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https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/6abc73708d1956fe8a8f104cf2185482.htm
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[2005] eNews from TOHR
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eNews from Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, March 24, 2005: Information and Services for the GLBT Community of Northeastern Oklahoma
Description
An account of the resource
A newsletter email from Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) sent on March 24, 2005 to Dennis Neill. Topics include the 2005 Diversity Celebration, nominations for Grand Marshals of the Tulsa Pride Parade, an event featuring the founder of the AIDS Memorail Quilt Cleve Jones, and others.<br /><br />Transcript:<br /><br /><b>From:</b> Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights [center@tohr.org]<br /><b>Sent:</b> Thursday, March 24, 2005 10:54 PM<br /><b>To:</b> Dennis Neill<br /><b>Subject:</b> eNEWS for Tulsa, March 24, 2005<br />
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<td><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">eNEWS from TOHR </span></span>
<div><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Information and Services for the GLBT Community in Northeastern Oklahoma </span></div>
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<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For upcoming events in the Tulsa area, check out the Calendar at www.tohr.org If your organization has events you would like posted, please send the information to center@tohr.org <br /></span>
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<div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgender Community Center </span></div>
<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Events & Activities for Everyone </span></span>
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<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center is full of activities and events for everyone. Start off the weekend with dinner and a movie (the movie's on us) at Center Cinema, every Friday at 7:00 PM. This week, catch "Sordid Lives" on the big screen. Saturdays, shop a little at the Pride Store...new merchandise has arrived. HIV Testing by H.O.P.E. (4-7 PM), Pride planning sessions, organizational meetings and recreational opportunities all fill Saturday afternoons and evenings. All "L" is breaking loose with Sundays Show of "the L Word, Showtimes acclaimed series Sunday's at 9 PM. Doors open at 8:30 PM with refreshments available all evening. Look for "Queer as Folk" on the big screen starting soon on Sundays Show.</span></span>
<p>Weekdays are just as busy. Anonymous HIV testing by H.O.P.E. is available from 6-8 PM...along with some idol watching. Midweek brings the newly reorganized Gender Outreach at 7:30 every Wednesday. Stop by on Thursday evening and pick up your free copy of the Gayly, the Star, Gay Parent and more. "Out," "the Advocate" and add'l periodicals are also available. Check out everything going on at the Tulsa GLBT Center on the community calendar at www.tohr.org.</p>
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<div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Diversity Celebration 2005 - Tulsa Pride! </span></div>
<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Equal Rights...No More, No Less" </span></span>
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<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) and allied community comes together each year for PRIDE events - celebrating our communitiy and the advances made toward equal rights through being ourselves. This year, we come together as a united community, dedicated to working together to celebrate our community through pride and diversity and demonstrate to all - that all deserve EQUAL RIGHTS...No More, No Less!</span></span>
<p>Nearly a quarter century of pride in Tulsa continues in 2005. "Diversity Celebration 2005" is set for June 3 - June 11, 2005. Mark your calendars now and plan on attending a few, one, or all the events leading up to the big day - the Tulsa Pride Parade & Festival on Saturday, June 11th. "Diversity Celebration 2005" is a community based effort. Presenting partners OYP, PFLAG Tulsa and TOHR welcome all the communities involvement in Tulsa's celebration of PRIDE. Please call the GLBT Information Line at 918-743-4297 for more information and check out the information below.</p>
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<div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tulsa Pride Parade Grand Marshals & Community Heroes </span></div>
<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nominations Being Accepted - Deadline is April 1 </span></span>
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<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tulsa is fortunate to have many dedicated individuals, organizations and companies who work on behalf of the GLBT & allied community. Now's the time to honor them with a "Community Hero Award." The Heroes serve as Grand Marshals of the 2005 Tulsa Pride Parade and will be announced in May.</span></span>
<p>If you would like to nominate an individual or organization, stop by the Tulsa GLBT Community Center and pick up a nomination form or fill out the attached form and mail to TOHR; PO Box 2687; Tulsa, OK 74101. Nominations must be received by Friday, April 1. The Community Hero Award honorees will be recognized at the 2005 Diversity Gala, this year at Gilcrease Museum's Vista Room, on Friday; June 10, 2005.</p>
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<div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rock the Rotunda! </span></div>
<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Statewide GLBT Lobby Day Set for Wednesday, April 6th </span></span>
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<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is your chance to educate your legislator on the need for safe schools and equal rights for all.The GLBT & allied community converges on the Oklahoma State Capitol on Wednesday, April 6 for a statewide GLBT Lobby Day. A caravan will be leaving Tulsa at 7:30 AM from Fellowship Congregational Church, 29th & Harvard.</span></span>
<p>The state capitol rotunda will be filled with educational tables for Oklahoma legislators from statewide PFLAG chapters and GLBT organizations, while participants will visit with legislators and staff. PFLAG Oklahoma welcomes your involvement and encourages you to unite with the community on April 6th for GLBT Lobby Day.</p>
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<div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Story of the AIDS Quilt </span></div>
<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Featured Speaker Cleve Jones, Founder of the AIDS Memorial Quilt </span></span>
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<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The Story of the AIDS Quilt" featuring Cleve Jones, founder of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, will be presented Tuesday, April 5th at 7:00 PM at the OSU Student Union Theater in Stillwater.</span></span>
<p>The OSU Student Union Activities Board presents this evening for all of Oklahoma. For directions or more information, please call 405-744-8977.</p>
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<div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Make A Difference </span></div>
<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tulsa is full of opportunities for you and your friends </span></span>
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<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's no better feeling than knowing you've made a difference. When you see the smile on someone's face that says thank you. We've all known that feeling.</span></span>
<p>You can make a difference in the lives of thousands through the Tulsa GLBT Community Center and/or Diversity Celebration 2005. Volunteers make the difference for the community - at the center, the Pride Parade & Festival or any of the many opportunities in Tulsa for the GLBT & allied community. Now's the time to get involved in the struggle for equality...from just a few hours a month to larger opportunities to make a difference. Check out the information below or call 743-4297 for more information.</p>
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<div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cowboys & Cowgirls Riding into Tulsa </span></div>
<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">T-Town Rodeo set for April 8-10th </span></span>
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<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tulsa hosted the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA) finals last year. This year, Tulsa has it's own IGRA rodeo. The T-Town Rodeo is scheduled for April 8-10th at Expo Square's Livestock Arena.</span></span>
<p>For more information on the T-Town Rodeo, presented by the Sooner State Rodeo Assoication (SSRA), check out soonerstaterodeo.com.</p>
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<div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">David Bohnett CyberCenter </span></div>
<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grand Opening Set for April 20th </span></span>
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<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The David Bohnett Cybercenter at the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center will have its grand opening on April 20, 2005. An open house and reception, with special guest Michael Fleming, Executive Director of the David Bohnett Foundation, is scheduled at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center from 5-7 PM.</span></span>
<p>The Tulsa GLBT Community Center's David Bohnett Cybercenter is the 18th of its kind nationwide. Ten stations of IBM flat screens, along with a digital photography and graphics station, will be available for all of Tulsa. The Cybercenter, as well as improvements to the entire center, are nearing completion - giving the center a facelift with more opportunities for the community. Stop by soon and mark your calendar for the Grand Opening of the David Bohnett Cybercenter on April 20th.</p>
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<div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Focus on Young Adults </span></div>
<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tulsa Reaches OUT - Groundbreaking Survey of Tulsa </span></span>
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<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A Young Adult Focus Group will meet Saturday, April 9th as part of the Tulsa Reaches OUT Needs Assessment, the groundbreaking survey of Tulsa's GLBT community. Young adults will meet from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM at the Community Service Council, Conference Room, 16 E 16th Street (door on East side of building with blue awning).</span></span>
<p>Pizza and drinks will be served. All GLBT students of area high schools and universities are encouraged and invited to attend this important group session.</p>
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<div>email: <a style="color:#ff0000;" href="mailto:center@tohr.org">center@tohr.org</a></div>
<div>phone: 918.743.4297</div>
<div>web: <a style="color:#ff0000;" href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=psn68abab.0.yyhnr5aab.fdmtn6aab.828&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tohr.org">http://www.tohr.org</a></div>
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<p>A MISSION OF EQUALITY - TOHR SECURES EQUALITY FOR THE GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER AND ALLIED COMMUNITY.</p>
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<td><span style="font-family:verdana, arial;font-size:xx-small;"><br />Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights | GLBT Community Center - 5545 E. 41st Street | PO Box 2687 | Tulsa | OK | 74101</span></td>
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Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR)
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March 24, 2005
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Dennis Neill
https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/e3c6f8deed649e36fa19b9310c2fa9c9.htm
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[2005] eNews from TOHR
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eNews from Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, March 9, 2005: Information and Services for the GLBT Community of Northeastern Oklahoma
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A newsletter email from Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) sent on March 9, 2005 to Dennis Neill. Topics include Greg Gatewood's induction as the Community Center's director, House Bill 1746, nominations for Community Hero Awards, and more.<br /><br />Transcript:<br /><br /><b>From:</b> Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights [center@tohr.org]<br /><b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, March 09, 2005 8:10 AM<br /><b>To:</b> Dennis Neill<br /><b>Subject:</b> eNEWS from TOHR, March 9, 2005<br />
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<td><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">eNEWS from TOHR </span></span>
<div><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Information and Services for the GLBT Community in Northeastern Oklahoma </span></div>
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<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For upcoming events in the Tulsa area, be sure and check out the Calendar at www.tohr.org If your organization has events you want us to consider posting, please send them to community@tohr.org</span>
<p>Events this week at the Community Center: The Center is being reorganized in preparation for the David Bohnett CyberCenter. The Pride Store has been relocated and will be re-stocked over the next few days. Lots of new merchandise will soon be available for your shopping pleasure! Friday, March 11, 7:00 PM - Movie Night on our big screen. This week's feature, "Touch of Pink" SYNOPSIS Funny and totally romantic, Touch of Pink stars Jimi Mistry as a partnered gay man who - with not always helpful advice from the ghost of Cary Grant - tries to play it straight when his traditional South Asian mother visits; Saturday, March 12, 4-7, HOPE HIV Testing; Sunday, March 13, 8:30, L-Word Watch Party; Tuesday, March 15, 6-8, HOPE HIV Testing; Wednesday, March 16, 7:00, Gender Outreach Drop- In Night</p>
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<div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New GLBT Community Center Director Starts March 15 </span></div>
<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Greg Gatewood will be a full-time staffperson for TOHR </span></span>
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<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The TOHR Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Greg Gatewood has been hired to be the Community Center's full-time Director. This hiring comes after a decision to restructure the job responsibilities after TOHR's Executive Director resigned in early February.</span></span>
<p>"We are pleased to have engaged the services of Greg," stated Mark Bonney, President of the Board. "Greg has an 8 year history of service to the GLBT Community and TOHR. He brings a wealth of experience to the organization and the operations of the Community Center. Greg is heavily involved in Diversity Celebration 2005, serves as the first vice- president of PFLAG, and has recently been assisting the Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa. He will hit the ground running. A big welcome from all of us, Greg."</p>
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<div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oklahoma House of Representatives Considering Restrictive Legislation </span></div>
<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Would restrict state or governmental agencies from enacting policy protections </span></span>
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<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">House Bill 1746 would provide: "Any agency or governmental entity of this state that develops and implements a nondiscriminatory policy based on sexual preference shall be null and void." This language would be another attempt to restrict equal rights in the state. It is difficult to understand why certain legislators continue to push an agenda so out of step with the mainstream. It creates a hostile environment for many of our citizens and is a real turn-off to the major employers the State is attempting to attract for economic development.</span></span>
<p>You can express your opinion on this legislation by going the web link below. Time is of the essence. Let your voice be heard!</p>
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<li style="margin-left:12pt;text-indent:-12pt;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a style="font-weight:bold;color:#0000ff;" href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=wbm7x5aab.0.uinnk4aab.fdmtn6aab.828&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.oklahomalobbyist.com%2Fdiscrimination">Express your opinion on HB 1746</a></span></li>
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<div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Advocate Magazine Article Generates Feedback </span></div>
<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">February 15 Issue "Gay in the Red States" focuses on Oklahoma </span></span>
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<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oklahoma and the Tulsa area have been in the news these past few months, from the Washington Post and Nightline coverage of Sand Springs and the Teenager Michael Shackelford, to the recent lead article in the Advocate on Gays in Red State Oklahoma. While this February 15 article focused mainly on Gays and Lesbians in Oklahoma City, the March 15 issue of the Advocate had two fine responses in the ReaderForum, both from Tulsans.</span></span>
<p>As Tim VanMeter wrote: "Like many in Oklahoma, I know that growing up and living in a state that does not want you is difficult." Amy Kirk noted: "Even though Oklahoma voters passed the gay marriage ban this past election, this has not deterred me from speaking out against what I feel is discrimination in my home state. I feel that a real injustice is being done, not only in Oklahoma but all across our nation." Thanks to Tim and Amy for taking the time to write - and staying in Oklahoma to fight for our rights.</p>
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<div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Community Hero Award Nominations Due April 1 </span></div>
<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TOHR honors those who give back to our community </span></span>
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<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the past 5 years, TOHR has had the pleasure to present the Community Hero Awards. Annually, we recognize individuals or entities who have contributed to the GLBT effort in Northeastern Oklahoma. This year's awards will be presented at the annual Diversity Celebration Gala, to be held at Gilcrease Museum on June 10. Please mark your calendar for this special event.</span></span>
<p>If you wish to submit a nomination for the Community Hero award, please do so by April 1. The Guidelines and Form can be found on page 8 of the current issue of our newsletter, the Torch. You can go to the Torch at the link below.</p>
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<div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Notable Quote </span></div>
<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fight for Equality Goes on In Other States </span></span>
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<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The following is from the Victory Fund's Gay & Lesbian Leadership SmartBrief. "We don't think we're different. What is different is that we had to spend tens of thousands of dollars to be recognized as a family." ---Maria Woolley-Larrea, a Florida resident who had to move out of state with her partner for six months in order to legally adopt her partner's biological children. </span></span></td>
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<div>email: <a style="color:#ff0000;" href="mailto:center@tohr.org">center@tohr.org</a></div>
<div>phone: 918.743.4297</div>
<div>web: <a style="color:#ff0000;" href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=wbm7x5aab.0.yyhnr5aab.fdmtn6aab.828&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tohr.org">http://www.tohr.org</a></div>
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<p>MISSION: TOHR SECURES EQUALITY FOR THE GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER AND ALLIED COMMUNITY.</p>
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<div>This email was sent to dneill@samson.com, by <a style="color:#0000ff;" href="mailto:center@tohr.org">center@tohr.org</a></div>
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<td><span style="font-family:verdana, arial;font-size:xx-small;"><br />Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights | GLBT Community Center - 5545 E. 41st Street | PO Box 2687 | Tulsa | OK | 74101</span></td>
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Creator
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Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR)
Date
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March 9, 2005
Contributor
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Dennis Neill
https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/a243979b43114d27d8172e160426b413.htm
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Title
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[2005] eNews from TOHR
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eNews from Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, March 16, 2005: Information and Services for the GLBT Community of Northeastern Oklahoma
Description
An account of the resource
A newsletter email from Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) first sent on March 16, 2005, then later sent on March 17, 2005 to Dennis Neill. Topics include Diversity Celebration planning, a letter from Greg Gatewood, Oklahoma restricting anti-discrimanatory legislation, and others.<br /><br />Transcript:<br /><br /><b>From:</b> Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights [center@tohr.org]<br /><b>Sent:</b> Thursday, March 17, 2005 2:55 PM<br /><b>To:</b> Dennis Neill<br /><b>Subject:</b> eNEWS from TOHR, March 16, 2005<br />
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<td><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">eNEWS from TOHR </span></span>
<div><span style="font-weight:bold;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Information and Services for the GLBT Community in Northeastern Oklahoma </span></div>
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<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For upcoming events in the Tulsa area, be sure and check out the Calendar at www.tohr.org If your organization has events you want us to consider posting, please send them to community@tohr.org</span>
<p>Events this week at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center: Come visit the Pride Store at the Community Center! New mechandise and a new arrangement for your shopping pleasure! Friday, March 18, 7:00 PM - Movie Night on the big screen. Saturday, March 19, 4-7, HOPE HIV Testing; Sunday, March 20, 8:30, L-Word Watch Party; Tuesday, March 22, 6-8, HOPE HIV Testing; Wednesday, March 23, 7:00, Gender Outreach Drop- In Night</p>
<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Christina Elder, New Volunteer Coordinator, Welcomes You to the Center!</span>
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<div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Welcome Message from Greg Gatewood </span></div>
<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New Center Director started March 15 </span></span>
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<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few days ago, someone asked "Why be involved with the GLBT & allied community?" Last week, the OK State House of Reps. passed HB1746 (see below for more info). Last year, 76% of Oklahomans voted to deny us equal rights. Last night, someone came out of the closet, wondering "what's next." Why be involved?</span></span>
<p>Our community is working together to educate Tulsans and Oklahomans on equal rights. The Tulsa GLBT Community Center is making a difference, from support to social events to advocacy efforts, in the lives of Tulsans. There is no better time than now to be involved. I'm extremely pleased to serve as the Tulsa GLBT Community Center director. As the name says, "community" is the center. Over the next few days and weeks, please feel free to stop by the center, 5545 E 41st Street in Highland Plaza, and say hello. Your suggestions and ideas are certainly welcome, appreciated and important. With your involvement, our community and the Tulsa GLBT Community Center will continue to make a difference. Not only for today, but for the future. Hope to see you soon, Greg Gatewood</p>
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<div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Diversity Celebration 2005 Planning Continues, Saturday, March 19 </span></div>
<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Join the Volunteer Effort! </span></span>
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<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Planning for Diversity Celebration 2005, Tulsa's Pride events, continues at 10 AM on March 19th at the Community Center. Come join the fun in planning the most visible and entertaining time for the GLBT & allied community in Northeastern Oklahoma.</span></span>
<p>Look for more information coming your way soon. Diversity Celebration 2005 - "Equal Rights...No More, No Less" is something you won't want to miss. Diversity Celebration 2005 is presented by OYP, PFLAG and TOHR. Come join us in this community based effort - you'll be glad you did! See you this Saturday, March 19th, 10 AM at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center.</p>
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<div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oklahoma House of Representatives Approves Restrictive Legislation </span></div>
<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keith Smith worked hard to turn the tide </span></span>
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<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last week's eNEWS carried an article about pending legislation which would attempt to block state and local agencies and governmental entities from adding "sexual preference" to their non-discrimination policies. While the Oklahoma House of Representatives unfortunately choose to pass this discriminatory language, several readers emailed their representatives to express an opinion. Keith Smith, an Oklahoma City Lobbyist, wrote the following after its passage.</span></span>
<p>I am a gay man who turned 50 this month and for my present I listened to the Republican controlled Oklahoma House debate and pass the most heinous preemptive attack on my rights imaginable. For those of you who are "in the know," they passed a Colorado style amendment two, which forbids any county or city government in Oklahoma from passing legislation or policy that protects me from discrimination in employment, and in effect mandates that discrimination happen. Imagine the feeling of having you very essence so attacked and persecuted by your own government. Imagine for a moment that legislation just passed your state house that prevents any other government entity in your state from ever supporting your dreams of equality and fairness, and your inalienable rights as an American citizen, and worse yet supported by people you work with everyday of the legislative session, many of them are your friends. Imagine that the majority of your house of representatives voted to legislate away your justice, any hope you may have had that perhaps your city or county might at some time have decided you deserved protection from unfair job discrimination, and literally walled you up in world where you had no access to the American Dream. You may be surprised to hear me say that it was a pretty good birthday present........... For the first time in my 50 years I heard Oklahoma legislators stand up for me and my rights in debate. I heard heartfelt passion as they discussed my future, my struggle, my reality, my life. I heard great courage for the first time from the floor of The Oklahoma House and I was so moved I wept. They were tears of joy and happiness. All of a sudden it wasn't the brave handful of women and racial and religious minorities who defended my rights to equality. These were straight, rural, white men from Oklahoma. Through my tears of joy I realized a corner had been turned. Never again would there be a 97 to 3 vote relegating me to second class status. History was indeed made tonight. We lost 65 to 28 with 8 excused. 28 legislators for the first time voted for me, for my life, for my future.....imagine. In all my elation I also understand that some of these courageous people may very well pay a price for their votes tonight. Some of them may get a taste of the hatred and intolerance I have experienced for 50 years. I feel no comfort in that painful reality, and I will pray that they are protected. But I can't deny what I do feel is great excitement about my people's struggle. Equality is on the march forward and it will not be stopped by the hatred and intolerance of the past. "Our freedom was not won a century ago, it is not won today, but some small part of it is in our hands tonight, and we are marching no longer by ones and twos but in legions of thousands, convinced now it cannot be denied by any human force." Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. " It may not be time to break out the Champaign........but we might want to put in the refrigerator." Keith Smith "Tomorrow is another day" Scarlet O'Hara</p>
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<div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Community Hero Awards - Nominations Being Accepted </span></div>
<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heroes will be 2005 Pride Parade Grand Marshals </span></span>
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<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Know someone who has been especially supportive of the GLBT & allied community over the past year? Tulsa is fortunate to have many dedicated individuals, organizations and companies who work on behalf of the GLBT & allied community.</span></span>
<p>If you would like to nominate an individual or organization, stop by the Tulsa GLBT Community Center and pick up a nomination form. Nominations must be received by Friday, April 1. The Community Hero Award honorees will be recognized at the annual Diversity Gala, this year at Gilcrease Museum on June 10. The award honorees will also serve as 2005 Tulsa Pride Parade Grand Marshalls. Honorees will be announced in early May.</p>
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<div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the Tulsa GLBT Community Center </span></div>
<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"L Word" and "Leaving Metropolis" on the big screen </span></span>
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<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Come join your friends at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center for movies and screenings on the weekends! The March 18th Friday Night at the Movies features the Audience Award winner from the Sydney G&L Film Festival - "Leaving Metropolis." A festival favorite, "Leaving Metropolis" features David, a successful artist in need of a muse. He applies for a job as a waiter where owners Matt & Violet don't know quite what to make of him, but love his energy and ideas. Good perfomances, an intelligent script and beautiful cinematography make this Friday Night at the Movies one not to be missed.</span></span>
<p>Showtime's popular series the "L Word" continues this Sunday March 20th. The center has been filled with women the past few weeks enjoying this acclaimed series. Doors open at 8:30 PM with the "L Word" at 9:00 PM.</p>
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<div><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:large;color:#ff0000;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rock the Rotunda! </span></div>
<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight:bold;font-size:small;color:#ff9900;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">GLBT Lobby Day at OK State Capitol is April 6 </span></span>
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<span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-family:Verdana, Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:small;color:#000000;font-style:italic;font-family:Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The GLBT & allied community will converge on the Oklahoma State Capitol on Wednesday, April 6 for a statewide GLBT Lobby Day. This is your chance to educate your legislator on the need for safe schools and equal rights for all.</span></span>
<p>PFLAG chapters across the state have joined forces to reserve the capitol rotunda and invite all the community to attend the GLBT Lobby Day - it's important you make your voice heard! A caravan will be leaving Tulsa at 7:30 AM from Fellowship Congregational Church, 29th & Harvard. Make plans now to rock the rotunda with a united GLBT voice!</p>
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<div>email: <a style="color:#ff0000;" href="mailto:center@tohr.org">center@tohr.org</a></div>
<div>phone: 918.743.4297</div>
<div>web: <a style="color:#ff0000;" href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=iszbw4aab.0.yyhnr5aab.fdmtn6aab.828&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tohr.org">http://www.tohr.org</a></div>
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<p>MISSION: TOHR SECURES EQUALITY FOR THE GAY, LESBIAN, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER AND ALLIED COMMUNITY.</p>
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<div>This email was sent to dneill@samson.com, by <a style="color:#0000ff;" href="mailto:center@tohr.org">center@tohr.org</a></div>
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<td><span style="font-family:verdana, arial;font-size:xx-small;"><br />Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights | GLBT Community Center - 5545 E. 41st Street | PO Box 2687 | Tulsa | OK | 74101</span></td>
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Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR)
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
March 16-17, 2005
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Dennis Neill, Christina Elder, Greg Gatewood, Keith Smith
https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/eaf56d47e8ac78be6cc21fea21c9fbbe.htm
1babfa9cd4200cb132681ac3e53563a1
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
[2005] eNews from TOHR
Subject
The topic of the resource
eNews from Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, February 16, 2005
Description
An account of the resource
A newsletter email from Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) sent on February 16, 2005 to Dennis Neill. Topics include volunteering for the upcoming Diversity Celebration, the addition of the CyberCenter, and others.<br /><br />Transcript:<br /><br /><b>From:</b> ENEWS From TOHR [center@tohr.org]<br /><b>Sent:</b> Wednesday, February 16, 2005 7:46 PM<br /><b>To:</b> Dennis Neill<br /><b>Subject:</b> ENEWS from Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights - February 16, 2005<br />
<div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="990465600-17022005"><strong>As you may know, we have been experiencing problems with our email and web site. We have now addressed this issue and email should be stable. The web site will be rebuilt over the next several days. We have some new email addresses.</strong></span></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="990465600-17022005"><strong></strong></span></span> </div>
<div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="990465600-17022005"><strong>General contact email: </strong><a href="mailto:center@tohr.org"><strong>center@tohr.org</strong></a></span></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="990465600-17022005"><strong>Information about activities and involvement: </strong><a href="mailto:community@tohr.org"><strong>community@tohr.org</strong></a></span></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="990465600-17022005"><strong>David Bohnett CyberCenter at the Community Center (located at 5545 E. 41st Street, Tulsa): </strong><a href="mailto:cybercenter@tohr.org"><strong>cybercenter@tohr.org</strong></a></span></span></div>
<div><span class="990465600-17022005"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>Diversity Celebration 2005 Contact (June 3-June11, 2005): </strong><a href="mailto:diversity2005@tohr.org"><strong>diversity2005@tohr.org</strong></a></span></span></div>
<div><span class="990465600-17022005"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong></strong></span></span> </div>
<div><span class="990465600-17022005"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>Thank you for your patience!</strong></span></span></div>
<div><span class="990465600-17022005"><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></strong></span> </div>
<div><span class="990465600-17022005"><strong><span style="font-family:Arial;">This past week was a very busy one in our community. Thanks to those who met with the advance crew from FX (Fox) - Tulsa is still in the running for the "30 Days" program! And thanks to all who planned and participated in the Wild Hearts Ball on Saturday, February 12 - raising funds for our permanent Community Center. And a special thanks to our loyal volunteers who keep our Community Center open, some of whom are in the picture on the front page of February 15 issue of the Gayly Oklahoman.</span></strong></span></div>
<div><span class="990465600-17022005"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong></strong></span></span> </div>
<div><span class="990465600-17022005"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>1. Community Center Space Redesign - In anticipation of adding the 10 new Internet connected computers in the David Bohnett CyberCenter and a possible redo of the Pride Store, we have a new space plan for review. Over the next few weeks, stop by the Center, review the plans and add your suggestions. </strong></span></span></div>
<div><span class="990465600-17022005"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong></strong></span></span> </div>
<div><span class="990465600-17022005"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>2. Volunteers - with the launch of the new CyberCenter, we will need more volunteers, with and without computer experience. Please consider volunteering. You can email us at </strong><a href="mailto:center@tohr.org"><strong>center@tohr.org</strong></a><strong> and let us know of your interest and we will send out a form.</strong></span></span></div>
<div><span class="990465600-17022005"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong></strong></span></span> </div>
<div><span class="990465600-17022005"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>3. February 24, 2005 - Special Movie as part of Black History Month. Covered dish dinner 6 PM, Movie at 7. At the Center, 5545 E. 41st Street.</strong></span></span></div>
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<p><span class="990465600-17022005"></span><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>B<span class="990465600-17022005">rother Outsider</span></strong></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:large;"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:Arial;">Official Selection, 2003 Sundance Film Festival. A master strategist and tireless activist, Bayard Rustin is best remembered as the organizer of the 1963 March on Washington, one of the largest nonviolent protests ever held in the United States. He brought Gandhi's protest techniques to the American civil rights movement, and helped mold Martin Luther King, Jr. into an international symbol of peace and nonviolence.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:large;"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:Arial;">Despite these achievements, Rustin was silenced, threatened, arrested, beaten, imprisoned and fired from important leadership positions, largely because he was an openly gay man in a fiercely homophobic era. BROTHER OUTSIDER focuses on Rustin's activism for peace, racial equality, economic justice and human rights.</span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:large;"><span style="font-size:13.5pt;font-family:Arial;"></span></span></p>
<p><span class="990465600-17022005"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>4. Saturday, February 26 10:00 am at the Center - Diversity Celebration 2005 All Volunteer Meeting. Coffee and Donuts provided. Come be a part of planning and implementing our June celebration involving many different organizations in Northeast Oklahoma.</strong></span></span></p>
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<div><span style="font-family:Arial;"><strong>Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights</strong></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:small;"><a href="mailto:center@tohr.org"><span style="font-size:medium;"><strong>center@tohr.org</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:medium;"><strong> 918-743-4297</strong></span> </span></div>
<span style="font-family:Tahoma;"> </span>
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR)
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Dennis Neill
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
February 16, 2005
https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/042bdc576df8e464aa0289a332b82b2d.htm
96480dd2f987e493db480cbcefa4c349
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] eNews from TOHR
Subject
The topic of the resource
eNews from Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, February 8, 2005
Description
An account of the resource
A newsletter email from Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) sent on February 8, 2005 by Michael Christopher to his own email. Topics include the Wild Hearts Ball, an available staff position for TOHR's Community Center, and others.<br /><br />Transcript:<br /><br /><strong>From:</strong> Michael Christopher [mchristopher@tohr.org]<br /><strong>Sent:</strong> Tuesday, February 08, 2005 7:17 PM<br /><strong>To:</strong> mchristopher@tohr.org<br /><strong>Subject:</strong> News from Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, February 8, 2005<br />
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<p><span>We have lots to bring you up to date on!</span></p>
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<p><span>Special Note: We are having problems with the TOHR web site, <a href="http://www.tohr.org">www.tohr.org</a>. We are not sure when it will be back up. In the meantime, the new issue of the Torch is available at:</span></p>
<p><a href="http://trojanrabbit.com/TORCH.html">http://trojanrabbit.com/TORCH.html</a></p>
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<li><span> Wild Hearts Ball This Weekend!</span></li>
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<p><span><strong><em> <b>DISCO FUNK & JIVE… WILD HEARTS BALL 5</b></em></strong><b><i><br /></i></b><em><b>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 wit’ 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.<i><br />Gifts for the first 50 in the door! Be cool and don’t miss the Solid Gold Lame` 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!! We'll see YOU there! Limited Number of free tickets for those under 21 available at the TOHR Community Center.</i></b></em></span></p>
<p><strong><em><b><i><br /><span> </span></i></b></em></strong><em><strong><b><span>When: </span><span>Saturday, February 12th, 8 pm ‘til Midnight.</span></b></strong></em><strong><em><b><i><br /></i></b></em></strong><em><strong><b> </b></strong></em><strong><em><b><i><br /> </i></b></em></strong><em><strong><b>Where:</b></strong></em> <em><strong><b> The Greenwood Cultural Center, </b></strong></em><em><strong><b>322 N. Greenwood </b></strong></em></p>
<p><em><strong><span><b>Tickets:</b></span></strong></em><em><strong><b> </b></strong></em><em><strong><b>$20 at the door or $15 advance at: </b></strong></em></p>
<p><span><em><strong><b>GLBT Community Center, 5545 E. 41st, 918-743-4297</b></strong></em></span></p>
<p><span><em><strong><b>Burnett’s Flowers & Gifts, 4322 E. 11th, 918-834-5555</b></strong></em></span></p>
<p><em><span><strong><b>Petal Pushers, 1660 E. 71st</b></strong></span></em></p>
<p><em><span><strong><b>PLEASE PASS IT ON!</b></strong></span></em></p>
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<li><span><strong><em> David Bohnett CyberCenter Grant. TOHR is very pleased to announce that it has received a grant from the David Bohnett Foundation for a CyberCenter at the Community Center. Bohnett will be providing 10 internet connected computers with flat panels, network printer, scanner and software. In addition, we will receive $10,000 in cash for implementation.</em></strong></span></li>
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<p><span><strong><em>This new installation, to be completed in March, gives us an exciting opportunity for new outreach and training. See the latest Torch for more information. The TOHR Board expresses its appreciation to the David Bohnett Foundation for this grant.</em></strong></span></p>
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<li><span><strong><em> </em></strong>Staff Position Available at TOHR. Michael Christopher, our Executive Director, has resigned. Below is an ad for a staff position at the Center. With the Bohnett Equipment coming, it will be very important to fill this position.</span></li>
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<p><span>Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, a non-profit serving the Gay, <br />Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community for 25 years, is seeking a <br />person to operate its community center and perform other support and <br />programming functions. The employee will report to the Board of <br />Directors. Title, hours and compensation to be negotiated. The <br />successful applicant will have experience in working with non-profits in <br />many areas, such as volunteer recruitment and support, financial <br />reporting, computer operations and networking, fundraising and grant <br />writing. Interested applicants may submit their resumes to: TOHR, PO <br />Box 2687, Tulsa, OK 74101. Resumes may also be submitted by email to: <br /> <a href="mailto:bonney@13oked.com">bonney@13oked.com</a> </span></p>
<ol>
<li><span> Film Crew coming to Tulsa! <em>FX Documentary To Be Filmed In Tulsa<br /></em><br />Actual Reality Pictures is currently casting in Tulsa for the FX series “30 Days,” a documentary-style, unscripted series from Oscar nominated filmmaker Morgan Spurlock.<br /><br />If you are a gay male between the ages of 30-45 who lives alone in Tulsa and would be interested in sharing your life and home with a roommate for 30 days, please contact Abby Golden at 310-202-1272 x158 to set up an interview time ASAP.<br /><br />Interviews will take place on Friday, February 11th and Saturday, February 12th at the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center, located at 5545 East 41st Street in Highland Plaza.<br /><br />Compensation for participation IF selected.</span></li>
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<li><span> HOPE Testing Clinic is offering off-site mobile HIV testing. Call Andrew or Brad at 812-7045 to schedule an appointment.</span></li>
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<p><span>Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights</span></p>
<p>918-743-4297</p>
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Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR)
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
February 8, 2005
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Michael Christopher
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.
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
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[2005] TOHR eNews
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
February 8, 2005 - March 24, 2005
Subject
The topic of the resource
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights eNews, February 8, 2005 - March 24, 2005
Description
An account of the resource
Five newsletter emails from Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) from February 8, 2005, to March 24, 2005.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR)
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Dennis Neill, Michael Christopher
2005
anti-LGBT discrimination
Christina Elder
Community Center
CyberCenter
Dennis Neill
discrimination
Diversity celebration
Diversity Celebration 2005
email
eNews
GLBT Community Center
Greg Gatewood
House Bill 1746
Keith Smith
Michael Christopher
TOHR
TOHR eNews
TOHR GLBT Community Center
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR)
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights eNews
work discrimination
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https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/631f709a41380ec2a6c192302cf48595.pdf
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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~
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�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.
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Tape closed before mailing.
THANK YOU!
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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
�
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
December/January 2004<br />Volume four / Issue two<br /><br /><strong>the TORCH</strong><br /><strong>tulsa oklahomans for human rights</strong><br /><br /><strong>220 Attend Vigil; Hundreds More the Streets</strong><br /><em><strong>Sometimes hate gives Tulsa a black eye. This time we gave it back.</strong></em><br /><em>Michael Christopher, Executive Director</em><br />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 one beaten up— a woman attacked by a lesbian-hating neighbor.<br />While dealing with all that, we got the news that Fred Phelps’ group, Westboro Baptist Church, was coming back to town on Sunday, November 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’ battle cry, "God hates fags," would be heard once again in the Tulsa area.<br />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 of 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.<br />If you missed the vigil, you also missed a great homecoming (<em>And if you send me your email address I won’t let you miss the next one!</em>) People who hadn’t seen each other for years, new friends from Native American and African Ameri can communities, TOHR members of years past, and many of the new friends we<br /><em>(continued on p. 9)</em><br /><br /><strong>TOHR’s Year End Fundraising Campaign</strong><br /><em>Mark Bomley</em><br />October marked the start of a new fiscal year for TOHR. We need your financial support to enter what will be a mnost significant year for the gay. lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community.<br />In the short period of six months since moving into our new Center and hiring an Executive Director. TOHR has substantially increased its service to the GLBT commnunity. The number of calls received on the GLBT Info Line grew 300%. The number of meetings held at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center doubled. Our cooperative work with allied organizations has grown dramatically—we have presented the day-long <em>Questions on Marriage: A Conference on Marriage Equality</em>, 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 anti-gay marriage amendment, coordinated the Tulsa GLBT History Project Lecture. and participated in the Say No To Hate Coalition and its hate speech task force.<br />(contimted on p. 3)<br /><br /><strong>From the President</strong><br /><em>The Holidays Present Special Challenges</em><br />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 families 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.<br />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 find 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. Know 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.<br /><br /><em>A New Year’s Resolution That Does Everyone Good</em><br />One 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.<br /><br />[signature of Mark Bonney]<br />President, TOHR<br /><br />John D. Cutrlght, MSW, LCSW<br />Counselor & Psychotherapist<br />4870 S. Lewis Avenue, Suite 190<br />Tulsa, OK 74105<br />918-284-0123<br />Children + Adolescents + Adult + Couples<br /><br />published by<br /><strong>Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR)</strong><br />PO Box 2687<br />Tulsa, OK 74101<br />918-743-4297<br /><strong>www.tohr.org</strong><br />email: community@tohr.org<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><em>Office location</em></span><br />Tulsa GLBT Community Center<br />5545 East 41st Street<br />Tulsa, OK 74135<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>TOHR Board of Directors</strong></span><br /><br /><em><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Executive Board</span></em><br />President—Mark Bonney<br />1st Vice President—Dr. Laura Belmonte<br />2nd~/ice President—Libby Bender<br />Secretary—Mike Williams<br />Treasurer—Dwight Kealiher<br />Assistant Treasurer—John Madigan<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><em>Governing Board</em></span><br />Director, Gender Outreach—Troy Nicholas<br />Director, Board Development—Ken Youngblood<br />Director, Fundraising—Dennis Neill<br />Director, Programs & Facilities—Ken Youngblood<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><em>Directors at Large</em></span><br />Andrew Carter<br />Kelly Carter<br />Steve Eberle<br />Janet Gearin<br />Richard Hurtig<br />Shelly Ledford<br />Anita Randza<br />Mike Redman<br />Devon Rutherford<br />Kaye Smith<br />Novia Stice<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><em>Executive Director</em></span><br />Michael Christopher<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>TOHR’s Capital Campaign</strong></span><br /><strong>The Pyramid Project<br /></strong><br />pyramidproject.org<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><em>Chair</em></span><br />Sue Welch<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><em>Committee Members</em></span><br />Mark Bonney, Marc Frieden, Michelle Hoffman,<br />David Hoot, Shelly Ledford, Catheryn Mason,<br />Marcy Smith and Tim Williams.<br /><br /><em>TOHR is a 501(c)3 oganization operated through donations and non-paid volunteneers. Contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of current United States of America tax laws.</em><br /><br />The Torch, a publicalion 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 repreduced 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 expreesed 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 sexual orientation or political association.<br /><br /><strong>Copyright 2004, TOHR.<br /></strong><br /><em><strong>Fund-Raising Campaign</strong> (cont. from p. 1)</em><br />During the same period we presemed the annual Diversity Celebration, expanded support group programmning, 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 Commnunity right now.<br />It feels like we’ve done a year’s work in just a few months, but that’s exactly the pace we need to maintain to take advantage of this unique moment in our history. The debate around marriage and the overturning of all remaining sodomy laws is bringing unpredictable attention—and opportunity. In light of and despite recent electoral backlash, hate crimes legislation, employment nondiscrimination policies, the needs of our community have become both more critically important and more attainable.<br />The 20-member TOHR Board of Directors and thirty dedicated volunteers of the Tulsa GLBT Community Center ask you to consider a substantial commitment of dollars in the upcoming year. The momentum of this time must be continually fed with effort, passion and 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, your legs in the race.<br />To move our community and organization forward in 2005, we are asking our contributors to consider raising their level of support this year. Please send in the donation form available in this newsletter. We are deeply grateful for your help!<br /><br />Estimated Revenues<br />Oct 1 2004 - Sept 30 2005 - $160,000<br />Other, 4%<br />Memberships, 3%<br />Grants, 19%<br />Benefits, 4%<br />Diversity Celebration, 40%<br />Donations & Pledges, 30%<br /><br />Estimated Expenses<br />Oct 1 2004 - Sept 30 2005 - $160,000<br />Programs & Marketing, 14%<br />Other, 5%.<br />Wages & Benefits, 29%<br />Facilities & Office, 28%<br />Diversity Celebration, 24%<br /><br />Kelly Kirby, CPA, PC<br />Certified Public Accountant<br />"For All Your Accounting Needs"<br />Gay men and lesbians face many special situations, whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve this community.<br />4815 South Harvard, Suite 424<br />Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135-3066<br />918.747.5466<br /><br />Tulsa GLBT Information Line<br />743-GAYS<br />(743-4297)<br /><br />White Lion Pub<br />Tulsa's Authentic English Pub<br />6927 S. Canton Ave.<br />Just 2 blocks East of Yale off 71st Street<br />491-6533<br /><br /><strong>TOHR Board members and officers at November annual Board retreat, All Souls Unitarian Church, led by Tulsa facilitator Barbara Bannon.<br /></strong><br /><strong>Easy as Pie!</strong><br /><strong>Holiday Shop Online and Help the Pyramid Project</strong><br /><em>Sue Welch</em><br />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 <strong>How to Donate</strong> page of the Pyramid Project website, <span style="text-decoration:underline;">PyramidProject.org</span>, and make a purchase within 30 days, the Pyramid Project receives an EXTRA $5.00 at <strong>NO</strong> cost to you.<br />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!<br />When supporters use the joinLink on the Pyramid Project website, Pyramid Project is automatically pre-selected to benefit! Every single supporter’s online shopping at over 550 popular stores means a donation for TOHR’s Pyramid Project!<br />Remember, each new person who joins and shops within 30 days means a $5.00 bonus for TOHR’s Pyramid Project, so do it now! Use your Join link at PyramidProject.org.<br /><br /><strong>HOUSE FOR RENT</strong> in one of Tulsa’s few "blue precincts," $700 per month in historic Yorktown, St. John’s hospital 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, dish-washer and refrigerator! Leave a message for Ralph at 743-6863.<br /><br />GARRETT LAW OFFICE, RC.<br /><strong>Garrett Law Office, P.C.</strong> 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 insurancecompanies.<br />Our practice areas are:<br /><strong>INSURANCE DISPUTES</strong><br /><strong>PERSONAL INJURY</strong><br /><strong>WRONGFUL DEATH</strong><br /><strong>JOB-RELATED INJURIES</strong><br /><strong>SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY</strong><br /><strong>PRODUCT LIABILITY</strong><br /><strong>SECURITIES FRAUD</strong><br /><strong>BANKRUPTCY</strong><br />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.<br /><strong>1-888-GARRETT</strong><br /><strong>In Tulsa:</strong><br /><strong>622-9292</strong><br />Remember - The adjuster works for the insurance company –<br /><strong>WE WORK FOR YOU!</strong><br /><br />UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR<br /><strong>December 1, 15 – Coming Out Group.</strong> Support for people making the journey out of the closet, fadlitated by John D. Cutright, 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. 41st, at 7:00pm.<br /><strong>December 7, 14, 21 – Free anonymous HIV testing</strong> at the Center, 5545 E. 41st Street at our H.O.P.E. Testing Clinic, 6:00 to 8:00pm every Tuesday except Dec. 28<br /><strong>December 3, 10, 17 – Films at the Center</strong>. Join us at 6:30pm Fdday evenings for movie night... fun, film and friends at the Center, 5545 E. 41st<br /><strong>December 3, 4, 7 – Council Oak Men’s Chorale and Women of Council Oak Holiday Concert</strong>, "Home is Where the Heart Is" at Trinity Episcopal. For tickets go to www.counciloak.org.<br /><strong>December 6 – Diversity Celebration Planning Meeting</strong> at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 5545 E. 41st. Anyone interested in being part of this annual June pride celebration is encouraged to attend.<br /><strong>December 13 – PFLAG/TOHR Holiday Dinner</strong>. Come and join us for the annual holiday dinner at 6:30pm 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.<br /><strong>December 17 –</strong> The dinner and lecture, <strong>GAY MARRIAGE, THE CONSTITUTION, AND AMERICAN POLITICS,</strong> 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.<br /><strong>December 18 – Test Fest 2004</strong>, 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.<br /><strong>December 27 – PFLAG Support Meeting.</strong> 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.<br /><strong>January 5, 19 – Coming Out Group</strong> meets the first and third Wednesday of every month at the Ceriter, 5545 E. 41st. (See December 1 above for details.)<br /><strong>January 6 – JUST WHAT DO WE NEED?</strong> is a presentation at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 5545 East 41st Street at 7:00pm 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.<br /><strong>January 10 –</strong> Presentation at the PFLAG monthly meeting of the <strong>GLBT Needs Assessment </strong>by Janice Nicklas of the Community Service Council at 7:30pm, Fellowship Congregational Church, 2900 South Harvard.<br /><strong>January 12 – Diversity Celebration Planning Meeting</strong> at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 5545 E. 41st. Open to all.<br /><strong>January 24 – PFLAG Support Meeting.</strong> 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.<br /><strong>February 4 – TOHR Members Covered Dish Dinner.</strong> Bring a dish to share and hear speakers every month on the first Thursday at the Center, 5545 E. 41st Street.<br /><em><strong>IMPORTANT:</strong> To get updates on events plus links to important LGBT news items, subscribe to the free <strong>TOHR eNEWS</strong> email newsletter by sending email with the words ENEWS SUBSCRIBE in the subject line to mchristopher@tohr.org.<br /></em><br /><strong>Genesis Ministries</strong><br />2419 S. 83rd E. Avenue, Tulsa, OK<br /><strong><em>Meets Sunday 11 a.m. for service, Wednesday 7 p.m. for Bible Study, Singing and Prayer</em></strong><br /><br /><strong>GLBTQ Youth in Tulsa Have Found a Home</strong><em></em><br /><em>Ken Draper</em><br /><strong>OpenArms Youth Project</strong> in Tulsa has been serving the GLBTQ youth ages 14-21 for almost three years now. As the Center has grown, 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 fundraising as well as the record keeping and major growth activities.<br />Since opening the first Center in May of 2002, OpenArms 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 curriculum that was designed and written by the University of Oklahoma.<br />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.<br />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 918-838-7104, info@openarmsproject.org<br /><br />FALL FUND DRIVE 2004<br />Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights extends heartfelt thanks to the generous donors to our Fall Fund Drive. Below are listed the names of those with gifts or pledges $100 or more who have given us permission to acknowledge them publicly. <em><strong>Thank You!</strong></em><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><em>$5,000 and above</em></span><br />Dennis Neill and John Southard<br /><em><span style="text-decoration:underline;">$1,000 to $4,999</span></em><br />Mark Henry<br />Cisar Holt, Inc.<br />Doug Campbell<br />Kaye Smith<br />Michael Williams and Lance Pillstrom<br /><em><span style="text-decoration:underline;">$250 to $999</span></em><br />Lamont Lindstrom<br />Duane MenNe and Mike Mills<br />Tom Neal<br />Gregg Smith and Kevin Burleson<br />Michael Green<br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><em>$100 to $249</em></span><br />Janet Gearin<br />Andrew Carter<br />D. Bruce Lewis<br />Rev. and Mrs. Russell Bennett<br />Fred Bassett<br /><br />tulsa glbt history project<br /><strong>HISTORY PROJECT <em>Memories</em></strong><br />Tulsa has a rich history 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?<br />** TROPICAL GARDENS<br />** BLUE NOTE LOUNGE<br />** BLUE HAVEN<br />** MILWAUKEE TAVERN<br />** BISHOPS BAR<br />** St. MORITZ<br />** LITTLE MEXICO<br />** THE DOGHOUSE<br />** SKOO-BEE-DO<br />** FRIENDS LOUNGE (a.k.a. THE FRUIT LOOP)<br />** TRACY’S<br />** THE NEW EDITION<br />** THE ZEBRA LOUNGE<br />** TAJ MAHAL<br />** THE GALA<br />** TIM’S PLAYROOM CLUB<br />** THE CLUB<br />** THE QUEEN OF HEARTS<br />** NEW YORK, NEW YORK<br />** THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH<br />** PAPILLON<br />** THE ZEBRA<br />** CARUSO’S<br />** ANYTHING GOES CLUB<br />** NEW PLANTATION CLUB<br />** TIM’S PLAYROOM CLUB<br />** ZIPPERS<br />** TULSA MINING COMPANY<br />** SEEKERS CHOICE<br />** OVER THE RAINBOW<br />** DANTES<br /><br /><strong>MEMBERSHIP</strong><br />"I'm a member because it just seems to me like citizenship... working for our civil rights is a duty of my citizenship in the gay community." ~ C.B., Tulsa<br />"Education is the most important thing we can do right now to gain our rights. Thank you for doing this work. Keep it up!" ~ A.J., Tulsa<br /><br />BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP IN TULSA OKLAHOMANS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS 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—<em>anything</em> 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.<br />Membership is for one full year from the date you join.<br /><br /><strong>Name(s)</strong> as it (they) should appear on mail addressed to you:<br />Check this box if you DO NOT want to be acknowledged by name in our publications: []<br /><strong>Mailing Address</strong><br /><strong>Telephone</strong><br /><strong>IMPORTANT: Email Address</strong><br /><strong>I am interested in:</strong><br />0 Volunteering at the Center<br />0 Volunteering for Diversity Celebration<br />0 The Rights Advocacy Team<br /><strong>I (we) want to join TOHR!</strong><br />0 Individual $30<br />0 Family/Household $50<br />0 Patron $100<br />0 Business/Organization $ 100<br />0 Donor’s Circle $300+ $__________<br />0 <strong>NEW</strong> Student or AmeriCorps Volunteer Membership $15<br />0 Check enclosed, payable to TOHR<br />0 My company offers a matching gift program. The proper forms are enclosed or will follow.<br />0 Please bill my (our) credit card:<br />0 Visa 0 MasterCard 0 American Express<br />Card #_______________________<br />Expiration Date ________________<br />Signature ____________________<br /><br />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—<em>not just tolerance</em>—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). 10,000 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.<br /><strong>Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights works for you.</strong><br /><br />Please tape your check inside and fold here.<br />Tape closed before mailing.<br />THANK YOU!<br />Please tape your check inside and fold here.<br />Tape closed before mailing.<br />From:<br />Place<br />Postage<br />Here<br />Membership<br />Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights<br />PO Box 2687<br />Tulsa, OK 74101<br /><br /><strong><em>Sweeping Away Hate in Sand Springs</em></strong><br /><br /><em><strong>220 Attend Vigil...</strong> (continued from p. 1)</em><br />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.<br />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 two 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.<br /><em><strong>Silent Sweep Against Hate</strong></em><br />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.<br />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 throughout—from the vigil through the sweep, and his presence encouraged all of us.<br /><em><strong>Radical Inclusivity</strong></em><br />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/A48197-2004Novl3.html.) Of Rev. Russell Bennett’s words that night, she writes:<br /><br />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 you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and 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’ and quotes by Robert F. Kennedy about the long arm that bends toward justice...<br />As school let out [on Monday], dozens of people from Tulsa Oklahomans For Human Rights arrived with brooms. In silence, they swept the sidewalk where the Phelps protesters had been. Michael was there, sweeping. A group of students walked by. One of them, a girl with long, silky hair and a backpack, was obviously fed up with all the protests and counter-protests. ’Leave our homos alone,’ she said.<br /><br />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 victory in the jaws of the election defeat— thank you.<br />After the passage of a constitutional amendment 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 and strength.<br />This time we’re glad he came.<br /><br />Gay & Lesbian Fund FOR TULSA<br /><strong>If you support Non-Profits in the Tulsa Area</strong><br />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-Profits, ensuring that your contributions 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.<br />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.<br />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; Community 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.<br /><strong>Making a difference in Tulsa while highlighting the important contributions of the Gay, Lesbian and Allied Communities.</strong><br />For more information: www.gayandlesbianfund.org/tulsa<br />Email: Tulsa@gayandlesbianfund.org Or call the Tulsa Community Foundation, 918-494-8823.<br /><br /><em>Interview with a Board Member:</em><br />Ken Youngblood<br /><br /><strong>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!</strong><br /><br /><em>TORCH: Where did you grow up? Where is home for you?</em><br />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.<br /><em>TORCH: When did you first get involved with TOHR?</em><br />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!!<br /><em>TORCH: What are some ofyour TOHR memories??</em><br />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 is a much harder goal to accomplish and 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 respect. One shining light in 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.<br /><em>TORCH: As TOHR Program Director, what can we expect in the future?</em><br />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.<br /><em>TORCH: Now tell us about PEACHES.</em><br />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).<br /><em>TORCH: Alright Peaches, so what are your opinions of TOHR and the gay community?</em><br />PEACHES: Thank God somebody asked! Get off your 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 your 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!!<br /><br /><strong>Coming Out Crowd</strong><br /><strong>TOHR's Coming Out Support Group</strong> continues to meet the first and third Wednesday of every month at 7:00pm at the Tulsa GLBTCommunity Center 5545 E. 41st Street.<br />Counselor and therapist John D. Cutright (MSN, LCSW) leads friendly and supportive discussion.<br /><strong>ALL WELCOME!</strong><br /><br />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.<br /><br />STUFFING STOCKINGS FOR THE HOLIDAYS?<br />Don't forget the PRIDE STORE<br />Located inside the Tulsa GLBT Community Center<br />5545 E. 41st St.<br />Cards, Jewelry, Rainbow flags, Art Prints, Pet Gifts, Books, Candles, AND MORE!<br /><br />Tuisa Oklahomans for Human Rights<br />P.O. Box 2687<br />Tulsa, Oklahoma 74101<br /><em>This may be your last issue!</em><br />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!<br />Printed on recycled,<br />chlorine free paper<br /><br />PFLAG/TOHR HOLIDAY DINNER<br />Monday, Dec 13<br />6:30pM<br />Fellowship Congregational Church<br />2900 South Harvard<br />Bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share, or just come!<br />Entertainment by <strong>Council Oak Men’s Chorale!</strong><br /><br /><em>Reach thousands of NE Oklahoma’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, questioning, and allied READERS</em><br />ADVERTISE IN THE TORCH!<br />For rate card and specs email mchristopher@tohr.org or phone Michael at 743-4297
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, December 2003 - January 2004; Volume 4, Issue 2
Subject
The topic of the resource
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights' Torch, December 2003 - January 2004; Volume 4, Issue 2
Description
An account of the resource
The 2nd issue of the 4th volume of Torch, a newsletter published by Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR), 12 pages. Includes articles regarding a counter-protest in Sand Springs, the OpenArms Youth Project in Tulsa, and an interview with the chair of TOHR's Programming Committee, Ken Youngblood.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR)
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR)
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
December 2003 - January 2004
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Michael Christopher, Mark Bonney, Sue Welch, Ken Draper, Ken Youngblood
2003
2004
Fred Phelps
fundraising
Gay & Lesbian Fund
GLBT Community Center
GLBT History Project
iGive
iGive.com
Ken Draper
Ken Youngblood
Mark Bonney
Michael Christopher
Newsletter
Open Arms Project
Open Arms Youth Project
Open Arms Youth Project (OYP)
OpenArms
OpenArms Project
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
Pyramid Project
Pyramid Project campaign
Pyramid Project Capital Campaign
Pyramid Project fundraising
Say No to Hate
Say No To Hate Coalition
Sue Welch
TOHR
TOHR capital campaign
TOHR GLBT Community Center
TOHR GLBT HISTORY PROJECT
TOHR membership
TOHR Pyramid Project
TOHR Torch
Torch
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR)
vigil
Westboro Baptist Church
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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
�
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Title
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[2005] TOHR Torch, February-March 2005; Volume 4, Issue 3
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Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
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Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
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February - March 2005
Contributor
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Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
February 2005
TOHR Torch
-
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7355e3f0fb88d63ef43c7d6ebd67a7ab
https://www.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
�
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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
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May - June 2005
Contributor
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Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
-
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30058c71246fbc726d5d6e2ab40ed5c9
https://www.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
��
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Title
A name given to the resource
[2005] TOHR Torch, Winter 2005; Volume 5, Issue 2
Creator
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Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
Publisher
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Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
Date
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Winter 2005
Contributor
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Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
TOHR Torch
Winter 2005
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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.
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Microsoft Publisher
Dublin Core
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Title
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[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
-
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Title
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[Series] Oral Histories Project > Interviews
Description
An account of the resource
<strong>Physical Media:</strong> <br />Box 7, Folder 7 - Dr. Leisa Meyer Program<br />Box 7, Folder 8 - Interviewees Materials, Original Series 2003-2007<br /><br /><strong>Digital Media:</strong>
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
[2005] Trish Spurgin Interview
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
November 18, 2005
Description
An account of the resource
Video recording and transcript of oral history interview with Laura Belmonte on November 18, 2005. <strong>Video and Transcript available at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center for on-site research.</strong> Trish was born in Tulsa in 1941. [Editor’s note – full name was Agnes Patricia “Trish” Spurgin. She passed away in Tulsa on June 27, 2021.] She attended Western College for Women in Oxford, Ohio. In 1959, she experienced her first same- sex relationship while in college. She returned to Tulsa and attended the University of Tulsa. Trish worked in accounting and collections. Regarding the Tulsa lesbian scene, she discussed the bar life, social activities and the frequent police harassment. She discussed her interactions with her gay brother and observations about lesbians and gay men and her exposure to Tulsa Oklahomans for Equality.
Subject
The topic of the resource
Trish Spurgin Oral History Interview from November 18, 2005
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Trish Spurgin, Laura Belmonte, Jensen Bridges, Matthew D. Williams, Dennis Neill
2005
Agnes Patricia "Trish" Spurgin
Agnes Patricia Spurgin
Agnes Patricia Trish Spurgin
available at Center
Dennis Neill
Dennis R. Neill
interview
Jensen Bridges
Laura A. Belmonte
Laura Belmonte
lesbian
Matthew D. Williams
Matthew Williams
OKEQ Oral History Project
oral history
oral history interview
Oral History Project
oral history transcript
police harassment
TOHR
transcript
Trish Spurgin
TU
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR)
University of Tulsa
video
Western College for Women in Oxford
-
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Title
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[2005] Tulsa Pride/Diversity Celebration Poster
Description
An account of the resource
A poster promoting the 2005 Tulsa Pride celebration and outlining a schedule of events between June 5th and 11th.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
June 3-11, 2005
Subject
The topic of the resource
2005 Tulsa Pride/Diversity Celebration Poster
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR), Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), OpenArms Youth Project (OYP), Gay and Lesbian Fund
2005
Diversity celebration
Diversity Celebration 2005
Gay and Lesbian Fund
Open Arms Project
Open Arms Youth Project
OpenArms
Openarms Youth Project
Openarms Youth Project (OYP)
OYP
Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
PFLAG
PFLAG Tulsa Chapter
pride festival
TOHR
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR)
Tulsa Pride
Tulsa Pride 2005
Tulsa Pride Events
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Dublin Core
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Title
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The Righteous: Unsung Heroes of the Holocaust Flier
Subject
The topic of the resource
The Holocaust
Description
An account of the resource
Flier for The Righteous: Unsung Heroes of the Holocaust, a presentation given by historian Sir Martin Gilbert at Congregation B'nai Emunah synagogue.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
The Council for Holocaust Education
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Yom Hashoah Interfaith Holocaust Commemoration
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
April 21, 2005
Format
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PDF
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Flier
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/files/show/2074
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The Council for Holocaust Education
Yom Hashoah Interfaith Holocaust Commemoration
Yom Ha'Shoah
The Righteous: Unsung Heroes of the Holocaust
Martin Gilbert
Congregation B'nai Emunah
Temple Israel
B'nai B'rith Youth Organization
Bridges for Peace
Camp Fire USA
Circle Cinema
Coalition of Hispanic Organizations
Northeast Oklahoma Holocaust Educators
Heritage Academy
Midrasha
National Conference for Community and Justice
National Council of Jewish Women
Native American Times
Oklahoma State University - Tulsa
Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
Phillips Theological Seminary
Say No to Hate
Trinity Episcopal Church
Tulsa City-County Library
Tulsa Community College
Tulsa Indian Coalition Against Racism
Tulsa Interfaith Alliance
Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
Tulsa Public Schools
University of Oklahoma - Tulsa
University of Tulsa
Urban League
The Holocaust
Anti-Semitism
PDF Text
Text
�
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
[2005] Yom Hashoah Interfaith Holocaust Commemoration
Subject
The topic of the resource
The Holocaust
Description
An account of the resource
Items and documents relating to the Yom Hashoah Interfaith Holocaust Commemoration.
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Other Organizations and events
Language
A language of the resource
English
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
The Holocaust
Yom Ha'Shoah
Yom Hashoah Interfaith Holocaust Commemoration
Council for Holocaust Education
The Righteous: Unsung Heroes of the Holocaust
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
https://history.okeq.org/items/show/631
and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
Anti-Semitism
B'nai B'rith Youth Organization
Bridges for Peace
Camp Fire USA
Circle Cinema
Coalition of Hispanic Organizations
Congregation B'nai Emunah
Families
Heritage Academy
Martin Gilbert
Midrasha
National Conference for community and Justice
National Council of Jewish Women
Native American Times
Northeast Oklahoma Holocaust Educators
Oklahoma State University - Tulsa
Parents
Phillips Theological Seminary
Say No to Hate
Temple Israel
The Council for Holocaust Education
The Holocaust
The Righteous: Unsung Heroes of the Holocaust
Trinity Episcopal Church
Tulsa City-County Library
Tulsa Community College
Tulsa Indian Coalition Against Racism
Tulsa Interfaith Alliance
Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
Tulsa Public Schools
University of Oklahoma - Tulsa
University of Tulsa
Urban League
Yom Ha'Shoah
Yom Hashoah Interfaith Holocaust Commemoration
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Photograph
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2592x1728 pixels
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
[2006] All Souls Unitarian Float
Subject
The topic of the resource
Pride 2006
Description
An account of the resource
Photo of All Souls Unitarian Church's float in Tulsa's 2006 Pride parade.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2006
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Dennis Neal
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English
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Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
All Souls Unitarian Church
Tulsa, Oklahoma
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PDF Text
Text
1/31/25, 2:25 PM
Robert Cisar Obituary (2006) - Tulsa, OK - Tulsa World
Search by Name
Robert S Cisar Jr.
Send Flowers
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FUNERAL HOME
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Stanleys Funeral & Cremation Service
3959 East 31st Street
Tulsa, Oklahoma
RECORDS
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Robert Cisar Obituary
C
ISAR -- Robert S., Jr., began his life's journey February 18, 1942 in Oklahoma City. His "fabulous"
journey ended Friday, March 10, 2006, in Tulsa, OK which had been his home since the early
1970s. Robert was preceded in death by, his loving parents, Zelma and Dr. Robert S. Cisar, Sr. He is
survived by: his life partner of 21 years, Kirk Holt; cousins, John and Jim McArdle and their families of
Tucson and Phoenix, AZ; 3 cousins, on the west coast; and lifetime friend, Paul Thomas and his family
of Oklahoma City. Robert also leaves many wonderful friends who traveled with him as he made his
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/tulsaworld/name/robert-cisar-obituary?id=6865448
1/11
�1/31/25, 2:25 PM
Robert Cisar Obituary (2006) - Tulsa, OK - Tulsa World
life's journey. During his brief illness, Robert was able to celebrate his life with those he dearly loved.
After serving in the Army and a tour in Vietnam where he was a Surgical Nurse, Robert started interior
home painting, then paper hanging, then home remodeling before realizing that he had a gift for
interior design. Thus evolved into his and Kirk's business, Cisar-Holt, Inc. He loved his work and
cherished the relationships they made with their many clients across the United States and abroad
over the years. Robert will be remembered and celebrated as a man who loved life, as a humanitarian, a
man of vision and integrity who deeply believed in equality. He was always supportive of his friends.
He generously and willingly lent his support to many local organizations that are about helping others.
It had been Robert's gift of sharing and giving back to others that endeared him to so many. In lieu of
flowers Robert had requested contributions be made to Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR).
Robert was one of the founders of TOHR. Recently, the TOHR organization purchased its first building.
Robert had looked forward to being a part of the team which will transform the building into a
community center. Please send contributions to TOHR, Pyramid Project, P.O. Box 2687, Tulsa, OK
74101 and note Robert Cisar Memorial Fund. Service will be 4 p.m., Thursday, March 16, 2006 at All
Souls Unitarian Church. Stanleys, 743-6271.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by Tulsa World on Mar. 14, 2006.
Cisar Pages
See more records on Ancestry®
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/tulsaworld/name/robert-cisar-obituary?id=6865448
2/11
�
Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
[Series] Oklahoma LGBT+ History > In Memoriam
Description
An account of the resource
<strong>Physical Media:</strong> <br /><br /><br /><strong>Digital Media:</strong>
Text
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<h1 class="Box-sc-ucqo0b-0 HeadingBase___StyledBox-sc-1jlt23t-0 cTwbCP cNDfOi">Robert Cisar Obituary</h1>
<div class="Box-sc-ucqo0b-0 kbVUcj ObituaryText___StyledTextBase-sc-12f7zd1-0 inFMmj">CISAR -- Robert S., Jr., began his life's journey February 18, 1942 in Oklahoma City. His "fabulous" journey ended Friday, March 10, 2006, in Tulsa, OK which had been his home since the early 1970s. Robert was preceded in death by, his loving parents, Zelma and Dr. Robert S. Cisar, Sr. He is survived by: his life partner of 21 years, Kirk Holt; cousins, John and Jim McArdle and their families of Tucson and Phoenix, AZ; 3 cousins, on the west coast; and lifetime friend, Paul Thomas and his family of Oklahoma City. Robert also leaves many wonderful friends who traveled with him as he made his life's journey. During his brief illness, Robert was able to celebrate his life with those he dearly loved. After serving in the Army and a tour in Vietnam where he was a Surgical Nurse, Robert started interior home painting, then paper hanging, then home remodeling before realizing that he had a gift for interior design. Thus evolved into his and Kirk's business, Cisar-Holt, Inc. He loved his work and cherished the relationships they made with their many clients across the United States and abroad over the years. Robert will be remembered and celebrated as a man who loved life, as a humanitarian, a man of vision and integrity who deeply believed in equality. He was always supportive of his friends. He generously and willingly lent his support to many local organizations that are about helping others. It had been Robert's gift of sharing and giving back to others that endeared him to so many. In lieu of flowers Robert had requested contributions be made to Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR). Robert was one of the founders of TOHR. Recently, the TOHR organization purchased its first building. Robert had looked forward to being a part of the team which will transform the building into a community center. Please send contributions to TOHR, Pyramid Project, P.O. Box 2687, Tulsa, OK 74101 and note Robert Cisar Memorial Fund. Service will be 4 p.m., Thursday, March 16, 2006 at All Souls Unitarian Church. Stanleys, 743-6271.</div>
Dublin Core
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[2006] Bob Cisar Obituary
Subject
The topic of the resource
Robert S. Cisar Jr., February 18, 1942 - March 10, 2006
Description
An account of the resource
Two pages of an obituary for Robert S. Cisar Jr., who lived February 18, 1942 to March 10, 2006, published by Tulsa World on March 14, 2006.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Tulsa World
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/tulsaworld/name/robert-cisar-obituary?id=6865448
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
March 14, 2006
2006
Bob Cisar
Cisar Holt Inc
Cisar-Holt Inc.
in memoriam
Kirk Holt
memoriam
Obituaries
Obituary
Pyramid Project
Pyramid Project fundraising
Robert S Cisar
Robert S Cisar Jr
Robert S. Cisar
Robert S. Cisar Jr.
Stanley's Funeral and Cremation
Stanleys Funeral and Cremation Service
TOHR
TOHR Pyramid Project
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR)
Tulsa World
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Title
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Advertisements
Subject
The topic of the resource
Pride Parade and Festival
Description
An account of the resource
Advertisement for 2006's Pride Parade and Festival. Includes smaller advertisement for Community Center.
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 4-9, 2006
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PDF
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English
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Advertisement
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Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi, and Transgender Community Center
Pride
Diversity Celebration
PDF Text
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Pride Guide
Subject
The topic of the resource
Diversity Celebration
Description
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Guide to 2006's Diversity Celebration activities
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 2-10, 2006
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PDF
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English
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Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
Diversity Celebration
Pride
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A name given to the resource
OKC Pride Vendor Pin
Subject
The topic of the resource
Oklahoma City Pride
Description
An account of the resource
Vendor's pin form Oklahoma City's 2006 Pride Celebrations
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
OKC Pride
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2006
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PDF
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English
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Pin
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Tulsa GLBT Community Center Advertisement
Subject
The topic of the resource
Tulsa Gay, Lesbia, Bi, and Transgender Community Center
Description
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Advertisement for the Tulsa Gay, Lesbia, Bi, and Transgender Community Center
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Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2006
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PDF
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English
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PDF
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Tulsa Gay, Lesbia, Bi, and Transgender Community Center
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
Pride
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Festival Maps
Subject
The topic of the resource
Pride Festival
Description
An account of the resource
Two versions of a map of 2006's Pride Festival.
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 2006
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PDF
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English
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Diversity Celebration
Pride
Festival
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TOHR
Tulsa
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�TOHR
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�
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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/.
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A name given to the resource
East Village Art Exhibit 2006 Exhibitor Registration Form
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The topic of the resource
East Village Art Exhibit 2006
Description
An account of the resource
Registration form for artists wanting to exhibit at the 2006 East Village Art Exhibit.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
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Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
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English
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Special Event Application
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Diversity Celebration 2006
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An account of the resource
Application to the City of Tulsa to host 2006's Diversity Celebration
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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 10, 2006
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Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
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PDF
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English
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Emails and Notes
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Pride Houston 2006
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An account of the resource
Emails and notes relating to Houston's 2006 Pride Celebration
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An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
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A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
October 6, 2005
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PDF
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Partial Schedule
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Diversity Celebration 2006
Description
An account of the resource
Part of a schedule for 2006's Diversity Celebration.
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Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
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Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
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June 2006
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Diversity Celebration 2006
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A name given to the resource
Citation of Welcome
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The topic of the resource
Diversity Celebration 2006
Description
An account of the resource
Citation of Welcome from the State of Oklahoma to Diversity Celebration of 2006.
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An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
State of Oklahoma
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An entity responsible for making the resource available
State of Oklahoma
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June 2-10, 2006
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Senator Judy Eason McIntyre
Representative Jabar Shumate
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PDF
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English
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Diversity Celebration 2006
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Dublin Core
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A name given to the resource
Partnership Agreement
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Diversity Celebration 2006 Partners
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An account of the resource
Blank partnership agreement for 2006's Diversity Celebrations.
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Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
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Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
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August 11, 2006
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A name given to the resource
Sponsor Packet
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The topic of the resource
Diversity Celebration 2006
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An account of the resource
Packet of information about 2006's Diversity Celebration. Includes registration forms.
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Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
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Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
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June 2-11, 2006
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Dublin Core
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Title
A name given to the resource
All Souls Unitarian Float
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Pride 2006
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An account of the resource
Photo of All Souls Unitarian Church's float in Tulsa's 2006 Pride parade.
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2006
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An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Dennis Neal
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English
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Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
All Souls Unitarian Church
Tulsa, Oklahoma
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Dublin Core
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Pride 2006 promotional video
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Pride 2006
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Video produced by Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights promoting Pride Celebration events for 2006.
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Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
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Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
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2006
1999
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Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
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Video, roughly 6 minutes long
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English
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Promotional video
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/.
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A name given to the resource
[2006] Diversity Celebration
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2006's Pride celebrations and Diversity Gala
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Documents relating to 2006's Diversity Celebration
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2006
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PDF
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English
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Diversity Celebration 2006
-
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PDF Text
Text
Steve Eberle
Director of Fundraising
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
PO Box 2687
Tulsa, OK 74101-2687
Dear Steve;
“IMAGINE” the most elegant party, set in the 1920’s in the beautiful Osage Hills of Tulsa, for the most prominent gay,
lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) celebrities from around the world. Well, that is what Tulsa Oklahomans for
Human Rights (TOHR) will be hosting Friday, June 9, 2006 at the Gilcrease Museum. Imagine sipping champagne
with Tallulah Bankhead, dining with Horatio Alger, having a cocktail with Josephine Baker, chatting with Frances Faye
- they will all be there, in costume, of course.
This evening will in part serve to recognize State Senator Bernest Cain for his lifelong commitment to protecting the human rights of all people of Oklahoma. Senator Cain will be receiving TOHR’s Lifetime Achievement Award, a special
honor for those who have provided ongoing leadership and support in the gay, lesbian, bisexual & transgender community. Lynn Jones, retired Major with Tulsa Police force, as this year’s event Chair and Nancy and Dr. Joseph McDonald as
Honorary Chairs, we would love to have you at this grand event. It is only appropriate that the words to John Lennon’s
song “Imagine” will be a gift to each guest.
Twenty-five years ago a small group of caring people started an organization seeking equality for gays and lesbians.
Thanks to you and other generous people, Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights has grown into one of the largest and
oldest GLBT organizations in Oklahoma.
The year 2006 will find us in a permanent TOHR-owned 18,000 square-foot Community Center at 4th & Kenosha in Tulsa’s East Village, within walking distance to downtown and the Brady Arts District – all vibrant urban spaces.
TOHR will provide even more services for our community in the new GLBT Center. TOHR Director Greg Gatewood,
Oklahoma’s only full-time GLBT advocate, with the help of an ever-increasing number of volunteers, supervises 20 programs, a Help/Info Line that fields nearly 3,000 calls annually and the Tulsa GLBT Community Center. The Center is
on track to welcome over 10,000 individuals this year. The David Bohnett CyberCenter, with 10 on-line computers,
provides Internet access and computer training to hundreds of people each month. The expanded Center will allow for
larger events and additional programs to serve not only the GLBT & allied community, but the entire Tulsa community.
The expanded Center will include leased retail space, creating the potential for a GLBT neighborhood - something our
community has been seeking for years.
Please consider a Corporate Level Sponsorship to support the ongoing efforts of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights.
Enclosed are a reply card and an outline of the Corporate Sponsorship Levels.
We look forward to your support and seeing you at “IMAGINE”.
Sincerely,
Lynn Jones
“IMAGINE” Chair
Nancy & Dr. Joseph McDonald
“IMAGINE” Honorary Chairs
�Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities
$5,000 Platinum Level ~ Invited Guests of Tallulah Bankhead
8 Guests, party gift for each guest, premium “Vista View” table, champagne reception, tour of the
special exhibit “Rendezvous”, hosted wine at your table, recognition in all publicity, in the event’s
program, signage and on the TOHR web site, plus tickets to the Patron Party.
$3,000 Gold Level ~ Invited Guests of Oscar Wilde
8 Guests, party gift for each guest, premium “Vista View” table, champagne reception, tour of the
special exhibit “Rendezvous”, hosted wine at your table, recognition in all publicity, in the event’s
program, signage and on the TOHR web site, plus tickets to the Patron Party.
$2,000 Silver Level ~ Invited Guests of Josephine Baker
the
8 Guests, party gift for each guest, champagne reception, tour of the special exhibit “Rendezvous”,
hosted
wine at your table, recognition in all publicity, in the event’s program, signage and on
TOHR web site, plus tickets to the Patron Party.
$1000 Bronze Level ~ Invited Guests of Truman Capote
8 Guests, party gift for each couple, champagne reception, tour of the special exhibit “Rendezvous”,
hosted wine at your table, recognition in all publicity, in the event’s program and on the TOHR
web site, plus tickets to the Patron Party.
Please reserve the following Corporate Level Sponsorship
$5,000. Platinum Level for 8 Guests
$3,000. Gold Level for 8 Guests
$2,000. Silver Level for 8 Guests
$1,000. Bronze Level for 8 Guests
Method of Payment:
Check
VISA
MasterCard
Please make checks payable
to TOHR
Cardholder Name
__________________________________________________________________________________
Card Number ______________________________________________
_____________________________
Signature
Exp. Date
�
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.
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
[2006] Diversity Gala
Subject
The topic of the resource
"Imagine" Diversity Gala 2006, Gilcrease Museum
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
2006/6/9
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
-
https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/3406fab70a19df1e4ef8519b981860d5.pdf
2d13b204d5f6188a2089cab6662af754
PDF Text
Text
Steve Eberle
Director of Fundraising
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
PO Box 2687
Tulsa, OK 74101-2687
Dear Steve;
“IMAGINE” the most elegant party, set in the 1920’s in the beautiful Osage Hills of Tulsa, for the most prominent gay,
lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) celebrities from around the world. Well, that is what Tulsa Oklahomans for
Human Rights (TOHR) will be hosting Friday, June 9, 2006 at the Gilcrease Museum. Imagine sipping champagne
with Tallulah Bankhead, dining with Horatio Alger, having a cocktail with Josephine Baker, chatting with Frances Faye
- they will all be there, in costume, of course.
This evening will in part serve to recognize State Senator Bernest Cain for his lifelong commitment to protecting the human rights of all people of Oklahoma. Senator Cain will be receiving TOHR’s Lifetime Achievement Award, a special
honor for those who have provided ongoing leadership and support in the gay, lesbian, bisexual & transgender community. Lynn Jones, retired Major with Tulsa Police force, as this year’s event Chair and Nancy and Dr. Joseph McDonald as
Honorary Chairs, we would love to have you at this grand event. It is only appropriate that the words to John Lennon’s
song “Imagine” will be a gift to each guest.
Twenty-five years ago a small group of caring people started an organization seeking equality for gays and lesbians.
Thanks to you and other generous people, Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights has grown into one of the largest and
oldest GLBT organizations in Oklahoma.
The year 2006 will find us in a permanent TOHR-owned 18,000 square-foot Community Center at 4th & Kenosha in Tulsa’s East Village, within walking distance to downtown and the Brady Arts District – all vibrant urban spaces.
TOHR will provide even more services for our community in the new GLBT Center. TOHR Director Greg Gatewood,
Oklahoma’s only full-time GLBT advocate, with the help of an ever-increasing number of volunteers, supervises 20 programs, a Help/Info Line that fields nearly 3,000 calls annually and the Tulsa GLBT Community Center. The Center is
on track to welcome over 10,000 individuals this year. The David Bohnett CyberCenter, with 10 on-line computers,
provides Internet access and computer training to hundreds of people each month. The expanded Center will allow for
larger events and additional programs to serve not only the GLBT & allied community, but the entire Tulsa community.
The expanded Center will include leased retail space, creating the potential for a GLBT neighborhood - something our
community has been seeking for years.
Please consider a Corporate Level Sponsorship to support the ongoing efforts of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights.
Enclosed are a reply card and an outline of the Corporate Sponsorship Levels.
We look forward to your support and seeing you at “IMAGINE”.
Sincerely,
Lynn Jones
“IMAGINE” Chair
Nancy & Dr. Joseph McDonald
“IMAGINE” Honorary Chairs
�Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities
$5,000 Platinum Level ~ Invited Guests of Tallulah Bankhead
8 Guests, party gift for each guest, premium “Vista View” table, champagne reception, tour of the
special exhibit “Rendezvous”, hosted wine at your table, recognition in all publicity, in the event’s
program, signage and on the TOHR web site, plus tickets to the Patron Party.
$3,000 Gold Level ~ Invited Guests of Oscar Wilde
8 Guests, party gift for each guest, premium “Vista View” table, champagne reception, tour of the
special exhibit “Rendezvous”, hosted wine at your table, recognition in all publicity, in the event’s
program, signage and on the TOHR web site, plus tickets to the Patron Party.
$2,000 Silver Level ~ Invited Guests of Josephine Baker
the
8 Guests, party gift for each guest, champagne reception, tour of the special exhibit “Rendezvous”,
hosted
wine at your table, recognition in all publicity, in the event’s program, signage and on
TOHR web site, plus tickets to the Patron Party.
$1000 Bronze Level ~ Invited Guests of Truman Capote
8 Guests, party gift for each couple, champagne reception, tour of the special exhibit “Rendezvous”,
hosted wine at your table, recognition in all publicity, in the event’s program and on the TOHR
web site, plus tickets to the Patron Party.
Please reserve the following Corporate Level Sponsorship
$5,000. Platinum Level for 8 Guests
$3,000. Gold Level for 8 Guests
$2,000. Silver Level for 8 Guests
$1,000. Bronze Level for 8 Guests
Method of Payment:
Check
VISA
MasterCard
Please make checks payable
to TOHR
Cardholder Name
__________________________________________________________________________________
Card Number ______________________________________________
_____________________________
Signature
Exp. Date
�
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
diversity gala 2006<br />friday, june 9<br />gilcrease museum<br />imagine<br /><br />tulsa oklahomans for human rights<br />po box 2687<br />918.743.4297<br />tohr.org<br /><br />Steve Eberle<br />Director of Fundraising<br />Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights<br />PO Box 2687<br />Tulsa, OK 74101-2687<br /><br />Dear Steve;<br />“IMAGINE” the most elegant party, set in the 1920’s in the beautiful Osage Hills of Tulsa, for the most prominent gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) celebrities from around the world. Well, that is what Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) will be hosting Friday, June 9, 2006 at the Gilcrease Museum. Imagine sipping champagne with Tallulah Bankhead, dining with Horatio Alger, having a cocktail with Josephine Baker, chatting with Frances Faye - they will all be there, in costume, of course.<br />This evening will in part serve to recognize State Senator Bernest Cain for his lifelong commitment to protecting the human rights of all people of Oklahoma. Senator Cain will be receiving TOHR’s Lifetime Achievement Award, a special honor for those who have provided ongoing leadership and support in the gay, lesbian, bisexual & transgender community. Lynn Jones, retired Major with Tulsa Police force, as this year’s event Chair and Nancy and Dr. Joseph McDonald as Honorary Chairs, we would love to have you at this grand event. It is only appropriate that the words to John Lennon’s song “Imagine” will be a gift to each guest.<br />Twenty-five years ago a small group of caring people started an organization seeking equality for gays and lesbians. Thanks to you and other generous people, <em><strong>Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights</strong></em> has grown into one of the largest and oldest GLBT organizations in Oklahoma.<br />The year 2006 will find us in a permanent TOHR-owned 18,000 square-foot Community Center at 4th & Kenosha in Tulsa’s East Village, within walking distance to downtown and the Brady Arts District – all vibrant urban spaces.<br />TOHR will provide even more services for our community in the new GLBT Center. TOHR Director Greg Gatewood, Oklahoma’s only full-time GLBT advocate, with the help of an ever-increasing number of volunteers, supervises 20 programs, a Help/Info Line that fields nearly 3,000 calls annually and the Tulsa GLBT Community Center. The Center is on track to welcome over 10,000 individuals this year. The David Bohnett CyberCenter, with 10 on-line computers, provides Internet access and computer training to hundreds of people each month. The expanded Center will allow for larger events and additional programs to serve not only the GLBT & allied community, but the entire Tulsa community. The expanded Center will include leased retail space, creating the potential for a GLBT neighborhood – something our community has been seeking for years.<br />Please consider a Corporate Level Sponsorship to support the ongoing efforts of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights. Enclosed are a reply card and an outline of the Corporate Sponsorship Levels.<br />We look forward to your support and seeing you at “IMAGINE”.<br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Lynn Jones<br />“IMAGINE” Chair<br />Nancy & Dr. Joseph McDonald<br />“IMAGINE” Honorary Chairs<br /><br />diversity gala 2006<br />friday, june 9<br />gilcrease museum<br />imagine<br /><br />tulsa oklahomans for human rights<br />po box 2687<br />918.743.4297<br />tohr.org<br /><br />Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities<br /><br /><strong>$5,000 Platinum Level</strong> ~ Invited Guests of Tallulah Bankhead<br />8 Guests, party gift for each guest, premium “Vista View” table, champagne reception, tour of the special exhibit “Rendezvous”, hosted wine at your table, recognition in all publicity, in the event’s program, signage and on the TOHR web site, plus tickets to the Patron Party.<br /><br /><strong>$3,000 Gold Level</strong> ~ Invited Guests of Oscar Wilde<br />8 Guests, party gift for each guest, premium “Vista View” table, champagne reception, tour of the special exhibit “Rendezvous”, hosted wine at your table, recognition in all publicity, in the event’s program, signage and on the TOHR web site, plus tickets to the Patron Party.<br /><br /><strong>$2,000 Silver Level</strong> ~ Invited Guests of Josephine Baker<br />8 Guests, party gift for each guest, champagne reception, tour of the special exhibit “Rendezvous”, hosted wine at your table, recognition in all publicity, in the event’s program, signage and on the TOHR web site, plus tickets to the Patron Party.<br /><br /><strong>$1000 Bronze Level</strong> ~ Invited Guests of Truman Capote<br />8 Guests, party gift for each couple, champagne reception, tour of the special exhibit “Rendezvous”, hosted wine at your table, recognition in all publicity, in the event’s program and on the TOHR web site, plus tickets to the Patron Party.<br /><br />Please reserve the following Corporate Level Sponsorship<br />$5,000. Platinum Level for 8 Guests<br />$3,000. Gold Level for 8 Guests<br />$2,000. Silver Level for 8 Guests<br />$1,000. Bronze Level for 8 Guests<br /><br />Method of Payment: Check VISA MasterCard<br /><em>Please make checks payable to TOHR</em><br />Cardholder Name<br />__________________________________________________________________________________<br />Card Number ______________________________________________ Exp. Date<br />_____________________________<br />Signature
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
[2006] Diversity Gala Corporate Sponsorship Invite Letter
Subject
The topic of the resource
2006 TOHR Diversity Gala "IMAGINE" Corporate Sponsorship Invite Letter
Description
An account of the resource
An invitation and order form addressed to Steve Eberle, Director of Fundraising at Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR), for Corporate Sponsorship Opportunity tickets to the 2006 TOHR Diversity Gala: "IMAGINE" on June 9, 2006, at the Gilcrease Museum, 2 pages.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR)
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
June 9, 2006
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Lynn Jones, Nancy & Dr. Joseph McDonald
2006
2006 Diversity Gala
2006 Gala
Bernest Cain
Community Center
Corporate Sponsorship
Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities
Cyber Center
CyberCenter
David Bohnett CyberCenter
Director Greg Gatewood
Director of Fundraising Steve Eberle
Diversity Gala
Diversity Gala 2006
fundraisers
fundraising
gala
Gilcrease Museum
GLBT Community Center
Greg Gatewood
IMAGINE
Joe McDonald
Lifetime Achievement Award
Lynn Jones
Nancy and Dr. Joe McDonald
Nancy and Joe McDonald
Nancy McDonald
Senator Bernest Cain
State Senator Bernest Cain
Steve Eberle
TOHR
TOHR 25th anniversary
TOHR Director of Fundraising
TOHR Lifetime Achievement Award
Tulsa GLBT Community Center
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR)
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) 25th anniversary
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights 25th anniversary
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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
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[2006] Diversity Gala Photos
Subject
The topic of the resource
OKEQ Diversity Gala 2006 Photos
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
2006
Description
An account of the resource
19 photos from the 2006 DiversityGala hosted by Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ), including presentations of the Lifetime Achievement and Community Hero Awards to recipients Sue Welch, Bernice Cain, Kirk Holt, and Charles Faudree. There is also a picture of a poster listing the gala sponsors by their respective tiers.
2006
2006 Diversity Gala
2006 Gala
5 T Construction
818 Martini Bar
Anita Randza
Bernice Cain
Bettye and Jim Knight
Bettye Knight
Charles Faudree
Class Act
Community Hero Award
Dan Burnstein
Dave Duncan
Dennis Neill
Dennis R Neill
Dennis R. Neill
Diversity Gala
Diversity Gala 2006
Dr. Greg Gray
Equality Gala
gala
Greg Gray
James Madill
Jeff Zumwalt
Jim Knight
Joe McDonald
Joel Norvell
John Southard
Jonathan Brown
Kimberly Loring
Kirk Holt
Lifetime Achievement Award
Lynn Jones
Marcy Smith
Marriott Southern Hills
Martin Martinez
Monty and Dave Duncan
Monty Duncan
Nancy and Dr. Joe McDonald
Nancy and Joe McDonald
Nancy McDonald
Neil Zink
OkEq
Oklahomans for Equality
Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ)
Petal Pushers
Samson
Senator Bernice Cain
St. Jerome Church
Starbucks
Sue Welch
Tim Williams
Tracey and Joel Norvell
Tracey Norvell
Tulsa Marriott Southern Hills
Tulsa Opera
US Cellular
VIDOOP
Williams
-
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Dublin Core
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Title
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[Collection] Oklahoma LGBT+ History
Description
An account of the resource
<strong>Physical Media:</strong> <br /><br /><br /><strong>Digital Media:</strong>
Moving Image
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Original Format
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VHS
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0.30
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MP4
Dublin Core
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Title
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[2006] Gay Pride Show with Ron Mangum, Channel 41 Tulsa - February 2006
Subject
The topic of the resource
Discussion with Laura Belmonte, President of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights and guests
Description
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Discussion of activities in the Tulsa area related to the LGBTQ community
Creator
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Channel 41, Tulsa
Source
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Sponsored by the Gay Guardian
Publisher
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Channel 41, Tulsa
Date
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2006-02
Contributor
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Channel 41, Tulsa
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Channel 41, Tulsa
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MP4
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MP4 video available to researchers for on-site viewing only due to copyright. Location:OkEq History Project/Ddatadrive/History-General (in Omeka)/Gay Pride Show Channel 41 Feb 2006 Ron Mangum with Laura Belmonte sponsored by Gay GuardianEDITED
Channel 41
Cherokee tribe
Dawn McKinley
Families First
Gay Guardian
Gay Pride Show
Jim Scuder
Kathy Reynolds
Laura Belmonte
Leslie Puncatello
Open Arms Youth Project
Ron Mangum
same-sex marriage
Tim Gillean
Tulsa Uniform & Leather Seekers Association
-
Dublin Core
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Title
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[Series] Oral Histories Project > Interviews
Description
An account of the resource
<strong>Physical Media:</strong> <br />Box 7, Folder 7 - Dr. Leisa Meyer Program<br />Box 7, Folder 8 - Interviewees Materials, Original Series 2003-2007<br /><br /><strong>Digital Media:</strong>
Dublin Core
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Title
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[2006] Kelly Kirby Interview
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
May 6, 2006
Description
An account of the resource
Video recording and transcript of oral history interview with Laura Belmonte on May 6, 2006. <strong>Video and Transcript available at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center for on-site research.</strong> Born on November 25, 1953, he graduated from high school in 1971. Faced with a draft number of 25, Kelly joined the Air Force in 1972. While very closeted during his service, while based in California, he would make trips to Santa Barbara and a few other locations to some bars and on occasion attended the Metropolitan Community Church in Santa Barbara as he was dealing with his sexual orientation. After leaving the military in 1975, he returned to Kansas and got involved with a cult Christian Group, The Way. In 1977, he married and they had 4 children. In 1980, they moved to Oklahoma City, he soon started a CPA practice and by 1986 relocated to Tulsa. He joined Homosexuals Anonymous as part of dealing with his conflicts with sexuality, family and religion. In 1990, his wife and Kelly agreed to separate and eventually divorce. He became an HIV tester with Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights in 1991 and discusses his further involvement with the gay community and TOHR, serving on the board in the early 1990s and treasurer, president and later serving as TOHR’s accountant. He became active with the local PFLAG Chapter and with the support of Nancy McDonald, joined the national board of PFLAG in 1993. He reviews the difficult environment in the 1993-1994 time period when the Tulsa Human Rights Commission proposed some ordinance changes to address LGBTQ discrimination.
Subject
The topic of the resource
Kelly Kirby Oral History Project Interview from May 6, 2006
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Kelly Kirby, Laura Belmonte, Dennis Neill
2006
AIDS/HIV
Air Force
available at Center
discrimination
HIV
HIV testing
HIV/AIDs
Homosexuals Anonymous
interview
Kelly Kirby
Laura A. Belmonte
Laura Belmonte
Metropolitan Community Church
Nancy McDonald
OKEQ Oral History Project
oral history
oral history interview
Oral History Project
oral history transcript
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
PFLAG Tulsa Chapter
The Way
TOHR
TOHR Board of Directors
transcript
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR)
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Board of Directors
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights HIV Testing
video
-
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
[Series] Oral Histories Project > Interviews
Description
An account of the resource
<strong>Physical Media:</strong> <br />Box 7, Folder 7 - Dr. Leisa Meyer Program<br />Box 7, Folder 8 - Interviewees Materials, Original Series 2003-2007<br /><br /><strong>Digital Media:</strong>
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
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[2006] Lamont Lindstrom Interview
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
April 15, 2006
Description
An account of the resource
Video recording and transcript of oral history interview with Laura Belmonte on April 15, 2006. <strong>Video and Transcript available at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center for on-site research.</strong> Lamont was born in Oakland, California on May 11th, 1953. At Berkeley, he completed a BA, MA and PhD in anthropology. Prior to spending a year in Australia on a National Science Foundation fellowship, Lamont married. They later relocated to Memphis for a teaching position and then joined the faculty at the University of Tulsa in 1982. In 1984 and 1985, he worked in Hawaii, returned to Tulsa and his wife and Lamont had 3 daughters. By 1994, he became more focused on his interest in same-sex relations. He has been in a long-term interracial relationship and discusses some of the challenges of segregation within the gay community. In 1996 he became involved with Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, including serving on the board in the 2000s.
Subject
The topic of the resource
Lamont Lindstrom Oral History Project interview from April 15, 2006
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Lamont Lindstorm, Laura Belmonte, Dennis Neill
2006
available at Center
interview
Lamont Lindstrom
Laura A. Belmonte
Laura Belmonte
OKEQ Oral History Project
oral history
oral history interview
Oral History Project
oral history transcript
segregation
TOHR
TOHR Board of Directors
transcript
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR)
Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Board of Directors
video
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PDF Text
Text
GLBT History Project
03/31/2006
Interview of Leslie Penrose by Laura Belmonte
Laura:
It is Friday, March 31 2006 and we are at the community
of Hope Church with Leslie Penrose for today’s interview.
Leslie, let’s just start with some basic biographical
information. When were you born, what was your family
and education like and those sorts of things?
Leslie:
I was born in Amarillo, Texas in 1951 into an oil field
family. And I grew up all over the Midwest and lived in
almost every state west of the Mississippi. I went to 18
different schools between kindergarten and college. Roots
are something I long for and moving is something I do
well. Although, in my adult life I have lived in Tulsa since
1981 and really do feel like I’m establishing roots here and
that this is home. Although my husband and I have
moved to like 5 different houses so we still practice the
moving thing.
Laura:
Did you have any brothers and sisters?
Leslie:
I did. I had two younger brothers and a younger sister so
I was the oldest of four: and they’re all still living. My dad
is dead but my mother is still living.
Laura:
And where did you go to college?
Leslie:
T.U. I got my masters at Phillips Theological Seminary in
Tulsa.
Laura:
And you mentioned you are married, how long have you
been?
Leslie:
35 years. I got married right out of high school. He was
in Marine Corps and it was just 6 months out of high
school and I moved to California to take up residence on
the marine base.
Laura:
Wow. And do you have children?
1
�Leslie:
I do. I have two. One was born there in California after
we had been married about two years. And the other one
was born on the East coast. We moved back here to go to
school and OU and from here we moved Richmond,
Virginia for Steve’s job and my second child was born
there.
Laura:
Well let’s move onto the issues of the gay community and
gay people and such. When was the first time you recall
hearing anything about the gay community in Tulsa?
Leslie:
I don’t know about hearing about the gay community in
Tulsa but I do know when my own sense of awareness of
gay issues happened. In the late 70s I was a banker. And
I was not happy with that and I took a trip to Central
America to try and figure things out and find out what I
wanted to be when I grew up. And the leader of the trip
that I went down there with was a gay man. And it was a
very transforming trip for me and my relationship with him
was very transforming. And I experienced him in a very
pastoral, religious way. And I asked him one day why he
wasn’t a pastor because he just had such a gift for it. And
he said, “Well I would be except that the church won’t let
me. I’m gay.” And it was not anything that I ever
consciously knew. I mean I must have been aware of it on
some level but it had never been part of my consciousness
that that was where the church was. And it just blew my
socks off and I continued to maintain a relationship with
him but it actually that experience and my experience in
Central America that drove me to seminary. And once I
was in seminary, that issue and other issues of justice just
kept pushing me to the edge: and I’d quit seminary and
start it again and then I think I can’t do this church
because it’s way too oppressive. But there was also
something within me that came out of that trip to Central
America that said, “My experience says there’s a different
way of being a church, a way that is life giving.” And I
knew that, and I wanted to be a part of that.
Laura:
Talk to me a little bit about your experiences at Phillips.
Why did you decide to go there?
Leslie:
Well I decided to go there because it was the only
seminary available to me. I was a young mother with
2
�young kids. I needed a local place. They were just
starting there Tulsa campus back when I started in 1985
and they called and asked if I wanted to be a part of that
very first class that met here in Tulsa. And so I did that.
Laura:
And you found this a kind of conflicted experience?
were they saying about issues of social justice and
homosexuality that you had to wrestle with?
What
Leslie:
You know I don’t know if it was what they were saying as
it was what the gospel was saying. I think actually the
school was pretty mainline and kind of scared to enter into
the really tough issues. I had, for most of my life, been
involved in civil rights issues for African Americans but as I
began to read the gospel and put things together it
became clear to me that something was wrong with saying
there are some folks that don’t fit into the salvation plan or
however you want to talk about it. And the more I
challenged that in my own thinking, the more I needed to
embrace other people in the dialogue. I was the president
of the student council at Phillips and actually challenged
them to, for the first time, put gay and lesbian issues on
the agenda and actually take them to a board meeting and
tell them that Phillips might be a safe place for gay and
lesbian students. It was not at that time. And they were
pretty threatened by that first dialogue but it opened the
door and they are now a very affirming place for gay and
lesbian students. At about the same time, while I was in
seminary, I was a part-time youth pastor at Memorial
Methodist Church and I got a call one day from a friend of
mine at St. Johns hospital, she was a nurse, and she said
that there was a young man here and he is dying of AIDS
and he hasn’t had any visitors here for over a month.
Would you mind coming? I knew nothing about AIDS but I
knew someone shouldn’t die with visitors for a month. So
I went and it was a baptism by fire. When I got to him I
asked if I could come in and he said sure. He said who are
you? And I told him and then he said, “Oh you don’t even
need to bother to have to stay. I know everything you
have to say, the church has already told me I’m going to
hell.” And it just broke my heart. I just said I don’t
believe that. And he let me stay a few minutes so we
could talk and when I left I asked if I could come back the
next day and visit and he said yes. And I was there
3
�everyday for about a week until that young man died.
During that time I got to meet a couple of his friends who
came by because they had heard he was going to die. And
from there I just got connected. It was like all of a
sudden, there were a number of people who needed to
deal with their spiritual issues relating to HIV and AIDS. I
got connected with Dr. Beale and Ted Campbell and all of a
sudden I was like “the chaplain” for Dr. Beale’s office. And
then one day Ted Campbell called me and asked me to do
some work with his HIV therapy group—that they had
some spiritual issues to deal with. So I went, I was there
for about an hour, and it was actually a pretty hostile
group at first. Not too willing to talk. They had a few nice
questions to ask me, but there wasn’t a conversation. And
then right before it was time to go, one of the young men,
Jim Berry, looking at me and said, “I have a question for
you. So tell me why it is that God would create somebody
and then condemn them to hell. Tell me what kind of God
does that.” And the only response I had was a God who
needs to die. Because that was true for me, the God that
they were carrying around with them needed to die. So
they invited me back and went back to that group for
several months and worked on theological issues with
them about their own belovedness in God’s eyes.
Laura:
How did you become aware of the difficulties that GLBT
people faced at Phillips?
Leslie:
I just became aware that there were a couple of lesbian
students there that were not out and were not willing to be
out and only shared their story with me because I began
to break the silence about the issue and ask those kinds of
questions. In just becoming a safe place, several students
decided to share their stories.
Laura:
Did you, yourself, have people assume you were a lesbian?
Leslie:
Absolutely, all the time. In fact, when I first community of
Hope I intentionally took off my wedding ring because I
got scared of the straight community relying on the fact
that I was straight to make me safe in religious settings.
Because the people I was working with were not safe in
religious settings unless they pretended to be straight. So
4
�I was just unwilling for it to be that obvious that I was
straight.
Laura:
You weren’t willing to flaunt your heterosexuality?
Leslie:
Yeah… I just wasn’t willing for someone else to use it. It
just made me furious that that’s what made me safe.
Laura:
So what year did you finish seminary and how did your
career trajectory go after that?
Leslie:
I was ordained in 1989 and I was still on staff at Memorial
Drive. In 1990 a young gay couple started coming to the
church that I was ministering at. And then another couple
came and so on. At first the church was pretty receptive
to the first two: tokenism thing was okay with them. But
when it became 4 and 6 and 8 and a whole pew of young
gay men, and most of them had AIDS, the church got
more threatened. So in 1992 while I was in Central
America leading a mission trip they had these secret
meetings and when I got back they told me I needed to
leave. They were no longer comfortable with my ministry.
Well in the United Methodist Church that’s not how it
works. The church doesn’t decide when you leave, only
the bishop can decide that. So the bishop told them, “You
don’t decide when she leaves. I do. And she will stay until
June when it is the normal time for people to leave.” So
between August of 92 and June of 93, I was in this horribly
painful situation where I was serving this church where a
significant number of the people did not want me there,
yet a significant number did. The church began to split
and the pastor got threatened and he wrote letters to the
GLBT members who had already joined that they couldn’t
do things like go into the kitchen because they had AIDS
and they couldn’t teach Sunday school. You know, you’ve
been there and heard it all. And so I went to the bishop
and said, “Fine, if I’m going to move that that’s fine, that’s
the system. But put someone in Tulsa who can be a safe
place for these people. We’ve opened the door now and it
needs to be provided.” And he said, “You need to start
that congregation.” Well politically at that time the United
Methodist Church would not support my opening a normal
congregation that open and affirming. They just said no.
So he and I put our heads together and he had just been
5
�in Central America and I often went to Central America and
so we came up with the idea of creating a base
community, which is really a model out of Latin America,
primarily Catholic churches, whereby people who feel
abandoned by the hierarchy who is pretty much in bed
with the oligarchy in Central and South America. And they
formed there own communities of justice and spirituality
where they are the church and occasionally a priest may
come and offer the sacraments the church is the people
and they are doing the work of nurturing spirituality and
beginning the read the bible in different ways and to
question theology. And we thought this would make sense
for Tulsa and we just made it up. And at annual
conference in June of 1993 he commissioned me to begin a
base community here in Tulsa, whatever that might mean.
Laura:
What was this bishop’s name?
Leslie:
Dan Solomon, a very courageous man. He found 12,000
dollars for me to have a part-time salary and that’s how it
started: no place to meet, no nothing except a group of
people who were willing. I went to several different
churches and finally found one, Saint Mary United
Methodist Church on North Denver, that would allow us to
meet in the evenings in their basement. So on June 21,
1993 we had the very first gathering of community. There
had been a group of 12 or 13 that had been meeting in my
living room for two or three months trying to figure out
what we wanted this church to look like. It was half gay
and half straight and that was an important piece for us.
We wanted life to not only be diverse in that kind of way
but also in a financial way to bear witness to what was
important: so we decided that for every dollar we spent on
ourselves we would also spend a dollar beyond our walls.
And we’ve done that now for 13 years. So we had this
wonderful gathering of about 50 people in June of 1993
and gave birth to Community Hope. We met there at Saint
Mary for about two months and then one evening one of
their morning members saw one of our couples kissing in
the parking lot and just freaked and went to the pastor
and the rest of the congregation and within a few weeks
they asked us to leave. So we rented a little life insurance
building on the corner of Yale and Pine and were there for
about two and one half years. We outgrew it and then we
6
�rented a warehouse on 2nd and Utica and completely
gutted and redid the warehouse and it was a wonderful
space for us and we had a wonderful time. We were there
until early 1998. And then the city came and said we
couldn’t stay because our zoning wasn’t right for being a
church. So we began to look to look for another building.
We were, what, 5 years old and looking for our 4th
building.
Laura:
It’s a good thing you had the experience…
Leslie:
That’s right, all of my life. So then we started trying to
buy a building. We tried to buy three different church
buildings and once they found out who we were they
wouldn’t sell us the building. So finally—you know if there
is anything I regret in my ministry I think this is what it
is—we bought the building in the closet. We had one of
our members buy it and transfer it to us and that was in
1998. It was a deeply painful thing and it was fear that
drove us to it: fear that we weren’t going to have any
place to call home. But I almost wish we hadn’t because it
ended up hurting us in significant ways but I didn’t know
that until a year later when I looked back at some of the
conflict—and we’d never had conflict in our congregation—
that had started, the ways some people were acting in
dysfunctional ways. And I think it was because we had
gone back into the closet in order to buy that building.
Laura:
Let’s back up for a moment: I would assume some of this
got public attention of some sort. When was the first time
you remember gaining attention in the media for your
outreach in the GLBT community?
Leslie:
Actually the Tulsa World did a story in probably 1995 and
it was very positive about who we were and the outreach
we were doing and that was probably the first time we got
attention. We didn’t really get much other publicity until in
1999 when I was brought up on charges: and then there
was lots of it, nationally.
Laura:
When you were interacting with these leasing agents and
realtors, had you been cognizant of laws on housing
discrimination not including sexual orientation?
7
�Leslie:
I think I probably had, but since this was a church it never
entered my mind that you would turn down the whole
church! It still just blows me away.
Laura:
The reason I ask is because we probably looked at 20
different spaces when we rented and that was just 2 years
ago.
Leslie:
And how painful it is! I mean I’m a straight woman, I had
never dealt with any of this before and had no idea of how
painful it could be.
Laura:
Did you have any sort of dialogue within the church about
the dissention the decision to buy, sort of undercover, was
causing?
Leslie:
No, we never had a dialogue about it. I preached about it
and I think that in and of itself did the healing that I think
was needed. We named what was going on and that
helped to heal the wounds: to say that we really messed
up and we aren’t going to do this again.
Laura:
In relation to your having this sort of ministry, churches
don’t exist as little islands, when was the first time you
recall encountering something from a different religious
bent here in Tulsa?
Leslie:
In 1990, when I was ordained elder in the United
Methodist Church I was charged with heresy when I came
up for ordination. And the charge was that I didn’t believe
in the bodily resurrection of Christ as a literal event. But
what was behind that charge was the work I was doing
with the gay and lesbian community and how threatened
people were by that. Terry Ewing who at that time was an
associate minister at Will Rogers United Methodist Church
was the person who actually filed the charges, saying that
I shouldn’t be ordained because I didn’t honor the
covenant. That was a deeply painful thing: to stand on the
floor of the annual conference and have people debate as
too whether or not you are appropriate to ministry is
pretty difficult. But it ended up being a pretty wonderful
thing because it did two things: It made me decide
whether or not I was really willing to go through with this
and how important this was to my ministry because all I
8
�had to do was kind of back down. But I decided right then
and there that if I couldn’t do the ministry that I was called
to do then being ordained was meaningless. I think that
decision on the floor of the conference is what got me
through later challenges in my ministry that were much
more difficult and much more painful. So I ended up being
grateful for that initial little baptism by fire. The other this
it did was the conference ended up having to deal with
what it was going to mean to have diversity in its midst—
and the vote ended up like 590 to 17 or something like
that. But what it meant later on that night when I was
actually ordained with the public there, at Boston Avenue
Methodist and the place was filled, and the bishop always
says, when he ordains a person, if there are any family or
people from this persons church here please stand, when
he put his hand on me almost the entire room stood. And
they didn’t know me or care about me personally but it
was their way of saying we are not going to be a church
who says no to diversity. It was a powerful moment.
Laura:
Was this coexistent or did it precede debates on GLBT
clergy in the church?
Leslie:
Oh it was right in the middle of it. The Methodist Church
has been debating that for years and years and years.
Laura:
This obviously was going in a different direction.
Leslie:
Yes, this wasn’t about gay clergy but about what
restrictions we place on who we minister to.
Laura:
How about form non-Methodist clergy in Tulsa?
Leslie:
Well that’s just how it’s always been in Tulsa. I walk into a
room and the room kind of divides by where they are on
this issue and other kinds of liberal issues. There are a lot
of times I become sort of a metaphor for liberal religion in
many settings and I’ve just gotten used to that.
Laura:
Now who would you construe as having been allies in this?
Were there others making similar sorts of overtures to the
GLBT community as you were? Or were you the trend
setter?
9
�Leslie:
I think in 1993 there were not. Community Hope was the
first open and affirming, the first other than MCC to be
open and affirming. There were certainly clergy friends
that I had who were sympathetic but they were not out
there pushing the envelope.
Laura:
After 1998, what happened?
Leslie:
In 1996 the United Methodist Church passed a law saying
that Methodist clergy cannot do same-sex blessings and
they cannot happen in United Methodist churches. We had
been doing them all along. We would publish them in our
newsletter and there was no secrecy. When the law
passed, we had a meeting here and said okay were not
going to quit. Then we started asking ourselves, what is
our theology of weddings, how do we justify what we do?
So we put together a group that began writing a document
and researching our theology on weddings and in 1997 we
had a church wide meeting and adopted this theology and
that we are going to do these weddings. At about that
same time the bishop who had started this congregation
left and we got a new bishop: Bruce Blake. He said stop.
There’s no negotiating this, stop. We said we can’t do
that: we can’t stop doing our ministry. So we continued
and we began doing this game playing with the bishop and
the conference. They’d say okay send us a video of what
you are doing. So we’d send them a video of holy union
and they would say, okay you can keep doing them but
you can’t wear your stall and you can’t bless the rings and
you cant say those magic words I announce you as wife
and wife or whatever. So we tried playing that game for
awhile because we really wanted to dance—if they were
going to move a little and let us do them then we could
move a little as well. So I blessed the rings before the
ceremony and not during it and it just became clearer and
clearer that it had no integrity. We went back to the
cabinet and said we just can’t do this. It’s like people
being asked to cut off one of their own arms. Don’t kill
yourself just cut off a piece of yourself—and we just
couldn’t do that. So then, the strangest thing, in 1998
there was a holy union in California that a whole bunch or
clergy did collectively instead of as individual clergy and
they asked clergy across the nation to join. They asked
clergy to sign on as clergy in abstentia: officiates in
10
�abstentia. So I singed on. Well there was a lay person in
Eufaula who decided that was unacceptable to him and so
he filed charges against me for doing a holy union in
abstentia in January. And then channel 11was doing a
report on those charges and they got in touch with some
people I had performed a holy union for and got a hold of
their video tape and put it on the news… And so the
bishop filed charges and it just got to be this ridiculous
mess. And so finally he just said there are charges filed
and you can stop doing this, or go to trial, or leave the
denomination. Well it didn’t make any sense to go to trial:
I’m guilty. Why do we want to spend time and money to
go through that. So I began to work with the United
Church of Christ and the charges came on February 4,
1999 and I transferred my quarters on March 4th 1999.
Laura:
And how did all of this effect the congregation?
Leslie:
We lost a huge number of people. We were averaging 90
in worship and then there was a gradual slide. It dwindled
down to about 35. One more time the church has said
you’re welcome but then resent that. I had been in the
Methodist church for 15 years as a clergy and there were a
lot of relationships there.
Laura:
How did you make the overture to the United Church of
Christ and how did the change affect the church?
Leslie:
It was really interesting. The story I told you about going
to Central America and the young man that was gay, well
he wrote to me and said he had joined the United Church
of Christ and that is where you belong. So I went to talk
to Russ Finnick which is the only other UCC church in town
and he said of course you belong here. He drove me over
to Kingfisher to talk with the committee and he nurtured
me through the process and was my mentor.
Laura:
You’ve experienced a lot more first hand homophobia than
a lot of gay people I know! So what sort of outreach and
programming was the church doing?
Leslie:
Well in that first year we started we started the mission to
feed the homeless which we still do every month. Our first
worship was in June, we stared to feed the homeless in
11
�July, we started the GED program in the jails in July, we
took a mission trip to Nicaragua in August and those things
all continue. And our HIV ministry is such a part of who
we are. Today we are probably 25% HIV infected. We’ve
lost of about 60 of our members along the way.
Laura:
You’ve mentioned Jeff Beale, when was the first time you
really encountered the AIDS epidemic? Was it before your
ministry?
Leslie:
I’m sure I’d heard about it but it wasn’t a part of my daily
life: and I don’t think I knew anything about it or the
bigotry around it.
Laura:
What were some of the things you remember about how
the community was reacting?
Leslie:
Just there was incredible fear. No one knew how you got it
and people were afraid to touch anything that someone
with HIV had touched. Families didn’t know how to react.
It was such a big part of my ministry to go in and held
hands and hugged and talked with these guys and having
family members understand that it was okay. It was so
hard to find nursing homes to find people, home health
care was almost impossible, even funeral homes… Lots of
the funerals would be done at Community of Hope because
there was no where else to go.
Laura:
So you change denominations and go through this searing
experience. Did you get national attention and how would
you describe that experience?
Leslie:
Oh a flash in the pan. Jimmy Creach was another
Methodist brought up on charges and it was in a couple
national papers and theological journals. It was so
insignificant compared to what was happening here that I
didn’t really pay attention to it.
Laura:
Talk a little more about the local fires.
Leslie:
They were willing to reprint whatever people said and that
got pretty nasty. I remember one of the news channels
came to do a report here and we were clearing the church
and I said what in the world are we going to do with 80
12
�United Methodist hymnals and that’s the piece they chose
to put on the air! And I got lots of messages: how can you
call yourself a minister and say that you know the bible?
People put hours of work into trying to convince me that
I’m wrong. But we also got an equal amount of mail that
was supportive. I got one card that said, “I will hold my
head a little higher because of you. Thank You.” That’s
pretty amazing.
Laura:
Tell me about how the church has changed since all of this
happened. Any particularly notable events or members
over the years?
Leslie:
Well one thing I want to say is Phillips seminary, we have
several professors and students that are a part of our
congregation and that has been such a supportive and
wonderful institution for us. Dr. Brandon Scott has written
a book called “Re-imagine our World” and the last chapter
is about Community of Hope and in particular his
relationship with one young gay man who died of AIDS.
And I’m really grateful that a straight white male in a
powerful position is willing and able to look and say that I
was really changed by this young man that people say
doesn’t count and doesn’t matter. It’s been so wonderful
to spend the last five years of my life to pour my energy
into creating ministry and not fighting: those first 7 or 8
years were spend fighting the institution or at least
defending ourselves from it and now we are dancing with it
and it is so wonderful to be able to use your energy for
creative things and not fighting institutions.
Laura:
How has all of this affected your husband and children?
Leslie:
It affected my children profoundly: they don’t go to church
and have never been able to find one that they feel doesn’t
have hypocrisy. And they are never going to find one like
that: we are human, political animals and hypocrisy is
going to be a part of our lives. But they just have no
tolerance for it and are having a hard time figuring out
what religious life means to them. My husband is just a
rock. He was probably more wounded by the stuff with the
United Methodist Church because he couldn’t do anything
about it: all he could do was sit there and watch them hurt
me and he has enough white male in him (ex marine) that
13
�he wants to be the knight in shining armor. And he is still
angry. And that whole add about Open Doors, Open
Hearts, Open Minds, well he just blows up every time. You
know, I’m not angry anymore: we’re free of that now. I
had some wonderful years and they gave me a great
congregation. But it’s been hard for him.
Laura:
There’s been a vocal and organized GLBT community for
quite awhile in Tulsa, but that hasn’t translated to big
political names despite the city’s size. Why do you suspect
that is the case?
Leslie:
First of all I’ve seen lots of incredible changes. In 1993
when Community of Hope opened there was nothing for
the gay community besides bars. Even like the pride star
was inside a bar! It was inside the bar. The group at
TOHR didn’t have a home: there were just bars. I’m really
grateful that it has become so much more mainstream in
Tulsa. As for why, I think it’s the same reason Tulsa
hasn’t progressed more with issues of racism and poverty.
I think middle class privilege affects us in ways that keep
us from really dealing with issues in the long term way
that we need to: we enter into the struggle for a little
while, but if change doesn’t happen quickly, we have other
things to do—we have busy lives and enough privilege that
we move on.
Laura:
How has the gay community and the community at large
supported you over the years? Can you give me some
examples of that?
Leslie:
Well Nancy McDonald has always been very supportive,
financially and in all other ways. People like Marcus Rice,
who works at Williams, and people who work in those
corporate settings, like Dennis Neill, who are just there to
be supportive and let you know that they are behind you.
Laura:
Is there anything else you’d like to add? If not, I
appreciate your time.
Leslie:
Well I appreciate yours. And I appreciate the gift of the
journey.
Transcribed by Matthew Warren
14
�
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
[Series] Oral Histories Project > Interviews
Description
An account of the resource
<strong>Physical Media:</strong> <br />Box 7, Folder 7 - Dr. Leisa Meyer Program<br />Box 7, Folder 8 - Interviewees Materials, Original Series 2003-2007<br /><br /><strong>Digital Media:</strong>
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
[2006] Leslie Penrose Interview
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
March 31, 2006
Description
An account of the resource
Video recording and transcript of oral history interview with Laura Belmonte on March 31, 2006. Born in Amarillo, Texas in 1951, Leslie graduated from the University of Tulsa with a degree in Religion and then a Masters of Divinity at Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa. She discusses her marriage, children and work in the LGBTQ+ community as a faith leader and early outreach to those impacted by HIV/AIDS. With the Methodist Bishop’s support, in 1993 she founded the Community of Hope when church leaders at her mainstream church became uncomfortable with her AIDS outreach. Facing continued pressure from the denomination, in 1999 she transferred her ordination to United Church of Christ to continue her ministry to the LGBTQ+ community and support for those living with HIV/AIDS.
Subject
The topic of the resource
Leslie Penrose Oral History Project Interview from March 31, 2006
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Leslie Penrose, Laura Belmonte, Dennis Neill
2006
AIDS
AIDS/HIV
Community of Hope
HIV
HIV/AIDs
interview
Laura A. Belmonte
Laura Belmonte
Leslie Penrose
OKEQ Oral History Project
oral history
oral history interview
Oral History Project
oral history transcript
Phillips Theological Seminary
transcript
TU
United Church of Christ
University of Tulsa
video
-
https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/02631b18c95a305b72e50e732408bfd8.jpg
8a20246ff7252014b68bfb7654d20f4e
Photo
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
[2006] Nancy and Joe McDonald Reviewing Rainbow Library Design
Subject
The topic of the resource
2006 Photo of Nancy and Joe McDonald reviewing design for Nancy and Joe McDonald Rainbow Library
Description
An account of the resource
A photo of Nancy and Joe McDonald next to a pin board displaying plans for the Nancy and Joe McDonald Rainbow Library to be established at the new Equality Center in their honor, dated December 2, 2006.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
December 2, 2006
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Nancy and Joe McDonald, Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ)
2006
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
Equality Center
Joe McDonald
Nancy and Dr. Joe McDonald
Nancy and Joe McDonald
Nancy McDonald
Nancy McDonald Rainbow Library
OkEq
OkEq Equality Center
Oklahomans for Equality
Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ)
photo
photos
Rainbow Library