Tulsa
Oklahoma
Oklahomans For Equality Weekly eNews - May 22, 2023
Clubs and Organizations
May 23, 2023
OKEQ Weekly eNews
Oklahomans for Equality Selects Executive Director
Tulsa, OK - Dorothy Ballard (she/her), previously Interim Executive Director of Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq), was confirmed as the organization’s permanent Executive Director on May 12, 2023.
The recruitment process was managed by a professional recruiter and included an open search process, resume review, screening, and multiple rounds of interviews. The Board of Directors' vote was unanimous in choosing Ms. Ballard as the new Executive Director, a testament to her qualifications and experience.
"We are thrilled to have Dorothy leading our organization," said OkEq Board President, Eric Wilson. "She has already made a significant impact during her time as Interim Executive Director, and we are confident in her abilities to lead OkEq into a bright future."
Ms. Ballard brings to the role a master’s in industrial and organizational psychology, as well as nearly two decades of experience in communications and leadership. Her experience includes community outreach and education, financial and risk management, board relations, fund development, and advocacy, making her an excellent fit for the Executive Director position.
As a strong and compassionate servant leader, Ms. Ballard has proven to be equally comfortable with staff, board, funders, legislative and local leaders, media, and most importantly, OkEq's wonderfully diverse constituency. Her expertise in organizational management and development is evident in the way she has already conceived and executed important improvements in process, documentation, and programming during her six-month tenure as Interim Executive Director.
"I am honored and deeply privileged to have been chosen to lead OkEq," said Ms. Ballard. "The mission of our organization has never been more critical, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside our staff, board, and community to further advance equality with an eye toward equity for all Oklahomans."
About Oklahomans for Equality
OkEq is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting equality for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and families through intersectional advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. With the appointment of Ms. Ballard as Executive Director, the organization is poised to continue its efforts to build a more inclusive and equitable society.
For more information about OkEq, please visit our website at okeq.org.
The Board of Directors for OkEq is looking for additional Directors.
If you or someone you know would like to apply, please fill out this interest form.
Submitted forms will be considered on a rolling basis until the vacancies are filled.
PRIDE BAR CRAWL WITH OKEQ
Saturday, June 17th, 2023 | 4p-12p
Get Your Tickets Now -> https://www.crawlwith.us/tulsa/pride#tickets
Click GOING So You Don't Miss The Proudest Crawl Of The Year!
A Portion Of Proceeds Will Be Donated To Local Pride Organizations And The Trevor Project!
Special Events Coming Up
FREE HIV Testing
Tuesday, May 23rd | 4p-6p
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E 4th St., Pride Street, Tulsa, OK
H.O.P.E. (Health Outreach, Prevention and Education) Testing Clinic provides free HIV testing at the Equality Center on Tuesdays from 4:00 - 6:00 pm.
Fair Housing: Legal Aid
Wednesday, May 24th | 12p-6p
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E 4th St., Pride Street, Tulsa, OK
Alyssa Bryant is a Staff Attorney at Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma. Alyssa will be assisting members of the LGBTQ+ community with fair housing-related issues. If you believe you've been a victim of housing discrimination, please call her at 918-238-1650, or email her at [email protected].
These legal services are open to everyone regardless of income and are available throughout the State of Oklahoma for LGBTQ+ persons.
Equality Business Alliance Mixer
Thursday, May 25th | 6p-7:30p
Farmers Insurance - Brian Farnswoth
8238 E 71st St, Tulsa, OK
Join us for the May EBA Mixer at Farmers Insurance - Brian Farnsworth.
Rainbow Room w/ Lisa Stefanic
Thursday, May 25th | 7:30p
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E 4th St., Pride Street, Tulsa, OK
Tulsa actress Lisa R. Stefanic stars in an original cabaret-style show, “Love. I’m Not Kidding,” a musical journey through the ups, downs, and never-ending discoveries of people and emotions on the bumpy road to love. Featuring Tulsa favorite Randy Weimer on guitar and Broadway veteran Cathy Venable on piano.
Curtain: 7:30p
Summer Bash
Saturday, May 27th | 6:30p
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E 4th St., Pride Street, Tulsa, OK
GIVEAWAY!
We want to see you at the Youth Leadership Council’s #SummerBash on May 27 at the Equality Center!
This teen-focused sexual health resource fair is for all people ages 13-19. Activities include live music, trivia, free food and resources, and more.
We’ll have prizes at the event and we’re running THREE social media giveaways leading up to it! To win the Instax camera giveaway…
follow our account
share this post to your story
AND tag 3 friends below in the comments
Winner will be announced May 29. See you at Summer Bash! #YouthLeadershipCouncil #AmplifyTulsa #VibrantCommunities
Please visit amplifytulsa.org/summerbash for more information.
The Allie Jensen Memorial Art Gallery with Tammye Randle
Tuesday, May 30th | 7p
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E 4th St., Pride Street, Tulsa, OK
Tammye Randle presents at The Allie Jensen Memorial Art Gallery.
Join us for the closing of the exhibit.
Each month, the Equality Center gallery spotlights work by local artists. Meet the artist at our First Thursdays gallery openings, 6:00pm – 8:00 pm on the first Thursday of every month. Snacks and drinks will be provided.
For more information about The Allie Jensen Memorial Art Gallery, visit https://www.okeq.org/art-gallery.html or like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OKEQArtGallery.
OKEQ Health Clinic
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
621 E 4th St., Pride Street, Tulsa, OK
Appointments need to be made 24 hours prior to your requested appointment time.
We currently accept Blue Cross and Blue Shield and offer a self-pay option. At the moment, we are only able to see patients who are 18 and older.
If you are interested in starting or transferring services, please call 918-938-6537 to set up an appointment or use the link below.
Please do not send medical or private information via email!
In Memoriam
Daniel Davis Aston
Jul 8, 1994 - Nov 20, 2022
Bob Hendricks
Jan 27, 1957 - Dec 3, 2022
Community Leader
Stan Simpson
Aug 29, 1929 - Jul 21, 2022
OKEQ Seniors Member
Steve Walley
Mar, 1948 - Feb 1, 2022
Steve was owner of Silver Star, a popular night spot in Tulsa. He is survived by his husband and partner of 40 years John Rothrock.
OKEQ Programming
Queer Women's Collective
Queer Women's Collective Tulsa *usually* meets every First Wednesday of the month.
Meet like-minded Tulsa women and build your network.
Our monthly meet-ups are come-and-go gatherings for Tulsa Women who identify as LGBTQ+, and Allied Women are always welcome!
Brought To You Bi The Letter B
The program exists to provide support, encouragement, education, and social opportunities for all Bis,exual and Pansexual, Curious, & Questioning individuals.
Brought to You Bi the Letter B meets every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month 7:00pm.- 8:00pm
For more information, email Daniel
Sin Fronteras
Sin Fronteras es un movimiento liderado por latinos que brinda un entorno acogedor y seguro en el cual sus miembros y aliados de la comunidad LGBTQ+ pueden prosperar en Tulsa y sus alrededores.
Sin Fronteras is a Latin-led movement that provides a welcoming and safe environment in which LGBTQ+ community members and allies can thrive in Tulsa and surrounding areas.
Sin Fronteras meets every Third Wednesday of the month.
IndigiQueer
IndigiQueer is a space created for queer and two-spirit native/indigenous persons.
IndigiQueer aims to empower our indigenous community through cultural learning, connection, and tribal involvement.
Every First Tuesday of the month.
For more information, email Brian Jennings or Kao Morris
Jamm Outt
Learn about different cultures and traditional music from around the world and play instruments while expanding your musical knowledge.
This program is for ages 13 - 17. Email Shay ([email protected]) with Name, School, and Age.
This group meets every second and fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 pm at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.
Equality Game Night
Looking for something fun to do on a Tuesday night? Wanna meet up with friends and make new ones? Do you have board games you've been eager to play? Then Equality Gaming Night is for you!
Last Tuesday of the Month 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Follow Tulsa Equality Gaming: https://www.facebook.com/tulsaequalitygaming
Gener Support Group
The program provides support, education, and social opportunities for transgender and intersex individuals.
Groups: Trans Men, Trans Women, Non-Binary, Partners of Trans, & Gender Outreach
A first-time interview is required before attending your first meeting.
Every Wednesday from 7:00pm - 8:30pm.
For more information or to schedule an interview, call 918.743.4297.
Veteran Support Group
The purpose of the group is to provide much-needed support to LGBTQ+ veterans who are looking for safe spaces among those who share their identities.
Veterans Support Group meets every second Thursday of the month at 6:00 pm at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.
Equality Alliances
Equality Business Alliance
OKEQ's Equality Alliance seeks to connect people to LGBTQ+ community partners. Through our Equality Alliance, you can find friendly businesses to shop, eat, and find work. You can also find healthcare providers across healthcare fields.
Community Partners
Health Outreach Prevention Education, Inc. (H.O.P.E.) provides health services for Hepatitis C, HIV, and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in our Tulsa clinic open to all and through outreach across Oklahoma focused on the most at-risk.