TOHR spokesman, Greg Gatewood, ¯ the move was really about doing business with those : who support thecommunity_ and not doing business ¯ with those who do not. Gatewoodnoted that the funds : were not an enormous amount but should have been ¯. enough to get the institution’ s attention. ¯ Bank ofOklahoma instituted a non-discrimination ¯ policy which includes "sexual orientation" a couple i of years ago, and is the only bank in Tulsa which has ¯ included the Lesbian and Gay community in’ its : marketing outreach. State Bank’s president Don ¯ Walker was not available for comment at press time. ¯ Candidate for US Congress at TOHR ¯ On Tuesday, NOvember 13, Democratic candidate : for Oklahoma’s First Congressional District, Dong : Dodd will speak at the Community Center at 21st and ¯ Memorial at 7pro. TOHR organizers note that Cathy : Keating, one of three Republican candidates has also : been invited to meet withTOHRand the community. : Keating, unlike many Oklahoma Republicans, has ¯ stated that her campaign will exclude no one and : while announcing her candidacy at the Tulsa Press ¯ Club, Mrs. Keating noted that she was not very ¯ familiarwiththeconcemsofLesbianandGayTulsans, ~ but she is willing to educate herself. And Dodd has ¯ stated publicly his opposition to a constitutional ¯ amendment to ban same gender marriages. : Slow Come, Quick Go i KS County Gives, Now May Drop Benefits ¯ WICHITA, Kan. (AP) - Sedgwick County’s new ¯ insurance benefits for unmarried domestic partners ¯ may not last more than a week. ¯ County commissioners appear to have the votes to overturn County Manager William Buchanan’ s deci- " sion to offer employees the option of extending their ; health coverage to gay or straight partners. Employ- " ees were told of their option to cover domestic part- "¯ hers in apacket ofmaterials outlininginsuranceplans ¯ for 2002. Commissioners put the item on their agenda after ¯: receiving numerous phone calls and e-mails from .. constituents who say the policy gives official sane- . tion to "sinful" unions. ¯ Commissioner Tim Norton said he originally was ¯ willing to defer to Buchanan and the county’ s human ¯ resources staff. But now, he said, he would probably ¯ vote to rescind the policy because that’s what resi- : dents have toldhim they want. "I don’ t know that this : is the right time, or the right place, for us to be ¯ stepping out and taking a leadership role on a social ¯ issue like this," he said. ¯ Commissioners Carolyn McGiunandBen Sciortino : said last week that they oppose the policy because ¯ they think the county’s health benefits should be : reserved for employees and their immediate families ¯ only. see-Wichita, p.]O DIRECTORY EDITORIAL US & WORLD NEWS Z ENTERTAINMENT+ MORE ¯ Rocky Horror Benefit, Oct. 27 ¯ TULSA (TFN) - Tulsa’ s downtown Doubletree Hotel will host : a new Halloween gala event which will benefit Tulsa Oklaho- ¯ mans for Human Rights (TOHR) and the Pyramid Project - the ¯ capital campaign to purchase a permanent community center. ¯ Helga’ s Horfibles will perform live their version of the Rocky ¯ Horror Picture Show beginning at 8:15, featuringHelga,Animal, ¯ Peaches Lennox, Anita Richards, Shirley Nott, Scott, Brenda ¯ Lynn Stewart, Patti, Crystal Meth and Johnny Cronin, all di- ¯ rected by Timothy Snapp. : After the show, the Time Warp Masquerade Ball will go till ¯ midnight. Costumes are en,co.uraged, ID is required and tickets : are $25 in advance (at Ken s Flowers, Salon 41, the Pride Store ¯" at the Center and on line at www.Pyramidproject.org) or $30 at ¯° the door. VIP tickets and tables are available. The event will offer ¯" a cash bar, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, party pies, valet parking and a dj. : Mr. Oklahoma Leather to Aid TOHRKulsa CARES ¯ The Mr. Oklahoma Leather contest which will be held atCW" s : on Oct. 19-21 will benefit TOHR/the Community Center and ¯ Tulsa C.ARES. For more information, call CW" s at 610-5323. ¯ Other Community News ¯ On Saturday, Oct. 13, PFLAG is having a Come Out and Fly ¯ Your Kite event in honor of National Coming Out Day (NCOD) ¯ at a local park. Call PFLAG at 749-4901 for more information: ¯ . Annual AIDS Walk, Oct. 6, 9:00am ¯ Saturday, Oct. 6, TulsaAIDSWalk 2001 will begin and end at ¯ Veterans Park at 21st and Boulder (site of the annual Diversity ." Festival). Funds raised at the event help TCAP, the Tulsa Com- ¯" munityAIDS Partnership (TCAP). All funds will be increasedby ¯ 50% withmatching dollars from the Elton John AIDS Foundation. TCAP helps to fund the following groups: RAIN, the ¯ Regional AIDS Interfaith Network, Tulsa CARES, theAmerican ¯ Red Cross, Red Rock Behavioral Health Services and HOPE Testing Clinic. The Walk is now eight years old and has raised : thousands of dollars for direct care and education/prevention for HEALTH NEWS on sexual orientation in state hiring, but legislative : HIV/AIDS. It is an all volunteer effort which has no administra_ : ~ GAYSTUDIES P. 10/~1 leaders successfully argued see Iowa, p.2 ¯ tive costs For more information, call 585-5551 ¯ --- ---- ~ Tulsa Clubs & Restaurants *Bamboo Lounge, 7204 E. Pine *CW’ s, 1737 S. Memorial *Play-Mor, 424 S. Memorial Polo Grill, 2038 Utica Square *Renegades/Rainbow Room, 1649 S. Main *St. Michael’s Alley Restaurant, 3324-L E. 31st *Schatzi’ s, 2619 S. Memorial *The Star, 1565 Sheridan *TNT’ s, 2114 S. Memorial *Tool Box I!, 1338 E. 3rd *Vortex, 2182 S. Sheridan *The Yellow Brick Road Pub, 2630 E. 15th 832-1269 610-5323 838-9792 744-4280 585-3405 745-9998 280-1316 834-4234 660-0856 584-1308 835-2376 749-1563 Tulsa Businesses, Services, & Professionals Assoc. in Med. & Mental Health, 2325 S. Harvard 743-1000 Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 8620 E. 71 250-5034 Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 523 1 E. 41 665-4580 Body Piercing by Nicole, 2722 E. 15 712-1122 *Borders Books & Music, 2740 E. 21 712-9955 *Borders Books & Music, 8015 S. Yale 494-2665 Brookside Jewelry, 4649 S. Peoria 743-5272 *CD Warehouse, 3807c S. Peoria 746-0313 *Cheap Thrills, 2640 E 1 lth 295-5868 Cherry St. Psychotherapy, 1515 S. Lewis 581-0902, 743-4117 Community Cleaning, Kerby Baker 622-0700 Tim Danid, Attorney 352-9504, 800-742-9468 *Deco to Disco, 3212 E. 15th Doghouse on Brookside, 3311 S. Peoria *Elite Books & Videos, 821 S. Sheridan Encompass Travel, 13161H N. Memorial Ross Edward Salon 584-0337, Events Unlimited, 507 S. Main Floral Design Studio, 3404 S. Peoria Four Star Import Automotive, 9906~E. 55th H. Cathy Furlong, Ph.D., 1980 Utica Sq. Med. Ctr. Gay & Lesbian Affordable Daycare *Gloria Jean’s Gourmet Coffee, 1758 E. 21st Leanne M. Gross, Insurance & financial planning Mark T. Hamby, Attorney *Sandra J. Hill, MS, Psychotherapy, 2865 E. Skelly *International Tours Jacox Animal Clinic, 2732 E. 15th *Jared’ s Antiques, 1602 E. 15th David Kauskey, Country Club Barbering The Keepers, Housekeeping & Gardening *Ken’s Flowers, 1635 E. 15 Kelly Kirby, CPA, 4021 S. Harvard, #210 *Living ArtSpace, 308 South Kenosha *Midtown Theater, 319 E. 3rd Mingo Valley ~Flowers, 9720c E. 31 *Mohawk Music, 6157 E 51 Place Puppy Pause II, 1060 S. Mingo *The Pride Store Rainbowz on the River B+B, PUB 696, 74101 Richard’s Carpet Cleaning Teri Schutt, Ellen & Co. *Tulsa Comedy Club, 6906 S. Lewis Venus Salon, 1247 S. Harvard Fred Welch, LCSW, Counsding *Wherehouse Music, 5150 S. Sheridan *Whittier News Stand, 1 N. Lewis www.gaytulsa.org - website for Tulsa Gays & Lesbians Tulsa Agencies, Churches, Schools & Universities AIDS Walk Tulsa, PUB 4337, 74101 579-9593 All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S. Peoria 743-2363 Black & White, Inc. PUB 14001, Tulsa 74159 587-7314 Bless The Lord at All Times Christian Center, 2207 E. 6 583-7815 B/L/G/T Alliance, Univ. of Tulsa United Min. Ctr. 583-9780 Chamber of Commerce Bldg., 616 S. Boston 585-1201 *Chapman Student Ctr., University of Tulsa, 5th PI. & Florence Church of the Restoration UU, 1314N.Greenwood 587-1314 *Community of Hope Church, 2545 S. Yale 747-6300 *Community Unitarian-Universalist Congregation 749-0595 Coundl Oak Men’ s Chorale 748-3888 *Delaware Playhouse, 1511 S. Delaware 712-1511 *Democratic Headquarters, 3930 E. 31 742-2457 749-3620 744-5556 838-8503 369-8555 712-9379 592-0460 744-9595 610-0880 628-3709 808-8026 742-1460 459-9349 744-7440 745-1111 341-6866 712-2750 582-3018 747-0236 582-8460 599-8070 747-5466 585-1234 584-3112 663-5934 664-2951 838-7626 743-4297 747-5932 834-0617 834-7921,748-0224 481-0558 835-5563 743-1733 665-2222 592-0767 ¯ 918.583.1248, fax: 583.4615 ." PUB 4140, Tulsa, OK 74159, e-mail: TulsaNews@earthlink.net ; Publisher + Editor: Tom Neal ¯ Writers + contributors: James Christjohn, Karin Gregory, Barry ." Hensley, J.-P. Legrandbouche, Lamont Lindstrom, Esther Rothblum, Mary Schepers, Hughston Walkinshaw ." Member o! The Associated Press ¯ Issued around the 1 st ofeach month, the entire contents of this ¯ publication are protected by US copyright 2001 by Tulsa ¯ Family News andmay not be reproduced either in whole or in ¯ part without written permission from the publisher. Publica- .- lion of a name or photo does not indicate a person’ s sexual ¯ orientation. Correspondence is assumed to be for publication ¯ unless otherwise noted, must be signed & becomes the sole : property of Tulsa Family News. Each reader is entitled to 4 ¯ copies of each edition at distribution points. ¯ Additional copies are available by Calling 583-1248. : Dignity/Integrity of Tulsa- Lesbian & Gay Catholics & : Episcopalians, PUB 701475, 74170-1475 ¯ 355-3140 *Fellowship Congreg. Church, 2900 S. Harvard 747-7777 ." *Free SpiritWomen’ s Center,call forlocation &info: 587-4669 ¯ Friend For A Friend, PUB 52344, 74152 747-6827 ¯ Friends inUnity Social Org., PUB 8542, 74101 582-0438 ¯ *Tulsa C.A.R.E.S., 3507 E..Admiral 834-4194 ." HOPE, HIV Outreach, Prevention, Education 834-8378 ¯ *HouseoftheHoly SpiritMinstries,1517 S.Memorial 224-4754 ¯ *MCC United,-1623 N. Maplewood 838-1715 ¯ NAMES Project, 3507 E. Admiral P1. 748-3111 ¯ NOW, Nat’l Org. forWomen, PUB 14068, 74159 365-5658 ¯ OK Spokes Club (bicycling), PUB 9165, 74157 ¯ *OSU-Tulsa ¯ PFLAG, PUB 52800, 74152 749-4901 ¯ *Planned Parenthood, 1007 S. Peoria 587-7674 Prime-Timers, P.O. Box 52118, 74152 627-2359 ¯ R.A.I.N., Regional AIDS Interfaith Network 749-4195 ¯ *Red Rock Mental Center, 1724 E. 8 584-2325 ¯ St. Aidan’ s Episcopal Church, 4045 N. Cincinnati 425-7882 ¯ St. Dlmstan’s Episcopal, 5635 E. 71st 492-7140 ¯ *St. Jerome’ s Parish Church, 205 W. King 582-3088 ; Soulforce-OK, Rt.4,#3534,Stigler74462 587-3248,452-2761 ¯ *TulsaArea United Way, 1430 S Boulder 583-7171 " *TNAAPP (Native American men), Indian Health Care 582-7225 ¯ Tulsa County Health Department, 4616 E. 15 595-4105 ¯ Confidential HIV Testing - by appt. on Thursdays only ¯ ¯ TulsaOkla. for Human Rights, Gay Comm. Center 743-4297 TUL-PAC, PositiveAdvocacy Coalition, POB2687,Tulsa 74101 ¯ T.U.L.S.A. Tulsa Uniform]Leather Seekers Assoc. 298-0827 *Tulsa City Hall, Ground Floor Vestibule ¯. *Tulsa Community College Campuses ¯ *Tulsa Gay Community Center, 21st & Memorial 743-4297 ¯ Unity Churchof Christianity, 3355 S. Jamestown 749-8833 : BARTLESVILLE ¯" Bardesville Public Library, 600 S. Johnstone 918-337-5353 TAHLEQUAH ¯. Stonewall League, call for information: 918-456-7900 ¯ Tahlequah Unitarian-Universalist Church - 918-456-7900 ¯ Green Country AIDS Coalition, PUB 1570 918-453-9360 ¯ EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS ¯ Autunm Breeze Restaurant, Hwy. 23 501-253-7734 ¯ Jim & Brent’s Bistro, 173 S. Main 501-253-7457 ¯ DeVito’s Restaurant, 5 Center St. 501-253-6807 ¯ Emerald Rainbow, 45 &l/2 Spring St. 501-253-5445 ¯ Heart of the Hills B&B, 5 Summit St. 501-363-9203 ." MCC of the Living Spring 501-253-9337 : Geek to Go!, PC Specialist, PUB 429 501-253-2776 .- Old Jailhouse Lodging, 15 Montgomery 501-253-5332 ¯ Positive Idea Marketing Hans 501-624-6646 : White Light, 1 Center St. 501-253-4074 ¯ JOPLIN, MISSOURI ¯ Spirit of Christ MCC, 2639 E. 32, Ste. U134 417-623-4696 : * is whereyou canfindTFN. NotallareGay-owned butallare Gay.friendly. Authorities say they also ran across some of his camping sites and found garbage or buried debris connected to him. Now,a taskforce coordinating the Rudolph search has dwindled from 200 agents to just afew. "No question that the focus rightnow for the immediate need of agents for time and resources" is to investigate last week’ s terror attacks, said Patrick Crosby, a spokes~ man for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta. But Crosby added: "Nobody’ s dropping anything on Rudolph or the investigation." Rudolph, for whose capture an award of $1 million has been offered, is believed to adhere to Christian Identity, a white supremacist religion that is rabidly anti-Gay, anti- Semitic and anti-foreigner. Sdme of the four bombs Rudolph was charged with planting included messages from the shadowy"Army of God." Western North Carolina has long had a reputation as ahavenforright-wing extremists. Many there mocked the government’ s inability to find Rudolph with bloodhounds, infrared-equippedhelicopters and space-age motion detectors- and some said they would hide him if asked. Bin Laden, a wealthy Saudi who helped push the Soviets out of Afghanistan, has likewise become an almost mythic figure in Islamic militant circles. His protectors have not been swayed by a $5 million bounty. "These are both men who are pursuing their personally received messages, supposedly from God, and who are ruthless as a result," said Mark Potok, who tracks domestic terrorists for the Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery, Ala. "presumably, there’s a litde more national will involved in the bin Laden case," he says. ’¢Fhis is a sdckin the eye ofAmerica inaway that the Rudolph attacks really were not." i Cummins Ends ¯ Support for Scouts in court that he had exceeded his authority. Vilsack challenged lawmakers to take that step on their own, but the issue hash’ t been debated since the legal battle. Republican legislative leaders have refused to bring the measure up for debate. Subcommittee members said the numbers alone argue for protecting Gays and Lesbians, because estimates are that up to 4% of the state’ s population is Gay, roughly 114,500 people. That’ s a larger population than the 2.8% of the state that is Hispanic and2.1% African-Americanpopulation, they said. ¯ COLUMBUS, Ind. - Heavy engine manu- ¯ facturer Cummins Inc. almonnced Sept. 18 ¯ it plans to stop sponsoring an event that ¯ raises money for the Boy Scouts ofAmerica ¯ because of the organization’ s ban on Gays ¯ serving as troop leaders, according to The ¯ Associated Press. ¯ Cnmmins has beenamajor donor to scout- ¯ ing programs, in Indiana’s Bartholomew ¯" County. seeScouts,p.11 by Rich Tafel Everything in America has changed since the attacks of September 11,2001. While.Americans return to work and theirdaily lives, Washington-based special interest groups are struggling to figureout where to go from here. The Sierra Club, which earlier this year saw an increase infundraising fromils attacks onnewly-inaugurated President George W. Bush, has sent a memo to their leading members instructing them to stop bashing the president. Other groups preparing to spend millions onad campaigns to fight the "lfckbox" budget wars have gone silent. Democrats and Republicans are working together. Gay organizations are not sure how to respond. The debate in Washington. now revolves around a central question - do Gay groups move ahead with the "old" agenda items? Dothey put Gay-specific issues on hold? Or, do they rise to meet the new challenges fa,c.ing Gay Americans in this new period, even ifthey don t fit what -these groups have long argued was "the Gay agenda"? Tome whathas ehangedmost since September 11 is the rubric for debate. Throughout the years, Gay activists have relied on a paradigm of "victimization" to formulate their agenda for advancing our community’ sinterests. A divergence of reality began to take place, where our political leaders argued our lives were getting worse and worse while, in reality, we were gaining greater acceptance. In the end, Gay.politics became dominated by a "virtual victimization, with our own sogiety full of enemies oppressing us. Obscured by this paradigm was the reality that, while we still have barriers to dear, life for Gay Americans has never been better. The "virtual victimization" paradigm may have fit the time. But there was a cost. Gay Americans who bought into this paradigm were left to believe that the power to live life on their own terms 4s outside their control. "Virtual victims’" become increasingly alienated from society, moreinward-driven, and less connected to a sense of personal responsibility about how their lives tnm out. We’ 11 look back on the 1990’ s with an almost embarrassing realization of just how self-absorbed we were. The same Gay community whose political leaders demanded employment anti-discrimination laws and hate crime protections was travding on RSVP cruises, packing warehouse circuit parties, and filling black-tie dinner halls to hear keynote addresses from Hollywood celebrities. If the attack on September 11 shocked our nation back to reality, it might do the same for the Gay movement. At LEF’s July leadership conference, entitled "Redefining the Gay Agenda," syndicated columnist Hasting Wyman made an observation about why Vice President AI Gore, the 2000 Democratic nominee for President, didn’t do better among Gay voters even though he supported what was knows as the Gay agenda: "... I think this raises an interesting question and I say a question, not a conclusion. ...A lot of the Gay agenda, while it may be right or it may be wrong, it’s not terribly relevant to the average Gay person." Hastings is right, and as we examine what is real and relevant in our lives after September 11. Now is the time to reject the "virtual victim" paradigm and, maybe for the first lime ever, think of ourselves as fellow Americans, united with the rest of the nation, confronting a common enemy. I think Gays and Lesbians get this, even if our leadership doesn’ t. One thing is clear as I walk through the Gay neighborhoods of Washington, where the American flag is draped from hundreds of windows, and as I read of a conservative Republican Senator eulogizing Mark Bingham as an American hero who save the U.S. Capitol, Gays and Lesbians are part of the greatness of America and they know it. What unique role can Gays and Lesbians play as we unite against the terrorists? First, Gay and Lesbian leaders can stop the incessant negative backbiting against President Bushand his administration. Like every other American, we need him to succeed in this mission. Throw away those "He’ s Not My President" t-shirts. Gay organization leaders need to stop referring to him as the "enemy" - we ¯ have a clear enemy today, that is absolutely bent on our ¯¯ collective destruction, who brutalizes women, murders Gays and sees a free society as the world’ s greatest evil. : Now is not the time to attack the President. This will be ¯ the hardest for groups whosefundraising has depended on ¯ demonizing him, butnext time they doit,weall~eed to ask ¯ them to refrain. That doesn’t mean we cannot disagree ¯ with President Bush or abrogate the freedoms we are truly ¯ fighting to defend, but as fellow Americans we have a : common moral duty to rekindle-a tone of respect for the ¯ office of the presidency, and for the burden on the man ¯ who sits there today. "Gay organizations are not sure how to respond. The debate in Washington now revolves around a central question - do Gay groups move ahead with the old" aCenda items? Do they put Gay-speciflc issues on hold? Or, do they rise to meet the new challenges facing Gay Americans in this new period, even ff they don’t fit what these groups have long argued was "the Gay agenda’S." New, more pressing issues have come to the forefront and need our attention. Gay couples and families have been ripped apart in the attacks. We must be vigilant in ensuring that those left behind are not cut off from survivor benefits and legal rights that they deserve. We as a community should take notice of the vital importance of partner benefits andresponsibilities in light of this tragedy and ensure we have provided for our loved ones should anything happen to us. Donating blood surfaced as an issuein the days after the ¯ attacks. The RedCross policy on donating bloodis dearly ¯ out of date and harmful in how absolute its exclusion of ¯ Gay men has been since the 1980’s. The only response ¯ from Gay leaders thus far is still ringing of victimization, ¯ or has just been silence for fear of raising an issue that : makes us all sound selfish. ¯ However, there is a "united we stand" approach to ¯ giving blood. Again, sad as it is, there will likely be need ¯ for more blood before this war is over. We should respect- " fully, without fanfare and action alerts, approach the Red ~ Cross and explain that Gay men would like to hdp the ¯ effort. While we do understand that Gay men are more ¯ likely to be HIV positive then the general public, we ¯ should not confuse sexual orientation with health status, : and the policy should be consistent in its approach to ¯ sexual behavior. For instance, heterosexuals with mul- ¯ . tiple partners are not screened outin thesame way as aGay ¯ man who has had sex once since 1977. ; During times of war, scapegoats are often sought out in ¯ every society. Will Gays and Lesbians become targets of ¯ greater hate crime activity? I doubt it. But I do believe that : Arab Americans or anyonelooking like them will be. The ¯ greatest weapon against intolerance is educating our- " selves, so we should be role models. ¯ In the "unitedwe stand" paradigm,we can explain to the ¯ public that we know what it is like to bejudged, discrimihated against and even physically beaten because of who : weare. Thoughweknow many Islamicleaders inAmerica : have shown little tolerance for Gays and Lesbians, we as ¯ acommunitylove andrespect ourfellow Americaus under ¯ attack. We support them and their civil rights, so that we : never again make the mistake of how we treated Japanese ¯ Americans in World War II. ¯ The overall paradigm of the Gay civil rights movement ¯ must change, see Change, p.ll " Welcome to Our Reality : by Tom Neal, editor &publisher ¯ Hate crimes have beenmuch onmymind in theseweeks ¯ since the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. This : horror has brought out the best in so many Americans but it has also brought out the worst in a few. Some of those few have used this mad event as an ¯" excuse to express their prejudices, theirracism, their anti- " immigrant bigotry, and their homophobia, around the : country as well as here in Tulsa. ¯ In Tulsa, we’ ve seen the beating of a Pakistani man and : apparently, according to Barbara Moore of the Asian- " American Society, others who are perceived as "foreign" ¯ have been harassed. No one in th.e Gay communities has missed the shameless opportunism of Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, perhaps the greatest disgraces to contemporary Christendom, at trying to incite violence against Lesbians and Gay Americans and others in the wake of the terrorist ¯ attack. : My comment to our Muslim and Asian sisters and ¯ brothers is welcome to our reality of violence, prejudice ¯ and hatredin Tulsa. What you’re experiencing as,new has : been our ongoing reality. What you’re experiencing as a : new sensation of lack of safety has long been our experi- ¯ But while attacks on you are decried by Tulsa’ s pro- : foundly hypocritical "do-good" organizations: NCCJ, ¯ Jewish Federation, Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry, Tulsa ¯ Interfaith Alliance, those same groups have been shame- : fully silent when Gay men were brutally beaten like the ¯ Tulsa Pakistani man. ¯ It’ s not that they didn’ t know that the attacks happened. ¯ Tim Beauchamp and Tony Orr’ s beating on Brookside a few years ago was well reportedin this newspaper as well ¯ as in The World. Beauchamp and Orrlater testified before ¯ the US House of Representatives about their beating, a ¯ fact also reported by The WorM. ¯ I personally told Nancy Day ofNCCJ of themost recent ¯ beating ofaGay man which this newspaper reportedin our ¯ August issue. But neither Ms. Day nor NCCJ, nor any ¯ other of these organizations has felt it incumbent to ¯ express for Gay Tulsans what they fall over themselves to ¯ do for Muslim Tulsans. ¯ Clearly themessage here is that NCCJ, Jewish Federa- ¯ tion, and possibly TMM and Tulsa Interfaith Alliance do ¯ not consider the attacks on Gay Tulsans to rise to the same level of concern as the attacks on other minorities. Or if ¯ perhaps their values are slightly more humane, then they ¯ are cynically utterly unwilling to expend any oftheir effort ¯ or "capital" in acting upon them. ¯ As horrible as it to contemplate, for some time I have been convinced that the only thing that would get these : groups off dead center would be for Tlffsa to have our own ¯ Matthew Shepard murdered- as much as I pray that such will never happen. ¯ What is it about this city that it is so profoundly morally ¯ bankrupt that only the veritible cruxcifiction of an iuno- ¯ cent might, and only_ might, move them to acknowledge ¯ the right of Lesbian and Gay Tulsans to live unassaulted ¯ and with even a fractiOi~ of the civil rights and other legal : protections other residents, including other minorities, : take for granted? ¯ Indeed I am glad to see that attacks against Muslim and ¯ others are condemned. I also am glad to see new networks ¯ formed to address hate crimes but I am deeply troubled : that this new effort, again, starts by excluding Gay and ¯ Lesbian Tulsans and describes hate crimes only as race, ¯ religion and ethnicity when those who hate, attack race, ¯ ethnicity, rdigion and sexual orientation equally, and ¯ sometimes us first. ¯ ¯ The latest Tulsa anti-hate crime network did invite our Nancy McDonald, PFLAGfounder, butit’ s not at all dear ¯ that she was invitedinher role as a more acceptable proxy ¯ for Gay folk but rather in her role as new co-convertor of ¯ the Say No to Hate Coalition. ¯ see Hate, p. 10 Czechs Seek Partners Recognition PRAGUE, .Czech Republic (AP) - Czech Gays and Lesbians soon could become the first in a former communist country to be allowed to register their partnerships. Prime Minister Milts Zeman’ s Cabinet has thrown its supportbehind a draftlaw grantingGays equal rights with the rest of the population. And backers ofthelegislation say they’ ve neverhada better chance for passage of the measure. The bill gives Gay and Lesbian couples the same fights as those of heterosexual ones in areas such as inheritance and health insurance. Couples would be ¯ allowed to seal their partnerships at local government offices, and severing a union would require a courtapproved divorce. The draft, approved by the Cabinet, however; bars couples from adopting children. Legislation that would allow homosexual unions already has been turned down twice by the Czech parliament, in 1997 and 1999. But this time will be different, Gay activists say. "Public opinion has changed," said Jiri Hromada, an activist. "Any deputy should listen to that." A May survey by the state-sponsored CVVM polling agency said only33%of those polled opposed such a law, compared to 42% in 1999. The margin of error was 3%, To pass, supporters of the law need only a simple majority in the 200-seat chamber. Since the ruling party holds 74 seats, supporters say they only need just over two dozen votes to make the measure pass. Several other European nations already extend legal fights to same-sex partners. Denmark granted legal rights in 1989, a move followed later by other countries, including Swedenand the Netherlands. Germany recently began to allow Gay couples to register their unions, and in the United States, Vermont became the first state to recognize same-sex unions last year. The Czech Republic wouldbe the firstpost-communist country, however, to approve such a measure. Most post-communist societies, burdened with massive economic troubles, have largely neglected such social questions. Opponents arebracing for afight. TheRomanCatholic Church, which has long opposed such unions, sponsored a petition to pressure the parliament to reject the measure. Petition organizer Josef Zeman of the Brat-based group National Center for Family says 72,000 have already signed. Some 2.7 million people in theCzechRepublic say they are Roman Catholic: "It will have an irreversible impact on those young people who still are not clear about their sexual orientation,’" Zeman warned. The draft law should be discussed in the lower ch~amber, the House of Deputies, by the end of this year. Cleveland United Way Drops-Boy Scouts CLEVELAND (AP) - The Clevdand chapter of the United Way has decided to stop funding traditional Boy Scouts programs that discriminate against Gays. The money will instead go to Boy-Scout-affiliated programs such as Learning for Life, a program that does not prohibit Gay menfrom being leaders. -. Earlier this month, United Way Services of Greater Cleveland shifted $268,000 in Boy Scout donations to the Learning for Life program, said Mike Benz, president Of the local United Way organization. The program will be taught in Cleveland, Bedford and Lakewood public schools and teaches children to apply classroom lessons in their everyday life. Last year, the United Way Services gave about $90,000 ofits Boy Scout donation to Learning for Life. This year, the group considered cutting support to the Boy Scouts entirely but decided instead to shift all of its donation to~ngfor Life. ." Susan Lewis, spokeswoman for the Greater Cleve- ." land Council for the Boy Scouts of America, said ¯ shifting the money to a Boy Scout-affiliated program : was a good compromise. She said her chapter will try : to shiftaround other donormoney tomake upforlosing ¯¯ the United Way funding, which accounts for about 14% of t!~ir budget. Nearly 50 United Ways across the ¯ country and a dozen corporations have quit giving ¯ money to Boy Scouts of America since ihe U.S. Su- ¯ preme Court last year upheld the Scouts’ right to reject ¯ homosexual leaders. _" Jan Cline, an Eagle Scout and associate director of ¯ the Lesbian Gay Community ServiceCenter in Cleve- ¯ land, said he wanted United Ways to stop funding the : Boy Scouts altogether until they stop discriminating. : "If I give to United Way, I don’ t want one cent to go ¯ to Boy Scouts," Cline said. "There’ s no betterplace for ¯ boys tolearn citizenship, personal fitness and camping ¯ skills. But by enforcing a membership standard that : teaches young Gaymentheirfeelings are second-class, ¯ they’re teaching bigotry and discrimination." ¯ None of the Northeast Ohio United Way organiza- ¯ tions,including UuitedWay Services ofGreaterCleve- ¯ land, has employment policies that prohibit discrimi- ¯ nation against Gays. Finland Recognizes Same Gender Partners HELSINKI, Finland (AP) - Lawmakers passed a goveminent proposal recently that makes Gay partnerships legally binding but stops short of letting Gay couples adopt children or use the same surname. The bill, which comes into force next year, was approved 99 to 84, with 17 abstentions or absentees. The new law says Finns who are at least 18 can register a same-sex union in a civil ceremony comparable to matrimony. It also give~ Gay couples the same rights as married heterosexual couples when inheriting each other’ s property and in cases of divorce. TheFinnish Lesbian andGay AsSociationwelcomed the law but said it wished it went further. ’q’his at long last gives Gay couples the rights they deserve," said Rainer Hiltunen, the association’s secretary-general. "But it’ s a compromise, and we are disappointed that it doesn’ t secure the rights of chil&en in a Gay marriage because they can only be registered to one parent." The Finnish Evangdical Lutheran Church, to which 85% of the 5.2 million population belongs, has opposed giving Gay partners the same rights as married couples. However, Archbishop Jukka Paarma has said that the legal position of homosexual and Lesbian couples should be improved. The new law is in line with similar legislation in the other Nordic countries of Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland, where Gay partnerships have been legalized. Denmark and Iceland permit adoptions by Gay couples in certain circumstances. Houston Partner ¯ Benefits Up for Vote ¯" HOUSTON (AP) - Houston, voters in November will ¯ consider whether the city should offer health and other ~ benefits to same-sex parmers of its employees. The : Houston City Council approved for the Nov. 6 ballot a ¯ referendum that, ifpassed,-wouldprohibit the cityfrom ¯ providing same-sex benefits. The city doesn’t offer : thosebenefits now, but had been considering changing ¯ its benefits policy to include them. ¯ The council approved the ballot addition by a 9-5 vote after City Secretary AnnaRnssell validatedenough ¯ signatures on petitions to call for a vote. Petitioner ¯ Dave Wilson, who,opposes offering same-sex ben- . efits, led an effort to gather 21,028 signatures on those ¯ petitions. City law requires 20~000 valid signatures ." from registered voters in Houston to force a vote on a ¯ change to the city charter. "1623 N. Maplewood (918) 838-1715 mcctu/saOaoLcom Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Community ofHope 2545 South Yale, Sundays at llam, 749-0595 A Welcoming Congregation HOUSE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT Sun. Worship, 10:45 am, Sunday School, 9:30 am Wed. Bible Study, 7 pm, Sunday Eve. Service, 6prn 1517 S. Memorial, 628-0802, Info: 224-4754 The Open Arms Project Young Adult Support Group Outreach Program Thurs. Nights Meet Others in a Safe Enviroment Call for meeting times and place: 918-584-2325 Mingo Valley Flowers 9413 E. 31st St., Tulsa 74145 918-663-5934, fax: 663-5834, 800-44d-5934 Family Owned & Operated Trinna L. W. Burrows, LSW, ACSW Child, Family, Individual & Couple Psychotherapy (918) 743-9559 2121 South Columbia, Suite 420 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74114-3518 The Pride Store 21st Street & Memorial Tulsa Gay Community Services Center 743-GAYS (743-4297) 6-9 pm, Sunday - Friday 12-9 pm, Saturday, all sales benefit the Center Heart of the Hills Bed & Breakfast 5 Summit, Eurel~a Springs, Arkansas 501 - 363 - 9203 Come Stay Us for the Next Diversity Celebration, Nov. 2 - 4 Red Rock Tulsa Free Confidential HIV Testing Walk-in Cgtnics Tues. & Thurs., 5 -8 pm at the Center, 1307 East 38th Daytime appointments available. Call for more information: 918-584-2325 d i Ame.rlcan Red Cross American Red Cross Tulsa Area Chapter 10151 East Eleventh Tulsa 74128 Dannette Mclntosh Diversity Co-ordinator 838-1100 OPENARMS OPEN MINDS OPEN HEARTS Saint Aidan Saint Dunstan 4045 N. Cincinnati, 425-7882 5635 East 71st, 492-7140 Saint John Trinity 4200 S. Atlanta Place, 742-7381 501 S. Cincinnati, 582-4128 The Episcopal Church Welcomes You CouncilwrmanAnniseP~rker, thecity"srnly openly Gay elected official, voted against adding the referendum to the ballot, claiming that Russell missed errors orirregularities on !, 101 signatures. MayorLee Brown said he intends to oppose the referendum and that authorities should investigate any possible fraud. Harris County District Attorney Chuck Rosenthal said his office would investigate if a complaint is fried. Wilson said he knew of no problems with the petitions or signatures. Houston voters in 1985 nullified a nondiscrimination ordinance approved by the council. Earlier this year, the council approved.a similar ordinance protecting Gays and Lesbians from discrimination, and the Nov. 6 referendum does not address the ordinance. Gay Adoption Considered In Nebraska LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - As the state Supreme Court prepares to hear a case that could decide ifGay couples have the right to adopt children, groups on both sides are weighing in on the dispute. Thehigh court is to hear the case next week of a Lincoln Lesbian who wants her lover to be able to adopt her 3-year-old boy. The case already has generated so-called "friend of the court" briefs from scores of organizations, including: theAmerican Psychological Association; the Family Research Institute; the Alliance for Children’s Rights; The National Organization for Women; the National Adoption Center; and the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund. The Nebraska Catholic Conference, the Family Research Council, the Nonpartisan Family Coalition and Family First also have weighed in. The boy, called "Luke" in court papers, was born to "B.P," in 1997 through artificial inseminataon. The boy has lived with his mother and her lover, "A.E.," since birth. The two women were joined in a commitment ceremony in 1995, according to court records. Such ceremonies are not recognized as marriages in Nebraska, where voters last year approved a measure to keep same-sex marriages from being legally recog- B.P. already has custody of her 9-year-old son from a previous marriage. While Nebraska law contains no specific provision prohibiting adoptions by Gay couples, Deputy Attorney General Steve Grasz said does not mean it is legal. He also said A.E. has no legal rights to adopt the child, even though she has helped raise him. "Such caregivers, unlike parents, possess no substantive liberty interest in the child," he said in briefs filed in the case. "No fundamental constitutional right has been accorded in the law to individuals such as foster parents, grandparents, caregivers or ’partners’ of parents even though they have a deep emotional attachment to the child." Amy Miller, a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union, dismissed those arguments. "The state’ s bias is based on its discomfort with A.E. and B.P.’ s relationship, but is irrelevant asthe real issue is Luke’ s interests," she said. "The law only inquires into the best interests of the child to be adopted. Court Rejects Gag on Play FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) - A federal appeals court has dismissed a lawsuit that sought to block a controversial student play, ruling that the issue is moot since the play has already been performed. The 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Chicago last week rejected the complaint filed by opponents of the play "Corpus Christi" who accused Indiana University-Purdue University ofusing taxpayermoney to support an attackon Christianity. Theplayfeatured aGay, Christ-like characternamed Joshua and 12 other male characters, most of whom had the names of Christ’s disciples. In a one-page orderissued Sept. 19, the court said the ;" issues raised on appeal do not merit’fotther consider: ¯¯ ation because theplay has already been performed. Six sold-out performances took place Aug. 10 to 18 in a ¯ theater on the university’ s Fort Wayne campus. ¯ Opponents led by former Republican gubernatorial : candidate John Price had argued that staging the play ¯ on the grounds of a state university_violated the consti- : tutional separation of church and state. ¯ Attorney Stephen R. Pennell represented the univer- ¯ sity in thelawsuit. He said school leaders were pleased ¯ by the court’ s action. "The play has been performed, so ¯ there is no longer any relief the court could grant that ¯ would be effective in any way, so the point is moot," ¯ Pennell told The Journal Gazette. The same appeals court ruled Aug. 7 in favor of ¯ allowing "Corpus Christi" to be performed while the ¯ appeal was pending. The decision upheld a July ruling ¯ by U.S. District Judge William C. Lee, who said : issuing a preliminary inJunction against theproduction ¯ would cause more harm than allowing the play to : proceed. ¯ Patricia Corbat of Fort Wayne, one of the three ¯ plaintiffs participating in the appeal, was not sure ¯ whether there are any other ways to pursue the com- . plaint. ¯° She said the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks put the churchstate relationship in a new perspective. "We don’t ¯ allow prayer in government at all, but all of a sudden ¯ everyone in government is praying," Corbat told the ¯ newspaper. "I just think that, all of a sudden, we’re : trying to get back in God’ s graces.’" Maine City OKs Civil Rights Bill BANGOR, Maine (AP) - Bangor became the 1 lth ¯ Maine city to enact a Gay civil rights ordinance when ¯ the city council approved the law by a lopsided vote. ¯ The law, approved by an 8-1 vote, bars discrimination ¯ based on sexual orientation in housing, public accom- ¯ modations, credit, education and employment. It is ." similar to measures that have been enacted by the ¯ Legislature, but overturned by Maine voters. ¯ The Bangor council’s passage came a week after a ¯ three-hour public hearing on the measure. Supporters ¯ said such a law is long overdue 17 years after a Gay i youth named Charlie Howard died after being thrown off a downtown Bangor bridge by three local teen- " agers. ¯ But opponents cited religious objections, and said it ¯ is an unneeded extension of the Maine Human Rights ¯ Act that_ should be decided by voters. Some asserted ¯ that the-law confers special rights on a specific group. ¯ Maine voters last November turned down a law that would have outlawed discrimination based on sexual ¯ orientation. Similar bills had been rejected by the : Legislature for two decades until 1997, when a mea- ¯ sure was enacted and signed by Gov. Angus King. ¯ Voters repealed it in 1998, and lawmakers responded ¯ by sending a new bill back to referendum. ~ While the state’ s voters repealed the Gay civil rights ¯ question in 2000, a majority of voters in Bangor ¯ favored the state law. After Monday night’s council ¯ vote, about two dozen spectators broke into applause. ¯ "Equal rights and equal dignity are not special rights," ¯ said Councilor Joe Baldacci, who sponsored the pro- " posal with Councilor Judy Vardamis. : An opponent, Bangor Baptist Church Pastor Jerry ¯ Mick, said he believed a planned effort to repeal the ¯ ordinance could be successful. ¯ Challenges to Gay civil rights laws in other Maine : cities have had mixed results. In 1992, Portland voters ¯ rejected a proposal to overturn the city’s Gay civil ", rights ordinance. But Lewiston voters repealed their : city’ s ordinance a year later. Los kn0olos May ment would prevent the city from provid- Host 2006 Games LOS ANGELES (AP) -Anonprofitgroup will send a delegation to SouthAfricanext month to lobby forthe city to host the2006 Gay Games, an Olympics-styl_e~l. event~that draws Gay and Lesbian athletes trom around the world. Los Angeles faces three other finalists - Chicago, Atlanta and Montreal - in its bid to host the games, which have been held every four years since 1982: As many as 15,000 competitors take part in the games, drawing upward of 250,000 spectators. The Federation of Gay Games will begin the selection process in Johannesburg, South Africa on Oct. 21, with the winning city announced four days later. The Gay Games include more than 30 sports, from aerobics to sailing to wrestling. The event was founded by Olympic decathlete Tom Waddell after enduring jokes and harassment on the sports circuit. The two-weekGay Games VII wouldbe the largest single event inLos Angeles in the next five years, according to the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau. The games could generate as much as $400 million for the city. San Francisco has played host to two previous games. Los Angeles has bid on the games, but has never been selected. LOs Angeles als0 is seeking to host the 2012 summer Olympic Games. Tt{~’summer Olympiad previously was held in the city in 1932 and 1984. Members of the nonprofit Los Angeles 2006 Inc. group that is seeking to draw the Gay Games said many Olympic venues would be used during the event. Michigan City to Vote Against Gays paign is under way here in the campaign over an anti-Gay civil rights proposal on the Nov. 6 city ballot. Both sides pledge to keep debate civil. But city voters could face an onslaught of door-to-door campaigns, yard signs, telephone polls, radio talk show forums and church debate. "We feel there is a great deal of discrimination in the impetus to getting this ballot initiative. It just r’eally stinks," said Robert Dempsey, campaign manager for the group fighting the proposal. It has been more than a year since City Manager Pat DiGiovatmi enacted a policy allowing Gay city employees to cover their parmers under health insurance. Opponents immediately moved to put before voters a broadly worded charter amendment that bans the city from adopting any ordinances or policies that give special preference based on sexual orientation. "We plan to explain to people why this is a bad amendment," said Dempsey, of Kalamazoo Against Discrimination. " The Michigan branch of the Tupelo, Miss.-based American Family Association is aiding the group seeking the Kalamazoo Gays-rights b~a. The group’ s Michigan president said he is hopeful for its passage because the public is returning to spirituality. "Churches are full. People are returning to a faith in.God," said Gary It is unclear whether the charter amending employee benefits to Gay couples. City attorneys say the policy does not mention sexual orientation and therefore maynotbevoidediftheamendmentpasses. So far, "very few" of about 900 city employees have applied for same-sex benefits, said City Attorney Robert Cinabro. Kalamazoo is among three cities in Michigan and 17 communities nationwide that will vote on Gay civil rights measures in November. Huntington Woods and Traverse City also are voting on human rights measures. "The whole country will be watching the three communities in Michigan," said ;can Kosofsky, director of policy and victim services for the Triangle Foundation, a Detroit-based Gay civil rights organization. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force in Washington, D.C., last week announcedit will give $10,000 to Kalamazoo Against Discrimination. Meanwhile, American Family Association is supporting Kalamazoo Citizens Voting Yes For Equal Rights Not Special Rights, which is promoting the proposal. That group has about 50 volunteers, about half of whom live outside the city, the Kalamazoo Gazette said Sunday. Among themis the group’ s spokesman, Kalamazoo County Commissioner Jack Hoogendyk Jr. of Portage. "I have interest because I work in the city," Hoogendyk said. "Most people rig,h,t now have no clue what the issues are. Massachusetts May Add Benefits BOSTON (AP) - Gay, Lesbian and unmarried state workers would be able to get health insurance for their domestic partners under a bill approved by a key state Senate committee late in September. The bill, approved by the Senate Ways and MeansCommittee, would also let cities and towns decide to offer domestic parmer benefits as a local option. ¯ A domestic partner is defined by .the bill ¯ as someone of the same or opposite sex ¯ who shares financialresponsibilities and a ¯ home with a state employee. They must ¯ also say that they are in a relationship of ¯ "mutual support, care and commitment" and plan to live together indefinitely. : The Senate has approved two similar : bills in recent yb,ars. None became law. "I ¯ approach it as a matter of basic fairness," ¯ said Senate President Thomas Birming- ¯ ham, D-Chelsea. ¯ The full Senate is scheduled to vote on ¯ the bill soon. It is also expected to vote on ¯" bills that would allow Cambridge and ¯ Brookline to extend domesticpartner ben- " efits to their employees. Opponents of domestic partner benefits ¯ say they places homosexual relationships : on the same level as heterosexual mar- " riages. They also say that giving nnmar- ¯ ried heterosexual couples the same ben- " efits as married couples weakens theinsti- ¯ tution of marriage. ¯ In 1998, the Legislature passed a bill "- allowing Boston to provide the benefits - ¯ known as a"home rule petition" - but the ¯ bill was vetoed by former Gov. Paul Cdlucci. Conne . Kelly Kirb.y, CPA, Certified Public Accountant a professional corPoration Lesbians and Gay men face many special tax situations whether single or as. couples¯ Electronic filing is available for faster refunds. 747-5466 SOuth Harvard Avenue, Suite 210, Tulsa 74135 :¯ HIV ACtiViStS Educate Online ¯ ~AMI (AP) - Lighted by the blue glow ¯" of a portable computer, Marc Cohen is ¯ blazing a new trail in AIDS awareness. He : logs on to the Intemet, surfs into a busy chat room and uses his screen name - ¯ hivoutreachmiami@aol.com- to answer ¯ questions aboutAIDS, hepatitis and other ¯ sexually transmitted diseases. "Awareness Alert," he types in bold ¯ letters. "Miami is now secondinthenation ¯ for syphilis infection. Wilton Manors has ¯ hadan outbreak, too. STDand HIV screen- , ings can be done free of charge." "We are not the sex police," said Cohen, ¯ president of the United Foundation for- ¯ AIDS, a South Beach-based group-that offers counseling; HIV screening and ¯ therapy to people with the AIDS virus that ¯ causes AIDS. ¯ With the AIDS epidemic in its third ¯ decade, Cohen and a cadre of national ¯ AIDS prevention advocates are invading : chat rooms to get the attention of those ¯ most at risk of HIV infection. It’ s an ap- : proach that counselors and health Officials ¯ from San Francisco to South Beach be¯ lieve is working. Finding new ways to reach the (principal) at-risk groups - de- " fined as young Gay and Bisexual men, ¯ especially blacks - has been a focus of ¯ AIDS awarenes~ conferences. ¯ As chat-room counselors, they answer- " questions about HIV, hepatitis and syphi- ¯ lis that many would feel uncomfortable ¯ asking in person or on the phone. The ¯ Internet provides anonymity. "We treat it ~ as an opportunity for in-depth individual education," said Joseph Interrante, execu¯ tive director of Tennessee’ s Nashville CARES, an AIDS organization with staff ¯ members dispensing information in chat ¯ rooms. "The education actually becomes ¯ an online counseling session." ¯ Increasingly, warnings andAIDS statis- ¯ tics have fallen on the deaf ears of a ¯ younger, more reckless generation, health officials say. This summer, the U.S. Cen- ¯ ters for Disease Control and Prevention ¯ reported that among young men who have ¯ sex with other men, 4.4% - about 1 in 25 ¯ - get HIV. That’ s the same infection rate : asin the 1980s, before AIDS prevention ¯ methods andresearchtookroot. In Florida, ¯ blacks accounted for almost six of every : 10 new cases of HIV infection in the past ¯ four years. : Another trend: syphilis outbreaks in ¯ Wilton Manors, South Beach and Liberty -" City. Health officials say thegrowing num- ," bers are a signal mean thatGay and Bi- : sexual men are encouraged by news of ¯ powerfully effective drug cocktails and longerlife spans and are less worried about ", HIV infection. ¯ "The oldmodds do notwork," said Jeff ¯ Wilkinson of the South Beach AIDS ¯ Project, where staff members cruise chat : rooms as sobequest @aol.com. They an- ¯ swer questions and ask others to share ¯ what they learn. "The more the pebble hits ¯ the pond, the more it ripples out." ¯ Cohen says he spends at least 25 hours a ¯ week online as hivoutreachmiami on : America Online. His online profile gives ¯ information about syphilis, how itis trans- " mitted sexually., symptoms and telephone numbers to call for testing. He logs on in the afternoon and during peak chatting times, after 7 p.m. till until as late as 2 a.m. Since Cohen started the online campaign in June, he has seen the number of people who ask for HIV tests grow from a handful to a dozen or more a night. He takes their phone numbers, calls them and walks them through explains the process. He is training two volunteers to help. "So much that went on in bathhouses and publicparks now takes place in chatrooms, where people meet to engage in unsafe sex from the comfort of their living room,’" Cohen said. "It’s opening a tremendous dialogue in this town." Some Blood Donors Get Surprise RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - Shocked by the terrorist attacks in Washington and New York, thousands havelinedupthepast two weeks to give blood. Now, some of those donors are the ones asking for help. Because many people are donating blood for the first time, more people have learned that they have viral diseases such as hepatitis, syphilis and even AIDS. Since the mid-1980S, blood has been tested for viral diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis, andprospective donors have been screened for risky behavior such as intravenous drug use. Now, with so many more people learning they are infected, disease hoflines have experienced an increase in calls from donors seeking help. "They’re really panic-stricken. They have no idea what it means," said Thelma King Thiel, chairman of Hepatitis Foundation International. More than 22,000 units of blood have been donated in the Carolinas blood services region of the American Red Cross since Sept. 11, spokeswoman Debbie Estes said. The organization collected twice as much blood as normal the week of the attacks and donations are running about 20% to 30% more than usual every day, Estes said. Offices are staffed 24 hours a day and donors have been asked to make appointments for later this fall. Since the attacks, more than 330,000 people nationally have donated blood to the American Red Cross, said Dr. Peter Page, senior medical officer for the Red Cross. The Red Cross, which supplies about half the blood in the country, was collecting two to three times more blood than normal the week after the attack and about 11/2 times more last week. Just over 1% of donors test positive for infections, Pagesaid. Onein20,000 wholeblood donors to the American Association of Blood Banks will test positive for antibodies to HIV, said Sara Foer, spokeswoman for the American Association of Blood Banks in Maryland. One in 2,500 will test positive for hepatitis B and one in 500 for hepatitis C, she said. ButThiel says itmay be goodfor donors to find out they are infected. ’’The tests and screens in tiff s blood drive are a good thing for them," Thiel said. "Otherwise they may go blissfully on their way not knowing ~ey are infected, spreading the disease. by TFN entertainment editor Tulsa’ s Theatre Arts will present Lionel Bart’ s"Oliver!" outin the country atTulsa Community College’ s PACE Theatre at 81st Street and Highway 169 from December 14th - 22nd. The production will be directed by Jon Grodeski of NYC and will star as "Fagin," Jamie Farr wall known for playing "Klinger"intelevision’ s M.A.S.H. series. Tulsa Family News is delighted to note that TFN writer and former entertainment editor, James Christjotm, has been cast in the characterof" Mr. Sowerberry," the undertaker that Oliver is sold to before he ends up in London as Fagin’s prot~g6 pickpocket. And on December 6th, Theatre Arts will host "An Evening With ~Iamie Farr," at the PACE at 7pm, where the actor will speak about his life and career, and take audience questions. Please call 595-777 for ticket information. Charles Dickens’ novel,"OliverTwist," is the basis forLionel Bart’ s musical Oliver! Dickens began the novel as a magazine serial that ran in a London.monthly for more thantwo years beginning in 1837. Its popularitywas so greatthatDickensrushed it to completion for publication - in three volumes ~-in 1838. Still, the serial continued to run for more than six months after the publication of the book. Some wellknown songs from the show include "Where Is Love," "Consider Yourself," "Who Will Buy," "As Long as He Needs Me," and many others. The story of Oliver Twist begins in. a seedy workhouse where he and the other orphans are kept by Mr. Bumble and Widow Comey. When Oliver asks for morefood, Bumbleis enraged and decides to sdl the boy. Mr. Sowerberry, the undertaker, buys him, but Oliver is terrified of the man and his coffins and runs away. TheArtful Dodgerandhis gangofyoung street thieves find Oliver woandering the "...Tulsa Family News is delighted to note that TFN writer and former entertainment editor, James Christjohn, has been east in the character.., of the undertaker..." ." streets of London and take him to the ¯ master pickpocket, Fagin. That training ~ quickly lands Oliver in jail, where he is " rescuedby Mr. Brownlow,arichold gentle- [ man who takes the boy into his home. ¯ Meanwhile, Fagin and his cohorts - Bill ¯ Sikes and Nancy - fearful of being in- [ criminated by thelad, plot his kidnapping. Nancy abducts him but then is overcome with guilt and attempts his return to Brownlow. Suspecting her kind (and traitorous) intentions, Sikes kills Nancy. He grabs Oliver but is foiled by the amval of the police Finally, Oliver is safely returned to the arms of his benefactor, who proves to be his own grandfather. Oliver! (the name shortened for Broadway) became a partof themusical stage ¯ repertoire in 1960, written in total by the ¯¯ multitalented Lionel Bart, who crafted the book, the music and the lyrics. With Ron ¯ Moody. as Fagin and Georgia Brown as ¯ Nancy, Oliver! opened in London on June : 30, 1960,and ran until September 9, 1966, ¯ foratotal of2,618 performances - making ¯ it the longest-running musical in British ¯ theatre. ¯ This production marks Christjohn’ s re- " turn to the stage after a long absence. ¯ "Therewas apoint that I thought the talent, ¯ the gift, the ability hadleft me. SoI shut. the ¯ dooronthatdream."Ironically,thatdream ¯ began as a young boy, when he was taken ¯ to his first liveproduction- aperformance ¯ of "Oliver!" at Theatre Under The Stars ; (TUTS), in Houston, Texas. Christjoha ¯ notes, "I remember seeing the little boy ¯ singing "Where Is Love," and identifying ; completdy. I also was filled with wonder ¯ at’the ’magic’ of seeing London appear ; when they sang ’Who Will Buy?’, and ¯ seeing the city literally fly in from left, ¯ right, andabove. Andlknew then I wanted ¯ to be a l~art of that, to help make the magic ¯ happen. And I wanted the applause that kid was getting!" Info: 595-7777. Tulsa’ s Performing .Mas Center Trust celebrates its 25thznniversary season with a number of great performers. At the end of October, on the 30th, the usually staid and fairly stodgy Chapman Music Hall will host nothing less than a circus! Quebec’ s Cirque Eloize (that’ s said,"elwas") and the Tulsa Philharmonic will combine classical music with circus spectacular: aerials, haru~s work,and feats of strength (and I’m sure men and women in fights,, could Lesbians and Gay men want anything more.’?). Cirque Eloize began in 1993 as part of the "Cirque Nouveau" movement that sprung from Quebec. Seven then recent graduates of Montreal’ s National Circus School began thecompany which drew on ¯ the Eurotx~tn, animal-free style of circus ¯ combining theater, music and dance. ¯ Cirque Eloize quickly gained acclaim ¯ forits acrobatics, and choreography. After ." touring Canada and the US, then in the ." United Kingdom, France and Ireland, Cir- - que Eloize garnered rave reviews from ¯ London’ s Sunday Times, "... hauntingly ¯ heart-catching.., conjur[ing] up the spirit ¯ of a medieval fair..." and from The ." Scotsman in Edinburgh, "pure dead bill- " liant.., this is circus with atmosphere, ¯ poetry, humor and above all, hear~..." ¯ The music ranges from Rimski- : Korsakov, Sibelius, Grieg, Saint-Sachs, ¯ Rachmaninov and more. This is a don’ t : miss performance. Call 596-7111 or800- ¯ 364-7111 for information or tickets. The Twilight of the Golds What happens when a young couple finds thru’ genetic testing that their unborn child might be Gay and how their conflict about whether to keep the child affects the young mother’s Gay brother¯ Oct. 26th- Nov. 4th Broken Arrow Community Playhouse Only 1,487 miles offBroadway In the Main Place, 1800 South Main 258-0077 for tickets and info. THE GILDED AGE Treasuresfrom the Smitbsonian American Art.MuSeum SEPTEMBER -- 4 .NOVEMBER 200I THE PHILBROOK MUSEUM OF ART 2727 SOUTH ROCKFORD ROAD SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - For a while, entertainer Ha Ri-soo seemed to be everywhere: in a film, in a music video, in ads for makeup and wedding gowns. Television talk shows couldn’ t get enough of the sex symbol and her sensual dances. People gabbed abouther athome andonthestreet, in offices and coffee shops. No wonder. Ha, 26, is a transsexual. While sex change operations are old news from the United States to Thailand, they’re a novelty in South Korea, where Confucian ideals of illial piety and a maledominatedhierarchyare strong. So it was starfling when Ha surged to thetopofSouth Korea’ s entertainment industry this year. "I think the society and cnlture is changing in Korea and it should change," Ha said in an interview at a beauty salon, her hair in curlers as makeup artists dabbedherface with lipstick, eyeliner andpowoperations are old news from the United States to Thailand, they’re a novelty in South Korea, where Confucian ideals of filial piety and a mah-domlnated hierarchy are strong°. 2 character is a transsexual woman who works as an express delivery worker by day and moonlights as a singer. The movie title alludes to the bleached blond look that some young South Koreans adopt to be rebellious. "I chose the fi~m because I went through a lot and I wa~ed to look back on those days," Ha s~d. "I wanted to break the stereotype of transsexuals - the demureness and extreme weakness with which they are often portrayed." Ha’s autobiography, ~’From Adam to Eve," also failed to make the best sdler list. She got her sexchange operation several years ago in Japan, where she studied hairstyling. While in high school, she had taken female hormone injections and was exempted frommill tary service on grounds of "mental illness." South Korean men must serve 26 der. "Transsexuals haven’t killed or cheated anyone. Why should they be mistreated when they haven’ t done anything wrong to others?" She said. Many South Koreans agree, but their fascination with Ha reflects .as much prurience as tolerance for the maverick. In a country where women flock to clinics for cosmetic surgery, Ha fits right in. "I think she is popular because of her charm and looks,, said Jeon Dong-ki, a male university student. "It doesn’ t.mean that people’ s prejudices against Gays and transsexuals have changed as wall." Ha’ s overheated presence inpop culture has cooled some recently, and she’s had mixed success. She appeared in "Ydlow Hair 2," a movieabout people on society’ s fringes that failed at the box office. Her ¯ months in the armed forces, a precau- ¯¯ tion in the event of conflict with communist North Korea. ’¢Fhink about it: What ¯ would happen to the. military’ s discipline ¯ if a man with breasts went into the mili- ~ tary?" Ha said, laughing. ¯ Her sex changewas toughonherfamily, ¯ particularly in a society that covets male ¯ offspring. Ha said she played with dolls as ¯ a child, and her frustrated father eventu- ¯ ally accepted her femininity. ¯ Ha’ s career took off in January with a television ad for cosmetics, but it’s un- ." dearhowlong she’ 11 stay in thepubliceye. ¯ Some religious leaders have denounced ¯ her. "It makes me angry that the media is -." trying to make something ’abnormal’ ap- ¯ pear normal," said Lee I-Iee-ja, a 58-yearold housewife. Saturday, October 20, the historic town of Medicine Park will host the first annual DrumFest. Organizers hope to attractmore than 800 drummers to this eventinhope of breaking the current Guirmess Book of World Records. Medicine Park is located at the main entry to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, the second most visited wildlife refuge in the country - hosting almost 2 million annual visitors. The community has a rich and colorful history. Originally founded on July 4th, 1908- Medicine Park was Oklahoma’s first planned tourism resort, Medicine Park was once the "playground" of the state’s rich, famous and notorious. Folks would come to town for the weekend and leave their "work-a-day" world, troubles and reputations behind them. Outlaws and horsethieves mixed with noted politicians and businessmen, families and socialites. The pages of the ¯ town’s colorful history are filled with the ¯ -likes of Teddy Roosevelt, Will Rogers, ¯ Wiley Post, Frank Phillips, Bob Wills, A1 ¯ Capone, Col. Jack Abernathy, Lil Hardin, Bonny & Clyde, Pretty Boy Floyd, Les ¯ Brown, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans and ¯ countless others. : Ok Spoke Bike Rides ¯ All these rides begin at Ziegler Recre- ¯ ation Park, 3903West Fourth Street, at the ¯ parking lot. All rides are open to GLBT ¯ people and those who are Gayffriendly. ¯ OnOct. 6andOct. 13,there will bea20- ¯ 25mile rides beginning at 7:30am, helmet ¯ and water bottle required. Lateron the 6th, ¯ there is also 5 mile ride along the Sand ¯ Springs Trail beginning at 2pro. And on ¯ Oct. 13, therewillbea5mileridealongthe ¯ Arkansas River Trail starting at 2pro. For more information, contact ¯ Okiebicycle@prodigy.net, orwrite to POB 9165, Tulsa 7~157. by LamontLindstrom : the not-unhappy looking bin Laden. The Internet slowed to a crawl on Sep- ¯ Whether F.rnpire State Building as phaltember 1 lth. People crowded the system ¯ lus, or middle finger as phallus, these folk with messages and postings about that : imagesconceivemale-on-maleintercourse day’ s death and destruction. We turned to ¯ as appropriate revenge. Osama-"screws" email,chatrooms,lists,dis- ,, America; we screw him cussion groups and clubs to discuss, mourn, be angry or be reflective about the attacks: The older media - newspapers, telephones, radio, television - still carry the bulk of our words andimagery. Butthe Internet further speeds and spreads national (and international) conversation, intensifying this exchange. .. And exchange still continues. Since September 1 lth, I have been collecting folk-produced images that respond to the attacks. These, like the Interuet’ s bothersome chain letters and bad jokes, are still bouncing from site to site, person toperson. Computer imaging software (Photoshop and the like) and the WWW facilitate this outburst of creative reaction. Years ago, one of my anthropology professors, U.C. Berkeley folklorist ¯ . . equations d sex and vlolenee are so familiar, so embedded in our language and culture, as to be unremarkable. But we should remark them, at least occasionally. First, if we can think it we can do it - this is anthropology’s message about the power of cultural understandings to shape behavior..." Alan Dundes, along with Carl Pagter published a collection of Urban Folklore from the Paperwork Empire (1975). Such "paper folklore" consisted of joke letters, memos, cartoons, drawings, and the like that people produced and circulated using an earlier technology -the office copy machine: As soon as photocopiers became a standard business appliance, people copied and recopiedjoke memos and cartoons that spread from office to office, and cubicle to cubicle. Today, the Internet, like the photocopy machine, spreads our responses to the everyday world, and to tragic national events. Much of the attack-related folklore flooding the Internet is patriotic, affirming the goodness and the spirit of Ainerica. Images of U.S. flags, pictures of candles andribbons, upliftingpoems, and recycled Canadian newspaper columns lauding American generosity probably filled your email boxes, as they did mine. Other imagery, less warm-hearted, portrays anger and revenge. Two of the folk images that ended up in my email box particularly caught my eye. Both strum American cultural chords that blur violence with sex. The first depicts a reconstructed World Trade Center. Instead of the Twin Towers, however, this features five towers in a row, like fingers. The middle tower sticks up highest into the air. This folk image rebuilds the WTC as "the bird," flipping off m~icious Osama bin Laden and his terrorists. The secondimageis ruder. In this "jpg," Osama’ s turbaned head is superimposed on a nude, muscular body that bends forward. Coming in behind is the Fxnpire State Building. Its pointy tower sodomizes right back. Theserepresentations of skyscraper as phallus (or dildo) are no metaphorical accident. Beyond the deaths of 6500 innocents, some of ,amaerica’s rage certainly stems from this symbolism. Osama’s hijackedplanes ftrst appeared to circumcise both the mighty shafts of the WTC, slicing into theirheads. But then, ~brribly, the towers collapsed completely and New York, and America, suffered an awful castration. Actually, the WTC had already lost its Big Man claims. Since 1998,the tallest buildings in the world are the twin Petronas Towers in KualaLumpur, Malaysia. Their edifice is bigger than our edifice. But luckily, New York has in hand a backup tool - the Empire State Building ¯ (once again the tallest in the city) - that, symbolically, can stick it to Osama. ¯ Mass murderers need be brought to jus- ¯ tice, but what does it mean when werepresentjustice (or perhaps revenge) as homo- " sexual anal intercourse? The penis, more ¯ than a tool , becomes awcapon. Andsexual ". intercourse, .rather than an act of love, ¯ becomes one of rape or war. I penetrate ¯ you, and thereby I dominate you. ~ These equations of sex and violence are ¯ so familiar, so embedded in our language ¯ and culture, as to be unremarkable. But we ¯ should remark them, at least occasionally. ¯ First, if we can think it we can do it - this ¯" is anthropology’ s messageaboutthepower ¯ of cultural understandings to shape behav- ¯ lOt. ¯¯ Currently, two 14-year-old boys are in custody here in Tulsa. They, along with ". other members of their freshman football " : team, anally raped one of their young ¯ teammates with a broom handle in their high ~chool locker room. This is Tulsa’s : teenaged version of the Abner Louima : case. New York cops likewise wielded ¯ broom as dildo to prove their manliness. ¯ (The Empire State Building, presumably, - ¯ was unavailable.) Our folk fantasies of ¯ homosexual rape are far more likely to be ¯ realized here in America than in Afghani- ¯ start. ¯ Second, all those "sex = war," and "pe- ¯ uis = weapon," metaphors are danger- . ously slippery. What, exactly, are we say- " ing when we admit a desire to sodomize : Osama? Where does violent hatred end ¯ and erotic desire begin? Dildos also are : toys, and sex (of whatever sort) is play ¯ more often than it is aggression. Are we : then to pleasure Osama to death? Timothy W. Daniel Attorney at Law An Attorney who will fight for justice & equality for Gays & Lesbians Domestic Partnership Planning, Personal Injury, Criminal Law & Bankruptcy 1-800-742-9468 or 918-352-9504 128 East Broadway, Drumright, Oklahoma Weekend and evening appointments are available: IOTA member Call341. 6866 International TourSio,mo,e nio on. TULSA COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY Country Club Barbering Custom Styling for Men & Women David Kauskey 3310 E. 51st, 747-0236, Tues.-Fri., 8:5:30, Sat. 8-5pm College Hill Presbyterian Church In response to God’ s Love, College Hill Presbyterian Church is a community of God’ s people called to tell others the Gospel of Jesus Christ through worship, service, and evangelism. To nurture our faith, we gather for w.orship~ prayer, study and fellowship. Trusting in a living, loving God, we seek to become a compassionate voice for peace andjustice. Our congregation welcomes all persons who respond in trust and obedience to God’ s grace in Jesus Christ, and desire to become part of the membership and ministry of Christ’ s church. Membership is open to all people regardless of race, ethnic origin, worldly condition, marital status, or sexual orientation. Sunday Worship, 1 lam 712 S. Columbia Ave., 592-5800 (One block west of Delaware and the University of Tulsa Campus) Tulsa’s only professional body-piercing is an alternative worship experience that celebrates the mystery and wonder of life, without telling you what to believe. Soulful Sundown combines live music, inspirational readings, video, and audience ~articipation to create a rand new experience. Soulful Sundown happens at All Souls Unitarian Church at 5:3oPM on Sundays. Join us. on Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 3oth. All people are welcome! All Souls Unitarian Church z95z S. Peoria, 743-z363 And it’s only 20 years now that our oldest community organization, indeed Oklahoma’ s oldest non-religious community non-profit, Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, TOHR, has been around. Any one want to bethow many more years it will be until these groups figure out that we exist? It is in the end this: you are either part of the solution, or you are part of the problem. AndTulsais filled with those who are not part of the solution. ~Ihey are our mayor and most of our city councilors: certainly they are Tulsa’ s business elite: the ChamberofCommerce staffand board and especially some of Tulsa Area United Way’ s board and staff for whom I have little doubt that Dante notes a special place in hell; and they are TU’s unrepentent bigot president and those prominent Tulsans who selectedhim despitehis documented prejudice. And it will take all these individuals deciding that they are going to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem for Tulsa ever to be that which it hopes to be. In the meantime, I hope that Muslim Tulsans will be safe and if God really moves their hearts that Tulsa Muslims might actually take their horrible experience as being this moment’s America’s hated "other" and will try to be do for Gay and Lesbian Americans that what they would have done for themselves. Average Gays and Lesbians feel much more in me with the American people in the spirit of "united we stand." For those weaned on identity politics, it will be hard to verbalize or imagine an America where they can speak from a "united we stand" perspective, but this new period will require it. We still have challenges as Gay Americans, but the terrorist agenda of America’ s enemies is far more dangerous to Gay Americans than anything we face within our own society. These terrorists have come to our country to murder us, and hope to eradicate our way of life in all its forms. The Taliban of Afghanistan, who is harboring these terrorists, believe that homosexuality is a crimepunishablebya sadisticdeath, which is meted out with pride in their society. More than ever, we should welcome the chance to serve in defense of liberty. We should document carefully the success of Gay soldiers. This act of patriotism, of the willingness to die for our country, is precisely why the current military policy is wrong. Our determination will be hugely educational to an American public who views our motives on this issue with suspicion. We will demonstrate with action the moral absurdity of the old policy and it will cave-in under that moral weight. Steve May, the hero who fought the "don’t ask, don’t tell" policy and won, is on message now. He said recently that it is an obligation ofevery Gay servicemember to acceptthe country’ s call to serve. United we stand today, and the military’ s policy on Gays has divided us as Americans. We now can look at new, real heroes. I’m g!ad Mark Bingham was such a strong man m body and soul. He took brave action with a small group of men and womenwho answered the call ofservice in that moment of crisis, sacrificing their lives to save maybe thousands of others to thwart the murderous actions of those who want to destroy our country. Can we find a maturity and resolve inside ourselves that we have neglected for so long, and defiaonstrate that unity means equality? Surely, as we look squarely at ourenemies, and see the face of brutality and hatred that stares back at all of us, that hates freedom and liberty in any form and would annihilate Gays and Lesbians at the first opportunity, the answers to these questions become dear. Buchanan has said that he approved the domestic partner policy in order to keep the county competitive in recruiting and retaining the best employees possible. He was not required to get the commissioners’ approval beforehand, although he did discuss it with them. Domestic partner benefits are common among many of Wichita’ s major employers, such as Boeing Co. Such benefits also are routinely offered by government agencies on both coasts. However, in a stretch of the country from the Mississippi River to Arizona, domestic partner benefits are offered by local governments in only four metropolitan areas: Denver; Albuquerque; Austin, Texas; and Iowa City, Iowa. "Nationwide, it’ s been going on for a good while," Norton said. "But in the Midwest, we’re probably a little far up on the curve. Whether you call it Midwest values or Moral Majority or whatever you call it, I think that’ s what you have to deal with in the Midwest." Commissioner Tom Winters said last week that he would back Buchanan’ s action because it was within the manager’s area ofresponsibility tomake suchchanges. Commissioner Betsy Gwin said Monday that she initially saw the policy as a business decision to make the county a more attractive employer and to "show some sort of compassionate understanding for all people." Now, she said She is undecided after receiving about 50 phone calls and e-mails, all but one in opposition to the policy. One event raises about 4.4% of the annual budget for the Hoosier Trails Council. A Boy Scouts spokesman told The Republic that scouting programs in the county may have to be scaled back if they cannot find a replacement for Cummins’ funding. But a company statement said that the en.gine, manufacturer’s executives were revzewmg their contributions to reflect the corporation’ s values. This was not the first time the company has confronted criticism regarding its policies. Last year, Cummins’ decision to extend partner benefits to employees’ same- and oppositesex partners was met with anger by some employees and shareholders. Helga’ Horribles present the Rocky Horror Pictu re Show followed by the Time Warp Ball Saturday, October 27 8pm midnight Doubletree Hotel Downtown 616 West Seventh Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data newspaper periodical Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2001] Tulsa Family News, October 2001; Volume 8, Issue 10 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation toward Tulsa’s Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual communities. Description An account of the resource Tulsa Family News was a monthly newspaper; No. 1 issued December 1993-January 1994. The final issue available was published in September 0f 2001 (Volume 8, Issue 9). The newspaper brings up important, evolving topics of marriage, Pride, TOHR, HIV/AIDs, events, advice, and politics all at the local and national level. This document is available in searchable PDF attached. It is also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Family News Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/24 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tom Neal Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource October 2001 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource James Christjohn Karin Gregory Barry Hensley J.P. Legrandbouche Lamont Lindstrom Esther Rothblum Mary Schepers Hughston Walkinshaw Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource Tom Neal/Tulsa Family News Relation A related resource Tulsa Family News, September 2001; Volume 8, Issue 9 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource newspaper periodical Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Tulsa(Oklahoma)---newspaper Tulsa---Oklahoma Oklahoma---Tulsa United States Oklahoma Tulsa United States of America (50 states) Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/617 "Oliver!" 9/11 adoption AIDS AIDs Walk American Red Cross Bank of Oklahoma Blood Donation Boy Scouts businesses churches Cirque Eloize Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation Cummins Czech Republic Domestic Partnership Doug Dodd Finland gay-friendly businesses hate crime Helga's Horribles HIV HIV Education HIV testing House of the Holy Spirit Houston Iowa Civil Rights Commission Kelly Kirby Korea Los Angeles Maine Massachusetts Medicine Park Drum Fest Metropolitan Community Church United Michigan Mr. Oklahoma Leather Nebraska OK Spoke Openarms Youth Project Osama Bin Laden Partner Benefits Pride Store rape Red Cross Red Rock Tulsa restaurants Rigoleto Rocky Horror The Twilight of the Golds Tom Neal Transgender Tulsa Family News Tulsa Performing Arts Center Tulsa Theater Arts Webster High School https://history.okeq.org/files/original/bb674346b0d51028c6b38cde9bd889c3.jpg 42ae1bb89369817a0acf55873dc0dde9 Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Tulsa Is Having the Pride Parade and Festival Saturday; June 11, 2005 Come Help Make It Happen! Saturday, February 26 @ 10:00 AM Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 5545 E 41st Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Flyer Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] Come to the Center for Volunteer Training Subject The topic of the resource Come to the Center Feb 26, 2005 for Pride Parade and Festival Volunteer Training Description An account of the resource Flyer advertising the need for volunteers for the 2005 pride parade and festival. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa GLBT Community Center Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Tulsa GLBT Community Center Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa GLBT Community Center Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 26, 2005 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Flyer, advertisement Language A language of the resource English Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource OpenArms Youth Project, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) 2005 GLBT Community Center Open Arms Project Open Arms Youth Project Open Arms Youth Project (OYP) OpenArms Openarms Youth Project Openarms Youth Project (OYP) OYP Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) PFLAG Pride 2005 pride festival pride Parade Pride Parade and festival TOHR Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) https://history.okeq.org/files/original/508bf5f796046a4c4026bd2d0fcfa767.pdf c44ea54b52200b9f2bbea8819e1c5e7e PDF Text Text FINAL REPORT AND RECOMilENDATIONS SEXUAL ORIENTATION TASK FORCE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION CITY OF TULSA, OKLAHOMA JANUARY, 1973 by Billie Edwards Sentell Fox Wally Hargrave Charles Johnson Robert Ritz Terrence Luce, Chairperson �ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The SEXUAL ORIENTATION TASK FORCE wishes to express its gra titude to the following persons and groups for their assistance in helping the TASK FORCE fulfill its objectives: numerous members of local gay organizations and individual members of the gay community, Commissioner Michael Kerpan, and several members of the DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS: Jerry Parker, Judy Hille, Cheryl Mays, Sheila Terry, Judith Kraines, Pam Johnson, and Larry McConnell, Mr. McConnell served as liaison between the Department of Human Rights, the Human Rights Commission and the Task Force. INTRODUCTION In April of 1977, the HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION established the SEXUAL ORIENTATION TASK FORCE in order to determine how to implement the policy (see Appendix) of the TULSA CITY COMMISSION, with respect to non-discrimination based upon one’s sexual orientation. Luce agreed to serve as chairperson of the TASK FORCE, Terry He was given the freedom to select as members those individuals who could operate both freely and objectively in the Task Force’s attempt to recommend procedures and policies for protecting the rights of homo sexual persons. Members of the TASK FORCE came from such diverse areas as business, psychology, psychiatry, the gay community, educa tional institutions, and the HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION. The initial activity of the TASK FORCE was to determine its objectives, activities which would be conducted to fulfill these objectives, and performance indicators to indicate when such objec tives had been fulfilled (see Appendix). Reflecting the activities of the TASK FORCE detailed in the ’’Objectives" statement, the following activities were engaged in by the Task Force members: The major activity engaged in by the Task Force was educational in nature. Numerous public and private speaking engagements were I �held with diverse community groups, most frequently with church groups, These interactions were felt to be enormously successful in disseminating information about the ’’Sexual Preference Study” of the DEPAHTMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS, dispelling myths which abound with respect to homosexuality, and in permitting citizens to express their fears and confusions with respect to issues of homosexuality. In every such encounter, the reception was overwhelmingly positive. The typical response to the presentations (which always included gay members on the panel) was an ovation, followed by handshakes with panel members and sincere congratulations on the educational effort. In no instance was there any manifestation of hostility by even a single person, There are additional speaking engagements planned up to the end of February, 1978, with more anticipated beyond that date. A prototype public policy statement was developed and was sent to approximately 15 diverse organizations for their endorsement. These organizations were public agencies, church groups, business groups, and professional groups. This public policy statement (see Appendix) asked for public endorsement of the TULSA CITY COMMISSION’S policy statement of non-discrimination based upon sexual orientation. At present, only two organizations have en dorsed the public policy statement. The remaining organizations have either tabled the request, or have voted not to consider the request. In instance did any organization reject the endorsement statement. The Task Force feels that there was considerable reluctance on the part of these several or_gani.zations to appear to be ’’first" in adopting a policy of non-discrimination against homosexual persons. While such reluctance in today’s political and social milieu is understandable, it is important to note, as stated above, there were no rejections of the policy statement. In addition to the public and private discussion groups de scribed above, TASK FORCE members heavily utilized the local media. There were several television appearances on both commercial and public TV, numerous radio appearances, and considerable coverage in �•the local newspapers, The Task Force feels indebted to the local media for their ready availability to report our efforts, and for the generally accurate and sensitive manner in which issues were reported, Throughout the life of the TASK FORCK, members compiled numerous and varied resource materials on issues of homosexuality, contacting universities, national gay groups, conducting computer searches and obtaining updated information regarding legislation throughout the nation which deals with issues of homosexuality. A major educational effort, not directly related to the TASK FORCE, but an outgrowth of it, was the development of a proposal to produce a series of four video-tapes dealing with issues of homosexuality, with each tape addressing the unique interests of a particular target group (clergy, educators-PTA-parents, law enforcement, and business persons), This proposal will be submitted within the next two weeks to one or more potential funding organizations. series, There will be multiple sponsorship for the educational with sponsors including the DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS, City of Tulsa. However, other sponsors may be added within the next two weeks. There have been several informal meetings with selected per sonnel from CITY departments, in order to assess their understanding of the implications of the TULSA CITY COMMISSION policy statement regarding treatment of homosexual persons. It was learned that those persons contacted have felt under no obligation to take any action as a result of the City Commission's policy, and apparently have taken no action v/ith respect to treatment of homosexual persons employed by the CITY OF TULSA. It should be noted here that the City Commissioner's policy statement is not an ordinance and has no legal standing or enforcement powers associated with it. Instead, the policy statement is a position statement only. On two separate occassions, the DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS was contacted by members of the gay community who alleged police harassment at gay clubs. Members of the TASK FORCE and of the DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS held meetings with COMMISSIONER KERPAN, POLICE. AND �FIRE COMMISSIONER, in order to determine what had occurred in these incidents and to attempt to resolve the problem situations, In both instances, Commissioner Kerpan was keenly interested in the matters brought before him, made specific committments about certain police practices, and did indeed fulfill his committments to us. The Task Force feels that Commissioner Kerpan should be lauded for his honesty and for his forthright efforts to protect the civil rights of Tulsa citizens. Finally, it came to the attention of the TASK FORCE that a film was being shown to Tulsa Public School children depicting homo sexuality in a totally inaccurate light. Members of the Task Force and the DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS viewed the film, and found that, indeed, the portrayal of homosexuality was totally at odds with reality, and was essentially a series of dramatized fabrications of reality with respect to homosexuality, Action has been taken to formally request that such totally false material not be used in the Tulsa Public Schools. CO?JCLUSIONS There is abysmal ignorance, with myths abounding, on the part of the general public with respect to issues of homosexuality. One might characterize the state of knowledge of much of the public with respect to homosexuality as that which characterized the beliefs about the earth a few hundred years ago: "The world is flat, and if you travel far enough out to sea, you will fall off". However, despite such unawareness and misinformation, citizens are most recept ive to objective presentations of factual material, and to dis passionate discussions of the many sensitive issues involved in dealing with homosexuality. As stated above, there is little recognition of the Tulsa City Commission's policy statement on homosexuality, and no action taken as a function of this policy. The local media are interested in issues of homosexuality, provide ready access to their resources, and do, in fact, assist �in our educational eflorts. The Task Force feels that the current milieu may be described as supportive of civil rights of homosexual persons, but with wide spread antagonism towards the possibility of coercive measures to protect the civil rights of homosexual persons. The following recommendations represent the unanimous thinking of the Task Force members v/ho are listed on the coversheet of this report. �RECOMMENDATIONS TO HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, CITY OF TULSA RECOMMENDED: Recognizing that a continuing educational need exists on the topic of sexual orientation, the Human Rights Commission should establish or identify resources which provide educa tional programs and materials. RECOMMENDED, that homosexual persons be recognized as a legitimate minority group in Tulsa, with a related need for special representation on the Human Rights Commission; that the Human Rights Commission seek out and recommend for membership some community person (s) who has/have shown active concern for the fair and quitable treatment of homo sexual persons. RECOMMENDED, that Section 102 of the City of Tulsa's Personnel Policy, providing for nondiscrimination in employment, be expanded to include sexual orientation as a protected category; that implementation of this proposed expansion of Section 102 of the City's Personnel Policy be promoted through informa tion and awareness programs prepared especially for and presented to appropriate City staff. Section 102, Equal Opportunity Employment. Policy for the City of Tulsa provides that there shall be no discrimination against any individual because of race, color, sex, age, religion, political beliefs (except as defined in Section 402), national origin or ancestry in any manner involving employment, including recruitment, advertising, appointment, lay off, termination of employment, promotion, demotion, transfer, compensation, training and selection for training or any other terms, conditions or privilege of employment. RECOMMENDED, that the present City policy affirming the rights of homosexual persons to be free from discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations be implemented throughout the community by emphasizing strategies for voluntary compliance rather than enforcement. Information and awareness programs should be prepared and presented to any groups requesting such programs; however, businesses and firms which have contracts with the City should be actively encouraged to use the programs. RECOMMENDED, that the rights of homosexual persons in the City of Tulsa to be free from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations be promoted through strategies for voluntary compliance with the existing policy rather than through passage �#’ and enforcement of a nondiscrimination ordinance; that the status of nondiscrimination against homosexual persons in the City of Tulsa be evaluated at some future date, to determine if voluntary compliance has been effective. If progress has been inadequate, passage of a nondiscrimina tion ordinance, with related enforcement powers should then be considered. RECOMMENDED, that the life of the Sexual Orientation Task Force be extended for a period of one year from the present date, in order to continue its educational efforts and other activities and to monitor progress made toward achieving the above recommen dations. RECOMMENDED, that Dr. Charles Johnson be appointed as the next chairman of the Sexual Orientation Task Force. �Passed 4 yea - 1 no by Board of Commission January^!, 1977 It is the flT^T^onviction-and policy of the City of Tulsa that all persons should have equal oppor tunity with respect to employment, housing and public accommodations and that no individual be discriminated against on grounds other than those related to the legitimate requirements associated with the opportunity which he or she seeks. Dis crimination against individuals or groups based upon their sexual orientation will be considered contrary to this policy and not in the best interests of the City of Tulsa. (City of Tulsa policy on discrimination against homosexuals) �♦ - January 18, 1977 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION - RECOMMENDATION FOR POLICY STATEMENT; Gloria Caldwell, Chairman of the Human Rights Commission requested that the City commission adopt a policy statement to-wit: ‘*It is the firm conviction and policy of the City of Tulsa that all persons should have equal opportunity with respect to employment, housing and public accommodations and that no individual be discriminated against on grounds other than those related to the legitimate requirements associated with the opportunity which he or she seeks. Discrimination against indi viduals or groups based upon their •nuai will be considered contrary to this policy and not in the best interests of the City of Tulsa." She also submitted form of Resolution which vould declare essentially the same policy for implementation by the City Commission. The Human Rights Commission asks that one or the other be adopted. Mr. Parker said the Human Rights Commission not only adopted a motion to recommend that this Commission adopt this policy statement or the Resolution, but took steps to establish a task force to hold meetings with all interested groups. Following consideration and discussion, it was moved by commissioner Eagleton, seconded by Commissioner Franden that the policy statement as recommended by the Human Rights Commission be adopted. Commissioner Thomas moved to amend the motion and the policy leaving out the words "firm conviction and" in first line, and eliminate the last sentence beginning with the word "Discrimination... and ending with"City of Tulsa". There being no second to the motion to amend. Mayor LaFortune declared same dead. Thereupon, the roll was called on the original motion to adopt the policy statement as recommended: Roll call: Franden Kerpan Eagleton yea Mayor yeas 4 yea yea yea noes 1 Carried. absent 0 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [Collection] Oklahoma LGBT+ History Description An account of the resource <strong>Physical Media:</strong> <br /><br /><br /><strong>Digital Media:</strong> Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data paper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [1978] Final Report and Recommendations - Jan 1978 - Sexual Orientation Task Force, Human Rights Commission, City of Tulsa Subject The topic of the resource Need for education and non-discrimination policies Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Human Rights Commission Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Billie Edwards, Sentell Fox, Wally Hargrave, Charles Johnson, Robert Ritz, Terrance Luce, Chairperson Billie Edwards Charles Johnson Human Rights Commission Robert Ritz Sentell Fox Sexual Orientation Task Force Terrance Luce Wally Hargrave https://history.okeq.org/files/original/2471d9bf6206185975e88325593bd6d8.pdf ea2155b9ce48cfc299230ace799c3e73 PDF Text Text JUNE 13,2003 DENNIS NEILL REMARKS AT GALA ISN’T IT GREAT TO HAVE AMBASSADOR HORMEL AND HIS PARTNER IN TULSA TONIGHT? SPECIAL LEADERS IN THE ALL IMPORTANT FIGHT FOR THE GLBT COMMUNITY. IN TULSA, WE HAVE ALSO BEEN BLESSED WITH COMMITTED INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE VOLUTEERED THEIR TIME AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOR SERVICES TO THE GLBT COMMUNITY -PROVIDING EDUCATION,OUTREACH , ADVOCACY. FOR 23 YEARS,TOHR HAS BEEN AN IMPORTANT ANCHOR IN THAT EFFORT -BUT AN ANCHOR THAT IS ONLY AS STRONG AS ITS CHAIN - OF FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS. TONIGHT,YOU REPRESENT A LARGE PART OF THE CIRCLE OF FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS WHO HAVE ENSURED THAT TOHR CONTINUE TO GROW AND EVOLVE OVER THESE 23 YEARS. BRENT AND SUE HAVE HIGHTLIGHTED THE PROGRAMS OF TOHR AND THE IMPORTANCE OF AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. WHAT I WISH TO CONVEY IS THE IMPORTANCE OF TOHR AND ITS PROGRAMS BEING AT THE CORE OF YOUR GIVING OF TIME AND MONEY. THERE ARE MANY WORTHWHILE CAUSES IN OUR CITY,IN OUR STATE,IN OUR NATION,AND AROUND THE GLOBE. IT IS IMPORTANT TO SUPPORT THOSE EFFORTS THAT WE CAN. BUT A FEW CAUSES WE CAN MAKE THE CORE OF OUR GIVING,AND REALLY HAVE AN IMPACT ON THOSE CAUSES. WHEN WE REFLECT IN THE FUTURE ON HOW EACH OF US USED OUR RESOURCES,I BELIEVE THOSE OF US WHO HAVE �MADE TOHR A CORE OF OUR GIVING WILL BE PROUD OF WHAT WE HAVE DONE. BY BEING HERE TONIGHT,YOU ARE IN ALL LIKLIHOOD A CONTIRIBUTOR TO TOHR’S BUDGET. IF TOHR CAN BE IN THE CORE OF YOUR CHARITABLE DONATIONS,WE WILL TAKE THE ORGANIZATION TO THE NEXT LEVEL. IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT THAT WE EXPAND THIS CIRCLE OF FRIENDS AND SUPPPORTERS WITHIN THE GLBT AND STRAIGHT COMMUNITY. SO ASK YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS FOR THEIR HELP. VOLUNTEER MORE OF YOUR TIME AND MONEY. BE POSITIVE ABOUT OUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS OVER THE YEARS. PARTICIPATE IN THE CHALLENGE AND OPPORTUNITY OF SERVING TULSA’S GLBT COMMUNITY TODAY AND TOMORROW. WE WILL BE PROUD OF WHAT WE DID TO MOVE TOHR AND WHAT IT REPRESENTS FORWARD TOGETHER. � Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2003] Gala Remarks by Dennis Neill Description An account of the resource Welcoming Ambassador Hormel, need to include TOHR in your giving of time and money. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 13, 2003 2003 Gala Ambassador Hormel Dennis Neill https://history.okeq.org/files/original/2827eee1581f90896ac6f19d46702641.png 13466766bf1d605f4b896dc514b2fb7b https://history.okeq.org/files/original/c783330d38c25c7a664a53a74293c3cc.mp4 a5c6218cf0c690409de02c7d353d3345 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [Sub-Series] OKEQ > Events > Follies Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [1985-1986] TOHR Follies Description An account of the resource Fundraiser Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights https://history.okeq.org/files/original/ac23ba31796b46ee2166951c2ba3c6a3.jpg e8329343ea528a78ee88aae20dc111fb https://history.okeq.org/files/original/28af9f1d11201bbf6e99130582669d51.pdf 817b5298a483ee35e240294945319831 PDF Text Text Tulsa GLBT Community Center offers FREE pool every, weeknight! 6-9 PM 2114 S Memorial Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights has worked for equality for the Gay, Lesbian, Bi and Transgender (GLBT) community of NE Oklahoma for 22 years. See page 3for related story GLBT parent group provides support and activities for adults and their children, tulsa oklahomans FALL 2002 for human rights quarterly news / volume one /issue one TOHR is educating Tulsa city leaders on important GLB T issues and encouraging them to take actions to improve You may have never thought the Tulsa State Fair would have "Gay Days" - and officially you’re fight, but there’s no better way to make it "Gab’ Days" than with these two concerts! "Gay Days" at the Tulsa State Fair are: SUNDAY; SEPTEMBER 29 - the Village People will be performing on the Oklahoma stage at 7:00 PM. (Continued on page 6, see GAY DA YS) 6 years old and growing, the Tulsa GLBT Community Center provides something for everyone. The Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center, a program of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR), provides not only a visibl~, physical presence of & for the Tulsa/NE Oklahoma GLBT community it also, and importantly so, provides leaders and role models, allies and mentors, partnerships and friends - for the entire GLBT community. The Tulsa GLBT Community Center exists to form commou ground - not only between the GLBT and non-glbt communities but also for the GLBT community itself. The Tulsa GLBT Community Center is the one place in tm~aa that accepts everyone - young adults to seniors and everyone in between. Thousands come through the doors of the Tulsa GLBT Community Center on an annual basis. Here are a few of the reasons why: Young adults who feel isolated have a place More than 200 cities and tm~ns across the U.S. include sexual orientation and/or gender identity in their emplo),anent and housing non-discrimination ordinances. Tulsa is not one of them. That’s why TOHR has placed a renewed emphasis on education and advocacy on behalf of its members and the GLBT community.. TOHR recently established a new Advocacy Comrnittee. The committee’s first order of business: to determine which employers in the Tulsa area include sexual orientation and/or gender identity in their employment non-discrimination policies or offer domestic partnership benefits to their employees. But perhaps more importantly, the committee also plans to discover which major Tulsa employers have not adopted such policies. "The good news is that many companies with branches in Tulsa have policies protecting the GLBT community,," said Brent Ortolani, committee chair. "We plan to fmd out why they decided to adopt those policies and how they were able to gain management approval, then apply what we’ve (Continued on page 7, see EadPHASIS ONADVOCACY) gay, lesbian, center 1~4 S MEMORIAL a program of tulsa oklahomans for human tights to feet they belong while having positive GLBT role models. Community organizations have a place to meet and call home. Countless individuals use the center as a gathering or meeting point for friends and allies. TOHR is helping to build a communib" free of boundaries set out of differences or apprehension. The Tulsa GLBT Community Center is one of the best ways to build that community by providing a home for all in the communiW. All in the community are welcome and encouraged to use and support the Tulsa GLBT Community Center - forming common ground while building a stronger GLBT community. Visltom to the Tulsa GLBT Communl~, Center consider checldng out a bcok from the Nancy McDonald Rainbow Library (abram) while (below) TOHR President Brent Ortolani practice~ his akills Free �The TOHR Board of Directors would like to thank each end every member of the Equality Fund end ell Contributing members for supporting the work of TOHR through advocacy, education, leadership and unity. Equality Fund donors provide a home for the GLBT community - the Tulsa GLBT Community Center - a home for all GLBT and allied individuals and organizations. Equality Fund donors help secure legal equality and social acceptance for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Trensgender & allied community of Northeast Oklahoma. ~e punished by tulsa Fund ~uring tofnorrow’s equality today LEADERSHIP COUNCIL $1,200+ annually / $100+ monthly Anonymous Mark Argo & David Rosebeary Mark Bormey & Philipe Au Dan Burnstein & Martin Martinez Larry." David the Gilt Foundation Kerr3.’ Lewis Joe & Nancy, McDonald Rick Martin & Daniel Sclmeider Dermis Neill & John Southard Brant Ortolani & Steve Aberson J.J. Stogsdill & Alan Oktay Kaye Smith Sue Welch & Marc)’ Smith Van Wilde Williams Companies SUSTAINING COUNCIL $600+ annually / $50+ monthly Karl Cooke Anna Dodwell & Connie McCarley Barbara & Bruce Langhus Boot¯ Flint Sea)’ Cynthia Quick & Vick3’ Brown Tim Williams 25125 Progress is being made in the struggle for equality for $300+ annually/S25+ monthly Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Trensgender (GLB7) individuals, Tulsa Ok/ahomens for Human Rights Blake Rider (TOHR) has been fighting for equality end offering Jonathan Stanley support to Tulsa and Oklahoma’s GLBT community, CENTER FRIENDS their fami~ end friends for more than 20 years. As Tulsa end Oklahoma supports equsiity, it grows as a $120+ annually/$10+ monthly city and state, improves the weft-being of a significant George Baremore portion of its population and increases its attractiveTeresa Bernard & Tamara Thompson ness to business and younger generations, Fred Bassett Greg Davis Consulting, Inc. Michael Eslick & John Myers Melissa Fell & Yravis Anderson D.A. Smotherman TOHR CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS $30+ annually Carey Kilpatrick & L.B. Amos Jim Queen & Please accept our Elise & Arthur Anderson Royal Ward Rueben Garcia apologizes if your Lindy Kroenert Anonymous Melissa Renee name is not listed Lament Lindstrom & Shelton Baker Keith Rickman as a donor or conDevre Jackson Bradley Burdette-Banks John Rudy tributing member Russ McCart7 Rick Snyder Wil Bruner and it should. We John McConnell A. Patricia Spurgin & Ray Chance are currently inLaurie McCormick Carrie Fleharty Rick Ducey stalling a new dataLiz McNamara Clark Taylor Erich Fillmore base system. Gerald Miller Shelly Urbonas Jim Firth Please notig, Barbara Mitchell Rick Fortner Ma~" Waidner TOHR at 743-4297 Tom Neal Greg Gatewood Fred Welch to report discrepDavid Nickell Lauren Whitman & Bret Guillet ancies and/or addiRobert Odle Gregg Hillier Shelley Cm~is tions. Thank you Nancy O’Neil Michelle Hoffman & Murrell B. Wilmoth for you support of Chuck Parsons Martin Wing Heather Harp Tulsa Oklahomans Chuck Pearce & Rick Hollingsworth & Sharmilee Worley for Human Rights Gary Meadows John Voegele (TOHR). the Purser Family Greg Johnston Peg Jones Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) PC Box 2687 Tulsa, OK 74101 918-743-4297 (phone) / 918-384-0108 (fax) tohr.org email: community@tohr.org Editor Greg Oatewood ................. ggatewood@tohr,org Writers and Contributors Greg Gatewood ................. ggatewood@tohr.org Ker~’ Lewis ........................... klewis@tohr.org ~lMichelle Hoffman ............... mhoffrnan@lohr.org Brant Ortolani ...................... bortolani@tohr, org Office location Tulsa GLBT Comrnunity Center 2114 S Memorial Tulsa, OK 74129 TOHR Board of Directors~ ~tulsa oklahomans for human rights President Brent Orto]ani ...................... borto]ani@tohr.org 1st Vice President, Open 2nd Vice President, Open Secretary Wil Bruner ........................... wbruner@tohr.org Treasurer (acting) Kerry Lewis ............................ klewis@tohr.org President Emeritus Kerry Lewis ............................ klewis@tohr.org Director of Fundraising!Event Greg Gatewood ................. ggatewood@tohr.org Director of Board Development Michelle Hoffman ............... mhoffman@tohr.org Director of Volunteers Ray Chance .......................... rohance@tohr.org Director of Gender Outreach Melissa Renee ........................ mrenee@tohr.org TOHR’s Capita! Campaign the Pyramid Project pyramidprojeet.org Co-Chairs Kerry Lewis & Sue Welch Committee Members Theresa Bernard, Mark Bonney, Mare Frieden. Greg Gatewood, David Hoot, Rick Martin, Brent Ortolani, Daniel Schneider, Marcy Smith and Tim Williams TOHR is a 501(c)3 organization operated con~pletely through donations attd wt-paid volunteers, Contributions are tax-deductible to the fidlest ~rtent of U.S. tax lwa: The Torch, a publication of Tulsa Oklahomans for Httman Rights, Ine. is published quarterly (Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer) with an estimated annual readership of 10,000. Subscription rates are paid ~ontributing member dues of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR). Advertising rates are: business ear& $25/issue; I/4 page: $50/’issue; 1."2 page: $75/ issue and full page; $100iissue, A 25% discounted rate is available with a paid annual advertising plan. The Torch is proteoted by copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or part except by permission obtained by contacting TOHR directly, Credit must be given to TOHR. The views of the Torah are expressed in editorial only, Views expressed in letters to the editor and other submissions are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the board of directors, contributing members or editors or leadership of TOHR. The Torch reserves the right to edit or reject any mat~al submitted for mblieatien. The Torch ~nd/or TOHR is not responsible for damages due to typographical errors, Advertisements designed and created for publication in the Torch remain the property of TOH1L The Torch and!or TOHR cannot b~ responsible for claims by advertisers. The use of the ~e or likeness of a per=on or entity in the Tor~h in advertising or editorial content does not imply any particular sex’osl orientation or politlcel affiliation. Cop3,rigl~t 2002, TOHR. �Tulsa OMahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) works to secure legal equality and social acceptance for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered (GLBT) and allied community in Northeast Oklahoma through advocacy, education, leadership, and unity. for numan rights Strategic planning provides roadmap for TOHR in 2003 Summer was a busy and productive time for the Board of Directors of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR). After a highly successfully Diversity Celebration in J~e, which featured the largest Pride Parade ~d DiversiB, Festival ever, ~e Board of Directors t~ed to more serious issues: a strategic pla~mg and budget~g process for the next fiscal ye~ and major revisions of the organization’s byWe hope you enjoy this first is- laws. One of the nation’s top non-profit managesue of the Torch - TOHR’s new quarterly newsletter for the en- ment consultants, Dr. Carol Barbeito, president of CLB Associates of Denver, Colo., led the tire GLBT community in North- strategic planning mad budgeting process. Dureast Oklahoma. The Torch is a ing a three-day visit to Tulsa, Dr. Barbeito conrenewed effort to communicate ducted a board retreat and presided over meetings of the TOHR Strategic Planning Council with you and receive your feed- and Human Resources Committee. Dr. Barback concerning TOHR and is a beito’s leadership was partially under~vritten companion to the Pyramid Pro- by the Gill Foundation (and your generous donations!) ject News, our newsletter focusDuring the retreat, we reviewed and revised ing on the progress of the the TOHR mission statement (stated above). In addition, members of the board presented deTOHR capital campaign. tailed status reports on each component of the organization (governance, financial management, programming, and others.) After the retreat, the board spent the rest of the summer developing goals and objectives for incorporation into TOHR’s first comprehensive Annual Plan. The new 2003 Annual Plan with accompanying budget was approved by the board of directors at its monthly meeting in September. The result: a well-planned and detailed roadmap for 2003. The Annual Plan calls for the development of operating policies and procedures, strict budget discipline (with reserve funds), annual audited financial statements, enhancement of board and committee personnel, fundraising plans and goals, and a new emphasis on advocacy on behalf of our communitT. The overall intent of the plan is to strengthen the organization and secure its future in Tulsa. In addition to the Annual Plan, the board designated broad, long-range goals through 2005. (Continued on page 7, see PRODUCTIVE SUMMER) TOHR has 22 years of experience to lead the way Tulsa is an extremely giving and caring community. But there is one diverse element of our socie~, that must struggle for acceptance. True equally, reelusive for mains Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) individuals in the Tulsa/NE Oklahoma area. Many still live their lives in secrecy and fear. Young adults and adults alike must cope daily in a world that largely does not understand or accept a ve~" basic part of who they are. Fortunately, progress is being made. For more than 20 years, Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR), has been fighting for equality and offering support to Tulsa’s GLBT community, their families and friends. As Tulsa supports equality, it grows as a city, im- proves the well-being of a significant portion of its population and increases its attractiveness to business and younger generations. TOHR works for legal equally’ and social acceptance for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) and allied community in Northeast Oklahoma through advocacy, education, leadership and uni~,. TOHR relies on you as a member of the GLBT allied community to be a part of the social change that is the mission of TOHR. Equality Fund donors and Contributing Members play a vital role in achieving the mission. Donors and members provide the necessal3, funds to operate mission related programs that w i 11 e v e nt u a 11 y achieve the mission. Thank you for your support of TOHR. Michelle Hoffman, Director of Board Development, revises TOHR by-lan~ at one of two Cyber Caf~ n~rkatations in the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian~ Bi & Tranagender (GLBT) Community Center. 2114 ~ Memorial The Cyber Caf~ is in high demand eveo, night at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center & | PBO! EB TOHR members approve major by-law revision Mention the word "bylaws" and most people will quickly nod off. But a well-planned and executed set of bylaws is the backbone of an organization - and the ke,v to its successful and smooth operation. Last spring, the TOHR board of directors began re-examining the organization’s bylaws in an attempt to guide its grm~ with a clear set of operational guidelines. After several months of hard work, the board presented the revised bylaws to members at the monthly membership meeting in August. At that meeting, members presented several new amendments to the bylaws and voted 20-1 for their approval. "We were gratified to see the tremendous interest in the bylaws on the part of our members," said Michelle Hoffman, the member of TOHR’s board of directors who led the bylaw revision process. "It showed us they really care about the organization and its future." The changes to the bylaws were fairly substantial, Hoffman said. "Basically, the revisions took TOHR from an association to a corporate model, The revisions put the board in a much better position to make important decisions and take timely action. They also better prepare the organization to operate a major capital fundraising campaign, provide needed services to the com_munity, and eventually maintain a milliondollar facility and endowrnent." (Cont#med on page 7, see NEW & ~#PROVED) �tulsa oklahomans for human dghts SUNDA Y SEPTEMBER t5 Women’s T-Dance "Celebrating the Diversity of Women" benefiting TOHR’s Capital Campaign the Pyramid Project 3:00 - 7:00 PM Greenwood Cultural Center MONDA Y SEPTEMBER 16 TPD Race Relations Committee meeting Tulsa GLBT Community Center 12:00 PM 2114 S Memorial Drive SEPTEMBER 18-22 U.S. Conference on AIDS SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 2! Feast with Friends "Just Desserts" benefiting the Names Project - Tulsa 7:30 PM University of Tulsa Allen Chapman Activity Center MONDAY SEPTEMBER 23 Say No to Hate Coalition meeting 3:45 PM Fellowship Congregational Church 2900 S Harvard TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 24 Diversity Celebration 2002 planning mtg. 6:00 PM Tulsa GLBT Community Center 2114 S Memorial OCTOBER - DATE TBA TL~SA CARES "Women with HIV Fall Retreat" Location & Time TBA TUESDAY OCTOBER 1 Strategies for Prevention of Harassment Against Children based on race, religion, gender, ability, sexual orientation and image. FREE workshop for Administrator, Counselors and Teachers. American Red Cross 10151 E llth Street THURSDAY & FRIDAY; OCTOBER 3 & 4 State HIV Conference OKC, OK THURSDAY-SUNDAY OCTOBER 3-6 10th Annua! New Genre Festival Nightingale Theatre 1416 E 4th Street SATURDAY OCTOBER 5 10th Annual Tulsa AIDS Walk 9:00 AM Veterans Park 18t~ & Boulder Call 749-6956 for more information SATURDAY OCTOBER 5 the Tiara Part3’ wearing of Tiara’s strongly encouraged benefiting HRC Tulsa 8:00 PM 10:00 PM judging 4107 S New Haven $25 rain donation at the door TUESDAY OCTOBER 8 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) Annual Meeting 7:30 PM Tulsa GLBT Community Center 2114 S Memorial Drive FRIDAY OCTOBER 11 National Coming Out Day What can you do Come Out! THURSDAY OCTOBER 17 Oklahoma Mr. Leather 2003 Kick-off party Play-Mor Lounge FRIDAY OCTOBER 18 OML 2003 Bar tour around to~a & Uniform Ball Silver Star 1565 S Sheridan Road SATURDAY OCTOBER 19 OML 2003 OML 2003 Contest & Black & Blue Ball CW’S 1729 S Memorial Drive SUNDAY OCTOBER 20 OML 2003 Victory Brunch CW’S 1729 S Memorial Drive SAT / FRI / SAT OCTOBER 19, 25 & 27 Tulsa Opera’s La Boheme Chapman Music Hall Tulsa PAC 918-587-4811 for tickets TUESDAY OCTOBER 29 TEAM OK-USA leaves for the Gay Games in Sydney, Australia THURSDAY OCTOBER 31 HALLOWEEN 2002! TUESDAy NOVEMBER 5 Election Day - Vote! MONDAY NOVEMEBER 11 Veterans Day THURS / I~RI / SAT NOV. 22 / 23 / 24 OUT-OK Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival Location & time TBA benefiting TOHR’s Capital Campaign the Pyramid Project MONDAYS Council Oak Men’s Chorale (COMC) and Women of Council Oak Rehearsal 6:50 PM All Souls Unitarian Church Anonymous HIV Testing; H.O.P.E. Clinic 6:00-8:00 PM Lambda League 7:00 PM bowling Riverlanes SUNDAY NOVEMBER 24 "An Evening of Giving" benefiting non- profit agencies & H.O.P.E. Promenade Mall 41st & Yale Call 834-8378 for tickets ($5) Everv sinole week in the Tulsa GLBT, allied comrnuni,~, SUNDAYS Communib’ of Hope Worship 6:00 PM Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation Worship 11:00 AM Diversity Christian Fellowship Worship 11:00 AM & 6:00 PM Fellowship Congregational Church Church school; 9:30 & Worship 10:30 AM MCC United Worship ll:00AM St. Jerome’s Holy Eucharist ll:00AM 2nd MONDAY PFLAG 101 6:30 PM Fellowship Congregational Church PFLAG General meeting with program 7:30 PM Fellowship Congregational Church Please accept our apologizes if your event or regularly scheduled activity is not listed in this issue of the Torch. GLBT and GLBT friendly organizations are invited to submit their events and regularly scheduled acti~Sties for publication. The deadline for the Winter issue of the Torch is Friday, November 1, 2002. Organizations are encouraged to use the insert included in this mailing. �4th MONDAY PFLAG Support Session 6:30 PM Fellowship Congregational Church _TUESDAYS Community of Hope 7:30 PM Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN) Driver Training 1:00 - 4:00 PM RAIN Office 221 S Nogales WEDNESDAYS Diversity Christian Fellowship Worship 7:00 PM Lambda AA 7:00 PM Unit3., Center THURSDAYS Emotions Anonymous Community of Hope 7:00 PM 3rd THURSDAY Gay Veterans of America 7:00 PM Unib’ Center SATURDAYS Alcoholics Anonymous Community of Hope 7:30 PM Lambda AA Unity Center 5:30 PM Narcotics Anon.~auous Community of Hope 11:00 PM 2nd SATURDAY Dignity / Integrib, Worship 5:00 PM St, Dunstan’s CALENDAR OF THE DIVERSITY CELEBRATION 2003 Tulsa’s Celebration of the Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Transgender and Allied Community presented by Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights in partnership with organizations and bus#~esses creating legal equali,ty and social acceptance for the GLBT and allied communiO, CELEBRATE, SAVE LIVES & EDUCATEI Have fun and help make it happen! DO YOU HAVE AN OP1NION ON WHO SHOULD BE THE GRAND MARSHAL(S) ? We want to hear from you, Do you have ideas? Give of yourself and help make Diversity Celebration 2003 another success! email TOHR at community@tohr.org or call 918.743.4297 and become a part of Oklahoma’s largest pride event Diversi O, Celebration 2003! center ~ S MEMORIAL tulsa oklahornans a program of for human rights TULSA GLBT COMMUNITY CENTER / THE TOHR PRIDE STORE ,2I~4 S MEMORIAL / OPEN: 6-9 PM M-F & 12-9 PM SATURDAYR_ SUNDAYS. o Tulsa Area Primetimers; 2nd Sunday; 4:00 PM * ® ~ Sooner State Rodeo Association (SSRA); 2nd Sunday; 4:00 PM Driller Bears: 3rd Sunday every other month; 2:00 PM Genesis Ministries; every Sunday; 10:30 AM MONDAYS Soulforce in Oklahonut; 1 st & 3rd; 6:00 PM TUESDAYS ~ Primetimers Board meeting; ]st Tuesday; ?:00 PM o TOHR Board meeting; 2nd Tuesday; 6:00 PM ~ H.O.P.E. AnonymousHIVTesting; 6:00-8:00 PM WEDNESDAYS Gender Outreach OK Drop-in Day; 7:00 PM ~ Rainbow Families; 1 st & 3rd Wednesdays; 7:00 PM THURSDAYS ® Generations Connection; 1st & 3rd Thurs; 7:00 PM ~ TOHR’s Capital Campaign; the t~yramid Project, Steering Committee Mtgs; call 743-4297 for dates and times ® Center Cinema; movies for everyone; 3rd Thursday; 7:00 PM Bride of Frankenstein in Oct. / Planes, Trains & Automobiles in Nov. and A Christmas Story in December. FRIDAYS o Lesbian Connection Women’s Movie Night; 7:00 PM SATURDAY,S Tulsa Uniform & Leather Seekers Association (T.U.L.S.A). Board meeting; 1st Saturday; 4:00 PM * T.U.L.S.A. general meeting; tst Saturday; 5:00 PM * ~ H.O.P.E. AnonymousHIVTesting; 4:00-7:00 PM Gender Outreach OK Meeting; 2rid Saturday; 7:00 PM Please contact TOHR at 743-4297 or communiO~@tohr.org ifyour organization or group would like to meet in the Tulsa GLBT Community Center. Feast with Friends to be held Sept. 21 Elton John AIDS Foundation helps out The Tulsa Area Chapter of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt will hold it’s annual Feast with Friends Fundraiser on Saturday, September 21 at 7:30 PM. "Just Desserts" will take place at the University of Tulsa’s Allen Chapman Activity Center in the Great Hall. A lavish dessert buffet, as well as a silent auction, awaits guest and patrons. This event is free and open to the public with donations accepted at the door. Proceeds will continue the work of HIV prevention education in the Tulsa Public Schools. In the last year, the Tulsa Chapter has reached over 4,000 Tulsa area students with face to face displays of the Quilt and HIV/AIDS prevention education. For ~e past ~ne ye~s, ~e T~sa AIDS Walk has brou~t toge~er ~o~ of people ~ raise mon~, and aw~eness for HW and AIDS. Join ~e 10~ ~ual Tulsa AIDS Walk ~ Vetoes P~k, Octo~r 5~ at 9:00 AM. A~ ~e Walk stick ~o~d for cl~g ~emonies ~d enjoy local music, g~d f~d ~d friends. Honor lov~ ones liv~g wi~ HIV/AIDS or who have p~s~ away by tang pm ~ o~ Tree of Remembr~ce. T~s is yo~ oppo~W to make a ~ff~ence ~ ~e fight for life. You c~ pick up yo~ Spo~or sh~t at Se Tdsa Gay, ~sbi~, Bi & Tr~gender (GLBT) Co~iW Cent~, 2114 S Memori~. ~natiom will be ~cre~ by 50% wi~ match~g doll~ ~ou~ ~e g~erosity of ~e Elan Jo~ AIDS Fo~dation. Call 749-6956 for more i~o. �Tulsa GLBT & HIV/AIDS community wod,, s together to reach out with care. According to estimates, one in ten Tulsa Hispanic males are HIV positive - a high number. Tulsa GLBT & HIV/AIDS community leaders recently met to begin discussions on possible avenues of education, prevention and support for those affected with HIV/AIDS and GLBT issues within the Hispanic community. TOHR Board member Greg Gatewood attended the meeting. As a result, TOHR is now beginning the process of translation of educational and marketing materials in a continuing effort to reach Hispanic individuals who are Gay, Lesbian, Bi or Transgender~ TOHR will also continue to work with HIV/ AIDS organizations to provide free anonymous testing at the Tulsa GLBT Commtmity Center. September meeting at Tulsa GLBT Community Center The September Tulsa Police Department Race Relations Committee meeting was held at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center. The TPD Race Relations Committee deals with minority issues including sexual orientation. TOt-IR Board member, Kerry Lewis, secured the meeting location with the committee in an effort to educate the TPD on GLBT issues. TOHR Board members gave a short educational presentation to committee members on the GLBT community as well as suggestions on possible ways to work together. The TPD Race Relations Committee includes the TPD Chief and Deputy Chief, officers dealing with hate crimes and representatives of minority communities including AfricanAmerican, Hispanic, Asian and GLBT groups. the Pyramid Project TOHR’s Capital Campaign, the Pyramid Project, has a purpose of raising funds to purchase and sustain a permanent, visible presence and safe and affn-ming home for the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgender Community Center. The campaign is well on the way to it’s goal. The TOHR Board of Directors and Pb’Tamid Project steering committee would like to thank the GLBT allied community for contributing over $200,000 to date. That’s 1/5 of the goal! , While we work on the goal for a permanent home, the existing Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 2114 S Memorial, serves the purpose. You’re invited to visit the center and discover the difference you can make immediately with your time or contribution to the Equality Fund, Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights - a mission for you! TOHR’s mission of legal equality and social acceptance through advocacy, education, leadership and unity is for you - a member of the GLBT allied community. TOHR works for the entire community through it’s many mission oriented programs, all funded through donations and completely volunteer based, with no part-time or full-time paid staff. TOHR programs for the community are: o .Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgender (GLBT) Communi .ty Center - 2114 S Memorial. Six years old and thefocalpoint for the GLBT community. See pages 1 and 5 for more information. o Diversity Celebration - Tulsa’s annual celebration of the G~, Lesbian, Bi, Transgender and allied community. Presented by TOHR to celebrate, save lives and educate - something for everyone. ~, Tulsa GLBT Information Line - 918-743-4297 is the number for information, referrals and more. ~ TQHR Pride Store - Located in the Center, the store is the place in Tulsa for pride merchandise. ~ _Nancy. McDonald Rainbow Libr&~ - Located in the Center with over 3,500 rifles for check-out. ~ _Queer CyberCafe - Located in the Center -free internet access for all in the community. Diversity Celebration 2002: Tulsa’s celebration of the GLB T allied community was a success thanks to you. Three expressed purposes sum up Tulsa’s annual celebration of the Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Transgender (GLBT) & Allied community Diversity Celebration. Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) presents Oklahoma’s largest pride events to celebrate, save lives and educate. The events celebrate and uni~, the GLBT allied community. Progress has been made in the struggle for equality. This is the rime of year we remember how it all started - and what more we must do to achieve equality. Diversity Celebration saves lives by reaching out to those within the GLBT eommunity - but forced in the closet due to societal pressures. Friends, family, religious institutions mad government sometimes try to convince closeted individuals they are less than equal. Diversity Celebration shows those in the closet they don’t have to live in fear. Most importantly, the week of events educates the public on the need for equality regard- ~ Advocates in Action - working for legal equality with the leaders of Tulsa. ® Rainbow Families - a TOHR Partner Program for GLBT individuals and couples with children. o Generations Connection - a TOHR Partner Program for seniors. See page 8 for more information. ® ~nd Sunda_~ - a TOHR Partner Program for GLBT young adults with an emphasis on advocacy. less of sexual orientation and/or gender identity. People fear what they don’t know. Diversity Celebration educates those who fear and hate by demonstrating that ~vhile we all may be different - we all want and deserve the same thing equality Diversity Celebration 2002 celebrated, saved lives and educated thanks to the dedication and hard work of the steering committee, sponsors, and the community.. An estimated 7,500 individuals participated in the various events - proof the events accomplished the purposes of celebrating, saving lives and educating. Space does not permit a list of everyone involved - but please know your fmancial resources, hours of volunteer work and yes, your sacrifices, are worthwhile and greatly appreciated. Without any of you, it simply would not get done. Thank you. Greg Gatewood Chair, Diversity Celebration 2002 and for the TOHR Board ofDirectors (Continuedfront page 1) Gay Days at the Fair FRIDAY; OCTOBER 4 Joan Jett and the Blackhearts play the Oklahoma Stage at 7:00 & 9:00 PM. Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) encourages all in the GLBT allied community to go out to the fair and support the first "Gay Days" at the Tulsa State Fair. If you haven’t been to the fair in a while, then get out and "come out" - you’ll have a great time and the people watching is fantastic. (not an opinion, but simply a fac0 The TOHR Pride Store in the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center, 2114 S Memorial, is the place to get your T-shirt, bracelet, necklace, cap, etc. before you head out to "G~’ Days" at the fair. See you at the TOHR Pride Store and then the Tulsa State Fair for "Gay Days" Saturday, September 29th and Friday, October 4th. �(Continued from page 3) (Continuedfrom page 3) Productive summer leads to roadmap for FY2003 The board also completed the substantial task of revising the organization’s bylaws. The revised bylaws were approved by the TOHR membership in August. In short, the new bylaws changed the organization’s method of operation from an association to a corporate model, and established a new fiscal year that begins on October 1st. (See story on new bylaws on page 3). Finally, we hope you enjoy tiffs first issue of the Torch - TOHR’s new quarterly newsletter for the entire GLBT community in northeast Oklahoma. The Torch is a renewed effort to communicate with you and receive your feedback concerning TOHR and is a companion to the P3wamid Project News, our newsletter focusing on the progress of the TOHR capital campaign. TOHR Board ofDirectors (Contim~edfrom page 1) Emphasis on Advocacy learned to encourage other major Tulsa employers to follow suit." And what about equal rights and legal protection for our communib’ within the City of Yulsa’s ordinances regarding discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations? "That’s another matter altogether," Ortolani said. "We would like to help educate members of the Cib" Council and the mayor’s office on important GLBT issues and eventually, encourage them to take action." In August, members of the Advocacy Committee met with top aides of Tulsa Mayor Bill LaFortune, the leadership of the Tulsa Housing Authority, and the administrations of several area universities to discuss equal rights and protection for GLBT citizens. Unless changes are made, America’s 59tu largest city (in terms of media markets) will be surpassed by dozens of much smaller communities that have chosen to extend equal rights and protection to GLBT citizens. New & Improved by-laws approved Here’s a summao’ of some of the major bylaw changes: The organization’s new fiscal year wi!! begin on October 1st. There will be two groups of members: 1) Board Members and 2) Contributing Members, Contributing Members will vote on changes in membership dues and bylaw revisions affecting membership fights. All other decisions will be made by the Board of Directors. ® Nominations for members of the Board of Directors will be submitted to Contributing Members by the Board Development Committee 30 days prior to the Annual Meeting (first Tuesday in October). ~ Nominations for the members of the Board of Directors may be submitted by Contributing Members at least 14 days prior to the Annual Meeting by a petition to the SecretaD’ that is signed by at least 10 members. ~ Nominations for Board Members may not be made from the floor at the Annual Meeting. ~ All members will vote on nominations for the Board of Directors at the Annual Mtg. Officers will be elected by the Board of Directors at the first board meeting after the Annual Meeting. (Contributing members are those who have paid annual dues.) Other bylaw revisions addressed standing committees, entering into contracts, indemnification, and conflict of interest. Full-text copies of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) revised bylaws are available free of charge at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center at 2114 Memorial Drive. TOHR Annual Meeting 7:00 PM / Tuesday, October 8 Tulsa GLBT Community Center PFLA G Muskogee 3531 E 93rd Street South Muskogee, OK 74403 Join PFLAG Muskogee; the Ist Monday of each month 6:00 PM Muskogee Public Library; 800 W Okmulgee Avenue Email us at PFLAG4Muskogee@aoLcom National Coming Out Day is an international event which gives gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GTBT) people the opportuni~" to "come out" to others about their sexuali~’. It also provides a means of increasing the visibilit?; of gay people. The first National Coming Out Day was held on October 11, 1988. This date was chosen for the annual event in commemoration of the 1987 March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. It also marks the anniversa~, of the first visit of the AIDS Memorial Quilt to Washington, D. C. Many communities and college campuses sponsor activities such as dances, film festivals, workshops, literature booths, and rallies on National Coming Out Day Tulsans can do their part in this years National Coming Out Day. Simply stop by the TOHR Pride Store, located in the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 2114 S Memorial and pick up a bumper sticker or T-shirt. Then slap that sticker on your car or wear that T-shirt. Come outl It’s what you should do. Period. �TOHR Board of Directors to be presented and elected Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) will hold its annual meeting to elect the incoming Board of Directors on: October 8, 2002 7:30 PM .Tulsa GLBT Commu.nity Center 21!4 S Memorial The Board Development Committee presents t he following nominees to the 2003 & 2004 TOHR Board of Directors: Ellen Averill Ellen works for the Public Relations department of Williams Companies. Jason Caniglia Jason is Director of Development for the OSU College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology, Stillwater, OK. Kelly Carter Cindy is a Quality Control Inspector with a Transportation Company in Broken Arrow, OK. Thom Golden Thorn is the managing editor of Oklahoma Magazine. Pat Hobbs Pat is Chief Financial Officer of Long Term Care Authority, Tulsa, OK. The following individuals currently serve as TOHR Board members and will remain for 2003. ,Ray Chance Ray is a Technical Assistant with American Airlines, Tulsa, OK. Greq Gatewood Greg is a Tulsa, OK based free-lance graphic and residential designer, Michelle Hoffman Miche!le is Executive Director of the Center for Health Care Concepts, Tulsa, OK. Kerrg Lewis President Emeritus Kerr), serves as legal counsel for TOHR and is a partner of Rhodes, Heimonymous, Jones, Tucker &Gable, Tulsa, OK. Brent Ortolani Brent is Director of Public Relations of Rogers State Universit3.’ (RSU), Claremore, OK. Melissa Renee Melissa is a Tulsa, OK based commercial pilot with American Airlines. Nominations to the TOHR Board of Directors may be made by Contributing members (individuals with paid dues)at least 14 days prior to the annual meeting by a petition to the Secretar3, that is signed by 10 contributing members in support of the nomination. Please see the article on page 3, New and Improved, for additional election processes. You are invited to the TOHR annual meeting. The TOHR annual meeting will be held Tuesday, October 8, 2002 at the Tulsa Gay’, Lesbian, Bi, & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center, 2114 S Me~ modal at 7:30 PM. Generations Connection, .a TOHR Partner Program, address issues of the elderly GLB T community ® At least one to three million Americans over 65 years of age are gay, lesbian, or bisexual The number and proportion of GLBT elders will increase significantly over the next few decades, along with the overall elder population. By 2030, one in five Americans will be 65 or older. Roughly four million will be GLB. About five percent of elder women, and four percent of elder men, have never married in their lifetime. It is likely that man3’ of them are gay or lesbian and that many GLBT people are not counted I this statistic because the)," had been legally married to an opposite-sex partner at some point in their life. National voter exit polls in 1998 report that 8.3 percent of the GLB elec. torate is 65 years and older. The population estimates above do not include transgender people because there are no national date available on transgender people in the U.S.. 0L U NTE E R President George W. Bush has encouraged all Americans to make a difference in the next few years and volunteer in your community. The GLBT a!lied community sometimes does not get along with current administration, however, this is an area where W. and everyone should agree. Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) is a volunteer based non-profit organization. There are no part-time or full-time paid employees. All TOHR programs for the community rely on the community’ to secure lega! equali~’ and social acceptance. Here’s a few examples of how you can do your part and be a part Tulsa’s largest GLBT organization. Advocates in Actior~: TOHR is working with city and local officials and businesses in order to obtain the mission of legal equality and social acceptance. S__t0re & More: Do you have retail experience? Like to help people? The TOHR Pride Store can use your expertise. Volunteers operate the store and answer the Tulsa GLBT Information Line and get a 10% discount off purchases! We work with your schedule to use your valuable time wisely. Bar-Fly-R: Spread the word on TOHR programs and upcoming activities and events - and have some fun while doing it. Diversig, Celebration 2003: Tulsa’s annual celebration of the GLBT allied commtmib’ is nearly a year long process. Get involved with Oklahoma’s largest pride event - you’ll be glad you did! Simply stop by the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 2114 S !vlemorial, today, or call 743.4297 or email us at community@tohr.org to fred out how you can help. You’ll be giving back to your eommnni~" - and helping to secure legal equality, and social acceptance. Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) is addressing these issues with "Generations Connections." The group was formerly known as GLBT Aging Generations, and is a TOHR partner program. Generations Connection is for individuals of all ages concerned with issues of aging GLBT generations. The group meetings are the 1 st and 3rd Thursdays at of the month at 7:00 PM at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center. The evening will feature a discussion about the needs of aging generations and the future course of action for this TOHR Partner Program designed to assist them. Refreshments and coffee will be served with donations accepted. For additional information, call the Tulsa GLBT Information Line at 918-743-4297 or Ms. Clare at 587-4669. � Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Microsoft Publisher Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2002] Fall TOHR Torch Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Fall 2002 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Fall 2002 TOHR Reporter https://history.okeq.org/files/original/f086fd46b0f5946b12eccd0cdef3221c.jpg a0f29f7b77282d32f9963459a044dfdf https://history.okeq.org/files/original/7e3745efc11306c899d6e92a97cd2350.pdf c046cb483cd13dc9cb1570ed8c020eb0 PDF Text Text gay, lesbian, center Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights works for equality and social acceptmnce for the Gay, Lesbian, Bi and Transgender (GLBT) and allied community of Northeast Oklahoma through advocacy, education, leadership and unity. National Coming Out Day Saturday, October 11 ,tulsa oklahomans FALL 2003 for human rights quarterly news / volume two / issue one Your chance to speak out on the organization is Tuesday, October 7th - Tulsa GLB T Community Center It’s been an exciting year for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) and allied community of NE Oklahoma and Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR). Looking at the past year and toward the future will be the focus of the TOHR annual meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, October 7th at the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgender (GLBT) Communit3.’ Center. The Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 2114 S Memorial, has recently undergone a transformation to better serve the GLBT & allied communi~:. You’re invited to review and comment on .the improvements during a reception and open house beginning at 6:00 PM and stay for the meeting and program, beginning at 7:00 PM A State of the Organization presentation by outgoing President Brent Ortolan and theelection of the 2004 Board of Directors, see page 3 for nominee biographies, highlight the meeting. For more information on Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights and/or the annual meeting please call 918.743.4297 or visit www.tohr.org. American Sign Language classes offered this fall Always wanted to communicate with the deaf?. Now you have a chance to through an exciting new commtmity outreach activity,. The Communication Service for the Deaf of Oklahoma (CSD of Oklahoma) and Tulsa Oklahomans for Htnnan Rights (TOHR) are sponsoring Beginner American Sign Language (ASL) Classes at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 2114 S Memorial, beginning October 16th. Classes will be held every Thursday and run for 8 weeks. A tuition fee of $40/student and a $20 book "How to Speak With Your Hands" fee for a tota! of $60/individual, payable to CSD of Oklahoma, is required. To enroll, stop by the Communication Sen, ice of the Deaf at 8519 E 1 lth Street from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM or the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 2114 S Memorial. Enrollment deadline is Friday, October 10th and is limited to t6 students per class. CSD of Oklahoma will also coordinate "Deaf Night" from 8:00-9:00 PM after the fourth week of classes. Deaf or hearing impaired individuals are invited to attend these gatherings to further teach ASL to those in the classes as well as to enjoy the company of all in the community, at the Tulsa GLBT Commtmity Center. Celebrate Coming Out with FallSpeakers Dinner, Friday, October 10, 2003 The Intemational Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) Finals highlight a busy fall for the Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Transgender (GLBT) and allied community of NE Oklahoma. See the back cover for a listing of fall events. Tulsa GLBT Information Line The Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender (GLBT) History Project presents Dr. Leisa Meyer as the featured speaker at the FallSpeakers Dinner on Friday, October 10, 2003 at All Souls Unitarian Church 2952 S Peoria. Dr. Meyer is the Director of Women’s Studies and an associate professor of history at William & Mary College, Williamsburg, VA. She is the chair of the American Historical Association’s Committee on Gay & Lesbian History. Her boo’ks include Creadng G.1. Jane: Sexuality and Power in the gEomen’s Army during Igorld gear H (1996) and Talldng Sex: A H~story of Sexuality in America since g/orld Igar 11 (forthcoming 2005). She is also an associate editor for the (Continued on page 5 - see GLBT History) �After years of living in denial, the man had fmally accepted he was Gay. He left his job as an associate pastor at a large church, told his wife and boss he wa~s gay and drove to his hometown - Tulsa, He arrived in Tulsa and stayed with friends from college (all graduates of Rhema Bible College), wondering about the next step and searching for answers. He called the Tulsa GLBT Information Line, 743-GAYS, the next morning and talked to a volunteer - who happened to be there during the day. That afternoon, he came to the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Trausgender (GLBT) Community Center and stayed for over 4 hours. He felt free and honest about his life for the first time, What might he expect in his future? Would his family ignore him? Would he ever see his children again? Were there others like him? As he left the Center and thanked the volunteer, he said "You’ll never know how coming here has helped. It saved me." Memorial That is one of the reasons the Tulsa GLBT Community Center exists. Thousands of individuals call the Tulsa GLBT Information Line, housed in the center, searching for answers. Young adults come through the doors wondering if they will ever be accepted by their family and friends. Others of all ages step through the doors in the lifelong process of coming out. Still more find a community they never knew existed. Families and friends of GLBT individuals learn their loved one is part of a community that cares. Community organizations have a place to call home and meet - educating those in and a part of the GLBT & allied community. The very presence of the Tulsa GLBT Community Center educates the general population on the issues of equality and social acceptance - the mission of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR). Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights has operated the Tulsa GLBT Community since 1996 and is Oklahoma’s oldest GLBT organization having been in existence since 1980. Through advocacy, education, leadership and unity, TOHR provides the 6LBT & allied community a place to call home - the Tulsa GLBT Community Center - and a voice to educate Oklahoma on equality and social acceptance. You are TOH1L You can provide, through your volunteer time or membership/contribution, a home for the community and a place for all - gay or straight - to feel comfortable and be themselves. Advocacy and educational programs can continue to demonstrate to all Oklahomans GLBT individuals deserve the same basic rights, equality and acceptance most people enjoy. Be a part of TOHR (member/donor form on page 7). You’ll be doing your part for equali~’ and social acceptance. You could be saving a life. gay, lesbian, --bi & transgender center TULSA GLBT COMMUNITY CENTER WEEKLY SCHEDULE TUESDAY o GLBT Center & Pride Store Open 6:00-9:00 PM Free HIV Testing by H.O.P.E. 6:00-8:00 PM ® Tulsa Area Primetimers Board Mtg 1st Tuesday; 6:00 PM ® Tulsa Area Primetimers Meeting 1st Tuesday; 7:00 PM ® Advocates in Action 1st Tuesday; 7:00 PM o TOHR Board Meeting 2nd Tuesday; 6:00 PM WEDNESDAY GLBT Center & Pride Store Open 6:00-9:00 PM ® Gender Outreach OK Drop-In Day 7:00 PM Gender Outreach OK Movie Night 2nd Wednesday; 6:30 PM ® Tulsa GLBT History Project 2nd Wednesday; 7:00 PM THURSDAY GLBT Center & Pride Store Open 6:00-9:00 PM ® American Sign Language Classes 8 ~eek class begins October 16 6:00 PM FRIDAY s GLBT Center & Pride Store Open 6:00-9:00 PM SA TURD A Y s GLBT Center & Pride Store Open 3:00-9:00 PM Free HIV Testing by H.O.P.E. 4:00-7:00 PM Tulsa Uniform & Leather Seekers Association (T.U.L.S.A.) Board Meeting 1st Saturday; 4:00 PM T.U.L.S.A. Member Meeting 1st Saturday; 5:00 PM s Gender Outreach Ok Meeting 2rid Saturday; 6:00 PM published by Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) PO Box 2687 Tulsa, OK 74101 918-743-4297 (phone) / 918-384-0108 (fax) tohr.org email: community@tohr.org Editor Greg Gatewood ................. ggatewood@tohr.org Writers and Contributors {2rreg Oatewood ................. ggatev¢ood@tohr.org Kerry Lewis ........................... klewis@tohr, org Brent Ortolan ...................... bortolani@ohr.org Office location Tulsa GLBT Community Center 2t 14 S Memorial Tulsa, .......... -- ~tulsa oklahomans /Ul’lK Board el ulrectors for human rights President Brent Ortolani .................. bortolani@tohr, org 1 st Vice President Vacant .................................................. 2nd Vice President Ellen Averill ..................... eaverill@tohr, org Secretary Vacant Treasurer Pat Hobbs ........................... phobbs@tohr.org President Emeritus Ken3, Lewis ......................... ldev~4s@tohr.org Mombor,,,-at.Largo Director of Board Development Miehelle Hoffman ............ mhoffizmn@tohr.org Director of Gender Outreach Troy Nicklaus .................. t~rficklaus@tohr.org Director of Marketing Greg Oatewood .............. ggatewood@tohr.org TOHR’s Capital Camloaian the P3"ramid Project pyramidproject.org Co-Chairs Sue Welch & Brent Ortolani ~/$~,,maa ~o,t~t Committee Members Theresa Bernard, Mark Benney, Marc Frieden Crreg Gatewood, David Hoot, Brent Ortolani. Marcy Smith and Tim Williams. 7~)HR is a 501 (c)3 organization operated complete~, through donations and non-paid volunteers. Contributions ar~ tardeductiblt~ to the j~lte~t extent of current United States of America tar laws. ~ Torch, a publication of Tul~ Oklahoraana for Human Rights, Inc. is publi~h~ quarterly (Fall, Winter, Spring and Smamer) with an ~limated amaual r~eder~hip of 10,099. Subseriptina r~tes are paid contributing member dues of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human RighB (TOHR). Advarfldng rale~ are: buain~ card: $25,,’iasue; 1/4 page: $50iis~ue; 1~2 page: $751is~ae and full page; $100/isnue. A 25% discounted ra|e is available with a paid annual advertising plan, Tbe Torch is prot~ted by cop)fight and may not be rein’educed in vdraie or part except by l~a’nlssion obtained by contacting TOHR dir~tly. Credit must be given 1o TOH1L The viewa of the Torch ar~ expren~ed in editorial only. Views ~xpr~.d in !¢ttera to the edltor and other subraindom are these of the author and do rot rmee~sarily rdle~t tho~e of tl~ board of dlt’~tor~ contributing ramthera or editors or lcaderddp of TOHR. The To~h resea’ve~ the right to edit or l~j¢¢t any material ~ubafitted for publleatinn. TI~ Torch at~or TOHR ls not r~txm~le for damages due to typollon in the Torch renmia ~ protxn~’ of TOHtL TI~ Torch ar’d0’or TOHR caunot b~ responsible for claims by adverli,~ra. TI~ tt~ of flue ma~ or lik~a~a of a person or antli)’ in tbe Torch ia advertising or l~itieal ~fftliatlon. cor~t 2oo3, TOnR, �Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) works to secure equality and social acceptance for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered (GLBT) and allied community of Northeast Oklahoma through advocacy, education, leadership, and unity. TOHR 2004 BOARD of DIRECTORS NOMINEES The Board Development Committee of Tulsa Oklahomaus for Human Rights (TOHR), comprised of Michele Hoffman, Greg Johnston,, Kerr3; Lewis and Brent Ortolani, presented the 2004 Board of Directors nominees recently. The following Oklahomans are nominated to serve or continue to serve on the TOHR Board of Directors. Nominees denoted by an * below will be voted on by the general membership at the Annual Meeting on Tuesday, October 7 at the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center. The public is invited. Ellen Averill Current TOHR Secretar3, Internal Communications Manager Williams Companies Cornmuni~. sen;ice/activities: International Association of Business Communicators, Tulsa Press Club, Habitat for Humanity Robert Babcock* Admission Counselor The University of Tulsa B.A. University of Arkansas Community service/activities: Trinity Episcopal Church, Cormnunity of Hope, Council Oak Men’s Chorale, United Campus Ministries, Frontrunners/Frontwalkers Laura Belmonte* Associate Professor of History Oklahoma State University, Stillwater Ph.D. Universib, of Virginia Communib’ service/activities: OSU Women’s Film Festival, All Souls Unitarian Church, OSU American Studies Program, Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender (GLBT) History Project William P~[ark Bonn ey * Attorney at Law J.D. University of Oklahoma Community service!activities: TOHR Pyramid Project, Cimarron Alliance Group, PFLAG of Muskogee Brad Gordon* HIV Prevention Specialist; HIV Outreach, Education & Prevention (H.O.P.E.) Data Entry Coordinator; Ryan White Clinic B.A. Political Science Oklahoma State University, Stillwater Legal assistant program graduate University of Tulsa Masters in Public Administration current student University of Oklahoma, Tulsa Community service/activities: H.O.P.E., National AIDS Fund Americorps, TOHR, Diversity Celebration 2000 & 2001. Patrick Hobbs Current TOHR Treasurer Financial Manager~enefits Administrator Long Term Care Authority B.B.A. Southern Methodist University Community service/activities: Community theatre and performing oats Lamont Lindstrom* Professor of Anthropology The University of Tulsa Ph.D. University of California at Berkeley Community service/activities: Society of Gay and Lesbian Anthropologists, advisor of Tulsa Universities BLGTA (Bi, Lesbian, Gay & Transgender Association). (Continued on page 5 - see Board Nominees) YOU want ’ainl!ow. OPEN Tues-Fri 6:00-9:00 PM Saturday 3:00-9:00 PM 2114 S Memorial Inside the Tulsa GLBT Community Center Tulsa Frontrunners/Frontwalkers hit the streets for the community Do you like to jog or ~valk? Then, the Tulsa Frontmnners/Frontwalkers is the group you need to join! Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) has formed the Tulsa chapter of the Frontrunners/Frontwalkers for the community. A part of the international association of Frontrunners (~’w.fronlrunners.org), the Tulsa chapter is one of many across the world. Each chapter organizes a regular series of walks and/ or runs in their city. Most members are from the Ga,v, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender commnnity and their family and friends. Wellbehaved pets are also welcome! The Tulsa Fronmmners/Frontwalkers participated as a group recently in the "Race for the Cure" and will be participating in "Run the River," the 1 lth annual Tulsa AIDS Walk/Run. Tulsa FrontnmnersfFrontwalkers provide a great opporttmity to meet people, get some exercise and share camaraderie. You do not have to be a TOHR member to join and there will be minimal or no dues. The following walks/jogs are currently sponsored by the_group and are followed by dinner/ breakfast at various restaurants for those interested. Tuesday; 6:30 PM Thursday; 7:00 AM Saturday; 8:00 AM All jogs/walks begin in the Tulsa River Parks with participants meeting at the 29th Street Pedestrian Bridge. If you are interested or wish to receive more information, visit the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 2114 S Memorial or feel free to conta£t TOHR. Phone: 918.743.4297 Email: frontrunners@tohr.org Web: www.tohr.org Mai!: TOHR Attn: Frontrunners~rontwalkers PO Box 2687 Tulsa OK 74101. In the meantime, stay health3,! �2 month m Tulsa Area Primetimers Member Meeting 7:00 PM Tulsa GLBT Community Center MONDAYS H.O.P.E. Walk-In Clinic FREE HIV Testing ~ H.O.P.E. Clinic ~ 6:00-8:00 PM 2114 S Memorial 3503 E Admiral ~,t~ Advocates in Action Tulsa Lambda Le%~w TOHR Advocacy group 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Riverlanes Bowling Center Tulsa GLBT 8711 S Lewis Community Center Council Oak Men’s Chorale / 2! 14 S Memorial Women of Council Oak WEDNESDAYS Rehearsals 6:50 PM PFLAG Tulsa All Souls Unitarian Church Lavender Luncheons 2952 S Peoria Open to all 11:30 AM Lamda AA The Supper Club 7:00 PM 640 N Denver Community of Hope 2545 S Yale Karaoke 8:00 PM The PlayMor 1737 S Memorial ~ t st MONDAY PFLAG 101 6:30 PM Fellowship Congregational 2900 S Harvard PFLAG Meeting & Program 7:30 PM Fellowship Congregational 2900 S Harvard 4th MONDAY PFLAG Support Session 6:30 PM Fellowship Congregational 2900 S Harvard TUE~SDAYS Tulsa GLBT Comanmnlty Center Open 6:00-9:00 PM 2114 S Memorial FREE HIV Testing 6:00-8:00 PM Tulsa GLBT Commurtity Center 2114 S Memorial Tulsa Frontrunners/ Frontwalkers 6:30 PM Meet at the 29th Street Bridge on Riverside Book Study Group "How to Know God" 7:30 PM Harmony Church 9022 E 31st Street Catia Lee Love Show 11:00 PM Renegades @ 17th & Main 1st TUESDAY Tulsa Area Primetimers Board Meeting 6:00 PM Tulsa GLBT 2114 S Memorial Tulsa GLBT Community Center Open 6:00-9:00 PM 2114 S Memorial Evening Worship 6:00 PM Diversity Christian Fellowship 5820 E Haskell Place Gender Outreach OK Drop-In Day 7:00 PM Tulsa GLBT Community Center 2114 S Memorial Lamda AA 7:00 PM Community of Hope 2545 S Yale Karaoke 8:00 PM - ? The PlayMor 1737 S Memorial Karaoke 9:00 PM-2:00 AM TNT’s 2114 S Memorial Karaoke 9:00 PM Heads-n-Tails 7944 E 21st The Silver Starlets 11:00 PM Silver Star 1565 S Sheridan Open Mic Night Tool Box 1338 E 3rd Street 2nd WEDNESDAY Gender Outreach OK Movie Night Tulsa GLBT Community Center 2114 S Memorial Tulsa GLBT History Project 7:00 PM Tulsa GLBT Community Center 2114 S Memorial ~ oklahomans for human rights U °TY CALEN THURSDAYS ~ATURDAYS ~tlsa Frontrunners/ Frontwalkers 7:00 AM Meet at the 29th Street Bridge on Riverside Tulsa Frot~trunners/ Frontwalkers 8:00 AM Meet at the 29th Street Bridge on Riverside Tulsa GLBT Community Center Open 6:00-9:00 P~I~I 2114 S Memorial Tulsa GLBT Community Center Open 3:00-9:00 PM 2114 S Memorial H.O.P.E. Walk-In Clinic FREE HIV Testing H.O,P.E. Clinic 6:00-8:00 PM 3503 E Admiral FREE HIV Testing 4:00-7:00 PM Tulsa GLBT Community (~enter 2114 S Memorial ASL Classes 6:00-8:00 PM Tulsa GLBT Conmaunity Center 2114 S Memorial Lamda AA 5:30 PM Community of Hope 2545 S Yale Youth discussion group 6:30 PM Openarms Youth Center 1060G S Ivlingo DeafNight 8:00-9:00 PM beginning Nov. 13th. Tulsa GLBT Community Center 2114 S Memorial Ultimate Weapons Narcotics Anonymous 6YA) 8:00 PM Parish Church of St. Jerome 205 W King Karaoke 9:00 PM Heads-n-Tails 7944 E 21st Male Dancers 11:00 PM Silver Star 1565 S Sheridan FRIDAYS Tulsa GLBT Community Center Open 6:00-9:00 PM 2114 S Memorial -Friday Evening Service 7:00 PM C~agregation B’nai Emunah 1719 S Owasso Shabbot Eve Service 8:00 PM Temple Israel 2004 E 22nd Place Fellowship Congregational Church UCC 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:30 AM Worship 2900 S Harvard Harmony Church of Religious Science 10:00 AM Study Group 11:00 AM Celebration 9022 E 31st Street Parish of St. Jerome 11:00 AM Holy Eucharist 205 W King Danch~g & Entertainment 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM 1014: Josie & Company 10/11: Dance w/DJ Tim 10/18: GYP Youth 10/25: Goth Night 11/1: Pajama Party 1 I/8: Dating Game 11/15: Hollywood Carpet Nite 11/22: Newlywed Game Art Exhibit 1st week of Nov. Openarms Youth Center 1060G S Mingo Special Entertainment 11:00 PM Renegades !7th & Main MCC United 11:00 AM Worship 1623 Maplewood Unity Center of Tulsa 9:30 AM Quest Class 11:00 AM Service 1830 S Boston Avenue Unity Church of Christianity 9:00 AIvI Service 11:00 AM Service 3355 S Jamestown Avenue Karaoke 9:00 PM Heads-n-Tails 7944 E 21 st Karaoke Theme Nite & Show Tool Box 1338 E 3rd 9:00 PM Renegades !7th & Main Karaoke 9:00 PM Yellow Brick Road Pub 2630 E 15th Girls Night Out 10:00 PM The PlayMor 1737 S Memorial 1st SATURDAY Sunday at the Star 11:00 PM Silver Star 1565 S Sheridan T. U.L.S~. Board Meeting 4:00 PM Tulsa GLBT Community Center 2114 S Memorial T.U.L.SoA. GeneralMeeting 5:00 PM Tulsa GLBT Community Center 2114 S Memorial SUNDAYS Diva Rmate Tool Box 1338 E 3rd 1st & 3rd SUNDAYS, Soulforce in Oklahoma 3:00-5:00 PM C~ -- Community of Hope UCC 2565 S Yale 2nd FRIDAY All Souls Unitarian Ctmrch 8:45-! 1:00 AM Child Care 9:00 AM Adult Education 10:00 AM Church School 10:00 AM Adult Worship 2942 S Peoria HIV~dlDS Support Group 6:30 PM Tritesse Center 1709 S Baltimore College Hills Presbyterian Church 10:00 AM Worship 700 S Columbia Retro Night Tool Box 1338 E 3rd Street Diversity Christiw~ Fellowship Inten,ational 9:45 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Worship 5820 E Haskell Place Community ofHope UCC 6:00 PM Worship 2545 S Yale Have a GLBT & allied community related regular happening or spedal event going on? Get in it the TWIT - "This Week In Tulsa," emailed every week and the quarterly Community Calendar. Please contact Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) by email at eommunity@tohr.org or by phone at 9!8.743.4297. �TOHR 2004 Board Nominees (Continuedfrom page 3) John Madlgan * Community service/activities: Tulsa Primetimers, TOHR Pyramid Project, Area Dennis Neill* Senior Vice President, Technology & Administrative Sen;ices Sanason, Inc. B.A. Political Science Oklahoma State University, Stillwater J.D, University of Texas Community sen’ice/activities: Past president of Youth Services of Tulsa, ACLU of Oklahoma and TOHR. Board service of Tulsa Economic Development Corporation, Tulsa Human Rights Commission and AIDS Support Program Troy NichoIas Current TOHR At Large Board member Homemaker Computer, automotive technolo~’ background Community sen’ice/activities: Chair of Gender Outreach OK Brent Ortolani Current TOHR President Director of Marketing & Public Relations Rogers State University B.S. The University 6f Kansas Community service/activities: Public Relations Socieb" of America, St. Francis Hospice, TOHR P.~:amid Project Tim Scott Frieze* Facilities Engineer / Business Administrator The Boeing Company Barton School of Business Community service/activities: Boeing Diversity Council, Boeing Employees Association, Facilities Engineering & Community Relations webmaster, Diversity Celebration 2003. Mike Williams* Subject Librarian, History & Geography Tulsa City-County Library M.A. History, University of Tulsa MLS University of Oklahoma Community sen’ice/activities: retired Naval Reserves, 10 yrs active duty; Vietnam Veteran, U.S.S. Enterprise CVA (N)-65 1969-70 Ken Youngblood* O~aaer Ken’s Flowers B.A. Northeastern State University Community service/activities: Youth Services of Tulsa, TOHR P.vramid Project, Tulsa CARES, Tulsa Opera, Tulsa Ballet, Jewish Federation of Tulsa, Tulsa Jazz Hall of Fame, Philbrook Museum of Art, Gilcrease Museum, Meals on Wheels, Human Rights Cm’npaign and Goodwill Industries (Continuedfrom page t) Encyclopedia of Lesbian, Ga.v, Bisexual 7)*ansgender History and Culture. Dr. MeTers presentation, "The Poliacs of Intimacy: Why Gay, Lesbian, Bise,m¢al dr Transgender Histom~ Matters," inaugurates an annual series presented by the Tulsa GLBT History Project. Founded in 2003, the project aims to document, preserve and interpret the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in Tulsa and surrounding communities. The project is sponsored by Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR), Oklahoma’s oldest GLBT organization. A Donors’ Reception will begin at 6:00 PM followed by dinner and Dr. MeTer’s presentation at 7:00 PM. Dinner and program tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Donor tickets are $50. Tickets are available at the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center, 2114 S Memorial (918.743.4297); Cisar-Holt, Inc., 1607 E 15th Street and The Supper Club, 640 N Denver; or by mail at: History Project, 2221 S Rockford, Tulsa, OK 74114. For more information or to hold tickets at the door, please call 918.743.4354. Know Your Past... Change Your Future Named One of the Top 3 New Tulsa Restaurants Friday & Saturday; 4:30 PM - 10:00 PM Sunday Brunch; 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM ¯ Lunch M-F; 11:00 AM- 2:00 PM 640 N Denver 582-8260 PFLAG Tulsa PO Box 52800 Tulsa, OK 74 Join PFLAG Tulsa; the 2nd Monday of each month PFLAG ~01 @ 6:30 PM, General Meeting; 7:30 PM Fellowship Congregational Church, 29th & Harvard Email us at pflagtulsa@hotmaiL com �Please contact Tulsa Oktahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) at 918.743.4297 or community@tohr.org to add your business or organization to the Torchlistings. tulsa oklahomans -- for human rights ADVOCACY dDVOCITE.~ IN AC770N Tuha Oklabomans for Hmnen Rights PO Box 2687 Tulsa, Ok 74101 918.743,4297 C1MARRONALLIAA’CE GROUP PO Box 18794 OKC, OK 73154 405,810.9599 HUMAN RIGHTS CIMPIlGN ! 107 E 19th Tulsa, OK 74120 918.582.4673 LEAGUE OF WOMEN PDTERS 31ETROPOLITAN IZ,’LS.4 3336 E 32rid STREET SUITE 234 TULSA, OK 74135-4442 NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR WOIIIEN 7V, O, IV..) PO BOX 692057 Tulsa, OK 74134 918.365.5658 OKLAHO~IA NARAL PO Box 9165 Tulsa, OK 918.365.5658 PARENT;g, E43HLIF~ & FRIEND,~ ofLF~BL4A~ & PO Box 52800 TULSA, OK 74152 918.749.490I SAY NO TO HATE COALITION A voltmtee’r organization dedicated to pr.scrving the dignity and fondem~tal free~ of all people. SOULFORCE IN OKL4HOMA RT. 4 Box 3534 Stigler, OK 74462 918.587.3248 or 91&452.2761 TULqA OKL4HOM,L’~TI For ttUMAN RIGHTS tTOHR} PO Box 2687 Tulsa, OK 74101 918.743.4297 CLUBS BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E Pine Tulsa, OK 918.836.8700 HEAD~ & TAH.S 7944 E 21~ Strut Tulsa, OK 74145 NEW AGE RENEGADES 1649 S l~Jn Stre~ Tulsa, OK 74119 918,585.3405 PLA Y-MOR 1737 S Mcraorial Drive Tulsa, OK 74112 918.838,9792 SILVER S~IR SALOON 1565 S Sherid,m Road Tu~a, OK 74112 918.834.4234 2114 S Memorial Drive Tulsa, OK 74145 918.660,0856 TOOL BOX II 1338 E 3rd Slreet TUI~ OK 7412O 918.584.1308 YELLOW BRICK ROAD PUB 2630 E 15th Street Tulsa, OK 74104 918,293.0304 DOMESTIC IqOLENCE 1A’TERVE~TION SERVICES, INC 1419 E 15th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918.585.3143 TUI2gA POLICE DEPAR731E[vT 918.595.2824 OR 911 GLBT ORGANIZATIONS BISEXUAL, LESBIA 34 TRANS ALUANCE OF 7U c/o Riverlanes Bowling Center 8711 S L~wis Talsa, OK OK SPOKES CLUB PO Box 9165 TuL~, OK 74157 OPENAPJdS YOUTH PROJECT 1060G S 1~f~o Tulsa, OK 74129 PARENTS, FAMILIES & FRIENDS ofLESRIANS & GAYS (PFLA G~. TUI~A PO Box 52800 Tuisz, OK 74152 918.749,4901 SOONER STA T~ RODEO PO BOX 471463 TLrLSA~. OK 74147-1463 SOULFORCE IN OKLAH03£4 RT. 4 Box 3544 Stigler, OK 74462 918.587,3248 TCC GAY & LESBIAN ASSOCIATION OF STUDEaNTS 918.595,7632 TULIgA ARF-4 PRIMETI3IERS PO Box 521t 8 Tulsa, OK 74152-0118 918.582.6557 TULSA GLBT ¢OMML"NITY CENTER 2114 8 Memorial Mail: PO Box 2687 Tulsa, OK 74101 918.743,4297 HUMAN RIGH’I~ tTOHRI PO BOX 2687 Tulsa, OK 74101 918.743.4297 TULSA UI~TFOK,I! & LF~1HER PO Box 33076 Tulza, OK 74102 918.299.6866 1007 S PEOPdA AVENUE TULSA OK 74129 918,587,1101 RYAN WIIITE 17TLE !ttB MEDIC4L CLI,~,7C Oklahoma Sta~ University College of Medicine TErLSA CI’IT/CO~WT}" HEAL DEE4R73IEATF 4616 E 15th Street TuNa, OK 74112 918.744.1000 TUI~4 GLBT INFOIL~tA TION LINE 918.743.GAYS (4297) for GLBT f6endly physicians HELPLINES CDC I~MTIO:YAL PREI/ENTION NETWORK 800.458,523! CRISIS HELPLINE 918,836,4357 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 918.585.3143 GLBT INFO IL~tA TION UNE 918.743,4297 3£IFOR’S ACTION LINE 918.596.2100 NATIONAL AIDS HOTLINE 800.342..MDS A[ITIVE AMERICAN AIDS LINE 800.283,AIDS OKLAHOMA AIDS HOTLINE 800,535.AIDS 918.742.5904 PFLA G HEL PI.INE 9!8.749,4901 $17D HOTLiNE 800,227.8922 HIV / AIDS ,lIDS COALITION OF TULSA 1430 S Bouider Ave. Tt~a, OK 74119 918.585.5551 AIDS WALK TULSA 16 E 16th St~’et Tulsa, OK 74119 918,749.6956 HIV OUTREACH, PREVENTION & EDUGATION(H..O.P,1£) 3503 E Admiral TuBa, OK 74115 918.834,8378 L~TERFAITH AIDS PO BOX 691438 TULSA, OK 74169 918.438.2437 NAME~ PROJECT - TULSA 205 W King Tulsa, OK 74115 918.748.3111 OSU-COM Oklahoma Slate Univerdty REGIONAL ,,lIDS INTI£P.FA1TH NETWORK (RAI~) 221 S Nogale~ TuBa, OK 74127 918.834,4195 1ULSA C,A.RE.S, 3508 E Admiral Place Tulsa, OK 74115 918.834.4194 LEGAL MENTAL HEALTtt ASS’N .. GA Y Bfian-Cortex@utuha.edu COUNCIL OAK MEN’S CHORALE (C03tC) & II"O,~,IEN OF COUNCIL OAK OVCO) PO BoX 1062 Tulsa, OK 74104-1062 918.748,3888 LA3tBDA LEAGUE COUNSELING 1870 S Boulder Tulsa, OK 74119 918.585,1213 TRISTESSE 1709 S Baltimore Tul~ OK 918,587.1200 TULSA GLBT INFORMATION LINE 74343AY8 (4297) for GLBT friendly coonsebrs ~d therapists. PLINNED PARENTt!OOD DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HEALTHCARE INDIANHEALTH C4RE RESOURCE CEIVFER 550 S Peoria Tuha, OK 74119 918,582,7725 MORTON" HEALTH CENTER 603 E ~ Street Tulsa, OK 74106 918.587,2171 AMERICAN CIt"IL LIBERTIES UI~7OA" (ACL ~) 800,875.8516 (PIN # 8516) LAMBDA LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUC~TION FUND (I.LDEF) 120 Wall Street Suite 1500 NY, NY 10005-3904 212,809.0055 UNIVEP~FI]" OF TUL~4 408 S Harvard Avenue Tu~a, OK 74112 918.584.2752 TULSA GLBT INFOI~LA TION LINE 918,743,GAYS (4297) for GLBT friendly attor~ya PERSONAL SERVICES PERMANENTHAIR REMOVAl. B.A. ELECTP.OLOGY 918,455.9050 POLITICAL CIMARRON ALLIANCE 405.810.9599 DEMOCR.ITIC ttEADQUARTERS 3930 E 31st Streel Tulsa, OK 74135 918.742.2457 REPUBLICAN HIL4 D QUA R TERS 7947 E 50th Street Tulsa, OK 74145 918.627,5702 RECREATION GLBT VOLLEYBALL Mondays at 71st/Riverside Sand Corms Memoriul Day - Labor Day LAMBDA LEAGUE c/o Pdverlanes Bowling Center 8711 S Labor D~y - Memorial Day 299-9494 or 251-4526 NANCY 3IeDOIVA~D P.AINBO~ IdBRARV_ Tulsa GLBT Community Center 2114 S Memorial 918.743.4297 TULSA DART LEA GUE Contact any of the Tulsa area GLBT nightclubs for information RELIGIOUS ALL SOULS UNITARL4N CHURCH 2952 S peoria Avenue Tulsa, OK 74114 918.743.2362 B’NAI EMUNAH 1719 S Tui~a, OK 74120 918.5837121 CHURCH OF THE RESTORATION 1314 S Oreenwood Tulsa, OK 74104 918.587.1314 COMMUNITY OF HOPE UCC 2545 S x.’Me Aventm Tulsa, OK 74114-6300 918.585.1800 COLLEGE HILL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 712 S College Tulsa, OK 918.592.5800 DIGP,TIY/INTEGRITY OF TULSA PO Box 701475 Tulsa, OK 74170-1475 918.355.3140 DIVEP~ITY CHRISTIAN FELLOtP*dIHP INTERNATIONAL 5820 E t~kell Pla~ TuBa, OK 74158 918.835.1887 FELLOg~HIP CONGREGATION CHURCH 2900 S Harvard Avenue Tulsa, OK 74114 918.747.7777 HARMONF CHURCH of RELIGIOUS SCIENCE 9022 E 31st Tulsa, OK 918.665.0607 HOPE UNITARIAN CHURCH 8432 S Sheridan Road Tulsa, OK 74133 918.48 L0999 Mc"C UN/TED 1623 N Maple,wood PO Box 581702 Talsa, OK 74158-1702 918.838.17175 SOULFORCE IN OKLIHOMA RT. 4 Box 3544 Stigl~, OK 74462 918.587.3248 ST. A1DAN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 4045 N Cincinnati Tulsa, OK 74104 918.425.7882 ST. DUNSTAN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 5635 E 71st Street TuLsa, OK 74104 918.492.7140 PARISH ofSZ JERO.~tE EVANGELICAL ANGLICAN CHURCH LN AAIERICA 205 W King Tulsa, OK 74106-5156 918.582-3088 TALEQU:~r UNITARIAN UNIt/EP~dLIST CIIURCH 918.456.7900 TE#IPLE ISRAEL 2004 E 22nd Place Tulsa, OK 74114 918.747.1309 RESTAURANTS THE SUPPER CLUB 640 N D~nver Tulsa, OK 74106 918.582.8260 THE WHITE LION PUB 6927 S Canton Tulsa, OK 741 918.491-6533 RETAIL THE PRIDE STORE Inside the Tulsa GLBT Community Center Tues-Ffi: 6:00-9:00 PM Saturdays: 3:00-9:00 PM 2114 S Memorial Drive 918.743.4297 SUPPORT NANCY 3IcDONALD RAINBOW LIBRAR~ TULSA GLBT COMMUNH’Y CENTER 2114 S !vlE/vIORIAL NATIVE A3tERICAN MEN’S SUPPORT GROUP 550 S Peoria Tulsa, OK 74119 918.582.7225 PFLAG- TULSA PO Box 52800 Tulsa, OK 74152 918.749.4901 TU~qA GAY. LESBIAN, BI & TRAi~GENDER COMMUNII~ 2114 $ Memorial Mail: PO Box 2687 Tulsa, OK 74101 918.743.4297 TUL,~4 GLBT INFORM~ TION LINF~ 918.743.GAYS (4297) Tulsa GLBT Community Center 2114 S Memorial TULSA OKIAHOMANS for HUMAN I~rGHIS PO Box 2687 Tulsa, OK 74101 918,743.4297 TULSA YOUTH DISCOVERING DIVERSIlY (lYDD) Youth SerAces of Tulsa 302 S CTaeyetme Aveaue Suite 114 114 Tulsa, OK 74103 918,582.0061 �Peace Through Pride Diversity Celebration 2003 Tulsa, Oklahoma The 2003 version of Tulsa’s amaual Pride events - Diversity Celebration 2003 - exceeded expectations and set records for participants and attendees. Presented by Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, Diversity Celebration 2003 kicked off this past June 5th with Paragraph 175 and culminated with the Pride Parade and Festival on June 14th. Attendance for the week exceeded 15,000. Special thanks go to the sponsors of the week including: The Tulsa Bus Plant, Gayly Oklal~oman, Vocal Pride Foundation, Inc., HRC Tulsa, PFLAG Tulsa, All Souls Unitarian Church and the Parish of St. Jerome. Major Inkind sponsors included BudLight, KHITS 106.9, LDF (Coors/ Miller), Tim Scott Online and ID Lubricants. Thanks also to the sponsors of the various events including the Jewish Federation of Tulsa, the Tulsa City-County Librau’ System, PFLAG Tulsa, Red Ribbon Revue Foundation, Vocal Pride Foundation, Inc., Various NE OK faith commtmities, TW’s/AFAB Catering and Floral Concepts. Thank you to all the participants and attendees of all the events. You helped to make Tulsa’s 23rd annual Pride celebration one of, if not the, best. Thanks also to all on the Diversity Celebration 2003 committee and a!I the volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure a successfu! celebration for Tulsa and NE Oklahoma. The 2004 committee certainly has big shoes to fill Mm’k your calendars for June 2004 as the Tulsa Pride Parade and Festival are scheduled for Saturday; June 12, 2004. TULSA A MISSION OF EQUALITY & ACCEPTANCE Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) works for equality and social acceptance for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) & allied community of NE Oklahoma through advocacy, education, leadership and tmity. TOHR operates the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center holds the Pride Store, the None5, McDonald 1Lainbo~v Library, the CyberCenter, free ~ which HIV Testing, COmmunity organization meeting space and the community living room; is the presenting sponsor of Tulsa’s annual pride events - Diversity Celebration; sponsorS the Tulsa GLBT Histo~’ Project; sponsors the Tulsa Frontrurmers~Frontwalkers; spOnsors "’Advocates in Action" - working with Tulsa leaders oft GLBT issues; is conducting a capital campaign, the Pyramid Project, for the Tulsa GLBT Community Center and is Oklahoma’s oldest GLBT & allied community organization. Your support through membership, donations and!or by volunteering goes directly to support these activities, TOHR is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Contributions are tax-exempt accordiag to current U.S. tax law. your community be a part of ~ ~lsq oktahomans for human dghts NAME DATE PARTNER’S NAME (if applicable) ADDRESS CITY STATE.__ZIP PHONE E-MAIL, .Y...OU DESERVE EQUALITY & ACCEPTANCE EDUCATION LEVEL (student): $15.00/year ............................... [] 2004 QUALITY LEVEL (individual): $30.O0/year ................................. [] UNITY LEVEL (household): $50.O0/year ................................... [] Kelly Kirby, CPA, PC Certified Public Accountant "For All Your Accounting Needs" Gay men and lesbians face many special situations, whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve this community. 48~ 5 South Harvard, Suite 424 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135-3066 918.747.5466 ADVOCATE LEVEL (organizational): $75.00/year ............. .~ ........ [] LEADERSHIP LEVEL (sustaining) $125.00/year .......... ~: ............. [] [] ENROLL ME IN ’the EQUALITY FUND’. monthly reminders for the amount of: $. Please send me [] I WANT TO MAKE A ONE TIME PLEDGE in the amount of $. [] I WANT TO VOLUNTEER. Please contact me ASAP so 1 can help in the fight for equality. Volunteers are needed for a variety of opportunities. METHOD QF PAYMENT (please select one) CHECK [] VISA [] MASTERCARO [] AMEX [] ACCOUNT #: EXPIRATION DATE: SIGNATURE: Join our network of friends learning nonviolence from Gandhi and King, seeking justice for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons. Phone: 918-452-2761 Y CAN WE CALL YOU? ~[]i PLEASE SEND CORRESPONDENCE IN CONFIDENTIAL ENVELOPE ~o~ or 918 --481-8870 SPIRITUAl. VIOLENCE Please return to: TULSA OKLAHOMANS for HUMAN RIGHTS PO Box 2687 Tulsa, OK 74101 YOU MAY PRINT MY NAME IN PUBLICATIONS Ni [][]1! c] c] I! CONTACT ME ABOUT VOLUNTEERING www.SoulforceInOklahoma.org ;, ~"’~ In fo@S oulforceInOklahonrm.org’:~.,~°~L~ "~’~’~~,~.=~.o~ TOHR use: data ~ email ~ �PlayMor, 1737 S Memorial. More information, including weekend packages and contestant entry forms, are available at ~.’w.tulsaleather.com or by calling at 918.582.0303. 1 fth Annual Tulsa AIDS Walk/Run Sunday; October 5, 2003 Veterans Park 18th & Boulder Registration: 1:00 PM 5K Run on Riverside Drive: 2:00 PM 2 mile Walk on RiverParks trail: 2:10 PM Pre-registration forms available at the Communi~’ Service Council, 16~ & Main, BordersMidto~ (21°t & the BA Expressway), Wild Oats Community, Market at 41’t and Peoria or the Body Shop in Woodland Hills Mall (71~ and Memorial). Sponsors of the event include Urban Tulsa Weekly, Starbucks, Gilead Sciences and Roche Industries. For details, call Kate Neary-Pounds at 834-8378 or Rebecca Howard at 596-7961. Inaugural Tulsa GLBT History Project Dinner Friday; October 10, 2003 All Souls Unitarian Church 2952 S Peoria The Tulsa GLBT History. Project presents Dr. Leisa Me3,er of William & Mar3’ College in the inaugural Fallspeakers series. See related story on page 1. Email histo~’@tohr.org or call 743.4354 for information and reservations. October 17, 18 & 19, 2003 A weekend full of activities await the ~vomen of the community at the Tulsa Womyn’s Alliance inaugural retreat. Camping, boating, swimming, volleyball, campfire singing, the Womyn’s Drumming Circle and much more are planned beginning Friday evening, rtmning through Saturday and ending Sunday. Plen~’ of sites remain for camping, but registration will soon dose, so visit www. dykedivine.com for more information and to register for the retreat. OML 15 Celebration The PlayMor Club 1737 S Memorial Friday and Saturday October 17 & 18, 2003 Tulsa Uniform & Leather Seekers Association present the OML 15 Celebration Weekend events include the Friday night bar crawl, KCLU workshops on Saturday, the OML Diviner Saturday" and the big event - the OML 15 Contest beginning promptly at 10:00 PM at the Expo Square 21st & Yale Saturday and Sunday October 25 & 26, 2003 The Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association (OGRA) is proud to be hosting the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) Finals right here in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Thousands are expected to attend and participate in Tulsa as it’s the first time the IGRA Finals will be held in a major Midwest city accessible from all areas of the country. The new and much praised Livestock Arena at Expo Square, 21st & Yale, will be the site of two days of rodeo regulars such as Bull Riding, Bareback Bronc Riding and Barrel Racing among others, as well as Steer Decorating, Goat Dressing and the crowd pleasing Wild Drag Race. Activities and events kick off daily at 9:00 AM with Grand Entry at Noon. Saturday’s Grand Entry is expected to be a highlight of the weekend as many of IGRA’s 22 member organizations are expected to participate. The weekends host hotel, Holiday Inn Select, 5000 E Skelly Drive (I-44 & Yale), will be the site of a nightly IGRA royalty show. IGRA Royalty will be selected on Thursday & Friday prior to the start of rodeo competition. Daily admission to Saturday’s and Sunday’s rodeo competition is $15/individual. Visit OGRA at x~vw.okgayrodeo.com, email ’era at ograrodeo@hotmail.eom or call the rodeo hotline at 405.947.2351 ext 100 for more information. See you at the Rodeo! Wranglers not required, but strongly encouraged... :) OUT-OK Take |g Oklahoma International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival November 12-15, 2003 AMC Southroads & TU OUT-OK returns for the second year of films including The Gift, which documents the controversial act of"bug chasing." 4 days of films are planned in Tulsa. A VIP Pass for $80 gets you into all the film,s plus the pre and post show parties. Visit ~"w.out-ok.com for more information and to secure your VIP pass. Proceeds benefit Tulsa Oklahomans for Hman Rights (TOHR) capital campaign, the Pyramid Project. A series focusing on groups and organizations meeting and/or providing services at the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgender (GLBT) Communi~’ Center, 2114 S MemoriaL Tulsa Uniform & Leather Seekers Association, T.U.L.S.A., is a place for people interested in leather, uniform and Levi lifestyles to meet and socialize. However, T.U.L,S.A. is more than just a social club as the3, sponsor events and activities that promote the leather lifestyle community to others in a positive manner tbxough visibility, fundraising, social, and educational endeavors. T.U.L.S.A. has been and continues to be a leader in the leather community in Oklahoma, raising the levels of education and awareness for all. After a successful Oklahoma Mr. Leather (OML) 2003 Contest, T.U.LS.A. is currently planning the Oklahoma Mr. Leather 2004 Contest slated for October 17-19, 2003. Serving a multitude of purposes, OML allows T.U.LS.A. to: Promote the association locally and to the region in a positive manner. ® Increase awareness of the association, as well as other organizations important to T.U.L.S.A, ® Bring people interested in leather, uniform, and Levi lifes~les together in a fun and celebratoD’ event. Raise critical funding for the contest, as well as charitable organizations. As an added bonus, T.U.L.S.A. gets to participate in the annual International Mr. Leather (IML) contest by sending its OML winner to compete in IML. T.U.LS.A. is proud to have sponsored several OML winners that went on to IML. T.U.L.S.A. membership meetings are the first Saturday of every month at 5:00 PM at the Tulsa GLBT Communit3; Center. Those interested in learning more about the leather lifestyle are invited. Visit www.t~saleather.com for more informarion on T.U.L.S.A. � Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Microsoft Publisher Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2003] TOHR Torch, Fall 2003; Volume 2, Issue1 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2003 Fall Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Fall 2003 TOHR Torch https://history.okeq.org/files/original/253ff3f99b4753c6317aff6d37956eb0.jpg 5ea6156d8f2cee132376720a991f8739 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/1895385a756253c69b9f6e54b20acfae.pdf 07c951fd9fbd703212b085e9936f1154 PDF Text Text Tulsa’s Gay, Lesbian, Bi: Transgender and allied community CELEBRATION! June 8 - June 14 EVENT LISTING, Page 4 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights works for legal equality and social acceptance for the Gay, Lesbian, Bi and Transgender (GLBT) and allied community of NE Oklahoma through advocacy, education, leadership and unity. Where Do They Stand On GLBT Issues? Page 7 tulsa oklahomans SPRING 2003 for human rights quarterly news / volume one /issue three An Executive Director Next Step for TOHR will be achieved with your help Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) has made great strides in recent years: o Working for legal equality and social ac- ® ceptance for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and allied community. Operating the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center while raising alraost a quarter of the funds needed to acquire a permanent home for the community center through TOHRs Capital Campaign, the Pyramid Project. This success is due to the generosity of those who have supported the TOHR operating fund and the capital campaign. So far, TOHR’s capital campaign, the Pyramid Project, has raised more than $245,000 toward the $1 million goal of acquiring a permanent facility for the community center and establishing an endowment to ensure its operation well into the future. The next step for TOHR is the addition of a full-time executive director. "In the coming months, we will be asking members of the GLBT community to help us realize this goal," said Brent Ortolani, president of TOHR and vice chair of the capital campaign. "The presence of paid staff will allow TOHR to reach new levels of success in several areas - in the professional management of the organization, operational efficiency of the community center, and fundraising assistance for both the operating fund and capital campaign." In addition, a full-time executive director will provide TOHR and the GLBT community with greater visibility in the Tulsa area. TOHR has established a goal of raising $45,000 by Sept. 30 to fund the staff position. "This amount will provide us with one year’s worth of salary and benefits for a full-time executive director," Ortolani said. After employment, many executive directors play a major role in obtaining continuing funding for their positions. (Continued on page 8 - see "the NEXT STEP’) tile TRUTH... and nothing HeartSong Leaders to Appear in Tulsa Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) and Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG - Tulsa) are co-sponsoring an evening with Marc Adams, author of "The Preacher’s Son" and co-founder of HeartSong on Monday, March 10; 7:00 PM at Fellowship Congregational Church, 29th & Harvard. Marc and his parmer, Todd Tuttle, started HeartSong to provide truthful information and support to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) and allied persons who have attended, are attending, employed by or associated with religious educational institutions through support, education and advocacy. HeartSong offers help and hope to GLBT students of religiously based educational institutions which do not permit GLBT students to fully express themselves socially, emotional, romantically and spiritually. The evening is free and open to the public. Lambda Legal Attorney to Headline April 14 Event The regional director of the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund - which successfully petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a case that may overturn state sodomy laws, including Oklahoma’s - wil! headline a Town Hall Meeting co-sponsored by Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) and Parents, Family and friends of Lesbians And Gays (PFLAG - Tulsa) on Monday, April 14, at Fellowship Congregational Church in Tulsa. Lee Taft, Lambda regional director in Dallas, will discuss the case of Lawrence and Garner v. Texas. The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to hear the case and issue a ruling later this June. The Town Hall Meeting, which is free and open to the public, will be held at 7:30 p.m. at Fellowship Congregational Church, 29th and Harvard. A reception will precede the meeting at 7:00 p.m. The Texas case has the potential to overtum the 1986 precedent of Bowers v. Hardwick, which ruled that Georgia and other states had the right to criminalize sodomy on grounds of public morality. (Continued on page 4 - see "’TOWN MEETING ") �The TOHR Board of Directors would like to thank each and every member of the Equality Fund and all Contributing members for supporting the wofl{ of TOHR through advocacy, education, leadership and unity. Equality Fund donors provide a home for the GLBT community - the Tulsa GLBT Community Center - a home for all GLBT and allied individuals and organizations. Equality Fund donors help secure legal equafity and social acceptance for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender& allied community of Northeast Oklahoma. published by ,u,saok, Ua ity Fund ~ securing tomorrow’s equafity today LEADERSHIP COUNCIL $1,200+ annually $100+ monthly Anonymous Mark Argo & David Rosebeary Mark Bonney & Philipe Au Dan Bumstein & Martin Martinez Larry David the Gill Foundation Kerry Lewis Joe and Nancy McDonald Rick Martin & Daniel Schneider Dennis Neill & John Southard Brent Ortolani & Steve Aberson J.J. Stogsdill & Alan Oktay Kaye Smith Sue Welch & Marcy Smith Van Wilde Williams Companies SUSTAINING COUNCIL $600+ annually $50+ monthly Karl Cocke’ Anna Dodwell & Connie McCarley Cathy Elliot Barbara & Bruce Langhus Boofy Flint Seay Cynthia Quick & Vicky Brown Tim Wi!liams 25125 $300+ annually $25+ monthly Kelly Carter Blake Rider Dick Miller Jonathan Stanley CENTER FRIENDS $120+ annually $10+ monthly Anonymous George Baremore Teresa Bamard & Tamara Thompson Fred Bassett Paul Betow Tulsa Oldahomans for Human Rights ffOHR) PO Box 2687 Tulsa, OK 74101 918-743-4297 (phone) / 918-384-0108 (fax) tohr.org email: community@tohr.org Editor Greg Gatewood ................. ggatewood@tohr.org Writers and Contributors Greg Gatewood ................. ggatewood@tohr.org Kerry Lewis ........................... klewis@tohr.org Michelle Hoffman ............... mhoffman@tohr.org ~Brent Ortolani ...................... bortolani@tohr.org Office location Tulsa GLBT Community Center 2114 S Memorial Tulsa, OK 74129 TOHR Board of Directors ~ ~tulsa oklahomans Executive Committee - Greg Davis Consulting, Inc. Dr. Vicki Duke & Diana Baxter Michael Eslick & John Myers Melissa Fell & Travis Anderson George Matarazzo & Bill Ferguson Sue Minshall & Carla Hinkle Cathy Rousseau D.A. Smotherman CONTRIBUTING M EM B ERS $30+ annually Johna Abbott L.B. Amos Elise & Arthur Anderson Anonymous Anonymous Ellen Averill Shelton Baker Bradley BurdetteBanks Wil Bruner Mary Bundy & Kay Rowland Doug Campbell John Cannon, III Ray Chance John Cutright & Harry Cramton Rick Ducey Carrie Fleharty & Trish Spurgin Erich Fillmore Jim Firth Rick Foltner Greg Gatewood Don Glass & Femando Este’ Thorn Golden Brad Gordon Bret Guillet Elizabeth A Harris & Deborah A Jansen Gregg Hillier Patrick Hobbs & John Orsulak Michelle Hoffman & Heather Harp Rick Hollingsworth & John Voegele John Hueste Melissa Johnson Greg Johnston Peg Jones Terry Jordan George A Justice Jr. Dwight Kealiher & Mike Tedrick Casey Kidd & Mark Archer Carey Kilpatdck & Royal Ward Lindy Kroenert Robert Lair Lamont Lindstrom & Devre Jackson Karen Mahaffey Russ McCarty John McConnell Laurie McCormick Liz McNamara Gerald Miller Barbara Mitchell Marilyn & Charles Murphy Tom Neal David Nickell Robert Odle Nancy O’Neil Chuck Parsons Chuck Pearce & Gary Meadows the Purser Family Jim Queen & Rueben Garcia Melissa Renee Keith Rickman John Rudy Rick Snyder Tracey Stanart Clark Taylor Ron Toulouse Shelly Urbonas Jack Waggoner Mary Waidner Fred Welch Karen Weldin & Susanne Bain Lauren Whitman & Shelley Curtis Kathleen G Williams Murrell B. Wilmoth Martin Wing Craig Wood & Bob Inglish Sharmilee Worley for human rights President Brent Ortolani ..................bortolani@tohr.org 1st Vice President Thom Golden .................... tgolden@tohr.org 2nd Vice President Ellen Averill ..................... eaverill@tohr.org Secretary Kelly Carter ...................... wbruner@tohr.org Treasurer Pat Hobbs ........................... phobbs@tohr.org President Emeritus Kerry Lewis ......................... klewis@tohr.org Members-at-Large Director of Board Development Michelle Hoffman ............ mhoffman@tohr.org Director of Development Jason Caniglia ................. .jcaniglia@tohr.org Director of Diversity Wil Bruner....................... wbrtmer@tohr.org Director of Gender Outreach Melissa Renee ..................... mrenee@tohr.org Director of Marketing Greg Gatewood .............. ggatewood@tohr.org Director of Diversity Wil Bruner........................ wbruner@tohr.org Director of Volunteers Ray Chance ....................... rchance@tohr.org TOHR’s Capital Campaign the Pyramid Project pyramidproject.org Please accept our apologizes if your name is not listed as a donor or contributing member and it should. We are currently installing a new database system. Please notify TOHR at 743-4297 to report discrepancies and/or additions. Thank you for your support of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR). Co-Chairs Brent Ortolani, Kerry Lewis the Pyramid Project and Sue Welch Committee Members Theresa Bamard, Mark Bonney, Marc Frieden, Greg Gatewood, David Hoot, Rick Martin, Brent Ortolani, Marcy Smith and Tim Williams. TOHR is a 501(c)3 organization operated completely through donations and non-paid volunteers. Contributions are taxdeductible to the fullest extent of current United States of America tar laws. The Torch, a publication of Tulsa Okl~mans for Human Rights, Inc. is published quarterly (Fall, Winter, Spring a~l Sunroof) with an estimated annual readership of I0,000. Subscription rates are paid con~buting member dues ofTuisa OVdahernans for Human Righ~ (TOHR). Adveriising rates are: business card: $25/issue; 114 page: S50/i~sue; 1/2 page: $75/issue and full page; $100~issue. A 25% discounted rate is available with a paid annual edveiXising plan. The Torch is protected by copyright and may not he reproduced in whele or part except by lx:mussinn obtained by contacting TOHR directly. Credit must be given to TOHR, The vinw~ of the Torch are expressed in editorial only. Views expressed in letters to the editor and other subraiesiom are those oftbe author and do not necessarily zeflect those of the beanl of directors, contributing members or editors or leadership of TOHR. The Torch reserves the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication. The Torch and!or TOHR is not responsible for damages due to typographical errors. Advertisements designed arm created for publication in the Torch remain the prope~y of TOHIL The Torch and!or TOHR catw~t be responsible for claitm by advertisers. The use of the name or likeness of a person or entity in fl~ Torch in advertising or editorial content does not imply any ~cular sexual orientation or political affiliation. Copyright �Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) works to secure legal equafity and social acceptance for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered (GLB T) and allied community of Northeast Oklahoma through advocacy, education, leadership, and unity. for numan ngnrs Advoca TOHR Advocacy Committee works with Human Rights Commission to encourage Mayor to Review Pro-Gay Report The City of Tulsa’s Human Rights Commission recently voted to encourage Tulsa Mayor Bill LaFortune to review the Report and Recommendations of its Committee on Sexual Orientation Discrimination issued in 1994. The Human Rights Commission voted 7-1 with one abstention on Feb. 18, 2003 to encourage the Mayor to review the report, which recommended that the Tulsa City Council amend the city’s non-discrimination ordinances to include sexual orientation. Sections 104, 105, and 110 of the City’s human rights ordinances prohibit discrimination in housing, public accommodations, and employment among city contractors. Several characteristics of persons are currently protected, including race, disability, and religion. The motion to encourage the Mayor to review the report was made by Tommy Chesbro, a member of the Human Rights Cornmission and TOHR’s Advocacy Committee. In February 1994, the Committee on Sexual Orientation Discrimination submitted its report and recommendations after months of research, data-gathering, and public forums across Tulsa. The report was approved by the Human Rights Commission and forwarded to the office of Mayor Susan Savage. Mayor Savage did not forward the report to the City Council for action. "Since then, no further action was taken until this recent Human Rights Commission vote," said Brent Ortolani, chair of TOHR’s Advocacy Committee. "Our hope is that this action by the Human Rights Commission will help strengthen our efforts to encourage Mayor LaFortune to review the report and submit it to the City Council for possible action this year." Nancy McDonald and Marty Newman, along with Ortolani, spoke at the Human Rights Commission meeting before the vote was taken. Commissioner Chesbro also discussed the report. Members of the original Committee on Sexual Orientation Discrimination included Nancy McDonald, Sandy J. Hill, Terry Luce, Kelly Kirby (past TOHR president), Bill Morrison, Dennis Neill (TOHR cofounder), Rev. Leslie Penrose, Jill Tarbell, and Terrye Williams. Committee CoChairs were William Hinkle and Barbara Longwith. In the next issue of the Torch: how you can help. Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) joined hundreds of Tulsans in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade. The Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Transgender (GLBT) and allied community was well represented. While sometimes receiving stares or hearing remarks...participation in the MLK Parade is important by demonstrating the GLBT allied community is an ally to others who face discrimination. You’re invited to join Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) and Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians And Gays (PFLAG Tulsa) as we welcome Lee Taft, Regional Director of Lambda Legal discuss LAWRENCE vs. TEXAS, The landmark U.S. Supreme Court case that could overturn Oklahoma’s anti-gay sodomy laws. MONDAY, APRIL Fellowship Congregational Church / 29th & Ha vard tulsa oklahomans for human rights �SUNDAYS College Hill Presbyterian Church School 9:30 AM Worship 11:00 AM Community of Hope Worship 6:00 PM Diversity Christian Fellowship Worship 11:00 AM & 6:00 PM Tulsa’s Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Transgender & allied community Celebration Sunday June 8, 2003 19HTERF |TH SERV|CE venue & time TBA Tuesday June 10, 2003 EKHNB|T & $1 LEHT AUCT OH Friday June 13, 2003 i |VERS|TY GJ |A 209;3 Mayo Hotel Downtown Tulsa Saturday June 14, 2003 TULSP PR|DE PARAB : 15th & Utica to Veterans Park TULSP. GLBT FESTIVP.L Veterans Park 1875 S Boulder for more information, to volunteer or to register for the parade and/or festival, email: community@tohr.org or call TOHR at 743-GAYS (4297) Fellowship Congregational Church Church school @ 9:30 Worship 10:30 AM Harmony Church Worship & Children’s Church 11:00 AM MCC United Worship 11:00 AM St. Jerome’s Holy Eucharist 11:00 AM MONDAYS Council Oak Men’s Chorale (COMC) and Women of Council Oak Rehearsal 6:50 PM All Souls Unitarian Church Anonymous HIV Testing H.O.P.E. Clinic 6:00-8:00 PM Lambda League 7:00 PM bowling Riverlanes TQHR’s Capita| Cam - 1st MONDAY PFLAG Muskogee General Meeting 6:00 PM Muskogee Public Library WEDNESDAYS Lavender Luncheons sponsored by PFLAG Tulsa Luby’s, 15th & Boston Avenue 12:00 PM 2nd MONDAY PFLAG 101 PFLAG Tulsa 6:30 PM Fellowship Congregational Church 29th & Harvard Diversity Christian Fellowship Worship 7:00 PM 2nd MONDAY PFLAG Tulsh General meeting with program 7:30 PM Fellowship Congregational Church 29th & Harvard 4th MONDAY PFLAG Tulsa Support Session 6:30 PM Fellowship Congregational Church 29th & Harvard TUESDAYS AA Community of Hope 7:30 PM Book Study Group "How to Know God" 7:30 PM Harmony Church 9022 E 31 st Street 2ND TUESDAY Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN) Driver Training 1:00 - 4:00 PM Lambda AA Community of Hope 7:00 PM 2nd THURSDAYS HIV/AIDS Support Group Tristesse Center 6:30 PM SATURDAYS Lambda AA CUUC / COH 5:30 PM Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Community of Hope 11:00 PM 2nd SATURDAY Dignity / Integrity Worship 5:00 PM St. Dunstan’s If your organization would like to be listed (or provide current information) in "’the TORCH" calendar and/or "This Week In Tulsa," please contact TOHR at community@tohr. org or ggatewood@tohr.org. Thank you. TOWN HALL MEETING April 14, 2003 (Continuedfrom page 1) the Today, Oklahoma is one of only four states that specifically criminalizes same-sex sodomy (along ect TOHR’s Capital the Pyramid Project, has a purpose of raising funds to purchase and sustain a permanent, visible presence and with Texas, Kansas, and Missouri.) The Arkansas Supreme Court overturned that state’s same-sex sodomy law last year. "Since the day the U.S. Supreme Court announced that it will hear the case, there’s been tremendous amount of interest and energy from safe and affirming home for the Tulsa Gay, Les- LGBT people and straight allies nationwide who bian, Bi & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center. The TOHR Board of Directors and Pyramid Project steering committee would like to thank the GLBT allied community for contributing want to seize this historic moment with us" said Taft, who is a graduate of Harvard Law School. Sodomy laws are used to justify discrimination over $200,000 to date. gay people, in refusing custody or visitation for gay parents, and even in intimidating gay people out of exercising their free speech rights. That’s 1/5 of the goal! While we work on the goal for a permanent home, the existing Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 2114 S Memorial, serves the purpose. You’re invited to visit the center and discover the difference you can make. against lesbians and gay men people in every day life; they’re invoked in denying employment to For more information, contact TOHR at 743GAYS (4297) or PFLAG Tulsa at 749-4901. �gay, lesbian, bi & transgender center ~ program of tulsa oklahomans for human fights 2114 S MEMORIAL OP£1/ Tuesday-Friday 3:00-9:00 PM Saturday TUESDAYS Diversity Celebration 2003! CyberCafe ’ Planning sessions: March 18, April 15, May 20; 7:00 PM Primetimers Board meeting; 1st Tuesday; 6:00 PM Primetimers Membership meeting; 1st Tuesday; 7:00 PM TOHR Board meeting; 2nd Tuesday; 6:00 PM H.O.P.E. Anonymous HIV Testing; 6:00-8:00 PM WEDNESDAYS Soulforce in Oklahoma; 1st and 3rd Wednesday; 6:30 PM Gender Outreach OKDrop-in Day; 7:00 PM THURSDAYS You Want Rainbow? Get Some. TOHR Pride Store. We Got Rainbow. Tues-Fri.; 6:00-9:00 PM FRIDAYS Find Out What’s Happening in Tulsa this WeekemL Call 743.GAYS (4297)...the Tulsa GLBT Info Line SATURDAYS H.O.P.E. Anonymous HIV Testing; 4:00-7:00 PM Tulsa Uniform & Leather Seekers Association (T.U.L.S.A) Board meeting; 1st Saturday; 4:00 PM T. U.L.S.A. General Meeting General meeting; 1st Saturday; 5:00 PM Gay Veterans ofAmerica (GVA) Board meeting; 2nd Saturday; 5:00 PM GVA General Meeting; 2nd Saturday; 5:00 PM Gender Outreach OKMeeting; 2nd Saturday; 7:00 PM Community Rooms Please contact TOHR at 743-4297 or community@tohr.org ifyour organization or group would like to meet at the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgender Community Center. OMEOUT/ to the Center LF.ARH/ Rainbow Library OPE# 6:00-9:00 PM Tuesday-Friday 3:00-9:00 PM Saturday TOHR SHOP! We Got Rainbow! PLAY! FREE Pool Community Bulletin Boards HIV Testing ~,~ for human rights oklahomans �A* Y ~A :Y ABVOCACY IN ACTION TULSA OKLAHOMANS for HUMAN RIGHTS PC BOX 2687 TULSA, OK 74101 TULSA GLBT COMMUNITY CENTER 2114 S MEMORIAL 918.743.4297 CIMARRON ALLIANCE GROUP PO BOX 18794 OKC, OK 73154 405310.9599 HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN 1107 E 19th TULSA, OK 74120 918.582.4673 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS METROPOLITAN TULSA 3336 E 32nd STREET SUITE 234 TULSA, OK 74135-4442 NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR WOMEN (N.O.W.) PO BOX 692057 TULSA, OK ;7413:4 918.365.5658 OKLAHOMA NARAL PO BOX 9165 TULSA, OK 918.365.5658 PARENTS, FAMILIES & FRIENDS of LESBIANS & GA YS (PFLAG)-TULSA PC BOX 52800 TULSA, OK 74152 918.749.4901 SAYNO TO HATE COALITION A VOLUNTEER ORG DEDI CATED TO PRESERVING THE DIGNITY AND FUNDA MENTAL FREEDOMS OF ALL PEOPLE SOULFORCE IN OKLAHOMA RT. 4 BOX 3534 STIGLER, OK 74462 918.587.3248 (SUE) or 918.452.2761 (KAREN) TULSA OKLAHOMANS for HUMAN RIGHTS (TOHR) PO BOX 2687 TULSA, OK 74101 918.743.4297 :L~ _BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E PINE STREET TULSA, OK 918.836.8700 CW’s 1737 S MEMORIAL DRIVE TULSA, OK 74112 918.610.5323 HEADS & TAILS 7944 E 21st STREET TULSA, OK 74145 NEW AGE RENEGADES 1649 S MAIN STREET TULSA, OK 74119 918.585.3405 PLA Y-MOR LOUNGE 424 S MEMORIAL DRIVE TULSA~ OK 74112 918.838.9792 SCHA TZI’s 2619 S MEMORIAL DRIVE TULSA, OK 74112 918.280.1316 SILVER STAR SALOON 1565 S SHERIDAN ROAD TULSA, OK 74112 918.834.4234 TNT’s 2114 S MEMORIAL DRIVE TULSA, OK 74145 918360.0856 TOOL BOX II 1338 E 3RD STREET TULSA, OK 74120 918.584.1308 YELLOW BRICK ROAD PUB 2630 E 15TH STREET TULSA, OK 74104 918.293.o3o4 MENTAL HEALTH ASS’N IN TULSA 1870 S BOULDER TULSA, OK 74119 918.585.1213 TRISTESSE CENTER 1709 S BALTIMORE TULSA, OK 918.587.1200 CALL THE TULSA GLBT INFORMATION LINE AT 918.743.4297 FOR PRIVATE COUNSELORS & THERAPISTS g b~ET~ : Y~ LEt~ :~ DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INTERVENTION SERVICES, INC. 1419 E 15th STREET TULSA, OK 74120 918.585.3143 TULSA POLICE DEPARTMENT 918.595.2824 OR 911 F~A~ :~AL CALL THE TULSA GLBT INFORMATION LINE AT 918.743.4297 FOR PRIVATE FINANCIAL SERVICES/ACCOUNTANTS "~L~ T Y. ~- " BISEXUAL, LESBIAN, GAY TRANS ALLIANCE OF TU Bdan-Cortex@utulsa.edu COUNCIL OAK MEN’S CHORALE PO BOX 1062 TULSA, OK 74104-1062 918.748.3888 OK SPOKES CLUB PC BOX 9165 TULSA, OK 74157 PARENTS, FAMILIES & FRIENDS of LESBIANS & GAYS (PFLA G)- TULSA PC BOX 52800 TULSA, OK 74152 918.749A901 SOONER STATE RODEO ASSW PO BOX 471463 TULSA, OK 74147-1463 SOULFORCE IN OKLAHOMA RT. 4 BOX 3544 STIGLER, OK 74462 918.587.3248 OR TCC GAY & LESBIAN ASSOCIATION OF STUDENTS 918.595.7632 TULSA AREA PRIMETIMERS PO BOX 52118 TULSA, OK 74152-0118 918.582.6557 TULSA GLBT COMMUNITY CENTER 2114 S MEMORIAL MAIL: PO BOX 2687 TULSA, OK 74101 918.743.4297 TULSA OKLAHOMANS for HUMAN RIGHTS (TOHR) PO BOX 2687 TULSA, OK 74101 918.743.4297 TULSA UNIFORM & LEATHER SEEKERS ASSOCIATION (T.U.L.S.AJ PO BOX 33076 TULSA, OK 74102 918.299.6866 EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION (EEOC) 405.231.4911 OKLAHOMA CORPORTATION COMMISSION CONSUMER DIVISION 405.521.2331 OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, AIDS CARE COORDINA TQRS~TULSA 918.428.0366 H~AL TH INDIAN HEALTH CARE RESOURCE CENTER 550 S PEORIA TULSA, OK 74119 918.582.7725 MORTON HEALTH CENTER 603 E PINE STREET TULSA, OK 74106 918.587.2171 ¯ PLANNED PARENTHOOD 1007 S PEORIA AVENUE TULSA, OK 74129 918.587.1101 RYAN WHITE TITLE IIIB MEDICAL CLINIC OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVER SITY COLLEGE OF MEDI CINE TULSA CITY/COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT 4616 E 15th STREET TULSA, OK 74112 918.744.1000 CALL THE TULSA GLBT INFORMATION ONE AT 918.743.4297 FOR PRIVATE PHYSICIANS H~L~ CDC NATIONAL PREVENTION NETWORK 800.458.5231 CRISIS HELPLINE 918.836.4357 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 918.585.3143 GLBT INFORMATION LINE 918.743.4297 MAYOR’S ACTION LINE 918.596.2100 NATIONAL AIDS HOTLINE 800.342.AIDS NATIVE AMERICAN AIDS LINE 800.283.AIDS OKLAHOMA AIDS HOTLINE 800.535.AIDS 918.742.5904 PFLAG HELPLINE 918.749.4901 STD HOTLINE 800.227.8922 H~V/A~. " AIDS COALITION OF TULSA 1430 S BOULDER AVENUE TULSA, OK 74119 918.585.5551 AIDS WALK TULSA 16 E 16th STREET TULSA, OK 74119 918.749.6956 HIV OUTREACH, PREVENTION & EDUCATION (H.O.P.E.) 3503 E ADMIRAL TULSA, OK 74115 918.834.8378 INTERFAITH AIDS MINISTRIES PO BOX 691438 TULSA, OK 74169 " 918.438.2437 NAMES PROJECT - TULSA 3507 E ADMIRAL PLACE TULSA, OK 74115 918.748.3111 OSU- COM OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVER SITY COLLEGE OF MEDI CINE REGIONAL AIDS INTERFAITH NETWORK (RAIN) 221 S NOGALES TULSA, OK 74127 918.834.4195 TULSA C.A.R.E.S. 3508 E ADMIRAL TULSA, OK 74115 918.834.4194 LE AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION (ACLU) 800.875.8516 (PiN # 8516) LAMBDA LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATION FUND (LLDEF) 120 WALL STREET SUITE 1500 NY, NY 10005-3904 212.809.0055 UNIVERSITY OF TULSA LEGAL CLINC 408 S HARVARD AVENUE TULSA, OK 74112 918.584.2752 CALL THE TULSA GLBT INFORMATION LINE AT 918.743.4297 FOR PRIVATE ATTORNEYS ~ EF.. " t~AL - EY.YI :E- " PERMANENT HAIR REMOVAL B.A. ELECTROLOGY 918.455.9050 HOPE UNITARIAN CHURCH 8432 S SHERIDAN ROAD TULSA, OK 74133 918.481.0999 MCC UNITED 1623 N MAPLEWOOD PO BOX 581702 TULSA, OK 74158-1702 918.838.17175 SOULFORCE IN OKLAHOMA RT, 4 BOX 3544 STIGLER, OK 74462 918.587.3248 OR ST. AIDAN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 4045 N CINCINNATI TULSA, OK 74104 918.425.7882 ST. DUNSTAN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 5635 E 71ST STREET TULSA, OK 74104 918.492.7140 ST. JEROME EVANGELICAL ANGLICAN CHURCH IN AMERICA 205 W KING TULSA, OK 74106-5156 918.582-3088 TALEQUAH UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH 918.456,7900 ~.ETA~L CIMARRON ALLIANCE 405.810.9599 DEMOCRATIC HEADQUARTERS 3930 E 31st STREET TULSA, OK 74135 918.742.2457 REPUBLICAN HEADQUARTERS 7947 E 50th STREET TULSA, OK 74145 918.627.5702 LAMBDA BOWLING LEAGUE MONDAYS AT RIVERLANES LABOR-MEMORIAL DAYS NANCY McDONALD RAINBOW LIBRARY TULSA GLBT COMMUNITY CENTER 2114 S MEMORIAL 918.743.4297 ALL SOULS UNITARIAN CHURCH 2952 S PEORIA AVENUE TULSA, OK 74114 918.743.2362 CHURCH OF THE RES TORA TION 1314 S GREENWOOD TULSA, OK 74104 918.587.1314 COMMUNITY OF HOPE UCC 2545 S YALE AVENUE TULSA, OK 74114-6300 918.585.1800 COLLEGE HILL PRESBYTERIAN 712 S COLLEGE TULSA, OK 918.592.5800 DIGNITY/INTEGRITY OF TULSA PO BOX 701475 TULSA, OK 74170-1475 918.355.3140 DIVERSITY CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP 5820 E HASKELL PLACE TULSA, OK 74158 918.835.1887 FELLOWSHIP CONGREGATION CHURCH 2900 S HARVARD AVENUE TULSA, OK 74114 918.747.7777 HARMONY CHURCH 9022 E 31ST TULSA, OK 918.665.0607 THE TOHR PRIDE STORE IN THE TULSA GLBT COMMUNITY CENTER M-F: 6-9 PM SAT: 12-9 PM 2114 S MEMORIAL DRIVE 918.743.4297 NANCY McDONALD RAINBOW LIBRARY TULSA GLBT COMMUNITY CENTER 2114 S MEMORIAL NATIVE AMERICAN MEN’S SUPPORT GROUP 550 S PEORIA TULSA, OK 74119 918.582.7225 PFLAG - TULSA PC BOX 52800 TULSA, OK 74152 918.749.4901 TULSA GAY, LESBIAN, BI & TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY CENTER 2114 S MEMORIAL MAIL: PO BOX 2687 TULSA, OK 74101 918.743.4297 TULSA GLBT INFORMATION LINE 918.743.4297 TULSA GLBT COMMUNITY CENTER 2114 S MEMORIAL TULSA OKLAHOMANS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS PC BOX 2687 TULSA, OK 74101 918.743.4297 TULSA YOUTH DISCOVERY DIVERSITY (TYDD) YOUTH SERVICES OF TULSA 302 S CHEYENNE AVENUE SUITE 114 TULSA, OK 74103 918.582.0061 �Where Do They Stand? m ss th#s Oklahoma Democratic Resolutions Where Do They Stand on GLBT Issues? HUMAN RIGHTS The Oklahoma Democratic Party respects and upholds the civil, human and equal rights of every person. o The Oklahoma Democratic Party affirms the role of government at all levels in providing education and protection of the basic civil and human rights of every person regardless of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, gender, gender identity, sexual nature or orientation, religion, creed, disability, employment, civil service or political affiliation, and of which may be actual or perceived; and, The Oklahoma Democratic Party supports the passage of hate crime laws and the improved reporting and monitoring of hate crimes with appropriate legislation necessary to enforce the protection of the basic civil, human, and .equal rights of every person without exception. e The Oklahoma Democratic Party supports the reproductive freedom of every woman, which means that every woman has the right to decide for herself when to bear children, and commits to the correction of economic and social factors that contribute to unintended pregnancies. The Democratic Party of Oklahoma recognizes that while the citizens of our state have benefited from a ’tough on crime’ approach to law enforcement and prosecution, our judicial system must be equally diligent in preventing the conviction and execution of innocent persons. The Democratic Party of Oklahoma supports a two-year moratorium on the death penalty to evaluate the effectiveness of our own system of justice to do no harm to the innocent, and to provide DNA testing, and other appropriate forensic testing, for all capital punishment cases at state expense to make certain that no innocent person is wrongly convicted and put to death. The above are excerpts f!’om resolutions of the Oklahoma Democrats. Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) does not endorse a political position. TOHR wishes to educate the GLBT allied community of the NE Oklahoma area. This Week In Tulsa Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights weekly community calendar and information program sent to you via email. email us to get TWIT community@tohr.org SA TURDA Y, MARCH 8 Red Ribbon Gala Southem Hills Country Club 6:30 PM $150/person Tulsa CARES annual fundraiser SUNDAY, MARCH 9 Margaret Cho’s "REVOLUTION" Tour 7:30 PM Brady Theatre, 105 W Brady Street ~ $35 - $50.50 MONDAY, MARCH 10 HeartSong in Tulsa 7:30 PM Fellowship Congregational Church 29th & Harvard FREE Co-sponsored by TOHR & PFLAG SA TURDA Y, MARCH 15 Sooner State Rodeo Association (SSRA) Proudly Presents Our Play Day For Cowboys, Cowgirls, City Slickers and Kids! Saturday, March 15th 2003 Indoor Arena and Registrations Open 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM Events begin 11:00 A. M. Till Whenever! No Admittance fee - FREE! Entry fee $6.00 per person per event Scheduled Events are as follows: Barrels, Flags, Rescue Race, Goat Dressing, Poles, Dummy Roping, Sack Race, Calf Scramble, Snack Bar 3 miles North of Pawhuska on State Hwy 99 on the West side of road S.S.R.A. Banners will be posted at the entrance. www.s00nerstater0deo.c0m MONDAY, APRIL 14 Legal Equality Now! - A Town Hall Meeting 7:00 PM Fellowship Congregational Church 29th & Harvard Co-sponsored by TOHR & PFLAG Tulsa THURSDA Y, APRIL 24 Bingo Night 7:00 PM Tulsa GLBT Community Center 2114 S Memorial Sponsored by Generations Connection PFLAG Muskogee 3531 E 93rd Street South Muskogee, OK 74403 Join our network of friends learning nonviolence from Gandhi and King, seeking justice for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and Join PFLAG Muskogee; the Ist Monday of each month 6:00 PM Muskogee Pubfic Library; 800 W Okmulgee Avenue Email us at PFLA G4Muskogee@aol. com Phone: 918-452-2761 or 918 -481-8870 �(Continuedfrom page 1) The executive director will play a key role in attracting foundation and corporate support for both the TOHR operating fund and Pyramd Project capital campaign, said Sue Welch, chair of the Pyramid Project capital campaign. "This is the next step in acquiring and operating a permanent GLBT Community Center in Tulsa," Welch said. Last fall, TOHR developed and adopted a strategic plan to help the organization reach new heights, including the addition of an executive director. Carol Barbieto, Ph.D., a nationally recognized expert in nonprofit management and leadership, provided board development training, facilitated the development of the strategic plan, and helped TOHR develop a plan for adding the position of executive director. "Foundations and corporations will evaluate the leadership and management of TOHR. They will want to see a well-developed, engaged governing board with a good mix of skills and representation. They will also look at the adequacy of management and program staffing," said Barbeito, who is president of CLOB & Associates of Littleton, Colo. "In my opinion, they should be impressed with the dedicated board but will also be concerned with the over-extension of the board members who are also acting in place of staff. The presence of an executive director who is well qualified will signal that TOHR is maturing and becoming a well-managed, professional nonprofit corporation. This will go a long way to creating the confidence that foundation and corporate grant-makers need to invest in TOHR." TOHR has been successful in carrying out approximately 60 to 70 percent of the goals and objectives in the strategic plan, Ortolani said. "We have implemented professional financial management practices, developed a variety of policies and procedures governing all areas of the organization, and increased key efficiencies regarding the management of the present community center." The next step is to add the position of executive director to ensure that the goals of equality and a permanent GLBT community center in Tulsa are reached. A series focusing on groups and organizations meeting at the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center. During his early years as an attorney in South Africa, Mohandas K. Gandhi, a Hindu, was deeply moved by the teachings of Jesus, Tolstoy and Ruskin. "The Sermon on the Mount," Gandhi said, "went straight to my heart." Determined to translate those principles into practice, Gandhi developed satyagraha (tntth or soul force) - a plan of action for the development of inner lives and the nonviolent transformation of society. While a seminary student, Martin Luther King Jr. discovered Gandhi’s soul force principles. "While the Montgomery boycott was going on," King wrote, "India’s Gandhi was the guiding light for our technique of nonviolent social change..." For more information on TOHR’s strategic goals, please feel free to contact any member of the TOHR board ofdirectors. TOHR Board of Directors Executive Committee President Brent Ortolani ............... bortolani@tohr.org 1st Vice President Thorn Golden ................. tgo]den@tohr.org 2nd Vice President Co-Director of Volunteers Ellen Averill .................. eaverill@tohr.org Secretary Kelly Carter ..................... kcarter@tohr.org Treasurer Pat Hobbs ........................ phobbs@tohr.org President Emeritus Kerry Lewis ...................... klewis@tohr.org Members-at-Large Director of Board Development Michelle Hoffman ........ mhoffman@tohr.org Director of Development Jason Caniglia ............ jcaniglia@tohr.org Director of Diversity Wi] Bruner .................... wbmner@tohr.org Director of Marketing Greg Gatewood ........... ggatewood@tohr.org Co-Director of Volunteers Ray Chance .................... rchance@tohr.org YOU want rainbow? TOHR Tuesday-Friday 6:00-9:00 PM Saturday 3:00-9:00 PM 2114 S Memorial, inside the Tulsa GLBT Community Center In October 1999, 200 Soulforce delegates from across the country traveled to Lynchburg, Virginia, to meet with the Rev. Jerry Falwell and 200 delegates from his church and university. It was during that weekend that Rev. Jimmy Creech, one of the 200 Soulforce delegates, used the term "spiritual nonviolence." The term soon was adopted by Soulforce as the name of its nonviolence campaign. Across the country, local groups gather to study soul force principles to prepare themselves for actions against injustice in their own communities and ready themselves for participation in national Soulforce events. Soulforce in Oklahoma, the local group of Soulforce Inc., has recently held nonvioi~t demonstrations in Oklahoma City as well as participating in "Faithful Dissenters" program that encourages GLBT people and their allies to stop giving tithes and offerings (or portions thereof) until the false teachings end. Soulforce in Oklahoma meets at the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center, 2114 S Memorial, on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month at 6:30 PM. For more information, visit www. soulforceinoklahoma.org. � Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Microsoft Publisher Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2003] TOHR Torch, Spring 2003; Volume 1, Issue 3 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2003 Spring Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Spring 2003 TOHR Torch https://history.okeq.org/files/original/556e123be3f967746cef3f5fed4df54a.jpg be10718676f541a4718fc207de6d00b9 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/2725c34f47c7fb3bb8cb01eba62ad725.pdf bd45785255f8e4e1b3d7d05637913daa PDF Text Text the tulsa oklahomans rich ts quarterly news/ volume one/issue four Tulsa ’s the Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Transgender d community! Arr James C. to s Films, Art and the There’s 2003 On & World �Know the Past.,,Change the Future! A Short History of Oklahoma’s Sodomy Law TOHR recently started the Tulsa GLBT History Project. This is the first ofa continuing series of short articles on gay and lesbian history in Oklahoma. For more information andfor a list of sources for this arn’cle, see the History Project’s web page on www. tohr.org. The Historical Backdrop Earl)’ versions of sodomy laws first appeared in English ecclesiastical courts in the thirteenth century. Later, King Henry. VIII ~ified "bugger3.," laws in 1533 as part of his ongoing battle to wrest power from the Church. Unlike today, those laws generally only punished anal sex between men. The laws did not distinguish between consensual and non-consensual sex. Although only sporadically enforced, the penalty for sodomy was usually death. England’s laws were repealed by Queen Mary I but later re-enacted by Queen Elizabeth I. In the seventeenth centuo’, the American Colonies began importing these laws across the Atlantic. Fueled by religious bias and the need for population gro,s~, newly formed states and territories in the U.S., including the Territory of Oklahoma, adopted sodomy laws as part of their criminal codes. In 1890, the Tern’tory of Oklahoma codified its "Crime Against Nature" law with a penalty of up to ten years in prison. Perhaps as an earl,v recognition that some persons claimed to be inherently attracted to persons of the same gender, the law prohibited a defendant from raising a defense that he had a "morbid propensity" to commit sodom3’. Twenty-seven years after the law was first adopted in Oklahoma, the first published court opinion in the 1917 case ofln re DeFord set out the justifications for the law while expanding it to prohibit oral sex. One justification appears to be based on the court’s mispercepfion of the history of sodomy laws - the unchallenged, yet inaccurate, belief that sodom), had been prohibited since "Old Testament" times. The cour~ underscored this misperception of history with the moral and ethical objections to sodomy, although as one commentator noted, without the vitriol typically spouted in court opinions from other states at that time. These justifications for a prohibition against sodomy were fuanly rooted in "natural law"- a belief derived from a universal conception of human nature and an all-encompassing divine justice. This belief remains the philosophical cornerstone of today’s supporters of sodom), laws. (Continued on page 7, see "Sodomy as a Mental Illness ") The first Rainbow "Pride" Flag was designed in 1978 by Gilbert Baker, a San Francisco artist, who created the flag in response to a local activist’s call for the need of a GLBT and allied community symbol. Using the five-striped "Hag of the Race" as his inspiration, Baker designed a flag with eight stripes. Baker dyed and sewed the material for the first flag himself - in the true spirit of Bets3., Ross. The design may have been influenced by flags with multicolored stripes used by various causes and organizations in the San Francisco area in the 1960’s. Tbe Rainbow Flag originally had eight stripes (from top to bottom: hot pink for sex, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sun, green for serenity with mature, turquoise for art, indigo for harmony and violet for spirit). Handmade versions of this flag were flown in the 1978 Gay Freedom Day Parade. After the November 1978 assassinations of San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and openly gay Supervisor Harvey Milk and the subsequent lenient sentence given to their killer, former Supervisor Dan White, the Rainbow Flag began to be used in San Francisco as a general symbol of the gay community. San Francisco based Paramount Flag Co. began selling seven-striped (top to bottom: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet) flags from its Polk Street store which was located in a large ~e published by. Tulsa Oklahomans for Huma~n Rights (TOHR) PO Box 2687 Tulsa, OK 74101 918-743-4297 (phone) / 918-38443108 (fax) tohr.org ernail: eommunib,@tohr.org EdRor Greg Gatewood ................. ggatewood@tohr.org Writers and Contributors Greg Gatewood ................. ggatewood@tohr.org Ken-), Lewis ........................... klev4s@tohr.org 3rent Ortolani ...................... bortolani@tohr.org <)ffiee location Tulsa GLBT Commurtib’ Center ~i~[~ 2114 S Memorial Tulsa, OK 74129 TOH~ Board ~ Directors ~ ~uls~ President Brent Ortolan .................. bortolani@tohr.org 1st Vice President Vacant .................................................. 2nd Vice President Ellen Averill ..................... Secretary Eelly Carter ...................... Treasurer £at Hobbs ........................... phobbs@to~r.o[8 President Emeritus ~ry Lev4s ......................... New~s@toSr, o~g Member..at-Large Director of Board Development Michel]e Noffm~ ............ Director of Development Jaso~ Cards;lia ................. jca~slia@to~r.o~ Director of Diversity W~I Bmer....................... Director of Gender Outreach Troy NicNau~ .................. u~ck~aus@to]~.o~ Director of Marketing G-r61~ Gate,wood .............. ~,atewood@to~’mo~ gay neighborhood. When Baker approached Paramount to make flags for the 1979 Ga~, Freedom Day Parade, Paramount informed Baker that fabric for hot pink was not available for mass production and Baker dropped the hot pink stripe. Baker also asked Paramount to make vertical banners that would be split and displayed from the angular double bars of the old-style lamp posts on Market Street. Baker and Paramount’s’ Vice President Ken Hughes agreed to drop the hot pink and turquoise stripes and replace the indigo stripe with royal blue - resulting in the three stripes on one side of the lamp post and three on the other. Soon the six colors were incorporated into a six-striped version that became popularized and that, today, is recognized by the International Congress of Flag Makers. Director of Diversity Wi! Bru~er ........................ ~bruaer@to~.or~ Director of Facilities Ray Cl~ ....................... TOHR’s (:apital the Pyramid Project pyramidprojcct.or~ Sue Welch & Brent Ortolani Committee Members Theresa Bamard, Mark Bonney, Mare Frieden, Greg Gatewoed, David Hoot, Brent Ortolani,, Marcy Smith and Tim Williams. TOHR is a 501(c)3 organizat~bn operated complete~, through donations and non.paid volunteers. Contributions are tax. deductible to the fitllest extent of owrent United States of America tax laws. Tt~ Torch, a publisa~ of Tu!sa Oktah4xraw~ for Human RishL% published quw~ty (F~I, Wm~. Spring and Summer) with an ~inutt~d m,raal re~aip of 10,0~0, Sut~-ri~ion r~t~ ,z~ paid rnemb~ du~ of TuL~ Oklahomam for Human R~ ~OHR). Advertising rates ~re: business ~z’d: $25Awa~; 114 pa~: $50~’i~ue; 1~ p86e: $75,; issue w~l full p~g~; $100,’insue, A 25% ~xi na~ is available v, ith roW’ no{ be reproduced in whole or part ~ ~, tx~missic~ ob’ain~ by ¢ora~ TOHR directly, Cre~t mua b~ 8ivea to TOHR. Tn~ views of the Tt~a me e,,qxe-~ed in -.ditoria! enty. Vi~ eq~te~d in leV.~rs to the ~litor and other sabmix~ions ~t~ rhone of the ram’-mr md do net or editors or leademhip of TOHP,. Th~ Torch reser~’es th~ right to edh or r~j~t w,-y ~ nubmitted f~ publicali4x The Torch and/or TOHR is d~ni~r~d ~;A =~ted for public.ion in th~ Torch remain th~ prop~ty of TOH~ Th~ To,oh m~,’or TOHR ~wa~t b~ re,potage fc~ claim, by ~lvmli~r~. Th~ use of,J-,~ mine or 1""Axn¢~ of n p~,-xm or ~atity in th~ Torch in ~ or editerial ee~mmt d~ ne~ imply may �Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) works to secure legal equality and social acceptance for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered (GLBT) and allied community of Northeast Oklahoma through advocacy, education, leadership, and unity. uman rlgn[s Ambassador James C. Hormel, former U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg, will serve as keynote speaker at the 2003 Diversity Gala to be held on Friday, June 13, at the historic Mayo Hotel. The evening begins with a reception and silent auction at 7:00 PM followed by dinner, remarks by Hormel and entertainment by COMC at 8:00 PM. Valet parking will be provided at the main entrance on Fifth Street. Reservations may be made by calling TOHR at (918) 743-4297. Peace Through Pride M Diversity Celebration 2003 Tulsa, Oklahoma "Peace Through Pride." A historic event occurred in June 1969 at the Stonewall Inn of New York City. A small, diverse group of individuals, tired of discrimination and harassment, began a global struggle for legal equality and social acceptance. "Diversity Creates Beauty." The qualities of Life, Healing, Sun, Serenity, Harmony and Spirit were introduced to the world in the form of a flag in 1978. Inspired by the "Flag of the Race" the Rainbow "Pride" Flag is instantly recognized as a symbol of community. Today, those historic events and themes are observed with "Diversity Celebration 2003 - Peace Through Pride...Diversi(y Creates Beauty," Tulsa’s 23~ Annual Celebration of the Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Transgender (GLBT) & allied community. Pride with a purpose, "Diversity Celebration 2003" unites the diverse Northeast Oklahoma community and educates all on legal equality and social acceptance for, while celebrating the GLBT allied community. Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR), in partnership with the GLBT allied community, presents ten days and nights of eleven diverse events for the Northeast Oklahoma and surrounding areas "Uniting, Educating and Celebrating." Tues-Fri 6:00-9:00 PM Saturda PM r U.S. Ambassador James C. Hormel to headline 2003 Diversity Gala Hormel, pictured above, has devoted his life to the advocacy of basic. human rights, social justice and the well being of all individuals. In more than 30 years of working with top business, government and academic leaders, he has sought to create, fund and initiate major programs addressing these concerns and to involve others in public service. He is recognized nationally for his ability to bring together people of different backgrounds and perspectives to form bridgebuilding coalitions based upon shared values and mutual interests. (Continued on page 7 - see "Ambassador Hormel") Pride with a purpose. Tulsa’s annual celebration of the Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Transgender (GLBT) and allied community is not just a party - it’s Pride with a purpose! UNITY of the GLBT and allied community through events emphasizing diversity regardless of sexua! orientation and/or gender identity. EDUCATING the general public on important GLBT issues while reaching out to those forced in the closet. CELEBRATE the accomplishments and adversity overcome by the GLBT allied community since the summer of’69 - Stonewall. Legal Equality and Social Acceptance. 2114 S Memorial, Inside The Tulsa GLBT Community Kitchen 918-582-8608 ~ 24kr. Page 918-745-8608 the Supper Club 640 N Denver �Thursday; June 5 7:00 PM Aaronson Auditorium Tulsa Central Library 400 Civic Center Free & open to the public The film will be followed by a panel of Holocaust scholars discussing the ’other’ victims of the Holocaust. Co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Tulsa andfimded through a private donation. By the 1920’s, Berlin had become known as a homosexual Ede~ where gay men and lesbians lived relatively open lives amidst an exciting subculture of artists and intellectuals. With the coming to power of the Nazis, all this changed: Between 1933 and 1945 100,000 men were arrested for homosexualit3: under Paragraph 175, the sodomy provision of the German penal code dating back to : 187t. Some were imprisoned, others were sent to concentration camps. Of the latter, only about 4,000 survived. Today, fewer than ten of these men are known to be living. Five of them have now come forward to tell their stories for the first time in this powerful new film narrated by Rupert Everett. Saturday; June 7 12:00-5:00 PM Padsh of SL Jerome 205 W King Free & open to the public Sponsored by the original Red Ribbon RevTte Foundation in conjunction with the American Red Cross The Food & Drug Administration restricts any person who has engaged in sexual activity with a male who has engaged in sexual activit), with another male from donating to the general blood supply. In their honor and with dignit2,,’, a group of women have organized a continuing blood drive. "Blood Sisters" are paired with a "Blood Brother." The women will be donating blood while their "Blood Brothers" wilt accompany them to and during the donation process. AWAKEH|HG$ Women of Council Oak (WCO) concert Saturday; June 7 8:00 PM College Hill Presbyterian Church - 712 S Columbia $12 / adult Sponsored by Vocal Pride Foundation, Inc. "Awakenings" will be the ftrst of the inaugural season "Beginning Our Journey" of the Women of Council Oak (WCO). The evening promises to be very special time as these d~ performers begin their journey in~ excellence here in Tulsa. Seat~at 7:30 PM with NO reserved sea~ket information, please call 74~ W’ww" council°ak’°rg" ........... "BflfER$1T? CREATES BEAUT’ " ART E H|BI T & $|LEHT P.UCT|OH Tuesday; June 10 6:00-9:00 PM .Emerson Hall All Souls Unitarian Church 2952 S Peoda Free & open to the public Sponsored by Tulsa Oktahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) This popular event highlights works from nearly 50 of O -klahoma’s best knms~a and up and coming artists. The popular silent auction gives you a chance to bid on a diverse crosssection of unique items from across the nation. Diversity Celebration 2003 presented by tulsa oklahomans for human rights publicity and general support Pride Guide production $2,500 �J 1520 E ~Full 1525 E 1419 E 1 ~Dine at these restaurants during Diversity Celebration 2003 and support your community. With this coupon, participating restaurants will donate 10% of the week’s pre-tax proceeds to the 2003 Tulsa Pride Parade, Saturday, June 14. �American Idol top-ten finalist, Jim Verraros has been named the Tulsa Pride Parade Grand Marshal and national headliner at Diversity Festival 2003. Verraros doesn’t let his growing fame of one of America’s top voices silence his stances on legal equali~" and social acceptance for the Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Transgender (GLBT) & allied community. Despite pressure from society to conform in order to sell records and social stereot)9ing that face ma~v publicly gay ancklesbian individuals in today’s competitive work arena, Jim is out of the closet as a talented artist who happens to be a gay, young adult. Jim stands behind GLBT civi! rights and activism - fighting for fair and equal treatment in the wor"kforce and in life. Verraros was featured in the Advocate (Jan. ’03) and was named one of OUT magazines most interesting gay men of 2002. A top-ten finalist on one of the nations hit-shows, American Idol, Jim has appeared in NBC, E!, and FOX Television while being featured on Chicago radio and the cover of TV Guide. Jim will perform at the 2003 Diversity Gala at Tulsa’s historic Mayo Hotel on Friday, June 13th. The next day, Saturday, June 14, Jim will ser~’e as the Grand Marshal of the 5th Annual Tulsa Pride Parade and finish the day as the national headliner for Diversi~, Festival 2003. �Community Calendar. Special Events. Advocacy. GLBT History. it’s here Your onli ,i . Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) & Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG) Tulsa are sponsoring a signature ad, shown at right, to appear in the Tulsa VVorld during June 2003. INCLUDE ALL THE PEOPLE Please read, sign & the form below to o the hundreds of ~klahomans supporting legal equality & social acceptance As a valued member of the Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Transgender (GLBT) & allied community, we ask you to add your name to the growing list of Oklahomans & Americans supporting legal equality & social acceptance. Signature Agreement Visit the Tulsa GLBT Community Center or call 743-GAYS (4297) for more information TOGETHER, WITH PFLAG & TOHP~ WE THE PEOPLE: Call on the City of Tulsa to enact Human Right Ordinances to ensure Tulsa is a welc0ndng and safe place for all, ~1 on the auth0dties in all Tulsa area ~001 di~ to mum tory ~1 provides asale environment c0nduch/e to Im’ning for all student~ 2114 S ME~RI~ My signature below authorizes you to Include my name with those of hundreds of other individuals and groups, in an advertisement to be published in the Tulsa World during June 2003. I represent that I am at least 18 years of age (or, if I am under 18, that my signature is accompanied by that of a custodial parent or guardian) and that I have read the proposed text of the ad reproduced on this form. I understand that minor changes in the text may be necessary prior to publication. I further understand that the other information on this form will NO] be published or otherwise disseminated, but may be used by PFLAG Tulsa or TOHR to verify my assent and to contact me in the future concerning other PFLAG and/or TOHR programs or Pdnted name (as it should appear in the ad) Call on our friends, fa~es, colleagues and neighbors to ~d( to dismanL~ every vestige of hatted and discdmina~0n in our !~s and society, Home Street Address: Home Phone Number:. Personal e-mail address: ~mAyS F~E ~L ~ ~e Loun~ Signature: S~TU~DAYS SHOPI ~e Gof ~t~t~a ¯ for human righfs ok!ahornans Suggested donation: $15.00 Additional donations welcomed and appreciated. PFLAG Tulsa and TOHR are 501(c)3 non-profit organizations. Contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest exlent of current law. PLAYt FREE Pool BulleYn Boards Please return no later than June 1, 2003 to: PFLAG Tulsa PO Bo:~ 52800 Tulsa, OK 74152 �Wednesday; June 11 7:00 PM Aaronson Auditorium Tulsa Central Library 400 Civic Center Free & open to the public Co-sponsored by PFLAG Tulsa andfimded through a private donation. DADDY & PAPA explores the growing phenomenon of gay fatherhood and its impact on American culture. Through the stories of four different families, DADDY & PAPA delves into some of the particular challenges facing gay men who decide to become dads. From surrogaey and interracial adoption, to the complexities of gay divorce, to the battle for full legal status as parents, DADDY & PAPA presents a reve~ing look at some of the gay fathers who are breaking new ground in the ever~changing landscape of the American familyl Thd film will be followed by a discussion regarding adoption by GLBT individuals and couples in the state of Oklahoma. Council Oak Men’s Chorale (COMC) concert Thursday; June 12 7:00 PM Aaronson Auditorium - Tulsa Central Library 400 Civic Center Free & open to the public , Sponsored by the Tulsa City-County Librar) System. Always a crowd pleaser, the Council Oak Men’s Chorale (COMC) is back for the 3~d consecutive free evening of"Singing with ,P,,ride." Seating is limited with past concerts standing room only. You 11 want to get there early to get the best seat to hear the voices of the COMC. Saturday; June 14 11: 00 AM 15/Utica to Veterans Park Free & open to the public Presented by Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) in partnership with the GLBT allied community. The 5th Annual Tulsa Pride Parade promises to be the largest yet with imaginative floats, precision drill team units, marchers representing the diversity and pride of Oklaho,,m,a and of course, the longest Rainbow Saturday; June 14 12:00 - 8:00 PM Veterans Park - 1875 S Boulder Free & open to the public Presented by Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) in partnership with the GLBT allied community. Tulsa’s 23m annual Festival is an all day celebration with something for everyone. The Festival Mall holds over 50 vendors giving you to learn about or purchase nearly everything under the rainbow. flag in the Midx~est region - 120 feet in length! Thousands of participants and spectators make the Tulsa Pride Parade an event not to be missed in Tulsa! Staging - 9:00 AM at 15t~ Street & Utica ® Route - Parade will travel west on 15m to Boston Avenue; South on Boston to 18m Street; West on 18m to Veterans Park "Parade Participant Vehicle" - The Parade Participant Vehicle will take regular round trips from Veterans Park to 15th & Utica prior to the start of the Parade. Those in the parade are strongly encouraged to park near Veterans Park and ride the vehicle to the staging area. Registration - Guidelines, registration forms and more information available at w~’.tohr.org or ~v,timscottonline.com. $75 / entry ® o The Festival Food Court has all ),our favorites, along with the beverages to wash them down. tD’s are required to purchase alcoholic beverages. Entertainment featuring local bands, female impersonators, drag kings and talented individual performers will fill the main Festival stage all day. The Kids Zone wil! be open for children of all families and filled with games, face-painting, story-telling and more. Veterans Park will be filled with thousands - all celebrating the diversib’ of Oklahoma and the GLBT allied commtmity. Registration Guidelines, registration forms and more information available at xs-ww.tohr.org and www.timscottonline.com $150-175 / booth registration of L $500 $500 $250 $250 r0me $250 Thank You for your support. sponsors as of 5/15/03 �Stonewafl Riots solidified the GLB T civil fights movement (PlanetOut) Among gay organizations today, there’s everything from the Stonewall Democratic Club to the Stonewall Chorale; there’s even a bottled water called Stonewall. The word has taken on m)~hic proportions in lesbian and gay culture. But its widespread appropriation doesn’t dilute the importance of what happened in the summer of 1969 in New York City. The event is still a hot topic ofdehate in gay circles, with much disagreement about what actually precipitated the violence and who took part in it. One legend holds that Judy Garland’s funeral, held June 27 in Manhattan, fanned the flames of gay rage. Other versions of the story claim that dozens of sequined drag queens and a mysterious, unidentified butch lesbian were at the forefront of the street rebellion. But a few facts seem certain. Stonewall...the word has taken In the early, morning hours of on mythic proportions in gay & June 28, 1969, the police raided the lesbian culture...but it doesn’t Stonewall Inn, a dingy, Mafia-rtm "private club" on Christopher Street dilute the importance of what in Greenwich Village with a prehappened in the summer of ’69 dominantly gay clientele. The charge was illegal sale of alcohol. It was the second time that week the bar had been targeted by the police, and other gay bars had also been raided in prior weeks. Police officers lined up the Stonewalt’s 200 patrons to check identification. Most were free to leave, but the staff, as well as three drag queens and two male-to-female transsexuals, were detained. Eyewitnesses recalled that the scene outside the bar was at first camp), and festive. Patrons were joined by" tourists and passers-by, and everyone cheered when a gay person emerged from the bar, dismissed by the police. But when a pad~’ wagon arrived and the police loaded the bar’s staff and the three drag queens inside, the crowd on the street grew surly. One person threw a rock through a window, and eventually garbage cans, bottles, and even a parking meter were used to assault the building. Someone set a fire with lighter fluid. By newspaper accounts, 13 people were arrested and three police officers sustained minor injuries in the confrontation. Even more significant, though, was what happened later in the summer. At the end of July, gay activists circulated copies of a flyer calling for a mass "homosexual liberation meeting." The headline of the flyer read, "Do you think homosexuals are revolting? You bet your sweet ass we are!" The alliance that formed from the meeting held on Jul), 24 adopted the name Ga.v Liberation Front (GLF); among its demands were not only an end to police harassment, but job protection for gay employees, the repeal of sodom), laws, and local and national anti-discrimination laws. Soon, numerous other organizations and a host of gay liberation publications emerged, first in New York and then across the counto’. Estimates suggest that, at the time of the riots, there were a few dozen gny organizations in the United States. Within a few years, the number had risen to more than 400. (text: www.planetout.com, photos: www.unc.edu) 844 Diverse best describes the restaurant selection along Tulsa’s Cherry Street. More than likely, one of your favorites or a new place you’ve been wondering about is located on 15th Street. The week of June 8-14, you’ll be able to dine up and down 15th and show your support for diversity and pride with the 2003 Cherry Street Parade of Restaurants - Sunday, June 8th through Saturday, June 14. The Full Moon Care, Atomic Burrito and Quizno’s, all on 15th Street between Peoria & Utica, will be donating 10% of the weeks pre-tax proceeds to the Tulsa Pride Parade (accompanied with required coupon), Simply give the coupon to your server or cashier when dining at any of the participating restaurants. Coupons are available at the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center. Print off your own available at www.tohr.org and www. timscottonline.com TOHA thanks Atomic Burrito, Full Moon Care and Quizno’s for supporting Diversity Celebration 2003. Please support them as they support the NE Oklahoma GLBT allied community. PRIDE PARTNERS Name I Partners Name (if applicable) I I I INDIV!DUAL~ $3o+ (individuals) Address Day phone Evening phone E-mail Date I/we wish to join Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) as: 0 Advocates 0 Educators Q Check enclosed, payable to TOHR 0 Unifiers 0 Leaders © Send more info on the Equality Fund 0 My company offers a matching gift program. The proper forms are enclosed. (See your personnel office for forms) 0 Please bill my/our credit card: 0 AMEX 0 Visa Account Number Q Mastercard Exp. Date Signature Please retum to: TOHR; PO Box 2687; Tulsa, OK 7’4101 0 To remain anonymous HOUSE. HOLDS $50+ (households) COMMUNITY $75+ (organizations) LEADERS $125+ annually as a leader, you also are a member of the Center Friends circle It costs over $4,000 for street closures and police barricades for the Tulsa Pride Parade - and that’s only for the Parade! The Festival’s budget -just the Festival exceeds $12,000! Expenses for the Interfaith Service, Art Exhibit & Silent Auction, Pride Parade and Festival are nearly $20,000! It’s all accomplished by volunteers and donations. Please do ):our part to UNIFY, EDUCATE & CELEBRATE and become a "Pride Partner." Simply’ fill out the form to the teR and send to: TOHR, PO Box 2687, Tulsa, OK 74101. When you become a Pride Partner, you’ll also enjoy membership rights in TOHR. Note: Pride Partners are not sponsors of "Diversib, Celebration 2003" �(Continuedfivm page 3) (Continuedfrom page 2) Featured guest speaker: 2003 Diversity Gale Sodomy As A Mental llness The emergence of the field of psycholo~’ combined with the recognition flaat some persons were at~acted to others of the same gender created a new era of re-thinking how to treat Hormel is the fomader and Chairman of ~nvic~dS~mv’ Okl~oma, like a few other stat~ in ~e 1930S,~d~enact~ laws ~at ~llowed persons of ~domv and o~er ~mes to ~ st~liz~ the belief ~at ’mentN il~s" Equidex, Inc., a San Francisco-based firm ¯ at caused ~ns ~mmit s~omy was i~ited. In 1942, ~e U.S. Supreme Co~ sm~ck that manages his and his family’s investdo~ these laws as ~nsfimtionN. ments and philanthropic activities. He is an After World War II,, a new concepo ...the ..,~,nnh/s~el fion of sexuNity ~olded. AlUM alumnus of Swarthmore College, where he COUFt tO ~Ct gO Kinsey’s work, Sex’ualiO, in the Human has been a member of the Board of ManagMale, ~onlv ca!l~ ~e Kimev Re~a. ~d o~er police raids...to stop ers since 1988, and where he has estabwor~ reve~ ~he widespread sam~-sex sexual practices the emergence of a lished a faculty chair in social justice. He of men. At ~e s~e time, Am~e~ ~cieb, reded to received his J.D. from the University of fiod s~ial, sex~l and gend~ roles. As a reset, OklaGS~ & Lesbian Chicago Law School, where he subsehoma co~ s~l~ ~ou~out ~e 195~ wi~ver- communi~... quently was Assistant Dean and Dean of gent ~pds~ ~ ~e ~e ~omy law to stop ~ spread of ~ Students. homosexu~i~, and to fred a more hm~e mea~ of dealing Hormel served as United States Ambaswith pe~ who ~gaged in ~my. sador to Luxembourg from June 1999 to h 1951, O~oma’s Co~ of Cfi~al Ap~a~ ~me ~e o~y state co~ to react to December 2000. He was alternate represenpolice raids on Wash~n, D.C.’s gay and l~bi~ ~i~,. Shock~ by ~e she~ nmb~ tative of the U.S. delegation to the 51st of gays md lesbi~s rev~l~ ~ ~e se~ationat~fic b~t seller, Washington Confiden~al, O~oma’s Co~ of Cri~ Ap~als a~ a new justification to e~or~ Okl~oma’s United Nations General Assembly in 1996. omy law: to stop the emergence of a gay and lesbian community in Oklahoma "if Sodom and He also was a member of the U.S. delegaGomorrah is to be forestalled." tion to the 51 st U.N. Human Rights ComIn contrast, the same court later recognized that a defendant’s desire to be sexually intimission, which met in Geneva in early mate with another man was unchangeable and that prison offered a poor solution to this 1995. Also in 1995, and again in 1997, he "problem." The court repeatedly admonished the Oklahoma legislature to enact laws that served on the Western States Regional Sewould allow persons who have sex with members of the same gender to receive psychological lection Panel for tahe President’s Commistreatment. These entreaties fell on deaf ears, and Oklahoma’s "crimes Against Nature" law sion on White House Fellowships. In remained substantially unchanged until ! 986. !995, he participated in the President’s (Continued on page 8..,see "Women and Sodom~v ") Conference on the Pacific Rim, and the following year, he was a member of San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown’s Economic Summit. of Governors of the San Francisco SymAchievement Award in 2001. During the last 15 years, Hormel has phony, Board of Trustees of The San FranHormel’s dedication to public service been instrumental in developing resources cisco Foundation, and Board of Directors also is reflected in hi~s political activities. for organizations serving people affected of People For the American Way. In 1992, he was a member &the Democby HIV and AIDS, substance abuse, and In 1995, he received the Silver Spur ratic Platform Committee and a Clinton breast cancer. He has served as a member Award for Civic Leadership from the San delegate to the Democratic National Conof the board of directors of The American Francisco Planning and Urban Research vention in New York. In 1996, he reFoundation for AIDS Research and the HuAssociation and the Tiffany Award in recturned as a delegate to the Democratic man Rights Campaign Foundation. He was ognition of his philanthropic achievement. National Convention in Chicago. a founding director of the City Club of San In 1996, the National Society of FundraisHormel has five children, fourteen Francisco, a club created to bring together ing Executives named him Outstanding grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. community leaders of diverse backgrounds. Philanthropist. The Human Rights CamHe lives in San Francisco with his partner Currently, he is a member of the Board paign honored him with the Lifetime Timothy C. Wu. PFLAG Tulsa Join our network of friends learning nonviolence from Gandhi and King, seeking justice for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons. PC Box 52800 Tulsa, OK 74 Phone: 918-452-2761 or 918 -481-8870 SP~IILIAL www.SoulforceInOklahoma.org Join PFLA G Tulsa; the 2nd Monday of each month PFLAG for @ 6:30 PM, General Meeting; 7:30 PM Fellowship Congregational Church, 29th & Harvard ~ ,~ Info@SoulforcelnOklahommorg Email us at pflagtulsa@hotmail.com �Whether it’s "Diversity Celebration 2003," or operating the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center, volunteers for Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) - Make It Happen! When you volunteer for the upcoming "Diversity Celebration 2003" not only will you have fun - you get FREE stuffl A visor - take your pick of a rainbow of colors. FREE food & beverage tickets at the Festival (limited amount). o A commemorative writing pen o FREE souvenir button! All you need to do is contact Tamara, Diversity Celebration 2003 volunteer coordinator, at tamaralynn84@yahoo.com or TOHR at community@tohr.org or 918.743GAYS (4297) for more information. Volunteer & Make It Happen! The Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Trm’asgender (GLBT) History Project, a program of TOHR, is working to preserve the history of the GLBT community in Oklahoma. The committee is looking for your old photographs, videos and other records of GLBT life in Tulsa and the NE Oklahoma area. You may drop off these records in the TOHR office in the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 2114 S. Memorial, during operating hours (Tues-Fri; 6-9 PM and Saturday; 3-9 PM). The committee can either accept original items or make a copy of the materials and return the originals to you. If needed, we can pick up the records fi-om you. Just leave a message at 743-4297 or history@tohr.org. For more information about the Tulsa GLBT History Project, please go to the TOHR website: www.tohr.org. (Continuedfrom page 7) Women and Sodomy Unlike the vast majorib’ of states, Oklahoma has defined sodomy to include sexual relations between women. In the 1943 case of State v. LeFavour, the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals defined the word "mankind" in the sodom), statute to include sex between two men or between two women. Eight years later, the same court saw the large "Lesbian" community in Washington, D.C. as reason to vigilantly enforce the sodom), law. Finally’, in t971, the court officially found in a tersely worded opinion that "crimes against nature" could be committed by two women. The criminalization of lesbian sex remains valid today. Sodomy Law As A Political Tool At~ the partial invalidation of Oklahoma’s "Crime Against Nature" taw in 1986, socially conser;ative Oklahoma legislators began using this rarely enforced law to stop and even reverse social gains made by lesbians and gays since the 1960s. In 1986, the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals in State v. Post struck down the law to the extent it was used against persons of the opposite gender who engaged in oral or anal sex. The court specifically declined to extend this ruling to gays and lesbians. Since then, Oklahoma legislators have amended the law more than five times even though the law is rarely enforced. In fact, from 1999 until 2002, the legislature and governor increased the penalty from ten years to twenty ),ears in prison - the same penalty applied to persons convicted of forcible rape, Oklahoma’s law has become legal justification for fir’mg gay and lesbian teachers, administrators and school personnel, nursing home workers and others. These Oklahomans and other gays and lesbians are therefore required to choose between their livelihoods and their ability to be open about who they are. As a result, gays and lesbians in Oklahoma are deterred from seeking political and social change. With a decision expected in June of this year, the U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether Texas’ sodomy law is unconstitutional under the due process clause or the fourteenth amendment’s equal protection clause. Because of the similarities between the taws of Oklahoma and Texas, many view this as the best opportuni~" to eventually invalidate Oklahoma’s "Crimes Against Nature" law. T A series focusing on groups and organizations meedng and/or provtdtng services at the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgender (GLBT) CommuniO, Center. HIV Outreach, Prevention & Education provides much needed se ice for NE OK HIV/AIDS d~s not ~ri~te aga~t race, ~lor, ~x, sexual orientation, e~no~c s~, m~ml or p~l s~tus...nei~er d~s HIV Ougeach, Prevention and ~ueafion (H.O. P.E.) Off~g a safe and ~o~able envko~t at ~eir main testing cl~ic, 3503 E A~al, H.O,P.E. ~rgets ~e popdafions of: m~ hav~g sex wi~ men; thek female sex pa~ers; ~jecfion ~g ~ers; ~eir sex p~ers ~d N~risk women. EyeD,one is wel~me ~d en~ag~ to get tes~d at ~e ma~ tes~g cl~ic or any of~e ~~" ou~each tes~g si~. H.O.P.E. is a not-f~-profit agency offing F~E ANON~OUS H~ TEST~G, Noup sup~ ou~ch ~ eo~" s~, ~ndo~ md s~ ~x supplies ~d is ~e only OSDH approvM t~g site for cNl&en ~d~ ¯ e age of gvelve in ~e 9!8 ~ c~e (~ p~l co~t). H~O.P.E. N~ pm~6d~ edu~ional pr~fio~, prev~fion s~plies ~d lit~a~e to ~cial sm’i~ agenci~ ~d ~ clients a~ut how to pr~ect ~elves ~om HW/AIDS md o~er Sex~l Tr~mi~ I~ections. Free ~d ~on~o~ H~ tes~, ~ well as ~e ~pd~ "$20 for 20 m~u~ resdts" ~e available at: H.O.P.E. Test~g CliNc 3503 E A~al Place d~ng ~e day by ap~in~ent or Monday & ~sday; 6-8 PM ~d ~e Tulsa GLBT Co~i~" Cent~ 2114 S Memorial Tuesdays: 6-8 PM Sat~ays: 4-7 PM For more ~o~ation on tes~g, pr~,~tion ~d ~ueafion s~sio~, please contact H.O,P.E. at 918.834-TEST. � Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Microsoft Publisher Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2003] TOHR Torch, Summer 2003; Volume 1, Issue 4 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Summer 2003 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Summer 2004 TOHR Torch https://history.okeq.org/files/original/93a2b516b2cb7f633175440172a5e86f.jpg fb9aed01aa036fb5b1742a8caf7a25d3 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/c661e08772aa4d0e5e3fd29c860dda9b.pdf 26bf2103ea5d5a0d64b21e583cbde6c3 PDF Text Text April 2005 Volume four / Issue four oklahomans for human rights Celebrate DIVERSITY 20051 Kelly Carter Each year TOHR brings a week of Diversity Celebration to Tulsa and to the State of Oklahoma. Our goal is to bring people together to celebrate wbo and what we are. It’s a week that wi[I be filled with the laughter of children playing in the "KID ZONE", with volleyball games in the park, great music coming from the stage, good food and the harmony of a community united. In 1997, TOHR hosted the first-ever Tulsa gay pride march with 60 participants. Today, Diversity has grown to a week filled with events and we have the second largest gay pfide parade and the [m-gest gay pride festival in the state of Oklahoma. In an effort to make Diversity 2005 bigger and better than even, Open am~s Youth Project (OYP), Parents and Friends of Lesbians and gays (PFLAG) and Tulsa Oklabomarts for Human Rights (TOHR), the three leading GLBT organization in Northeast Oklahoma, are working together to sponsor a week of exciting events. (cant onp 8) David Bohnett CyberCenter GRAND OPENING: 20 April Thanks to the generosity oftbe David BohneR Foundation, Tulsa Oklahomm~s for Human Rights is constructing a new CyberCenter at the GLBT Community Center. The CyberCenter’s Grand Opening will take place on April 20, 5:00-7:00 p.m. The David Bohnett CyberCenter will be equipped with state-of-the-art computers to enable access to the Intornet and to provide software training. This new facility will help bridge the ’digital divide’ by giving access to technologies and resources to those that may not have them (cant onp. 4) Oklahoma Legislature = Anti-Mom Lamont Lindstrom Anne Magro and Heather Finstuen (pictured above with their six-year old twin daughters) came to Tulsa last month to attend a reception for Lambda Legal’s Executive Director Kevin Cathcart, hosted by Lambda Legal Board Member (and TOHR supporter) Mona Pittinger. Anne and Heather moved to Norman after Anne accepted a position in the University of Oklahoma’s School of Accomtting. Heather, who has worked in publishing, is cun’ently a student in OU’s College of Law. Since the family moved to Oklahoma, they bare enjoyed friendly neighbors and co-workers but they also have had to confront our state’s stubborn homophobia. Together for I3 years, both are rooms to their daughters Heather legally adopting the children after Anne gave birth to the twins, when the coupled lived in New Jersey. In May, 2004, the Oklahoma State Legislature burried to pass a law that withdrew state recognition of adoption of children by same-sex parents elsewhere in the U.S. Legislators responded to Attorney General Drew Edmondson’s opinion that Oklahoma was obligated to recognize such (co,it on p 4) out-of-state adoption decrees and to issue amended birtb �From the President www.tohr.org Dear TOHR Members and Supporters, So many wonderful things are happening at TOHR as you will read throughout this TORCH. TOHR is known in Madison, Wisconsin. 1 have been invited to appear on a panel at an Indian Law conference at the University of Wisco~sin Law School on April I, 2005. The panel will discuss the case of Kathy and Dawn who are litigating with Todd Hembree, a Cherokee Nation member, who filed suit to "void" their marriage certificate. I was invited as the President of TOHR. On behalf of the Board, I want to acknowledge the dedication of Toby Jenkins (see article in this issue) t’or his work in programlning the Palm Sunday Service. The service was wonderful. We had over 150 in attendance and the offaring raised almost $500.00 for TOHR. The Board wishes also to thank the many spiritual leaders who participated. We look forward to the upcoming Pride Interfaith Service that will expand upon the Palm Sunday Service by bringing leaders from many faith communities together. TOHR Board of Directors Executive Board Presiden~Mark Bonney 1 st Vice Presiden~Dr Laura Belmonte Secretary--Mike Williams Treasurer--Dwight Kealiher Assistant Treasurer--John Madigan As you are aware, Diversity Celebration planning is continuing. Time is running out to participate. This year PFLAG and OpenArms Youth Project have joined together with TOHR to organize the parade and a week-long series of diversity festival events. If you want to volunteer please attend upcoming volunteer meetings. Refer to the calendar of events to find out the dates oftbe meetings. The Cybercenter grand opening is set for April 20th. We now have at least ten workstations with Internet access and MS Office 2003. Sof~are suggestions are appreciated. L Word~atch par~ nights bare been a success and TIVO is available. Let Greg Gatewood, the Center Director, know what you would like to have taped. lf~our group has not met at the Center in some time or if you have a new group, consider booking the Center for your meetings. Contact the Center Director for information oll availability. Center Director Greg Gatewood TOHR’s Capital Campaiqn The Pyramid Project pyramidproject org Overall TOHR’s Comnmnity Center is a vibrant place with many happenings and events. Come down and enjoy. Mark Bonney Chair Sue Welch President, TOHR David Hoot, S hel[y Marcy Smith and Tim wirliams John D. Cutright, MSW, LCSW Counselor & Psychotherapist 4870 S. Lewis Avenue Suite 190 T-l a, OK 74105 918-284-0123 Children Adolescents * Adult Couples �Pyramid Project HOME TOUR May 15th The L Word On the Center’s Big Screen Sue Welch You won’t want to miss the May 15th home tour that we have planned. The tour features the home built by the inventor of the parking meter, a home owned by a lesbian couple of 45 years which has been highlighted on HGTV’s Restore America, the Castle of Terwilleger Heights that has a secret room used during the Prohibition Era, and the home of well-known Tulsa designer and author, Charles Faudree. These Beautiful Tulsa homes will welcome and delight you! Check TOHR’s eNEWS for further details. (You can subscribe to eNEWS marling list by emailing center~b~TOHR.o rg.) Over 250 people attended February’s Wild Hearts Ball. The ball, sponsored by Level Vodka, Out~K Film Festival, Club Maverick, TNT’s, HOT’s, and the End Up Club, raised over $5000 for the Pyramid Project. To date, over $335,000 capital campaign contributions and pledges have been raised in support of TOHR’s future homebase. A building search committee expects to begin work later this year. Come join your fi’iends at the Tulsa GLBT Communi!3 Center each Sunday to see Showtime popular series, the "L Word," Doors open at 8:30 p.m. The show starts at 9:00 p.m. TOHR FUNDRAISERS @ PLAYMOR & MAVERICK GREG GATEWOOD IS TOHR’S NEW CENTER DIRECTOR The TOHR Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Greg Gatewood has been hired to be the Community Center’s fidl-time Director. This hiring comes after a decision to restructure the job responsibilities after TOHR’s Executive Director resigned in early February. "We are pleased to have engaged the services of Greg," stated Mark Bonney. "Greg has an eight year history of service to the GLBT Community and TOHR. He brings a wealth of experience to tbe organization and the operations of the Community Center. Greg is heavily involved in Diversity Celebration 2005, serves as the First VicePresident of PFLAG, and gas recently been assisting the Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa. He will hit the ground running. A big welcome from all of us, Greg." Everyone is welcome to come down to the Communit3, Center to meet Greg and to see the exciting new Bohnett CyberCenter that opens on April 20th. Join hosts ~ Tippie Walker and Marc Dodson at the Playmot (1737 S. Memorial) on Saturday, APRIL 9 at 10:30 p.m. for a TOHR fundraiser: Sooner State Live, The T-Town Rodeo will be underway and the crowd ready to pmV. TOHR’s own Peaches Lennox will be there "fleecing wallets from the audience and backstage." A second fundraiser will take place on May 20, from 9:30 to I 1:00 p.m., at the Club Maverick (822 S. Sheridan). Watch TOHR’s eNEWS for further information. Kelly Kirby, CPA, PC Certified Public Accountant "For AII Your Accounting Needs" Gay men and lesbians face many special situations, whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve this community. 4815 South Harvard, Suite 424 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135-3066 918.747.5466 743-GAYS �otherwise. The CyberCenter is available to the public for research, skillbuilding, and personal recreational use. The CyberCenter contains: GARRETT LAW OFFICE, P.C. Garrett Law Office~ P.C. is an association of lawyers with one common goal: to serve the public interest by representing injured persons or persons with property damage who are susceptible to possible unfair treatment by insurance companies. Our practice areas are: INSURANCE DISPUTES PERSONAL INJURY WRONGFUL DEATH JOB-RELATED INJURIES SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY PRODUCT LIABILITY SECURITIES FRAUD BANKRUPTCY Call our office for a free consultation before you commit to signing a release which could compromise the value of your claim and your legal rights. 1-888-GARRETT In Tulsa: 622-9292 Remember - The adjuster works for the insurance company- 10 IBM workstations ~vith fiat panel displays--all with Internet access and Microsoft Office Suite; ® Network attached IBM high-end laser printer; ® Flat bed scanner; ® Wireless hub, allowing internet access for laptop users. In addition, one workstation has a full suite of publishing/photoediting tools; and others are equipped with the latest in gaming software. Tile CyberCenter is arranged to facilitate instructional usage. From time to time, TOHR will sponsor educational classes on matters such as: General Introduction to the Internet and Email; Using Microsoft Office; Using Microsoft Outlook; Internet Basics; Using Photoshop and Pagemaker (Publishing); annd Digital Photo and Video tips and tricks. Educational classes will generally last 1 ½ hours each. The cost for each class will generally be $8 for TOHR members, $10 for non-members, plus materials costs. Other organizations may arrange to rent the CyberCenter for their usage and training for $30 per hour, plus materials costs. The David Bohnett Foundation was founded by David Bohnett, designer of GeoCities, which later became a part of Yahoo.com. David is determined to improve our society through social activism. He recognizes the importance of the internet in creating that change. He want to ensure that the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community are connected and using the immense potential of the web. TOHR is very appreciative of being selected for the installation of the 20 th CyberCenter ill the U.S. Come to the Grand Opening and get online! WE WORK FOR YOU! Bumper sticker seen in Tulsa: Focus on Your Own Damn Family! certificates listing Gay or Lesbian parents. The law decrees that Oklahoma "shall not recognize an adoption by more than one individual of the same sex from any other state or foreign jurisdiction." But in addition to preventing future Oklahoma recognition of adoptions occurring in other states or nations, the law could also be interpreted to nullify existing adoptions whenever families come into our state. Anne and Heather’s neighbors recognize that they are their children’s mothers, but will the State of Oklahoma? The law threatens families and endangers parents’ relations with their children. With the help of Lambda Legal, Anne and Heather have joined together with a number of other parents and children and sued to overturn this hurtful law. Brian Chase, Lambda Legal Staff Attorney, has criticized State legislators "who disapprove of gay people and lashed out by passing a law that punishes children for having gay or lesbian parents." The law should be found unconstitutional and in violation of the 14th Amendment, which guarantees equal protection, and the Full Faith and Credit clause of the U.S. constitution. Anne and Heather have won their first round in federal court. The State filed a motion to dismiss the suit under the 1 lt~ amendment and lost. It has, however, taken this loss to the 10ta Circuit Court Court of Appeals in Denver. Anne and Heather’s family will be caught in the courts for some time to come. TOHR members can help by talking to friends and neighbors to help them understand that strong Oklahoma families come in all shapes and sizes. TOHR supporters might also attend PFLAG’s Lobbying Day at the State Capital on April 6 (see back cover for details) and buttonhole legislators urging them to rescind this attack on Oklahoma’s families and children. �UPCOMING TOHR EVENTS CALENDAR April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 -- Movie Nights at the Center. Join us at 6:30 for fun, film, and fi’iends at the Center. April 2- Diversity Celebration Volunteer Meeting. 10 a.m. at tbe Center April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 -- H.O.P.E. Free Anonymous HIV Testing. 4:0~-7:00 p.m. at the Center. April 3, 10, 17, 24 -- The L Word. Watch Pal~y! Join a crowd of Pans to watch The L Word at the Center. 8:30 p.m. April 2, 9-- Queer as Folk. Or join FOLK fans to watch Season Four on the Center’s big screen, 9:00 p.m. April 5, 12, 19, 26 -- H.O.P.E. Free Anonymous HIV Testing. 6:00--8:00 p.m. at the Center. April 6, 13, 20, 27 -- Gender Outreach Oklahoma Drop-in Days. Meet at the Center at 7:00 p.m. April 8-10 -- T-Town Rodeo. Check out Soouer State Rodeo Assn.’s website w~w.soonerstaterodeo.com April 9-- TOHR Fundraiser @ Playmor. Join hosts Tippie Walker and Marc Dodson and rodeo fans at 10:30 p.m. April 14, 28 -- Women’s Group. 7:00 p.m. at the Center April 16 -- Gender Outreach Oklahoma, General Meeting. 7:00 p.m. at the Center. April 20 -- CyberCenter Grand Opening. Come down to celebrate the opening of the David Bohnet~ CyberCenter, at the Community Center, 5-7 p.m. May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29-- The L Word. Watch Party! Join a crowd of I~ans to watch The L Word at the Center, 8:30 p.m. May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 -- H.O.P.E. Free Anonymous HIV Testing. 6:00--8:00 p.m. at the Center. May 4, 11, 18, 25 -- Gender Outreach Oklahoma Drop-in Days. Meet at the Center at 7:00 p.m. May 6, 13, 20, 27 -- Movie Nights at the Center. Join us at 6:30 for fun, fihn, and friends at the Center May 12, 26 -- Women’s Group. 7:00 p.m. at the Center May 15 Tulsa Home Tour, in support of the Pyramid Project. May 20 -- TOHR Fundraiser @ Mavericks. 9:30--11:00 pro. Check eNEWS for more information. May 21 Gender Outreach Oklahoma, General Meeting. 7:00 p.m. at the Center. ’ affirming congregations who ~ came together for a Pahn Sunday interdenominational ser~ vice. A special offering was taken to support TOHR, its / Center, and its prograras that serve the GLBT comrnunity of ~ northeast Oklahoma. 743-GAYS �Focus on Supporting Organizations: Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG TULSA) In eacb Torcb, we offer a supporting organization in Oklahoma rite opportunity to highligbt its activities on behalf of tbe GLBT communi~F, lfyour organization is interested in submitting an article in a future Torch, please contact us at communiO@~tobr.org. In tbis edition, Nancy McDonaM of PFLAG’s Tulsa Chapter describes the history and mission of this important and supportive organization. In 1972, Morton Manf~rd was physi~ cally ariacked at a gay rights demonstration in New York. It just happen to be the Stonewall Bar. MorO’s parents, Jeanne and Jules Manford, saw the attack on a local newscast and witnessed the failure of the police to intervene, Their outrage turned them into activists. The concept of PFLAG began in 1972 when Jeanne Manford lnarched with her gay son in New York’s first PRIDE Day Parade. During and after the parade many g~y men and lesbians ran up to Jeanne and begged her to talk to their parents. Jeanne decided to begin a support group. Approximately 20 people attended the first formal meeting held in March 1973 at a local church. In the next years, through word of mouth and in response to communit3, need, similar groups sprung up around the country, offering "safe havens" and mutual support for parents with gay and lesbian cbildren. Following the 1979 National March for Gay and Lesbian Rights, representatives from these support groups met for tbe first time in Washington, DC and in !981, members decided to launch a national organization. The first PFLAG office was established in Los Angeles under founding President Adele Start’. In 1982, the Federation of Parents and Friends (PFLAG), then comprising some 20 groups, incorporated in California and was declared a nonprofit organization. In 1990, fo[Iowinga period of enormous growth, PFLAG hired an Executive Director, added family to its name, and became a membersbip based organization. PFLAG Tulsa was organized as a Chapter in I987. The Metropolitan Community Church hosted a group of interested people to ascertain interest in organizing a Chapter. Three Tulsa Families decided to formally organize the Tulsa Chapter and there bas been steady growth in membership. We affiliated with the National organization in 1988 and were the 27th Chapter to be organized. There are now 500 Chapters in the United States. The vision of the organization is, "We, the parents, families m~d friends of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trangender persons, celebrate diversily and envision a society that embraces everyone, including those of diverse sexual orientations and gender identifies. Only with respect, digni~ and equaliW for all will we reach our full poten- tia[ as human beings, individually and collectively." PFLAG welcomes the participation and suppol~ of all who share in, and hope to realize, this viOur mission is to promote the health and well being of GLBT persons, their families and fi’iends through: support, to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten an ill in,brined public, and advocacy to end discrimination and secure equal civil rights. PFLAG provides an opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity. The Tulsa chapter offers support groups for parents, family members, and friends who learn they have a child, sibling, relative or friend who is GLBT as well as GLBT persons who are considering coming out to their families. Members are actively engaged in educafion of self, family, fi-iends and the community at large. They make presentations to schools, community groups, nonprofit organizations and civic clubs plus provide information to any person or group requesting this, Tbey hold monthly educational meetings, The chapter is actively engaged in advocacy and has participated in lobbying days at the State Capitol, speaking before committees at the Legislature, working for safe schools, meeting with editorial boards, State Representatives, State Senators, CiW Council members, etc. We welcome anyone to join the organization and ceriainly encourage parents to participate. PFLAG is the bridge between the gay and straight communities and opens doors to conversation and action. PFLAG’s Helpline number is (918) 749-490 I, and its email address is pflagtulsa@hotmail.com. �Palm Sunday Service Toby Jenkins Pahn Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week in Christianity, the days leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus and His resurrection. Newspapers are full of announcements publicizing special events and services to cornrent interpretations. Lost among the publicity of services for Yulsa’s religious community was one rather historic and unique evem for those who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and their friends and families. The LGBT community held a Joint Palm Sunday Service for affirming and inclusive churches, a first time event they hope to recreate annually. SCANDALS! Homophobic society regularly suffers scandals and sex panics, and Tulsa has been no exception. The case of Billy James Hargis (1925-2004) was one of the most lurid of these. Hargis rose to fame as leader of the Christian Crusade and American Christian College, once located on S. Sheridan Ave. Hargis gained a national reputation, while working as a pastor in Sapulpa in the 1950s, for preaching the perils of communism and its godless allies that had infiltrated government, business, unions, Hollywood, and the mainline Protestant churches. He ran with this message onto TV and radio. But Hargis is even more famous as the first televangelist to be burned by Gay sex. His organization, in 1968, had published is the School House the Proper Place to Teach Raw Sex? But in 1974, according to Time magazine. Hargis officiated at the wedding of two of his students who discovered that both had lost their virginity to him. Three young men in the college’s choir (All-American Kids) next revealed that Hargis had sexually abused them for several years. Hargis resigned from the College which went bankrupt, its campus later purchased by OU’s College of Medicine. Buddhist temples, synagogues, almost every branch of the Christian faith include gay believers. The Diversity Interfaith Service has always been one of the pillars of Pride Week. a week of celebration and honor for the LGBT community, so it was not difficult to assemble several pastors, ministers and churches for an afternoon of worship. With 23 churches represented, Diversity Christian Fellowship International hosted the afternoon in their newly remodeled sanetuary. Dr. Mark Bighley. organist for Bethany Lutheran Church, played the processional piece "Glory, Laud, and Honor." Reverend Rad~brd Rader, pastor of College Hill Presbyterian, led the Invocation with a Biblical reference to Elijah’s lament of solitude and discovery of other like churches. Andre Martin, Music Minister at Unity Church of Christianity, set the tone of the service as he sang "In This Very Room" before Mark Bonney, president of Tulsa Oklahoman’s for Human Rights, graciously greeted the participants while recognizing the comfort that so many find within their own faith and individual ministers and pastors. Reverend Culliver Brool~nan, minister of Unity Churcb of Christianity, read a passage from the Hebrew Scriptures, followed by the Voices Praise Team from College Hill Presbyterian Church who led the service in a contemporary direction, CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS! The Tulsa GLBT Community Center is looking for a few good people to oin the ranks of Tulsa’s freest voluneers: Center volunteers respond to the GLBT In fok?me, talkmg with people who need every imaginable kthd of information. Volunteers run the Center, operate the Pride Store, and help people with the CyberCaf& We provide training, a wonderful environment �Kelly Carter, Sheldon, and friends, Diversity Parade 2004 prompting hands clapping and being raised in worship. John Mercer, chairperson of the Deacon Board at Fellowship Congregational Church UCC, read a passage from Psahns. Chaz Gaut, pianist at Unity Church of Christianity, played the offertory hymn, "We Shall Behold Him" as ushers collected an offering designated for the continued work of TOHR, with Reverend Cathy Elliot, Pastor of Metropolitan Christian Church United, blessing it. Reverend Barney McLaughlin. minister at Bethany Christian Church, read a passage from the Epistle to the Philippians and Paul Allen, worship leader at Metropolitan Community Church United, sang "Written in Red" which introduced the Gospel reading by Reverend Alice Jones, pastor of Genesis Ministries, depicting Jesus entering Jerusalem. Reverend Leslie Penrose, pastor of Community of Hope UCC, took the historic account mid weaved a modemday reflection of how Jesus’ disciples loved the parade atmosphere of the triumphal entry but the work of the cross was still ahead. "We too love the parade of Palm Sunday, but there is still so much work that is ahead of us," said Penrose. She praised significant accomplishments within the I~st 30 years saying, "At this time, we associate Gay with Marriage and not Gay with AIDS. Diversity 2005 will feature an even bigger parade, more live entertainment by our local stars, more gaines and fun for the kids, and more activities for youth. Even though these three groups are pulling together there is much still to do. Volunteers, sponsors, and colnmunity chairs are needed to help make the day a success. The next volunteer planning meeting takes place April 2 at 10:00 a.m. atthe GLBT community center. For more information about the 2005 Diversity Celebration, please contact Greg Gatewood at the GLBT Community center (918-749-GAYS) or Kelly Carter at kcarter@cox.net. Family Pride Spaghetti Dinner PFLAG Tulsa Friday, June 3 7:00 PM; Location TBA Interfaith Service Sunday June 5th Time TBA; Location TBA Respect for All PFLAG Tulsa Monday. June 6 Time TBA; Location TBA ART Show & Sale TOHR Tuesday, June 7 Time TBA; Location TBA COMC Concert Tulsa City-County Lib~w Thursday, June 9 Time TBA; Location TBA Diversi& Gala TOHR Friday. June 10 Time TBA Vista Room Gilcrease Museum Tulsa GLBT PRIDE Parade Tulsa GLBT & Allied community Saturday, June I 1 11:00am; Streets of Tulsa Tulsa Pride & Diversigv Festival Tulsa GLBT & Allied community Saturday, June I 1 12:00-5:00 PM; Veterans Park (¢ont on p 9) We gather for weddings now and not so many funerals as we used to do." Her words brought tears of joy and affirmation to many as she remembered how 15 years ago MCC and its pastors were the only ones welcom- DIVERSITY CELEBRATION 2005 June 3 - June 11 Calendar of Events 1985 2005 �Interview with a Board Member." Christina Elder Christina Elder was elected last month to f!ll an empO~ chair on TOHR’s Board of Directors. Christina is also TOHR’s new Vohmteer Coordinator. TORCH." Where did you grow up? Where is’ homeJbr you? CE: I moved to Tulsa when I was 8 so this is definitely where I call home. TORCH." How did you become involved with TOHR? CE: I started volunteering with TOHR in October of 2004 when I answered a cry for volunteers through an online support group. I jumped right in and began helping organize TOHR’s public communications, sending emails and making phone calls. I also suggested a number of changes I thought would beneficial to the organization. In February, I received a call asking me to take over as volunteer coordinator and in March I was elected to the TOHR board. TORCH." How is’ it coordinating TOHR’s volunteers? CE: Honestly, I haven’t had to do much at this point. I have scheduled some training dates this Spring. I am also signing up new volunteers who are excited about what TOHR is doing in our community. I think the biggest advantage of my position is the opportunity to meet new, amazing people. The hardest part so far: Convincing people that change is a good thing. CE: In addition to regular volunteer hours needed to keep the Center open, Tulsa’s Diversity Celebration is coming up this June 4-11. Everyday of that week will offer new and exciting ways to take part in the celebrations. There is something for everyone, everyday. Whether you like parties and parades or greeting and cleaning, I have something planned for you! TORCH." And are there new ways in which people can vohmteer to help TOHR serve the community? ing the LGBT community and thanked them for their years of solitary service. Reverend Penrose used a timeline to describe how churches began to open up and new ministries were founded to minister to the spiritual needs of the community, stating "we were challenged to create a new world." Reverend Chuck Breckenridge of Diversity Christian Fellowship International presided over the communion portion of the service with the very touching words: "we say with Jesus, we have been waiting for you," as the congregation joined each other at the open communion table. Mark Watkins, Minister of Liturgical Worship and the Arts at Fellowship Congregational Church UCC, directed their choir in two musical selections, with Victor Evans, Minister of Music at Community of Hope UCC, accompanying them. Bishop Rick Hotlingsworth, founder of The Parish Church of Saint Jerome thanked everyone for their attendance and participation and gave the final benediction and blessing. Justin Schroeder, Young Adult Minister at All Souls Unitarian Church was unable to attend due to prior commitments but sent word of support to the united effort of all Tulsa inclusive churches. Reach thousands of NE Oklahoma’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendereg questioning, and allied READERS As the large crowd dismissed, an observer could be reminded of the oftused gay anthem "We Are Family." ADVERTISE IN THE TORCH! For rate card and specs. ernail community@tohr.org or phone Greg Gatewood at 6298680. The weekly GLBT community list of events and activities emailed to you every week. Contact TOHR today at community@tohr.org to sign up �PFLAG LOBBYING DAY 6 April 2005 P-FLAG’s Lobbying Day at the Capitol on Wednesday, April 6tho A carpool will be leaving from Fellowship Congregational at 7:30 a.m. and the event is in the Capital Rotunda from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This is an important opportunity to make ourselves seen and heard. Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights RO. Box 2687 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74101 � Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Microsoft Publisher Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] Torch, April 2005; Volume 4, Issue 4 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2004 April Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights April 2004 TOHR Torch https://history.okeq.org/files/original/84df893dfb1cb5ced31b1a964c46d0ba.jpg 31a6f5635bc4484837165f752087463c https://history.okeq.org/files/original/343673e98813cfa3c8b4167afc0a78d7.pdf 05fadc1418301cd46b20c4c901bd6dc3 PDF Text Text August/September 2004 Volume three / issue four tulsa oklahomans for human rights Questions on Marriage: Law, Religion, and Equallity Professor M.V. Lee Badgett to Present GLBT History Lecture Tulsa Conference on Marriage Equality TOHR is co-sponsoring and helping to organize a conference on marriage equality, convening on October 2 at the DoubleTree Hotel Downtown. The conference targets mainstream Oklahoma, especially women, to build a base of knowledgeable citizens who can take the message of marriage equality out into our families, churches, schools, and workplaces. M. V. Lee Badgett. Associate Professor of Economics at the Universit~- of Massachusetts. Amherst. will present the second mmual GLBT ’contimwd on p. 6) The conference will take place a month before the November 2 election, when Oklahomans will decide State Question 711. If passed, this state question would add a new Section 35 to Article 2 of the Oklahoma Constitution. The proposed Section defines marriage to be between one man and one woman. It prohibits giving the benefits of marriage to people who are not married, and provides that same-sex marriages in other states are not valid in Oklahoma. And it makes issuing a marriage license in violation of the Section a misdemeanor. TOHR urges all members to educate themselves, their families, friends and neighbors on the impact of State Question 711, and to watch for upcoming information on the marriage equality conference. We also ask members to support PFLAG-Tulsa’s campaign to raise funds to purchase newspaper ad space before the upcoming election. This will help get our message out to Tulsa and beyond. 2004 Diversity Celebration Rocks! Parade Marshall Chad Allen (known for his work on TV’s Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman) kicked off the all-day parade and festivities on Saturday, June 12. The nine-day long celebration began on June 4 with Tulsa PFLAG’s annual spaghetti dinner. Tim Williams (TW’s AFAB Catering) provided the delicious pasta and sauces and he also contributed finger foods to TOHR’s annual Art Show and Sale, held for the first time this year at Harwelden. During the week, the Tulsa City-County Library arranged book displays and a film screening, and the Council Oak Men’s Chorale also performed to an enthusiastic audience. On Friday evening, Veterans Park Crowd (continued on p. 3) �From the President Mark_Bonney I want to thank those volunteers who committed their time and energy to making this year’s Diversity Celebration successful. Those who attended the Diversity Gala heard from John Lawrence and his attorney Mitchell Katine. We learned about the history of the U.S. Supreme Court case. No one person has had more of an impact on the freedom of gays and lesbians than John Lawrence. Because of his courage, we are no longer uncharged, unconvicted felons in the State of Oklahoma. Oklahoma’s Sodomy Statute along with those in 13 other states was struck down by the Supreme Court. We had many thousands in attendance at the Diversity Celebration Parade and Festival. There were more booths and food vendors this year than in recent years. I want to thank all those who attended as well as those who entertained. Next year TOHR will celebrate 25 years of fighting for human rights in Oklahoma. We will need many volunteers willing to help make it even more successful. You can contact the center for more information on getting involved. TOHR will be working with other Tulsa groups to inform the public of the many legal and political issues that will be decided in the nex~ few months. It is important for all of us to not only be informed this year but to discuss these issues with our family, friend and co-workers. Look in the TORCH for articles that will contain talking points to help frame a discussion on the issues important to our community. Watch for expanded programming and events this fall and winter. Our annual membership meeting will be held on Thursday, September 30, 2004. Place that date on your calendar now, and RVSP by September 24. for human rights pubh.shed by Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) PO Box 2687 Tulsa, OK 74]0] 918-743-4297 (phone) / 918-384-O] 08 (fax) www.toh r.org email: community@tohr.org O/~ce locano. Tulsa GLBT Colmnmfity Center 5545 East 41st Street Tulsa. OK 74135 TOHR Board of Directors Executive Board President--Mark Bonney 1st Vice President--Dr. Laura Belmonte 2nd Vice President--Lamont Lindstrom Secretary--Mike Williams Treasurer--Dwight Kealiher Assistant Treasurer~John Madigan Governing Board Director, Gender Outreach--Troy Nicholas Director, Board Development--Ken Youngblood Director, Fundraising--Dennis Neill Director, Advocacy--Laura Belmonte Director, Programs & Facilities---Ken Youngblood Directors at Larqe Janet Gearin Devon Rutherford Executive Director Michael Christopher TOHR’s Capital Campaiqn the Pryamid Project pyramidproject.org President, TOHR Chair Sue Welch Committee Members Theresa Barnard, Mark Bonney, Marc Frieden, Genesis iViinistries 2419 S. 83rd E. Avenue, Tulsa, OK Greg Gatewood, David Hoot, Brent Ortolani,, Marcy Smith and Tim Williams. TOHR is a 501(c)3 organization operated completely through donations and non.paid volunteers. Contribu- tions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of current Meets Sunday 11 am for service Wednesday 7 pm for Bible Study, Singing and Prayer John D. Cutr ght, MSW, LCSW Counselor & Psychotherapist 4870 S. Le ,ds Avenue Suite 190 Tulsa, OK 74105 918-284-0123 United States of America tax laws. The Torch, a publication of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, Inc. is published bimonthly with an estimated annual readership of 10,000. Subscription rates are paid contributing member dues of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHP0. Advertising rates are: business card: $25/issue; 1/4 page: $50/issue; ]/2 page: $75/issue and full page; $100/ issue. A 25% discounted rate is available with a paid annual advertising plan. The Torch is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or part except by permission obtained by contacting TOHR directly. Credit must be given to TOHR. The views of the Torch are expressed in editorial only. Views expressed in letters to the editor and other submissions are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the board of directors, contributing members or editors or leadership of TOHR. The Torch re serves the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication. The Torch and/or TOHR is not responsible for damages due to typographical errors. Advertisements designed and created for publication in the Torch remain the property of TOHR. The Torch and/or TOHR cannot be responsible for claims by advertisers. The use of the name or likeness of a person or entity in the Torch in advertising or editorial content does not imply any particular sexual orientation or political affiliation. Copyright 2004, TOHR. �Volunteers Needed Different and the Same is a child focused initiative tahat helps children identify, talk about, and prevent prejudice. The centerpiece of the program is a series of nine 12 - 15 minute child friendly video tapes developed by the company affiliated with the highly regarded children’s program 19Iister Rogers Neighborhood. The videos utilize a diverse group of puppets and live actors to teach lessons about differences, respect, and getting along with others. In addition, a 122 page teacher’s guide and workshop facilitator’s guide accompany each set of videos. Through the tapes, teachers, volunteers, and their students touch on themes ranging from stereotyping, speaking different languages, cross-cultural and interracial friendships, and standing up against prejudice. A trained volunteer guides the process, encouraging the participants to share their own experiences and Diversity Celebration come up with creative solutions. These lessons stay with children for a lifetime, helping them to develop into cariug and compassionate citizens. The National Conference of Coimnunitv and Justice and the Junior League of Tulsa teamed up for the initial sponsorship of the project. The Advisory board has been expanded to inchided RSVP. Aanericma Red Cross. Tulsa Public Schools. Sand Spring Public Schools. and Union Public Schools. The Different and the Same Advisory Board. chaired by Nancy McDonald and Paula Langston. is seeking vohmteers for the 2004-2005 school year. Volunteers are asked to participate in a taro hour training session. quarterly meetings, and assume responsibility for presenting the nine week program, one hour per week. in a third grade classroom. The committee attempts to place you at a school of your choice. (continuedfrom page 1) those who attended TOHR’s annual Gala heard John Lawrence and his attorney Mitchell Katine recount the history of their successful appeal to the Supreme Court, which led to the nation-wide overturning of antiquated sodomy laws. TOHR members have participated in the training and presentations of the progrmn and are enthusiastic about the opportunity to work in this program. We are hoping to expand TOHR’s involvement and co~mnitment to education. Diversity’s high point arrived on Saturday the 12th. The parade, led by Chad Allen, marched down Cherry St., heading for Veterans Park. Between 8,000 and 10,000 people attended the parade and festival, enjoying an afternoon of music and other entertainment. If you are interested or have additional questions, please call Nancy McDonald. 742-8565 or contact her at nancymcdo@aol.com. TOHR’s 25th anniversary occurs next year and we are already planning for the best and most exciting Diversity Celebration in our history. To join in, keep an eye on our website, www.tohr.org. TOHR’s Advocacy Committee met most recently on July 21. There are mare- ways you can help the committee. Some of them include: *Volunteering to be part of our emerging Speaker’s Bureau. We appear at local business, community. church, and school organizations to educate the comanunitv and to create alliances. Help show our neighbors who we are. *Volunteering to call and/or write the editors of the Ttdsa World Help us respond to the anti-gay diatribes flint appear far too often. Help us k,eep our issues in the news in a fair and balanced way. *Volunteer your artistic and/or graphic design expertise. Help us design posters, flyers, and other publications. Join us at our next monthly tneeting at 6:30 p.m.. Wednesday. )kugust 18th at the Pride Center. Contact Laura Belmonte at 295-8941 or labelmonte@hotmail.com for more information The weekly GLBT conununity list of events and activities entailed to you ever3." week. Contact TOHR today at ¢ommuait.v~tohr.org to sign up. TOHR Advocates for Your Rights Grand Marshall Chad Allen �Information @ Your Public Library Mike Williams, TOHR Secretary The fellow once said "nothing is certain but death and taxes" and I suppose that this is true. However, there’s one other certainty on which you can depend and that’s your public library! The Tulsa City-County Library System serves our customer base with a Central Library and 23 branch locations plus a Genealogy Center. The staff at TCCL is ready and able to help with everything from books to multi-media plus a host of reference services of which most people may be unaware. Did you know you could call 596-7977 and ask questions? "I need to register to vote, where might I do that?" or, "WCho is my state representative, my United States Congressman/Senator? .... Do you have information on the upcoming political candidates?" Or "I remember a song that my grandmother sang to me when I was little, or a poem she recited and here is the first line." These are just a few questions that come to a librarian on any given day; there are no stupid questions, only questions without answers. If we don’t have the answer, chances are we can refer you to someone who does. Got questions about the business world, about investments, need to have some in-depth research done for a paper or a speech? Are you curious about which public library branch is nearest you? Call 596-7977 and let us help you. Call 585-1188 Tour www.gaelicgourment.com 108 E. 18th SL Tulsa, OK Candidate Forums September 10 and 28 On September 10th and 28th. TOI-[R and PFLAG will host candidate fonuns. The fortress will be open to all parties and to t~deral and state-level candidates. Discussion will be mt~erated and candidates will be asked preprepared questions. Time penuittmg, we will open the floor for audience questions. A voter registration booth will be open. Watch for forum thue and location i!~t’ommtion. Subscribe to our fi’ee eNEWS se~wice for details on events like this: send email to mchristol)her:&tohr.org with the words StTBSCRIBE ENEWS h~ the sut~ect ILne. CArt 357-1757 SPECIALIZING IN DIVE TRAINING FOR IHE NEW SCUBADIVER SPECL~IIY CLASSES ALSO AVAI.ABLE Timothy Sean Fitzgerald On tap from the Gaelic Gourmet Lunches in the box- and in the boardroom. Milemarkers like weddings, birthdays, graduations, wakes, retirements, promotions, anniversaries -- basically anything worth celebrating. Cheese for retail (in 55 assorted selections). Hors d’oeuvre trays with something for everyone. Bread focaccias, brioche and crusty Io_aves. Covered in herbs, chockfull of fruit. We blend the butter, too. Waffle breakfasts starring our own bacon. Wine tasting with a sommelier who can expertly pair the acid in wine with the enzyme in cheese. It’s a gift. Desserts made to order. Dinner cooked, casual, catered. We’ll even serve it for you, give it that special touch. Pig roasts and other grand feasts. Farmer’s market every Saturday in season. Call him the Earl of Cherry Street. (Somebody else can be King.) Cocktail receptions because you have to eat, don’t you? "Why can’t we just have ribs and fried chicken? You can. Surprise us. We love a challenge. ~’ou get the food, you get me too. We’re inseparable’ www.scubachef.net Kelly Kirby CPA, PC Certified Public Accountant "For All Your Accottnt#~g Needs" Gay men and lesbians face many special situations, whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve this community. 48"15 South Harvard, Suite 424 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74"!35-3066 9"18.747.5466 �Interview with a Board Member. Dennis Neill Dennis Neiil was one of the founders of TOHR in 1980. Currently, he is back on TOHR’s Board serving as Director of Fundraising. Dennis is also involved in several new endeavors such as the Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa and Tulsa Reaches Out that will help serve the needs of our community. the future. Also, since Tulsa is home for us, we want to live on an equal footing. Working with our wonderful allies in other organizations, we will make progress! We have a great base to work from. The Community, Center is one of the largest in this part of the country. We have a very diverse and strong Diversity Celebration that reaches out to thousands, And we have 24 years of service by all the wonderful volunteers who have made what we do possible. TORCH." Where did you grow up? Where is home for you? 1 DN: I grew up in Ponca City, went to college at Oklahoma State and law school at the University of Texas. I have lived in Tulsa since graduating from law school in 1977, so Tulsa is my home. TORCH: How did you first become involved with TOHR? DN: In the late 1970s, Oklahomans for Human Rights was formed in Oklahoma City to fight for equal rights for the gay and lesbian community. Socially, I knew some of those involved in this effort With others in the Tulsa community, we decided to start a chapter of OHR in Tulsa in 1980 and I served as the first president. We incorporated as our own Tulsa-based non-profit in 1985. TORCH: How has TOItR, and the challenges it responds to, changed over the years? DN: In the first years of our organization, it was important to help our members and our community be comfortable being who they were. Thus, we sponsored lots of social activities and educational programs, which ~vere very well received. We also started an important health outreach program by running free testing clinics for sexually transmitted diseases. By the mid-1980’s, the organization became more focused on some advocacy and the tremendous clmllenges of HIV and AIDS, ~vhile continuing the information line, monthly educational meetings and some sports programming. I was not very active with TOHR in the 1990s, so I am not as familiar with the services provided during that time. Today, we are serving a vital advocacy role as the media seeks to have spokespersons for issues involving the GLBT community. Also, while exciting firings are happening for the GLBT community as a whole, we still must contend with a lack of public understanding in Oklahoma of GLBT issues reunify at large who understand GLBT issues, many others remain ill-informed or very homophobic. Many business, COUUlltmi~’, m~d political leaders are simply not doing enough to encourage diversity’ and acceptance which is vital if Tulsa is going to be economically successful in TORCH: And what more needs to be done? DN: Keep up the fight, increase support for TOHR and other progressive organizations, and be willing to speak out whenever possible. and contributions and with a hostile and rather homophobic political environment. TOHR’s Community Center and CyberCafe are very important to a large number of our community members and our allies. TOHR serves as the center of operations for a significant pan of the GLBT community in the Tulsa area. TORCH: What other projects and organizations are you working with at the moment? DN: The newly formed Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa. Through this entity, we are channeling our charitable giving $$ to Tulsa non-profits which practice real diversity in their organizations by including sexual orientation protection in their nondiscrimination policies. We believe the dollar branding can have a positive impact in the Tulsa area. I am also working with many others on "Tulsa Reaches Out," a plan with the Tulsa Community Foundation to raise $100,000 local dollars and $100,000 from an outside challenge grant to be used to fund certain programs that will serve the needs of the GLBT community. TORCH: Based on your experience in the community, is Tulsa changing? DN: Not as much as many of us would like and not at the pace that other parts of the country are experiencing. While I believe we have more people in the corn- BUILDING BRIDGES: Gay and Lesbian Catholics and the Church WHEN: Saturday. August 14. 9:00am to 3:00pro. WHERE: Tulsa GLBT Couumufitv Center. 5545 E. 41st Street. There is a compassionate group of Catholics reaching out to the GLBT conmmmtv. The gay-positive group New Ways Ministry is working with priests, religious educators and parents against a long history of institutionalized intolerance. Tiffs work is extremely challenging. and TOHR applauds the efforts of Francis DeBernardo aM Brother Tereuce Cant. CFC. welcomm~z them to the Center to present tacit workshop. Catholics fi:om all over Northeastern Oklahoma are invited to atten& especially spiritual and educational leaders. The day-long workshop is co-sponsored by TOHR. $55 at the door or $45 pre-registere& To preregister visit the Center at 5545 E. 41st. Tulsa GLBT Information Line 743=GAYS (743-9127) �(continuedfrom p. 1) History Project lecture. The lecture will take place on Friday, October 8 at All Souls Unitarian Church. The evening begins with a cocktail hour at 6:00 p.m., followed by buffet dinner and lecture at 7:00 p.m. Badger will speak on the international history of same-gender marriage, the topic of her current research. Her recent publications include the Slate commentary "Prenuptial Jitters: Did Gay Marriage Destroy Heterosexual Marriage in Scandinavia?" She is the author of Money, Myths, and Change: The Economic Lives ofLesbians and Gay Men and is also Research Director and cofounder of the Institute for Gay and Lesbian Strategic Studies. Important: RSVP at 743-4297 The Advocate magazine named her one of"Our Best and Brightest Activists" for her ground-breaking research that debunks the myth of gay affluence. Out magazine also named TULSA OKLAHOMANS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS PO Box 2687 TULSA, OK 74101 Do we have your emaii address? If not, then you’re missing our free eNEWS service that sends links to impOrtant stodes of interest to the GLBT community every week or two. Send email to mchristopher@tohr.org with the words ENEWS SUBSCRIBE in the subject line. Printed on recycled. chlorhae flee paper her one of the "Out 100" for her advoeacy mad research. Badgett has appeared on television in the U.S. and U.K. and on many radio shows including NPR’s Talk of the Nation. She is an accomplished mad lively speaker and frequently addresses audiences across the country. In addition to the University of Massachusetts, Badgett has taught at Yale and the University of Maryland. She lives in Northampton with her parmer and their two dogs where she gardens, hikes, and plays soccer and the guitar. NEW Coming Out Group TOHR’s new Coming Out Group will meet Wednesdays at 7:00 pro. beginning on September 8th at the Center (5545 E. 41st). Counselor and psychotherapist Jolm D. CutriN~t (MSW. LCSW) will lead friendly and supportive discussion. ALL WELCOME! � Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Microsoft Publisher Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2004] TOHR Torch, August-September 2004; Volume 3, Issue 4 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2004 August - September Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights August September 2004 TOHR Torch https://history.okeq.org/files/original/bdb6088d1bc366521858d11bcd914536.jpg b1de3fab736189d2d0eefe64dc5551b2 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/65f70937fddc003ec7286228b1931d10.pdf 67d876921a3186405ea6fb57378dcbab PDF Text Text 2004 tulsa oMahomans for human rights TOHR’s Year End Fundrais ng Campaign Mark Bomley October marked the start of a new fiscal year for TOHR. We need your financial support to enter what will be a ~nost significant 3ear for the gay. lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community. 220 Attend Vigil; Hundreds More the Streets Sometimes hate gives Tulsa a black ey~ This time we gave it back. l~libhaei Christopher, Executive Direc~or It didn’t take long after Oklahoma’s resounding defeat of GLBT marriage rights on November 2 for the hatemongers to start dancing in the streets. The GLBT Info Line rang steadily with news of people upset alter the election, some feeling afraid to go to work, some-having their cars chased; and at least otie beaten up-a woman attacked by a lesbian-hating neighbor. While dealing with all that, we got the news that FredPhelps’ group, Westboro Baptist Church, was coming back to town on SundazNovember 7 and Monday November 8, this time to picket churches that they believed didn’t do not show enough hatred toward GLBT people, and Charles Page High School in Sand Springs for not shoWing enough hatred toward its gay students. Fred Phelps’ batfie cry, "God hates fags," would be heard ~once again in the Tulsa area. I started calling our friends on the Say No ¯To Hate Coalition and members of our advocacy committee to see what could be done in response. When we told Nancy Eggen o£United Campus Ministries, she suggested a Sunday evening vigil. She swiftly organized a beautiful vigil service, and TOHR set about getting the word out. Thousands ofemails and phone calls later, the Center hosted its largest attendance ever. If you missed the vigil, you also missed a great homecoming. (And ifyou 7l send me your email address 1won ’t let you miss the next one]) People who hadn’t seen each other for years, new friends from Native American and African American communities, TOHR members of years past, and many of the new friends we (continued on p. 9) In the short period of six months since moving into our new Center and lfiring an Executiv-e Director. TOHR has substantially increased its service to the GLBT co~mnunitv. The number of calls received on the GLBT Info Line grew 300%. The number of meetings held at the Tulsa GLBT Conununitv Center doubled. Our-cooperative work with allied organizations has growu dramatically--we have_ presented the daylong Questions on Mam’i~q_e: A Con./~rence on Marriage Equalio,. hosted a month-long residency of the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force. worked with PFLAG and others to present two candidate forum events and a panel discussion on the legal implications of the Oklahoma antigay marriage amendment, coordinated the Tulsa GLBT History Project Lecture. and participated in the Say No To Hate Coalition and its hate speech task force. (contimted on p. 3) �publ~hed by PO Box 2687 Tulsa, OK 74101 918-743-4297 The Holidays Present Special Challenges" Every year at this time my partner and I have our annual ’"What are we going to do for the holidays?" discussion. This year, we are skipping Thanksgiving and Christmas with the family. For us, holidays are our choice. I know that for many, holidays become a time of angst because their family takes the position that we can come but only if our partner does not. Each of us has to make our own choices when faced with families who feel this way. Our ~a~ailies are in effect saying, "choose us or choose your partner." For some, this position is an absolute and will rarely change; for others it is only a test to see how "committed" we are to "being gay" or to our partners. What we should remember is that it is okay to make whatever choices we want. Whether we want to go be with our families or not is our decision and there is no reason we should feel any shame or guilt. After the events of this past year, some of us will fmd comfort in being with family; for others our families can be toxic. If your family is one that is not supportive, you should have an exit strategy. Don’t ride with others who may not want to leave when you do. IGaow when you are getting angry or depressed. If traveling long distances, make a hotel reservation for each night even if you have to cancel it. Once when visiting my sister at her invitation, my partner and I arrived only to be told that we had to sleep in different rooms. Be explicit with the ground rules before you arrive. Don’t leave things to chance. Even if you have had prior good experiences with family, be prepared this year for those family members who have been less supportive to be more vocal. Don’t expect them to be more difficult, just be prepared for how you are going to react. A New Year’s Resolution That Does Everyone Good O.ne of .the.most important New year’s Resolutions that I ever made was to be out in every aspect of my life. After the vote in Oklahoma this year, it is important to me to let as many of the three-out-of-four Oklahomans who voted for State Question 711 know that I am still here, still gay, and still deserving of equal relationship rights. For me, this will likely manifest itself in more LGBT t-shirts, buttons, etc. While Wild Oats may be a relatively safe place to stock up, I expect that I will also do some shopping at Walmart and Homeland. I urge all of us to be out in 2005. Come by the Center and get stickers for your cars, jewelry items, flags and windsocks to decorate your front porch. Let 2005 be the year that we let our PRIDE shine. \ President, TOHR email: commun[ty@tohr.or~ Office location Tulsa GLBT Conununity Center 5545 East 41st Street Tulsa. OK 74135 TOHR Board of Directors Executive Board President--Mark Bonney 1st Vice President--Dr. Laura Belmonte 2nd~/ice President--Libby Bender Secretary--Mike Williams Treasurer--Dwight Kealiher Assistant Treasurer---John Madigan Governing Board Director, Gender Outreach--Troy Nicholas Director, Board Development--Ken Youngblood Director, Fundraising--Dennis Neill Director, Programs & Facilities--Ken Youngblood Directors at Lar,qe Andrew Carter Kelly Carter Steve Eberle Janet Gearin Richard Hurtig Shelly Ledford Anita Randza Mike Redman Devon Rutherford Kaye Smith Novia Stice Executive Director Michael Christopher TOHR’s Capital Campaiqn The Pyramid Project pyramidproject.org ff~e Pyramid Pro~ Chair Sue Welch Committee Memhors Mark Bonney, Marc Frieden, Michelle Hoffman, David Hoot, Shelly Ledford, Cathe~!n Mason, Marcy Smith and Tim Williams. TOHR is a 501(c)3 ~ganization of~ratod Ihro~h donations and non-p.~ voluntenm. Cen~bu~on~ are t;~x-deductible ~o the fullest extent of current U~ Sta~ of Arne~a tax isw~ The Torch, a publicalion of Tulsa Oklahomans fo~ Human Rights, Inc. is John D. Cutrlght, MSW, LCSW Counselor &Psychotherapist’ 4870 S. Lewis Avenue, Suite 190 Tulsa, OK 74105 918-284-0123 Children + Adolescents + Adult + Couples x~tished bimanlHy wilh an estimated annual readership of 10,000. Subscription rates are paid contributing member dues of Tulsa Oldahomans for Human Rights (TOHR). Th~ Torch is protected by copyright and may not be repreduced in whale or part except by permission obt~ncd by co~acling TOHR ~reclly. Cre~t must be given to TOHR. The views of Ihe To~ch are expres~:l in editorials only. Views expreesed in lettars to Ihe edtor and other submtsdons are those of the au~or and do not nec~sorily r~ect Ihese of the board of drectors, centrib~ng members or e~tors ar leadorship of TOHR. The Torch reserves ~he right to e~t or reject any mate~t subrnilted f~r public.on. The Torch end/or TOHR is not respansit~e for damages due to typographical e~rors. Advertisaments designed and created for publisaf~an in the Torch rennin the property of TOHR. The Torch and/or TOHR cannot be respansit~e f~ d~ms by Copyright 2004, TOHR. �Fund-Raising Campaign ~.,f~vm p. 1) During the same period we presemed the mmual Diversity Celebration. expanded support group progra~mning, established the Tulsa Rainbow Business Organization (TURBO). increased Center attendance for social events, conducted a major upgrade of our computer systems, and launched the TOHR eNEWS email newsletter to rave reviews. And. with PFLAG and Tulsa Reaches Out. we sponsored a scientific study to assess the needs of the Tulsa GLBT Co~mnunity right now. It feels like we’ve done a year’s work in just a few months, but that’s exacth- the pace we need to lnaintain to take advantage of this umque moment in our history. The debate around marriage mad the overturning of all remaining sodomy laws is bringing unpredictable attention--and opportuniU, ha light of and despite recent electoral backlash, hate crimes legislatioh, employment nondiscri~nination policies. the needs of our co~mnunitv have becoine both more critically i~nportant mad more attainable. The 20-member TOHR Board of Directors and thirty dedicated volunteers of the Tulsa GLBT Coimnunitv Center ask you to consider a substantial co~mnitment of dollars in the upcoming ?ear. The momentum of this thne must be continualhfed ~{,ith effort, passion mad funds so that we will not miss this rare opportunity to advance our rights. In six months, the number of new people who have entered the fight is more than equal to the whole movement of a year ago. and TOHR is your contact with that force, y-our legs m the race. To move our community and organization forward in 2005. we are asking our contributors to consider raising their level of support this ?’ear. Please send in the donation form available in this newsletter. We are deeply grateful for your help! Estimated Revenues Oct 1.2004 - Sept 30 2005 - $160,000 Othe= M emberships, Benefits, 4% 3% Grants, 19% Di,,~rsity Ce~ebratto n, 40% Donations & Pledg e~, 30% ., Estimated Expenses p ro grams Oct&1 2004 - Seot 30 2005 - $160,000 Other, 5%. M arketing, 14% VCages & Benefits, 29% Facilities & Offic 28% Diversity Celebratio n, 24% Kelly Kirby, CPA, PC Certified Public Accountant "For AII Your Accounting Needs" Gay men and lesbians face many special situations, whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve this community. 4815 South Harvard, Suite 424 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135-3066 918.747.5466 �GARRETT LAW OFFICE, RC. TOHR Board members and officers at November annual Board retreat, All Souls Unitarian Church, led by Tulsa facilitator Barbara Bannon. Easy as Pie! Holiday Shop Online and Help the Pyramid Project Sue Welch With the Holidays upon us, The Pyramid Project wants you to shop till you drop! You’ve helped raise just over $300,000 in pledges and donations to purchase a permanent site for the Tulsa GLBT Community Center. We want to help you do even more good and it not hurt a bit. Shop online through the iGive secure network of over 550 brand name stores and give to the Pyramid Project without it costing you a penny! .In addition, if you join iGive through the How to Donate page of the Pyramid Project website, PyramidProject.org, and make a purchase within 30 days, the Pyramid Project receives an EXTRA $5.00 at NO cost to you. Here’s how it all works: iGive Members are the folks doing the shopping. Members accrue money by shopping via iGive and iGive works on the behalf of each member to direct a percentage of that member’s purchases to the Pyramid Project--that’s up to 26% of each purchase at NO cost to you! When supporters use thejoinLink on the Pyramid Project website, Pyramid Project is automatically pre-selected to benefi!! Every single supporter’s online shopping at over 550 popular stores means a donation for TOHR’s Pyramid Project! Remember, each new person who joins and shops within 30 days means a $5~0 bonus for TOHR’s Pyramid Project, so do it now! Use your Join link at PyramidProject.org. Garrett Law Office, P.C. ,is an association of lawyers with one common goal: to serve the public interest by representing injured persons or persons with property damage who are susceptible to possible unfair treatment by insurance companies. Our practice areas are: INSURANCE DISPUTES PERSONAL INJURY WRONGFUL DEATH JOB-RELATED INJURIES SOC~L SECURITY DISABILITY PRODUCT LIABILITY SECURITIES FRAUD BANKRI~TCY Call our office for a free consultation before you commit to signing a release which could compromise the value of your claim and your legal rights. 1-888-GARRETT HOUSE FOR RENT in one of Tulsa’s few "blue precincts," In Tulsa: $700 per month in historic Yorktown, St. John’s hospital 622-9292 area. Two bedrooms and one bath, a large kitchen, generous living room, separate dining room and glassed in back porch. Amenities include central air, washer, dryer, dishwasher and refrigerator! Leave a message for Ralph at 743-6863. Remember - The adjus’ter works,ibr flw ilISIlI’OIIC~ WE WORK FOR YOU~ sssss sss ss ssss ss ssssssssssssss sssss �UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDA E~:ember 1, 15_ Coming Out Group. Support for people making the journey out of the closet, fadlitated by John D. Cutr~jht, -~ MSW, LCSW. This is not formal counseling, but an open discussion between peers with guidance by a trained facilitator, and is very helpful in the difficult coming out process. Meets the first and third Wednesdays at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 5545 E. 4"1st, at 7:00pro. December 7, 14, 21 - Free anonymous HIV testing at the Center, 5545 E. 41st Street at our H.O.P.E. Testing Clinic, 6:00 to 8:00pro every Tuesday except Dec. 28 December 3, 10, 17 - Films at the Center. Join us at 6:30pro Fdday evenings for movie night.., fun, film and fdends at the Center, 5545 E. 41~ December 3, 4, 7 - Council Oak Men’s Chorale and Women of Council Oak Holiday Concert, "Home is Where the Heart Is" at Tdnity Episcopal. For tickets go to www.counciloak.org. December 6 - Diversity Celebration Planning Meeting at the Tulsa GLBT Community Ceqter, 5545 E. 41st. Anyone interested in being part of this annual June pride celebration is encouraged to attend. December 13 - PFLAG/TOHR Holiday Dinner. Come and join us for the annual holiday dinner at 6:30pro at Fellowship Congregational Church, 2900 South Harvard. The Council Oak Men’s Chorale and Women of Council Oak will entertain, and PFLAG will present the annual SWAN Awards. It’s a covered dish dinner, so bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share. December 17 -The dinner and lecture, GAY MARRIAGE, THE CONSTITUTION, AND AMERICAN POLITICS, features speaker Dr. Paul Finkelman, Chapman Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Tulsa, at 6:30 p.m. in Kaiser-Miller Auditorium, 1719 South Owasso, Tulsa. The cost for adults is $10.00 per person, for children 4-12, $5.00. Tots are invited to join us at $1 per meal. Dinner reservations and baby sitting arrangements may be made by calling the Synagogue at 583-7121 or dropping a note to suzanne@bnaiemunah.com. December 18 - Test Fest 2004, a day-long fair-style fun fest and free anonymous HIV testing. Door prizes, food, free sex supplies, games, and hot films on the big screen TV, with visits from very special guests. 10am to 7pm. Bring all your friends, get tested and know your status! Hosted by TOHR and H.O.P.E. Testing Services At the Center, 5545 E. 41st. December 27- PFLAG Support Meeting. Have a gay someone special in the family and need someone to talk to? This is the place. Call 749-4901 if you would like to attend. January 5, 19- Coming Out Group meets the first and third Wednesday of every month at the Ceriter, 5545 E. 41st. (See December 1 above for details~) January 6 - JUST WHAT DO WE NEED? is a presentation at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 5545 East 41st Street at 7:00pro focusing on a large-scale needs assessment commissioned last Spring by TOHR, PFLAG and Tulsa Reaches Out, to evaluate the needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community in the Tulsa area. Join us for the presentation by Janice Nicklas of the Community Service Council and a discussion following. This special presentation is TOHR’s monthly membership meeting for January. Desserts and coffee wilt be served. January t0- Presentation at the PFLAG monthly meeting of the GLBT Needs Assessment by Janice Nicklas of the Community Service Council at 7:30pro, Fellowship Congregational Church, 2900 South Harvard. January 12 - Diversity Celebration Planning Meeting atthe Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 5545 E. 41st. Open to all. January 24- PFLAG Support Meeting. Have a gay s(~meone special in the family and need someone to talk tO? This is. the place. Call 7494901 if you would like to attend February 4- TOHR Members Covered Dish Dinner. Bring a dish to share and hear speakers every month on the first Thursday at the Center, 5545 E. 41st Street. IMPORTANT." To get updates on events plus links to important LGBTnews items, subscribe to the free TOHR eNEWS email newsletter by sendit~l email with the words ENEWS SUBSCRIBE h~ the subject line to mchristopher@tohr.org. Genesis Ministries. 2419 S. 83rd E. Avenue, Tulsa, OK Meets Sunday 11 a.m. for service, Wednesday 7 p. ~ for Bible St~dy, Singing and Prayer �OpenArms Youth Project in Tulsa has been serving the GLBTQ youth ages 14-2! for almost three years now. As the Center has grmvn, the youth have been the driving force behind its success and the formation of a programming schedule. The project is governed by both a youth board and an adult board of directors. The youth design the group activities and the adult board oversees grant writing and fm~draising as well as the record keeping and major growt~h activities. Since opening the t’n’st Center in May of 2002, OpeltArms relocated to a larger location in December 2003, and in February 2004 expanded to add additional Office space for computer and Internet access, after-school activities, and safe sex outreach programs. OpenArms offers training for youth to become H1V/STD peer educators and 32 youth have now been certified in the extensive training cun’iculum that was designed and written by the University of Oklahoma. OpenArms provides a variety services to youth including counseling, group meetings, social activities, mentor partners, after-school programs, HIV/STD education and other activities to help youth cope with their specific needs. OpenArms strives to reach youth where they are in their process of "coming out," providing many different levels of information based on their own requirements. OpenArms is an organization built for youth and designed by youth to reach them where they are and to fill the gaps in services that they identify in the community. OpenArms Youth Project is funded in part by the youth it serves via a cover charge for social activities and also by community donations. Contact OpenArms at 918838-7104, info@openarmsproject.org FALL FUND DRIVE 2004 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights extends heartfelt thanks to the generous donors to our Fall Fund Dm;e. Below are listed the names of those with giftsor pledges $100 or more wire have Wen us permission to acknmvledge them publicly. Thank You.t $5,000 am! above Derails Neill and Jolm Southard ~.1,000 to $4,.99.9 Mark Henq¢ Cisar Holt, Inc. Doug Campbell ¯ Kaye Smith . Michael .Williams and Lance Pillstrom $250 to $99.9 Lamont Lindstrom Duane MenNe and Mike Mills. Tom Neal Gregg Smith mad Kevin Burleson Michael Green Sl O0 to 8249 Janet Gearin kaadrew Carter D. Bruce Lewis Rev. mad Mrs. Russdl Bennett Fred Bassett tulsa glbt history projec HISTORY PROJECT Memories Fulsa has a rich liistorv of gay "’spaces"--bars mad clubs where the community could come together to relax and mingle, and to escape the everyday surveillance of mainstream society. Do you remember these old favorites of the 1940s--1970s? ** TROPICAL GARDENS ** BLUE NOTE LOUNGE ** BLUE HAVEN ** MILWAUKEE TAVERN ** BISHOPS BAR ** St. MORITZ ** LITTLE MEXICO ** THE DOGHOUSE ** SKOO-BEE-DO ** FRI-ENDS LOUNGE (a.k.a. THE FRUIT LOOP) ** TRACY’S ** THE NEW EDITION ** THE ZEBRALOUNGE ** TAJ MAHAL ** RR-tE GALA ** TIM’S PLAYROOM CLUB ** THE CLUB ** THE QUEEN OF HEARTS ** NEW YORK. NEW YORK ** THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH ** PAPILLON ** THE ZEBRA ** CARUSO’S ** ANYTHING GOES CLUB ** NEW PLANTATION CLUB ** TIM’S PLAYROOM CLUB ** ZIPPERS ~ ~ TULSA MINING COMPANY ** SEEKERS CHOICE ** OVER THE RAINBOW ** DANTES �lVi E BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP IN TULSA OKLAHOMANS FOR HUMAN PqGHTS include many nice privileges, but the one that really means something important is that you will be participating in a very meaningful way in the rights of every gay man, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered person in Tulsa to live with full citizenship and to pursue a life with equality. ]-he levels listed below are just guidelines--anything you want to contribute will be deeply appreciated. You can give the full amount today, or instruct us to bill your credit card monthly for a certain amount and for a specific number of months. If you like, you can even make your gift online at www.tohr.org.., just click the DONATE button. Membership is for one full year from the date you join. Name(s) as it (they) should appear on mail addressed to you: Check this box if you DO NOT want to be acknowledged by name in our publications: [] M~ling Address (we) want to join TOHR! 0 Individual $30 0 Family/Household $50 © Patron $100 © Business/Organization $ 100 © Donor’s Circle $300+ $ 0 NEVer Student or AmeriCorps Volunteer Membership $15 Telephone IMPORTANT: Ernaii Address © Check enclosed, payable to TOHR © My company offers a matching gift program. The -proper forms are enclosed or will.follow. ¯ © Please bill my (our) credit card: © Visa © MasterCard © American Express Card # 0 Volunteering at the Center 0 Volunteering for Diversity Celebration 0 The Rights Advocacy Team Expiration Date Signature 200,000 people in northeastern Oklahoma deserve equality regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights works for legal equality and social acceptance--not just tolerance---for the gay, lesbian bisexual, transgender and allied community of northeast Oklahoma through advocacy, education, leadership and unity. Thousands of callers are served each year through the Tulsa GLBT Info Line (743-GAYS). I 0,000 visitors are served through the Tulsa GLBT Community Center and annual Diversity Celebration.. Hundreds attend conferences, lectures and other educational opportunities designed to build po.sitive perceptions of the GLBT community--both in the community and among ourselves. Tulsa Oldahomans for ll-~uman Rights works for you. �Please tape your check inside and fold here. Tape closed before mailing. THANK YOU! Please tape your check inside and fold here. Tape closed before mailing. Place From: Postage Here Membership Tulsa Oklahomans for Human .Rights PO Box 2687 . Tulsa, OK 74101 �220 Attend Vigil... (continuedfrom p. 1) have been making in Tulsa’s faith communities all came together for a candlelight vigil. We experienced one of those moving moments that have become all too rare in life--a moment in which we all felt the support and love of oue another. And we encouraged each other to participate in one more positive action, a Silent Sweep Against Hate at the high school after Phelps’ group had gone. Fred Phelps had eleven people in his hate-filled protest of the churches that day, and even fewer at the high school the next morning. After strongly encouraging our members to stay away from the high school protest, hoping to focus media attention away from Phelps’ people and onto our own, I met Don Satterthwaite and Vernon Jones of our sister group, Oklahoma Freedom and Equality Coalition, at the school at 7:30am. We were there to observe and to document. Vernon and I interviewed tw, o of Phelps’ people on video, then crossed the street to interview the counter-protesters. Despite our efforts to keep the crowds down, 240 people showed up in opposition to the "God Hates Fags" signs. Most were high school and college students, and there were some parents. Most expressed a deeply felt need to stand up and do something. Some didn’t feel quite satisfied yet. Silent ~eep Against Hate I spoke with the principal, Robert Franklin, to let him know that we were planning something for that afternoon when school was to let out. We wanted students to see something very positive. Someone on the Say No To Hate Coalition had reminded me of the Silent Sweep Against Hate that was held after the Ku Klux Klan had a Tulsa rally. We called the organizers of that action and got their help in plauning a new, sweep demonstration to rid Charles Page High School of homophobia. The principal was a little wary, but he knew, we were the good guys. We gathered at about 2:30, brooms in hand, on the sidewalk across the driveway from the high school’s main entrance. As the parking lot emptied, we swept the sidewalks and heard cheera of solidarity from students. Sweepers included TOHR donors, friends from the Jewish Federation and the Say No To Hate Coalition, PFLAG, several churches, Open Arms Youth Project, the University of Tulsa’s BLGTA, United Campus Ministries and students from Tulsa Community College. In all, about 75 people attended the sweep. Between the vigil, the students who stood against Phelps, mad the Sileut Sweep, we numbered about 535 people against Phelps’ meager dozen. The guest of honor? The young man whom Sand Springs high school students refused to hate: Michael Shackleford. He was there tlvoughout--from the vigil through the s~veep, and his presence encouraged all of us. Radical Inelusivity Since the first articles on a Sand Springs high school student appeared a few months ago, Washington Post correspondent Anne Hull has quietly followed the young man’s story. I’ve skipped many of the details of the vigil because Anne’s story tells it so much better than I could. (I hope you’ll read it at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn!articles/A48197- Sweeping Away IIa~e in Sand Springs 2004Novl3.html.) Of Rev. Russell Bennett’s words that inght, she writes: Bennett recited a Bible verse in which Jesus scolds the leaders of his time for worrying more about narrow morality than the bigger picture. ’Woe to you, hypocrites,’ the reverend said. ’For vou tithe mint and dill and cumin, mad have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy.’ [Michael Shackleford’s mother] Janice was quiet, listening to phrases such as ’radical inclusivity’ mad quotes by Robert F. Kennedy about the long ann that bends toward justice... As school let out [on Monday], dozens of people from Tulsa Oklahomans For Human Rights arrived With brooms. In silence, they swept the sidewalk ~vhere the Phelps protesters had been. Michael ~vas there, sweeping. A group of students walked by. One of them, a girl ~vith long, silk2~ hair and a backpack, was obviously fed up with all the protests and counter-protests. ’Leave our homos alone,’ she said. To Anne Hull and Michael Shackleford, to the students in Sand Springs, to Nancy Eggen, Russ Bennett, Cathy Elliot, Nancy McDonald, Nancy Day and everyone else who worked to pull this together on incredibly short notice, to all of the organizations and individuals who stood together against hate for two days in two towns, to the people who stayed together after the protest to go to breakfast and reimagine the future, and those who got together a few nights later to celebrate victor5; in the jaws of the election defeat-thank you. After the passage of a constitutional anaendment by which our full citizenship was revoked, after people with hate on their lips were triumphantly elected to the highest offices in our nation, we needed something wonderful to happen. Fred Phelps didn’t expect to bring us renewed hope mad strength. This time we’re glad he came. �Consider Giving Your Tax-Deductible Contributions Through the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Tulsa. You will be able to specifically direct your funds to any of the pre-screened Tulsa Area Non-Prdits, ensuring that your contributior~s are going to agencies which support diversity in their policies and outreach. Your contribution will be leveraged with other dollars, increasing our visibility and the benefit to the non-profit agencies of your choice. This Donor Advised Fund has been established with the Tulsa Community Foundation. Some 40 non-profit organizations in the Tulsa Area have added Sexual Orientation to their non-discrimination policies. Please support these progressive organizations with tax-deductible contributions in the name of the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Tulsa. Some of the organizations supported this year include: All Souls Unitarian Church Community Outreach Program; Arthritis Foundation; Arts and Humanities Council; Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma; Child Abuse Network; Cc~-nmunity Action Project; Domestic Violence Intervention Services; Family & Children’s Services: Komen Race for the Cure (Breast Cancer); League of Women Voters; Life Senior Services; Light Opera of Oklahoma; Mental Health Association; National Conference of Community and Justice; Parent Child Center of Tulsa; Philbrook Art Museum; Planned Parenthood of Northeastern Oklahoma; Tulsa AIDS Walk; Tulsa CARES; Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless; Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights; Tulsa Opera; Youth Services of Tulsa. Making a difference in Tulsa while highlighting the important contributions of the Gay, Lesbian and Allied Communities. �Interview with a Board Member: Ken Youngblood ¯ is a much harder goal to accomplish mad,takes a lot of work. The reality of our community is that we are very diverse. We don’t always agree but hopefully we can all agree onat least one goal--equality and re= spect. One shining light ha TOHR’s history is the number of great activists and leaders who have started with TOHR and then started their own specialized groups to great success. TORCH: As TOHR Program Director, what can we expect in the future? KY: Our new committee is currently working on many new programs but always wants to hear from the community on what YOU want. Talk to us .We will listen. ~ Ken Youngblood chairs TOHR’s Program Committee. He is a long-time Tulsa florist and antiques dealer with an alter-ego even more famous that he is! TORCH: Where did you grow up? Where is home for you? KY: I grew up in Jay, OK, Huckleberry Capital of the world and home to the mighty, mighty Bulldogs high school football team. Jay is a very small town and our home was in the country. Actually, almost all of Jay is in the country except for a couple of blocks where the courthouse for Delaware County is located. My father was a patrol officer for Lake Eucha and was an employee of the City of Tulsa. My morn owned her own beauty salon which was on main street. In college, at Northeastem State, I became very involved in anti-Vietnam War activities. My first step into the world of social politics! I guess I was a radical then too. After graduating with degrees in music, business, and political science, I drifted around the country for a while. In 1976 1 ended up in Tulsa and have been here ever since. I love the city! It has changed over the years. TORCH: When did you first get involved with TOHR? KY: Back then it was called Oklahomans for Human Rights. There was a sister group in OKC. My first memories of that group were Christmas Parties downtown at Trinity Episcopal. Back then I felt empowered by being with other gay people. The group always made me very proud to be gay. At that time the group was more social than political and I became personally much more political and with the AIDS epidemic, TOHR started to become more political. During the mid 80s, I was always helping with fund raisers and was a regular on the Gay Hotline. I’ve been involved off and on through all these years serving as first lady during 91 and 92. What a beating!! It has to be worse than being President!! TORCH: What are some ofyour TOHR memories?? KY: To be truthful, there have been years where we have made huge strides in the face of a lot of adversity. There have been years when the Board was absolutely awful. I believe the new board has the opportunity to take the community to a higher level but it won’t be easy. Division is easy and the low road. Unification TORCH: Now tell us about PEACHES. The truth is Peaches and Ken are very different individuals. Peaches is a created character. Peaches has helped raise more money for the community than most patrons. Ask her what she thinks (she will tell you even if you don’t). TORCH: Ah’ight Peaches, so what are your opinions of TOHR and the gay communiO,? PEACHES: Thank God somebody asked! Get off 5"our ass Gay Community! I’m tired of you .just sitting home whining that nothing goes on! A lot of you don’t support jack. TOHR is working its butt off! We need )’our help! Volunteer! Pay for the electric bill or the gas bill! Stop by and talk to us! Be part of the community instead of being an outsider. TOHR can only be relevant if everybody comes together and we help each other. Smooch!!~~,~ Out TOHR s Coming ~rst ~_Support Group continues to meet the f and third Wednesday of every month at 7:00pm at the Tulsa GLBTCommunity Center 5545 E. 41st Street. ~ Counselor and therapist John D. Cutright (MSN, LCSW) leads friendly and supportive discussion. ~ ALL WELCOME! ~. TOHR is seeking insurance bids from a GLBT-owned, managed and/or -affirming insurance agent. If you would like to bid on our insurance contract, please contact Michael Christopher at rnchdstopher@tohr.org. �Monday., Dec 13 6:30pro Fellowship Congregational Church 2900 South Harvard Bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share, or just come! Entertainment by ~Council Oak Men’s Chorale! o o o Reach thousands ofNE OMahoma’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, questioning, attd allied READERS ADVERTISE IN THE TORCH! o o Tuisa.Oklahomans for Human.Rights P.O. Box 2687 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74101 This may be your last issue! We’ve been mailing the Torch to a large list of past members and friends through this year. But as of the next issue, we’ll be mailing only to current Members and Volunteers! If you’d like to continue receiving the Torch, please fill out and return the Membership Form inside. Thanks! ~ Printed on recycled. chlorine flee l~aper For rate card and specs email mchristopher@tohr, org or p one Mlclaael at 74~-4297 � Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Microsoft Publisher Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2004] TOHR Torch, December - January 2004; Volume 4, Issue 2 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource December 2004, January 2005 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights December 2004 January 2004 TOHR Torch https://history.okeq.org/files/original/d25e8bca28d5decdf8f55e069b2d1a56.jpg 2d313341bfd21cfb6def0e76b87d5cdf https://history.okeq.org/files/original/1e18626568737ce653593ad8f86b17c8.pdf 886af50e45e5e15915d0f4777976654e PDF Text Text Volume three / issue four June 2004 the tulsa oklahomans for human rights Cherokee Nation Issues Same-Gender Marriage License According to Mark Bo~mey, TONR eqtnil treatment under the law is not goThe Cherokee Nation in May issued ing away no matter what laws or Constipresident and Oklahoma atromey, its first marriage fieense to a samegender couple. "Judges only issue ol~mJons and orders tulional Amendments are passed in as a result of a controversy or lawsuit. It Oklahoma or elsewhere," Laura added. Kathy R, ond Dawn N. celebrated appears that Dow~ has become the Kathy and Dawn shared that they their tmion with a quiet ceremaony presided by Leslie Pe~rose, pastor of Com- most activist Justice in the world by is- wish to thank TOHR and the GLBT and mtmity of Hope U.C.C. Earlier this year, suuig an ordcx without any suit having alfied connnunity for their love and support TOHR will continue to monitor the Pastor Penrose qualified to officiate been fred." ceremonies eondoeted pursuant to The Muskogee Phoenix reported that reaction of the Cherokee Nation and Cherokee law. keep you informed. one Cherokee Tribal Cotm(flor, Linda Under Cherokee law, enacted before O’Leat3’ of Delaware County stated, "The licengmg is an abomination .... statehood, man,age is genderless. One nfthe parmers is the "companion and Apparently Councilor O’Leary believes the one I live with" and the other is "my that even the Cherokee Nation should he rded as a Christian Theocracy." cooker." While the license was issued, "TOHR applauds these courageous the Chief Justice of the Appeals Tribunal, Darell Down, issued an order plac- and dedicated women," said Laura Beling a moratorium res~icbng thrthe~ monte, TOHR first ~ice-president and su~mce marriage licenses. director of advocacy. "The issue of You The REAL Activist Judges are not Liberal Commentary by Mark Bonney If the right wing accuses someone else of bad behavior you can bet they are either d(mg it themselves or are about to do it. How often heve we heard the phrase "activist Judges"? The right wing uses this phrase to discredit any legal opinion that does not conform to its narrow view of Chris- the same org~uizations that have decried other judges and juatices for upholdsng the fights of the minority by striking down unconstitutional laws. The lower comts in California hised to intervene. It took an activist Supreme Court of California to interfere with the executive’s right to determine how he or she administers his or her OWlCe and those that work reader him or her. Nonnai!y, executives are granted deference in their decisions until such time as a final trial on the merits has been held. Only an activist judge would hold otherwise. These same groups tried to stop the ............¯ �From the President It seems that every day I read a new stoW about GLBT persons fighting for for human dghts their rights. TOHR applauds all of these individuals. Our communi~j could not be ~s successfifl as we are without the support of GLBT persons, their friends ~rtd ~’flmily, at!d the many or L,Z niTations who back our cause. Dttrlng the weekend of April 30 and May 1, our commuinly had at least four wondel’fifl choices of activities sponsored by ValiOUS groups. Open Arms Youth Project sponsored a one-man show that gave the audience a hilarious inside tour of a conversion therapy retreat. Council Oak presented tmother extraordinary. concert. Soulforce and Community of Hope raised thousands of dolhars at their you want rainbow?. IDE we gotralnb . OPEN Tues-Fri 6:00-9:00 PM Saturday 3:00-9:C0 PM 5545 E. 4fst St., Tulsa OK Inside the Tulsa @LBT Center www,tohr.org �for human rights Tulsa Ok/ahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) works to secure oquali~/ antisocial acceptance for the G~y, Lesbian, Bisexual, Tmnsgendered (GLBT) and allied cornmuni~ of Northeast Oklahoma through advocacy, education, leadership, and uni~ Activist Judges (ConI~r~dfrom Fage ]) issumzce of marriage certificates ia Massaehuseils. They were hoping against hope that some acdvist judge would issue an order to halt the issuance critic eert~catss. Forttmately, the conservative jodges of the First Circuit Court of Appeals and of the U.S. Supreme Court bald tim] to trait true conservmive beliefs that the federal judiciau¢ should not interllere in a state’s fights issue. As you wifi recall, the Massachusetts State Supreme Court bad previously determthed it was uncoasfiintional under the Massachusetts’ State Consfitotion to deny marriage licenses to its citizens on the basis of sex. Justice Roy Moore of Alabama was removed from the bench for being activist when be refused to comply with a to the bench in a continuing stealth attack to take over the Country. After all, for them, God’s law is above man’s law so the ends justify the means. While this statement by me may seem radical, remember William Pryor’s own statement. It is their desire to take over the CUBACHE, DIVE T INING CALL IOM 7-1757 SPECIALIZING IN DiVE IRAINING FOR /HE NEW SCUBADIVER SPECIALrlY CLASSES ALSO AVAILABLE Boot Camp for Bucks Michael Christopher The Gill Foundation, a major national binder of Talsa GLBT work, hosted two days of fired-raising training in Dallas on April 16 and 17. I’ve attended many expensive fired-raising conferences over years, and this federal court order to remove the Ten one -- priced so that even the smallCommandments from the State Judicial eat orgaulzatinns could participate -Building. I have never heard of a liberal stands above them all. Gill will offer training for our board md other judge being removed or censoxed for being activist. Presidem Bush recently, boards in the fall. without Senate approval, appointed Sessions on sttategic planning, WdlJam Pryor to the Eleventh C~rcult corporate sponsorships and major Court of Appeals. To my knowledge no gifts offered sohd frameworks for acpresident has ever used a recess aption, and will begin very soon to bear pointment to place someone on the fruit for TOHI~. and the people we bench. Wiffmm Pucor, as a’domey general The opportuin~y to meet so m~ny of Ainbnma, f’ded a brief in support of of our GLBT orgaaizmion colleagues Justice Roy Moore. In a speech Pryor was the greatest highlight of the congave at a rally supporting Justice ference. The work we’re d~mg is goMoore, Pu’or stated, "Now is the time ing on all across our region, and is for all good Christians -- Catholics, Or- being done by passionate and highly thodox and Protestants -- to take back competent people. our Country mzd our Courts." Such a statement should have disqualified Pryor from consideration, and indeed it was sul~iuleta to deny him Setmts conf’~mation. The Religious Right, through President Bush. is "on a mission from God" to appoint every conceivable radical conservative activist judge and justice www.scubachef.nef Kelly Kirby CPA, PC Certified Public Accountant "For AII Your Accounting Needs" Gay men and lesbians face many special sRuations, whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve this community. 4815 South Harvard, Suite 424 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135-3066 918.747.5466 Tulsa GLBT Information Line 743-GAYS (743-9127) �Advocacy Committee Get your Pride Guide! Sets Marriage Amendmeat Strategy J~ura Bel~onte Tl~e TOHR Advocacy ComwJitee has outlined a strategy for fighting efforts to outlaw same-gender marriagn. Tlae state pkans a Novea~ber 2004 ballot imfiafive to amend the Oldahorn constitution. This campaign promises to be one of the ugliest, most important baRles GLBT Oklahomarts have faced. TOHR will focus its efforts in the Tulsa a~a, working closely with other lo~al groups. Our activities will include voter registration, a speakers’ bateau, phone bank, direct mail, and public video and lecture forums. We welcome volunteers to assist in these endeavors and will have a table in the advoc~y tent at the Jtme 12 Diversiiy Celebration. Contact laura Bulmonte, commioee emir, at (918) 906-2134 for more iaformation. Available for Download at htt p://www.tohr.org and at these establishments: Tulsa GLBT Center Club Majestic Club Maverick End Up Club - Renegades Silver Star Toolbox YBR We~ve moved to a new location! Diversity Celebration 2004-Tulsa, OK ~ ~-- Tile Tulsa Cen er June 4-12 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights P.O. Box 2687 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74101 � Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Microsoft Publisher Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2004] TOHR Torch, June 2004; Volume 3, Issue 4 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 2004 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights June 2004 TOHR Torch https://history.okeq.org/files/original/780493bc99dc0092016690d81f1064c3.jpg ad975b6701680f69d7d79f82082a7a83 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/27e001c0a4121e2198a35009cf33374e.pdf 8b834c4ee446c0157b5723c07d4483f0 PDF Text Text May 2004 volume three / issue three the tulsa oklahomans for human rights TOHR President Among Same-Gender Marriage Panel Participants n April 15, approximately 60 have wrilten an excellent brief that Women’s Law Caucus, and Public Inshows how marrmge laws are used to law students and others turned terest Law Society. E~fll is a long ftme member of discriminate against same-gender conout for a panel discussion about PFLAG and of the ACLU. He reported the Federal Marriage Amendment at Paula, Oklal~oma City police officer The University of Tnisa School of Law. on a case pendnig before the Oldakoma and orddmed deacon m the Episcopal Supreme Court about a male couple Assistant Law School Dean Vicki JorCharch~ reminded everyone of the failwho had been together for 25 years, opdan introduced panelists Bill Hhdde, Paula Sopina, Mark ~onney, and Brian erating a ranch in Creek County. When ings of the law as it addresses issues of Chase, who all spoke passionately about one of the partners died. his will was not transgendered couples. Although not the negative impact such an amendment admitted to probate due to a teclmical discussed because of time [imitations, would have. Ed Groshan, speaking as an defect. Both the trial court and the Oina- Paula showed us how complicated the marriage issue becomes when two perEvangelical Christiaz~ was the o~ly per- homa Court of Appeals held that for sons who are legally marhed want to son among those ~nvited who was will- purposes of intestate suc~essinn (how ing to argue in favor of the amendment. proper~ is ddstsiboted upon the death of remain married a~er one spouse traasiThe evem was sponsored by the law a person without a will) the survivthg Marl TOHR president, spoke about school’s American Constitution Society, parmer had no rights and the estate should pass to the deceased’s distant his get somal experiences with prejudice. cousins. In an opinion that defies logic, the Court of AppeaLs also held that the fotmtaals for "whites" and "coloreds" sttrviv~g parmer could not make any "marrieds" and the "civil unions." other clahn on the prope~y (based on his contributions to its development) Ed spoke compassionatuly despite since he had had a fmnflial relationsltip DC 2004 Events Schedwith the deceased. The ACLU and Bill O ule Interview with a Board Member: Laura Bet- Fundraising Committee Report Meet author Bridget Bufford on May 22. Advance Acceptance forTransgendered, by D 1 )~L~IR ~,it T Y , ~(~’ ~ Saturday, June 5 DoubleTree Hotel in Tulsa Keynote $;)eakers John Lawrence and ~orne~ ~itchell Katine �From the President For many of us, Diversity Celebration is the one time each year when we feel a part of society. This year, Diversity Week will be longer and larger them ever offering each of us multiple oppommities for self-empowerment. In January 2000, my New Year’s re solution was to be out in all aspects of my life. I determured that I would acknowledge my sexual orientation in public setlings. As so often happens when we become willing to advance ourselves, I found myself confronted with a difficult choice. The Muskogee Phoe~Lx newspa- Get your 2004 Diversity Celebration commemorative huron at the Tulsa GLBT Center and Pride Store, 5545 E. 41st St. in Tulso. $2. for human rights Tulsa Oklah~narm for Human Rights (TOHR PO Box 2687 Tulsa, OK 74101 918-7434297 (phone) / 918~0108 (Pax) w~w.tohr.org �Interview with a Board Member: Laura Belmonte Laura Belmonte is associate professor of History at Oklahoma State University. She is TOHR’s f~rst vice president, chairs our Advocacy committee, and is director of our new Tulsa GLBT History Project. TORCH. Where didyou grow up? Where is homeforyou? LB: I was born in New York, but grew up outside of Atlanta. ARer attending the University of Georgia, I got my doctorate from die University of Virginia I moved to Oklaboma in 1996 and now regard Tulsa as home. TORCH: Andl~fe now in Tulsa and at OSU... has the lrar~ition been an experience? LB: Boy, was itever. The thing I have found hardest to a~cept is die tmrelen~ug assumption of sameness (everybody’s white, slraighi. RepubUca~ evaugslieal Chiisfmu, etc.) that many Oklahonums make whether in public or private. TORCH: Whytsimportantforyouto be involvedwith TOItR at this time? LB: I diimk this is a critical juncture in TOHR’s history. With our new exeeufive director and die progress of the Pyramid Project, TOHR is poised to reach tmprecedented heights at a time of vitdl national and local importance. How could I not help if I can? TORCH: What are some of the organization’s recent advocacy efforts? LB: We have continued so far unfnfitfad discussions with the City Council about amending Tulsa’s antidiscrln~mation ordinances. We met recently with the leadership of the Tulsa Worldto ensuce balnneod cover- age of GLBT issues. We have also participated very actively in several media interviews in support of samegender marriage. TORCH: Tell m" about the History Project. ~Fhot do you hope it ac- CAI.L 357-17 7 SPECIAUZ]NG IN DiVE TRNNING FOR THE NEW SCUBADIVER SPECIALJTY CLASSES ALSO AVAILABLE complishes? LB; The Hisiory Pro- www.scubachef.net r 2003. We are currenfly coaduodng oral lfistories, colleering photograpks and other pleling prima~ research in newspapers and government dooumente. G~tr aim is to trace die history of GLBT l~ople in Tulsa throughout the post-1900 era in order to demonstrate the vibrancy of our eoramuaity despite a hostile political climate. TORCH: And how can the community help with both advocacy and the His÷ tory Project? LB: We desperately need people to come out publicly in helping us make our case in the media, before public officials, and with private employers. Most Americans are fair-minded and when diey encmmter a real-life GLBT makes them realize that discrimination Check Out New Goods at Pride Store Kathy Dales Since our center relocation, die Pride Store has added more than $1,500 in merchandise. Included is a vast selection of pride jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, rings, watches and earrings. We also have stickers, magnets, lighters, pride bears, candles, flags, greeting cards and more. Additionally, we’re offering a discount on Diversity Celebration 2003 and other T-shirts. Stop by to see what die new Pride Store has to offer, and to stock up for Diversity Celebration 2004. If you don’t £md what you’re looking for, our store volunteers ~e taking suggestions for new merchimdlse. The Pride Store is open during Community Center hours: Tuesday through Friday, 6-9 p.m., mad Saturday, 3-9 p.m. Poga 3 �Diversity Celebration 2004 Schedule of Events TORCH Advertising June 4-12 Wednesday, June 9th Panel discussion - "A Celebration of Same-Sex Marriage." Sponsored by Parents, Families & Friends ofLesbians and Gays ~FIAG) Tulsa. www.pflagtulsa.org. Thursday, June 10th "Singing With Pride: A Concert by the Council Oak Men’s Chorale," Presented by the Tulsa Ci&-County Library System. Friday, June llth Volunteer Appreciation Night Sponsored by Tulsa Oklahomtms for Human Rights (TOI~R) www.tohr.org. Where will YOU be?? Friday, June 4th Family Pride Spaghetti Dinner Sponsored by Parents, Families & Friends ofLesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Tulsa www.pflagtulsa.org. Saturday, June 5th Diversity Gala and Dinner Saturday, June 12th Tulsa Pride Parade Presented by Tulsa OMahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) in parmership with the GLBTand Allied communities www.tohr.org. 24th Annual Diversity Celebration Festival Presented by Tulsa Oldahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) in parmership with the GLBT and Allied communiHes www.tohr.org. Rate per Column Inch Quarterly Issue, cornmunity distribution $9.00 per inch * Minimum ad Monthly Issue, membership distribution $750 per inch * Discount per Ad Sunday, June 6th Interfaith Service Tuesday, June 8th Art Show & Sale Sponsored by Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights" ~TOHR) www.tohr.org. Distribution yeu want rainboW. Sponsored by Tulsa Oklahomansfor Human Rights (TOttR) ,,~vw.tohr.org. Monday, June 7th Film "Family Fundamentals" Sponsored by Parents, FamClies & Friends ofLesbia~t~ and Gays (PFLAG) Tulsa. www.pflagtulsa.org. Advertising Rates Up to 4 column inches 0% 6-10 column inches 15% we gotrainbow. 11-15 column inches 25% 16-20 column inches 35% OPEN Tues-Fri 6:00-9:00 PM Saturday 3:00-9:00 PM 20-30 column inches 40% 5545 E. 41st St., Tulsa OK Inside the Tulsa GLBT Center �~tulsa oklahomans for human rights Tu~a Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) wo~s to s~cure equalil~ and social acceplance for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendeted (GLBT) and bilind communily of Nodheast OkJahoma through advocacy, educa#bn, leadership, and unity. Fundraising Committee Report TOHR’s previous and current Boards of Directors have set income and expenditure goals for the organization. As indicated in pie ehmts of our projected fiscal year 20032004 budget, our lwgest expense items include the annual Diversity Celebralio~ our new Executive Director, and lease and other costs rec/uired to run the Community Center. Our best income sources currently include Diversity Celebration events, thrected donations that support the ED position, and general commtmity donations to the organization. (’Note: These charts represent projected income and expcndiiaures. Actual costs to date have included additional audit, ftmdraising, and moving expenses which are documented in monthly and annual budget reporis.) The Fundraising Cnmmittee is working this year especially to increase income from TOHR memberships and also to obtain grants from supportive local and national foundations. Over the past four months, TOHRhas submitted four grant applications. One of these requests (te Vefizon Foundation) has been dshied but three remain ~mder review. We are requesting $41,000 from the David Boimett Foundation to expand TOHR’s CyberCenter and also to ac quire recording technology to serve our new I]Jstory Project. We are also requesting $32,500 from the Unitarian Universalist Veatch Program at Shelter Reek and $15,000 from the Funding Exchange to help us expand our advocacy and commtmity organization efforts. These efforts include a get-out-the-vote campalg~ enhancing our wehsite and the TORCHnewsletter, and construction of a Coramtmity Resource kiosk in die new Community Center. In coming months, the Fundralsing Corarcditee wit] ideatify additional funding sources that cotdd help support TOHR operations and also beneficial new programs to serve T~sa’s GLTB eommlmity. A fimdiaising event was held at the new Community Center on March 28 at which community supporters pledged over $21,000 in operating funds for the upcoming year. We much appreciate these important con~butions that help us meet this year’s donation goals. This is a challenging yet exciting tirne for TOHR. Strong financial support is vital in order to maintain existing operations and to increase oar visibility and expand o~ community programmin~. The Ftmdmising Commiitce thanks in advance all the individuals and foundations we expect to call upon this year! EXPENSES 03-04 1~ lease, 24,000 �Letter from the Director Michael Christopher My first weeks as TOHR’s first Executive Director went by in a flash, and even in that brief time the struggle for equality has grown stronger and more vocal. Demonstrations are hitting the streets across the U.S., and misguided efforts to seize state constitutions have met with hardening resistance. What a great time to be alive! I should introduce myself. I studied music, and while in school I helped found an emergency aid organization called People’s Workshop. I had a brief career in theatre as a singer/actor/director/designer, and worked as a composer of theatrical music. I came to Tulsa and worked with Tulsa Comprehensive Cultural Plan leaders to help launch the Brady Arts District, and with a hardy band of urban pioneers we opened Tulsa Center for Contemporary Art (TuCCA). As an arts activist I staged art stunts to draw attention to the community’s cultural creatives. I still have my "Fight for Homoerotic Art" t-shirt. And then I sold out. Having learned to raise money for "the fi’inge," I decided to try doing it for mainstream causes, and worked with Life Services as its development manager. After that, now no longer a practicing artist, it was back to New York for three years to develop an arts festival, and back again to Tulsa to raise money for Tulsa Opera. Then a year to help Hospice of Green Country build its funding base, followed by two years rl]nning a software company, and two years helping build a national profile for Price Tower Arts Center. During those years I raised two daughters (I’m a proud B) before moving on to a "more unconventional" relationship (as Channel 2 described it when they interviewed me last week). Somehow it all led me here, feeling very much back home, working with the needs and the people I love. Less than two weeks after the new Center opened, the TOHR board and volunteers hosted a dinner to thank twenty-five individuals and families who have given substantial dollar gifts to TOHR. Remarkably, they dug into their pockets once again, newly pledging $21,850 toward operating costs. I didn’t have anything to do with that-board members and donors made it happen, and I was beside myself with awe. On April 17, an Open House honored our members and the many men and women who make use of the Center day by day. Our immediate cash needs secure, coming up in May is a very special event to thank the volunteers who are the heart and soul of TOHR. Unfortunately, I had to miss the Open House. I was in Dallas, learning from the Gill Foundation about a brilliant new tool in our work to establish our basic rights. A new Gay & Lesbian Fund For Tulsa has been established with assistance from the foundation to make new funds available for Tulsa charities of every stripe--as long as their non-discrimination policy includes sexual orientation. Our new allies at the Tulsa Community Foundation are helping us make it happen. Soon you’ll begin seeing the Gay & Lesbian Fund For Tulsa rising in the patron lists of this fair city’s charitable establishment. You’ll get the feeling that we’re making real progress, and you’ll be right. Now that TOHR has a full-time paid director, many new avenues open up to us. New programming possibilities. New opportunities to cooperate with other organizations. New funding resources. And, of course, we’ve got a brand new Center--bigger, more comfortable and easy to get to by both 1-44 and the BA. What a great time to be involved with TOHR! Thank you for letting me be a part of it. Michael Christopher Executive Director Page 6 �Education Needed to Advance Acceptance for Transgendered While gays and lesbians fight for greater equality, the mmsgendered seek acceptance from their GLBT peers. Millie Lucas, RN, Gender Gutreach of Oklahoma member and educator shares her story as a way... Lyingflat on my bacl~ the lights are blinding as the cart 1 am on is rolled into the operating theater One hundred and ten minutes later, I awaken to hear, "Ms Lucas, Ms Lucas. Your awrgery is over, " With a deluge ofjoy, relief and excitement, my eyes flooding with tears, l softly whisper, "7hank God] It "s all over. " As I drift back to sleep, I wonder if this action will help those around me az" much as’ it hos helpedme. Will they still call me "that thing?" Will my family and those who knew me before continue to call me by that "’boy name? " Sex reassignment surgery, or SRS, is the last hurdle m a cldminetion of often many years of the transition from one gender to the other, Millie says. "Not all choose to have their geuilals ’reitrranged’ to match their internal thelings. Some live in the opposite gender and are content to live with those genitals ~vith which they were born. It’s all a personal decision based on what makes one feel whole," she says. Millie points to society’s responsiffflity to reco~ize and accept its great dlveral~, including the transgendared coramtmity. Simple actions, like lakhlg care with pronouns, can make a tremendous difference. Addressing community members with the proper pronotms and terms of gender should be common respect and maimers," she says. "If we can learn those hortific terms that offend us alI, then don’t we yet have the intallect and capacity to learn the correct a~d dignified words to speak?" What can you do? Learn more about transgender issues. Millie recom mends www.annelawrence.com as For information about the Ioeal transgendered group, Gender Outreach of Oklahoma, contact program director, Troy Nicholas, at the TOHR center. Or visit the new hatcraet site, www.genderoufreach.org. Meet author Bridget Bufford Author Bridget Bufford will be at the Tulsa GLBT Center on Saturday, May 22rid at 7:30 pm to discuss her book MINUS ONE: A Twelve-Step Journey. Marrfage Discussion Iris own lack of personal ex~rienee with anyone who is gay or lesbian. He stated that he bel2eves continued dialogue is crucial for both sides. He supported the idea of rights for same~ender couples but maintained that Iroduction of children is the fundamental purpose of manage. He also cited Christian Coalition slipperyslope dogma that same-gender marrmge would lead to bigamy, polygamy, bestiality, and incest. Brian spoke eloquently about the legal fights derded to same-guader couples. He expressed Iris fi’astrafions with the un fawaess of paying into soial security even though his partner is not entitled to the benefits that married persons receive fi~am the system. He also reaunded us that under Oklahoma Law tmmarried same-gender par~e~s must pay te~x on the first dollar of an inheritance while married survlvo~s psy no tax on properly transfers that follow the death of their part~er. After the panel finishedits stmemerits, many m the audience asked questions and showed their suppori Kelly Kirby CPA, PG Certified Public Accountant "For Afl Your Accounting Needs" Gay men and lesbians face many specJal situations, whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve this community. 4815 South Harvard, Suite 424 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135-3066 918.747.5466 Page7 �s~ql~!~l uetunH JO; suetuoqel~fO eslnJ. uo ~00¢ oo � Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Microsoft Publisher Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2004] TOHR Torch, May 2004; Volume 3, Issue 3 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource May 2004 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights https://history.okeq.org/files/original/a60a6d91f2ab8c1807a4f247d29a9481.jpg 99fdb538f6ad8a50a50415677354ea02 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/6975f6b4aa1347ad2d35218b9cb3e1a2.pdf 58429d2554579da67177c13d6d9751a8 PDF Text Text Volume four/~ssue one tulsa oklahomans for human rights TOHR ANNOUNCES TURBO Many of you will remember the old Rainbow Business Coalition (Rainbow Biz). It fives ! Tulsa Rainbow Business Organization (TURBO) is a groundup, new effort that brings together GLBT-owned, -managed, and -friendly businesses to serve our common commercial and community goals. Along the way, TURBO will build awareness in the mainstream community about our contributions to the Tulsa economy. TURBO is being organized by TOHR as part of its mission to advocate for the rights and quality of life of northeast Oklahoma’s GLBT community. It will initially be operated as a community service program of TOHR, led by a committee consisting of business members. The group will meet monthly, initially at the GLBT Community Center (5545 East 41st St:). There are no membership fees at this time. The first organizing meeting will be held Monday, Sept 27 from noon to 1:30 pm at the Center. If you own or manage a business and would like to participate in TtuRBO, please contact Michael Christopher at 743-4297 or mchristopher@tohr.org. Find more information at www.turborainbow.com. New TOHR Board Candidates At the September 30 Annual Membership Meeting, TOHR members will elect new board members. Get to know our new recruits... Mike Redman, Attorney -- Mike Redman grew up in Oklahoma City and is a 1988 graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Law. After law school, Mike moved to Tulsa. His primary areas of practice are employment law and unfair business litigation. He has represented the Tulsa Area United Way for several years and serves on its Board of Directors as its general counsel. Kelly Carter, Student-- Kelly says that being a Black lesbian has given her the strength to overcome obstacles. Over the past two years she taught Diversity courses for a Fortune 500 company, and in the process discovered a passion for teaching. She is returning to university to comp!ete a degree while operating a small business from her home. (continued on p. 3) OUT OK FILM FESTIVAL Philip Au Gay and lesbian movies have been unjustly demonized. They are either poorly acted, technically unsound, or horror-of-all-horrors boring. OUT OK challenges that preconception. Independent films are well performed, well made, and socially relevant to a community that is generally perceived as invisible or inconsequential. We’re here! We’re queer! And we’re on fil!! Gay and lesbian movies made by gays and lesbians for gays and lesbians. Our stories. Our voice. No compromises. OUT OK celebrates being out, being visible, and being proud. Join us for OUT OK--two weekends of celluloid fun. Opening October 14-16, Oklahoma City. Closing October 2024, Tulsa. Admission: $10.00. From thought-provoking documentaries like Tying the Knot which tackles (continued on p. 3) �Page2 Fro the President Mar4 Bonney It has been a year already since I was asked to serve on the TOHR Board. A lot has transpired over this year. We moved the Center, hired our first Executive Director, raised over $20,000 in one night from major donors, surpassed $300,000 in pledges and donations to the Pyramid Project, began the development of a superior web site, sent the TWIT out weekly, published the TORCH on a regular basis, and we recruited new board members so that we will have the largest board in recent memory. More important, ho~vever, is what our volunteers accomplished. They kept the Center open over 1000 hours, made visitors feel welcome, answered thousands of phone calls and provided information to callers, managed the Pride Store, committed their time and talents to various groups who meet at the Center, planned and coordinated the Pride Parade, Diversity Celebration Festival and Gala Dinner, held the History Project Dinner, and collected important GLBT memories for future generations. Over the past year, it is you our members and non-member attendees and supporters that have helped TOHR achieve its mission in the community. We need and want your continuing involvement during this next year, our 25~ year of human rights work in Tulsa and Northeast Oklahoma. In this issue is a calendar of so many upcoming GLBT events it would be difficult to attend and support them all. Please try. Make October your LGBT month. Bring your family and friends to these events. Sign up and volunteer to help. Also noted in this issue is a list of businesses and churches that supported a recent "Pro~Marriage Rally" in Tulsa. If you know anyone at these organizations, I hope that you ask them to dialogue with members ofTOHR, PFLAG, Soulforce and other groups mad, if necessary, that they back away from supporting or patronizing these churches and businesses. Next year we have many unachieved goals to fulfill. We have already taken action to increase programming and Center use. Over the next year we plan to publish a Rainbow Directory/Pink Pages, program Pride celebration activities for TOHR’s 25~ anniversary, increase our membership by over 500 new friends, and help establish and/or revitalize new LGBT organizations such as a LGBT business association, TURBO. I am excited about the year ahead and look forward to a new board, new volunteers, and new members. TOHR does make a difference in Tulsa and GreenCountry. Be a part of the difference! for human rights pnb!~sbed by Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (-I-OHR) PO Box 2687 Tulsa, OK 74]01 918-743-4297 www.toh r.org email: community@tohr.org Office location Tulsa GLBT Community Center 5545 East 41st Street Tnlsa. OK 74135 TOHR Board of Directors Executive Board President--Mark Bonney 1st Vice President--Dr. Laura Belmonte 2nd Vice President--Lamont Lindstrom Secretary--Mike Williams Treasurer--Dwight Kealiher Assistant Treasurer--John Madigan Governing Board Director, Gender Outreach---Troy Nicholas Director, Board Development--Ken Youngblood Director, Fundraising--Dennis Neill Director, Advocacy--Laura Belmonte Director, Programs & Facilities--Ken Youngblood Directors at Lar.cle Janet Gearin Devon Rutherford Executive Director Michael Christopher TOHR’s Capital Campai~tn the Pryamid Project pyramidproject.org Chair Sue Welch Committee Members Mark Bonney, Marc Frieden, Michelle Hoffman, David Hoot, Shelly Ledford, Catheryn Mason, Marcy Smith and Tim Williams. President, TOHR , John Do Cutright, MSW, LCSW Counselor & Psychotherapist 4870 S. Lewis Avenue, Suite 190 Tulsa, OK 74105 918-284-0123 Children + Adolescents Adult + Couples TOHR is a 501(c)3 organization operated through donations and non.paid volunteers. Contributions are tax-deduclible to the fullest extent of current United States of America tax laws. The Torch, a publication of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, Inc. is published bimonthly with an estimated annual readership of 10,000, Subscription rates are paid contributing member dues of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR). The Torch is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or part except by permission obtained by contacting TOHR directly. Credit must be given to TOHR. The views of the Torch are expressed in editorials only. Views expressed in letters to the editor and other submissions are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the board of directors, contributing members or editors or leadership of TOHR. The Torch reserves the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication. The Torch and/or TOHR is not responsible for damages due to typographical errors. Advertisements designed and created for publication in the Torch remain the property of TOHR. The Torch and/or TOHR cannot be responsible for claims by advertisers. The use of the name or likeness of a person or entity in the Torch in advertising or editorial content does not imply any particular sexual orientation or political affiliation. Copyright 2004, TOHR. �Candidates (continuedfrom p, !) the current incendiary subject of gay marriage and relationship discrimination to full-frontal Antonio Sabato, Jr. in the dark comedy Testosterone. A cornucopia of diverse voices like Beautiful Boxer, the true story of a champion kick boxer whose fierceness in the ring rose with every application of lipstick and rouge. Eating Out will make you laugh with uncontrollable glee and wet with nocturual joy. Straight Jacket harkens back to the Hollywood days of yesteryear when celluloid heroes conquered women on screen and conquered studs behind--the scenes. Coming of age stories like Cowboys and Angels where self-discovery and friendship is daunting and perilous. Navigating the path of domestic relationships requires strength and a Goldfish Memory as well as a sense of humor. And more! Oklahoma deserves the best. But that begins with you. The OUT OK VIP PASS provides priority seating to all movies, free admission to the LEVEL Cocktail Party, free admission to the CABANA BOY Romp/ GAY FUEL Pump Station, free admission to The Summer Film Series-2005, Survival Kit. Oklahoma City: $50.00. Tulsa: $70.00. ALL proceeds benefit The Pyramid Project. OUT OK thanks LEVEL VODKA; SHOWTIME QUEER AS FOLK, THE L-WORD; GAY FUEL; CABANA BOY RUM; HERE! PAY-PER-VIEW; THE GAYLY OKLAHOMAN; OUT OK EVENTS. For information or to order tickets or a VIP PASS, contact pau@outok.corn or 918-682-4654, ext. 2. SEE YOU ~ THE DARK! Tulsa GLBT information Line 743=GA¥S (743-4297) Tying the Knot OUT OK will feature Jim De Seve’s timely documentmT T)’mg the Knot on Wednesday. October 20. at 6:30 pro. in the OSU-Tulsa Auditoriuna (700 N. Greenwood Ave.). The cost is $10.00 or is free for those with an OUT OK VIP Pass. Tying the Knot takes a searing look at current national debates over samegender marriage. The centerpiece of the film is the story of Stun B.. an Oklahoma rancher who loses Earl. his partner of 22 ?ears. Sam B. is plunged into a court battle with Earl’s distant relatives who dispute Sam’s rights to the ranch. A panel discussion will follow the 90 minute documental3 featuring Sam B.. his attorney Mark Hamby. and a representative from the ACLU. The discussion, which is free. will run from 8:05 to 9:15 p.m. MEMBERSHIP PO TL (_ [CKS’ ARE BACK. New-and-improved TOHR ~nomhly membership meetings will feature important speakers with hot topics as well as a 6:30 p.m. mixer--a great way to meet each other, catch up on families, and plan our responses to what is happening in the media and the co~mnunitv. Ken Youngblood and the TOHR Progrmns Committee are coordinating. Bring a potluck dish: drinks are provided. We meet at the Center (5545 E. 41st St.) the first Thursday of every month. Starting October 7, 6:30 p.m. Steve Eberle, Director of Environmental Programs, American Lung Association of Oklahoma --- For 26 years, Steve has served with Tulsa area nonprofit boards, gala committees mad planning efforts. He served as the liaison between the AIDS community and Catholic Charities’ St. Joseph’s Residence. Steve has long been a board member and on the advisory board for Tulsa Global Alliance. He co-founded the Tulsa AIDS Walk and remains on that committee, and was a founding member of the Tulsa area NAMES Project. He served as Executive Director of the Washington County SPCA and, as an educator, Eberle has taught for Tulsa Public Schools, Tulsa Community College, and Tulsa Technology Center on various curricula. Steve currently oversees environmental issues and the historic restoration of the Tulsa Fire Alarm Building for the American Lung Association of Oklahoma. Kaye Smith, Retired-- Kaye is a long-time TOHR volunteer and contributor, currently serving in the Center office on database projects. Novia Stice, Convention Management, Downtown DoubleTree Hotel -- Novia is employed with the Downtown Doubletree Hotel in Convention and Catering Event Management. His partner, Paul Caplinger, is Executive Chef at the Chalkboard Restaurant (continued on p. 6) �Page 4 From tke Executive Director Michael Christopher "Use your own bestjudgmeht at all times" - The entire Nordstrom Department Stores policy manual Trust is a difficult virtue for me. Like most people, I usually tend to believe that I could get the job done better than somebody else if only I had the time. And there’s an instinct to try to make rules so that what I can’t do myself won’t stray too far from expectations. I fight that instinct. The truth is, I couldn’t possibly get everything done that needs doing at work and at home without trusting a lot of other people whose talents exceed mine in remarkably many areas. At TOHR, it means making sure the resources are in place and then trusting many volunteers, colleagues and supporters to use their best judgment as they take command of particular efforts and do what needs to be done. It works like magic. TOHR’s new Coming Out Group continues to meet each Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at the Center (5545 E 41~ St.). ~ Counselor ~d therapist 1oN~ D. Cutright (MSN. LCSW) leads friendly, fr~ ~d suppo~ive discussion. ALL WELCOME~ ANGELS NEEDED There’s another group of people that we have to trust. While volunteers get the work done, there are some things that only money can buy, like rent, utilities, phone, postage.., a painfully long list. So, I trust that people in the community will provide that kind of help when we need it. Just like with volunteer recruitment, we’d soon be in trouble if we didn’t work hard to recruit donors. We’re a lean organization and we can’t afford to get too sophisticated, so it may look like we’ve got a permanent hand sticking out there (okay, I do, and I am glad to see you). If fundraising were the core business of the organizations you support, you’d expect them to do a brilliant job of it and never make the mistake of asking you twice or three times when you’ve already given. But fimdraising isn’t the primary business of any charity I’d ever support, and I suspect you could say the same. I get a kick out ofjust giving something when they ask, and then turning them loose to focus on their real work. TOHR needs a printing company to donate between $5.000 and $10.000 worth of printing over the next year. including small items mad the 2b05 Pride Guide for next June. There will be plenty of lead time. no rush jobs. TOHR accomplishes its mission through com~nunications, and printed materials take our message of equal rights into important places. So, now we’re asking. I know it’s an election year and there are plenty of good places to put your money to work, but one of these days, when the homophobes start getting fired instead of us, you’ll be amazed at the return we’re getting on your money. You’d also be amazed at what it costs to run a Community Center, sponsor gatherings, put on the annual Diversity Celebration, and run an advocacy program. About half of our annual budget just covers the basics of keeping the Center running year round, serving thousands of visitors and callers on the GLBT Info\ Line. The rest is spent on Diversity Celebration and programs, including GLINT rights advocacy. When sixty conservative Tulsa faith communities camouflage a hate rally as "pro-marriage," TOHR is there the same day with the truth on the television news programs and the following morning in the newspaper. When someone is venturing out of the closet for the first time and doesn’t know how to meet anyone or how to feel safe exploring their sexuality, we get the call. When someone wants to know in indelicate detail how to minimize infection danger from oral sex because he’s going home to a wife every night, we get those calls, too. There’s so much that can be done--and is being done--when you have an organization like TOHR working in the community. It happens in ways you sometimes can’t see--in elected officials’ offices, at chamber of commerce meetings, (continued on p. 7) TOHR also badly needs extra funfishing for the room at the back of the Center where support groups meet. We would much appreciate the gift of: A sofa/loveseat combo, or sofa aM chair, contemporau in soft blues or greens: An area rug. about 6’ x 9" in soft blues or greens: End tables (2). contempora~: table lamps (2). contempora~-. Please contact Michael Christopher at mchristopher@tohr.org or 743-4297 if you can help. These tax deductible do,rations will be given full cash value in all donor recognition. �EVENTS CALENDAR September 27 - Tulsa Rainbow Business Organization (TURBO). 12 noon at (he Center. For GLBT-mvned. -managed and friendly Tulsa busmesspeople. RSVP Michael Clms(opher. mcln’is(opher<(t:tohr.org, by September 25. September 28 - TOHR & PFLAG sponsor a C,’mdidates Forum. Candidates for US Hotlse of Representatives Doug Dodd (D) mid John Sullivan (R) lmve been reviled for tiffs fonun, along with many candidates for state legislative seats, to be held at tile Center at 7:00pro. September 30 - TOHR Annual Membership Meeting 6pro at the Center. All current TOHR members ae invited to attend tl~e meeting and elect tile incoming Board of Directors. For a slate of candidates, to ulxla(e your memberslfip, or (o RVSP for (lie meeting, contact Michael Christopher. mchristol)hera,tohr,o~g. 7434297. October 2 - ()~te,s’tio~s o~ ~\ larriage, a conference on marriage equality sponsored ill parl by TOHR. at (he DoubleTree Hotel Downtown. II’s an all-day conference fealuring speakers of national prominence, and admission is oulv $10. See page 9 for delails, October 7 -.VEIl7 (no( really so new. bnt rediscovered and with a new format) TOHR Monthly Membership Potluck. Held on file first Thursday of every month, these meetings won’t waste your time. but dig right into juicy content, featuring hot speakers and topics. Bring along a favorite dish you’d like to share. October 8 - 2004 Tulsa GLBT l--Iistoo Project Lecture. Speaker: Professor MV Lee Badgett. Topic: Looking Into tl~e European Custal Ball: What Can file US Learn About Same-Gender nmrriage? Lecture at 7:00pro. All Souls Unitarian Church. $251520 TOHR Members. available at file Center, See stou on page 10. October 8 - National Boycott for Equality. Don’t spend money or use cell phones for one day to prove the impact of (he GLBT connnunig" on the econmnv. For hffornmfion, search Google for "’equality boycott." (But DO come to (he histoo project lecture!) October 1t) - National Coming Out Day Potlnck Picltic. sponsored by PFLAG and TOHR at Whiteside Park. oil 41 st between Harvard and Yale. 4:00pro to 8:00pro. Bm~g a dish to share. October 11 -PFLAG Back To School Picnic for Gay Straight Alliance members, families, school (eachers and counselors. Call PFLAG Tulsa for details. 749-4901. October 14 - Mamage Panel: The Legal Aspects of Pending Legislation. Designed to extend file work of the October 2 nmrriage cmfference and sponsored iu part by TOHR. this panel will feature experts on the law. What lmppens when Oklahoma nmkes it constitutionally forbidden to recognize a marriage from another stale’? Keep an eve on the eNEWS for details. October 14 through 24 - Out OK Film Festival. Opens October 14 through 16 in Oklahonm Cig. then m Tulsa October 20 tl~ough 24. Out OK benefits TOHR’s Pyranffd Project. and is one GREAT bargain m cinema, hlcludes the Oclober 20 6:30pro screemng of T3’ing the L)u~t. OSU-Tnlsa Auditorium. featuring a panel discussion with the man who is tile snbject of this very human documentary about legalized discrin~lation. October 20 - "I.’ving the Knot. fihn and panel discussion. 6:30pro. OSU-Tulsa Auditorium. The story of Sam. who lost his propem. as a resnlt of lffs parmer’s death. A case study in why mamage equality is crucial in the protection of our basic human rights. Admission $10. Benefits the Pymnfid Project. October 28 - Marriage Panel: Religion and Same-Gender Mamage. Designed to extend tile work of the October 2 marriage cmfference and sponsored m part by TOHR. tiffs panel will featnre experts on the religious aspects of the same-gender mamage debate. Keep an eye on the eNEWS for details. November 2 - Election day... VOTE! For GLBT-friendlmess ratings of candidates, pick up a copy of the Oklahonm Gay & Lesbian Political Caucus ~fide at the Center. November 4 - TOHR Montlfly Membership Poflnck Held the first Tlmrsda.v of ever3. monfll. Bmlg along a favorite dish you’d like to sMre. LAST CHANCE: The S~gnature Project If you haven’t gotten 3our signature sent in vet to be included in the "’Defend Marriage" ad to be published in the Tulsa World. thne is rumfing out. Email mchristopher@tohr.org for the PDF sgnamre release form to fill ont and mail in by October 5. Sponsored by PFLAG Tulsa and TOHR. Nafiona! Coming Out Day Potluck Pknk Sunday, October 1 O, 4 to 8pro at Whiteside Park, 4009 S. Pittsburg Ave. Come Ou~ and show your colors and bring a d~sh lto share! Sponsored by TOHR and PFLAG Tulsa �Page 6 Candidates (continuedj~om p. 3) They both share an educationbackground of having attended OSU’s School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration. Novia has worked with numerous nonprofit organizations’ fundraising efforts over the years. He currently also serves on the Board of Directors for the Palmer Drug Abuse Program and the Regional Aids Interfaith Network (RAIN) as well as the Golf Tournament Committee for the Tulsa chapter of the American Cancer Society. Andrew Carter Mental Health Case Manager, Family and Children Services -- Andrew received his bachelor’s degree from Langston University, Tulsa. He spent over four years as a habilitation training specialist working with persons with developmental disabilities. After graduating from college, he dedicated two years to national service with the National AIDS Fund AmeriCorps Team Tulsa. Andrew served both years at the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN) and during his second year was also the team coordinator. He works part-time as a MSM Outreach Specialist for H.O.P.E. Testing Clinic. Andrew is a graduate of Leadership Tulsa Class 30. Libby Bender, Creative Director, Littlefield, lnc. -- Libby is Creative Director for one of the region’s leading advertising and public relations agencies. She has been active with numerous nonprofit organizations, and currently serves on the Tulsa Marriage Conference Steering Committee. In October she will join TOHR’s board as Director of Communications and will be responsible for advancing the organization’s publie profile, boosting utilization of the Center, and increasing conference and event attendance. Richard Hurfig, Supervisor of Computer Support, City of Tulsa Parks & Recreation -- Richard works for the City of Tulsa as the computer support supervisor for the Park & Recreation Department, managing 175 computers, five servers, and 200+ users. Rich Brew. Tulsa Women’s Tea Dance ,Sue Welch On Sunday August 29~. 200 women White of Chocolate Foumains of Tulsa gathered for a festive time at the Green- (x~avw.chocolatefoumainsoftulsa.com) wood Cultural Center. The 4a~ Tulsa Donated auction items included: VinWonaen’s Tea Dance. once again. tage pin-up calendars from the estate of proved to be a good fundraiser for longtime Tulsa residents and 45 year TOHR’s Pyrmnid Project. The Pvrmnid partners. Ollie Belle Stines and Mamie Project is TOHR’s capital campaign to Watson: signed & frmned m~ by Tulsa provide a permanem visible presence artist Allie Jensen: $100 of electrolysis for Tulsa’s GLBT Community Cemer. treatments from Sue Welch. R. E.: Art So far. over $300.000 has been raised Deco sculpture: velvet fireplace stocktoward the million dollar goal. This ings: hand-blown glass dish by acyear. the Women’s Tea Dance raised claimed Tulsa glass artisan. Sarah $4.100 for the capital campaign. Since Diggdon: spa basket from this event is privately sponsored, all of x~ax.av.baronabaskets.com, and a $400 the money raised, goes directly to the photography session from Lov’s Phocapital campaign. Thank you to the tography. following sponsors for their generosity: Jane Barnes: Laura Belmonte: Carol I. The list of exhibitors included: All Crax~ford: Barb Daib: Lana Hartig & Souls Unitarian Church. Doug Dodd Dana Hervey: Stacv D. Johi~son Insur- cmnpaign, The Gathering Place. Herance Agency: Nancy McDonald: Caro- land Sisters. Kessie Noel. Kiwanee lyn Nichols: Kaxe Smith: Marcy Smith Center. Life Resources. Lov’s Photog& Sue Welch: Gay Fuel: Cabana Boy raph3. MCC Church. Merry Makes Rum. Art!. Moodswing. Out OK film Festival. The Pvrmnid Project. Rainbow Attendees were entertained by the all Families. Sisters in Spirit Motorcycle girl band Moodswing mid a dru~mning Club. TOHR’s Pride Store. Tulsa Opgroup facilitated by the Kiwanee Cenera. Tulsa PFLAG. mid the Women of ter. The Girls Next Door calendars were Council Oak. sold and models were on hand to autograph calendars. Door prizes included We wish to thank volunteers who made eve exams by Dr. Judy Kastl. moviethe event possible! Phillip Au with Gay love?’s gift basket from Phillip Au mid Fuel & Cabana Boy Rum. Tmnmie the Out OK Film Festival. and a spa Blancett. Mark Bonney. Regina Cole. gift basket by Heather Harp Howland Barb Daily. Penny Davis & Laura Design. The winner of the luxurious Mumford. Cathy Elliot. Sarah Fitzgertrip for taro to Palm Springs was Lori ald. Carrie Flehartv & Trish Spurgin. Pax~ae of Shawnee. Food was provided Lorene Gravitt & Wanda Young. by-Tim Willimns of TW’s Catering Heather Harp Howland & Carolyn (xxax.av.twsafabcatering.com) and Russ Nichols. Lana Hartig & Dana Hervev. Michelle Hoffman. Stacv Johnson. Shelly Ledford. Mary Lincoln. Kim He earned a bachelors degree in computer science and an MBA from OSU-Tulsa. Other new board member candidates include Anita Randza and Shelly Ledford. Returning to the board for the 2005 fiscal year are Laura Belmonte, Mark Bonney, Janet Geafin, Dwight Kealiher, Lamont Lindstrom, John Madigan, Dennis Neill, Troy Nicholas, Devon Rutherford, Mike Williams, and Ken Youngblood. McAnally-. Carol Redford. JoAma Ritchey. Devon Rutherford. Marcy Smith & Sue Welch. Stacv Takacs. Kathy Williams. Tim Williams & Jonathon Brown. Robbie Wright. and the Eklesia Church. Thanks to all for a fun time that helped us move a step closer to a permanent home for the Community Center, the programs it provides & people it serves. now and for generations to come! �BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP IN TULSA OKLAHOMANS FOR HUMAN P~IGHTS include many nice privileges, but the one that really means something important is that you will be participating in a very meaningful way in the rights of every gay man, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered person in Tulsa to live with full citizenship and to pursue a life with equality. The levels listed below are just guidelines---an~-thing you want to contribute will be deeply appreciated. You can give the full amount today, or instruct us to bill your credit card monthly for a certain amount and for a specific number of months. If you like, you can even make your gift online at www.tohr.org.., just click the DONATE button. Membership is for one full year from the date you join. Name(s) as it (they) should appear on mail addressed to you: Mailing Address Telephone IMPORTANT: Email Address (we) w~n~ to join TOHP,.~ Q Individual $30 © Family/Household $100 (~) Patron $ I O0 " © Business/Organization $ 100 ~) Donor’s Circle $300+ $ Check enclosed, payable to TOHR My company offers a matching gift program. The proper forms are enclosed or will follow. Please bill my (our) credit card: © Visa © MasterCard ©American Express Card # I am interested in: Volunteering at the Center Volunteering for Diversity Celebration The Rights Advocacy Team Expiration Date Signature 200,000 people in northeastern Oklahoma deserve equality regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights works for legal equality and social acceptance--not just tolerance--for the gay, lesbian bisexual, transgender and allied community of northeast Oklahoma through advocacy, education, leadership and unity. 4,000 callers are served each year through the Tulsa GLBT Info Line (743-GAYS). I 0,000 visitors are served through the Tulsa GLBT Community Center and annual Diversity Celebration. Hundreds attend conferences, lectures and other educational opportunities designed to build positive perceptions of the GLBT community--both in the community and among ourselves. TOHlt~ ~s worsting ~or you. �................................ Please tape your check inside and Fold Here. - ................................ Tape closed before mailing. Please tape your check inside and Fold Here. - ................................ Tape closed before mailing. From: Place Postage Here Membership Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights PO Box 2687 Tulsa, OK 74101 �Interview with a Board Member. Larnont Lindstrom Lamont Lindstrom is TOHR’s Second Vice President. He is a profes ......... sot of anthropology at the University of Tulsa. TORCH: Where didyou grow up? W’nere is hdme for you? LL: I was born in Oakland, CA and grew up in Martinez Milch, at the time, was a small town of 10,000 on the fringes of the San Francisco Bay Area. TORCH: What brought you to Tulsa? LL:I finished up my anthropological degree at the University of California, Berkeley in 1981 and had taught one year at what was then Southwestern at Memphis (now Rhodes College). In 1982, I was looking for my next job in academia and had two offers: to go to Wellington, New Zealand or to come here to Tulsa. I chose Tulsa (and that’s a long story). TORCH: And what do you think of Oklahoma? LL:It’s been.., interesting. Actually, my anthropological side finds Oklahoma fascinating. As Indian Territory, the state was for years an internal colony of the U.S. which then came into unexpected wealth. The place is full of all sorts of interesting cultural twists and turns. Tulsa has been an interesting place from which to watch and, to some extent, take part in the last 25 years of GLBT struggles and progress. I jokingly call myself a backwards Okie who went the wrong way along Route 66. My sisters and brother and their families are still out in California, and my three daughters (born Oklahomans) now spend summers with me and live the rest of the year in Hawaii. The oldest, though, has just started college in New York and I’m hoping that the next one comes to the University of Tulsa next year. TORCH: And what about experiences at TU? LL: TU is a first-rate university with an excellent anthropology faculty, which is one of the reasons that have kept me in Tulsa. It does need, however, to incorporate sexual orientation and Lamont, Elsa, Carla, & Nora gender identity in its statement on nondiscrimination--we’re working on this. I’ve been faculty advisor of the student GLBTA (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered association--that’s a mouthful of letters) since 1997. This is a small but active group of students that adds a lot to college life. This year several new "family" faculty members have come on board and I’m hoping GLBT programs and visibility will get even better. TORCH: What does an anthropologist make of GLBT issues? LL: The cross-cultural perspective is especially important as we all too often mistake our own norms to be human universals. I once wrote a newspaper column on gay culture and was able to draw on anthropological data, for example, to explore all sorts of marriage customs--including samegender marriages--that exist in many different cultures. Today’s "’normal" marriage, in fact, is a historically recent practice--and certainly not one devised by God. Abraham and those ancient Hebrews were polygynists. TORCH: And your work with TOHR? LL: Second VP is a wonderful position since it comes with no official duties! I’ve tried to make myself useful helping out on the Fundraising Committee and I’ve also edited recent issue,s of the TORCH (which is why I’m here in this column until I can chase down more interesting Board Members for you all to meet!). From the EoDo (co,,,,,,,e4ti.o,, p. 4; m correspondence with govermnent officials, and in quiet calls we make on e~nployers who fail to protect employees, a doctor who mistreats a transgendered patient, a church employ,ee who wants someone present when they come out to a pastor, a pastor who is weighing how to come out to a church board, a govermnentfi~nded agency that needs help changing a co~mnunitv’s intolerance ~yithout getting itself de-funded and everybody fired. The work and the nnpact of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human RiNats radiate far beyond its front door. TOHR’s been around for 24 years mad it’s an old battleaxe now. still swinging confidently, landing blow after blow. And we’re sharpening it up with an expanded board of directors to b~ing in more voices mad more diversity of opimon. When our new year begins on October 1~ there will be 21 people wielding the ax-almost tavice as many board members as there are when I’m writing tiffs. Beyond the board, we’re reaching out with a new Advisor, Counsel and expanding the work and membership of the Advocacy, Committee. TOHR is a growing group of people working on more and more levels in the community. Ever,, voice is needed and welcome. There’s just so much going on right now in the courts, legislatures, the media, and in our people’s lives that there’s never been a more important time to become a member, or renew 3’our support or volunteer for Tulsa Oklalmmans for Human Rights. Executive Director, TOHR GET TWIT. The weekly GLBT community list of events and activities emailed to you every week. Contact TOHR today at community@tohr.org to sign up �Page 8 Human Rights Update Mark Bonney T his year we will likely see a vote in Oklahoma designed to perpetuate discrimination against our community for years to come. I believe there are three reasons for why Oklahomans will vote on State Question 711 this November. First, the U.S. Supreme Court told Oklahomans that they can no longer arrest us in our homes for being in adult consensual relationships--for being Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgendered. Some Oklahomans simply want to vote for discrimination as a way of"fighting back" at the Court for freeing us of the brand "criminal"--a brand that allowed discrimination against us because "criminals do not deserve human rights." Unfomanately, Oklahoma has an embarrassing history of discrimination and lagging behind the rest of the country in supporting diversity and recognizing the economic and social benefits of a more progressive approach to human rights. Some of our faith communities have illadvisedly stepped into the political arena and have been involved in supporting and perpetuating discrimination, as when their pastors argued that ’~the Bible says that slavery is okay" or when they once set up church schools to avoid integration. Many of these same groups are leading the fight against same-gender marriage, tragically repeating their mistakes of the past. Second, Republican strategists believe that placing the issue on the November ballot will help Republican candidates win election to the State House and the U.S. Senate where races are close. Combining this issue with rallies around the state designed to increase voter turnout from fundamentalist congregations may well work. Third, rules of the Oklahoma House and Senate were ignored in bringing this issue to a vote of the people. Joint resolutions are different from bills. Resolutions do not require the Governor’s signature but bills do. In the last session, a bill was amended to place the issue on the ballot because the time for full consideration of a resolution had expired. The Democratic leadership could have stopped the measure based upon procedural improprieties but they did not. It is rumored that the Democrat leadership had negotiated with the Republican leadership and reached an agreement that this issue would not be brought up for a vote. If this is true, then Republican leadership--and in particular Senate Minority Leader James Williamson--broke this agreement. Regardless of the outcome of the vote we must stand up and stand out. In my years of political involvement I have never met anyone fired for "coming out." I have, however, dealt with friends, relatives and employers of those struggling with coming out who want equality and fairness for the LGBT community. We are increasingly faced with the reality that we cannot sit quietly or not take sides in this battle. Some churches and religious extremists in Tulsa have declared war on the GLBT community by holding a so-called "Pro-Marriage Rally." I was there. My partner and I sat through the whole event. It is unfortunate that some of our political officials continue to support the divisive and anti-human rights message of these extremists. At the rally, Mayor LaFortune called us unAmerican and Senator Willia_mson avowed that he loved the homosexual but hated the "sin" yet he was rnd~e and would not shake the hand of Professor Laura Belmonte when previously he had appeared with her on a " talk show. The recurring theme was that "God’s Law," as they interpret it, trumps the Constitution and that such law should govern all Americans’ lives whether Christian, Jewish, Muslim, or non-believer. Speakers maintained that "there is no separation of church and state in the Constitution." And a final presenter advocated the glory of traditional gender roles where women have no leadership role in the home. We must be willing to resist this coopting of our political process by those with an extremist agenda that is so antihuman rights. It is ironic and tragic that one who professes marriage so strongly, State Senator WSl=liamson, is himself twice divorced and makes a living as a divorce attorney. Likewise, a business sponsor of the rally married his son’s ex-wife. I believe we can legitimately question the credibility of such individuals. Can they really lecture us that we are unfit to be married or that we would destroy the institution of marriage? I hope that you will join me in taking action. The City Council should reject Mayor LaFormne’s comment that one has to believe as he does to be a good Tulsan, a good Oklahoman, or a good American. Instead, for the sake of the future of Tulsa, let’s support diversity and publicly recognize the significant contributions that the GLBT community makes to the betterment the city. I ask you to consider whether you should patronize the businesses and churches that sponsored the rally. Advocating with our pocketbooks can be a very powerful tool. By working together and redoubling our educational efforts, we can help improve Tulsa for us all. (See the list ofsponsors of the anti-gay "pro-marriage" rally on page 9.) Genesis Ministries 2419 S. 83rd E. Avenue, Tulsa, OK Meets Sunday 11 a.m. for service Wednesday 7p.m. for Bible Study, Singing and Prayer �This Fall, Oklahomans will decide whether or not to change our state constitution to deny the benefits of marriage to any unmarried couple. State Question 711 defines marriage as only between one man and one woman and prohibits legally recognizing any same-gender marriage that takes place anywhere else. Before we vote, it is important to consider how this change will impact each and every one of us, gay and straight. It is a complex issue of rights, religion, and equality. The conference welcomes the "moveable middle"--those people who want to learn more about the issue before casting their votes. On Saturday, October 2, we are going to talk about the implications of this controversial state question in the context of rights, religion and equality. A respected group of religious and community leaders, attorneys, and legislators will lead day-long discussion of this sensitive issue at Tulsa’s Downtown Doubletree Hotel. The conference is sponsored by Community of Hope United Church of Christ, PFLAG Tulsa, Fellowship Congregational Church, Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, Tulsa Interfaith Alliance, Oklahoma Freedom and Equality Coalition, United Ministries at University of Tulsa, BGLTA (Bi, Gay, Lesian, Transgendered Alliance) at the University of Tulsa, Phillips Theological Seminary, Parish Church of St. Jerome, and Soulforce of Oklahoma. Every Oklahoman should be educated on what State Question 711 really means to us as individuals and as a state. Join us on October 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for an enlightening experience. Registration is $10. Send email to mchristopher@tohr.org for registration materials. Please encourage your family, friends, and co-workers to attend--there may be no more effective action you can take in the struggle to preserve our constitutional freedoms this year! Kelly Kirby, CPA, PC Certified Public Accountant "For AII Your Accounting Needs" Gay men and lesbians face many special situations, whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve this community. 4815 South Harvard, Suite 424 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135-3066 918.747.5466 These organizations sponsored the August 2,t anti-gay "pro-marriage" rally at Union High School: Abbot Industries C-It-All Leak Detectors & Plumbing Clear-Tone Hearing & Laboratories Community Spirit Magazine Evans Electric Jim and Ronda Norton PACE Printing ~ain Care Assoc. of Oklahoma Air Comfort Builders Steel Association of Christian Therapists Bair Foundation Christian Home Educatots Fellowship Purne!l Financial Services Churches: Tulsa Together/Christian Ministers Alliance Warner Audio Florist on the Square Victory Christian Center Asbury United Methodist Cedar Ridge Christian Central Nazarene Christ Presbyterian Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Crossroads Christian Center Eastland Assembly of God First Christian - Owasso First Nazarene - Sand Springs Glad Tidings Assembly of God Grace Fellowship Hawest Church Immanuel Lutheran Liberty Church Open Bible Fellowship Park Plaza Church of Christ Praise Center Redeemer Covenant St. Timothy The Church at Battlecreek Vera Full Gospel Fellowship First Baptist - BA, Claremore Berean Baptist Bethany Missionary Bapfist Calvary Baptist - Broken Arrow Central Baptist Easton Heights Baptist Eastwood Baptist Glenwe~l Baptist Lynn Lane Baptist Mr. Rose Baptist Parkview Baptist GARRETT LAW OFFICE, P.C. Garrett Law Office, P.C. ~ is an association of lawyers with one colnmon goal: to serve the public interest by representing injured persons or persons with property damage who are susceptible to possible unfair treatment by insurance companies. Our practice areas are: INSURANCE DISPUTES PERSONAL INJURY WRONGFUL DEATH JOB-RELATED INJURIES SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY PRODUCT LIABILITY SECURITIES FRAUD BANKRUPTCY Call our office for a free consultation before you commit to signing a release which could compromise the value of your claim and your legal rights. 1-888-GARRETT In Tulsa: 622-9292 Rementber - The a~Ottster works,Ibr rite illSllrallC~ COIlll)HI1)’-- WE WORK FOR YOU! ssss sss s 8s s s ss ss ssss ss s §s s §ss§§§§ssss§§ss§s ssss§§sss§s§ss§s§s§.§ §.. .... �Page 10 Professor Lee Badgett To Present TOHR’s 2004 History Project Lecture October 8 Looking into the European Crystal Ball: What Can the U.S. Learn about Same-Gender Marriage? Professor Lee Badgett will draw on her recent research in Europe on same-gender marriage to make predictions about what will happen in the U.S. She will talk about why some European countries recognize partnerships or mamage rights while others do not, and she will address one of the main issues of the same-gender marriage debate: What happens to heterosexual marriage when samegender couples marry? Lee Badger is Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She is the author ofMoney, Myths and Change: The Economic Lives ofLesbians and ~ Gay Men, and is Research Director and cofounder of the Institute i and Lesbian Strategic Studies. Professor Badgett has appeared on television in the U.S. and the U.K. and on many radio programs including NPR’s Talk of the Nation. The event is sponsored by TOHR, PFLAG Tulsa, the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Tulsa, OSU Dept. of Women’s Studies and OSU Dept. of American Studies. The dinner and lecture are on October 8 at All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S. Peoria at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 for TOHR members and $25 for the general public and are available at the GLBT Community Center, 5545 E. 41st St., or by calling or emailing credit card information to mchristopher@tohr.org, 918-743-4297. Find more information at www.tulsagayhistory.com. T ULSA OKLAHOMANS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS RO. Box 2687 TULSA, OKLAHOMA 74101 Do we have your email address ? If not, then you’re missing our free eNEWS service that sends links to important stories of interest to the GLBT community every week or two. Send email to mchristopher@tohr.org with the words ENEWS SUBSCRIBE in the subject line. Printed on recycled chlorine flee paper e e e e e Reach thousands of NE Oklahoma’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, questioning, and allied READERS Advertise in tl~e TORCH:" For rate card and specs, email mchristopher@tohr.org or phone 918-743-4297. The Torch offers a discoum to nonprofit organizations that have a non-discrimination policy that includes sexual orientation and gender identity. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2004] TOHR Torch, October 2004; Volume 4, Issue 1 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2004 October Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights https://history.okeq.org/files/original/085342b7c8d4f9849f434573d83bdc4c.jpg 609731fd3b7354fe173da800c56ae096 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/b0d51370251f06c8d91194fcdfdbeee2.pdf b392b70032c9687b9c90df5d5b653225 PDF Text Text spring 2004 quarterly news / volume three / issue one tho tulsa oMahomans for human Hghts Director to Come Onboard by Spring This month, TOHR is running ads in the Tulsa Worm and The Gaily Oklahoma as well as in several national venues. We are seeking our first Executive Director. Thanks to community giving that will support the first year’s salary and benefits, we are excited to hire a fulltime professional. Our new Executive Director will guide our programming and help improve our outreach and service to the GLBT community. TOHR, with a fulltime director, will join the ranks of a handful of GLBT organizations with professional staff. Our classified ad asks that the suc- Tallking about Same-Gender For many of us, the holidays remind us of the importance of family. Federal and state legislative action this year could potentially impact the families we choose to build. Therefore, it’s important to fully understand same-gender marriage and civil unions from a legal perspective: This article refers to "Same-Gender Marriage" and not "Same-Sex Marriage" or "Gay Marriage,~ Gender and sex are not the same. When speaking of marriage, use the terms "mixedgender marriage" and "same-gender (Continued on page 3, see Same Gender Marriage) cessful candidate have a minimum of two years’ experience in development and grants management, organizational and volunteer management, and program development. Qualified candidates should also have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Relocation to Tulsa is essential. The ad directs applicants to our website (www.TOHR.org) where a more complete job description is available. This explains that the new Executive Director will have overall responsibility for financial, programmatic and operational management of our largely volunteer organization. The Executive Director will also be a strong and visionary leader with a proven track record in management, financial management, program development and fund raising, and will help guide Board decisions. The application deadline is February 28. Soon afterwards, the Search Committee will interview top candidates and plans to make a recommendation to the Board in March. After the new Executive Director has joined us, the community as a whole will be invited to ~velcome and meet our new Director at several upcoming events. New location opens on March 2nd The Tulsa GLBT Community Center will move to 5545 East 41~t Street at the end of February. The Center reopens in the Highland Plaza shopping center at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, 2 March. The new space is centrally located in Tulsa, just east of Promenade Mall on E. 41st Street. Our volunteers are already packing up the old Center, which has operated for several years at 21 st St. and Memorial Ave. The new Center includes a large meeting space, basic kitchen facilities, accessible restrooms, and a number of smaller offices. The Pride Store will occupy one of these and -other Tulsa:area GLBT organizations and allies may eventually move into the others. TOHR has signed a two-year lease on the new Center. We also look forward to the successful completion of the Pyramid Project Capital Campaign. This will spur the Center’s final move--our relocation into our own permanently endowed space by March 2006. In the meanwhile, stop by and tour our new space. �TOHR members and friends, for human rights This is my first letter to be included in what I hope will be a monthly newsletter to our members. There have been many wonderful things happening to TOHR and to our community. Much progress has been made in educating the public on rights and benefits that many take for granted but are systematically denied to the GLBT community. This year will prove to be momentous for education in Oklahoma. We have already seen a push to amend both the U.S. Constitution and the Oklahoma Constitution in ways that "legalize" discrimination. In addition to operating the Community Center, TOHR serves to educate. TOHR will be involved in all local and state efforts to further awareness of GLBT issues. I encourage you to look for our educational statements on issues related to Same Gender Civil Unions and Civil Marriage. It is also important for us to educate ourselves and to speak with a unified voice. You’ll find an article in this newsletter that explains the appropriate terms and communication techniques to use as you discuss these important issues with others outside of the GLBT community. I want to thank all of the volunteers who give so much of their time to TOHR. I am excited about this year and our wonderful Board of Directors. Attendance at Board meetings has been extraordinary. The search for an Executive Director is ongoing and we are ready to move into our next temporary location for the Community Center, in anticipation of a permanent location, we hope in 2006, through the hard work of Pyramid Project. In January you should have received a membership application form. Please fill out the form and send your membership check to TOHR. With you we can achieve our visioN. For the Board, Mark Bonney, TOHR President published by Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) PO Box 2687 Tulsa, OK 74101 918-743-4297 (phone) / 918-384-0108 (fax) www.tohr.org email: community@tohr.org Office location (as of March 2, 2004) Tulsa GLBT Center 5545 East 41st Street Tulsa, OK 74135 TOHR Board of Directors Executive Board President--Mark Bonney 1st Vice President--Dr. Laura Belmonte 2nd Vice President--Lamont Lindstrom Secretary--Mike Williams Treasurer--Patrick Hobbs Assistant Treasurer--John Madigan President Emeritus--Brent Ortolani Governinq Board Director, Gender Outreach--Troy Nicholas Director, Public Relations & Events--Tim Scott Director; Board Development--Ellen Averill Director, Fundraising’Dennis Neill Director, Advocacy--Brent Ortolan Director, Programs & Facilities--Ken Youngblood Directors at Large Dwight Kealiher Janet Gearin Devon Rutherford TOHR’s Capita Campai,qn the Pyramid Project pyramidproject.org Co-Chairs Sue Welch & Brent Ortolani Committee M,embers ........ Theresa Barnard, Mark Bonney, Marc Frieden, Greg Gatewood, David Hoot, Brent Ortolani,, Marcy Smith and Tim Williams. TOHR is a 501(c)3 organization operated completely through donations and non-paid vohmteers. Contributions are taxdeductible to the tidiest extent of current United States of America tax lau’s. OPEN Tues-Fri 6:00-9:00 PM Saturday 3:00-9:00 PM 5545, E. 41st St. Inside the Tulsa GLBT Community Center (as of March 2) Page 2 The Torch, a publication of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, Inc. is published quarterly (Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer) with an estimated annual readership of 10,000. Subscription rates are paid contributing member dues of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR). Advertising rates are: business card: $25/issue; 1/4 page: $50/ issue; 1/2 page: $75/issue and full page; $t00iissue. A 25% discounted is available with a paid annual advertising plan. The Torch is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or part except by permission obtained by contacting TOHR directly. Credit must be given to TOHR. The views Of the Torch are expressed in editorial only. Views expressed in lettersm the editor and other submissions are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the board of directors, contributing m~mbers or editors or leadership of TOHR. The Torch reserves the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication. The Torch and/or TOHR is not responsible for damages due to typographical errors. Advertisements designed and created for publication in the Torch remain the property of TOHR. The Torch and/or TOHR cannot be responsible for claims by advertisers. The use of the name or likeness of a person or entity in the Torch in advertising or editorial content does not imply any particular sexual orientation or political affiliation. Copyright 2004, TOHR. �~a oklahomans for human rights Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) works to secure equality and social acceptance for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered (GLBT) and allied community of Northeast Oklahoma through advocacy, education, leadership, and unity. Same-Gender P~rriage (Contimtedfrom page 1) marriage." Why? Oklahoma defines marriage as "a personal relation arising out of a civil contract." As of Jan. 1, t997, Oklahoma prohibits marriages between persons of the same gender. In order to obtain a marriage license in Oklahoma, an application must be completed and delivered to the Court Clerk. The Court Clerk is a government official in each County whose salary is paid for by tax revenue. All marriages in Oklahoma must be "solemnized," meaning a person of authority a judge, retired judge or religious or ecclesiastical official signs the marriage license after confirming the two individuals’ public intent to enter into a marriage contract. Religious services or ceremonies are optional. Many people think of marriage as a religious ceremony. This is understandable the bulk of the wedding budget is spent planning and conducting the religious ceremony. Getting a blood test, appearing at the Court Clerk’s Office to complete the government application and paying the government license fee seem like a formality. Yet all mixed-gender couples in Oklahoma can receive the hundreds of legal and social benefits and obligations of marriage without a religious ceremony. In fact, about one in five Oklahomans skip the religious cere- The weekly GLBT Community list events and activities ernailed to you every w~ Email TO~ today at mony. Among the rights and responsibilities of marriage are: inheritance, medical care, health insurance, survivor benefits, tax-free transfers of property, alimony, child-support, payment of health related costs of the partner. Many Oklahomans still do not understand that two persons who have shared their life experience as partners for 40 years may be denied visitation in the final days of their partner’s illness. Oklahomans do not understand that sometimes we are not permitted to even go to the funerals for our deceased partners and are immediately "kicked out" onto the street, sometimes having to resort to public assistance. Same-gender couples in Oklahoma pay taxes, live in committed relationships, and deserve the same government benefits and burdens as every other citizen. Allowing same-gender couples to complete the application, pay the fee and receive the license would not permit that couple to force any individual or church to accept their union. Such a couple could not require any religious leader to perform any ceremony. The-more people think about the rights that GLBT persons do not have as a result of being denied a government license purely on the basis of gender, the more those persons will see the injustice of the current system and the more Oklahomans will be willing to allow same-gender families to have equal rights and responsibilities. TOHR has joined the Oklahoma Freedom and Equality Coalition in support of marriage rights, and Mark Bonney serves as its Media Committee co-chair. Each of us must do our part to educate and explain the issues to our family, friends and neighbors. If you would like additional copies of this newsletter or of this article, please contact TOHR or feel free to make copies. Melissa Guillet Reports On Friday, January 30th, members of the transgender community met at All Souls Unitarian Church along with several members of the church’s congregation for food, drink, singing, and fellowship. The Evening Social v~as the first of many events that weekend that were part of Tulsa’s first annual Loving Our Varied Existences Gender Conference. The LOVE Gender Conference began as an effort to help educate those of the church about transgender issues, but with the help of Troy Nicholas of TOHR/Gender Outreach and Anita Randza from All Souls, it grew to include an entire weekend of events for the transgender community. Seminars taught by A.J .Galloway, Dana Brown-Owings, Cat Turner, and Nancy McDonald covered topics ranging from Trans-Activism to a PFLAG sharing and discussion seminar. Afterwards, everyone left to change for a dinner at the Church, featuring Dianna Cicotello as keynote speaker. Those attending finished the evening at the Playmor Lounge. Here, Millie Lucas and friends gave a drag show to benefit the efforts of Gender Outreach of Oklahoma, a local support and education group for the transgendered community, to become a non-profit organization. The final day started with a discussion panel featuring A J, Dana, Cat, and Dianna, in addition to local Gender Outreach of Oklahoma members Paula Johnson and Lissa Guillet, to give the church and others attending a chance to ask the questions that were on their minds about being transgendered. Even Reverend Lavanhar gave a transgender-themed sermon teaching acceptance, and truly showed that he loved our varying existences. Tulsa GLBT Information Line 743-GAVS Page 3 �An Interview with Devon Retherford Devon Retherford, in addition to being a TOHR Director at large, is also interning with TOHR. She oversees much of the day-to-day operations of the Tulsa GLBT Center, including organizing our Center volunteers. TORCH: Where did you grow up? Where is home for you? DR: I have lived in Tulsa all of my 27 years and I now live near TU. TORCH. Tell us about your educational goals. What are you majoring in at OU Tulsa? DR: I am getting my Masters degree in Human Relations. I am considering getting a doctorate in Human Services, but I am not sure about that goal right now. TORCH." How is your TOHR internship contributing to your studies? DR: I wanted to do my internship with TOHR for personal growth rather than as an enhancement to my education. The personal growth that has happened with me through being involved with TOHR has been worth more than any education could ever give me. It has been a wonderful experience, so far. I have enjoyed meeting and working with many great people who care so much about the GLBT community. TORCH." What have you enjoyed the most, interning at the Center? DR: The people. I enjoy meeting and getting to know new people. I meet someone new almost every night at the center and 99% of them are really neat people. GLINT PAST In recent weeks, the Tulsa GLBT History Project has begun conducting oral history interviews with members of our community. We are documenting fascinating stories about the founding of TOHR, bar life in Tulsa, the city’s response to GLBT people, the AIDS epidemic, and other milestones. The interviews are recorded on a digital video camera and will be transcribed. They will be an important resource for our community, historians, and independent scholars. This semester, an OSU undergraduate is working on an independent study of coverage of GLBT issues in the Tulsa World since the late 1980s. Her research will enable the Project to build a vertical file Of all local newspaper stories. The History Project is eager to interview GLBT Tulsa~ and former Tulsans. If you or someone you know is willing to share your stories and/or loan photographs, videos, and other documents for copying and preservation, please contact Laura Behnonte at 918/906-2134. It’s your history - help us record it. Page 4 TORCH:And ,what’s been your biggest challenge? DR: The biggest challenge is getting people to volunteer and continue to be volunteers. I still need volunteers to fill slots during the week and Saturday. tt is a fun place to volunteer and meet really great people. I must thank all of the very faithful volunteers that I have now. Their work is appreciated and without them there would not be a Center. TORCH." How do you think we can improve Center services to the GLBT community? DR: Right now we are getting ready to move to our new Center. This move in itself will improve how we can serve the community. We are working on getting more programming through the Center to let the community know that we care about them and to bring more people to the new location. Currently we have added the Women’s Group, which is the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, and we hope to add other groups as well. The Women’s Group is open to all women, straight, lesbian, bisexual, coupled, single, with children, without children, and of any age and socioeconomic status. TORCH. Tell us about the future. Where will you go from here? DR: My future is wide open right now. In May I will have completed my masters degree and be looking forward to a little time off before we launch into the Diversity Celebration. I plan to work with the Board and community to enhance all areas of TOHR’s service to the GLBT community. I see a bright future for myself and the Tulsa GLBT Community Center. � Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Microsoft Publisher Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2004] TOHR Torch, Spring 2004; Volume 3, Issue1 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2004 Spring Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights https://history.okeq.org/files/original/aa5001a58e15d3873648e4e0994b00e8.jpg 8b328e52f9511b74df80e7411f02c70d https://history.okeq.org/files/original/4d0e31793a150cbf67bd0392ffe4e42e.pdf 1bc0447a42d97dcc256f9e3b0cc677d7 PDF Text Text February/March 2005 Volume four / Issue three the tulsa oklahomans for human rights CELEBRATE DIVERSITY 2005! PFLAG, Open Arms and TOHR Join TOHR’s 2Sth Anniversary It happened 25 years ago, when the Tulsa chapter of OkJahomans for Human Rights, an Oktahoma City-based organization, was formed. Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) was born and is now one of the oldest continuously operating GLBT advocacy organizations in the nation. TOHR is now well known for sponsoring the week-long Diversity Celebration held each year in June, which first appeared in 1999. This year PFLAG and Open Arms Youth Project will join as presenting sponsors Diversity Celebration 2005 As befits a 25th anniversary year, we’re planning some great things for the June 2005 Diversity Celebration. Most of the popu- TURBO to Produce Pride Guide It’s time for Tulsa to have its own Gay has produced a Pride Guide~an advertising program for Diversity Celebration in June that included a dozen or more businesses. But the newly-reconceptuaIized publication will fill a serious gap in the Tulsa GLBT community when it premieres with listings--we hope--of a hundred or more GLBT-owned, GLBT-managed and GLBT-friendly northeast Oklahoma businesses. A city’s "Gay Yellow Pages" is an historical document that will stand for generations as testimony to the Survivor Oklahoma! By Lamont Lindstrom Oklahoma’s Dr. Scout Cloud Lee (shown above with her partner Annie Lee) "survived" 39 days on Efate Island in the South Pacific nation of Vanuatu. Scout was the second-to-last "voted off the island" in the popular television show Sun/ivor Vanuatu. This was, it was clear to all, a wise move on the part of winner Chris Daugherty. If Daugherty had gone into the final tribal council with Scout, she--and not he--would no doubt have won the show’s million-dollar prize. After Survivor’s emotional climax, Scout returned to Oklahoma and, recently, she, Annie, dogs, and cats have moved to a beautiful new ranch south of Stillwater where eventually they will also keep their horses, A former OSU Sti!lwater professor, Scout was attracted not by the show’s monetary prize but �From the President A Personal In vitat/on: It’s yourCenter, and the Board of Directors of TOHR invites you to use it. If Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) PO Box 2687 Tulsa OK 74101 918-743-4297 (phone) / 918-384-0108 (fax) www.tohr.org email: community~,,tohr orq you have a group that wants a place to meet, think about using the Center. If you want to plan a one-time meeting or semina~, use the Center. We want you to feel at home. If you are at home watching TV by yourself, consider coming to the Center. The big screen %/is on almost every night. We hope to be expanding the Cyber-Center soon with updated equTprnent, more sta- TOHR Board of Directors tions and games. Continue to watch for expanded programming. In this newsletter you will find information about our first meeting for the community to discuss Diversity Celebration 2005. This year’s theme is "Diversity at Work." We will be focusing on diversity in the work place and how diversity works to enhance the community. We want input from all or ganizations, and we want other organizations to share in the planning of the week-long events. This year TOHR has two main goals. The first is to build bridges with all LGBT organizations and with those non-LGBT organizations that serve our community. We want to meet with you and see how TOHR can work with your organization for the common good of all of us. We hope to bring leaders from other organizations to the Board and to committees of TOHR so that we can strategize on increasing our overall effectiveness. The second goal is to take the message to Tulsa’s leaders that diversity is a must for economic prosperity. If you have contacts with any of Tulsa’s leaders and can arrange an informal house party or formal meeting please let us know. We hope to combine these two goals by coordinating meetings be- py~amidproject org tween Tulsa’s leaders and the leaders of LGBT organizations. With your help TOHR can achieve both of these goals this year. SueWelch Mark Bonney, Marc Frieden, M TOHR Responds to HIV Funding Cuts TOHR recently worked with community leaders in reaction to cuts in state funding of HIV testing clinics. With the help of local doctors and executive directors of HIV related organizations we believe that funding will be restored to some of the clinics facing closure, We thank the lead- John D. Cutright, MSW, LCSW Counselor & Psychotherapist 4870 S. Lewis Avenue, Suite 190 Tulsa, OK 74105 918-284-0123 �TOHR’s Fall Fund Drive has been a great success so far, with pledges and gifts stiff coming in. We are deeply grateful to the donors who have given to this special campaign, which represents nearly 30% of our year’s budget. In addition, the Winter Membership Drive has just gotten underway, with gifts of every size. We are extremely pleased to announce that TOHR is now 260 members strong--and growing! Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights is deeply grateful to those wonderful donors who contributed $100 or more to the Fall Fund Drive or joined TOHR at the Patron or higher level during the Membership Ddve~ Thank you! Wesley Allen Alison Anthony and Mark Wilson Dr. Mark Argo and David Rosebeary Jane Barnes Fred Basset[ Laura Belmonte Rev. and Mrs. Russell Bennett Kathie Fite Rabbi Marc Boone Fitzerman Dr. Mark Frost and Tim VanMeter David Garrett Kevin Gaylor and Don Lawrence Janet Geadn Mark Bonney and Philip Au Howard Brewer Gregg Smith and Kevin Burleson Dr. Greg Gray Michael Green Mark Henry Barry Hensley and Terry Baxter Jack Camden Doug Campbell Andrew Carter Robert Cisar and Kirk Holt/Cisar-Holt Inc. Carl Cliver Patrick Hobbs and John Orslak Dwight Holden and Ted Eudy Dr. Greg Holt Bobbe Hornback The Jensen/Christopher Family Joe Johnson Karl Cooke Robert Coffey and Andrew Kins!ow Greg Johnston Kenneth Joslin and Mark Linholm Dwight Kealiher Thorn Kelley and Todd Durbin Joel Cousins and Frank Medearis Barb Daily Michael R. Davis Stephen Eberle Charles Faudree Mike Keys and Ty Kazubowski George King D. Bruce Lewis Lamont Lindstrom and Devre JackSon Jul[e Littlefield John Madigan Bill and Marilyn Major Rick Martin and Daniel Schneider Martin Martinez and Daniel gurnstein George Matarazzo and Bill Ferguson Nancy and Joe McDonald Dick Miller Duane MenNe and Mike Mi!ls Tom Neal Dennis Neifl and John Bouthard Jayne Oertle Rev. Leslie and Steve Penrose Barri and Dr. Dan Plunkett Anita Randza Michael Redman Devon Rethefford Kaye Smith Marcy Smith and Sue Welsh Marcy Smith and Sue Welch Debra Smotherman Kelly Kirby, CPA, PC Certified Public Accountant "For AII Your Accounting Needs" Gay men and lesbians face many special situations, whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve this community. 4815 South Harvard, Suite 424 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135-3066 918.747.5466 CHANGES AT TOHR’S COMMUNITY CENTER Highland Plaza is undergoing a facelift, expanding and lifting the facade. Come visit and see the Center’s new look, at 5545 E. 41st Street, Tulsa. 3 �History or th Brother Outsider." The Life of Bayard Rustin February 24, 6:00 prn at the Center Come to our monthly membership potluck dinner in observation of Black History Month, and see the award winning film about Bayard Rustin, One of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s key organizers and an openly gay African American man. Rustin organized the 1963 March on Washington, one of the largest nonviolent protests ever held in the U.S. He brought Gandhi’s protest techniques to the American civil rights movement, and help mold Dr. King into an international leader. Despite these achievements, Rustin was silenced, arrested, and fired, largely beCause he was an openly gay man in a fiercely homophobic era. The film is a 2003 Sundance Film Festival Official Selection. The Tulsa showing is sponsored by TOHR GLBT History Project. Bayard Rustin with Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1956 during the bus boycott in Montgomery, AL. Associated The February potluck dinner has been moved from its usual first-Thursday slot to accommodate the showing of the film. Please bring a dish to share. Soft drinks D][SCO FUNK & JIVE: W][LD HEARTS 8ALL 5 By Sue Welch Is it the ’70s you long for? DISCO, FUNK & JIVE for Wild Hearts Ball 5 is here! Hey man, you know this gig... Soul Train, Laugh In, Gloria Gaynor and ABBA. So get down with your bad self in your best ’70’s threads and win the costume prize or just come as you are. Dig the chocolate fondue and other free hors ’d oeuvres. Gifts for the first fifty in the door! Be cool and don’t miss the Solid Gold Larn6 Dancers! For 21 and over, there will be a cash martini bar and other spirited libations. If you don’t have a 21 ID, you may groove at the soft beverage bar. Get down to funky town with your favorite retro tunes, hang loose in the Lava Lounge, take some party pics, and more!! This year we are pleased to have several local nightclubs join in the party! After doing the hustle at the Wild Hearts Ball, boogie on down to your local club favorites. Club Mavericks, HOTs, End Up, TNTs, and New Age Renegades will be offering special surprises for Wild Hearts Ball attendees so keep your party wristband on. GET DOWN, GET DOWN!!! To get you in the mood visit www.brumm.com/gaylib/disco. "Disco Music Was Gay Music," Tom Moulton’s essay about the importance and influence of disco music for gay culture in the 1970s, will take you there. "He mixed many, many of the dance and disco albums of the 1970s, and essentially defined worldwide dance music from this period on". Yes dudes, apparently we brought Disco out of the gay bar closet and turned it into pop culture for the world to love! When: Saturday, February 12th, 8 prn ’til Midnight. Where: The Greenwood Cultural Center, 322 N. Greenwood Tickets: $20 at the door or $15 advance at: GLBT Community Center, 5545 E. 41st, 918-743-4297 Burnett’s Flowers & Gifts, 4322 E. 11th, 918-834-5555 4 �UPCOMfNG EVENTS February/March 2005 February 1, 8, 15, 22. March 1, 8, 16, 22, 29 Free anonymous HIV testing at the Center, 5545 E. 41~t Street at our N.O.EE, Testing Clinic, 5;00 to 8:00pm Tuesdays. February 3. 10, 17, 24, March 3, 10. 17, 24, 31 - Crafty Girlz, TOHR’s women’s group, meets Thursdays at 7:30pm. February 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25 - Films at the Center. Join us at 5:30pm Friday evenings for fun, film and friends at the Center, 5545 E. 41~. February S, 12, 19, 26, March 5, 12, 19, 26 - Free anonymous HIV testing at the Center, 5545 E. 41st Street at our H.O.P.E, Testing Clinic, 4:00pm to 7:00prn Saturdays. February 22, 6:0Opm - Discussion of the Pride Store’s future at the Center. Sales have been declining for some time, and you’re invited to join board members in a discussion of whether to close it or how to revitalize it. See story on page 5, February 24, 6:00pm - Film: Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin, and potluck dinner, Official Selection, g00g Sundance Film Festi vaL Bring a dish to share. Sponsored by the Tulsa GLBT History Project. Dinner at 6, film at 7. See story on page & February 26, Saturday morning at 10:00am - Diversity Celebration All-Volunteer Meeting at the Center, Come and be a part of this year’s Diversity Celebration! Coffee and donuts, at the Center, 5545 E. 41st. March 1, 6:O0pm - Prime Timers meeting. Guys, bring your mature adult self to the Center and join Prime Timers! March 3, 6:00pm - TOHR Monthly Membership Potluck Dinner. Bayard Rustin. The Film Brother Outsider: Bring a covered dish to share! March 10, 7:OOpm - Scout Cloud lee, Oklahoma’s own Survivorcelebrity, will be Keynote Speaker at Tulsa Peace Fellowship’s Season for Nonviolence Celebration at Temple Israel, 2004 E. 23~d Place, Tulsa. Dr. Lee’s keynote address is entitled "Let Peace Reign: Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors." See story on page 1. March 16, 6:00pm - Diversity Celebration Steering Committee meeting at the Center. SUBSCRIBE TO THE eNEWS and get (approximately) weekly updates on what’s going on ~ the GLBT community in Tulsa--right ~ your ema# inbox. You’ll be up to date with national news stories, too. Subscribing is MEMBERSHIP FEEDBACK REQUESTED: Whither the Pride Store? TOHR’s Executive Committee will discuss the future of the Pride Store at 6 pm on February 22 at the Center. Sales at the store, which has been The GLBT InfoLine (918) 743-GAYS (4297) located inside the Center for several years, have been declining. The Board needs your input to decide whether to close the store or to under take its revitalization. We invite anyone with ideas or thoughts to share to attend this month’s Executive Committee meeting. It’s not only your connection to Tulsa’s nightlife, it’s your first call when you’re looking for GLBT-friendly healthcare, legal assistance, counseling, and so much more. �Focus on Supporting Organizations: All Souls Unitarian Church by Ruben Garcia /n each Torch, we will offer a supporting organization in Oklahoma the opportunity to highlight its activities on behaff of the GLBT communitJz Zf your organization is interested in submitting an article in a future Torch, please contact us at community@tohLorg. /n this edition, Rubin Garcia of the All 5ouls Unitarian Church’s GLBT History Projec Project describes this Tulsa church’s programs. Memories hosted TOHR’s monthly meetings and has supported GLBT programs ever including: ¯ Performing same sex unions; ¯ Coordinating a prom night for GLBT youth; All Souls Are Welcome All Souls Unitarian Church of Tulsa, Oklahoma, one of the largest Unitarian churches in the world, recently was recognized by the Unitarian/Universalist Association (UUA) as a Welcoming Congregation. Unitarian churches welcome all who seek a religious home free of creeds and guided by love, reason and conscience. They are committed to respecting differences and striving for understanding of the diverse experiences of their members. In 1989, after 20 years of milestones and growing pains, delegates of the ¯ Hosting Tulsa’s fffst ever Transgender Conference; ¯ Offering rehearsal and performance space for the Council Qak Men’s Chorale and the Women of Council Oak; ¯ Sponsoring RAIN Teams to serve PLWA; ¯ Participating in and promoting Tulsa’s Diversity Celebration; ¯ Cosponsoring the TOHR History Pro ject, chronicling the lives of GLBT pe~ sons in the Tulsa area. All Souls Welcoming Congregation GLBT program long term goals include: ¯ Sponsoring a local group for GLBT Unitarian Universalists, their families and friends, for support, socializing, and sharing life issues; ¯ Hosting a GLBT brunch at an area restaurant on the 2~d Sunday of each month for its members and visitors; ¯ Outreach to the GLBT community to Tulsa Pride Pioneers Bruce Goff and Adah M. Robinson 8ruce Goff (I 904-I 982) and Adah M. Robinson share credit for the design (what each contributed is still the subject of debate) of Tulsa’s spectacular art deco Boston Avenue Methodist Church in the mid 1920s. Goff had apprenticed at twelve years old to the architectural firm gregation programs among its member ¯ Tentatively p~anning a conference of churches to facilitate inclusiveness. They affirming and supporting congregations in the Tulsa area to address bar- Rush, Endacott and Rush. Robinson taught Goff art at Tulsa (Central) High School. She subsequently be came an Art Instructor at the University of Tulsa and founded Tulsa’s about the spiritual, political, and social riers to equality in the mainstream Alpha Roh Tau Civic Art Association wellbeing of GLBT persons who are o& faith community. in 1930. [n addition to architecture, Goff composed for the piano. He UUA General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to initiate Welcoming Con- are designed to educate members publicize the religious alternative offered by Unitarian UniversaIism; ten excluded from participation in GLBT project planning meetings are mainstream churches. For more infor- scheduled at the church at 12:30 on the mation on the history and vision of the 3~ Sunday of each month The staff and UUA’s Welcoming Congregation pro- members of All Souls are proud to be a gram visit the Office of BGLT Concerns port in the storm and partners in pride at www.uua.org/bgltc. with other northeastern Oklahoma or All Souls has had a !ong history with Tulsa’s GLBT community before ever becoming a Welcoming Congregation in 2004. AS early as 1981 the church taught in Chicago, Berkeley and eventually joined the University of Oklahoma’s School of Architecture ganizations supportive of the GLBT in 1942, remaining there until 1955. Nearly 150 of Goff’s designs were built in 15 states, including an art community. Visit the church any Sunday studio for Adah, located at 1119 S. at 10 or 11:30 a.m. to experience loving, liberal, life affirmB~l spirituality that is �by its chai]enges. These challenges included basic "surviving"--camping out, making friends, and competing with 17 other eager contestants--and barista Ami Cusack. Scout had not and books are available on her In- told producers about her relation- ternet website: ship when she interviewed for Survi- www.scoutcloudlee.com. Scout and vor 7. Like many of us, she finds labels~hether Gay, Lesbian, Dem- Annie are also founders of the Mag- ocrat, or Christian--confining and al non-profit established to contrib- uncomfortable. 8y Survivor Vanua- ute to global peace through play. ical Child Foundation, an education- also the physical and mental reward tu, however, Scout felt she had Later this year she and the Founda- and immunity nothing to downplay. tion will be working with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services competitions that Scoutand the contestants must tackle. Scout ’ was mostly has a professional interest in challenge construc- throughout tion. Since 1980, the series. she and Annie, as A~though Annie Lee and Vision Us, Inc., have offered "Leadership Embassy for Ami’s partner Crissy flew to Vanuatu Excellence" trainings, serving busi- to participate in the "family reward nesses and organizations such as Ap- challenge," the show did not air the ple Computer, Ford, IBM, and the two couples’ kisses. On the other Chickasaw Nation. Vision Us trainings hand, during the Reunion Finale and challenge courses stress strategic host Jeff Probst asked Scout how pIanning, team building, interpersonal her fellow Ok~ahomans had received relations, motivation, win-win conflict, her back home after being "outed" stress management, and more: all the on the show. Scout explained that skills one needs to be a successful she has experienced nothing but survivor. In Vanuatu, Scout called on friendliness and interest back in Ok- her coaching experience to council lahoma. A large crowd of several her fellow survivors, but principally hundred, for example, turned up she called on this to coach herself to and gave her a standing ovation face daily gritty challenges of cold, when she spoke recently about her Survivor experiences at the Stillwa- hunger, and a malfunctioning knee joint replacement. ter Public Library. Scout had applied to join Survivor 7 (Pearl Islands} and although not selected was told by producers that she definitely should reapply. She did, and ended up on a dark Vanutau beach one cotd July night building the Yasur team camp with eight other women. Mark Burnett, Survivor’s Executive Producer, had framed the Vanuatu "tribal" competition as women versus men. No surprise, perhaps, the show featured nine strong, outspoken, and capable women--two lesbians among these: Scout and As successful survivor, Scout also draws on her skills as singer and author. She is ready to release her fifth CD. She has also written many books including The Circle is Sacred, co-authored with her partner Annie (Dr. Carol Ann Washburn) and Sworn to Fun: Celebrate Every Little Thing, Every Day, both published by Tulsa’s Council Oak Books. With a friend, she has also developed her own perfume she calls Integrity. For those interested, her several CDs First-Ever Test Fest Draws a Crowd HO.P.E Testing Clinic and TOHR wanted to boost the numbers of people being tested for H]V, so they threw a party! The GLBT Community Center hosted and showed films through the day. Gender illusionist Miss Bobby Page gave two delightful shows, and there were wonderful door prizes donated by Tulsa Opera and other Tulsa businesses. TOHR and H.O.P.E anticipate Teat Fest �~tulsa oklahomans DIVERSITY AT WORK for human rights DIVERSITY CELEBRATION 2005 COMMUNITY HERO AWARD NOMINATION FORM Address Name Address State City Zip Phone allied commuNty of NE Oklahoma through advocacy, education, leadelsNp and unity Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) is a 501 (c)3 nonproSt orgaNzation Contributions are tax deductible as allowed by law PO Box 2687 Tulsa, OK 74101 918.743.4297 8 www.tohr.org �Tulsa GLBT Center Receives National Cyber Center Grant TULSA--The David Bohnett Foundation of Los Angeles, CA announced a $32,065.68 grant to Tulsa Oklaho mans for Human Rights {TOHR) to be used for equipping an expanded computer center, to be named the David Bohnett CyberCenter. The foundation was established by David Bohnett, founder of the technology company GeoCities, in 1994. By August, 1999, GeoCities was cited by Internet ranking firm, Media Metrix, as one of the top four most trafficked sites on the web. GeoCities became publicly traded on NASDAQ in August of 1998, and was subse quently acquired by Yahoo! Inc. in May 1999. Mr. Bohnett continues to serve as Chairman of the foundation, which has a specialized interest in funding CyberCenters within gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community centers nationwide. Tulsa’s GLBT Community Center, operated since 1996 by TOHR, has for a number of years offered its users a "Cyber Caf~" in which two public computers are available for unfiltered Internet access and other uses. The Bohnett grant will enable TOHR to expand the Cyber Caf~ to ten workstations, with the potential for use as a computer classroom. The Cyber Caf~ is the Center’s most popular feature, with users often waiting in line for access to computers. The new David Bohnett Cyber Center, with ten state-of-the-ar~ computers for public use, will vastly expand the capabilities of the Center. High speed Internet access, especially vid Bohnett Foundation and iBM, iBM for interactive video games, is a very will be providing the computers, popular feature for younger visitors. monitors, laser printer, and scanner Many visitors use the computers to equipment, Included in the grant is prepare r~sum~’s research sexual $10,000 in cash to be used in building entation and gender identity issues out the new CyberCenter space within on the Web, and reach out to other the GLBT Community Center, and for GLBT individuals through ]nternet various application programming chat rooms. needs. in an arrangement between the Da- It you support Non-Profils in theTulsa Area �Interview with a Board Member Kelly Rechelle Carter TORCH: Where did you grow up? Where is home for you? KC: [ grew up in a small town called Adrian Michigan. Adrian is one of those places that you can see all the bad things happening around you but, in Adrian, you can still leave your doors unlocked at night. It’s my calm in the storm. I moved to Tulsa in 1996 and ! have recently moved to Oklahoma City. TORCH: How did you get involved with TOHR? I become involved with TOHR about three years ago when a friend asked me to become a member of the Board. My main function at that time was Secretary of the Board and helping make The Diversity Celebrations happen each year. ! left TOHR after a year of service. I was overwhelmed by the amount of work and the lack of volunteers. When I was asked to join again this past September [ really had to take a hard look at myself and TOHR. ] needed to know that the people that were involved this time were in it for the long haul. [ needed to know that they had a love for our community as much as ! do and ! needed to make sure that ] was willing to give up the time it takes to make TOHR happen, i’m a member of the Board because ! believe in the possibilities of what TOHR can bring to this community. I believe by having the doors of the Community Center open we are telling the Tulsa community and the State of Oklahoma that we, the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender community, are here to stay. TORCH: What other organizations are you working with at the moment? [ hotd a seat as Secretary of the Board for Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) here in Tulsa. ! am also working on a project called Diversity House which is putting the framework together to create a house for homeless Gay and Lesbian youth in OKC. TORCH: You’ve help lead our annual Diversity Celebrations--can you tell us abou t some "memon)l moments "? I’ve worked on Diversity for the past two years. What remember is the complicated planning that goes into getting the job done. The long hours and the lack of sleep is what ~ remember most. Those were also some of the best times, You spend so much time with the crew you are working with that they become like fami[y. The most gratifying part of any Diversity Celebration is when the months of planning come to an end and you see 10,000 people walk onto the field with their partners, their kids, and their friends and you realize that this is what all that work was about. TORCH: And what can we expect for Diversity in the future? Over the past 25 years TOHR has seen many changes. But it has always moved forward. That’s why it’s so good that the Board changes every two years so fresh faces and new ideas can be brought to the table. TOHR is an organization that was created for the community by the community. Its success will Join TURBO! The Tulsa Rainbow Business Organization builds the GLBT family by helping our businesses grow, and by showing the greater Tulsa community that there is substantial economic clout in the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. Joining TURBO is easy, and FREE] Download the membership form at www,t ur borainbow.com. �DISCO, FUNK & JIVE! WZLD HEART.~ BALL #5/ When: Saturday, February 12th, 8 pm ’til Midnight. Where: Greenwood Cultural Center, 322 N. Greenwood Tickets: $20 at the door or $15 advance at: GLBT Community Center, 5545 E. 41 st, 918-743-4297 Burnett’s Flowers & Gifts, 4322 E. 1 lth, 918-834-5555 Petal Pushers, 1660 E. 71st, 918-494-0999 Benefiting TOHR’s Pyramid Project Capital Campaign Reach thousands of NE Oklahoma’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, questioning, and allied READERS ADVERTISE IN THE TORCH! For rate card and specs See the story on page 4 REMINDER: TORCH IS NOW MAILED ONLY TO OUR MEMBERS. PLEASE ENCOURAGE YOUR FR~[ENDS TO JO[N. IF YOU PICKED UP THIS COPY, PLEASE HELP SUPPORT ~TS Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights P.O. Box 2687 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74101 � Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Microsoft Publisher Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] TOHR Torch, February-March 2005; Volume 4, Issue 3 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February - March 2005 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights February 2005 TOHR Torch https://history.okeq.org/files/original/cbd3b82247e4c4eadc83a4934259e074.jpg 7355e3f0fb88d63ef43c7d6ebd67a7ab https://history.okeq.org/files/original/cb0c9c183b92e5b42dcdda4184ad9ca0.pdf 36c17cee6aab257744b790b6a5047017 PDF Text Text May/June2005 Volume four/Issue five oklahomans for human rights Leaving on a Jet Plane! Lear Jet Use for 3 Hours Tops List of Live Auction Items at Diversity Gala 2005! Diversity Celebration 05 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Pdghts (TOHR) is celebrating its 25th Am~iversary tlfis year mad offering a once-in-alifetime opportusfity. Topping the list of live auction items during the event of the year, "Diversity Gala 2005," is the use of a private Lear Jet for 3 hours! Rarely offered at similar events, you and 6 or 7 friends can leave on a jet plane, traveling to your destniation while supporting equalit2 . EQUAL RIGHTS._NO MORE, NO LESS! tulsa- pride Each year, the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) and allied community comes together for PRIDE events - celebrating our cor~m~tmity and the advances made toward equality by being ourselves and being OUT. This year, we are celebrathig the GLBT & allied con~nunity through PRIDE and diversity with the theme "EQUAL RIGHTS...No More, No Less!" "Diversity Celebration 2005 - Tnisa PRIDE" premiere events feature the 6th A~nual Tulsa GLBT PRIDE Parade & Festival. The parade bes£ns on Cherry Street near 15th & Peoria, travels West on 15th to Main Street and heads South to Veterans Park. Don’t miss the Maple Park Parties mad the Party on Main to cheer on the floats, marching units and Grand Marshals. The finish line at the intersection of 18th & Main will have g~andstands as well as a few special surprises - plan to stake your spot early in the ~ay. (Continued on page 3) JUNE t0, 2005 TIJLSA, TOHR’s A~miversary Celebration begins at 6:00 PM with a Patrons’ Reception and tour of the acclaimed blockbuste~ exlaibit of "Machu Picchu." 7:00 PM brings the Anniversary Reception and Silem Auction with over 50 items ranging from diimers to yoga classes to antiques. Dirmer by the Polo Grill, the live auction, presentation of awards and remarks by guest speaker Tim PaLmer follow at 8:00 PM in Gilcrease Museum’s beautiful Vista Room. "Metro Swing," along with chocolates and cheeses, are plarmed after dimmer to close out this special everdng. Reservations range from $45 to $125 and are currently available at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center. SeF page 6 for all the information you need and log onto TOHR.org to make your reservations today. �This year’s "Diversity Celebration 2005 - Tulsa Prid!!" will be the largest ever. Look for lhe schedule of events and the plans in this issue. This will be one celebration you will not want to miss. The events over the last year t~ave energized our community. Our allies are realizing that they must join us in our stand for equality. Steve Eberle organized a successthl fundralser at the Tulsa Summit Club. Individuals who have never previously donated to TOHR gave money and pledges. Look for a full report from Steve in the next issue. The state legislative session is always tense and tiffs year has been no exception. Only three house members voted against a resolution to direct the public libraries to restrict access to the book "King and King". This children’s book shows a prince rejecting the princess in favor of a prince. TOHR continues to work to educate Northeast Oldahomans on the need for civil equality. On behalf of the board I want to extend our sincere appreciation for those who have supported TOHR tiffs past year. Those who attend the Diversity Gala wi!l see how much support we have. These contributions reflect the confidence that the cotrantmity has in TOFIR m~d its board of directors. We are deeply touched by for human fights Office location ~ommunRy Center 5545 East 41st Street Tulsa, OK 74135 TOHR Board of Directors _Executive Board President.ark Benney 1st V~ce President--Dr. Laura Belmonte Secret~ry--Mike Willia ms Treasurer--Dwight Kealiher Assistant Treasurer~ohn Madigan your generosity. President, TOHR TOHR’s~ The Pyramid Project Sue Welch Comm4t~ Member~ �(continued fi.om page l) The PRIDE Festival, at Veterans Park, will be filled with more live entertainment by local stars, an expanded Family Fun Zone for the kid in us all, activities for young adults, sports and activities for everyone and of course, all kinds of vendors with everything from arts & crafts to food to rainbow merchandise - and most everything in between! EQUAL RIGHTS.,.NO MORE, NO LESS! On April 20th, Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) celebrated the grand opening of the David Bohnett CyberCenter. Some 50 people joined the TOHR Board, staff and volunteers in welcoming Michael Fleming, Executive Director of the Los Angeles-based foundation to the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center. The ten donated computer workstations greatly enhance the services provided at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center. Already, the David Bohnett CyberCenter has had more than 200 users! Usage is expected to grow as additional features are added and computer skills classes are offered. Watch for additional information about computer skills classes upcoming this summer. Many in the community are working together for "Diversity Celebration 2005 - Tulsa PRIDE! You can be a part of the excitement and help make the Pride Parade & Festival the event for Tulsa! Contact Christina Elder, Diversity Celebration 2005 Volunteer Coordinator @ 743-4297 or tohr.org and see what you can do for Pride! After the Grand Opening, more than 25 TOHR donors and board members met for the quarterly "Donors’ Circle" reception at the White Lion Pub. TOHR thanks the David Bohnett Foundation and all the volunteers and board members who helped make the CyberCenter a reality. And we thank our donors who help ensure that our Community Center and its programs are available to all. We also appreciate John and Betty of the White Lion Pub for hosting the Donors’ Circle and welcoming Michael Fleming to Tulsa. Dennis Neil CHECK OUT THE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS ON PAGE 5 & PLAN TO ATTEND ALL THE EVENTS! For more information on the events of Diversity Celebration 2005, please contact Greg Gatewood at the GLBT Community center at 918-743-4297 or ggatewood@tohr.org or Kelly Carter at kcarter@cox.net. Kelly Carter Get ’em while they’re hot! You can support the Tulsa PRIDE Parade & Festival when you buy a 2005 "Equality" bracelet for only $3 each. Get one or fill your arms with them. EQUALITY bracelets are available at the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgender (GLBT) Community Cetner at 5545 E 41st Street in Highland Plaza. The Tulsa GLBT Community Center is open 3:00-9:00 ~PM Tuesday-Saturday. GOT PR DE? Volunteers make Tulsa’s annual PRIDE events - "Diversity Celebra, tion"- the success that it’s always been. PRIDE Parade & Festival volunteers can choose from a variety of options in helping the community commemorate, educate & celebrate. Take your pick of several opportunities to give back to your community. Many positions are available in 2 houz shifts by contacting the "Diversity Celebration 2005 Tulsa PRIDE!" Volunteer Coordinator, Christina Elder, at misschristinarml0@¥ahoo.com, calling the Tulsa GLBT Community Center at 743-4297 or you can log onto TOHR.org. Pictured above at the David Bohnett CyberCenter Grand Opening are (Imeeling, l to O: Center Director Greg Gatewood and Board Member Andrew Carter. Standing l to r: Board members Dennis Neill, D~vight Kealiher, Steve Eberle, Janet Gearin, Kaye Smith, Richard Hurtig, Laura Bebnonte, Lamont Linstrom, Michael Fleming, ED of the David Bohnett Foundation and John Madigan. Picture below at the TOHR Donor Circles event at the White Lion Pub are TOHR supporters (1 to r): Linda Stevens, Bob Cisar, Janet Gearin and Kirk Holt. John Do &p C S. ¯ Avenue Suite OK 74! Children+ Adolescent+ Aclult+ C �5545 east 41st TUESDAYS Open 3-9 PM WEDNESDAYS Open 3-9 PM THURSDAYS Open 3-9 PM FRIDAYS Open 3-9 PM SA TURDA YS Open 3-9 PM Pride Store 6-9 PM HIV Testing 6-8 PM 1 st Tuesday Primetimers 6 PM - Board 7 PM - Mtg. FREE POOL! Cyber Focus 6-9 PM Gender Outreach 7-9 PM Pride Store 6-9 PM FREE POOL! Pride Store 6-9 PM Games & Things 7-9 PM FREE POOL! Pride Store 6-9 PM Center Cinema 6:30-9 PM FREE POOL! Pride Store SALE~ 3-9 PM HIV Testing " 4-7 PM 1st Saturday T.U.L.S.A. 4 PM - Board 5 PM - Mtg. ?REE POOL! SUNDAYS Open for the "Sunday Sho" Sunday Sho 9-10 PM "Queer as Folk" Doors open at 8:30 PM Special Events www.tohr.org Is your weekend in the middle of the week? Are you looking for a place to relax with friends during the afternoon? Do you need a place to surf the web, catch up on TiVo or play games on PlayStation 2? Does your organization need a place for meetings or events? Then the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center is the place for you, your friends and your family! The Tulsa GLBT Community Center is expanding the hours of operation so all in the community - young adults to seniors and all in between - can take advantage of the many programs and services offered in the center. Now open from 3:00 - 9:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday, the Center has been refurbished and redesigned with you in mind. New at the Center is: The wildly popular David Bohnett CyberCenter. 10 flat-panel workstations outfitted with the latest technology allows you to surf the web, finish that school paper or chat with friends across the nation. The "Family" Room. GLBT parents can bring their children to the center - and the kids can play the day away in the new "family" room. PlayStation 2, board games, books (we have the "controversial" titles), toys and more are available for the kid in us all in the Family Room. o The Community Conference Room is available for use during the day or evening for Reach thousands of NE OK Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and allied community READERS ADVERTISE IN THE TORCH! board meetings, planning sessions - whatever you need. The "Back Room." Soon to open, groups up to 20 people may meet in private. The Tulsa GLBT History Project documents and preserves the rich history of the Northeast Oklahoma GLBT community. Now in the History Room is a temporary display of past PRIDES. Come by and fred your face in the pictures and help us identify others in the hundreds of pictures from years gone by. The Nancy McDonald Rainbow Library has over 3,000 titles for you to checkout - and over 300 FREE movies. It’s all being cata!ogued for you to easily find your selection or area of interest. See the schedule above and stop by soon - you’ll discover the community! ALL are Welcomer. OPEN Tues-Sat. 6:00-9:00 PM 5545 E. 41st St., Inside the Tulsa GLBT Community Center �GARRETT LAW OFFICE, R C. tulsa glbt history project Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) sponsored Tulsa’s first community PRIDE picnic (now the Tulsa PRIDE Festival) in 1982 at Chandler Park. In those years, socialization was very important and TOHR offered a useful way to meet other GLBT people. The picnic featured activities such as softball, volleyball, and sack and high heel races. It was a true picnic in the sense that people brought their own coolers, food and blankets and shared their experiences of living in Tulsa during what was a very difficult time for the GLBT community. This was just at the onset of the AIDS epidemic and many of those who participated in the first picnic have passed on. We honor their memories during TOHR "s 25tt’ anniversary year, and the upcoming "Diversity Celebration 2005 Tulsa PRIDE!" I moved to Tulsa in May 1981. I had just out of the Navy and finished graduate school, moving to Tulsa to go to work for the same institution to which I am still employed. Those were wonderful days for me. AIDS hadn’t reared its deadly head as yet; the oil crunch hadn’t caused scores of professionals to move to greener pastures. OHR (what was to become TOHR) had just been established here and it seemed to me that all one had to say was "OHR is planning..." and people showed up by the hundreds--whether it was a picnic at Chandler Park, a baseball game at Henthorne, or the Turn-About Show at the Homebuilders’ Association building. Everyone wanted to be there. The first picnic took place summer 1982. I remember it was hot (no shock I’m sure), but many were pressed and dressed--remember preppy was in. We all seemed so young (we were actually) and nothing seemed impossible. Dennis i Neill and TOHR officers had created a venue whereby gay people from all over Green Country could gather and celebrate their hard-won individuality. The Stonewall Riots were a very recent memory then and the gay community seemed to feel part of the fabric of America. I think we felt good about ourselves and hoped that the future would bring other advancements in the cause of the rights of gay, bi-sexual, lesbian and transgendered people everywhere. That first picnic may then be compared to other halcyon days in history--those precious times prior to events that forever changed the fabric of society. We were young, proud, and defiant--we had everything to gain and, we thought, nothing to lose. The AIDS crisis was and is pure tragedy, but we have come through it stronger, and even more defiant than before. Here’s to all those wonderful people from that first picnic--whether you’re still with us or whether your spirit guides us from other plains of existence. We salute you. -- Mike Williams & Dennis Neil Garrett Law Office, EC. ~is an association of lawyers with one common goal: to serve the public interest by representing injured persons or persons with property damage who are susceptible to possible unfair treatment by insurance companies. Our practice areas are: INSURANCE DISPUTES PERSONAL INJURY WRONGFUL DEATH JOB-RELATED INJURIES SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY PRODUCT LIABILITY SECURITIES FRAUD BANKRUPTCY Call our office for a free consultation before you commit to signing a release which could compromise the value of your claim and your legal rights. 1-888-GARRETT In Tulsa: 622-9292 Remember - The adjuster works for the insurance co~npany - WE WORK FOR YOU! �Pyramid Project Event A Great Success . The Terwilleger Heights Home Tour was a great success and enjoyed by many! The tour benefited Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) capital campaign, the Pyramid Project. The public tour was held on Sunday, May 15th. The evening Patrons’ party before the tour was hosted by Charles Faudree. Patrons were treated to a private tour of Mr. Faudree’s home and a dinner of paella. Thank you Patrons for your support! Over 350 people toured four homes on Sunday and $17,000 was raised. The event ended at the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center, 5545 E 41st Street, with a live auction topped off by champagne and chocolate. Jim Ritchey served as our professional auctioneer extraordinaire. ~ew ~ce ~d ~onda Rudd, two co~uNty-suppo~ive candidates, are ~g to replace State Senator Bernest Cain in ON~oma City’s Senate District 46. Cain, who has also been suppo~ive of civil fights issues, is te~-li~ted and ca~ot mn for reelection. Rudd was raised as a Southern Baptist and married to a Southern Baptist ~Nster for eleven years ~d believes tNs helps her understand the broad range of O~ahomans: "Cow, cation is one key to being a successN1 legislator." She is also ~ e~olled member of the CNckasaw Nation. "I’m really just a re~lar person," Rudd said. "But I thi~ I may be just what the legislate needs. We are a nation of the people. I am dete~ned to represent o~ people’s needs. I have been there. I’ve worked hard, been to school and raised my cNl&en. I have done all of this so that all of us can have a be~er life. I believe I will be elected to the Winner of auction items included Andy Kinslow & Robert Coffey, Heather Harp Howland, Carol Lambert, Marcy Smith & Sue Welch, Janet Gearin, Doug Hartson & Don Wilkes, Loy Payne, Diane Morehead, David Nelson, Sallye Phillips Mann, Linda & Bob Reis, Fred & Myma Burki and Julia Latham. Auction items were generously donated by: Charles Faudree, Solomon’s Seal Garden Design, Paul Harrison, Talmadge Powell Concepts, Burnett’s Flowers & Gifts, Petal Pushers, Thyme American Bistro, TW’s Catering, The Living Kitchen, Loy’s Photography and Sue Welch & Marcy Smith. Many thanks to the homeowners for opening their beautiful homes and gardens to us: Mitchell Savage & Michael Smith, Andy Kinslow and Robert Coffey, Bob & Linda Reis, Paul Harrison & Talion Nelson and Charles Faudree. Thank you also to Russ White of Molly’s Landing & Chocolate Fountains of Tulsa, Andrew Hicks of AndrewHicksOnline.com, Tim Bridges at QuikPrint on Admiral, Harvard Liquor and the numerous volunteers for all their help. For more information on TOHR’s capital campaign, the Pyramid Project, the next home tour or upcoming events for the Pyramid Project, go to TOHR.ORG or email Sue Welch at sue1523@swbell.net. Sue Welch Senate because people want real representation. That’s what I plan to give them." To volunteer or contribute to Rudd’s campaign you may contact her at campaign headquarters 2722 NW 23rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73108. The campaign email address is ruddforsenate@cox.net. Andrew Rice majored in Religious Studies at Colby College, Maine. He was accepted to Harvard University Divinity School but deferred his ad- mission for a year to work and travel in Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand. In Sri Lanka he worked with the largest Buddhist Grassroots NGO in Asia, helping with rural development. In Thailand, Rice worked for the country’s largest private AIDS Hospice. In India, Rice studied local (continued on page 9) �Mike Redman is Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) Director of Advocacy. TORCH." Where did you grow up? Where is home for you? MR: I grew up primarily in Oklahoma City; however, as an Air Force brat, I also lived in California and Georgia. I have lived in Tulsa since 1988 and currently live there with my partner. TORCH." How did you first become involved with Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR)? MR: I first became involved with TOHR last year. I had been speaking on the social and legal implications of gay marriage when TOHR representa- tives approached me about serving on its Board. Being an election year, my emotions were running high on gay rights and I accepted the invitation. As a newly elected member of the Board, I am still learning so much about the history and goals of the organization. One thing is clear: I enjoy public speaking on gay rights issues! TORCH." As TOHR’s Director of Advocacy, can you tell us of some ongoing projects? MR: Unfortunately, so many organizations and political leaders are unwilling even to have an open dialogue because of fear of retribution. The number one goal of the advocacy committee should OUT OK Summer Film Series OUT OK returns with its sizzling hot Summer Film SeFollowing on the heels of "Diversity Celebration 2005 - Tulsa PRIDE", OUT OK will screen Bruce LaBruce’s controversial RASPBERRY REICH "Heterosexuality is the Opiate of the Raspberry Reich follows the comiMasses." cal aspirations of would-be terrorists in modem Germany. LaBruce blends sexual politics and homosexual radicalism into a new revolution of camp, glamour, and raw sex. Sensory overload! Best Film at the Melbourne Underground Film Festival. Due to graphic content, all movie patrons must pre-register. Date: Thursday, June 16, 2005; 7:00pm. Location: University of Tulsa, Chapman Hal!. Reservation: pau@out-ok.com; 981-682-4654, ext. 2. Cost: $10 or free with valid OUT OK Pass. The Summer Film Series continues June 30 and concludes July 21 (movies to be announced). OUT OK 4 pre-film festival screening will open August 25 (movie to be announced). This Fa!l, OUT OK 4, The Oklahoma International Film Festival, will run October 13-23. OUT OK 4 premieres October 1 with a Big Bang! He’s huge, he’s massive and he’s starring in the ABSOLUT Cocktail Party. Stay tuned for a wet and delicious evening with an erotic film star. Look for the OUT OK booth at the Tulsa PRIDE Festival, June 1 lth at Veterans Park. The OUT OK 4 VIP PASS will be on sale. Philip A u be to educate our members, and the public at large, of the social and legal implications of issues we currently face. We should strive to educate persons who draw conclusions about us before considering the underlying facts or long-term implications of those conclusions. TORCH." And what more needs to be done? MR." I believe that we need to identify those organizations that support our entitlement to equal rights and those who do not. We need to stand beside and do business with those organizations that work with us in our pursuit of equal human rights. addiction problems and treatment. He returned to Harvard Divinity School and received a Masters Degree in Theology in 1999, Rice later moved to New York City to work as a freelance documentary producer and editor. In his public advocacy work, Rice repeatedly bumped up against stubborn limits impeding efforts to hold representatives accountable to our nation’s core principles. He decided, therefore, to run for office himself. He says, "I am running for Senate to represent my district in a manner that has all of our resident’s interests in mind, to counter the trends in local government that disrespect the guidance of our constitution, and to represent values that are more broadly defined and inclusive than the often closed-minded and self-righteous values we see and hear so much about these days from certain sectors of our society." Voters can learn more of Rice’s positions and offer support by visiting his website www.andrewforoklahoma.com. �EQUAL RIGHTS...NO MORE, NO.LESS! info oklahomans for human rights PO Box 2687 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74101 � Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Microsoft Publisher Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] TOHR Torch, May-June 2005; Volume 4, Issue 5 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource May - June 2005 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights https://history.okeq.org/files/original/9371c1d056423c7fac818c0084146a94.jpg 30058c71246fbc726d5d6e2ab40ed5c9 https://history.okeq.org/files/original/7f546c1efadd6953d3d0a6095393aa66.pdf 5fec54a5923f739ac369fce8bf4985d9 PDF Text Text t~n Nickels For The Community C~nter Now through March 2006 you can take advantage of Wild Oats Market’s Wi)oden Nickel program; h~lp the environment, and suppod, the new TUlsa GLBT Community Center. Witd Oats Market {On 41at St. near Peoda Ave,) gives a "wooden nk~kel" to cuetomers who bring their owb canvas shopping bags Or who reuse shopping bags 0r bulk containers, This program is designed to rodUca our impeet on the environment while SUP patting local nonprofit groups, Until next March~ customers who choose to take the Wooderi Nick¯ ovate five cent refund can deposit the woody into TOHR’S "Wooden Nickel Bank" located near the exit of the store. Wild Oats Markets will issue a check th TOHR for the total amoont ralsod by environmenta!4rlendly cuetontero, St0p by ~ld Oets Netural Marketplese with your canvas or eacoodhaod shopping bags/ containe~ and "support TOHR~s new Corornun~ Centert ’ °T RCH Tulsa Oklahomans For Human RiQhts welcome home A dream has finally come true for TOHR, On Monday October 31st at 4:30 PM, documents were signed finalizing the purchase of our new and located at 4th and Kenosha, In just a few short months we will open the doors to the new site for the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender (GLB’r) Community Center, The Pyramid Project comm~tea spent five years searching for the perfect spot for the future home of Tulsa’s GLBT community a center, What they found is a facility that will be the second largest in the Midwest second only to Chicago. The committee selected this building after reviewing over 22 other properties. This site was head and shoulders above the rest, in its size, location, cleanliness and the restoration that had already been done to it. In addition to a good building in a great location we are also getting 4000square foot of retail space that we can use to sustain the building and ultimately the organization. The new GLBT Center is located In a pad of town that city planners refer to as the =East Village." According to a developing city plan the =East Village" is slated to evolve into a strolling neighbothood, which will include both housing and retail locations. While there are no definite plans for use of the space, a coffee shop or bookstore are possibilities. There are several changes that will need to be made to the building to transform it from the warehouse that it currently is to the a functional community center. We hope to have the buJlding ready by Spdng of 2006, which is when the lease at the current center located at 5545 E 41 st Street in Highland Plaza, is to expire. new partnerships with tulsa community foundations TOHR and its members thank Tulsa-based Zarrow Foundations and the Hille Foundation both of which have recently agreed to suppod TOHR’s programs that serve the GLBT community of northeast Oklahoma. Hille contributions of $5000 will augment services provided by the David Bohnett CyberCenter and enhance youth outreach by funding computer training classes and the purchase of additional equipment and software of interest to youth. The Zarmw Foundations’ $7500 support will also boost CyberCenter services, will allow TOHR to automate our GLBT Information Line database (call 743-GAYS), and will improve administrative productivity and accountability. WO much appreciate this collaboration and assistance. Thank you! �a time to be proud As I stood outside of our marvelous new building, that in the Sp[ing will house the GLBT Community Center, glancing at GLBT Tulsans of all ages and colors watching a canopy of rainbow balloons ascending as the haunting strains of a bagpipe played, I thought, "We do know how to put on a show, don’t we?" But that levity then gave way to a wave of great pride and humility at everything that we have achieved in Tulsa, Oklahoma It is so easy to lose sight of these achievements when w~ still fece so many obatacl~ to GLBT equality But consider the fellowing: We now own the second biggest GLBT center in the Midwest Only Chicago’s is larger. Their capital campaign took baenty years, Ours, TOHR’s Pyramid Project, took five. In early November, when Greg Gatewood and I attended the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s Creating Change Conference in Oakland, our fellow activists were stunned--~nd datighte~---to learn that TO HR will be running the sixth largest GLBT center in the United States. TOHR is betterfunded, older, and more professionalEed than most other GLBT dghts groups, Just blocks away from our new building, in the not-so~listant past, patrons of bars like The Taj Mahal, The 8~ Day, and Tim’s Playroom routinely endured pstice harassment, physical assault, and fear of public exposure. We don’t live in that city anymore. There is an infectious eathusiasm spreading through our commun~b/. TOHR is capitalizing on this spirit and worl~ng to improve life for all of Tulsa’s GLBT people. I am pleased to report that ethers are responding to the call for cooperation that I made in my last letter. Building on the success of Diversity Celebration 2005, TOHR, P-FLAG, and OYP will again parfeer for Divers~ Celebration 2006, Pride Week will be longer and will include more participants than ever We are also heading in new directions. In October, TOHR, P-FLAG, Families First, and COLAGE created a quarterly programming council, We will be working together to bring nationatly known speakers to Tulsa and to host community-wide educational events. Some possibilities for 2006 include lectures by Amity BL~ton (founder of the Straight Spouse Nebaork and author of The Other Side of the Closet) and John D’Emitio (founder of NGLTF’s Policy Institute and a noted histodan of sexuality in the United States) and a conference on spirituality and homosexuality. Finally, TOHR has joined forces with P-FLAG, Families First, and OYP in creating an Advocacy Team. With city elections looming next Apdl, we need all the help we can get to elect pul~ic ofticla~ who take our issues senously--and who know that we will hold them accountable if they don’t. So, between shopping trip~ and holiday merriment, take a moment and drive to 4~ and Kenosha and look up at the rainbow flag flying over the new Center. I guarantee you’ll feel proud. Sincerely, President, TOHR The Pyramid project Sue Welch �andy smith TORCH: Where did you grow up? Where is home for you? Andy Smith: I grew up in Tulsa. I’ve lived here my entire life. I went to high school here, and I am currently going to college at The University of Tulsa. My extended family lives in Tulsa as does my girlfriend and her family. Tulsa is and always wil~ be home. TORCH: How did you become involved with TOHR? AS: I became involved in TOHR by volunteering at the yearly fundraisers for the Pyramid Project, The Wild Hearts Ball and The Women’s Tea Dance. I have also volunteered for the OUTOK International Independer~ GLBT Film Festival. I was then asked the represent the transgendered community as Me Gender Outreach Director on the Board of Directors and here I am. TORCH: You’ve been a leader with the University of Tulsa’s BLGTA organization What are some of that group’s goals and TORCH: What are your plans for the future? AS: I intend to go to graduate school, hopefully TU Law School. I am looking forward to undertaking my transitioning process in the ne~’t few years from my biological female identity to my male gender ipentity with hormones and gender reassignment surgery. So, I’ll be around for awhile TORCH: Could you tell us, as TOHR’s Director of Gender Outreach, about new programs at the center? AS: Gender Outreach is currently undergoing restructuring to serve the needs of tranogenffered falks in the community. We now meet once a w~ek and have a monthly calendar where something different happens every meeting. The flrst~ third, and fifth weeks are Break Out Sessions for the guys and girls to separate and discuss more focused topics par~isular to their separate issues; the second week speakers eddress the entire group; and the fat~r~h week the group has a joint social activity, often outside ofthe Center. In order to attend a Breakout Session meeting, you must have attended a speaker meeting or the night of t he social activr~y. Our next speaker meeting is December 14t. Call the TOHR Community Center for information. Kelly Kirby, CPA, PC Ceded Put~ ~counl~t "For A//Your Acc0unting Needs" Gay ~en and lesl~ans face ~ether single or as c0W~. Were prod to sere tl~s ~=n~dty. 4815 S~1Har~d, Suite 4,?.4 Tulsa, Oklahoma 7413,~3066 �On Saturday Nov. 19th T~hefla.,q was raised over our b~ center if you weren’t there here is what you missed TOHR’s new Community Center is part of Tulsa’s oil patch hentage--the city’s once proud claim to be Oil Capital of the Wodd. Refinery Supply Company, which built the building io t930, did business hero on the comer of 4th St. and Kenosha Ave until 1960. Founded in 1923. Reffeery Supply Company continues to produce and market a range of equipment for Oklahoma’s oil and gas industry, including hydrometers, weight testers, centrifuges, refractometers, vacuum pumps, microscopes, and lab supplies. "It’s a bird! No, just our new building." When Refinery Supply moved south to its present Iocetion on 4sth St., the Planet Sales Co. moved in to operate a wholesale sporting goods business at the site between 1964 and 1970. After 1972, Kee-Lox Panama Manufactu~ng usedthe space to manufaclure carbon paper. In thelate 1970s, the building reverted to its oil industry routs. Cities Service (CITGO) fumed 621 E. 4th St. into a warohouse, and in 1985 MAPCO (Mid-American Pipeline Co.) moved in, also using the building as a warehouse. rab a balloon and line up! i;; ,,i "LOOKAT ME!! I HAVE THE MICI!" In the 1990s, Oklahoma’s oil economy faded and telecommunications boomed. Voice Systems Technology occupied the building in 2000-this company a component of Boston Communications Group Inc. (whose logo stilidecoratesthestroet front awning). BCGIwas founded in 1988andis headquartered in Massachusetts. It specializes in providing billtng, payment, enhanced voice and data sePAces to approximately 70 cell phone companies including Vedzon Wiroless, Cingular, AT&T, and Spdnt. If you made a cell phone cell, chances are that BCGI’s computers calculated how much you owed to whom. The company also offers propaid wiroless service and arranges roaming deals between wiroless companies. In addition to the computers that counted up callers’ remaining minutes on their propaid celt phone accounts, 621 E. 4th St. atso housed some of BCGI’s account and produut management functions. Telecommunications, too, has its ups and downs and BCGI pulled out of Tulsa in 2004. But now, flora oil and telecommunications to human dghts. TOHR is proud tO own this sturdy building that has sun~ved the past 75 tumultuous years of Tt~l~als economic history. No longer accommodating oil production or cell phone conversations, 621 ~:. 4th St. will soon serve our GLBT community of ~ Oklahoma. �Before we move into our new center, there is a little work we have to do to get it ready. Work requiring city permits w~ until permit drawings am complete end 3 bids for each job are obtained. KJnslow, Keith & Todd Architects are working on permit drs~wings new. V~ hope to obtain bids on permit work. dudng the first weeks of December. The architectural firm of Kinstow K~ith and Todd have specific guidelines for the process of handling projects. We are relying heavily on them to guide this process. All of the associates and pailnere them have been extremely generous and gracious. Kinstow, Keith & Todd are providing all of these services to TOHR on a pro bono basis. The timing of the start of the projects depends on a number of things including permits, bids and schedules of contractors. The list of moce-in projects ciude: conversion of 2 bathrooms to ADA: addition of 2 bsthrooms to comply with occupancy requiremedts; doorway remp/stairway work in 3 areas for ADA; d0ol swing reverse on 3 doo~vays for fire code; madirk~fion of second story itre escape; inatstlatlon of sprinkling system for fire cede; passenger use; street access for s use; catedng kitchen, some wall and close repair, and manual labor has begun. Intent last on the list and will be done ,Just as for all other major work. t the paint project as well. Volunteer help, lowed, will be ex~emely helpful. The Facilities Board of Trustees will oversee these projects. Dendi ney of Trustees. Laura Beknonte, Sue Welch, Pyremld Project Chair will Facilities Board. There will be UF Mark Bonney is worldng on recommended procedures by which thLs groul have those completed soon. Until that time; ~ items not already disoJssad and ~ Pyramid Project committee, t~ TOHR Board Kinslow are maldng ommendations. pro bono leadership of a task force of ~T area to ascertain our ment and IT infrastructure in the building. �FAIRY TREE The community is coming together to make this holiday season a little brighter with the "Fairy Tree ¯ The =Fairy Tree," gives you an opportunity to help those wth HIV/ AIDS In cooperation with Tulsa CARES, RAIN & Our House Too, TuLsa Oklabemans for Human Rights (TOHR) has put up the tree in the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center, 5545 E 41st Street in Highland Plaza. To pecome a fairy, stop by the Tulsa GLBT Community Center and pick an ornament off the tree. The ornament will reveal the wishes of an individual or family living wtth HIV/AIDS. You then can make some holiday wishes come true and bring your purchase(s) beck to the center by Decemeber 15th. The gifts will then be distributed in the community, You can pick up your ornament from the ’Fairy Tree" at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center dudng regular houm: Monday-Saturday: 3:00-9:00 PM beginning Saturday, December 3rd. NL:~ HOURS The L-Word Parties are back! The new season of the popular Showtime sepe~, the L-Word, signals the beginning of the popular L-Word parties at the Tulsa Gay, LesbMn, Bi & Tranngeeder (GLBT) Community Center. Beginning Sunday, January 8, 2C06, the perties begin at 8:00 PM with the L-Word on the big screen at th00 PM. As always, it’s free with surprises and give-a-ways planned throughout the year. The new year also brings expanded hours of operation, in this case - day~, for the TUls~ GLBT Community Center. Beginning January 8th, the Center will be open 7 days a week for the community - Monday through Saturday: 3:00-9:00 PM and Sunday: 6:00-10:00 PM. VCatch the Center’s page on ww~tchr.org for new updates on this and other programs of Tulsa OMahomans for Human Rights. ,OUT ON THE TOWN OUT on the Town" will be all over Tulsa during the coming year. The monthly ever~ will highlight various restaurants in the c~y and expedence some of Tulsa’s dk verse entertainment venues. If you’ve ever wanted, and who hasn’t, to meet others in the community or get your friends together and have a great time, or simply to improve society with visibility, "OUT on the Town" will do just that. "OUT on the Town" begins Saturday, January 14, 2006, Evenings will begin at the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Si & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center at 6:C0 PM followed by dinner and entertainment in and around Tulsa. Watch ~tww.toh[ org and future enews for more information. WHY WEIGHT? FOR THE HOLIDAYS The holiday~ are here. Why Weight? for the lasting effects of those peiiday feasts? At the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi 8, Transgender (GLBT) Community Center, you can start prepapeg for a healthy hctiday season with "Why Weight." A casual gathering focusing on nutrition and exercise, the group meets on Sundays at 2:00 PM at the Center, 5545 E 41st Street in Highland P~aza. Everyone is welcome. f0rthe The Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgend~r (GLBT) Community Center h~s experiencing a 63% increase in traffic during the past 6 months while the Tulsa GLBT lnformati~m Line cMls have d~ubledin the same time frame. The number of visitors to �m~ e~f~ WHAT’S GOING ON IN TULSA AND AROUN_D THE WORLD? ~’-~ ~/~ okt~’nans f~ ~um~n ~t~ LOCAL, STATE & N IONAL N~S EMAILED DIRECTLY TO YOU sign up at tohr.org FREE GLBT-then,~d movies every Friday evening a~ 7:00 PM in the Commuhity RooI~. Up~oml~ film~ at C~eiCinema include: The Tulsa GLBT Histo~ Project uncovers, preserves and presents the rich contribuflons of GLBT people within the state of Oklahoma. Tim Tulsa GLBT History Project seeks to understand the contributions, sacrifice and dedication of our GLBT con~aunlty and its mzny sut~ porters by creating a pemm~t and accessible archive. A display is in the Tulsa GLBT Cmmm~mi~y center, 5545 E 41st Stxeet in Highland Plaza. (be~nning SOO). Rainbow Library Ready to curl up wilh a good book by the fire? One of~he largest GLBT-f~cused libraries in the Midwest, the Nancy McDonald Rainbow Library has nearly 3,000 rifles ~md over 300 movies available for FP~E public use. Bldllging~qua[i~y for human rights ~a �� Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Microsoft Publisher Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] TOHR Torch, Winter 2005; Volume 5, Issue 2 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Winter 2005 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights TOHR Torch Winter 2005