[2013] OKEQ Weekly eNews, 28 February 2013

[2013] OKEQ Weekly eNews, 28 February 2013

Be Our Voice, Give a Day
To honor the 1st anniversary of their wedding in Washington D.C., Laura Belmonte and Susan Arrington have made a donation to OkEq's Be Our Voice, Give a Day campaign and are sponsoring Oklahomans for Equality on Sunday March 3rd, 2013. Congratulations Laura and Susan
and Thank You for the support!
Be Our Voice, Give a Day
"Red State Brief" Filed in Marriage Cases at US Supreme Court
Oklahomans for Equality today joined the Utah Pride Center, Campaign for Southern Equality and twenty-five other organizations in filing an amicus brief with the United States Supreme Court. The brief urges the justices to strike down a wide range of anti-gay laws. The brief calls on the Court to uphold appellate court rulings in both the Defense ofMarriage and Proposition 8 cases currently pending. Oklahomans for Equality joined Utah Pride in this "Red State Brief" to detail the long history of anti-gay legislation in many states around the nation that denigrates the LGBT community.
"This brief is about arguing on behalf of the millions of Americans who feel
eNews February 28th, 2013
In This Issue
Be Our Voice, Give a Day Red State Brief Equality Business Alliance Guys Dine Too Camp Fire Green Country Camp Fire Candy Sale First Thursday Gamily
Swing Dance Class OUTlaw Legal Workshop Tulsa Pride 2013 SAGE hosts TCC TMSL
LGBT Equality Day Native HIV/AIDS Days Tulsa Mister Leather Singles Night OUT COLORAMA Suzanne Westenhoefer Expatriate Council Oak Mens Chorale Tulsa Two Spirit Imperial Court
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

hopeless that legislation on a state level will ever advance their cause," said Utah Pride Attorney and former Bush Administration United States Attorney Brett Tolman.
The brief contends that many local state laws are designed to routinely deny gay citizens basic civil rights, and many state codes are woven in a tangle that can only be unraveled by the courts.
Read the brief here Equality Business Alliance
Upcoming Events
Join the Equality Business Alliance EBA Business Directory
EBA on Facebook
The March Monthly EBA Meeting will be on Tuesday,
March 12th, 2013 at 7:00 pm at the Equality Center. This
meeting is open to members and non-members, however you must be a paid member to speak or vote on agenda items. This is your chance to steer the organization so all members are encouraged to attend. If you have an item you want on the agenda, please have it sent to eba@okeq.org by Monday March 11th.
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
Camp Fire Green Country Candy Sale
Wednesday, March 6th, 2013; 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Oklahomans for Equality will host a Camp Fire
Green Country Candy Sale at the Dennis R. Neill
Equality Center on Wednesday, March 6th, 2013
starting at 5:30 - 7:30 pm. Camp Fire will be selling
their world famous Chocolate Bars for $1 each. Camp
Fire is an inclusive organization welcoming children,
youth and adults regardless of race, religion,
socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation or other aspect of diversity.
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.
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).
OkEq Board and Advisors Meeting Thursday, March 21st, 7:00 pm
OkEq Art Exhibit
The March exhibit at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center will feature the photographic art of Steve Barrett and
Cheryl Quetone
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

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.
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.
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
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 & James Prather

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.
OUTlaw Legal Workshop
2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month; 7:00 pm
Topic for February 28th: Where There's a Will, There's a Way - Have you drafted a will? How will you protect your property and belongings? Make sure your property goes to the right person.
Free and open to the public.
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.
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.
Pride Planning Meeting
Thursday, February 28th, 2013; 7:30 pm
Dennis R Neill Equality Center
Tulsa Pride will have a planning meeting Thursday February 28th at 7:30 pm at the Equality Center. Meetings are open to the public and anybody interested in helping is encouraged to attend.
Pride Idol
Saturday, March 30th, 2013; 9:00 pm
New Age Renegade 1649 S Main St
Calling all entertainers! Here's your shot. The winner of Tulsa Pride's Drag Idol will win a spot on the Tulsa Pride Main Stage during the Tulsa Pride Street Festival. Drag, live vocals, spoken word, whatever! One night of competition, Saturday March 30th at New Age Renegade, Hosted by Tabitha Taylor. For rules and regulations and for additional information visit Tulsa Pride on Facebook.
6th Annual Turn About Show
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

Monday, April 1st, 2013; 8:00 pm
Club Majestic
124 N Boston Ave
Come out and see your favorite LGBT bar owners and staff like you've never seen them before. Monday April 1st, Doors open at 8 PM, No Cover Charge! Raffles and Door Prizes. Proceeds benefit Tulsa Pride. 18 to Enter, 21 to Drink!
SAGE hosts TCC Center Tour
Tuesday, March 26th, 2013; 10:30 am
SAGE Tulsa will host a Tulsa Community College class tour of the Equality Center on Tuesday, March 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.
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 than 160 players. They're inviting everyone to get in on the action!
TMSL's annual Spring Recruitment Clinic will be held on
Saturday, March 9th, 2013 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.
To learn more about sponsorship and to get signed up to play visit
TulsaMetroSoftball.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
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.
Gender Outreach
Wednesdays 7:30 pm

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.
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
Tulsa Mr. Leather 2013
Friday and Saturday, March 8th & 9th, 2013
Tulsa's Premier Gay Leather Event - the Tulsa Mr. Leather Contest and Event 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
(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 required. Contact Dr. Kurt Choate LPC at 918.449.6574 DrKurt@OkEq.org

Flying Solo - Singles Night OUT
2nd and 4th Fridays; 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Dennis R Neill Equality Center
OkEq is hosting 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. Next meet is Friday, March 8th, 2013
COLORAMA presented by Tulsa Lambda Bowling
Friday, March 8th, 2013; 8:00 pm
Sheridan Lanes
3121 South Sheridan Road Tulsa, OK
The Tulsa Lambda League bowlers present COLORAMA at Sheridan lanes. Friday, March 8th, 2013 at 8:00 pm. Everyone is invited to come out and join in for a fun night of bowling, and to win some cash. COLORAMA is a fundraiser for the Jackpot Oklahoma Lambda Tournament (JOLT), Tulsa's only
annual Gay bowling tournament which brings in Gay & Lesbian bowlers throughout the nation to Tulsa. You don't need to be a league bowler to participate, so any skill level is welcomed. The cost for COLORAMA is $20. Be prepared to have a ball.
Suzanne Westenhoefer
Saturday, April 13th, 2013 8:00 pm
IDL Ballroom 230 E 1st St Tulsa, OK 74103
Come on out to the IDL Ballroom in Downtown Tulsa and enjoy a night with the Funniest. Lesbian. Ever. Suzanne Westenhoefer. She's bad... and she knows it. She's also rip-roaring hilarity wrapped up with a silver bow and a gift tag that says, "Just Try Me".
Doors open at 7:00 pm Show starts at 8:00 pm Seating is limited
For more info and to purchase tickets, call 918.798.3647 or visit here
Proceeds benefit Therapetics Service
Dogs of Oklahoma. Therapetics works to
enhance the lives of individuals living with physical disabilities by providing them with highly trained service dogs. For information on Therapetics visit www.therapetics.org.
Expatriate
Friday, March 1st and Saturday March 2nd, 2013; 8:00 pm
Nightingale Theater 1416 E 4th St
"EXPATRIATE" a two-act play with all vocal music. Poet, playwright, and performer Lenelle Moise has written, composed and stars in a compelling
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 strengthens and expands our businesses, careers and our community.

two woman production.
Friday, March 1st & Saturday, March 2nd at the Nightingale Theater at 8:00 pm.
Achingly platonic soulmates Claudie and Alphine are unsung musicians and longtime best-friends. Both wrestle with the addiction, abandonment and sexual trauma that run in their respective family histories. Diligent, dutiful, Julliard-trained composer Claudie may or may not be celibate while sparkly, indulgent Alphine has more natural star-potential and sex appeal than she knows what to do with. Supported by playwright/ composer Lenelle Moise's funk-infused all-vocal score.
For more info visit Living Arts Tulsa lenellemoise.com
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
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
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.
Toby Jenkins Executive Director Toby.Jenkins@OkEq.org

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
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
Mary Jones Program Coordinator Mary.Jones@OkEq.org
Lucas Green Office Manager Lucas.Green@OkEq.org

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
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
'Landing' by Emma Donoghue
You may check out this addition to our comprehensive resource library at
the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
A delightful, old-fashioned love story with a uniquely twenty-first-century twist, Landing is a romantic comedy that explores the pleasures and sorrows of long-distance relationships- the kind millions of us now maintain mostly by plane, phone, and Internet.
Síle is a stylish citizen of the new Dublin, a veteran flight attendant who's traveled the world. Jude is a twenty-five-year-old archivist, stubbornly attached to the tiny town of Ireland, Ontario, in which she was born and raised. On her first plane trip, Jude's and Síle's worlds touch and snag at Heathrow Airport. In the course of the next year, their lives, and those of their friends and families, will be drawn into a new, shaky orbit.
This sparkling, lively story explores

age-old questions: Does where you live matter more than who you live with? What would you give up for love, and would you be a fool to do so?
Check for this selection and more by visiting our library database online
Nancy and Joe McDonald Rainbow Library
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