[2013] OKEQ Weekly eNews, 20 February 2013

[2013] OKEQ Weekly eNews, 20 February 2013

Oklahomans for Equality Weekly eNews, 20 February 2013

An email newsletter from Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) for the week of February 20, 2013, 10 pages. Primarily details upcoming events and programs.

Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ)

February 20, 2013

Be Our Voice, Give a Day
To honor the courage and bravery of
the transgender community,
Havah Gordon has made a donation to OkEq's Be Our Voice, Give a Day campaign and
is sponsoring the Equality Center for the week of
Sun, February 17th, 2013 through Sat, February 23rd, 2013.
Thank You for your support, Havah!
Be Our Voice, Give a Day Eating Out for Equality
Tuesday, February 26th, 2013; 6:00 - 10:00 pm
The Rusty Crane
109 N Detroit Ave, Tulsa, OK 74103
Oklahomans for Equality wants you and your family and friends to eat dinner with us at The Rusty Crane on Tuesday, February 26th from 6 - 10
eNews February 20th, 2013
In This Issue
Be Our Voice, Give a Day Eating Out for Equality Know Your Rights Equality Business Alliance Swing Dance Class Community Hero Awards SAGE hosts TCC Camp Fire Candy Sale OUTlaw Legal Workshop Gamily
Tulsa Pride 2013 TMSL
Native HIV/AIDS Days Guys Dine Too
First Thursday Tulsa Mister Leather Singles Night OUT Council Oak Mens Chorale Tulsa Spirit Imperial Court LGBT Equality Day Night of 1001 Divinations Pride Store Rainbow Library Volunteer Inclement Weather Policy
Find Us on Facebook
Welcome to the eNews.
The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is entirely supported by donations from the community. Be Our Voice, Give a Day allows us to spotlight our generous donors. Be Our Voice, Give a Day
eNews Staff
Oklahomans for Equality

pm. OkEq will receive 10% of the proceeds for the night. www.therustycranetulsa.com
TU Law School's SODA Presents LGBT Law
Monday, February 25th, 2013; 7:00 pm
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
Know Your Rights
On Monday, February 25th, 2013 TU Law School's SODA (Sexual Orientation Diversity Alliance) will continue their monthly presentations on the state of LGBT Law in Oklahoma and the nation. The presentation will be at 7:00 pm at the Equality Center.
Equality Business Alliance
Upcoming Events
Join the Equality Business Alliance EBA Business Directory
EBA on Facebook
February's EBA Monthly Mixer will be will be hosted by
Courtyard Atlas Life Downtown on Wednesday February
20th, 2013 at 6:00 pm. Please RSVP and send an invite to everyone on your friends list. Walk ins are welcome. Plan on giving us a 2 minute commercial about your Business. Bring plenty of business cards and be prepared to take orders and get your phone ringing. EBA mixers are open to members and non-members alike.
Courtyard by Marriott - ATLAS LIFE BUILDING TULSA
415 S. Boston Ave, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103
Swing Dance Class
Every Monday; 7:00 pm
Learn to swing dance from The Oklahoma Swing Syndicate. TOSS is teaching an 8-week series of classes running until February 25th, 2013 at the Equality Center. Don't know your left foot from your right? That's okay! Start with the basic step and work through beginner and intermediate lessons in Swing Dance-era dances like East Coast swing, Charleston, and Lindy Hop. No partner required, no experience necessary! For more info on TOSS, go to www.tosstulsa.org. Free for OkEq members and $5 for non members.
OkEq now taking nominations for Community Hero Awards
OkEq Board and Advisors Meeting Thursday, February 21st, 7 pm
OkEq Art Exhibit
The February exhibit at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center will feature the group work
"Girlfriends"
Tai Chi Class
Sundays
4:00 pm
Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that promotes strong mind, body and spirit through the cultivation of the proper movement of your qi throughout your body. Facilitated by
Wade Blevins
Free for Members
$5 for Non Members

Oklahomans for Equality is now taking nominations to recognize individuals or groups who have made an impact on the work for equality for the LGBT community. These awards are presented at the annual Equality Gala on May 4th, 2013, Tulsa Convention Center Ballroom. Deadline for submissions is Thursday, February, 28th.
The following awards are presented:
Lifetime Achievement Award - Recognizes a lifetime of dedication to the cause of equality for the LGBT community in Oklahoma.
Community Hero Award - Recognize those individuals and groups who have represented or served our community in the previous year.
The Rev. Russell Bennett Award for Spiritual Inclusion - Presented to a faith leader who leads and supports affirming the faith of the LGBT community in our local congregations.
Carolyn Wagner Youth Leadership Award - Presented to a local area youth who demonstrates extraordinary character and makes a positive difference in their school, youth group and community.
Grand Marshal for the Tulsa Gay Pride Parade June 1st - Recognizes an individual who has supported the LGBT community in a courageous and visible manner.
You can download a form here.
Please return completed form to lucas.green@okeq.org
SAGE hosts TCC Center Tour
Tuesday, February 26th, 2013; 10:30 am
SAGE Tulsa will host a Tulsa Community College class tour of the Equality Center on Tuesday, February 26th, 2013 at 10:30 am. Food will be provided and the TCC students will join the SAGE members for intergenerational discussions. Email lucas.green@okeq.org if you would like to attend.
Girl Scouts Cookie Sale
Thursday, March 7th, 2013; 5:30 - 7:30 pm
In support of Girl Scouts being an inclusion organization, Oklahomans for Equality will host the Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma Cookie Sale at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center on Thursday, March 7th, 2013 starting at 5:30 pm.
Spectrum Knits
1st and 3rd Mondays 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm Bringing knitters from across the spectrum together. Beginners to advanced come together to knit and get to know each other. Instructions for beginners. Facilitated by
Sara Fitzgerald.
Grieving Well
2nd and 4th Mondays 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Bereavement Support Program for LGBT individuals who have lost a partner or loved one to death. Facilitated by Steve Moeller with
Floral Haven
Memorial Gardens
Live Free! Coming Out Workshop
Mondays
7:00 - 8:00 pm. ComingOut@OkEq.org Facilitated by Ashley Bedford &

The cookies will cost $4.00 per box and will include: Thin Mints, Tagalongs (peanut butter & chocolate patties), Samoas (chocolate, caramel, coconut cookie), Do-si-dos (peanut butter sandwich cookie), Trefoils (a shortbread cookie) and Savannah Smiles (a zesty lemon cookie).
OUTlaw Legal Workshop
2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month; 7:00 pm
OkEq will host the OUTlaw Legal Workshop on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month. Facilitator Conor Cleary, an associate at Hall, Estill, Hardwick, Gable, Golden & Nelson, P.C., leads the topic discussions which will change each meeting. Upcoming topics include wills, rights of survivorship, medical issues, power of attorney (durable) and inheritances, transgender name changes and trans rights. The discussion will be followed by an open Q&A session.
GAMILY Meeting
Saturday, March 9th, 2013; 3:00 pm
OkEq welcomes our new intern, Samantha Checotah, who will be working with our GAMILY program which advocates and serves LGBT parents and their children. Gamily will have a Meet n Greet get together on Saturday, March 9th, 2013 at 3:00 pm at the Equality Center.
Tulsa Pride 2013
Tulsa Pride is now accepting registrations for Volunteers and Exhibitors, Food Vendors and Parade Entries at www.tulsapride.org for Tulsa Pride 2013.
Tulsa LGBT Softball Keeps Growing
Tulsa Metro Softball League is kicking off their 5th Spring Season on April 7th, 2013. To date, the league has 14 registered teams and expects to have more 160 players. They're inviting everyone to get in on the action!
TMSL's annual Spring Recruitment Clinic will be held on
Saturday, March 9 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at Lantz
Park. If you have ever wanted to play, this is the way to
find a team. All players, new and returning, that are
looking for a spring team should attend. At the clinics,
players will go through some drills, learn about the
league and meet coaches to be placed on a team. Lantz Park is located at 821 N. Yale Ave in Tulsa.
TMSL also has several sponsorship opportunities available for their upcoming spring season and their two big tournaments this summer.
James Prather
SAGE
(Service & Advocacy For Gay Elders)
Every Tuesday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm "drop in
throughout the day"
SAGE@OkEq.org
Facilitated by John Madigan
Youth Program
Diversity & Dignity Group
Ages 12 to 17
LGBTQ youth. Educational and Activity peer group Facilitator Aidan Steiner Email asteiner@yst.org or call 918.382.4429 for more information

To learn more about sponsorship and to get signed up to play visit
TulsaMetroSoftball.com
Native American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
Wednesday, March 20th, 2013; 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
March 20th is Native American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and the Creek nation HIV/AIDS Project will be having HIV testing at the Equality Center from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. The day will also include speakers, light food and beverages, information booths with give-a-ways. H.O.P.E. Testing will provide tests from 4:00 - 8:00 pm.
Sponsored by
Creek Nation HIV/AIDS Project
H.O.P.E Testing Clinic
H.E.A.R.T Native American Coalition of Green country
Guys Dine Too
Tuesday, March 5th, 2013; 6:30 pm
The March meeting of Guys Dine Too will be at Brothers Houligan on Tuesday, March 5th, 2013 around 6:30 pm.
Brothers Houligan is located at 9701 E 61st
www.broshouligan.com
Guys Dine Too is a social program by OkEq for Gay Men, and their male Allies/friends, and meets at a different restaurant every month. Please RSVP to Richard Haley at gaydine2@yahoo.com if you plan on attending
First Thursday Art Reception
Thursday, March 7th, 2013; 6:00 pm
The March OkEq showcase and exhibit of local artists at the Equality Center, will feature the Photographic Art of Steve Barrett and Cheryl Quetone, beginning with a reception on Thursday, March 7th, 2013 from 6:00 - 9:00 pm and continuing throughout the month.
Tulsa Mr. Leather 2013
Tulsa Area Prime Timers (TAPT)
1st Tuesday of every month
7:00 pm
A social organization for mature minded Gay and Bisexual men age 21 and over. The purpose is to establish friendship and support through social interaction. Visit
the website for more information. stevendubois@cox.net
918.592.0088
Self Defense Class
Tuesdays
8:00 pm
The class is designed to teach self defense, strengthen the body, and cultivate good character through the study of "wu de" of martial ethics. Facilitated by Wade Blevins
Free for Members
$5 for Non Members
Boot Camp
Wednesdays & Thursdays 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Join for an intense workout and get in shape. This is not your average aerobics class.
Free for Members
$5 for Non Members Instructor Brad Sullivan.

Friday and Saturday, March 8th & 9th, 2013
Tulsa's Premier Gay Leather Event - the Tulsa Mr. Leather Contest and Events will take place March 8th & 9th, 2013 at the Tulsa Eagle, 1338 E. 3rd St, just east of Downtown Tulsa. The Event begins on Friday, March 8th at 10:00 pm with a Meet n Greet Mixer at the Tulsa Eagle and follows up with the Contest at 10:00 pm on Saturday the 9th of March.
The event is open and welcoming to all interested fans and friends. Part of the $5 cover charge will start the charity fund that will be raised throughout the year.
For more information email:
tmlproducers@gmail.com
Flying Solo - Singles Night OUT
2nd and 4th Fridays; 7:00 - 8:30 pm
A new singles group for the LGBT community looking to meet new people and try new experiences. Meets on the 2nd and 4th Fridays of every month. Hosted by PENNY SLOTS AND JIMMIE NEUTRON, the Superheroes of Love. Event will be ages 21 and over.
Council Oak Mens Chorale
Rehearsals begin Monday, March 4th, 2013; 7:00 pm
The Vocal Pride Foundation is excited to announce Council Oak Mens Chorale will soon begin rehearsal for the summer 2013 season. Our performance ensemble had great success last season with the Divo/Diva summer concert, a stellar performance in Denver, Colorado at the GALA 2012 Festival, and our fall Zinga! performances with clarinetist Stacy C. Smith.
Council Oak Men's Chorale Summer Season 2013 "DONNA SUMMER/WHITNEY HOUSTON - A TRIBUTE" with celebrated soloist Phena Hackett, Soprano
Rehearsals begin Monday, March 4th, 2013 Fellowship Congregational Church 2900 S. Harvard Ave Fellowship Hall
7:00 to 9:00 pm.
Performances are Tuesday, June 4th and Friday June 7th, 2013 at Lorton Performance Center - TU Campus
Sunday, February 24th, 2013 - 7:00 pm - Oscar Night Watch Party - Meet and Greet at Liberty Tower Club Room, 1502 S. Boulder Ave. To attend please RSVP to Mark Weathers at mark_w@netscape.com or Rusty Kidd at russell.kidd@att.net. Food and drink will be provided.
Gender Outreach
Wednesdays 7:30 pm
(First time interview
required before attending)
Email Gender Outreach
The program is providing support, education and social opportunities for transgender and intersex individuals.
Rainbow Writers
Every other Wednesday 7:00 pm
A creative writers group
where authors of all genres and styles are welcome to attend and receive politely honest, enthusiastic and constructive feedback. Please email rainbowwriters@OkEq.org to attend
Lambda Al-Anon Group
Every Friday; 7:00 pm
Counseling Services
Saturdays
By appointment Individual, youth, adolescent and couples counseling is available on Saturdays on a sliding scale fee based on income. Appointments are

www.counciloak.org Tulsa Two Spirits Society Gathering
April 19th - 22nd, 2013
Osage Hills State Park
2131 Osage Hills State Park Road Pawhuska, OK 74056
The gathering's program will include workshops on traditional and contemporary Native American culture, Pow Wows, stompdancing, celebrations, Native faith, and other related activities. No alcohol, drugs or guns will be allowed.
The Tulsa Two Spirits Society is "a non-profit Native American LGBT Collective. We seek to affirm and embody positive traditional and modern Two Spirit identities, and in so doing, be valued members of our communities".
For more information or to register for the gathering, please visit
t h e Tulsa Two Spirits Gathering section on the OkEq download the registration form here.
Imperial Court of All Oklahoma
website or
Upcoming Events
I.C.A.O. - Coronation VI
March 7th - 10th, 2013
Regent Emperor V Philip "Papa Scrappy" Saint Johns
& Regent Empress V Kris Kohl & The Imperial Court of All Oklahoma Invite you to
Coronation VI
"A Night at the USO with Designing Women and a Cast of Stars"
Thursday, March 7th
Meet and Greet at Tulsa Eagle @ 10 PM, No Cover
Friday, March 8th
Hospitality Noon to 3 at Host Hotel
Out of Town Show - Host Hotel - Doors at 6, Show at 7 $15 - includes bus tour
required. Contact Dr. Kurt Choate LPC at 918.449.6574 DrKurt@OkEq.org
Game Night
Saturdays
7:00 - 9:00 pm
Join old friends and make new friends as you play some great board and card games at the Center! All are welcome! Facilitated by Saturday Volunteers Richard Haley and
Teresa Reno
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center Room Rentals
The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center has many spaces for your next meeting or event. To check dates, reserve your next event or to receive pricing information, contact
EventCenter@OkEq.org
Stop by for a quick view of the Event Center and pick up a space
rental sheet
EBA Directory
The Equality Business Alliance fosters a sharing of information, ideas, contacts, products and services, and also

Bus leaves hotel at 9 - drag welcome but not required Hospitality Midnight to 3
Must have wrist band for bus tour and hospitality Friday night.
Saturday, March 9th
Hospitality - 8 am to 3 pm
Woman's Conference 1 pm - Host Hotel (Open to the Public, Free)
Coronation VI - Host Hotel - $45 (Dress is Theme or Formal) Doors / Meet and Greet at 5 pm, Dinner at 6 pm and Ceremony at 7 pm Hospitality - 1 hour after Coronation to 3 am
Sunday, March 10th
Victory Brunch - Host Hotel - $25
Doors at 10:30, Brunch at 11
Shot Party - 3 pm - 5 pm Bamboo Lounge - No Cover Victory Show - 7 pm - ? Bamboo Lounge - No Cover
Hotel, Tickets and Program Advertising Information are available on theImperial Court of All Oklahoma website
I.C.A.O. is a 501(c)3 Non Profit Organization
for more information contact ICAO on Facebook or impcourtok@gmail.com
4th Annual LGBT Equality Day
Wednesday March 6th, 2013; 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
The Equality Network (TEN) invites all LGBT and allied people from across the state for the 4th Annual LGBT Equality Day at the Capitol. Nothing shapes legislators' attitudes more than face-to-face contact with their constituents. Wednesday, March 6th will begin with a brief lobbying training session at 9:00 am in Room 25. TEN will provide information on how to effectively interact with your representatives as well as talking points for target legislation.
TEN encourages you to set up an appointment with your state representative and state senator in advance to ensure that you will be able to meet with them on
Equality Day. To find your representatives, click here.
Open Circle presents 'Night of 1001 Divinations'
Saturday, February 23rd, 2013; 7:00 pm
Dennis R. Neill Equlity Center 621 E. 4th, Tulsa, OK
Just in time to banish the mid-winter blahs! A relaxed evening that will be filled with music, dancing, story-telling, henna artists, readers and more fun stuff to be announced. Food will be pot-luck style, so this is a good time to show off your favorite Middle-Eastern specialty if you want, or that fabulous dessert your Great Aunt Ida swore she'd never give anyone the recipe to! Please, NO PORK. We would like to honor the local cultural traditions. Middle eastern/Arabian themed dress is encouraged, but not required.
All we need is you! BYOB as usual; mixers will be available for purchase from Open Circle. There will also be a raffle...and we're hearing about lots of good items just waiting to go home with you.
Ages 16 and older. As usual, you must be 21 to drink alcohol.
Tickets are available at Earth and Soul...and will be available at other venues soon. Tickets are $15.00 per person, and if you want to reserve a
strengthens and expands our businesses, careers and our community.
Workforce Oklahoma Access Point
Open Everyday 12 - 9 pm
Workforce Oklahoma maintains a resource area at the Equality Center that includes computers, a printer and fax machine, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to register with Oklahoma JobLink.
HIV Testing Schedule Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
Tuesday 4 - 8 pm Wednesday 4 - 8 pm Saturday 4 - 7 pm
Testing provided by H.O.P.E. Testing
Muscogee-Creek Nation provides testing on Thursdays from 6 - 8 pm Check www.okeq.org for testing dates.
MISSION:
Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) seeks equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.

table for you and 7 of your very best buds, just contact us.
Visit us on Facebook! Equality Center Pride Store
Tulsa Pride 2012 T-Shirts are only $5! Get them now before they are gone forever!
Nancy and Joe McDonald Rainbow Library
'As Nature Made Him: The Boy Who Was Raised as a Girl ' by Paul Colapinto
You may check out this addition to our comprehensive resource library at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
In 1967, after a twin baby boy suffered a botched circumcision, his family agreed to a radical treatment that would alter his gender. The case would become one of the most famous in modern medicine-and a total failure. As Nature Made Him tells the extraordinary story of David Reimer, who, when finally informed of his medical history, made the decision to live as a male. A macabre tale of medical arrogance, it is first and foremost a human drama of one man's-and one family's-amazing survival in the face of terrible odds.
Check for this selection and more by
visiting our library database online
Nancy and Joe McDonald Rainbow Library
Toby Jenkins Executive Director Toby.Jenkins@OkEq.org
Mary Jones Program Coordinator Mary.Jones@OkEq.org
Lucas Green Office Manager Lucas.Green@OkEq.org

Click above to volunteer your time with Oklahomans for Equality
Inclement Weather Policy
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
In the event of inclement weather you may need to confirm that special events and regularly scheduled programming at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center have not been cancelled due to poor road conditions or winter weather advisories.
Please contact the Equality Center by calling 918-743-4297 or check the OkEq website: www.okeq.org
Toby Jenkins, Executive Director of Oklahomans for Equality, will contact the local media so we can be included in the posted weather-related closings. Info will also be posted on Facebook.

Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
Hours: Mon - Sat 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm| Sun 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Oklahomans for Equality | 621 E. 4th Street | Tulsa, OK 74120 | 918.743.4297 www.okeq.org