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Title A name given to the resource Robert (Bob) Odle Oral History Interview - Feb. 19, 2026 Transcript PDF Text Text Oklahomans for Equality Oral History Interview with Robert (Bob) Odle Interview Conducted by Toby Jenkins (and Dennis Neill) Date: February 19, 2026 Transcribed and Edited By: Dennis Neill using Reduct.Video AI, March 13, 2026 Restrictions: Interviewee requested: N/A Oklahomans for Equality History Project 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK. 74120 918.743.4297 historyproject@okeq.org 1 �About Robert (Bob) Odle Summary This interview with Bob Odle offers a deep dive into his life as a gay man, theater professional, and community advocate. Covering his personal journey, the impact of historical events, and insights into Tulsa's cultural scene, it provides valuable lessons on resilience, identity, and activism. Keywords LGBTQ history, theater, Tulsa, activism, personal story, AIDS, gay community, cultural history Key Topics    Bob Odle's personal history and identity The impact of historical events like JFK's assassination and AIDS crisis The development of theater and LGBTQ community in Tulsa Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Bob Odle 02:57 Early Life and Education 05:59 College Experience and Sexual Orientation 08:58 Military Draft and Sexual Identity 2 �11:50 Teaching Career and Coming Out 14:47 Theater Involvement and Gay Community Connections 17:48 Reflections on the LGBTQ+ Experience 20:57 Teaching Philosophy and Curriculum Development 23:56 Theater Companies and Professional Acting 39:52 Theatre Roots and Early Involvement 41:12 Memorable Performances and Traditions 43:39 The Birth of World Action Singers 48:06 The Evolution of Theatre Spaces in Tulsa 53:00 Theater Community Support and Changes 56:39 The Lynn Riggs Theater and Community Engagement 01:02:33 Impact of the Pandemic on Theatre 01:05:27 Personal Loss and Community Involvement 01:08:20 Political Climate and Advocacy 01:10:58 Concerns for Arts and Rights 01:20:21 A Message for Future Generations Robert (Bob) Odle Oral History Interview Feb 19, 2026 Toby Jenkins: Today is February the 19th, 2026. We are at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center in downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma, in the Joe and Nancy McDonald Rainbow Library, and we are doing archival work and interview today, and joining me for the interview is Amanda Thompson, our archivist and the founder of Oklahomans for Equality, Dennis Neill. This is Toby Jenkins. Today, viewers, we are very fortunate to have a very special guest. Tell us your name and your date of birth and your address. Bob Odle: Bob Odle, Robert Odle. Date of birth is May 15th, 1945. Bob Odle: My address is XXX in Tulsa. Toby Jenkins: Thank you so much. We're here today, and I want us to tell...you've had such an interesting life, and I want to make sure we get everything, and we appreciate our viewers' interest in this, and so this is...we're going to give you some history that you might have a little trouble finding, so we're going to put it in one place where our viewers can find this information. Do you want me to call you Bob or Robert? Bob Odle: Bob. Everybody calls me Bob, except my sixth-grade art teacher. Toby Jenkins: What are your pronouns? How do you identify your gender? Bob Odle: Mr. He. Toby Jenkins: So, you identify as male? Bob Odle: Yes. 3 �Toby Jenkins: Okay, and could you just, for our time together, we're gonna...how do you identify in your sexual orientation, your...how do you identify? Bob Odle: Well, I'm queer as a $3 bill. Toby Jenkins: Okay, good. So, it's good to know, and for our historical people, that was a phrase we used a lot when we were growing up as kids. Bob Odle: Well, I just heard about the origin of the $3 bill just within the past week. During this Civil War, some of the southern states, as I recall, didn't have really enough gold, and so they issued those $3 bills, or maybe it was the American Revolution. I don't remember, but it was some revolutionaries, and they issued worthless money, and it was $3 bills. Toby Jenkins: So, that's why we have it. That's why they always used it on us. Where were you born? Bob Odle: I was born in Kansas City, Missouri. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Bob Odle: Research Hospital. Toby Jenkins: Is your family from Kansas City, Missouri? Bob Odle: Most of my...the Bell side of the family is from Missouri. My four-times greatgrandmother came to Missouri with Daniel and Nathan Boone. Nathan Boone is buried not far from where she's buried, and so most of my relatives are there. The...and the Rileys are there, once they came to this country. The Odles are scattered around western part of Virginia. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Now, when you say she's buried up in Missouri, is she buried near Boone's Lick? (Editor’s note Boone's Lick is the historical site where Daniel Boone’s sons settled around Franklin Missouri.) Bob Odle: Oh, no, that's much farther north. Nathan Boone is much closer to Springfield, and it's a little country cemetery that is largely a family cemetery. I mean, I'm related by blood or marriage to most of the people who are in that cemetery, so she's buried there where the other Bells and the Rileys are. Toby Jenkins: And so you were...your family was in Kansas City at this time, or...? Bob Odle: Yes, they had moved...my grandmother and grandfather had moved to Kansas City, and I think most of my...all of my aunts and uncles were born in Kansas City, and my mother was born there, and...and so that's...that's where I was born. Toby Jenkins: Now, did you grow up there? I mean, was that what you spent your childhood? Bob Odle: Yes. I went to Munger Elementary School, which was named after a farmer who donated that land to the school district, and it was a little eight-room, four downstairs and four 4 �upstairs schoolhouse with a prefab outside for the 7th and 8th grades, and 6th and 7th grades. And so I went to Munger for the first three years, and then North Kansas City had a bond issue, and they built some new schools because that area of Kansas City was growing. They built right across the street from Munger, they built Oak Ridge and just a few blocks from us they built Maplewood. I went to Maplewood for the fourth and fifth grades and then my mother remarried and we moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma where I went to Luther Burbank for one year. TPS has recently sold that building. And then I went to Bell Junior High for two and a half years and then we moved over to 27th Street and I finished the ninth grade and went through high school at Nathan Hale and then got a scholarship to the University of Tulsa. I applied various places but TU gave me a scholarship that paid half of my tuition which was $600 a year. Toby Jenkins: And what year would that have been that you graduated? Bob Odle: I graduated from Nathan Hale in 63 and from TU in 67. Toby Jenkins: And how new was Nathan Hale? Was it a pretty new high school? Bob Odle: It was brand new that first year I went there. Toby Jenkins: Do you remember what your graduating class, how many were in your graduating class? Bob Odle: I contend there were 450 but some people, some members of my class say there were fewer than that. I don't know, I haven't counted the pictures in the yearbook. I keep thinking I must do that and I haven't. Toby Jenkins: Yeah, by the 70s it was up in the 2000s. Bob Odle: Yes, they added a wing. Toby Jenkins: But I think today Nathan Hale's graduating class is about 200. Bob Odle: Well, yeah, they added classrooms to the building. Quite a few classrooms after I graduated. Toby Jenkins: So was your family glad that you were going to school in Tulsa instead of getting accepted someplace else? Bob Odle: Well, they were glad I got a scholarship which was $300 which paid half of my tuition. And my books altogether, my books cost less than $100. Toby Jenkins: I don't think I ever paid $100. What did you study at TU? Bob Odle: I was a theater major. Toby Jenkins: And so this would have been in 1963 when you graduated. What was going on in our country at that time? I mean this was shortly after Kennedy had been assassinated. 5 �Bob Odle: No, it was when he was assassinated. That was a sad day that I remember that day. And the several days afterwards when we had no commercial TV. And Channel 2 played Handel's Largo during all of the station breaks. And we went until Monday after the funeral with no commercials on TV. And 24-hour coverage of the funeral and people visiting the White House and the Capitol. Toby Jenkins: Were you in school when y'all heard this news? Bob Odle: It was just my first time at the Baptist Student Union. They should have told me never to go back. My first time there and I went to class and a friend of mine who had a little portable radio said the president has been shot. And what's he talking about? He's crazy. And then it was during that class, I had humanities at 1 o'clock. It was during that class then that it was announced that the president was dead. I gave a friend a ride home and we listened to the radio. And the radio was covering the funeral and the death of the president. Toby Jenkins: And this would have been your freshman year? Bob Odle: It was my freshman year, yeah. It was a sad day. It was a sad several days. Couldn't believe that in the 20th century a president would be assassinated. I just couldn't believe that. Toby Jenkins: What were you studying at TU? Bob Odle: I was majoring in theater. I had a minor in English lit and a minor in education so I could get my teaching certificate. It was then, and I didn't know this until, I was so naive. I'm incredibly naive, even now. I heard after the first show that the person who played the lead and some other people were gay and, what? And so, later, I think the person who told me that had the hots for me for years. I think I later found out more and more people in the theater department, which is where I hung out, were gay and, oh, okay, I didn't know that. I had no idea. Toby Jenkins: Did you understand what that meant? Bob Odle: Oh yeah, I understood what it meant, but I just didn't know that they were gay and that there were so many. Toby Jenkins: So you were like in Gay Head Start, the theater department at TU. Did you, had you by that time, I mean, by then you're 18, adult, and you're a young male college student. Had you begin to realize about your own sexual orientation or was it? Bob Odle: Yeah, I went through a period, and I think it's not unusual, of denial. And, let's see, I was molested when I was like 12 years old, and I didn't know, I just, I didn't know anything about that. I just, it was when I was 15, I finally said, no, I don't want to do that anymore. Well, I didn't want to do it with somebody older, I wanted to do it with some of my classmates. And I remember when I was like in the seventh grade at Bell, the day we all suited up in our white tshirts and our white gym shorts and our white tennis shoes. And I walked, there were these other boys, and whoa, wow, I mean, this thrill went through me. Whoa, whoa. And so... 6 �Toby Jenkins: So you're in college, and you're in this program, and I guess it was gossip people were talking about people being gay. Bob Odle: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: Was it in college that you began to, I mean, did you have a relationship with another student, a person, or? Bob Odle: No, not really, but there was one person who was in my English class who I had seen go to the, it was the Baptist student union, that was the reason I went that one day, and I went back subsequently. I did have the hots for him, and it was, he dropped out of school, I think, after the first semester of our freshman year. And in the past year or so have found out, I suspect he was killed in Vietnam. I suspect he joined the army, that school wasn't really for him. And when he didn't show up at any of our classes, and he was no longer on campus, I did feel like my heart was broken. I mean, I really had a crush on him. Toby Jenkins: So when he left school, I mean, you didn't know where he went, and so did you quit going to the Baptist Student Union after that? Bob Odle: No, I continued to go because I knew some other people who were there. Toby Jenkins: What was TU like in those days, in the 60s? Bob Odle: We had to wear our freshman beanies for the first six weeks. I still have mine somewhere, I tried to find it for the 50th anniversary, that's when I, oh no, this was 50 years after graduation. It was red, alternate red and yellow panels with a red 67 in the front panel, and we had to wear those for the first six weeks, I mean, that was the rule. We had to go to orientation like once a week. We had to take six hours of religion. I took Old Testament history and origin and principles of Christianity. Bob Odle: Later, they reorganized and we didn't have to take any religion, and I'd already taken six hours, and so we had to go to chapel, I don't know, maybe once at least…. Toby Jenkins: A week, once a week, or once a semester? Bob Odle: No, I think once in the first six weeks. The class of 68 had blue beanies with yellow 68 on the front. That was the last class, I think, that had to wear beanies. Toby Jenkins: About how many students do you think were at TU at that time? Bob Odle: I think they've held steady at about 4,000 to 5,000. Toby Jenkins: And so that would have been at the time when Tulsa was the oil capital of the world and TU was known as the top geology, or what am I saying? Petroleum engineer. Yeah, petroleum engineer. 7 �Bob Odle: There was one guy in the theater department who was from Egypt and he was in theater, but he, I think, came for petroleum engineering, which is why a lot of people were there from other states. Toby Jenkins: So you talked about the military and the Vietnam War. Tell us about that. Were there lots of students who were leaving? Bob Odle: I was not aware of any at that time because I graduated in 67, so the buildup, I think, started in 65, but I was not... We had student deferments as long as we were in school. Toby Jenkins: Were you in the military? Bob Odle: No, never. They didn't want me because I was gay. Toby Jenkins: You remember your draft number? Were you subject to a potential call-up? Bob Odle: I don't remember that. That's been so long ago. Toby Jenkins: So they didn't want you because you were gay. Tell us about that. I mean, by then, you were acknowledging…? Bob Odle: Well, I remember they had me come in and talk. There was a sergeant who was in charge of all of the physical examination and whatnot and he had me talk to a captain who asked me if I was sure I was gay, if I was just saying that. He said, I've always remembered, he said, you know this will go on your permanent record. Toby Jenkins: So you actually had to fill out a form that said that? Bob Odle: Yes. That was when... It was like an alumni meeting. All the guys I knew from high school were on the same bus, and some friends from junior high who went to Will Rogers were on the same bus going to Oklahoma City. That was part of what we did that day, was we had to sit down and fill out these forms about what diseases we'd had and if we had homosexual tendencies. So we had to actually fill out a form. Toby Jenkins: You felt like you needed to be honest? Bob Odle: Well, yeah, because I was going to go to law school, and I did go to law school for a while. So I thought, well, I can't lie on this. I think there was a small print that said it was a federal crime or something, and so I didn't want to lie. Toby Jenkins: So the captain tried to talk you out of it, is what you're saying? Bob Odle: He wanted to make sure that I wasn't just... Because a friend of mine said, I remember a party and he was talking about how... He had a high lottery number, so he wasn't chosen, but he said he had the choice of going to Canada or he could queer out. So apparently there were other people who were signing, yeah, they were gay. They had homosexual tendencies or whatever the wording changed to, and so apparently they had encountered that before, people lying about being gay. 8 �Toby Jenkins: This is fascinating to me. I don't know that I've ever had anybody talk about this. I don't know if I've ever interviewed somebody and them talk about the details of that and the possibility that the military wanted to make sure you weren't just using something. So I'm just curious, were you in a room with several people when you were asked this, or was it more of a private discussion? Bob Odle: Well, there was a big classroom with student desks for us to fill out the form, but then the sergeant... I was in a room, an office with the sergeant and a couple other non-coms. He said it would be better to get rid of me then than to go ahead and have me sworn in and have me booted out of the military for being gay. But he decided for some odd reason to have me talk to this, I guess, doctor who was a captain. I mean, I have no idea. They just know he was a captain and they sent me into his office for him to question me about that. Toby Jenkins: So you were able to avoid military service. Do you remember, I mean, you were a college student during these days. I don't know necessarily when… Bob Odle: Well, this was after I graduated that I got that. And it was after I'd taught for a year, too. But teachers had deferments. I mean, I was originally taken after I graduated with this busload of alumni, people I'd known in high school. And then the school board, I got a job teaching and the school board appealed that. And they had just gotten this draft board… I went before these old men. Toby Jenkins: Where were you teaching? Bob Odle: At Central High School, which was downtown. Toby Jenkins: The major campus that's still down there today. Bob Odle: Yeah, PSO owns it now, and AEP. And they had gotten something from Washington that they should give teachers who were teaching deferments or something like that. But I was drafted in the meantime. And so the public schools protested. But it wasn't that I got out of the military. The military didn't want me. Toby Jenkins: Very, very interesting. So well said. Bob Odle: Well, I know of other gay people who've had military experience. Well, and I have one friend who used to live in Tulsa, who lives somewhere in Dallas, I think, now. He was booted out of the Navy and was not happy with being booted out. I mean, there are a lot of gays who want to serve their country and be in the military. But we were not allowed to. And those who were drafted—and I have a friend who was investigated by the Naval Intelligence for a while. They trailed him. And I don't know if he was court-martialed or not. He stayed in the Navy for years and retired as a lieutenant commander. Some of his friends at his funeral said he would have been a commander had there not been that investigation. But he would sometimes go into bathhouses in San Diego or San Francisco in order to have the people who were tailing him leave him alone. 9 �Toby Jenkins: To make them have to follow him in there? Bob Odle: They wouldn't follow him in there. Toby Jenkins: So you said you finished TU and then you started teaching. Bob Odle: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: And you had to get a teacher's certificate. Now, I'm just curious, you're teaching—what did you teach at Central High School? Bob Odle: Competitive speech and drama. Toby Jenkins: So you would have probably been my instructor because that's the kind of stuff I was in in high school. So you were teaching…This would have had you probably 21, 22? Bob Odle: I was just barely 22 when I started teaching. And I taught for four years. My goal was to teach for four years, save some money, and go to law school full-time. I went to law school part-time, but I quit to go full-time, and that was about the time we started doing theater. And I thought, well really, I'd rather be an actor than be an attorney. And so I dropped out of law school. My mother was not happy with it. She got over that eventually. Toby Jenkins: So you're a young adult. Had you begun to have romantic relationships with men, or had you connected to the gay community? I mean, you were teaching school. Bob Odle: Well, I had a lot of friends who, being in theater, I had a lot of friends who were gay, and pretty much openly gay. And so, you know, I would think about that, you know. And eventually, after I was doing theater, and eventually, after years went by, because I was in a state of denial. I mean, I lived with a woman for a while. And... But it was because I was in a state of denial, which is not uncommon, I think, and so eventually when we broke up, because it was not destined to be, she lives with her second husband in South Carolina, I think, and I contact her periodically, or she contacts me. But I didn't really have, I still was so closeted. A lot of people probably knew, but it was sometime then, sometime around 1980, I think, that is after we moved into the Brook Theater in 79, it was about 1980 that I decided to go to, well I had been to, I mentioned this at the breakfast the other day, I had been to Saddle Tramps in Oklahoma City years before. I had no idea it was a gay bar. I mean, when I was, I had done Tea House of the August Moon in Tulsa, and then I was asked to join the touring company in Oklahoma City. So I went down to Oklahoma City, and friends put me on a bus, and I went down there, and I saw this limousine parked across from the bus station, and I thought, well it'd be neat if that was for me. It was! The owner of the theater had a huge Cadillac limousine, and I mean the big, stretched thing, and so he took me to the theater, and there were a couple of people in that play, that were in that cast, that were gay. And then I did another tour, and I think some people were gay, and then a lot of people I knew from the theater were gay. 10 �And a friend moved back for a short time to help us open The Brook, I think, with his boyfriend from New York, and they lived together. And so all of this was like, you know, making an impression on me. And so finally in about 1980, well I was going to tell you about Saddle Tramps. The manager of the Gaslight, we were dark on Monday nights, and so one Monday night, and every other Monday we got paid. And so it was a Monday we got paid, and so we all decided to go to dinner, and we went to the Haunted House, which you have to have reservations before they will tell you the address. It's a fabulous old mansion somewhere in northeast Oklahoma City, and they had fabulous food. And so we went there, and those who didn't have cars, because some people had their own cars, but I'd left mine, I'd taken the bus to Oklahoma City. I was in the manager's limousine with some other people, who I think back, I think at least two of them were gay, maybe three of them were gay. And so we went to the manager's house for a little while, and he lived somewhere in northeast Oklahoma City, and not far from the theater as I recall. But anyway, then we went to a bar. He decided, let's go to a bar. So well, I know the bar we'll go to, and we'll go to this bar. Well, it was Saddle Tramps. I didn't know. And it was a Monday night, so nobody was there except us and maybe a couple other people and the bartender. And I went in to use the restroom at one point, and there was a toilet sitting right in the middle of the floor, and there was a bathtub also there. And this is strange. And so I went out and I told the others, you've got to see that restroom. And so that was the first time. Then later on, somehow a friend of a good friend of mine who had been a colleague in teaching and who'd lived just two doors down from when we first moved to Tulsa, her friend was doing drag for the first time at a place called, I think, the Stage Door on Main. And so a group of us went to see him do drag for the first time, and he was not very good, but there was this person in a mini skirt, a mini dress that had flowers on it, and a bouffant wig, who did Harper Valley PTA, was fabulous. And so that was my first time. So later then, I decided to go to a gay bar, and I went to one called, I think, Caruso's, also on Main, maybe a little bit south of where Stage Door had by that time, I think, become a parking lot, as much of downtown Tulsa is. I went to Caruso's, and I went there a few times, and then I decided to branch out and try some others. And I'd heard of people going to Oklahoma City and staying at what was then called the Pepper Tree, it was the Habana, and now it's a different name, and why it's not the Habana, because it's been Habana since it opened in the 1960s. Because I went there as a school teacher, we had our speech convention at the Habana when it was a Best Western. And little did I know that right next door was Saddle Tramps. And because I had, you know, it was dark, and I was being toted around in this limousine, had no idea where I was or what was going on. And so, I heard of people going there, and so I went down there, and I discovered all of the bars in the hotel and on the Strip. And... Toby Jenkins: So during this time, I know you were an actor in the theater companies, and obviously a professional actor, you were being paid. Were you still teaching at this time? 11 �Bob Odle: No, I went back to teaching after, in 1990, I believe. I worked in theater and doing workshops in schools all over the state. And I went back to teaching. A friend of mine, because the oil companies who had given us money had moved to Houston, so they could be hit by hurricanes and flooded by hurricanes. And so a friend of mine suggested, why don't you go back and get your teaching certificate? So at his urging, I did. And so I got a job teaching. I deducted my trips to Oklahoma City for our annual convention for my income tax, because the motel, I had to have a motel while I was down there. I deducted that for my income tax. I went down there and I would always stay at the Habana, and then there were all those bars right there. Toby Jenkins: So I know that was the gay district still, I guess, today is considered that. So during this time, had you ever come out as openly gay to your other theater friends and folks? I mean, had you pretty well, you said about 1979 was when you began to connect to the gay community. Had you told other people that you were gay? Bob Odle: No, not until the friend who'd come here for the opening of The Brook went back to New York, and he'd come back Christmas to be with his parents. And so after a show, I said, why don't we go to a bar? I know a bar at 18th and Main. So we went to Renegades. And then later we went to Tim's Playroom at 11th and Lewis. And that was the most fun. That was a fun bar. Then, later in the 80s, I went to New Orleans and discovered just about all the bars in the French Quarter and some in the Marigny, and met a person who had been a student at Central High School when I was a teacher there. We went to see a play over at the Marigny Theater, which is connected with a bar and around the corner from some other bars. He died, oh, it's been several years ago, and he had heart problems. He was very intelligent, talented, and so I started making sometimes four trips per year to New Orleans. Certainly, I've gone there every year for about 30 years. When the bathhouse closed down there, I went into mourning for two years. I thought about, should I leave a bouquet of condoms and lube outside the front door? Because people leave bouquets of things. I mean, I was like, I miss that. That was a fun bathhouse. After Katrina, it was a member of the club baths, and I had a club card, and they were good at the club baths all over the country. I went to some of the others, and they were not as good as the Club New Orleans. Toby Jenkins: Were you teaching during this time? Bob Odle: Yes. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Were you able to be openly gay? In the early days when you got the deferment, I know the school board was addressing their teacher's deferments. Did anybody at your school know that you had got a deferment because you told them you were gay? Bob Odle: No. 12 �Toby Jenkins: Okay. Then while you were teaching here in Oklahoma, were you openly gay? I mean, did your students know you were gay? Did your principal, your ... Bob Odle: No, not that I know of. I think some suspected, but nobody really cared. I was there to teach speech, and I was focused on that. That was my job, and I was focused on doing that, and I also had a humanities class, and I was focused on spreading this notion of the arts, all of the arts, through the ages. I put together a thing on humanities for the first two years myself until ... It took two years before I found a book that also covered Asia, because of my philosophy that we're too Eurocentric, and kids needed to know. I sandwiched into a short period of time 6,000 years of Chinese and Japanese and Indian Middle Eastern art, which is not doing it ... I mean, that should have been a separate class, but it wasn't, and so I wanted kids exposed to that. Toby Jenkins: So that was curriculum? You were writing curriculum for that? Bob Odle: Yes, I did. Toby Jenkins: Okay. What theater companies were you involved in? You talked about you were a paid actor. Bob Odle: Yeah, I worked with American Theater Company for years, and also during some down times when we didn't do many shows, I also worked with Gaslight. Toby Jenkins: Okay. How long were you involved with American Theater Company? Bob Odle: From its inception in 1970 until ... Well, I did a show 2006, 2008. For four years in a row, we did the Rocky Horror Show, the original stage musical, which is much better than the movie. I frequently think that is the case, that things on stage don't translate to film. Toby Jenkins: Live theater is better. Bob Odle: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: Okay. So how many years would that have been with American Theater Company? Forty? Bob Odle: Well, man. Bob Odle: 70 to almost, yeah, almost 40, 37 or so, I worked. I was on the board after that, for some time after that, but I was just too busy to do shows. And so, you know, but I was still affiliated with the theater, but I've not been on the board for like three years now. Toby Jenkins: What performances were you in, what shows? Bob Odle: Well, on my tombstone, which I have already bought, and it is, although I intend to be cremated and have my ashes scattered, my tombstone, which is next to my mother and stepfathers, and near my grandparents and great-grandparents and so on and so forth, yeah, that's Karl Krauss as Ebenezer Scrooge. And Karl has played that role for years and years. And 13 �so, you know, that's me as Brother Oral Love. That's one of the things on my tombstone. I had Robert, I think Robert Leonard Odle, because I'm named after both of my grandfathers. That was a thing in my family for a while after both grandfathers or grandmothers. And so I have Brother Love and Tartuffe, Captain Hook, and there's one other that I keep forgetting, but it's one of my favorite roles I ever played. But those are three of the ones. Toby Jenkins: So I know Christmas, Carol, is kind of like a Christmas tradition. Bob Odle: I know, I never, the second year we did it, one of the reviewers for one of the Tulsa papers said, this needs to be a tradition. And I thought, and well, it has become that. This is, I mean, this fall will be 50 years since Rick and I wrote that. Toby Jenkins: Well, I'll just let you know whether you are surprised that it became a tradition. In my family, I took my children to see it, and now I have grandchildren, and all of us have made it a part of our Christmas tradition. We don't go every year, but we've been multiple times. Bob Odle: I go every year. I mean, I love that story. It's a great story about giving. Dennis Neill: We spent a little more time talking about Joyce Martel and the Oral Action Singers, how that originated and your role in it and the longevity of that show. And did ATC actually own the Brook at that point in time? Bob Odle: No, we rented it or leased it, I don't remember which. But, well, Jerry Pope and Rick Averill and I, Rick always wrote the music. Jerry and I would, he would write one scene, I would write another scene and so on until we wrote the play. And it's about, it was essentially about balanced growth in Tulsa and the reason we didn't have balanced growth. And we did some stereotypical characters. And one was this religious figure, which we called in that musical, Seth Righteous. And so that sort of began it. Then a year later at Cain's, we opened and ran a month with Joyce Martel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris, Texas. I think that title was based on something that was on T, Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris or something. Anyway, so, but we decided not to call it Seth Righteous, to call it Oral Love because of the combination of the double entendre there with Oral Roberts out South and, you know, and the act of sex. And so we did that at the Cain's for a month and then they decided we were too bawdy for Cain's. That was when the people who had Cain's at the time were having people do the alligator and people were actually having sex in the audience. But we were too bawdy for them. So we moved to the Inferno, which is now the location of a car wash on South Peoria. The Inferno had a big sign outside that said topless lunch from 11 until seven. It was a long lunch. You would eat a lot of food. And we went in there and, like the first day we went in there, one of the dancers named Snowball grabbed me by the crotch and led me into the bar. So we did it there for a couple of months. Then we moved to Captain's Cabin, which was at 41st and Memorial. It's where Richard De La Fonte, a hypnotist, was working most nights and he had the prime weekend nights. Then we closed the show because we were going on the first of our summer tours. 14 �We talked about it during that summer tour and we came back and performed on the roof of the Mayo parking garage for a month- the coldest September on record, I think, and then the hottest day in October- we moved to the ballroom inside upstairs and we had this huge box that was two 4x8 sheets of plywood with about that much wood in between the shelves and all of our props and some of our costumes, and it wouldn't fit in the elevator shaft. So we had to take it to the freight elevator and we had to ride up on top of the freight elevator. We had to take it down to the basement, move the thing in on top of the freight elevator, take the freight elevator up to the floor below the ballroom and open the doors and move the thing out. It was a nightmare. Dennis Neill: So, Bob, this is all in the early 80s, right? Bob Odle: This is 75. Dennis Neill: Oh, okay, so now, which show are you talking about right now? Bob Odle: Joyce Martel. Dennis Neill: I saw it when I moved to Tulsa and I moved here in 77. Bob Odle: That was, oh well, we did the best of Joyce Martel in 76. And then in 77 we were at the Crest Club at the Mayo. We did some shows in the crystal ballroom, some shows we did downstairs in theToby Jenkins : Do you remember where you saw it? Dennis Neill: I thought I saw it at the Brook, but I could be wrong about that, correct? Bob Odle: Yeah, we didn't open that. 61579, that was the code on the security, the security system. Dennis Neill: I remember you and the flaming Bible, right? Bob Odle: Yeah, well, I used that for a long time. Dennis Neill: Okay, maybe it was another show. Bob Odle: We did the best of Joyce Martel, and then we closed that. And then in 77, well, we did some shows in the Pompeian Room, which is an artificial room they put because it was a two-story lobby, but they put a floor in and had this large meeting room called the Pompeian Room and it had Roman murals all around. It was horrible. Dennis Neill: So any pushback from Oral Roberts and the university with regard to the action singers? Bob Odle: Well, not then so much. We moved to the Brook, we continued, we did the Crest Club- and I don't remember what that show was called- right offhand. Then we got this deal with the Brook and we moved in there and we converted it from a movie house to a legitimate 15 �theater and we opened in June of 79 with huge, gigantic those spotlights on Peoria and drew a lot of attention. We had the marquee out front and some friends who had seen the show were friends with a man who made all of Oral Roberts' trinkets that he gave away for a donation and he had a pretty large house out south and it was his 50th birthday and they had happy 50th birthday up on the roof in big letters, eight feet tall. I mean they were huge letters- and so they decided he had all this money and he had everything he wanted, so they would give him something he wouldn't normally get, and so they gave him Brother Oral Love as his birthday, as entertainment for his birthday party, and there was a big crowd there. Some of the provosts of ORU was there and there were some other ORU people there and there were some of the people in the audience who just loved what I was doing. There were some who stood stony faced. Then one year, I don't remember what we renamed the show, we did a new show every year, which was a nightmare to write. But we did a show and I thought, okay, I'm going to write this sermon this year. What would I do if I were totally corrupt? And, you know, so, you know, like Jesus spent time in the desert. Well, I owned a house in Palm Springs. And because that's in the desert. And I had a Mercedes-Benz because there's a Janis Joplin song, Oh Lord, won't you give me a Mercedes-Benz. So I always ended with that. And the thing is that summer, Shoals, Jerry Shoals, I think his name is, published his book about Oral Roberts, the time he had worked for Oral Roberts. And it turned out he did have a Mercedes. He did drive a Mercedes. And he did own a house in Palm Springs. I mean, the stuff, if I were totally corrupt, this is what I would write. This is what I would do. Well, it turned out that was real life. And so Shoals came to see the show at least once. And he was tailed. They had people watching his every movement. Whether Oral actually knew about it or not, I don't know. But some of the people at the university did know what I was doing. But I got paid, so who cares. Toby Jenkins: So during this time, all these years, I assume you were teaching also but still doing theater. Bob Odle: No, at that time I was just doing theater. I had no time. Toby Jenkins: Was the theater community, live theater in Tulsa, did people attend the performances? Did it have lots of support? Bob Odle: We seated 750. That was what the fire marshal would allow in the building. We had lines that went from the box office around the corner and back to the alley, which is where our stage door was. I mean, we could stand and talk before the show to people who were going to see the show, maybe if they got in. Because we only seated 750. Dennis Neill: Those were the good old days. Those were great shows. Bob Odle: They were. 16 �Toby Jenkins: So looking back during those days and presently, is there still a lot of support in Tulsa for live theater? Bob Odle: I think so. I think Theater Tulsa is having, some part of it is the rent at the PAC. And Theater Tulsa has opened their place where I'm going tomorrow night and Saturday night, 55th and Peoria. It's a converted Dollar General store. And there are a lot of little splinter groups that do stuff. American Theater Company, I don't know. I mean, we always did five shows and we did a summer show. And at times we had like two or three shows running simultaneously. When we had Joyce running at the Mayo and Christmas Carol running at the PAC or whatnot. And some other times we did multiple shows at the same time. Because we had 25 people on our staff, full-time, paid. And others working part-time. Toby Jenkins: Who were cast members or writers, producers? Bob Odle: Musicians, concessions, bar workers, so on. Sometimes people in plays. But we had a staff of technicians and actors of like 25. Toby Jenkins: So here at the Equality Center, when we did our renovation about eight years ago, we felt like in our community we were having lots of theater groups that were showing an interest. And especially in our gay community, the queer community, about their interest in theater. One of the passions of some of our folks was that we convert a space into a theater space that could be used for the community, especially to make it accessible for people who wanted to do productions that might not have, you know, they might be cutting edge and be kind of outside of the standard stories to make sure that certainly queer theater had access to those theaters. And of course, it's named after Lynn Riggs, who wrote the story that became the Broadway musical, Oklahoma. Your thoughts about the Lynn Riggs Theater here at the Equality Center and the space and things like that. Bob Odle: Well, I love it. I think it's great. In fact, I was urging American Theater Company, we eventually moved, the Harwells bought the building at 308 South Lansing. And I always said this is a better place because there are posts there and I just like the Lynn Riggs better. I've seen some plays here. I've been to a lot of the Thursday night things and I like this venue. I think it's real neat. American Theater Company went from five shows down to last year, they did four shows. This year, they originally promoted three shows, but they eventually cut that back to one, Christmas Carol. And they do stand up comedy one night. They do, I think they have some drag shows out there. Occasionally, I mean, you know, it's not like the five show season that we used to market and then sometimes a tour or something special during the summer, it's not like that. I think that Christmas Carol hasn't drawn the past couple of years what it used to draw because the people who are managing the theater now determined that Christmas Carol is a tradition. So it doesn't need to be marketed. Well, they still market the Nutcracker. They still market other traditions. It needs to be marketed, people need to know. It needs to not be a secret production. I'm getting off on to my axe to grind. 17 �Toby Jenkins: Where all have you taught school? Dennis Neill: Well, TCC West and TCC North. English, comp. Toby Jenkins: No theater production or? Bob Odle: Well, I did have an acting class one semester and then that got to be a fiasco. It had to do with the management. I don't want to say anything more about that. But I taught at Central High School when it was downtown and I taught competitive speech and I directed plays and then I, well, I taught at Schulter for one year. They needed to bring up their test scores and they hired like the whole new administration and a third of the faculty was new and we brought up the test scores. So they weren't going to close. I hated leaving there because everybody was so supportive but I had this job offer at Mounds. And so it was like half the distance because I'd passed 201st Street halfway to Schulter. And so I took the job at Mounds and I drove down to Schulter to turn in my letters of resignation and to talk to them about, you know, I really liked this. Sorry to be leaving. And so I taught at Mounds for about 30 years and directed some plays, directed competitive speech. We won the state championship three years in a row. I had numerous individual state champions, one of whom never debated, but she is an attorney in Tulsa now and has fabulous commercials on Saturday Night Live and on the evening news. But she never, she persuaded me that she shouldn't take debate to, although she was undefeated. Bob Odle: Now, I'd be better if I took this, Mr. Odle. And so, okay. I mean, she persuaded me. Toby Jenkins: Now, did you ever teach at TU's theater department? Bob Odle: No, I didn't. Toby Jenkins: Were you involved with the? Bob Odle: After I graduated, I did do a play at TU that they then took to some contest at what used to be that horrible theater facility downtown in Oklahoma City [Mummers Theatre]. It's that thing that had boxes going every which way that they finally have torn down. And this should never have been built in the first place. Toby Jenkins: So just for purposes of our interview, the curtains in the Lynn Riggs were donated by TU Theater Department and the risers are from the TU Theater Department right before they closed down. Bob Odle: I know, and they still send me letters asking for money having closed the department that I graduated from years ago. And I think they gave the costumes to the PAC and they gave various other things away. Dennis Neill: We had to replace the curtains because they were out of code. 18 �Dennis Neill: Yeah, I think they had like a 10 or 15 year life. And so we replaced them in about 2020, 2021, something like that. Toby Jenkins: Let's go to our, I was curious to understand the trajectory in Tulsa, the incredible community support for live theater and how things have changed. You've lived through an interesting period. We talked about your, you know, being in college when Kennedy was assassinated. And here we are in 2026. During the, just real quickly, during the pandemic, were you involved in live theater and how the pandemic impacted our theater companies? Bob Odle: No, theater just totally shut down all over the world, I think. Now I, for a year there, I didn't go, except to go to research, I put on my mask and I still have masks in the car. But theater just shut down. And there was money, there was money for businesses that had to shut down and the theater applied for some grants and got some grants. The theater, the theater actually made more money the year we were shut down. They did no shows than some of the years when we'd done shows. Toby Jenkins: Because you didn't have any expenses. Toby Jenkins: Right. So here, I know that you, your family are here. Have you stayed involved in their lives? I mean, have they? Bob Odle: Well, they're all, my stepfather died in 2009 and my mother died just about three months ago. Toby Jenkins: Okay, our condolences. And how old was she? Bob Odle: She was 99 years and eight months and something. Toby Jenkins: Amazing. Bob Odle: She was, she would be, March 15th, she would be 100. And she was, she was doing all of her own, handling all of her business and doing all of her stuff until the very end when she just suddenly, precipitously went downhill. Toby Jenkins: Did she live by herself? Bob Odle: Yes, after my stepfather died, she did. She depended on her neighbor a lot and on me. It wasn't till I had to deal with our, the attorney that deals with our trust, and I had to write down, because I keep my calendars for years, and I had to write down all the times I'd taken her to the doctor and the dentist and the podiatrist and dermatologist and whatnot and to Reasor’s. And I didn't realize the amount of time and the amount of miles I was driving to take care of her. Toby Jenkins: Hmm. Well, I'm glad that she had you, and I'm glad that you had her. Bob Odle: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: And our condolences. What do you keep, what keeps you busy now? 19 �Bob Odle: Dealing with her estate. And a good friend of mine, the one who persuaded me to go back and get my teaching certificate and get a master's degree, he died July 10th of 2024. And so I was named co-executor of his estate. And we had to go to court Tuesday. That's why I couldn't meet Tuesday to deal with, we had a hearing dealing with that estate. I'm hopeful that before the two-year time passes, that we will have this probate all aside, but we had a business, we had three houses, multiple vehicles, and other property to deal with, and it's just been, it's been a nightmare. That has kept me really busy, and dealing with my mother, and now dealing with her estate, and trying to keep my own life going. Toby Jenkins: Now, are you involved in, I know that you're involved here in the organization, you come to some of the programs for older adults. Bob Odle: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: And are you involved in any other advocacy work, or political work, or? Bob Odle: Well, Tuesday, Tuesday I had to drop off the king cake, because it was Mardi Gras at the senior citizen breakfast. Then I dashed to the Tulsa Metropolitan Area Retired Educators Association, because I'm a retired teacher, and I took some sausage rolls to that, and stayed for that meeting. We always have interesting speakers. And so I'm involved in that. Last Friday was the Democrats' monthly luncheon at Interurban, and we have fascinating, well, Cindy Munson, who's the candidate for governor, spoke. And we always have fascinating speakers there. And so I go to that, and then I think there was one night this past week, maybe Tuesday night, Tuesday was a busy day, I went to Connie Dodson's kickoff for her campaign for school board, and I don't live in her district, but the idiot who represents that district now, I would like to see defeated. Toby Jenkins: So you're politically active. Bob Odle: Yes. Toby Jenkins: And what is your present feelings about our, I mean, you've lived a long time, you've seen a lot of things. Bob Odle: Go back to the Truman, I remember when President Truman was reelected. Toby Jenkins: What's your present feelings about our political climate, and how you see, okay, yeah, yeah. Do you have some concerns? Bob Odle: Yes. I'm concerned about whether I've been contributing to a couple of the candidates for Congress, not the one who made a million millions while paying his employees minimum wage, but I've contributed to others, one of whom is my school board member, and I'm contributing, but I'm concerned about whether we're even going to have an election or any more elections. I'm concerned about what the Supreme Court might decide, whether they would give him free license to totally trample or burn or tear up the Constitution. 20 �I mean, a guy who was fired from, I saw a guy who was fired from ABC News on MSNow the other day. I don't remember his name, but I remember the interview where he talked to the president about the things in the Oval Office, or here's a copy of the Declaration of Independence. What does that stand for? Well, it's a declaration, and it deals with love. All of the he hases, that whole list of he hases deals with love, and yes, it's a declaration. That's in its title, the Declaration of Independence. Toby Jenkins: I mean, duh. Bob Odle: How stupid do you have to be? He is pretty stupid. Toby Jenkins: So you see our political climate, and you see the way, not just constitutional norms being eroded, but specifically the erasure of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer people, the blacks, American Indians, the arts being stripped of funding, the Kennedy Center, as a person who's fought and taught and been instrumental in keeping fine arts alive in our culture. What are your thoughts on that? Bob Odle: Well, it's not just gay rights. It's black rights. I mean, he complains that the National Museum of the Black Americans, or whatever that is, this Smithsonian institution, deals too much with slavery. And he has said there should be less emphasis on Martin Luther King Day, or Juneteenth. We should focus more on his birthday. He has insisted that that November 12th be called Columbus Day and not Indigenous Americans Day, which in the city of Tulsa and maybe Oklahoma, a lot of states have declared it to be Indigenous Americans Day. I mean, he and our governor, our governor waves his Cherokee citizenship card around, hate American Indians. He hates black people. I mean, is it any surprise that some of the generals that have been fired have been black? Toby Jenkins: And female. Bob Odle: And the two journalists, well, the commandant of the Coast Guard was female. And the two journalists who were arrested in church were both black. Two of them were black. And he, I mean, his racism goes back generations. He and his father were fined, what, two million dollars by the federal government for not renting to black people in their apartment buildings back in the 60s or 70s. I think that goes from his grandfather coming over here from Germany under suspicious circumstances whereby Germany, when he went back after World War I, Germany refused to have him and send him back here because he had avoided the draft. He'd avoided the draft by coming over here. He didn't tell them he had homosexual tendencies or anything like that. Apparently he didn't. But I don't know. The racism, and his grandfather grew up in Germany at a time when Wagner was heavily racist, when Adolf Hitler was being born and was growing up, when there was a lot of racism in Germany at that time. And so he brought that over here and instilled that in his son and his grandson. 21 �Toby Jenkins: So, as we come to the close of our interview, is there anything else you want us to talk about that we haven't talked about? Bob Odle: Not that I can think of, except I'm sad that there is only basically one gay bar in Tulsa. It doesn't give us much variety. That's why I like New Orleans. There's a lot of variety down there. A lot of cities have more variety than we have. Although they have gone to publishing a calendar and they have Latin Night, which starts at 10 o'clock on the last Friday. They have Leather Night. They have various nights. So they have opened it to various people. But I don't go there very often because it's boring. Hardly ever do I see anybody my age or anybody I know there, so I don't go. Dennis Neill: So, Bob, why do you think that in the early 80s we had like 19 bars. We're down to a handful. What do you think has caused that demise, even though our city is larger? Bob Odle: Well, I think from what I observe in Tulsa and in other cities, I think part of it is the AIDS crisis. I think there was a diminution of the audience after that. I think the pandemic that hit in 2020 is part of it. And I think also we're at an age when I think this is wonderful in a way, but in a way I think it's depressing. Young gay people can go to any bar, hold hands, kiss, hug, whatever, and nobody really cares. I see this in New Orleans a lot. I saw Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop, which is where Lafitte's in Exile first started, except they've dropped the exile now. Until the owner of the building found out they were gay and they already moved them out and then they moved into a bigger place down the street. But I've seen people holding hands. I've seen, obviously, gay couples in there and in other bars here in Tulsa and in other places. And I think it's the acceptance of gay couples everywhere, in addition to those other things, but I think it's just an evolution. And I think it's a wonderful thing. Dennis Neill: You touched on AIDS. Can you talk a little bit more about your personal experience in the theatre, in the theatrical community, the impact both locally and anything you know. I am thinking about John Thomeyer who was so active and passed from AIDS. What has been your personal experience with AIDS? Bob Odle: Well, an actor who toured with Gaslight, who we then hired as part of our full-time staff, eventually quit and moved to New York. And there he began to exhibit all these different, you know, symptoms and died a number of years ago. A good friend who was in some of our first shows, our first season, moved to New York. He got cancer, some sort of colorectal thing, and he retired and he moved back to Tulsa. He eventually died, but essentially it was AIDS, you know, HIV. And then another friend who died in New York, he was from Tulsa, graduated from Will Rogers, was a student there when I did my student teaching at Will Rogers. And he did some shows with us early on, but then he moved to New York and he eventually died, I believe, of AIDS. And so I've known people who've died. I haven't known of anyone, oh, there's somebody, I can't think who it was, but there's somebody I do know who died….I didn't know him very well, but he died of AIDS. And I'm aware of numerous people who've died of AIDS, HIV. 22 �Dennis Neill: And were you ever involved in the 80s and 90s with some of the support groups around here or AIDS response within the Tulsa community? Bob Odle: I went to one meeting at Nancy McDonald's house of PFLAG, but I just didn't have time to get involved with that. And I was involved with you and three or four other people in reorganizing TOHR. That was in the 80s. But I really didn't have time because I was still doing theater at the time, and I was out of town doing tours and things, and I really didn't have time to get involved. And that's the thing about doing theater now, because I'm so involved in some of these social and political things. I hate to give up, because I gave those things up when I was doing theater, because almost every night I had to work. Now I hate to, I can't give up the political and social things I'm involved in. It's that time of my life for me. Toby Jenkins: So as we kind of come to the close, and just give you a minute to think about this, is there anything you would want to say to anybody who comes after us, or younger people today who will see this interview? Is there anything you would like to say, like, this is my message to you for the future? Bob Odle: Things will get better. I saw a person who has a shop on Greenwood talking about, he's an older person, talking about younger black people, thinking, why are you so bitter about stuff? Well, they had, young black people are enjoying the fruits of their labor. Young gay people are enjoying the fruits of our labor. But our labor shouldn't stop. It can't stop. Because we have seen from the past year that they can go back, these things can go backwards. Toby Jenkins: So don't stop. Bob Odle: No, we have to keep fighting for our rights. It was Hubert Humphrey who said, freedom has to be won every day. Toby Jenkins: Very good. Okay, if you'll give us your name one more time, and today's date. Bob Odle: Bob Odle, February 19th, 2026. Toby Jenkins: Thank you so much for your time with us today. Bob Odle: Well, thank you. Toby Jenkins: Thank you, Bob. Addendum: 23 �Robert "Bob" Odle dressed for the role of "Rev. Dr. Oral Love" for a production of "Joyce Martel," produced by the American Theatre Company of Tulsa, OK. The company performed this production at various venues from 1975 to 1985, some of which include the following: Cain's Ballroom, The Inferno, The Captain's Cabin, Mayo Hotel, and the Brook Theatre. The image shows Odle dressed in a church minister's robe while clutching a one dollar bill. Phot courtesy of the Museum of Tulsa History. 24 �Depicting five theater actors dressed as "Martels" in the finale of the production "Joyce Martel: They Say It's Your Birthday," produced in 1985 by the American Theatre Company at the Brook Theatre in Tulsa, OK. The actors and actress are as follows (left to right): Robert "Bob" Odle, Karl Krause, Melanie Fry (in the role of Joyce Martel), Greg Roach, and Tony Gates (kneeling). Photo courtesy of the Museum of Tulsa History. 25 � https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/92b7672f465b31469e90f256836e0487.mp4 4594a2c03a0488471c94cd800d12db1f 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 Robert (Bob) Odle Oral History Interview - Feb. 19, 2026 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 A name given to the resource [2026] Robert Odle Interview Subject The topic of the resource Robert (Bob) Odle Oral History Project Interview from February 19, 2026 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Robert Odle, Toby Jenkins, Dennis Neill Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 19, 2026 Description An account of the resource Video recording and transcript of oral history interview with Toby Jenkins on February 19, 2026. Bob was born on May 15, 1945, in Kansas City, Missouri. His mom and stepdad moved to Tulsa when Bob was in the sixth grade. He graduated from Nathan Hale High School in 1963 and finished his theatre degree from the University of Tulsa in 1967. He was required to go to Oklahoma City for a possible induction into the military as this was the height of the Vietnam War. After two interviews, it was clear that Bob was gay and not subject to military service due to the ban at that time on homosexuals in the military. He began a teaching career in competitive speech and drama at Central High School in Tulsa. He discussed his early involvement in theatre with Gaslight Theatre and the American Theatre Company with its early satirical takes on Tulsa, Oral Roberts University and co-wrote ATC’s production of “A Christmas Carol,” which continues to be performed each December for some 50 years. Bob created the Brother Oral Love role that became a fixture of ATC’s shows along with the Oral Action Singers. Bob has stayed politically active, often writes reviews of plays and musicals and serves in other volunteer roles in the Tulsa community. 2026 A Christmas Carol American Theatre Company American Theatre Company (ATC) American Theatre Productions ATC ATC productions Bob Odle Brother Oral Love Central High School Gaslight Theatre interview military inclusion Nathan Hale High School OKEQ Oral History Project Oral Action Singers oral history oral history interview Oral History Project oral history transcript Oral Roberts University Robert (Bob) Odle Robert Odle Toby Jenkins transcript TU Tulsa Central High School University of Tulsa 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 A name given to the resource [2019] Laura Belmonte Interview Subject The topic of the resource Laura Belmonte OSU Diverse Sexuality and Gender in Oklahoma Oral History Project Interview from February 13, 2019 Description An account of the resource Laura was interviewed on February 13, 2019, by Oklahoma State University as part of its Diverse Sexuality and Gender Oral History Project. <strong>A copy of the OSU transcript is on file at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center for on-site research.</strong> Born in New York, Laura attended the University of Georgia and finished a graduate program in American History at the University of Virginia. In 1996 she joined the faculty 7 at Oklahoma State University as an assistant professor of history and became head of the history department at OSU. For six years starting in 2003, she served on the board and then as president of Oklahomans for Equality and its predecessor, Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights. Later, she joined the national board of The Equality Network and founded The Equality Network. In 2019, she became dean of the Liberal Arts and Human Sciences College at Virginia Tech. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Laura Belmonte, Angus Henderson, Micki White, Dennis Neill Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 13, 2019 2019 Angus Henderson available at Center Diverse Sexuality and Gender in Oklahoma Oral History Project Equality Network interview Laura A. Belmonte Laura Belmonte Micki White OkEq Oklahoma Oral History Research Program Oklahoma State University Oklahoma State University (OSU) Oklahoma State University Archives Oklahomans for Equality Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) oral history oral history interview Oral History Project oral history transcript OSU OSU Archives OSU Diverse Sexuality and Gender in Oklahoma Oral History Project TOHR transcript Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) 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 [2020] Jonathan Stanley Interview Subject The topic of the resource Jonathan Stanley Oral History Project Interview from July 14, 2020 Description An account of the resource Video recording and transcript of oral history interview with Morgan Allen and Fraser Kaster on July 14, 2020. <strong>Video and Transcript available at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center for on-site research.</strong> Jonathan discusses his experiences with the Tulsa gay scene and his involvement with Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jonathan Stanley, Morgan Allen, Fraser Kaster, Dennis Neill Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource July 14, 2020 2020 available at Center Fraser Kastner interview Jonathan Stanley Morgan Allen OKEQ Oral History Project oral history oral history interview Oral History Project oral history transcript TOHR transcript Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) 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 A name given to the resource [2019] Dwight Kealiher Interview Subject The topic of the resource Dwight Kealiher OSU Diverse Sexuality and Gender in Oklahoma Oral History Project Interview from February 13, 2019 Description An account of the resource Dwight was interviewed on February 13, 2019, by Oklahoma State University as part of its Diverse Sexuality and Gender Oral History Project. Dwight discusses his early life, experiences at Oklahoma State University (the Oklahoma A&amp;M College) in the 1950s, his marriage and family and later coming out. As a CPA in Tulsa, he reviews his long-time association with Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (now Oklahomans for Equality,) Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN), Tulsa Cares and Health Outreach Prevention Education (HOPE). Dwight was born on August 15, 1937, in Checotah, Oklahoma and passed on August 15, 2024. <strong>A copy of the transcript is on file in the History Project Archives at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.</strong> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Dwight Kealiher, Angus Henderson, Allison Richmond, Micki White, Dennis Neill Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 13, 2019 2019 Allison Richmond Angus Henderson available at Center Diverse Sexuality and Gender in Oklahoma Oral History Project Dwight Kealiher H.O.P.E. Health Outreach Prevention and Education (H.O.P.E.) HOPE interview Micki White Oklahoma Oral History Research Program Oklahoma State University Oklahoma State University (OSU) Oklahoma State University Archives oral history oral history interview Oral History Project oral history transcript OSU OSU Archives OSU Diverse Sexuality and Gender in Oklahoma Oral History Project RAIN Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN) TOHR transcript Tulsa CARES Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) 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 [2020] Donald Fruechting Interview Subject The topic of the resource Donald Fruechting Oral History Project Interview from November 20, 2020 Description An account of the resource Video recording and transcript of oral history interview with Morgan Allen on November 20, 2020. <strong>Video and Transcript available at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center for on-site research.</strong><strong> </strong>Donald discusses his early life, family background, military service, personal relationships, and experiences living with HIV. Donald shares insights into his identity as a gay man, the challenges he faced, and the importance of community and family support. He reflects on his journey through love, loss, and spirituality, emphasizing the blessings he has received throughout his life. Donald was born on July 4th, 1938 in rural Owasso, Oklahoma and passed on August 21, 2021 in Tulsa. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Donald Fruechting, Morgan Allen, Dennis Neill Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 20, 2020 2020 AIDS/HIV available at Center Donald Fruechting HIV HIV/AIDs interview Morgan Allen OKEQ Oral History Project oral history oral history interview Oral History Project oral history transcript transcript 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 A name given to the resource [2020] Bob Ritz Interview Subject The topic of the resource Bob Ritz Oral History Project Interview from August 4, 2020 Description An account of the resource Video recording and transcript of oral history interview with Morgan Allen and Fraser Kastner on August 4, 2020. <strong>Video and Transcript available at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center for on-site research.</strong> In the interview, Bob discusses his early life, coming out in the late 1960s, his military experience, involvement in the Tulsa LGBTQ community and work on behalf of immigrant rights. Bob passed on October 21, 2024. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Bob Ritz, Morgan Allen, Fraser Kastner, Dennis Neill Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August 4, 2020 2020 available at Center Bob Ritz Fraser Kastner immigration interview Morgan Allen OKEQ Oral History Project oral history oral history interview Oral History Project oral history transcript transcript 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 A name given to the resource [2019] Tommy Chesbro Interview Subject The topic of the resource Tommy Chesbro OSU Diverse Sexuality and Gender in Oklahoma Oral History Project Interview from April 24, 2019 Description An account of the resource Tommy was interviewed on April 24, 2019, by Oklahoma State<br />University as part of its Diverse Gender and Sexuality in Oklahoma Oral History Project. In this interview, Tommy discusses his early life in Blackwell and Stillwater, Oklahoma, his experiences at Oklahoma State University, and his long-time leader as an HIV educator and counselor. <strong>A copy of the OSU transcript is on file at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center for on-site research.</strong> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tommy Chesbro, Ryan Dyer, Angus Henderson, Ashlyn Ruley, Micki White, Dennis Neill Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource April 24, 2019 2019 Angus Henderson Ashlyn Ruley Diverse Sexuality and Gender in Oklahoma Oral History Project interview Micki White Oklahoma Oral History Research Program Oklahoma State University Oklahoma State University (OSU) Oklahoma State University Archives oral history oral history interview Oral History Project oral history transcript OSU OSU Archives OSU Diverse Sexuality and Gender in Oklahoma Oral History Project Ryan Dyer Tommy Chesbro transcript 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 [2019] Al Carlozzi Interview Subject The topic of the resource Al Carlozzi Diverse Sexuality and Gender in Oklahoma Oral History Project Interview from June 6, 2019 Description An account of the resource Al was interviewed on June 6, 2019, by Oklahoma State University as part of its Diverse Sexuality and Gender in Oklahoma Oral History Project. In the interview, Al discusses his early life, service in the Air Force and early outreach to the LGBTQ+ community for mental health. In 2006, he became director of the OSU-Tulsa Counseling Center (now named the Al Carlozzi Center for Counseling) until his retirement in 2019. He has been a long-time consultant with Oklahomans for Equality regarding its counseling services. He collaborated on the book “Transgender and Gender Diverse Persons: A Handbook for Service Providers, Educators, and Families.” <strong>A copy of the OSU transcript is on file at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center for on-site research.</strong> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Al Carlozzi, Angus Henderson, Allison Richmond, Matthew D. Williams, Micki White, Dennis Neill Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 6, 2019 2019 Al Carlozzi Allison Richmond Angus Henderson Diverse Sexuality and Gender in Oklahoma Oral History Project interview Matthew D. Williams Micki White Oklahoma Oral History Research Program Oklahoma State University Oklahoma State University (OSU) Oklahoma State University Archives oral history oral history interview Oral History Project oral history transcript OSU OSU Archives OSU Diverse Sexuality and Gender in Oklahoma Oral History Project OSU Oral History Project transcript 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 [2021] John-WaKo Hawk Co-Cke' Interview Subject The topic of the resource John-WaKo Hawk Co-Cke' OSU Diverse Sexuality and Gender in Oklahoma Oral History Project Interview from March 18, 2021 Description An account of the resource John was interviewed on March 18, 2021, by Oklahoma State University as part of its Diverse Sexuality and Gender in Oklahoma Oral History Project. In the interview, John discusses his involvement in the LGBT community and as a two-spirit leader and elder at Oklahomans for Equality and for the Muscogee Nation Behavioral Health. <strong>A copy of the OSU transcript is on file at the History Project Archives at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center for on-site research.</strong> Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource John-WaKo Hawk Co-Cke', Arlowe Clementine, Matthew D. Williams, Micki White, Dennis Neill Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource March 18, 2021 2021 Arlowe Clementine available at Center Diverse Sexuality and Gender in Oklahoma Oral History Project interview John-WaKo Hawk Co-Cke' Matthew D. Williams Micki White Muscogee Nation Muscogee Nation Behavioral Health Oklahoma Oral History Research Program Oklahoma State University Oklahoma State University (OSU) Oklahoma State University Archives oral history oral history interview Oral History Project oral history transcript OSU OSU Archives OSU Diverse Sexuality and Gender in Oklahoma Oral History Project OSU Oral History Project transcript two spirit two-spirit https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/b5797d8e6a719851e5aaadc5bf51401a.jpeg f3c3492c194ce05fca763828f51ded62 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] Oklahoma LGBT+ History > In Memoriam Description An account of the resource <strong>Physical Media:</strong> <br /><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 [2026] Joe McDonald Obituary Subject The topic of the resource Joseph Leo McDonald, October 25, 1933 - February 12, 2026 Description An account of the resource Joseph (Joe) McDonald, MD, passed away on February 12, 2026 in Tulsa. He was proceeded in death by his wife of 66 years, Nancy McDonald. Joe and Nancy were long-time advocates for Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) and Tulsa PFLAG, serving both organizations in many ways. Joe and other members of All Souls Unitarian Church donated hundreds of volunteer hours in 2005-2007 in the work necessary to open the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, the home of OkEq. OkEq proudly hosts the Nancy and Joe McDonald Rainbow Library, serving our community for more than two decades. Joe served in the U.S. Air Force as a physician prior to locating to Tulsa for a long career as an anesthesiologist. His other civic involvement included building houses with Habitat for Humanity and serving as a reading and math buddy in Tulsa Public Schools. (Obituary written by Dennis Neill. Tulsa World obituary from March 1, 2026 available on-site only.) Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Dennis Neill, Tulsa World Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource March 1, 2026 2026 ALL SOULS UNITARIAN CHURCH available at Center Dennis Neill Dennis R. Neill Dennis R. Neill Equality Center Equality Center in memoriam Joe McDonald Nancy and Dr. Joe McDonald Nancy and Joe McDonald Nancy and Joe McDonald Rainbow Library Obituaries Obituary OkEq OkEq Equality Center Oklahomans for Equality Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) 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 Rainbow Library Tulsa PFLAG Tulsa World https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/984e7041047c8ba251c838ab623bdf97.jpg 6805ef96313569d75d84b0e8134f07f4 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [Collection] Oklahoma LGBT+ History Description An account of the resource <strong>Physical Media:</strong> <br /><br /><br /><strong>Digital Media:</strong> 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 [ND] Progress Pride Flag Subject The topic of the resource Progress Pride Flag https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/80a666c71fa7d00ebe6c35e6c3cd5029.mp4 a529e7f8f4fac75bb63c5db6e403adfb https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/1fb8011913addc5505031ad0b07566bc.pdf a0af57e73d112460472ed6b6c2955e74 PDF Text Text Oklahomans for Equality Oral History Interview with Gordon George Interview Conducted by Toby Jenkins Date: February 3, 2026 Transcribed By: Dennis Neill using Reduct.Video February 8, 2026 Restrictions: Interviewee requested: N/A Oklahomans for Equality History Project 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK. 74120 918.743.4297 historyproject@okeq.org 1 �About Gordon George Keywords Gordon George, LGBTQ history, Tulsa, community, coming out, AIDS crisis, activism, volunteer work, identity, equality Takeaways ● Gordon George shares his early life in Oswego, Kansas. ● He discusses the challenges of fitting in during school. ● Moving to Tulsa was a pivotal moment for Gordon's identity. ● He recalls his first experiences in the gay community. ● Gordon's involvement in LGBTQ activism began in the 80s. ● He faced challenges during the AIDS crisis and supported affected friends. ● Coming out to his family was a significant turning point. ● Gordon reflects on the changes in the LGBTQ community over the years. ● He emphasizes the importance of volunteering and community support. ● Gordon encourages future generations to appreciate and protect their rights. 2 �Summary In this conversation, Gordon George shares his life story, detailing his experiences growing up in Kansas, moving to Tulsa, and discovering his identity as a gay man. He reflects on the challenges he faced in school, his involvement in the LGBTQ community, and the impact of the AIDS crisis. Gordon discusses his journey of coming out to his family, the importance of volunteering, and the progress of LGBTQ rights over the years. He emphasizes the need for continued activism and support for future generations. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Early Life 03:04 School Experiences and Identity 05:55 Moving to Tulsa and Discovering Community 09:05 Exploring Sexuality and Relationships 11:59 Involvement in the LGBTQ Community 14:59 Challenges and Triumphs in the 80s 18:08 Family Dynamics and Coming Out 20:59 AIDS Crisis and Community Support 24:03 Volunteering and Activism 27:05 Reflections on Change and Progress 30:00 Current Involvement and Future Outlook Gordon George Oral History Interview February 3, 2026 Toby Jenkins: This is February the 3rd on Tuesday in 2026, and we're here in the Nancy and Joe Rainbow Library at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. And today, we are interviewing Gordon George. And Gordon, can you tell us your name and your date of birth? Gordon George: Gordon George, 10-5-53. Toby Jenkins: Okay, very good. And where were you born? Gordon George: Oswego, Kansas. Toby Jenkins: Oswego, Kansas. And about where is that located? Gordon George: Southeast Kansas. Toby Jenkins: Southeast Kansas, so not far from the Oklahoma line? Gordon George: Right. 3 �Toby Jenkins: Yeah. And is that a little town, big town? Gordon George: Little. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Gordon George: They don't even have a hospital anymore. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Do they still have a full high school and all of that? Gordon George: As far as I know, yeah. Toby Jenkins: Yeah, okay. So you were born there and is that where your parents are from? Gordon George: They're from Southeast Kansas, yes. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. And what was your dad's name and what is your mom's name? Gordon George: Freddy was my dad. My mother was Stella. Toby Jenkins: Stella? And are they still living? Gordon George: My dad's still kicking, 92. Toby Jenkins: 92 years old. Gordon George: And mother's been gone 23 years. Toby Jenkins: Okay. What was their careers? What did they do forGordon George: My dad was a teamster. Toby Jenkins: Oh. Gordon George: And mother was a homemaker and then she went into tax preparation. Did that for many years. Toby Jenkins: And how many siblings? Do you have siblings? Gordon George: I have one brother and a sister. I was the middle child. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Are they both still with us? Gordon George: No. My brother died twelve years ago, I think. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Gordon George: And my sister's still with us. She lives near Kansas City. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Were you ever married? Gordon George: No. Toby Jenkins: So you don't have any children that you know of? 4 �Gordon George: No. I know there's no children. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Very good. All right. So your father's still living. Where did you go to school? Gordon George: Independence, Kansas. Toby Jenkins: And so did your family move to Independence, Kansas, or? Gordon George: Yes. We moved to Coffeyville when I was very young. And we moved to Independence when I was in the third grade. Toby Jenkins: And what was Independence like? Gordon George: Horrible. Toby Jenkins: The school you mean or just the city? Gordon George: It was a clicky town. Very clickish. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Gordon George: And I have no desire to go back other than to see my dad. Toby Jenkins: So no warm feelings, or? Gordon George: Oh, no, no, no. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. And you moved there in the third grade, was it difficult? New kid in that school. Did you not feel welcome, or? Gordon George: Oh, in grade school, it wasn't so bad. It's junior high and high school is when it got rough. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Gordon George: Because I didn't feel I fit in. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Because you weren't from Independence and you all had moved there or because of your religion or your ethnicity or because youGordon George: We lived south of Main Street. We didn't live on the good side of town. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Gordon George: And people looked at that, where you live. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Gordon George: So I just- it's still that way. That town's still that way. Toby Jenkins: Still very clickish and segregated according to class. Gordon George: Yes. 5 �Toby Jenkins: And according to a person's- how much money they make. Gordon George: Right. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Because people's descriptions of small towns are that they're wonderful and welcoming and everybody's so close and looks after each other. But that wasn't your experience. Gordon George: No. Toby Jenkins: Where did you go to high school? Gordon George: Independence. Toby Jenkins: And what year did you graduate? Gordon George: '71. Toby Jenkins: 1971. Okay. And did you go on to technical school? Were you in the military? Gordon George: I attended junior college. I didn't graduate. And I moved to Oklahoma in '79. Toby Jenkins: '79? Now, where did you go to junior college? Gordon George: Independence. Toby Jenkins: Independence. Oh, there's a junior school and college there? Gordon George: Mm-hmm. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Gordon George: And then I came- when I moved here, I went to Tulsa Junior College here for a couple courses. I did some- I got my real estate license with Tulsa Tech here in Tulsa, so. Toby Jenkins: And that would have been in '79 when you moved to Tulsa? Gordon George: Yes, I think so. Toby Jenkins: So how did you decide to move to Tulsa? Gordon George: To get out of that. Toby Jenkins: To get out of Independence? Gordon George: Oh, yeah. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Right. So you went to high school there. I mean did you have a job there in Independence for a while? Gordon George: I worked for Southwestern Bell. 6 �Toby Jenkins: Okay. Is that what brought you to Tulsa? Gordon George: Yes. Toby Jenkins: You were able to transfer? Gordon George: Yes. Toby Jenkins: Okay, perfect. And what was that like in the 1970s? Working with- what did you do with Southwest Bell? Gordon George: I was actually- when I started, I started as a cord board operator. The Lily Tomlin. Toby Jenkins: Really? Gordon George: Yeah. Actually doing the cords into the switchboard. Toby Jenkins: So if I had called there in the 70s, you would have answered and you would have transferred my call or you would have made a long distance call or did you do information? What was yourGordon George: All of it. Toby Jenkins: All of it. Gordon George: Okay. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Gordon George: And I came to Oklahoma and went into information from there and then went into sales at the phone store. Toby Jenkins: How neat. Mall Bell. Gordon George: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. So that's what brought you to Tulsa. Gordon George: Right. Toby Jenkins: Now, since you were never married, what pronoun do you use? How do you identify your gender? Gordon George: I'm a gay male. Toby Jenkins: Okay, so you identify as a gay man. Gordon George: Yes. Toby Jenkins: Do you remember- we've talked about how you weren't happy in Independence and that you felt some isolation. Did you have an awareness that you were gay or that you had same-sex attraction? 7 �Gordon George: Oh yeah. Starting back in junior high school. Toby Jenkins: Okay. So you began to have those feelings and you knew what that was. Okay. And did you have resources? I mean did you go to the library and look in a book or did you just kind of knew what that meant? Gordon George: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: Did you ever feel any kind of awareness that there were other people in your school who were like you? Gordon George: One. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Did you ever feel like some of your unhappiness in junior high and high school had to do with- did anybody bully you or make you feel like you were different? Gordon George: Oh, I was bullied, yes. Particularly one gentleman or one kid. I don't know if- why he targeted me. But paybacks are hell. He died young. Toby Jenkins: Oh, mercy. Gordon George: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: So you don't really, you don't feel like you were bullied in high school because they perceived you were different, or? Gordon George: No. Toby Jenkins: Okay. So you said that you were in junior high when you had these feelings. When you moved to Tulsa with Southwestern Bell, I still- I just think that's fascinating that you were- you used the Lily Tomlin one ringy dingy to the switchboard operator. Which- I'm just out of curiosity, I don't know that I ever called information and ever got a male voice. Did you ever hear anybody be surprised that it was a male sounding voice that answered the line or? Gordon George: Not so much because we had a female that sounded like a guy. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Gordon George: So there was two of us. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Gordon George: And of course my voice was a little high. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Gordon George: So. 8 �Toby Jenkins: Fascinating. So you had came to Tulsa. You were an adult, young adult. Did you realize you were gay? Gordon George: Oh, yeah. Toby Jenkins: And were ready to act upon it and? Gordon George: Yeah, first time in a gay bar when I came to Oklahoma. Toby Jenkins: And do you remember what year that would have been? Gordon George: 80. Toby Jenkins: Okay. And do you remember what the bar was, the club? Gordon George: Tim's Playroom. Toby Jenkins: Tim's Playroom. Okay. And how did you find out about Tim's Playroom? Gordon George: A co-worker invited me to go. Toby Jenkins: So you had a gay co-worker? Gordon George: Mm-hmm. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Gordon George: And he invited me to go with him, and we went to the bar. First time I was in a bar. Toby Jenkins: And what was your thoughts that first experience of being in a space where there were other people like you? And it was that nobody could look into it. The windows were covered overGordon George: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: - and you could beGordon George: And it was a drag show that day, too. Toby Jenkins: Oh, was it? That's the first time you'd ever? Gordon George: Mm-hmm. Toby Jenkins: Yeah? Do you remember your feelings that day, or? Gordon George: I was nervous as hell. Toby Jenkins: Really? Gordon George: Yeah. 'Cause I didn't know what to expect. I just really didn't know what going to a gay bar was gonna entail. I had no idea, so. Toby Jenkins: Now, had you had an intimate relationship prior to going to the gay bar? I mean, had you had an intimate9 �Gordon George: ... back in junior high. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Gordon George: Same one, over and over. Toby Jenkins: Okay. So that was when you explored your sexuality? Gordon George: He brought me out, yes. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. And so you knew from junior high on that you were attracted to your same sex? Gordon George: Yes. Toby Jenkins: So when you moved to Tulsa, you had this co-worker. Did you begin to explore other relationships with gay men? Gordon George: Yes, but not with my co-worker. Toby Jenkins: Okay. So you went to Tim's playroom. Did that become kind of something you did on a regular basis? Went to gay bars andGordon George: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Gordon George: Most weekends. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Because at work, you couldn't be out, right? Gordon George: Right. Toby Jenkins: I mean, that was a ... . Gordon George: Well, it wasn't so much. I think people perceived that if you worked as an operator, that maybe you were gay, as a perception. But I wasn't out. I wasn't open about it. Toby Jenkins: What was the community like, that you found in the clubs and the bars? Gordon George: More accepting than I thought it would be. Toby Jenkins: So you're just a boy from KansasGordon George: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: - Land in the big city. And what was Tulsa like in those days? Gordon George: Other than the bars, I didn't do much, 'cause of the hours that I worked with Bill. 'Cause there's times that I worked nights and late evenings. Go in at six o'clock and get off at midnight. Or go in at 06:00 and stay till 02:00, it just depends. 10 �Gordon George: So it kinda- and there was more one-on-one in those days with your customers online, or on the phone than there is today. Because they had to physically ask for addresses and stuff like that if we could even give it out. And more interaction with the publicToby Jenkins: Oh, yeah. Gordon George: - Than there is today. Toby Jenkins: Yeah, you called information for everything. Gordon George: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: There were even songs about information. Gordon George: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: Okay, so you had went to Tim's playroom, and that's how you first connected with the gay community in Tulsa? Gordon George: Right. Toby Jenkins: Okay. It's the early 80s, late 70s in Tulsa. Did you go to any theater programs, any sports events? And just a part of the culture in Tulsa thatGordon George: Yeah. We'd do public events, like when they had ice skating at the downtown. We'd go to the Nutcracker during the holidays on ice. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Yeah, yeah. Gordon George: Go do that kinda thing and let it out. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Tulsa had a downtown mall in those daysGordon George: Right. Toby Jenkins: - Built around, I think it's called the Galleria, wasn't it? Dennis Neill: Forum. Toby Jenkins: Forum, called the Forum. Gordon George: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: Yeah, Galleria was in Dallas. So you would do things like that, social events. Gordon George: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: Now, when you went to this club, did you meet some other guys, and they kinda became your posse, or your clique of friends, or? Gordon George: No, it was more introduction through the co-worker. Because he had been out for many years. 11 �Toby Jenkins: Okay. Gordon George: And he introduced me to some of his friends. We'd become a circle of friends that would do things, mainly go to the bars. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Do you remember some of the other clubs that you might've went to? You keep saying the bars. Gordon George: Zippers. Toby Jenkins: Went to Zippers, okay. And what was Zippers? Gordon George: It was a high-energy bar. Toby Jenkins: Like a disco? Gordon George: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Gordon George: And of course, The Bamboo. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Yeah, whichGordon George: That was a trash bar. Toby Jenkins: Yeah, but it had been there forever. Yeah, it's one of the oldest. And it was in the north part of Tulsa. The Zippers was Midtown, like 31st and Yale. Gordon George: Yale. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. So were there any- through the clubs, were you aware of any things like gay softball leagues, gay churches? Gordon George: Gay churches. I attended Metropolitan Community for a while. Toby Jenkins: Okay. And where was it located? Gordon George: North Tulsa. Toby Jenkins: Okay. So I know that they also had a congregation in Jenks at one time, but you went to the north Tulsa location on Queen. It was on Queen. Gordon George: I couldn't tell you. Toby Jenkins: And- so you were connected to that. What about any of the gay softball programs, or what about pride picnics? Gordon George: I had- I- when they had it at Mohawk Park, I drove through it once. I thought, no, I can't do this. Toby Jenkins: And why was that? Gordon George: The crowd, and I just didn't feel comfortable. 12 �Toby Jenkins: Was it because of visibility, or just the large crowd? Gordon George: More the large crowd. Toby Jenkins: Okay, yeah. So that was the- that would've been the early 80s, and you were still with Southwest Bell. Were you staying in contact with your family? I mean, it's pretty common for gay men, lesbian women to move from small towns to bigger cities, where there can be some distance between their families in those days because they didn't wanna embarrass their families, or they wanted their life- their adult life to be private. Were you still in contact with your parents and independents? Gordon George: Yes. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Gordon George: It didn't change. I mean, I didn't come out to my family until '85, '86. Toby Jenkins: Okay, and what was that like? Gordon George: It was in a fit of rage. Toby Jenkins: Okay, tell us a little bit about that. Gordon George: I had been to- I was living in Oklahoma City at the time. I went home for Christmas and my brother was there, and we didn't get along, and my mother kept harping at me, why don't you get along with your brother? Why don't you get along with your brother? You need to do this, do that. Gordon George: And that's the first time I told my mother to shut up. I'd had enough. Packed my bags and left. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Gordon George: So- and that's when- later that spring is when I came out to my family. Toby Jenkins: Okay, the whole family, or just your parents, or your mom, or? Gordon George: My mom and sister. Toby Jenkins: Okay, and how did they handle that? Gordon George: Better than I thought. Mother and I became good friends after that. When I moved to Oklahoma City and then moved back to Tulsa, she would go to the bars with me, and yeah, we would- and there were times we would- just the two of us would go out and have drinks. Sit and talk for hours. 'Cause she lived with me for a while too. Toby Jenkins: Okay. So did she enjoy hanging around with your friends and going to theGordon George: Oh yeah, she was good. She was okay with it, yeah. Toby Jenkins: Yeah, okay. 13 �Gordon George: When I was also involved in the Tulsa AIDS Task Force. Toby Jenkins: Okay, so that's what's going on. Gordon George: And we would do barbecues and stuff. We had a big barbecue out at Inola and they supplied the beef for it. They had a calf slaughtered andToby Jenkins: Oh, a family in Inola did it, or? Gordon George: No, my family. Toby Jenkins: Oh, your parents? Oh wonderful. Gordon George: They provided the beef. Toby Jenkins: And so it was a fundraiser for? Gordon George: Tulsa AIDS Task Force. Toby Jenkins: Okay. That's the first time I've heard that name. Dennis Neill: That was a group that the United Way and Community Service Council had pulled together. All the conveners that met, and then eventually it's been off to Tulsa Cares. Does that sound right? Gordon George: I couldn't tell you. Toby Jenkins: But it's called the Tulsa AIDS Task Force? Gordon George: Mm-hmm. We were the fundraisers for them. Toby Jenkins: For the programs for people living with HIV AIDS? Gordon George: Mm-hmm. Toby Jenkins: Okay, and that would've been mid-80s? Gordon George: Mm-hmm. Toby Jenkins: Okay. And by then, apparently, your family was supporting you, your parents, especially if they were going to gay clubs with you and donating beef for a cookout. Do you remember the first time you heard about AIDS? Gordon George: I had seen it on the news, but I didn't know. I had a friend that asked me to get involved with the task force to help with the fundraising. Toby Jenkins: Did you know people in those early days, who had AIDS and were dying? Or do you rememberGordon George: Yes. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Gordon George: With the church, I was on the RAIN team. 14 �Toby Jenkins: At Metropolitan Community Church, they're a RAIN team? And what did a RAIN team do? Gordon George: We went to support families and patients with HIV. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Gordon George: And I've seen too many die, so I had to quit doing it. It was too rough. Toby Jenkins: When you say too many died, like there were five or six people that died, or was there dozens, or what was it like forGordon George: That I was involved with, it was probably four or five. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Gordon George: And then, I had a personal friend that became ill. Toby Jenkins: And so what was that like in those days? You found out your friends had AIDS. What were your thoughts? Tell us what that was like in those days. Gordon George: It was bad. It was tough, especially the friend that I- I was working fulltime. He needed help. And I quit my job. Spent the last couple months of his life helping him. So and that was really bad, really tough. Toby Jenkins: And just took care of him? Gordon George: He went to- well, part of the fundraising that I had helped with, we give, if I remember right, about $10,000 to- I can't think of the name of it, Catholic Charities. They're home forToby Jenkins: Yeah. Gordon George: And he's actuallyToby Jenkins: St. Joseph's ... . Gordon George: Right. Toby Jenkins: That was a hospice care center. Gordon George: Right. And that's where he was at, when he died. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Gordon George: So- and I was- it made me feel good that I would help raise the money to help support their organization, and they helped him. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Gordon George: So yeah, it was tough. And he was saying that, why he was- talking about why he was on earth. And I said, "Part of it was because you could be my friend." And that was tough. And I was with him when he took his last breath. So his mother and I were with him. 15 �Toby Jenkins: So in those days, people were finding- they would find out they were ill. I mean, would they go to the doctor because they were feeling bad, or because they were being cautious? Gordon George: They'd go find out that they were ill. And when you found out you had HIV AIDS, there wasn't any kind of treatment plan that was keeping you alive longer in those early days. So people were gone pretty quick. Toby Jenkins: Or did people live with it for a while? Do you remember? Gordon George: Both. Toby Jenkins: Both? So some people lasted longer thanGordon George: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Gordon George: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: And what was the general attitude of the community in those days, like in the gay bars, did people act different with their behavior? Did they shun or isolate people once they found out they were sick, or were people being cautious or being careful not to spread it? Gordon George: They weren't as careful as they should've beenToby Jenkins: Okay. Gordon George: - back then. 'Cause it really hadn't hit home so much here in Oklahoma like it was on major metropolitan areas. So- but once it really got a hold here, people were thinking, oh, yeah, we need to be more careful and actually more responsive as far as fundraising, so…I met a lot of people during the fundraising, people that cared. Toby Jenkins: People outside the gay community, or justGordon George: Oh, yeah. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Gordon George: The Perigos were one of them [Jerry and Peggy Perigo]. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Yeah. Perigo family? Gordon George: Mm-hmm. Toby Jenkins: Who [Jerry Perigo] was the judge here in town. So this would have all been during the 80s, right? Gordon George: Right. 16 �Toby Jenkins: So you were involved with the Tulsa AIDS Task Force, and a part of RAIN, which was a care team associated with your church. Gordon George: Right. Toby Jenkins: That provided care for people living with HIV AIDS. When did you begin to- did you start- were you still working at Southwest Bell? You said you quit your job to take care of your friend. Gordon George: Oh, no. I had left Southwestern Bell before that. I left Southwestern Bell in '85. Toby Jenkins: Okay. When did you- I know you're doing the work with the AIDS Task Force, what about relationships? Did you have a partner during those days? Did you haveGordon George: No. Toby Jenkins: Okay. So you just kinda hung out with the group? Gordon George: Right. Yeah. I didn't- yeah. It was not a pleasant time after I left Bell, and 'cause I did an odd job kinda things and wound up declaring bankruptcy and had to start all over. Toby Jenkins: Okay. So in the fundraising part, did you ever get involved with the quilts, the NAMES project, the AIDS quilts? Gordon George: No. Toby Jenkins: Okay. But you were aware thatGordon George: Right. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Gordon George: Yeah. I had seen it, but I wasn't involved in any of the organization part of it. Toby Jenkins: Did you ever participate in the annual follies that were big fundraisers for the HIV AIDS causes? Gordon George: No. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Big performance shows. Okay. When did you begin to get involved with TOHR? Did I ask if you ever went to any of the pride picnics, or the pride parades? Did you ever get involved with any of that? Gordon George: No. I didn't get involved until, what was it, '91, '92, maybe. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Gordon George: And it was when I was attending your church organization. That's when I got involved. 17 �Toby Jenkins: Yeah, that would've been later. That would have been about 1999 something. Gordon George: Was it that late? Toby Jenkins: Yeah. AndGordon George: Oh, okay. '99. Toby Jenkins: You're talking aboutGordon George: Yeah, '99. Toby Jenkins: Yeah, you're talking about the Ekklesia group? Gordon George: Right. Toby Jenkins: Which is a group for recovering evangelicals and who- wasn't really a church. It was kind of a Christian support group. And it would meet at the center, the TOHR center, which was in Highland Park. Gordon George: Right. Toby Jenkins: So that's where you've began to get involved and started volunteering with the organization. Gordon George: Right. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Do you… I know that at one year, you received 'Volunteer of the year' from TOHR- probably Oklahomans for Equality by then. And why were you given that award? Do you remember? Gordon George: For the help of working here on the building. Toby Jenkins: Yep. Gordon George: And doing…I got even the very first Thanksgiving dinner we had here I helped with. I wasn't in charge of it at that time, but I helped with it. So- and Kristi Freeman I think was ... Toby Jenkins: Kristi Freeman? Gordon George: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: Who was on the board. Gordon George: Yeah, I helped her and then one year when Nancy McDonald helped with it andToby Jenkins: Yeah. Gordon George: And then after that's when I actually started conducting it all. 18 �Toby Jenkins: So I know that you were very involved with the organization when they bought the building. And you're talking about, for a year we spent renovating. And Christy Frisbee, Sue Welch and some of those folks led some of the- we did it ourselves. Our gay boys were designers and our girls were good with power tools. So we were a perfect match and we did it ourselves, didn't we? You have to. Gordon George: Right. Toby Jenkins: And so you spent some time down hereGordon George: Hanging sheet rock and that kinda stuff, yeah. Toby Jenkins: Yeah, ripping up carpet and pushing up old tile. Gordon George: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: And we were proud to have it, weren't we? Gordon George: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: So you had been in Tulsa for a while. So you'd kind of saw an evolution where we had had smaller centers, that were kinda tucked into hidden places. All of a sudden we were right downtown. Yeah. I know that you also were very involved every time we had the big dances and the big events. Toby Jenkins: You always were in charge of the kitchen and the refreshments and for the fall-a-law ball. Gordon George: Right. Toby Jenkins: And the Wild Hearts ball and volunteered at the Equality Gala. So you were very helpful and a very good organizer, especially when it came to setting things up and food service. So you talked about- you got involved with the Thanksgiving dinner. Can you kinda remember some details why we did that, why we had it? Gordon George: It was for people that didn't have families to go to. Toby Jenkins: Okay, and why would they not have had families to go to? Gordon George: A lot of their families disowned them. Toby Jenkins: Right. Gordon George: And I was fortunate enough, my family didn't disown me. Toby Jenkins: Right. And it was on- what day did we do it? Gordon George: Usually Thanksgiving Day. Toby Jenkins: And did you have to cook all the food or where did the food come from? Gordon George: A lot of the food was donated, but there was a couple times that I cooked the turkeys. 19 �Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Right. Gordon George: And I was- back on those days I thought I wouldn't do it today. Toby Jenkins: And so now, for anybody who's familiar with the Equality Center today, we have a commercial kitchen. But in those days ... Gordon George: Oh, no. Toby Jenkins: - we had the kitchen that we put together ourselves. Gordon George: Tiny hole-in-the-wall kitchen. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. And you'd have to serve hundreds of people ... . Okay. Gordon George: I think the most we served was 225. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. And so we talked about this. So we worked with the faith communities that were inclusive and welcoming. Gordon George: Right. Toby Jenkins: And they kinda sponsored and would provide all the food. So it was like a massive potluck dinner and you had to coordinate all that. Gordon George: Right. Toby Jenkins: And that was all served on Thanksgiving Day. But the food started coming in when? Gordon George: The day before, or ... Toby Jenkins: A couple of days. Yeah. Gordon George: Depends on the organization. Toby Jenkins: And you all would be back there preparing turkeys and hams and ... Gordon George: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. So- and we not only served people on Thanksgiving Day, we provided to-go meals for people who ... Gordon George: Right. Toby Jenkins: You could call down here and we'd deliver those to you. About how many faith communities were involved, do you remember? Gordon George: Oh, eight, ten maybe. Toby Jenkins: Yeah? Gordon George: Somewhere around there. I don't remember for sure. 20 �Toby Jenkins: Do you remember the year of Muslims for Mercy or the- they were compassionate Muslims. They provided the turkey and it was seasoned with the Middle Eastern flavor. Gordon George: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Okay, so ... Gordon George: That's when I quit cooking turkeys after that. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. But- so we did that, and it was called 'Come Home for the Holidays'. And we'd have a huge turnout. Transgender people who were not allowed to go home and present to their family as they identified. Gay couples who- they might be able to go home but they couldn't bring their boyfriend or their girlfriend home. And then it got to where entire families just came out to show support. And about how many people would help you work on that event. Gordon George: Oh, 15 maybe or 20, depends. Toby Jenkins: And then on Thanksgiving morning, how many people to get it all ready to go? Gordon George: Usually maybe 8 to 10. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Gordon George: Including my family. Toby Jenkins: Yeah, now tell us about how you got your family, talked into helping with this. Gordon George: I don't remember other than, I was involved with it and I wasn't going to their place. And at that point, my mother had died. So it was- can't go home. Home was changed. So we- I volunteered to keep- from thinking about Thanksgiving at home is no longerToby Jenkins: Yeah. Gordon George: And so they would come here. My dad and my sister and brother-inlaw and my nieces and nephews andToby Jenkins: Yeah. Gordon George: They would all come. At one point, all came involved. Toby Jenkins: Yeah, your brother and his wife. Gordon George: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: And their children, and yeah. Gordon George: Yeah. My brother, when he was alive, he was here when he could. And they lived in Collinsville. So it wasn't- it was easier for them to come and help. 21 �Toby Jenkins: But your sister was coming from where? Gordon George: Near Kansas City. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. And it became a thing for over a decade. Gordon George: Yeah. Until COVID. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Gordon George: COVID put an end to it. Toby Jenkins: So I know you volunteered with the Equality Gala. Did you volunteer at Pride too? Gordon George: Oh, yeah. I helped in the treasury departments. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Gordon George: Counted tickets and counted tickets. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Yeah. And that you were always available to help for just so many things that we were doing. Gordon George: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: I know today you're pretty involved in the Oklahomans for Equality's program for senior adults. Do you remember when you began to get involved with that? Originally, I think we called it SAGE butGordon George: I don't remember. It was when we were a smaller group and it was before the remodeling of the event center and the kitchen. It was before that that I was involved with SAGE when we met in the great hall. Toby Jenkins: So about 13, 14 years ago. Gordon George: I don't know. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Gordon George: Too many years ago to think about. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. And what was your reason for being involved with that? Gordon George: It was an outreach for being around gay people that were my age. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. And much like the work you did with RAIN team and AIDS over the years, we've lost a lot of people who were involved in that program. Many, many, many people. Gordon George: Right. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Tell us some of the things that SAGE would do. Like, did we go see people, check on people? 22 �Gordon George: I wasn't involved in a lot of that. I would just come during the day 'cause of the hours that I worked in the company that I was working for. I worked a lot of nights. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Gordon George: So I didn't get to attend SAGE as much as I do now. Toby Jenkins: So I know- I wanna bring this up. I know you worked for companies and you understood they had corporate support for non-profits and you were able to get them to support- work here at the Equality Center. Gordon George: Right, they made a donation to us. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Was it Thanksgiving they would sponsor or was it the SAGE program ... Gordon George: No, it was ... - now that you mention it, I don't remember. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Gordon George: I know they- it was during- it was closer to the holidays, yeah, so. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Yep. So you understood the value of getting corporate support. Gordon George: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: And they were willing to do it, weren't they, that company? Gordon George: Right. And I think that was- it happened a lot, when they had to do some diversity training because of the way I was treated at work. Toby Jenkins: Right. Gordon George: Particularly one, there are two people out there that were hateful. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Gordon George: And so, they had diversity training and I think that was what brought it out, that they give us money. Or even some of the people who were not happy, that they give the money to us, here. But they had to get over it. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. So that's interesting because presently in 2026, companies, anybody who does any kind of diversity, inclusion or equity or equality efforts, DEI as we call it, that's supposed, now companies are afraid to do that. And of course the administration in the White House has labeled that as woke and bad, and universities, and public institutions, and publicly funded institutions. And we've seen corporations step back from that for fear of retribution. But you knew why diversity training was important personally, because you had experienced discrimination in the workplace? Gordon George: Right, right. Toby Jenkins: And then your company23 �Gordon George: Put a stop to it. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. And said, we need to do more to make sure all of our LGBT employees feel valued. Gordon George: Yeah. And I wasn't the only one at that point. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Gordon George: There was others that came out. And it wasn't just the level that I was at as far as an employee, there was even higher up. I mean one of the chemists came out. And so, it wasn't just a lowly production worker, so. And there were several. Toby Jenkins: Now just out of curiosity, you've told us your age. You had saw things change, hadn't you, in Oklahoma from when you first got to Tulsa? I know we've talked a lot about your time in Tulsa, so if I've corrected this, you've been here about 45 years in the Tulsa area. I think maybe there were some times you moved away and came back, is-you saw a lot of changes, especially for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and all the different letters of the acronym that we use for the gay community. There's been a lot of changes. Gordon George: Right. Toby Jenkins: Right. Do you feel like, from the early days, where your life was pretty private work and gay bars were the dark, private places where we hid away from the general community, we couldn't walk down the street holding hands, we did have pride parades. Do you feel like Tulsa changed and became better? Gordon George: Yes, it improved. It was slow, but it kept improving to the point where it was more comfortable to be out, and OkEq was a big part of that for me to be comfortable on being out. The community was getting more involved. The city itself was becoming more involved. Toby Jenkins: The proclamations of Gay Day in the city and the mayor's backing on some things. Like naming the street Pride Street. Gordon George: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Gordon George: So- and even to the point, where they named one of the streets of a deceased police officer that was a lesbian. Toby Jenkins: Jennifer Mansell. Gordon George: Right. Toby Jenkins: Absolutely. Who was on the Tulsa Police Department and had named a street. That was an incredible day. I remember that. That was our first openly gay person to be her and her wife, who was a Wagner County treasurer, so… 24 �Gordon George: Yeah. And so it really improved a lot in those years until who got in the White House and things. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. And who in the White House? Gordon George: Trump. Toby Jenkins: Right. Gordon George: Donald J. Trump. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Yeah. Gordon George: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: So it's safe to say that whoever we put in the White House, that impacts all of us. Gordon George: Oh, yeah. Toby Jenkins: It changes our world. Gordon George: Especially when they're negative. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. So you saw things improve, and do you think it was because of the visibility? I know Oklahomans for Equality was doing lots of advocacy work, but do you feel like some of it might have been because of the visibility of LGBTQ people, then being more visible and open and out at work and faith communities changing their positions? Gordon George: Right. Toby Jenkins: I mean, when you came to Tulsa, MCC was the only church that had an official mission and dedicated to the LGBT community. There were congregations like 'All Souls' and some other churches that may have been supportive of the community, but even they had not come out with an official policy. You saw that all change where faith communities helped support the Thanksgiving meals and also were a part of the pride parades and were sponsors of the Equality Gala, so. Gordon George: And it continued to grow. The pride parades just kept growing and growing, and more of the community of Tulsa. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Corporations and companies proud to be a part of it. Yeah. So I haven't asked this to anybody else, and I just thought I was gonna- I'm gonna ask this to somebody who's kinda saw things change. Why do you think we have so few gay bars? Because when you first came to Tulsa, there were lots of gay bars. Gordon George: There was. Toby Jenkins: And we now just have just a few left. I think at the time of this interview, I only know of two, Majestic and Eagle, and then I guess Yellow Brick Road probably identifies this. But why do you think things have changed there? 25 �Gordon George: I don't know. I wonder that myself. Why it's- especially as an older adult there's not a whole lot of places that I would go that I would feel comfortable, as a gay bar. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Gordon George: The Eagle, but I'm not so much into leather and- I'm not so much into going to the bars now, anyway. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Gordon George: So. Toby Jenkins: Do you think social media and used to, if you wanted a date, you had to go find 'em, right? Gordon George: Uh-huh. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. And the places you found them was at the clubs. And you might meet people at work, but you were afraid to tell somebody at work for fear you're barking up the wrong tree. Gordon George: Right. Toby Jenkins: Do you feel like the social media, the dating websites, the mobile apps, the hookup apps. Gordon George: Right. Toby Jenkins: Do you feel like that has changed the way we connect and meet people? Gordon George: Oh, yeah. Definitely. Yeah, it was easier to get online and you still had to wonder, okay, is it safe to meet this person or not? Are they gonna beat the hell out of me when I get there? That kinda thing. But social media made a big difference. I don't know if it's so much that- well, I think it's still even more now why the attendance to gay bars is down. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Gordon George: It's because of social media, people doing- hooking up online. Toby Jenkins: Okay. So you have lived long enough to see things change. You've seen things improve. But you've also saw us having to refight the fightGordon George: Right. Toby Jenkins: - for stuff that we fought for. Gordon George: That's ongoing now. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. 26 �Gordon George: All the time, trying to protect the privileges and the rights that we got that they keep trying to roll back. Toby Jenkins: Right. Gordon George: And it's an ongoing battle. Toby Jenkins: Now, as you live your life, you're retired. And I know that you do a lot of volunteer work. So let's talk a little bit about that. And while we talk about that, I wanna know what your experience is. So I notice, let's start with you're branded today. And what is that? Gordon George: It's the ambassador program at the airport. Toby Jenkins: Tulsa International Airport. Gordon George: Right. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Gordon George: And they are a great organization to volunteer for. And they take care of us quite well. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Gordon George: They feed us multiple times a year. They're feeding us next month. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Gordon George: The luncheon. Toby Jenkins: So they do a lot of volunteer appreciation? Gordon George: Oh, yes. Toby Jenkins: Okay. And so today, that we're doing, this is a Tuesday. Did you volunteer today at the airport? Gordon George: Yes, 06:00 AM. Toby Jenkins: Had to be there at 06:00 AM? Gordon George: To 09:00, three hour shifts. Toby Jenkins: And so what do you do? Park planes? Do you scrub planes? What do you do? Gordon George: Well, basically, we just direct traffic for passengers. Toby Jenkins: Oh, okay. Gordon George: Where's the nearest restroom? How do I get through TSA? Where do I take my luggage? That kinda thing. 27 �Toby Jenkins: So you're at an information booth, or? Gordon George: Yes. Toby Jenkins: Okay, alright. Gordon George: Or, as I'm what they call a roamer, which allows me to go in. I can go out on either concourse, A and B, and assist people out there, or assist people getting through TSA. Toby Jenkins: Okay. And what is that experience like? Do you enjoy it? Gordon George: I love it. Toby Jenkins: Do you? Gordon George: It's a great place to people watch. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Gordon George: A lot of eye candy. Toby Jenkins: A lot of hot, attractive men, okay. Gordon George: Yes. Toby Jenkins: Well, now we know why you do it. Gordon George: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: So you do that how many times a week? Gordon George: I do twice a week, every other week. And then, sometimes on the fifth week of the month, I'll do extra. Toby Jenkins: Yeah, like holiday time, during holiday? Gordon George: I have done holiday extra. Toby Jenkins: Yeah, okay. Do they know you're gay? Gordon George: Yes. Toby Jenkins: Okay. And do they treat you differently? Or do theyGordon George: No. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Gordon George: No. Toby Jenkins: So do any of you other volunteers say, "Hey, Gordon, do you see that attractive man? Look at that." Gordon George: Oh, the straight women that we talk about. 28 �Toby Jenkins: Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah, so. Everybody's looking, right? Gordon George: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: Okay. How wonderful. And I wanna thank you, on behalf of our community, for being there at the airport. I know that can't be real easy. Okay, so you do that. Toby Jenkins: Okay, so you volunteer at the Tulsa International Airport in the ambassador program. What else do you volunteer with? Gordon George: I help distribute Meals on Wheels. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Gordon George: I work in the distribution center to help pack the packages that drivers take. I help with that. And then, I also do driving. Toby Jenkins: So you have to drive? Gordon George: The delivery, yes. Toby Jenkins: Yes. And do you enjoy that? Gordon George: That's one day a week. Most of the time. Toby Jenkins: Yeah? And you have to do that regardless of the weather, right? Gordon George: No, they shut us down. The recent weather that we've had? Toby Jenkins: Okay. Gordon George: They shut us down. Toby Jenkins: Yeah, but in the middle of a hot summerGordon George: Oh, yeah. Toby Jenkins: - or pouring down rain, you'll still have to do it. Gordon George: Right, right. Toby Jenkins: Okay. And would you encourage people to be a part of that program? Do they need more volunteers? Gordon George: They always need volunteers. Toby Jenkins: Okay. What else do you volunteer with? Gordon George: I volunteer with the SAGE group here. Of course, I do that. Toby Jenkins: Yeah, with the seniors program here. Gordon George: Yeah. And I usher at the PAC in Broken Arrow. 29 �Toby Jenkins: And that's a volunteer position? Gordon George: Right. Toby Jenkins: And what do you do there? Gordon George: Just as an usher. Toby Jenkins: Okay, andGordon George: Directing people to their seats. Toby Jenkins: - you don't get paid? You're just doing it? Gordon George: No. Toby Jenkins: Now, what would be the perks of that? Gordon George: You get to see the shows. Toby Jenkins: So where else is it you volunteer at? We were talking about the Broken Arrow PAC. Gordon George: Oh, so…I just lost my thought. Toby Jenkins: Well, let's talk a little bit about that cause I think we got cut off a little. So you're a volunteer over there. What are the perks about volunteering as an usher at the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center? Gordon George: Well, I got to see Lily Tomlin. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Gordon George: And recently was Sandy Patty. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Gordon George: And other productions. Toby Jenkins: Have you ever been there when KristenChenoweth was there? Gordon George: Yes. Toby Jenkins: Yeah, okay. Our only- our little hero we had. Gordon George: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: So that's- would you encourage people to volunteer as ushers at the Performing Arts Center? Gordon George: Right, and they take very little of your time. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Gordon George: I mean it's not even once a month. 30 �Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Gordon George: 'Cause they have quite a few volunteers, 'cause they will take volunteers any time. Toby Jenkins: Okay. You volunteer still here at the Equality Center. Anything else you volunteer at? Gordon George: Life Senior Services. Toby Jenkins: Okay, and what do you do with them? Gordon George: I mainly just help at their major fundraisers. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Gordon George: I help when they do those. Toby Jenkins: Okay. And tell us a little bit, what is Life Senior Services? Gordon George: It supports adult seniors, and they do so much in the community. They provide housing, they provide daycare for seniors. They don't call it daycare, it's something else. Toby Jenkins: Drop-in? Gordon George: Yeah, where people that can go- they have all kinds of classes. They haveToby Jenkins: Fitness center. Gordon George: Dancing, yeah, all the- bunch of stuff that they do. Toby Jenkins: They help you with your taxes. Gordon George: Right. Toby Jenkins: Help you navigate Medicare and finding the right insurance. Gordon George: Right. Yeah. Toby Jenkins: So do you enjoy volunteering with Life Senior Services? Gordon George: Oh, yeah. Toby Jenkins: Do they know you're gay? Gordon George: Well, I would think so. Toby Jenkins: Okay. But you always feel welcome there? Gordon George: Oh, yeah. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Very good. 31 �Gordon George: Not a problem. Toby Jenkins: Okay, so you- I'll say this as a PSA. What you're doing by volunteering and serving our community, the whole community, that does more to help us make sure that we create an inclusive community for LGBTQ people because we're visible and we're helping out where it's needed, instead of silo-ing ourself and isolating ourself. Gordon George: Right. Toby Jenkins: That's my PSA. Do you find that to be true? Gordon George: Yes, and we have several with the senior group here that also are ambassadors. Toby Jenkins: Okay. That do the volunteer programs? Gordon George: Mm-hmm, that do this. Toby Jenkins: Oh, cool, very cool. So let's think about, an archeologist uncovers these archives in a 100 years and he's gonna look at your interview and what message do you want to give to those who come after us. Or maybe young people today who just are not sure how all this came to be. They just think it's always been like this. What would be your message to the future and to people? Young people today about what would you message would you give them? Gordon George: They have privileges that older people have worked for to appreciate those privileges and to work on keeping those privileges and to help support the LGBTQ community and get involved, stay involved. And keep working, 'cause it's never- it's gonna be an uphill battle no matter how long it's gonna be. 'Cause you're always gonna have people that don't like our community and it's gonna be an uphill, ongoing battle. Toby Jenkins: Alright. Gordon George: And keep doing it. Keep the battle going. Toby Jenkins: Anything else? Gordon George: No, I don't think so. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Dennis Neill, the founder of Oklahomans for Equality and Toby Jenkins, we've been present for this interview. We conclude our interview with Gordon George, affectionately known as GG around Oklahomans for Equality. Toby Jenkins: Thank you for tuning in for this broadcast. Gordon George: I appreciate it. Thank you. 32 � 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 [2026] Gordon George Interview Description An account of the resource In this conversation, Gordon George shares his life story, detailing his experiences growing up in Kansas, moving to Tulsa, and discovering his identity as a gay man. He reflects on the challenges he faced in school, his involvement in the LGBTQ community, and the impact of the AIDS crisis. Gordon discusses his journey of coming out to his family, the importance of volunteering, and the progress of LGBTQ rights over the years. He emphasizes the need for continued activism and support for future generations. Subject The topic of the resource Gordon George Oral History Project from February 3, 2026 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Gordon George, Toby Jenkins, Dennis Neill Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 3, 2026 2026 AIDS AIDS/HIV Gordon George HIV/AIDs interview OKEQ Oral History Project oral history oral history interview Oral History Project oral history transcript Toby Jenkins transcript video https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/cb45fd2c080c696f642bbf3a4ec34ca2.mp4 5200eb31f5519513b3b1c578c0a4b556 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/0a9ad56686aff1c861791cbd6e559964.pdf 9f05611ad7684b1eccd5aa7a33466e4d PDF Text Text Oklahomans for Equality Oral History Interview with Jeremy Simmons Interview Conducted by Dennis Neill Date: January 21, 2026 Transcribed and Edited By: Dennis Neill using Reduct.Video AI, February 26, 2026 Restrictions: Interviewee requested: N/A Oklahomans for Equality History Project 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK. 74120 918.743.4297 historyproject@okeq.org 1 �About Jeremy Simmons Keywords Jeremy Simmons, LGBTQ+, sexual orientation, HIV awareness, community advocacy, personal identity, religious background, nonprofit management, Tulsa, equality Takeaways  Jeremy grew up in a conservative, religious environment.  He navigated his sexual identity amidst societal expectations.  Experiences of bullying shaped his understanding of acceptance.  He identifies as more attracted to men but has explored bisexuality.  Performance art has been a form of self-expression for him.  Community engagement has been a significant part of his life.  He has worked with various organizations for HIV awareness.  Transitioning from OKQ to HOPE was a pivotal moment in his career.  Nonprofit management presents unique challenges and opportunities.  He believes in the potential for positive change in the community. Summary In this interview, Jeremy Simmons shares his journey of self-discovery and advocacy within the LGBTQ+ community. Growing up in a conservative, religious environment, he navigated the complexities of his sexual identity while facing societal expectations and bullying. His experiences shaped his commitment to community engagement and HIV awareness, leading to significant roles in various organizations. Jeremy reflects on the challenges of nonprofit management and expresses hope for the future of the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing the importance of continued advocacy and support. 2 �Chapters 00:00 Jeremy Simmons Oral History Interview January 22, 2026 01:24:24 Introduction and Early Life 01:27:21 Religious Background and Identity 01:30:25 Navigating Sexual Orientation in Adolescence 01:33:35 Experiences of Bullying and Acceptance 01:36:31 Understanding Bisexuality and Self-Identification 01:39:24 Relationships and Social Circles 01:42:27 Coming Out and Community Engagement 01:45:21 Work History and Involvement with Equality Center 01:48:09 HIV Testing and Support Services 01:51:19 Challenges in Healthcare Access 01:54:15 Personal Experiences with HIV and Community Support 02:03:57 The Evolution of HIV Treatment and Public Perception 02:08:30 Community Outreach and Testing Initiatives 02:13:33 Navigating Funding Challenges in Nonprofits 02:20:23 The Impact of Government Regulations on Nonprofits 02:25:31 The Journey of Hope: From Formation to Growth 02:32:55 Reflections on Personal Growth and Community Engagement 02:40:16 Advocacy and the Changing Landscape of LGBTQ+ Rights 02:47:42 Looking Forward: Optimism for the Future Jeremy Simmons Oral History Interview January 21, 2026 Dennis Neill: Good afternoon. It is January, the 21st, 2026, and we're in the Nancy and Joe McDonald Rainbow Library at the Equality Center and we're having the opportunity to interview Jeremy Simmons. And Jeremy, would you state your name and give us some basic biographical information, like your birthday, your early growing up experiences, a little bit of your family background that you might want to share and your early education? Jeremy Simmons: Sure, Jeremy Simmons, I grew up in and around Bartlesville, so Washington County, so in the city of Bartlesville and it's, and in very small places like around Ramona and Tulala, like so in the middle of nowhere. At one point we had a 3 �house. It was like a half a mile away from anybody, so remote for some of that. I was born a long time ago and I'm much older now and I moved to Tulsa in 94 and that's where I've lived here over half my life and because it's been so long and like all of my adult life, I think of Tulsa as my home now. Dennis Neill: And where'd you do your elementary and high school work? Jeremy Simmons: That's a great question. I did it in different, at Caney Valley in Bartlesville, where the two schools that I was in and Wesleyan religious school at the beginningDennis Neill: is that the one in Bartlesville? Jeremy Simmons: Yes Dennis Neill: What year did you graduate from high school? Jeremy Simmons: Sometime in the 90s, and they have 56 peopleDennis Neill: Did you go immediately on to post-secondary? Jeremy Simmons: Not right away. I spent a little time at Tulsa Community College trying to sort of know what I wanted to do, and then I went to the University of Tulsa later in the 90s. I have an associate's degree in humanities from TCC and I had worked on a sociology degree that I did not complete. Dennis Neill: Okay, great, great, anything else that you can share with us about your family background, like siblings or other information you want to share about? Jeremy Simmons: So my life before I moved here was quite different and I don't really like to dig super deep into it. Just to be honest with you. I feel comfortable saying I grew up in extremely isolated rural areas, pretty religious background, as you can imagine. I did pre-k, kindergarten and first grade at the Wesleyan school, which is quite traditional conservative. So, coming from that background, although the interesting thing about it was kind of interesting going to the Weslyan School, I was surrounded by people from different countries and different races and nationalities, so then going to smaller schools and being not around that was sometimes more conservative, honestly, being in the public schools in a small town. Dennis Neill: Talk a little bit more about your early religious experience and how that's evolved over time. Any intersection with how you identify from a sexual orientation? Jeremy Simmons: Oh, that's a great question. So for me, in the way that I grew up, so all of my family was very religious and most of the people in my area were just very religious. So religion just dominated everything. And at one point for many years, next to a Southern Baptist Church, it was this like the second biggest building in town after the school. So it makes quite an impression. I was very Christian in a very traditional conservative way because I thought that that was there wasn't really any thought about it. It's like when you grow up in rural spaces a lot of times it's just like, everybody thinks that abortion is wrong and 4 �everybody thinks that homosexuality is wrong and everybody supports the troops and it's like they're sort of a far-right cultural line that blends with the religion and you just like 80- 90% of the people feel that way, or they pretend to. Yeah, so when I was quite young I was actually fairly conservative, which, looking back, it's kind of like okay, but then it's just kind of hard to integrate that old life with who I was later. But I also started making out with boys when I was a very young. Dennis Neill: Do you mind sharing what age you're talking about? Jeremy Simmons: Definitely by sixth grade, maybe by fifth grade range, roughly so. So even though everybody was far right religious, there was same-sex stuff and drinking. There were things that always happened. They were just very underground. You just had to be very, very careful about them, right? Dennis Neill: In that period, were you also trying to deal and date the opposite sex while you were in junior high, high school? How did you kind of blend those thoughts with your other aspects of your peers? Jeremy Simmons: That's another really great question and it's so hard to put into words. So, without, especially without doing like getting into psychobabble language, but cognitive dissonance is definitely a thing. I viewed myself as heterosexual and so I had girlfriends, but I didn't want to have sex with any of them and I did want to have sex with men and so, but it got to a certain point. as you get older, I think it's harder to even be gay undercover in some of those situations. I stopped doing anything with boys by probably 14, 15, definitely 16.. I remember by the time we were all driving age for sure, , like none of us were doing that anymore. It was considered like something that you just did as a kid and didn't talk about it anymore. So I just thought I genuinely thought for a while that if I just kept giving it a try, I'd meet the right girl. That's where my head was with all that. Dennis Neill: And did you go to like the proms or the other school events like that with… Jeremy Simmons: Very weirdly, yeah, I know, it was like when I talk to people who grew up, they want to talk to people my age or older. I come across a lot of parallels, or even younger people who grew up in rural areas still like who grew up 10, 20 years later than me. They're like: oh yeah, I mean, you've had to have a girlfriend. That was just a part of it. So also to, I was also kind of smaller. I wasn't super athletic. Not getting picked on meant being conservative and being straight and doing certain things. Dennis Neill: So did you have bullying experiences? Jeremy Simmons: Oh sure Dennis Neill: Over what reasons? Or what characteristics? Jeremy Simmons: I mean sometimes I would get called a faggot or or a sissy or whatever, something that, some type of equivalent of that. Some of that was 5 �probably more intentionally directed. And then some of it is just things that people say that are hurtful, like, if someone's slightly effeminate or smaller framed. They're gonna be compared to being girlish, separate from their gender identity or sexuality. I think it's just a jab, right, it's something that could be hurtful. And then some of it felt like more directed. I remember there was a lot of different experiences. Sometimes a lot of kids that were like one to three years older than us and that kind of range would try and isolate us and pick on us, and there was a one time where some older kids may just take our clothes off and I thought something like sexual assault was going to happen and it didn't, fortunately. That was one of the weirder things, but that's one of those things that happens when you get a bunch of other kids that are all supposed to be straight and hyper conservative. Dennis Neill: Were there any of these peers as you're growing up through high school that were more clearly out and comfortable with their different sexual orientations? Jeremy Simmons: No, not so. It depends on where. Probably in Bartlesville, but I didn't go to school there- very much, I think, and definitely not in the Weslyan school. Like you literally couldn't be gay and be at the Weslyan school, like that's a part of their rules. So it's like that wouldn't have been it, there wouldn't have been an option. At that time they only had school up through sixth grade and I quit before then. There are probably kids that that, looking back on it, seemed more effeminate or seem more physically intimate with the same-sex. That might have been something, but when you're young enough, that's all, that's okay. , there's a certain level like there's a little bit of bullying. But unless it gets like, unless you get really affectionate or something , like a little bit of that's okay. It's whenyou get into junior high kind of…Sixth grade and up is when I think people really start having more expectations. That was my experience anyway, and so everything started to get more codified, going to the dances and having regular girlfriends, you are serious enough to change exchange class rings, like there are certain rituals. It's like you needed to participate, and it was much easier for you if you did participate in that. So to not participate in that, even if you were straight and cisgendered and healthy, like, even if you were able, but like even if you didn't have a lot of bullying potential, if you removed yourself from the heterosexual norms, you definitely made yourself a target, so you had to either be- and some kids could do it. I remember the few people that did it- they had to have like a schtick, like they had to be the stoner with the motorcycle or something, like they had to have something, like you could be a black sheep in some, in some ways, but you couldn't just be like, oh, I'm just not gonna date me, buddy, right? Dennis Neill: Talk a little bit more about the process of when you finally decided what your orientation was, and how do you identify now that kind of that path that you followed in getting comfortable with how you currently identify? Jeremy Simmons: Right after high school, I decided that I was bisexual and I actually had sex with women, but very little and I didn't hate it. So bisexuality is somewhat applicable to me, I feel, but it was definitely for me. 6 �It was more of a transitional phase, and I hate saying that because a lot of people sort of pigeonhole bisexuality in general as that, and I very much don't feel that way. There's definitely bisexuality and pansexuality and all the other things are valid for me. I'm just very strongly attracted to other men. I had one girlfriend that was just like you're just not that into this, you just need to be gay. I spent two semesters briefly in Stillwater. I always forget about that in interviews and I was not very successful at school there because I was just interested in figuring out my sexuality and drinking, and doing whatever, so that actually I always forget that part that played. But even though it was just a couple of semesters, it played a huge role in my development because that's because I don't think I would have been able to be bisexual in Bartlesville or Ramona or wherever Copan, anywhere else around there. I mean like none of those places would have tolerated that. At the time in the 90s, I think a lot of people thought that that was just a bullshit thing, even amongst gay people and straight people. I think a lot of people were like, oh, there's just two genders and everybody's either straight or very gay. Everything seemed very bipolar in the 90s. You were just like: I'm this or that. Dennis Neill: Have you ever been married? Jeremy Simmons: No. Dennis Neill: What about any significant long-term relationships that you want to share. Jeremy Simmons: I dated a guy named Robert who's still saved in my phone as bastard ex-boyfriend for a couple of years in the 90s. He's actually a very dear friend. Once we figured out that we were supposed to be friends, everything was great. Um, that's my longest relationship. So when you asked earlier how I identify myself, I try not to do a lot of labels. I just I find it kind of constraining and tedious and then even when you get, even when you pick a label, then five years from now, like the culture and the language is going to change. It just seems like, oh, I'm just human. But the question is very valid, because I am much more into men than women. I feel comfortable as a male, and have always been perceived as more male than female. I feel like it's important to state this is where I come from, this is what I am. But I've had fun dressing up as women. I won by comp, by by crowd vote, at an 80s prom with the full canes. I won prom queen dressed up as Annie Lennox one year. So it's like I'm not really a drag queen all the time, but I feel very comfortable being, I felt comfortable being intimate with women. I feel comfortable being in women's clothes. But I feel more comfortable as a man and more comfortable being with other men. Dennis Neill: Do you consider your drag experience like performance art when you've been on stage, or have you actually been on stage? Jeremy Simmons: Nnot in a traditional way where I would get tips, no, It's been fun, something I've done a handful of times successfully and it was very interesting. 7 �To explain more about me to- I am a little bit of an experience junkie, so I like to fully understand things by immersing myself in them, without doing something like going really hardcore, then I don't feel like I've understood something. But a lot of times I'll do something like dress up in drag. I also was on stage for an S&M ball that my friends did and it's very fun, it's very engaging, but then I'm like: got it done, so, and I don't really know how to put that into words when it comes to…when you talk about sexual identity, because some people like, well, you're a sex addict and I was like absolutely not, like I haven't had sex since before COVID. Sexual sex is very low priority for me, right, but asexuality also doesn't feel right. It's like I say one thing and somebody's always like: oh, so you're asexual and I'm like: no, like I'm physically capable of having sex and I'm interested in maybe doing it again. , probably with a guy now in your network of friends. I have a huge network of friends. So that's one of the nice things about not dating or not having kids: it gives you a lot of time to follow personal interests and develop friend networks. So, yes, I have tons of friends here and I never have enough time to keep up with all of them, which is lovely. I have some that are much closer, but I don't know, when I was younger it was much more important for me to identify as gay and I think because- but I think a part of that was because I was told that that was wrong and because it was so much harder to do that in the 90s- be openly gay, especially if you were young and didn't have a ton of money. I think for people who have a lot of money or people who live in certain cities, it's always been easier for anything . A lot of that identity stuff was very important to me then, and dating was very important to me. Then the 2000s hit, I just got less interested in it and so every now and then I'll date and it just seems to run its course faster and it's done. Dennis Neill: Did you immediately get acclimated to the gay and lesbian community, like through the bars or other social activities? Jeremy Simmons: Yeah, Dennis Neill: And what was kind of some of your first experiences, going out and socializing like locations? Jeremy Simmons: Yes,in the 80s and 90s at a certain point it was okay to go out to after-hours clubs and and whatever your age was, and then I think maybe 92 to 94 range, before I moved here, they changed the city, passed law saying that they couldn't do that anymore. When I was a baby, like I remember- I remember going to Icon that did after-hour stuff and I didn't have my driver's license yet, so I was probably 15 at the oldest. And while that wasn't a gay club, it was a very gay-friendly place. Yeah, I remember the name, but where is the location? It used to be on Peoria, Brookside proper, close to where, I think it was in or near where Sharkey's is right now. Dennis Neill: Okay, so it was on that side [east] of the street? 8 �Jeremy Simmons: Yep, on the east side, definitely. Because at one time there was also what, Concessions? Dennis Neill: Concessions was across the street, very close there. Jeremy Simmons: Icon was great. And it was definitely, for somebody who was trying to figure themselves out, being in an environment like rural Washington County, and then coming there where there were people dressed in drag, and there was goth people, and there was ravers, and there was weird old bikers, and people were doing drugs all over the place. And so that was a very different world. It was very interesting. It was very fun for me. I was very young, so I was a little too timid to get too involved with anything, but it was definitely fun to be a fly on the wall at that time. While I didn't grow up here, I do remember things from the 80s and earlier 90s from here, because I've always lived near Tulsa. I remember coming out to some of those spaces that were definitely gayadjacent. And like many other men my age, around that time, I went to the Toolbox before I was 21, and that's the bar, which is now the Eagle on 3rd. I don't remember when, but it would have been, I don't know, before I moved here in 94. Dennis Neill: Did you live on your own initially? Jeremy Simmons: I had roommates for quite a while. Dennis Neill: Gay, straight, mix, were they your roommates? Jeremy Simmons: I mainly lived with a straight couple at first, but a lot of the crew that I was in were kind of ambiguous. I fell in with a crew of people that were more in the rave scene. I think that they were, and they were doing, there were tons of drugs all the time. I remember that much. I think there was a little bit of like vague bisexuality, but most of them were straight. Dennis Neill: How about once you left the high school environment and went on for post-secondary and then up to today, have you personally experienced any discrimination and prejudice with regard to your sexual orientation or how people perceive your sexual orientation or close friends that have experienced that? Jeremy Simmons: Oh, sure. I've actually experienced fairly little. Well, I feel like it's fairly little. Sometimes when I describe my life story to people who grew up in other progressive places, they're like, Oklahoma sounds like a shithole. But I also, once I was here, I was just like, I'm gay if you don't like it, fuck off. I made a lot of decisions based off of being safe as a gay person. I do remember one of my first apartments that I lived in by myself on Riverside, the guy made me put down an extra deposit because he said that if I got sick from AIDS, it was something like that I was more of a risk. I was like, but I don't even have HIV. But he was like, no, you're welcome here. It's just anybody with health problems or anybody that's risky has to put down an extra $250 deposit, which was a lot of money at the time. And I thought that was weird. I still think it's weird looking back on it. I was originally an employee at the Equality Center and then Hope split off, but then we still worked with the Equality Center forever. I was here one time when a guy 9 �came in and broke a lamp in the hallway and said he was going to something, shoot everybody. I don't know. That would have been…It was when we were on Brookside, and so it would have been after 95, but not a lot after 95. Dennis Neill: Yeah, we were up in there from about 96 to about 99. Jeremy Simmons: I was going to say maybe 97, roughly. So again, when people ask me to do the dates, it's kind of hard because I have to pick anchor events. I don't remember years well. So I know that it was after we'd phased out the 42nd Street Clinic and integrated into there, and that's when we were becoming more public, as OkEq was becoming more public about being an LGBT center. I think that even at the beginning, even when we were doing stuff, there was an effort to kind of have a little bit of a vague gray umbrella around a lot of the language that we used. And then when that center started on Brookside, that just wasn't working anymore. It's like, this is where gay people are. Dennis Neill: So was that your first experience with TOHR, or when we had the location there at the 41st apartment, were you ever involved in that small space that we had with the hotline and a little community? Jeremy Simmons: Yeah, so like I said, I think in 95 I came there for services, and then in 96 I came back for services early and started volunteering there. I had a traditional day-hour job, I think, at the time, and they had night clinics Mondays and Thursdays, which I think they still do to this day. So I was volunteering on Monday or Thursday. One of the night clinics, once a week I would come in and volunteer a few hours. Yeah, and to refresh my memory, so we had the space there at like 39th and Harvard on the east side, where the HIV testing center was like at 42nd and Harvard on the west side. Dennis Neill: So were you volunteering there? Jeremy Simmons: The 42nd, yeah, the clinic. So it's like, yeah, you go just past 41st and Harvard, take the right end on the west side there, go into that little clinic next to Tulsa Cares. We answered the gay, I think they called it the gay hotline at that time, something to that effect. That went into the clinic because we were staffed. And so I did get a very limited amount of training, and sometimes I would take calls for that. So it was usually clinic calls, but the other line came in too. And honestly, I didn't even know. It wasn't until then that I realized that the clinic was not a part, I knew that it was separate from Tulsa Cares. It wasn't just in a separate building, but it wasn't until then, later, I think it wasn't until 96 that I even really knew that there was an LGBT group that was in the space. Dennis Neill: Walk me through your early work history from the time you left college through the early years. Jeremy Simmons: Okay. Well, I did a lot of this and that. There wasn't a lot that was super interesting. When I was a teenager, I worked for my grandpa. He had a garage in Ramona, and so I did that for a while. But just surface stuff like pumping gas and 10 �bringing people parts, nothing too complicated. And then I got a job when I was, I think, 16 or 17, which sounds crazy now, but back then everybody just did that at Walmart in Bartlesville, and that was before Walmart became this massive sprawling show that it is today. So I did just miscellaneous stuff. I moved here, and I was doing Thrifty Car Rental which had their corporate headquarters here, and I think that they've been merged into Dollar, Avis, or some other group now, but they were a standalone car reservation place that was based in Tulsa for a long time, and I worked the reservation center for maybe a couple of years. And I was doing that while I was volunteering with OkEq. Dennis Neill: Is that when they relocated what is now Legacy Towers? Jeremy Simmons: Right, around 31st and Yale. And that was kind of interesting because I got to talk to people from all over the world. But it ran its course too. It was never like a permanent thing. And so then, in 96, I was volunteering with the Equality Center, not thinking about it, and they offered me a job, which kind of surprised me. I don't really know why. I think so and again, I just, , I grew up in a pretty small town and I come from pretty conservative background, and so I think people were like: you have to work and own your own business and and make yourself successful that way, or you have to go and work for a big company and make a lot of money. There's the concept of, I don't know, being a social service provider, , or an educator, or something like that it just wasn't really on my radar, which is weird because I was volunteering. So on the one hand, it was right because I was taking my time to help for free, so I had that in my nature. But then also I was like, oh, this isn't something people can do for a living, right, but it offered about the same pay as I was making Thrifty and I was like, yeah, fuck it. So it was kind of a lark, honestly, to start working at OkEq. Dennis Neill: Who actually hired you? Jeremy Simmons: Claudette Peterson. Dennis Neill: She was head of the testing program? Jeremy Simmons: Yes, right. Dennis Neill: Who was it before then? Jeremy Simmons: His first name was Jason, so Jason was doing the position that I filled. I don't know who was in charge before Claudette. Dennis Neill: I think it might have been Roger Morris. Jeremy Simmons: Yeah, that name is not familiar to me. Dennis Neill: Walk us through a little bit about your involvement there and then the transition process with regard to the testing clinic, as you recall, and the staffing changes that you recall. Jeremy Simmons: Sure, so it was also kind of interesting because I thought, because it's a medical job, and I thought, well, you have to be certified medically, but 11 �the state was doing finger stick testing. They were just doing a little finger stick, taking a little bit of blood and putting on a blotter card. Didn't have to be a phlebotomist, didn't have to be a nurse, didn't have to be anything. They trained you how to do that and it was surprisingly easy, and so I think that a lot of people were terrified coming in and so just making it feel normal and being nice to people was the biggest part of the job. That was the most important thing by far, and we had, I think, four employees at the time and that would shift quite a bit based off of state funding. When the state contracts would change, like the positions would come and go. It felt a little chaotic and it did for a long time, honestly, and it's a challenge for a lot of nonprofits, even as they get bigger. If the government funding is such a big chunk and then their priorities shift, then it's like, well, you have to be more of a counselor now, or you have to be more medical now, or you have to do group sessions now, and so you just kind of have to roll with whatever the grant says or get replaced. Fortunately they were pretty good…the state and OkEq and then later HOPE separately, were all pretty good about doing the trainings that were necessary because a lot of them weren't that complicated. They always kept it to where less medical or non-medical staff, non-counseling staff could do the jobs, because it just wouldn't have been an affordable otherwise, because we always needed a lot of free volunteers and low-paid staff or it just wouldn't have worked. Dennis Neill: When you did the finger stick at that time, was that still the requirement to send it off and wait two weeks. Jeremy Simmons: Right. Dennis Neill: What was your experience with that? Knowing folks were coming in getting tested. Did all of them, or a majority of them, come back and the experience you had when you were having to deliver a positive result? I mean, was there hope at that period of time? Jeremy Simmons: Not really. It was really really rough. It was hard getting people to come in, but if they came in they usually came back for their results. So if they were committed. We had something like 75- 80 percent return rate, which I always thought, oh, that's just so, so many people aren't getting their results. But at a lot of testing sites it was like 60 percent or less. So we actually had a good follow-up rate. I think a part of that was just being so openly gay-friendly and non-judgmental about drug use and sex workers and all the other things that people might get worked up about. We did have a lot of people come back in. It was quite, I remember, being from experiencing from the other side- like waiting for 10 to 14 days to get a result back was felt very stressful. While protease inhibitors came out in the 90s, their use and full understanding wasn't, wasn't in place yet. It wasn't until the early 2000s where that started to kind of shift. It took a little bit longer to get it fully ingrained- where we can have these long-term undetectable status kind of thing, a different ballgame. So then there really wasn't a lot that you could do. Getting tested really was more about hoping that you were negative,and then if you found out that you had HIV, then it was a little bit more about when am I going to need hospice care? How am I gonna live a fulfilling life for 20 years? It was more about okay, at a certain point this is going to catch up with me. 12 �Dennis Neill: The folks that did test positive, did you all have a referral list of doctors and counselors that you could provide to help them on their path? Jeremy Simmons: Sort of. There were always people providing services here, but not a lot, and it if you didn't have the right health insurance, it could be very difficult to get into the right people. I remember early on there was a guy named Jeffrey BealI'm sure you remember Dr. Beal- who was like I'm gonna make a clinic that focuses on HIV care and does a good job of it and it's gay, affirming and doesn't matter if people do some drugs or have hep C to or any that like. But a lot of places wouldn't take anybody with HIV. Or if they would, they wouldn't take any other problems, like if you had hep C at the same time or if you couldn't pass a drug test or if you didn't have good insurance or any number of things, because it was already kind of a stretch for them to deal with HIV. So we had some resources. They were few and far between and some of the ones that did it, like Dr. Beal, could quickly get booked up. So, yes, technically, there were resources, but for many people if you lived outside of Tulsa, if you didn't have health insurance, if you didn't have disposable income, if you had a comorbidity, you weren't really going to get care or very good care. Dennis Neill: In addition to Dr. Beal, did you work closely with Ted, his partner, who was providing counseling services. Jeremy Simmons: Fortunately, most of our test results were negative. When we would get a positive test result, people handled that wildly differently. That case where you just felt like, wow, this is gonna be a really tough case, both for you emotionally as well. Sure. So there are some people who like, under underneath it all, have a have a lot of cynicism or cynicism or optimism about life, and so this was definitely a job that taught me a lot about that. Because some people who have really terrible circumstances already and then we're getting HIV positive result, we're like, well, this is a hassle, we're gonna navigate it as best we can. And then some people- it was just all they could think about was how they were going to die. it was very clear, they were like, oh, and also some people wouldn't go into care because then they couldn't let anybody know is how they felt. Even if they had health insurance and even if they lived in Tulsa and had disposable income and didn't have a comorbidity, they might have been so closeted about their sexuality and in some cases, even if they were openly gay and had everything going for them, they felt like they could not let anyone know they had HIV or they would be shunned at the bar or they might be kicked out of an apartment or lose access to a kid or lose a job, which are things that definitely did happen to people. Not extremely often, but regularly, so the fear of them happening was much bigger than the actuality, but they were things that regularly occurred and so it made it made it kind of difficult. Trying to get people into counseling was always great. Some people would spiral and just party and not go to the doctor and their health conditions and overall life would get much, much worse. So not suicide by direct action, but definitely like, well, if I have five more years, I'm just going to enjoy it. 13 �Dennis Neill: How would you compare the percent, you said, fortunately, it was quite low on the positive side in the 90s. How does that compare with today, would you say, the more recent pattern? Jeremy Simmons: It's definitely shifted way down. There was a lot of things happening. It's just, it's a very different, from a public health perspective, communicable disease perspective, it's a very different game now. So back then, there weren't great treatments, like you could get on AZT and maybe combine that with something else, maybe get off and on AZT. There were different things that you could do. And it was sort of the chemotherapy approach. We're just like, hey, we're going to bombard your system with a bunch of toxicity that's going to kill the HIV more than it kills your healthy tissue, but it's definitely going to kill your healthy tissue. So you're going to get sick at a certain point if you stay on AZT or any of these other antivirals at high doses enough to actually help you. It was kind of a gamble. People had to just do their best with it. Now, not only are people living longer, but their health outcomes are much better and they're much less likely to transmit. So we had a lot of people who would get very sick from HIV or very sick from the medications or some of both and try and balance that back and forth. But meanwhile, they were often having a high viral load or a moderate viral load. And so their long-term health outcomes were never going to be great and they were highly infectious to other people. While not everybody fully understood that at the time, enough people understood it. You were shunned if you had HIV was often the case, but not by everyone. It didn't bother me, because I'm in the office around it all the time. But I knew that I was not the norm. There was so much fear among so many gay men that they might get it too. And even if you weren't worried about directly having sexual or blood contact with somebody, I just think a lot of, a lot of gay men looked at other gay men as, oh, well, they're going to get sick soon, sooner rather than later, , and they are potentially infectious. So we have to be more careful around them. There was, even amongst ourselves, I think there was a lot of people, there was a lot of, I think, serosorting is a term I've heard, where it was like there were groups of HIV positive men within gay men that were still, that would still hang out and have community. Which is why places like we talked about earlier, like Our House, were much more relevant at that time. But it's such a different thing now. We would often get 5% or higher HIV rates. Still over 90% of our test results were coming back negative pretty regularly. That would fluctuate a little bit month to month or year to year. But oh, when you looked at year long stretches and multi-year long stretches, it was pretty consistently under 10%, sometimes less than 5%. Now, as hope evolved and even got bigger and started testing more people, like sometimes the positivity rate would be less than 3%, less than 2%. You see a lot less of it. And the biggest part of that is the viral load being much more manageable means that people aren't going to accidentally give it to other people. 14 �Dennis Neill: I know there was an effort at one point in time to really reach out to the African American community with regard to testing. There was actually an organization that partnered with testing to reach out to the African American community. Were you part of that effort? Do you remember the special grants I think that organization received? Jeremy Simmons: I partnered with them. So there was, Derek Davis was very involved, Donald Rose. And this is that thing about human memory. Tall guy, what was his name? Dennis Neill: FUSO [Friends in Unity Social Organization] was the name. Jeremy Simmons: The interesting thing is we just always called it FUSO. They never spelled it out, so like that was the incorporated name. And they at one point they- Renfro was also a guy who was very active with them and I worked with [R.F.] Renfro and then he died, which was one of the…sorry, I'm usually very nonemotional these things, but every now and then he was a very sweet person and not that…that sounds like a shitty thing to say, like no one deserves to die from something so painful. He was involved with this group. He was so sweet and he was so bright and was so healthy and then, like a year, he was gone. Sorry, that's one of the ones that's always still really hard for me to talk about. Dennis Neill: He was not only part of that organization but a close friend as well? Jeremy Simmons: He was a friend, yes, and I knew him a lot better than many of the others and worked with him. It was very surreal, I think, when it came to the clients and I knew people in real life who had HIV too. I just had enough of a wall built up where I could still be engaged with then and care about them. I think that the grant, the process kind of fell away. He was a guiding force behind it, Derek [Davis] was very engaged, I think, Donald, and was as well…and I'm- I'm sorry I'm blanking on that, still blanking on the guy. I can see his face and he's a very tall and he would come up here once in a while. The way I understand it, it's just a lot of those grants, but a lot of those things fluctuate, and so sometimes too- I'm trying to say this politically correct- sometimes the funding sources change so radically that it it it becomes apparent that either someone doesn't know what the fuck they're doing or they're intentionally sabotaging the programs , and it can be hard to tell, because if we're talking about stuff that can start at the federal level and can have lots of intermediaries. For example, when we we formed HOPE as a separate breakaway, in part because state legislators were going after LGBT organizations and OkEq wasn't 100% doing something right on the financials and it was something that a lot of nonprofits would do- shell games with money, but it was also something that if someone wanted to pull the funds, they could do it right. While it was something that a lot of people did and it wasn't a problem, when you live in a place like Oklahoma, when someone goes on the warpath against you, it's just like okay. But even when we did everything we were supposed to do and became a health organization that focused on gay services instead of a gay organization, so we wouldn't get as much grief- the CDC cut funding to the whole state for all HIV programs because the state was just fucking things up so much. 15 �There's a lot of at state and federal levels and I think that I don't want to speak too much for a few. Because I knew them well and I love Renfro and I still keep up a little bit with Derek and Donald…I don't know all of the details there- they were there and it was great to see them being there. And when we phased out of the 42nd office, we moved over and had two or three offices were kind of designated to the HOPE wing or that. That's not what they called it then. They called it just something else simple like the HIV Testing Clinic or the HIV Services or something more generic like that. And then FUSO had a small office in the Equality Center on Brookside. Briefly. Dennis Neill: Talk a little bit more about that transition from 1998 when it became its own nonprofit. How did that whole process, and then when you felt like the ship was getting righted, as far as the relationship with the funders like the state and so on. And the various locations that you've experienced in HOPE testing. Jeremy Simmons: So, as I mentioned, we had some state funders come to us and said, hey, the state is going after anything that's too drug-friendly, anything that's too gay-friendly, and they're not going to give you money next year, probably. If you stay here, they also might audit you and they might end - was happening to an Oklahoma City agency that got shut down right after that. So, I felt like that was pretty sage advice. Dennis Neill: Do you remember the name of the Oklahoma City organization? They started something called the AIDS Support Program. Jeremy Simmons: It was something that hadn't been around forever and then went away. I can't remember it. And they had, because they were a part of an sort of an LGBT organization, someone there, an employee, had promoted some kind of material from NAMBLA, the North American Man-Boy Love Association. And that was just like the grossest, dumbest thing, They were very, like at their core, that group, it's kind of like when you talk to certain people, there's like the public pitch, but at their core, they were very much about grooming and having sex with very young, under 18 people. That was a core part of that NAMBLA group. So it's like, you don't touch them. You don't have to listen to their pitch too much and you kind of dig into what's like what's going on. That's what did them in. I don't even know that they were necessarily promoting something that would have been child molesting oriented. They just did something with that group. At the time, I remember having this conversation with Nancy McDonald and I was kind of against her, but then as I looked back on it, because I wanted to do a leather S&M focused HIV group and just call it what it was. And she was like, no, that's not smart. And I was like, well, okay. That would not have been good. There's just certain things you can't do here or you're gonna get on somebody's radar. That's how it was in the nineties. I think this was actually before we split away from OkEq. I don't remember exactly. I just remember she was one of the ones and I didn't know her very well and I always liked her and respected her, but we, she was very, very cautious compared to what I wanted to do. In retrospect though, I get it. It's one of those things where I was like, I'm happy to say that I would have made the wrong decision on that call. 16 �There’s just certain things you just couldn't do without raising too many red flags and then the next thing , and they're going to find a way. First they'll audit you and then if you're not doing everything right, which many nonprofits weren't in the eighties and nineties, when you really look into it… like we were on a reimbursement contract, not a grant saying we could spend whatever. So we had to use the money and then get reimbursed. If you didn't do it in just the right way, if you did it and people would be like, oh well, but we have to pay the lights and so we're gonna do this with that, then we'll catch up and pay that. At the end of the year, would it all work out? Sure. But you can't, when you're dealing with the Feds in general or when you're dealing with hostile state-level people, you can't shell game with the money at all. Or you can maybe for a year or five years or ten years, like you can for a while. But at some point they're gonna catch you and be like, no, no, you didn't do this exactly right according to this contract. And so now we're gonna pull all your funds and mark you as someone who can't be funded again. Dennis Neill: So in the current day is the HOPE deal where it's a reimbursement type of process as opposed to…. Jeremy Simmons: as opposed to a straight grant? Yep. So that HIV money, ever since I've been involved since 96, whether it was for anybody, like OkEq. HOPE, Tulsa Cares, anybody, whether it's CDC-based, HRSA-based, this is what you do. They'll sometimes make exceptions if you can deal with them directly federally. So there are some exceptions. But most people get reimbursed through the state as an intermediary. And the state's like, you have to do all these things. You have to show us that you've paid for it, and then we'll reimburse you. If you get really lucky, even if you're doing everything right, you're jumping through all the hoops, and you're spending all the money exactly right, and going to all that work, something like COVID will come along. They just won't pay you for five months. Doing that work can be really tough on the people at the top trying to figure out the money. It is challenging for everybody. It always cracks me up when people want to start nonprofits. And they're like, well, we'll get government money. And I'm like, no. You have to have so much liability insurance before certain government agencies will even want to touch you. And that's cost prohibitive to a lot of places. It's like there's just all these big things you have to have in place. And most of them now require annual audits. And if not annual, you will, at least every second or third year, have a serious, deep audit. You have to have all your time ducks in a row, because even trying to do the right thing. We got better as we split away, we were like, OK, we're going to be more legit about money. We still made mistakes. We got better over time. There's always gray areas. , they can come in and be like, well, you're not separating the gloves that you bought from the state health department money from the gloves you're buying for this. And so now you're going to have to pay us back for these gloves, because we can't prove by a visual check that you're the blah, blah, blah. 17 �But we're using all the free gloves you give us, and then we're spending our own money buying other gloves on top of that. Does that not show you that we're using all of the gloves? Anyway, any state or federal agency, if they want to cause problems for you, they can come in and say, oh, well, you didn't do this exactly right. And sometimes it's not even in the contract, which is the most frustrating. , when it's like, OK, we did everything according to the contract. I'm like, well, but this is still an expectation. Dennis Neill: Did you say it was 96 when you first started with the testing? Do you recall what month you started with testing? Jeremy Simmons: I became an employee in the summer. I believe it was July 1st. Because at that point, the state's contract, their annual calendar started something in the summer, June 1st, July 1st, August 1st, something like that. Dennis Neill: And was it HOPE at that point in time? Jeremy Simmons: It was. Dennis Neill: Can you tell us what it was and how that transitioned? Jeremy Simmons: So when we were doing it at first, while Claudette was still here, when we would answer the phone, I would just say it was something very generic but plain, like HIV Testing Clinic, or something really just direct. I don't remember what it was that we said. I don't think anybody was too uptight about it at the time. But we weren't like, thanks for calling the Equality Center, or thanks for calling OkEq, or thanks for calling whatever. It wasn't about branding or anything. It was just like, you've called. Because in part, that building we were in was separate, and it was literally only for… When the people came in for the gay hotline, it rang on a different line. So we needed to answer that as like something, Oklahoma gay hotline, or something. We might have used OkEq as part of that, or TOHR. For a long time. It wasn't until it was not until probably mid-97 to late 97 that I think, we started getting warnings that the state was gonna be auditing people that weren't doing things right. The state was coming for gay dollars. At a certain point before we left, we were like, okay, we need to differentiate ourselves. To be perfectly honest, many of us that were doing the actual work were like, oh yeah, we're gonna have to become a separate financial institution, because this thing where- and it didn't happen all the time, but occasionally we wouldn't get paid or we would have to sit on mileage reimbursements and we weren't making a lot of money. And that's the one sure way to piss your employees off and be like, hey, we actually have to do this stuff with the money instead. So your paychecks gonna be next week, or we're gonna give you a paycheck but you need to sit on it for eight more days, or whatever. And we started calling ourselves HOPE right before we left, but I don't remember when. Dennis Neill: Do you know how that name came about or who created… 18 �Jeremy Simmons: That's a good question, because and- and I looked back- when we did a history project thing and I was like I think I incorporated us both times and Ithere's three people that incorporated HOPE. It was originally HIV outreach, prevention education incorporated and then about a year and a half later we changed it to health outreach, prevention, education. And I remember much more vividly the second conversation because there was this huge debate about whether we were going to be an HIV specific organization or not and branch out into Hep C services and etc. At the beginning I don't recall, but I and Christy Frisbee and Johnny Eilert's were the three people that incorporated the organization as HIV Outreach. So I was involved. I was like oh, yeah, that's my signature, so it is interesting what you kind of remember and kind of don't. But I don't remember a lot of conversation about it. I think for me at the beginning part I was like this was also the 90s, was a different time and I was much younger and I think at the time I was like branding, shmanding, Now I have much, I have much more appreciation for it, but at the time I was like oh, yeah, sure, yeah, we'll call it the this. It was like we have to keep the services going and if we don't, I think if we don't break away, they're gonna come after OkEq, sorry, TOHR. It's hard for me to use that name for some reason, even though I used it, and so the funny thing is technically I was an employee of TOHR . I was paid from Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, so I saw that name all the time. It's just merged, now OkEq. There was definitely a desperation. There was a lot of board discussion and some of it got quite heated because a lot of people felt like no, no, no, this is just blustering, which I don't think was true, but also I get it. It's like sure somebody, some random people- the state- say this and they're like: have them come to the meeting. No, that's not how it works. They're telling us this as a favor because they like us and they want the program to keep going, and they're seeing what's happening in Oklahoma City and it's duh, it's like Tulsa's gonna be next. That's what a lot of times the state people do. They start in Oklahoma City and then, if they have enough steam and need more attention or whatever, then they're just like: oh yeah, let's go after those guys in Tulsa and Lawton and Bartlesville, wherever else. Once we finally agreed to split apart, we stayed at the old building for a while and then we ended up getting another building space that was next door to Tulsa Cares again, and that was on Admiral, just a little bit east of Harvard. Dennis Neill: You were in the same structure? Jeremy Simmons: Right. For many years they had their main building and then there was a small building next door that was separated and we were there. They originally started off the model that they had when at the 42nd and Harvard complex, where they were like we're gonna be a home for a dozen organizations or more, so like the Names Project had like a, or Shanti had like a little teeny, tiny office, baby office there for a little bit. And then who else? There were other groups that had spaces there and we were one of them. We were definitely the second largest because of our staffing size and our funding capacities. RAIN [Regional AIDS 19 �Interfaith Network] was there for a little bit before they had their own thing. So it was supposed to be sort of like a coalition space. But pretty quickly, it became obvious that Tulsa Cares was getting the bulk of the money and that HOPE was getting another big chunk of money and everybody else was like 10% or less of what we were. The staffing and the client needs were overwhelmingly Tulsa Cares and secondarily HOPE. Over time, everything else, a lot of the other smaller organizations kind of merged into Tulsa Cares or finally moved out and got their own spaces. We were there for a while. Dennis Neill: Can you remember the street address? Jeremy Simmons: I think it's 3540 East Admiral Street. It's the Admiral that's north. I can see it always and there's a big church that was on the other side of the street and the building's still there and it looks almost identical to how it looked. I'm not sure if it's even being used right now. Blue and white. Tulsa Cares also started doing group meals at that time. IT started kind of changing what they were a little bit, I think. It was still good for us to have a separate space because people were just so terrified still of getting tested and I think they wanted like the least possible human interaction, the most private parking lot just as possible. We were there for three years to five years. I know that's a very broad term. I don't know exactly how long we were there. Then Tulsa Cares just kept growing and growing and growing and we were slowly growing and we were definitely, so we became the last two. All the other places weren't there anymore. And at a certain point Tulsa Cares was like, hey, we need to have a pantry and we need to expand these food services and we just cannot do this without a lot of extra physical space so you guys are going to need to go. And that was kind of debated and I think my director at the time thought that it wasn't going to happen and it ended up happening though. Christy Fresbee and I were the only two people that were incorporators on both times that we did the name change. We needed space, we had a lot of money for staffing and medical services but we were having a really hard time getting money for a facility and that's just a much, rent or owning is just its own thing. And Community of Hope on 25th and Yale was kind enough to let us stay there for like a year and a half to two years as a temporary transitional space. Then we moved, 3540 might be the 31st Street location. Then we moved to 31st Street which I think was a 3540 location. So that was on 31st a little bit east of Harvard. And we were there for about a decade. That was our longest location. Then we moved to a shopping center for a year and a half around 51st and Harvard and then Hope bought its final location that it owns now that's closer to 51st and Yale. Dennis Neill: When did you decide to leave HOPE and what are you up to now? Jeremy Simmons: I love being at Starlight, I think, but there was a thing going around for volunteer requests from OkEq for Pride and I thought about doing it but I kind of enjoy taking a break from HOPE and being distanced from that and being in some of those same spaces people just walk up and expect me to do HOPE stuff and so I was like I mean I think I just need to be a little further away. 20 �Dennis Neill: I was thinking maybe the late 80s early 90s Starlight was a gay bar but I could be wrong about that. Jeremy Simmons: Forever before it was Starlight it was the Chatterbox which was definitely not a gay bar but yes back in the 80s and 90s remember how we talked earlier about there was this golden time for teenagers where you could be wherever there was an after-hours thing. One of the names was The Factory. It was called many different things and so I went there as a little teenager but you had to wait until 1:45 A.M. or 2:15 or whatever because they made money as a bar and then reopened back up and sold non-alcoholic beverages. So yes, that was definitely... In different incarnations, a more overtly gay space or a kind of gay friendly space. But many of the after-hours places were…It was kind of Wild West compared to what it's like now. There's so many liquor laws now and there's so many ABLE Commission and police…there's just so many guidelines and so many people watching what you do now. Back then it was just like, yeah, someone's coming out of the bathroom with coke on their face, who cares? There's this wild thinking of that. As a teenager, like having access to that world, it felt like when people say it wasn't Studio 54, but when I see stuff like that for Manhattan, I was just like I get that general vibe. I don't know how it happens, but there's like you pay off the cops or you stay off their radar long enough or something , and it's just like people were just like whatever, and so there was more of that at those places. It was more of that live and let live, yeah, kind of a thing. Even the straight people were like, whatever, everybody's doing their own thing Dennis Neill: Switching a little bit to more kind of the broader community you're in, your involvement, advocacy, social activities and particularly your board service with OkEq. Jeremy Simmons: There was a little bit of confusion and hostility when HOPE split away from OkEq. I think it was pretty minimal and it was understandable. It's like okay. There was a little brief period of detente, but I think within several months, definitely within a year, there was conversations about us doing testing on Saturdays at the Equality Center. So we pretty quickly moved past whatever that was, and and started doing regular services here, in part to sort of help- and I've always loved it here- but in part also to sort of seem at that bridge between HOPEand OkEq. I became a board member and I became a committee member. I don't know exactly what they called it, it was something like the rebranding committee, so it was for conversations around the name change and logo, and so I was just… I was on a committee of people, some some board members, but a lot of other just community members, and so I did that and really loved it. It was a lot of fun- and then got on the general board and then the executive committee of the board. Again, I'm terrible with years, but I was on the executive committee as we moved into this building. Dennis Neill: So we moved in 2007. Jeremy Simmons: Okay, I knew it was after the millennia, but I couldn't, but it's just like. That's definitely one of those. I have a hard time anchoring it to another event. 21 �When I was on the committee, we were still in that shopping center on the 41st Street. Dennis Neill: You probably had what- Mark Bonney and Laura BelmonteJeremy Simmons: Yep, yep, I was much more involved with Laura because she was on. …She was very involved. Mark, I believe, was the president, but she was on the committee that brought me in, so I was much more involved with her, and then she became president at a certain point, yeah, and so I always remember being much more involved with her and, while she's on a separate board somewhat, I was more involved with Sue Welch occasionally for other things. I still, even though I'm with on the board, I'm still not a hundred percent sure what the different duties are between the two, like the, the two boards, just to be honest with…the Board of Trustees. I get it in general, but especially as we moved into the building, there was a lot of oh, we want to do this, we want to do that, and there was just like there was….It was very interesting trying to sort of figure all that out still is, because it's like everybody has so many good intentions and so many opinions and so many preferences, right, and so it's hard coordinating that. I- and it's something that I learned a lot from here- and I was like, okay, and I actually heard someone else say this from another LGBT group in another city- and they're like, well, but it's different, not that other marginalized communities or individual communities don't have problems also, but like a lot of immigrant families, a lot of black Americans, a lot of indigenous Americans….A lot of groups are raised within their own communities. So there are, generally speaking, a lot more acceptable norms and like expectations of what is gonna happen, whereas we come from every larger and smaller community. So I think it makes it even harder to get a lot of consensus. We have men and women and transgender people, we have all races, all regions, all socio-economic background, , and so there's all religions. There's not like an overarching norm, aside from maybe being an American, which is a million different things. I think it's just, I think it's common at LGBT centers, to make it harder to get true consensus because there's just so many different drives. Dennis Neill: HOPE in a way, it's certainly been on the forefront of advocacy with its education and outreach, so you've been part of that for decades. Are there other aspects of our community where you felt like you've taken on an advocacy role or in the future, you want to get more involved as you transition and any thoughts about our community at large as its transitioned over the years, the good and the bad. Jeremy Simmons: Oh, that's a really big one. I've worked with several different groups. I worked with the American Red Cross doing HIV education and education around blood-borne pathogens, and it was interesting working within a large bureaucratic, large system and trying to sort of make it be not scared of HIV, to be more open to LGBT. That's not my strength is. I enjoy doing it, but I think I need more immediate results. So I've always dealt with probably smaller groups. I volunteered for a while off and on with the Nightingale Theater and that was fun before the theater was here. There's a lot of small venues here in Tulsa, but before there was a theater here, Nightingale is one of those few spaces where you could do some really sexually 22 �explicit material, thematically or overtly, like, and so they did like a gay spin on the Dukes of Hazzard, stuff like that- that just there wasn't a place for it. Now we have an option here as well, which is great. So that was fun. I was one of the founding board members with the Equality Network, which picked up some steam but then eventually merged with Cimarron Alliance to become Freedom Oklahoma. I think it might have been called something else at first, but now it's Freedom Oklahoma, I believe. I've not kept up with them super well. They invited us to come and I spoke to some state senators about HIV laws and changing them, and that feels good in the moment. It's interesting to do. But also it's like four senators showed up- what I mean, and so- and they were mostly women from progressive women from Oklahoma City who were gonna vote with us anyway. Sometimes at the state level, it even it feels it can feel a little daunting. But because of that, I think that groups like OkEq and Freedom Oklahoma need to continue the pressure because- and sometimes it's just luck, right, sometimes things just line up in ways you can't expect, like we got law enforcement to to get on board with decriminalizing needles to a degree, and that's not the group that I would have thought would have supported us, but they're the groups getting stuck when they do frisking right. Jeremy Simmons: Sometimes something comes from a place , and so it's like, oh, legislators will listen to them, in conjunction with other community groups and public health people, to to maybe decriminalize this. So we understand it's like: no, we need cleaner needles so that everyone, not just the people that are using, but everybodyhas fewer blood-borne pathogens that they have to worry about. So there definitely needs to keep happening. That's harder for me to be engaged with personally. As I've gotten older, as I've lived and been an American, America has gotten overwhelmingly more gay-friendly and Oklahoma has not. There's pockets, in Tulsa and Oklahoma City that are way more gay-friendly. But I just think everybody understands that those are little isolated oases. Dennis Neill: Now that you're kind of free from HOPE, that stability, but also that confinement of being in that one job, do you still feel like you're anchored in Tulsa, or are you anxious to experiment, go other places? Jeremy Simmons: I'm open to see where the future takes me. Some friends of mine moved to Spain recently, and they're making a big pitch for me to come to Spain with them. Which sounds kind of ridiculous, but then also I'm like, there's certain skills like bartending that are kind of universal. It's easier to be a bartender in places like Spain than it is to be a phlebotomist. So, maybe. We'll see. I really like being here, though. I love... when I came here, I just knew almost no one. I had tons of casual acquaintances at first. And building up all these deep friendships and seeing these nonprofits and these cool, unique little businesses thrive here, and being able to even just support them a little bit in some way, has been really lovely. I really love Tulsa. So, I'm very open to anything now. I don't feel... So, forever, I did feel like... And I didn't fully understand this until I left, but I felt like I had to stay. 23 �And I don't really know why, because everybody else left a long time ago from the 90s, but I felt like I had to keep HOPE going. I personally had to make sure that HOPE was going, which is dumb. Everybody eventually ages out. Everybody dies, if nothing else. And then everybody gets tired. Like, when you're helping people... I was a full-time employee for 24 years. And I loved it for a lot of that. And then, towards the end, I didn't love it anymore. I think sometimes when you're helping people, you have to make a choice to go do something else that's more fun or go do something else that makes more money for a while. I'm not sure. I'm sure there are the Mother Teresa types that can do it indefinitely. But I'm like, I need to... so, whatever I'm doing in the future, for the latter part of my life, I need to get paid more per hour than what I was at HOPE, or having more fun than what I was getting at HOPE towards the end. It has to be at least one of those two things. Preferably both. Everybody wants that job, and that's hard to find. But I did feel very anchored to HOPE. I was just like, we are one and the same. To the point that I'm not sure it was super healthy, honestly. Dennis Neill: Well, you provide us with a valuable history about HOPE, AIDS, and your engagement. Are there any final comments you want to make as we bring the interview to conclusion? Jeremy Simmons: While the current federal administration is abysmal, I think this is some dying last gasps of some outmoded thinking. And so while things feel very dark right now, I think things are about to get much better in the next several years. And here, and everywhere else in the United States. And I really appreciate everybody who's been involved with HOPE, and OkEq, and all the other groups. Tulsa Cares, Our House, all the other LGBT groups, all the other HIV and Hep C and harm reduction groups like SHOTS. I just love that I know so many people that are doing so much great work. And it keeps me... While I personally need a break from it, I love getting on social media. I love showing up to the Equality Center. I love going to a gala randomly somewhere and seeing all of the support that Tulsa still has to give. So, I think the future's going to be great. And I appreciate y'all taking some time with me. And I appreciate everybody who's interested enough in this to listen to it. And just keep reminding yourself that even though things look very... feel very heavy right now, this is temporary. It will shift back. Dennis Neill: Jeremy, thank you so much. This is an invaluable interview. And we look forward to your continued advocacy in our community. Thank you very much. Jeremy Simmons: Thank you. 24 � 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 [2026] Jeremy Simmons Interview Description An account of the resource Jeremy Simmons shares his journey of self-discovery and advocacy within the LGBTQ+ community. Growing up in a conservative, religious environment, he navigated the complexities of his sexual identity while facing societal expectations and bullying. His experiences shaped his commitment to community engagement and HIV awareness, leading his long-time involvement first as a volunteer and then 30 years as an HIV educator and tester with Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights and then HOPE. Jeremy reflects on the challenges of nonprofit management and expresses hope for the future of the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing the importance of continued advocacy and support. Subject The topic of the resource Jeremy Simmons Oral History Project Interview from January 21, 2026 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Jeremy Simmons, Dennis Neill Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource January 21, 2026 2026 AIDS/HIV AIDS/HIV education Dennis Neill Dennis R. Neill HIV HIV Education HIV Outreach Education Program HIV Outreach Education Program (HOPE) HIV/AIDs HIV/AIDs outreach HOPE interview Jeremy Simmons OKEQ Oral History Project oral history oral history interview Oral History Project oral history transcript TOHR transcript Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) video https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/9c370c2ade14307e6a1b7cac51fd997a.mp4 8c86d9871f18be29287a1c8d06288d8e https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/7c5e5db49ba8b85363ee55444f01e96e.pdf db35a189d829027f639da2f67c286749 PDF Text Text Oklahomans for Equality Oral History Interview with Sue Welch and Marcy Smith Interview Conducted by Toby Jenkins Date: Jan 16, 2026 Transcribed By: Dennis Neill using Reduct.Video, February 28, 2026 Restrictions: Interviewee requested: N/A Oklahomans for Equality History Project 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK. 74120 918.743.4297 historyproject@okeq.org 1 �About Sue Welch and Marcy Smith Summary In this engaging conversation, Marcy Smith and Sue Welch share their personal journeys, highlighting their experiences growing up in Oklahoma and navigating their identities as members of the LGBTQ+ community. Marcy recounts her childhood in Tulsa, her education at Oklahoma Christian College, and her early awareness of her sexual orientation. She reflects on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in a conservative environment, including the need for stealth and the importance of finding community. Sue, on the other hand, shares her upbringing in Ponca City, her academic journey at OSU, and the pivotal moment when she realized her feelings for her best friend. Both women discuss their relationships, the evolution of their identities, and the significance of community support in their lives. As they delve deeper into their experiences, Marcy and Sue recount their involvement with Oklahomans for Human Rights and the development of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. They reflect on the challenges of coming out to their families, the societal pressures they faced, and the importance of creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals in Tulsa. Their stories are filled with humor, resilience, and a sense of belonging, showcasing the power of love and community in overcoming adversity. In this episode, Marcy Smith and Sue Welch share their inspiring journey of establishing a community center for the 2 �LGBTQ+ community in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They recount the grassroots efforts that began in the late 1980s, during the AIDS crisis, when they faced skepticism and pushback from within their own community. Despite the challenges, they successfully organized fundraising events, such as house parties and the Wild Hearts Ball, to raise awareness and funds. Their determination led to significant milestones, including securing a $10,000 grant from a New York foundation and eventually purchasing a permanent space for their community center, which became a hub for support, celebration, and activism. The conversation highlights the importance of physical spaces for community gathering, especially in a time when virtual connections are prevalent. Marcy and Sue emphasize the need for ongoing support and engagement within the community, particularly in light of recent political challenges. They reflect on the center's role in pivotal moments for LGBTQ+ rights, including the legalization of same-sex marriage and the repeal of discriminatory laws. Their message is clear: maintaining a physical home for the community is essential for fostering connection, support, and resilience against adversity. Keywords LGBTQ+, Tulsa, Oklahomans for Human Rights, coming out, community support, Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, personal stories, Marcy Smith, Sue Welch, LGBTQ+ history, LGBTQ+ community, Tulsa, fundraising, community center, activism, AIDS crisis, grassroots efforts, Wild Hearts Ball, same-sex marriage, community support Takeaways        "I knew pretty early probably 10 or 11 years of age." "You just find your people and can do things." "It was kind of a cover, right?" "I felt like I was living in the 1950s." "It was a pivotal thing to see that." "I think they were upset that they were having to deal with it." "My family has always been very progressive, very liberal." 3 � "We moved into a duplex that I had previously moved into."  "We developed a campaign for a permanent visible presence."  "It was fantastic because I think we had such a large group." It was a very grassroots campaign, one person at a time.  We had to prove ourselves first before getting large donations.  We wanted to bring disparate groups together behind the same cause.  The community bought into this; it was a beautiful thing.  We had to create a physical space for gathering and support. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:16 Marcy's Childhood and Education 12:10 Sue's Upbringing and Early Relationships 24:00 Finding Community in Tulsa 38:55 Coming Out to Family and Friends 46:58 Involvement with Oklahomans for Human Rights 48:21 Grassroots Beginnings: Building Support 52:28 Creating Community Events for Fundraising 01:00:10 Challenges and Triumphs in Fundraising 01:08:50 Finding a Permanent Home for the Center 01:18:31 The Grand Opening and Community Impact 01:25:42 Reflections on Community and Future Challenges ______________________________________________________________________ 4 �Sue Welch and Marcy Smith Oral History Interview Jan 16, 2026 Toby Jenkins: Today's date is Friday, January the 16th, 2026, at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center in downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma. And we have Marcy Smith and Sue Welch. For our archival purposes, would you please give us your name, your age as today's date. Marcy Smith: Me, Marcy Smith, 62, gonna be 63 this year. Sue Welch: Sue Welch, 64. Toby Jenkins: Joining me in the interview today is the founder of Oklahomans for Equality, Dennis R. Neill, and Amanda Thompson, who is the archivist at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, which houses the Nancy and Joe MacDonald Rainbow Library [where this interview is being conducted]. Marcy, tell us a little bit about your childhood and your family. When were you born? Marcy Smith: October 10th, 1963, right here in Tulsa. Toby Jenkins: What hospital? Marcy Smith: Well, I thought I was born in St. John, but recently, I found out I was born in Hillcrest. Toby Jenkins: And so your family was from Tulsa? Marcy Smith: Yes, my mom's family eventually was from Tulsa, but they had spent some time in Texas for quite some time. And then my dad was a sales rep for Skelly Oil Company and moved around a lot. I was born in Tulsa, and then 11 months later, my sister Karen was born in Joplin. And then 18 months after that, my sister Cindy was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Then we hung out in Arkansas for a little bit and then came back to Tulsa, so yeah. Toby Jenkins: Did you go to school? Marcy Smith: Went to- yes, went to elementary school, where the center now is for- at 11th and Utica, went to Jefferson Elementary School, which does not exist anymore, because of the center now, so. Toby Jenkins: The center for those with physical challenged? Marcy Smith: Yes, yes, not Oklahomans for Equality Center. 5 �Marcy Smith: So went to school there, and then we moved way out south in 1971 to Jenks, which was- Woodland Hills Mall didn't even exist. That 71st and Memorial, it was a gravel road still. Toby Jenkins: Yeah, and it was called Jenks USA. Marcy Smith: That's right, it was Jenks USA, and it was way the heck out there. So we moved out to Jenks and then finished school at Jenks High School, and thenToby Jenkins: And what year did you graduate? Marcy Smith: Graduated 1982. Toby Jenkins: 1982. Marcy Smith: Then went toToby Jenkins: How many were in your graduating class at Jenks? Marcy Smith: I think there were 482 people, something like that, yeah. And then went to Oklahoma Christian College for a couple of years. Toby Jenkins: Which is locatedMarcy Smith: In Edmond, Oklahoma. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Marcy Smith: Still is. Toby Jenkins: And it's a disciple’s college? Marcy Smith: It's Church of Christ. Toby Jenkins: Church of Christ, okay. And that's where you went for your undergraduate degree? Marcy Smith: Couple years there, and the reason I went was that my best friend from high school was Church of Christ, and I didn't have a- it's like, "Okay, I'll go there, that's fine." And ran into probably one of the largest groups of gays and lesbians on the planet. It's kind of a joke. Anyway, although it was not a veryToby Jenkins: At the Christian University? Marcy Smith: At the Christian College. Toby Jenkins: Right. 6 �Marcy Smith: Lots of gays and lesbians, lots of people trying to escape their parents in the small town. So it was kind of a- I guess it was what you would call a beard, right? It was a cover. So they're like, "Oh yeah, we're gonna go to a Christian's college and fix ourselves." But that was not happening there. So anyway. Although when they caught someone, it was pretty brutal how they dealt with getting rid of students at the college when they found out they were gay or lesbian, so. Toby Jenkins: So you went thereMarcy Smith: I was there for a couple years, and my best friend was in love with a guy back in Tulsa. She just couldn't finish- she had to come back to Tulsa. So there really wasn't anything for me to stay there for, so I came back to Tulsa and finished my degree at the University of Tulsa.Graduated in 1986 with an MIS degree, which was one of the very first computer science and business majors at the University of Tulsa. We were the second class, and I think there were only about seven of us. Toby Jenkins: And that would have been what year? Marcy Smith: That was 1986. Toby Jenkins: Okay, and how big was the computer in those days? Marcy Smith: Well, soToby Jenkins: It wasn't on- it couldn't be on your desk yet, could it? I think- yeah. Marcy Smith: Well, no, no, yeah. No, but it was heading that way. It was heading that way. So, no, they were pretty big, pretty big computers. But I pushed it as long as I possibly could, so that I didn't have to use punch cards to do my programming. And thankfully, I got out of that, so. But computers as we would know them are desktops. I think that was around 1991-1992, or something like that, when that became kinda mainstream. Toby Jenkins: And did you go work for a company, or were youMarcy Smith: Fresh out of college, I ended up- I had two job offers. One was to be a tape hanger for American Airlines in their computer room. The other was to be a programmer analyst for Tulsa County. My dad thought I made a really horrible mistake by not working for American Airlines on the third shift hanging tapes, which was like an aerobic exercise job at the time. You can imagine their processing center and imagine their processing center today. But yeah, he thought I was silly for- 'cause I would've gotten fine benefits and stuff like that, so. But I never looked back on that. It's not what I wanted to do, so. 7 �Toby Jenkins: And how long were you with Tulsa County? Marcy Smith: About 18 years. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Toby Jenkins: And so are you gonna be able to draw your Tulsa County pension? Marcy Smith: As a matter of fact, in November of 2025, I got my first retirement check. Marcy Smith: So yeah, I'm happy about that. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. They didn't pay us much, but we've got pension. Marcy Smith: No. But yeah, the benefits are really good. Yeah, but when I left Tulsa County in 2004, that rule of '80, I thought, there's just no way I'm gonna reach that, right? So that was 22 years ago. But as it got closer and closer, I was really happy about it, so we'll have some fun on that. Toby Jenkins: So you encountered other lesbian and gay students. Is that when you begin to realizeMarcy Smith: No, no. I knew pretty early, probably 10 or 11 years of age. Marcy Smith: And then, just because of the climate, dated- in quotes, dated guys in high school and got asked in high school because there was some stuff going on with the girls' basketball team, which I was on the basketball team. There were several lesbians on the basketball team. And so there got to be a kind of an uproar at some point. People were being questioned. And so my parents sat me down and I just lied straight to their face, 'cause I didn't wanna be in the middle of it. So thankfully, got out of that without a whole lot of issues, so. But it was a- Jenks back then, it was a pretty rural school. A lot of bubba's running around, a lot of individuals threatening people and some violence and vandalism of cars and stuff like that going on, so. So I didn't wanna call attention to it. Toby Jenkins: At college, even at your Christian college, I mean, did you hang out with those individuals and y'all just kind of were stealth atMarcy Smith: Well, yeah, you know how we are. We find our people, right? And so you hang out with your people. And so yeah, it was just a matter of just figuring out what you can and cannot do. But I will say- yeah, Oklahoma Christian College was smaller than my high school.When we went there, and I felt like I was living in the 1950s. When we got on campus, the girls dorms were locked at night, the guys were not. The guys could 8 �do whatever they wanted at night after hours on the weekend, stuff like that. I knew I wasn't gonna be long for that. It was just like, well, I'm just going here because my friend was here. And once that started happening, I just felt like I was caged in and sobut it was kind of odd environment. It kinda felt like you were in a bubble, this Christian bubble, and everything was wonderful and fine and all of that. Who knows what the administrators thought, but that wasn't what was going on behind the scenes with the students and stuff, so you just find your people and can do things. I ended up getting a job at a really nice restaurant there in Edmond called Joe Kelly's and it was a steakhouse, and people would have their high school events there and graduation and stuff like that. But I was the first- it was called a barback, so you're a bartender's assistant. Here I am going to a Christian college and I'm working at a bar, and when I would come home at night after doing my shift at the restaurant, I was literally covered in alcohol and smoke, 'cause you could smoke back then, right? At 02:00-03:00 in the morning, I had to wake up the resident assistants, this woman who took care of us at the dorm, had to wake her up at 02:00 AM in the morning, coming in just covered in alcohol. So anyway, that was kinda funny, people would do that. Toby Jenkins: Did you start socializing with this group of students who were in hiding, or did that happen when you got to TU? I mean, when did you create a clique of friends, whoMarcy Smith: When I left Oklahoma Christian College which was in Edmond, obviously, and came home to Tulsa, I really didn't stay in touch with most of them. They were from all over Oklahoma and all over the country, actually. So when I came back to Tulsa, I came back to Tulsa because I had a relationship with a woman at the time. We ended up moving in together and I finished out my degree at University of Tulsa at that point, and then just kinda started hanging out with everybody here in Tulsa, so really kinda through the softball chain of- I mean, just kinda how it was. Toby Jenkins: Lesbian day, or? Marcy Smith: Yeah, yeah, that's right, softball stuff. And then, the bars at the time and line dancing and all that kinda stuff. So you're going out to the bars andToby Jenkins: Do you remember what bars you went to? Marcy Smith: Oh. Well, I can't remember the name of the bar that was on Memorial there at 15th Street. Toby Jenkins: TNT's? 9 �Marcy Smith: No. Well, it wasn't- no, it was prior to TNT's and where people were playing- you know the name of the bar? Sue Welch: The Club. Marcy Smith: The Club, it's called The Club. So anyway, you had to knock and they open up the window and let you in, and all that kinda stuff. Toby Jenkins: And that was at 15th at Memorial? Marcy Smith: 15th, right, yeah, yeah, 15th Street, dead-ended, right into Memorial. And then, The Club was there and it was like a little house, actually. It wasn't very big. But they had an outdoor space, so volleyball and have fires and stuff like that. You can hang out outside The Club. Sue Welch: Jodie and Mary owned it. Marcy Smith: Yeah. So thenToby Jenkins: And it was a girls club? Marcy Smith: Yeah. And then you had the star, Silver Star, right? So that was 15th and Sheridan, and then TNT's. And then, theMarcy Smith: Off of Yale, what was it? 34th and Yale. There's also a club called the Crash Landing at the time [Crash Landing was at 5th and S. Lewis], that was a pretty coolToby Jenkins: So is Zippers closed by this time? Marcy Smith: No, Zippers- was it always called Zippers? I don't know if it was always called Zippers or not, but that was another place that we would go to, so. Toby Jenkins: So softball. Marcy Smith: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: And these are clubs. Marcy Smith: Yes. Toby Jenkins: Did you know anything about Oklahomans for Human Rights or pride, or? Marcy Smith: I guess it was probably real early 90s when I got involved with OHR, TOHR. That was kinda the transition time, I think, when it was moving from those names and stuff over. Specifically, I believe it was when we were over on Peoria, I think. 10 �Toby Jenkins: Okay. Marcy Smith: So that's kinda the first access in trying to assist and volunteer and stuff like that, so. Toby Jenkins: Let's put Sue on the hot seat. Marcy Smith: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: And see how similar her story is or how different it is. Before we do that, I wanna ask you, tell me about meeting Sue. Marcy Smith: It was a New Year's Eve party at a friend's house. Lots of people there, I don't know, probably 30 or 40 women, maybe more than that. And this will date us- so it was all about Trivial Pursuit. So we're playing Trivial Pursuit, it's pretty competitive. She walked in with her then-partner, and I was around a coffee table or something like that, knee-deep in the Trivial Pursuit. And I just looked up and she walked in with her thenpartner. And it was- I don't know how- maybe I said something to someone like, "Who's that?" They were like, "Sue Welch and Darlene." So anyway, that's how we met, but there was something at that just initial glance. And so anyway, I'll let her tell the rest, but it was just a party. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Beautiful. Sue, where were you born and where are you from? Sue Welch: I was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma on April 30th, 1961. Dennis was born there too, it's our hometown, both of us. Marcy Smith: It's in the water. Sue Welch: Yeah. A nice, sweet little, small town, a great town to be born and raised in. Not a great town to stay, but a great town to be born and raised in. Yeah. Toby Jenkins: Were you born in the hospital there? Sue Welch: Yes. Toby Jenkins: And what was the name of that hospital? Sue Welch: Ponca City Hospital. Toby Jenkins: Okay. And tell us about your family. Sue Welch: My family, my mother's Cherokee and my dad is English. And they had a great love affair and were married till they passed and were wonderful parents. But my dad is a third-generation brick mason. Hiss grandfather, before statehood, had a brick yard in Ponca City. And he built the first brick home. So from my great-grandfather to my 11 �grandfather to my father and his brothers, it was a third-generation brick mason company, Welch Masonry Construction. Toby Jenkins: So they've been there for a while. Are there still- if you were to go to Ponca City today, are there still buildings that they built? Sue Welch: Oh, dozens and dozens, yes. Buildings and homes, yes. Yeah, you could have a Welch Masonry tour of Ponca City. Toby Jenkins: So did you go to school in Ponca City? Sue Welch: Yes, I went to Ponca City High School. And it was- we actually had a very large graduating class. It was 415 people for our graduating class. And I thought it wasToby Jenkins: So you all probably played Jenks in sports. Sue Welch: I wasn't really into sports. I don't know that. Could be. But I studied a lot. Sue Welch: Well, it may have been a little too far away. Toby Jenkins: Oh, okay. Sue Welch: Maybe at state and regionals, but not on a conference level. Sue Welch: I wouldn't have known. I went to the football games just for fun. So don't ask me any of those stats. Marcy Smith: Too popular. Sue Welch: I was the prom queen. So there's that. Toby Jenkins: Says so much. Sue Welch: But not the football queen, so. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. So what year did you graduate? Sue Welch: I graduated in 1979. Toby Jenkins: And did you go to school after that? Sue Welch: Yes, after that, I went to OSU. And in 1983, got my degree in natural sciences, my bachelor's degree in natural sciences. Loved OSU. That was great. That was where my best friend and I started having deeper feelings about each other, so…in high school and throughout a large- oh, the first half of college, my boyfriend from high school, the wrestling star, we became engaged. So in high school- in college, we were going to be married right after college. 12 �My best friend and I started becoming very, very close, and I just kept thinking, "Oh my God, I can't graduate and leave my friend. This would be horrible." And we just kept getting deeper and deeper feelings, and I thought, "What is going on here?" Sue Welch: And so I talked to my mom about it, and I said, "I think I'm going crazy or something." She said, well, honey, I can't believe that any love is wrong. And I never looked back. So I left my fiancé. Toby Jenkins: And that would've been- you would've been ... Marcy Smith: She called off the wedding. Yeah. Sue Welch: Yeah. Sue Welch: The dress was all done. The invitations were ... - yeah. It was on the way. Marcy Smith: The colors were picked, all the stuff. Toby Jenkins: The runaway bride. Marcy Smith: Yes. Sue Welch: Yes. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. How old would you've been? Sue Welch: So that would have been, let's see, right when I graduated, right at 1983. So 21, 22. Toby Jenkins: So you had this discussion with your mother. I'm just guessing there probably weren't a bunch of lesbians in Ponca City to help mentor you. Sue Welch: There may have been, but I did not know them. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Sue Welch: I didn't know anyone in the community. I didn'tToby Jenkins: It's 'cause you weren't going to softball camp. Sue Welch: That's right. My gaydar was not tuned at the time, so yeah. Toby Jenkins: You went to OSU. What was that experience like for you now that you had ended that relationship and probably were figuring out? Sue Welch: We moved into a house together, and we had a few friends, both of us. We were each other's first experience, and so neither of us knew of any community per se, 13 �but we did find a few friends, half a dozen, 10 friends that we hung out with a little bit. Then we broke up, and someone introduced me to a woman in Tulsa. And when I left OSU and came to Tulsa to establish my practice here, there was a huge community. So many people. I was just like, "Wow, this is amazing." So much so that my partner was a teacher, and my sister, when she would visit, she said, "Well, are all teachers lesbians?" So such a great, huge community. So that was fantastic to experience. Marcy Smith: Well, and you have gay guy friends to this day from OSU. Sue Welch: Well, not from a- well, they were gone at the same time. Yeah, but we didn't hang out a lot. We found each other kind of after. In Tulsa. And I was like, "I knew you in OSU." So we kind of, all of us were in hiding there once I did come out of OSU. Toby Jenkins: So you didn't really connect to the LGBTQ community at OSU. It was when you came to Tulsa. Sue Welch: Yes. Toby Jenkins: And when you say there was a huge community, what did that look like? Sue Welch: Oh my gosh. Toby Jenkins: Were there just house parties, or people went to eat together, or? Sue Welch: House parties, going to the bars, dancing, potlucks, softball. My partner was a well-respected softball umpire, so lots of softball. Of course she was. And so yeah, just a lot of socializing. A lot of socializing. Toby Jenkins: Did either of you ladies ever interact with the flag football team, the girls' flag football team? Sue Welch: No. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Well, that's who helped me come out. I always say I was raised by wolves, because the girls' flag football team. So it was a huge community, and you were in a relationship. Sue Welch: Yes. Toby Jenkins: And what was your career at this time? Sue Welch: I was licensed by the medical board as an electrologist. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Sue Welch: And I did that for 22 years in Broken Arrow and in Tulsa. 14 �Toby Jenkins: And you were in a relationship. Do you remember kinda what the environment was like for you in Tulsa, what it was like to go to gay clubs and, as you said, find so many people? Sue Welch: It was fantastic. Because I think we had so many- such a large group, I didn't recognize feeling a lot of threat. I knew some of our male counterparts were threatened. But we just didn't go to places that allowed us to be threatened. We didn't go out unless we were in big numbers. We only went to certain places. The Club was very private, very protected. So that's kind of what that was like. Toby Jenkins: And what was that like? You hit the parking lot, and the minute you walk through the doorSue Welch: Yeah, it's freedom. Yeah, freedom. Toby Jenkins: You could hold hands. Like, cheers, hey. Sue Welch: Absolutely. Toby Jenkins: You could hold hands? Yeah. Sue Welch: Yeah, freedom, absolutely. Sue Welch: But not out at work, not out to any clients, not out to friends who were not LGBT. Toby Jenkins: So I'm gonna ask you both this question, but tell me about the first time you saw Marcy. Sue Welch: So it was a party, and my partner and I walked in, and there were people playing at a table. And Marcy has these beautiful brown piercing eyes, and so I noticed her naturally. And it was probably another year after, and it was a New Year's party, and it struck midnight. And I'm a pretty private person, private physically. I'm very demonstrative, but kissing on the lips was really a personal thing for me. And it struck midnight, and Marcy just planted a kiss right on my lips. And I was like, "Wow." Marcy Smith: She wasn't the only person that I kissed. Sue Welch: Well, no. Marcy Smith: I mean, it was New Year's Eve. Everybody ... . Sue Welch: Marcy wasn't as protective of her lips as I was. So but yes, I was like, "Oh, my God." That was sparky. So yeah. And then our partners, the four of us became close friends, and you know the story. So we could not- we were inseparable. And we all four 15 �worked on our partnerships. We knew there were some feelings. But we were inseparable and just in so much pain not being able to see each other that the partnership split. AndToby Jenkins: For you all to be together? Marcy Smith: Yep. Toby Jenkins: Okay. That would've been what year? Marcy Smith: '92. Toby Jenkins: '92? Marcy Smith: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Sue Welch: In the 1900s. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Sue Welch: In the 1900s, we got together. Toby Jenkins: So I asked both of you, and you said you found community here. You found that because you got on the Internet, right? And you looked up where the gay bars were. Marcy Smith: Oh right, because the Internet existed. No, the Internet didn't quite exist yet. Well, I guess 1992-ish is about the time it started taking off. Those were chat rooms. Toby Jenkins: Do you remember any public officials or movie stars or rockstars, who were out in open who you could look at and see, oh, this is how you- this is what it is? Sue Welch: Eventually, Lilly Tomlin came out. Eventually, through the horrible AIDS crisis, we saw stars, Rock Hudson die, whether they'd come out prior or not. But no, there were no authority figures, people that you could look up to, to have any kind of guidance that way. Toby Jenkins: Social media non-existent. Sue Welch No. The Gay Yellow Pages, literally a book that you would look in to find places. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Couldn't text people messages. 16 �Marcy Smith: Nope, nope. Sue Welch: No. Toby Jenkins: Couldn't send them pictures. Marcy Smith: No. Toby Jenkins: Okay. So we've talked about you meeting each other. Could you just real quickly emphasize to us and our viewers, what it was like when you had the discussion with your families to say, I'm a lesbian, I have a partner. Or can you kind of tell about those experiences, if you had those experiences with your parents. Marcy Smith: My family is kinda the 'don't ask, don't tell' family. Don't mess with my stuff. I'm not gonna mess with your stuff. We're not gonna have a lot of drama. So all this time, I was just kinda living my life, but wasn't really putting it in my parents' face, so to speak. Obviously, I wasn't bringing any guys home. And then Sue and I had been together for a little bit. But so what happened was, well, same-sex marriage didn't exist. So there was a company, a travel company called Olivia Travel Company. They were also a record company at the time that was promoting lesbian artists. And so it's an all-women's cruise, which is really neat. So Sue and I were gonna do that. And on these cruises, because you could not get legally married, they would haveSue Welch: Union ceremonies. Marcy Smith: Unions, yeah. Toby Jenkins: Commitment ceremony. March Smith: A commitment ceremony. So that's how my family found out, because we sent out announcements to my family that Sue and I were going to have a commitment ceremony in Mexico, and that's how my family found out. It was kind of ripply, quite frankly. And it was kinda like, I guess, how people can be like, how could you not know that Sue and I were a couple, but sometimes straight people don't really see things. So it was a little bit rough. We timed it pretty quickly before we went to the- so we could hurry up and get out of town and get on the cruise and let my family deal with it. So that's kinda how my family found out, which was literal announcement. Toby Jenkins: So you said it was rough. I mean, were they upset, or were they questioning you, or just mad that you hadn't told them before? 17 �Marcy Smith: Yeah, yeah. I think they- I don't know, 'cause I didn't really sit down and talk with them quite honestly. It was like, just y'all deal with it. Sue Welch: I think they were upset that they were having to deal with it. Marcy Smith: Yeah. Sue Welch: They were being forced to deal with it. Marcy Smith: Yes. Yeah, and this was something that they probably had pushed down for decades, obviously. It's like, "Oh my gosh, now they have to come to terms with it." I think my parents probably thought, in some form or fashion, that they had failed, and all those things that you hear. But ultimately, my mom embraced us and kinda became the mom down here at the center. So mom spent at least 10 years, I think, or more volunteering down at the center and baking brownies for people and things like that. So she committed to that once, I think, she came to terms with it. And so that was really neat. Sue Welch: She was great. Toby Jenkins: Sue, what about you, your family? I know you'd had the conversation with your mother. Sue Welch: Well, my family found out about our commitment ceremony in the same way, with the announcements. But all through Marcy had been my third relationship. And all through…they knew about my relationships, accepted my partners, and were very loving and accepting. Accepted them as family, they came to family reunions. So when we sent out the announcements, I got calls, "That sounds nice, honey. Well, good for you." Ohe worst one, or the most uncomfortable one, I guess, was from one of my sisters, and she just called and said, "Well, I just wanna call and tell you I got your announcement about your thing. And just wanna tell you I got it." That was about the most outside effect. But my family has just always been- I've been so fortunate, the way they've accepted me. Yeah. Toby Jenkins: Do you think your family's had issues with religion and sexuality? Were those any kinda struggles or politics? I mean, they were super conservative politically. Did they seem to show concern about how this was gonna make them look in their business or around, don't tell your grandmother. I mean, was there any kind of those? Marcy Smith: I think, from my father's perspective, that he was concerned about his reputation and his business reputation and the country club stuff and all of that. I remember in particular, he wanted a trip to Paris and through his company and he's like, 18 �"I don't wanna go to Paris. And I said, "Well, I'd like to go to Paris. I'll go on that trip." And it was an oil company trip thing and- so before it got too far down the line, he made it very clear to me that I was not to take my partner with me to on this trip. And so it was like, "You can take your mom." And so I said, "Okay, I'm gonna go to the city of love and take my mom." I mean, I love my mom, but. So anyway, so that was made very, very clear, that I was supposed to basically behave, in front of his peers and cronies and stuff like that for that trip, so. Toby Jenkins: Were you able to bring girlfriends home to your parents’ houses, your mom or dad's house for gatherings? Marcy Smith: So I mean, like Sue said, it's not like I was this dating feen. We had twoone, I had one, but I had a high school relationship but that was not, quite frankly, ever gonna go anywhere, but anyway. So two basic relationships before I got with Sue. Sue and I have been together for 34 years now, so it wasn't like there were this a bunch of women that I was bringing home. Toby Jenkins: Okay, what about you, Sue? Did the family feel any- I mean, were you able to take… Sue Welch: Oh yeah, yeah, from the get-go. My first relationship, second relationship, Marcy, they were all included in holidays, gatherings, accepted by my family and my sister that has lived in Oklahoma for- not currently, but for most of her life. Yeah, they were just part of the family and my partner. Marcy Smith: And I would agree with that. I don't want it to sound like my family was wanted me to not bring. ..I mean, they were- whoever I brought home, part of the family. My mom was one of seven children, so everybody was welcome. Toby Jenkins: No political pushback, no religious pushback? Marcy Smith No, because we are the 'don't ask, don't tell' family. So we didn't really bring that stuff up at all. Toby Jenkins: What about you, Sue? Sue Welch: No, no, my family's always been very progressive, very liberal, although we were raised in a fairly strict Lutheran Church, my family's never been that linear. Their Christianity really is what would Jesus do and love everyone. Toby Jenkins: Fortunate. Do you both feel fortunate that you were born into the families you were born into? Marcy Smith: Yes 19 �Sue Welch: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: 'Cause we're about to change gears just a little bit here, because surely, as you were hanging out at what places identified as the community, you were encountering people who did not have those experiences, could not take partners home, hadn't spoke to their families. I know that was something you probably were saying. So you're together…You're building your life together. I mean, did you move into an apartment together? Was there a U-Haul involved? We've always heard- I meanSue Welch: We moved into a duplex that I had previously moved into and we- then Marcy, moved in. Then we purchased the duplex and then we purchased a home in Midtown. Marcy Smith: Well, no, we purchased a second duplex. So we had two duplexes. Sue Welch: And then we purchased a home in Midtown, which we were renovating while we still lived in the first duplex. And when we moved to Midtown, it's kind of when we started finding more out about the gay pride parades and the center on Peoria and going to the center on Peoria, and seeing a little gift shop. And just- but for me, all the kids, the young kids that were there, and thinking, "Gosh, had I known about that sooner, I may have come out sooner, I don't know." but it was just- it was a pivotal thing to see that. Toby Jenkins: And of course, were you- at this time Marcy, you were still working for Tulsa County. Did they know? Marcy Smith I did not come out to- I mean literally say this to my peers, but I didn't hide my relationship with Sue and whenever we had- if we were doing chili cook-offs or whatever we were doing forToby Jenkins: Holiday parties. Marcy Smith: - fundraisers or things like that, it was just assumed that Sue would be there. So- but no, I didn't literally say to my boss, "This is who Sue is." Toby Jenkins: So you don't feel like you've experienced discrimination, justMarcy Smith: I don't know if I did or not, I just head down, get my career going and all that kinda stuff. So I don't know. Toby Jenkins: Just out of curiosity, would you have had a desk and would on your desk, would there have been a picture of your partner, and would you've had somebody ask you, like a new employee might say, "Are you married, do you have husband, do you have kids?" I mean- 20 �Marcy Smith: I- to be honest, I cannot remember if I had a picture of SueSue Welch: You weren't out that much. Marcy Smith: No, no. No, I did not push that. No. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Okay. Sue, you had your medical profession. And what about with your clients? I mean, were youSue Welch: No, not out all. Toby Jenkins: You guarded that very carefully. Sue Welch: I may have had two clients that I was out to, but that's it. Toby Jenkins: Okay. So you've moved to Brookside, the Rainbow Ribbon, as it's called. And the center, as you call it, was just down the street. And what did that center look like? Sue Welch: It was small. It was small. It wasn't well appointed. I mean it was fantastic 'cause it served a great purpose, but just in comparison to where we're sitting now, it was small and not greatly appointed. It was hidden. Toby Jenkins: Wasn't accessible. Sue Welch: You had to go in a small door, climb some stairs. There wasn't signage, so that's kinda what I remember. The store was very, very small, maybe just one cabinet, some jewelry or something, as I recall. Toby Jenkins: And you would go to pride? Sue Welch: Yes, at that time, at least for a couple or few times, the pride parade went down Peoria, which was fantastic. So we started doing that and then we would go to pride every year beyond that. Toby Jenkins: Okay. When did- I mean, did you volunteer or did you just support it? Sue Welch: We mostly just supported at that time. And there were starting to be visible churches that were supportive, and there was one on Peoria also, and so we'd usually stand at that location. Toby Jenkins: That would've been All Souls ... ? Sue Welch: No, further south... . Toby Jenkins: Southwest Presbyterian, or? 21 �Sue Welch: Probably that Presbyterian one, yeah. Marcy Smith: It wasn't Southminster. It's not there anymore. It's right there where the green space is across from Charleston's. Sue Welch: Mm-hmm. Toby Jenkins: Yeah, the United Methodist Church. Marcy Smith: Yes, it was the United Methodist Church. Toby Jenkins: Yeah, I know. I forget the name of that, but. Okay, so you'd watch the parade. Sue Welch: And we'd join in at the end of the parade. At that time it was small enough, you could just walk with it. Toby Jenkins: Now did you ever attend the events like before the parade, where we had to walk down the sidewalks? Sue Welch: I don't know that we knew about those events. Toby Jenkins: Prior to that? Okay. And so the center was the headquarters of Tulsa Oklahoma for Human Rights, right? Correct? That y'all had already branded by that? Okay. Dennis Neill: Since '85. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. And, so you were there. I know that somewhere along the line, you got into the cause, got drafted, recruited, or fell into it accidentally. The desire for us to have a more permanent home because we weren't at- the center was not at that location very long, was it? Sue Welch: No. Toby Jenkins: And then it moved. Marcy Smith: And that happened at least three times within a fairly five to six year period of time. Because somehow or another, we got a lease signed but eventually the landlords weren't really happy about the clientele. Not that it was rowdy or outrageous or anything like that. So then we moved to, or TOHR moved to the space at 21st and Memorial by TNTs, the bar there. Toby Jenkins: Above TNT's. 22 �Marcy Smith: Above TNT's. And not a very, in my opinion, positive space because the smoke was seeping through the cinder block. It got to the point, I couldn't spend much time there because of how- it just was not a positive space. And that's kinda where the rumblings of the capital campaign happened. But yeah, we got recruited at a party by Nancy McDonald. We didn't know why we got invited to this party. Sue Welch: It was actually more surreptitious than that. We started having more friends, and so we got invited to this party. She was there but she told someone after that party, "You need to call those girls and get them involved." So we got a call and were asked to get on this group to help develop and work on a capital campaign for a permanent equality center. Toby Jenkins: Okay. Sue Welch: Found out later, Nancy was the impetus for that. Toby Jenkins: And so, you got asked to serve on that? Toby Jenkins: And what were those early days like? Sue Welch: So we did have, before moving from Peoria, we did have a couple, the very first meetings there. And Marcy and I are really organized and conducting meetings, let's get something done. So I think we exhibit our leadership pretty quickly. And a lot of people don't want to be in charge. So I became the capital chair at the time. And we developed a campaign, the United Way always has a name of their campaign, so we thought we need a name for this. And so we developed the Pyramid Project. And this was a beautiful little book telling everyone about it and how it would be such a wonderful thing to have our own center, where we wouldn't have to move, a permanent visible presence. And so we just went from there and from each place we would move, we would have more meetings. We did, thanks to Dennis and Nancy as I recall, we had a training from the Gale Foundation that was a weekend long. And we brought in a lot of people to that and helped develop our focus a lot more about what amount we'd be raising, how we would do that. They had some really great booklets about fundraising. And again at the time, there were no foundations in Oklahoma, much less Tulsa, who would support us until later. So it was a very grassroots campaign. It was one person at a time, one gay person in Tulsa at a time getting them on board, having them donate funds. And then we got- I remember sending out a really sappy tear-jerky letter to a foundation in New York City, who I had heard reading through these manuals with Nancy, gave 23 �money to gay causes. And they gave us our first check from a foundation, a $10,000 check from a foundation. And after that, a friend called me from the George Kaiser Foundation and said, "George was looking at the newspaper on his desk about you all and the money you're raising, and he'd like to talk with you about this and see if he could get involved." And I was like, "Okay." Dominoes, so the dominoes started. The Schusterman Foundation. But we had- before any of this large money that way, we focused on house parties, individual people, really telling them how this could happen, would happen, and it would be amazing. We had our main donors. And Dennis helped with that group and really helped us get going. So it was a house party at a time. Marcy Smith: Then again, we're still in the midst of the AIDS crisis at this time. I mean, it's still kind of going on in the late 80s and early 90s as well. And when this kicked off, I will tell you, we got some pushback from the gay guys in the community that here are two women, two- that they didn't even know. Like, we're on the D list. They don't even know who we are. Stepping up to do this. And also, at the time, there had been at least one other nonprofit organization who had a capital campaign and the funds were misused. And so of course, the thought was like, "Well, this is gonna go the same way, even though it had nothing to do with it." It was really difficult to convince, I guess you'd call them the movers and shakers at the time, in the gay community. And then, of course, trying to pull the lesbian community into it was tough. But kind of being told to our face and also hearing what was being said behind our back gave us-Fuel…some fuel to kinda set this up. And we had to do it differently, like Sue said, because we weren't in L.A, we weren't in New York, we're literally- Ford Foundation would cut a check. We didn't have that here. And so, the way we had to do it here was totally opposite. Usually, you got these big donations at the beginning that kick-started you. And here we had to prove ourselves first. Toby Jenkins: Public dollars. Oh, the public dollars in those places. Marcy Smith: And- yeah, there's not gonna be anything from the state. Nothing was going to happen like that here. But because of that, I think it really built this incredible foundation and support for the purpose of it. And again, it was about building this home, a permanent visible presence here. Toby Jenkins: Sue, talk a little bit about how y'all used social events to create buy-in and raise money at the same time. 24 �Sue Welch: I think there were disparate clubs around town and kind of cliquish groups around town. But we wanted to really bring everybody together. So we had- and in years past, there was a large party called the Black and White Party that was hosted by gay guys in Tulsa, which was a really nicely well-attended party. But it was just a party. So we wanted to bring this disparate group of people together behind the same cause. And there had not been a citywide gay party, LGBT party in decades. And so, we developed what we called the Wild Hearts Ball. And the first one we had was at the, then Brady Mansion. And there were so many people there. And this was the first big thing that had happened in Tulsa in a long time. And so we would show a big party, nice music, nice food. We'd show a video about this and ask for donations. And it was just so compelling for people to see so many people there joining in and know that we could all do this together. Toby Jenkins: And everybody could be invited to it. Marcy Smith: Exactly. Sue Welch: Oh yeah. Toby Jenkins: It wasn't an exclusive party. Sue Welch: Exactly, it was not exclusive. Toby Jenkins: It wasn't a girl party, a boy party. Sue Welch: No. Exactly. Yeah, it was the entire community. And that was really super because of our- we would send out a quarterly newsletter. Marcy Smith: This was postal mail about ... . Sue Welch: Postal mail. This is in sizeToby Jenkins: This one's an email. Sue Welch: This is in size 11 point font. See all these names? These are $10 donors to $10,000 donors. The entire community bought into this. It was a beautiful thing. Toby Jenkins: And it was all very smooth and unified, wasn't it? Seu Welch: Yes, yes. Everyone got along. Marcy Smith: Well, no. When we look at itSue Welch: Well, behind the scenes, we had to fight to get where we were, but everyone was just really pushing in the same direction. It was great that way. 25 �Marcy Smith: And again, it's tough to get- I'm sorry, lesbians onboard, 'cause they like to do their sports, they like to do the softball and all that kinda stuff and go to the bars. And so kinda pulling them out was a little difficult. So we did- so we- so it was like how many different ways can we slice this pie and serve it up to people to get people involved? So then we came up with the concept of the Women's Tea Dance. And also supporting women owned businesses and also provide nonprofit organizations the ability toSue Welch: Showcase. Marcy Smith: - Showcase their businesses to women. So imagine that, okay? So you got an all-women Women's Tea Dance, right? We are contacting, I don't know how many places we contacted and got no after no after no after no. No, we are not going to rent to you for a bunch of lesbians. I don't know what they thought it was gonna be. Some, I don't know, orgy or something like that. So we got turned down how many times and then we finally approached Frances. Sue Welch: So the last place I went to was the Greenwood Cultural Center. And I've been everywhere. Physically, meeting face-to-face with people. And so I met with Frances, told her who we were, what we were doing, that it was for ... campaign. Marcy Smith: She's director. Sue Welch: Frances Jordan, the Executive Director of the Greenwood Cultural Center. Marcy Smith: She, by the way, is still the Executive Director of the Greenwood today. Sue Welch: So I gave all my spiel and she said, "Well, Sue." And I expected a no. "Well, Sue, here at the Greenwood Cultural Center, we do not discriminate. So we'd be happy to have you." I was like, "Yay!" So at that first one and subsequent ones, we had 300- more than 300 lesbians from all across the city. And that was fantastic. Huge gatherings. Toby Jenkins: Now to pull in women, you also did the calendar girls. Marcy Smith: So yeah, there was a movie. I don't even know when the movie was, in the mid 90s or something. It was based on a true story. The calendar girls, which was an older group of women in Great Britain, who were trying to raise money for a wing to be added on to their very small hospital. So they came up with this idea to basically have a nudie calendar. Sue Welch: A boudoir calendar. 26 �Marcy Smith: A boudoir calendar. So we did the same thing, but what we did was- and I was really proud of these women that did this, 'cause we were partially Sue Welch: We were surprised by the women who said yes. Marcy Smith: Yeah, I mean, there were some pretty revealing photographs in this calendar. So what- so we didn't know if anybody was gonna- we didn't think anybody would buy the calendar. So we had them get sponsors. So they had to recruit as many people as possible to donate a minimum of like $250 or $500 or something like that to sponsor their month. That's how we raised. I mean, we were just happy to raise $5,000 at a time. $5,000 here, $5,000 there, to start building toward this million dollar, which was a monumental amount of money. When it was determined that that's what we were gonna need to do this, I mean, the community's likeSue Welch: Can't do it. Marcy Smith: "There's no way. You will never do that. Never do that." Sue Welch: The end point was $1.3 million. Toby Jenkins: And so there were naysayers, and there were people who were divisive, and there were people who may have been difficult. You had that, right? Sue Welch: Yeah, but not for long. Marcy Smith: And once the momentum started, itToby Jenkins: So I think I remember garden parties, the garden tour. Sue Welch: We did, we had a home and garden tour. Marcy Smith: Yeah, we did. Sue Welch: We really tried to model things that- the firemen did a calendar for United Way, so-and-so did a home and garden tour for whatever. So we try to model things that would make sense. That people would kind of already know how that worked and go, "Oh my gosh, so the gay community is doing that, great, let's get on to that." Toby Jenkins: What about the LGBT film festival? Was that alsoMarcy Smith: OUT OK. Sue Welch: So OUT OK, that was really progressive for the time. That was the first LGBT out film festival. Phillip Oh and Mark Bonney were in charge of that. They brought films from everywhere, amazing films, and all the proceeds went to the capital campaign. 27 �Marcy Smith: Yeah, talk about being ahead of its time. Sue Welch: Yeah. Marcy Smith: Now there's like gay film festival all the time. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. So it was a long lengthy process of raising the money, but you were also creating community and building a unified vision. Very impressed that you were able to do that. But at the same time, you still had to be take care in the community. So there was community centers, yet during this time. We still had community centers and you wanna talk about some of the locations andMarcy Smith: Well, I think where we were, we were at 21st and Memorial, and I think that was a very difficult landlord. It ended up being a very difficult landlord situation. But for me personally, I was glad we got the heck out of Dodge out of that location. I think it was an oppressive location, just because of the color of it and the smell of the smoke. I mean, it just was not- it didn't feel healthy. Toby Jenkins: And it wasn't accessible there. Sue Welch: No. Marcy Smith: It wasn't welcoming. Toby Jenkins: You had to steps to go up. Sue Welch: No. Yeah. Toby Jenkins: And then, got up there and the meeting room was downstairs, the bathrooms were downstairs, but we were- it was our center, and we were proud of it. Sue Welch: Yeah. Marcy Smith: Oh yeah. So the next location was the shopping center at 41st off of Yale, right across from Ricardo's Mexican restaurant, which is still there. And so that was, I would say, the best place we had been. And I'm gonna guess it was maybe 3,600 square feet, maybe. Sue Welch: Sounds about right. Yeah, maybe- 3,500. Marcy Smith: - 3,500, So it's give or take, right? And pretty much an open space, so not a lot of segregated space, where people could have private meetings or whatever they might've been doing and so but same kinda thing. We were there for a while, and then the landlord got a little weirded out and stuff. We were just trying to bide our time to get this going, so that we could own our own home instead of being kicked out 28 �eventually. And I say that- they just didn't wanna renew the lease. Or they just decided, given us notice and whatever, so. Toby Jenkins: What were some of the services that were being offered at the center? Sue Welch: Well, I'm glad you're bringing that up, Toby, because behind the scenes, while all this was going, certainly, Dennis and other people and the volunteers- Dennis was getting the Gill foundation to set up computer labs and all ofToby Jenkins: The Bohnett Foundation Sue Welch: Yes, the Bohnett. And all the services continuing, grief groups and game nights andToby Jenkins: HIV testing. Sue Welch: Yes, and counseling and all those things were still going on. Toby Jenkins: I can remember, just wanna throw this out there and get your thoughts on it. I can remember at that Center, at in the Highland Park Shopping Center, volunteering on a night where it was first time I'd ever been interacting. We had a transgender support group. So do you remember- we've talked about lesbian and gay men. Do you remember being an intentional outreach to transgender persons, or? Sue Welch: Not as far as with fundraising, because I don't think at that time we had a large group for the fundraising aspect. But certainly in the service, we established town halls finding out what people wanted, what we needed, so that we could provide that in this new place that was gonna be our permanent home. So absolutely in the services. Toby Jenkins: So you assess the community? Did y'all have surveys, or? Sue Welch: We did, at each Pride picnic, we had surveys. We had a large gathering at the library and we handed out surveys and collected information about what they want in the center, specifically as far as even rooms, art gallery, that sort of thing, kitchen, services they might want, locations they might want. Toby Jenkins: And so y'all were being paid to do all of this and you had a full-time position, right? Marcy Smith: No. Sue Welch: We had full-time positions at our jobs. Marcy Smith: : So every fundraising event for the Pyramid Project started off with a budget- 29 �Sue Welch: Zero. Marcy Smith: - which was zero. That was what we started with. You're gonna donate this, you're gonna donate your time, you're gonna donate the goods, all that kinda thing. So our goal was that a lot of capital campaigns had budgets that as much as 25-30% would go to administrative overhead of what was being raised. Toby Jenkins: Paid to development workers. Marcy Smith: So our goal was to have 95% of the funds that we raised, go directly to the capital. So that meant 5% to do all this. And I think, ultimately, we ended up being aboutSue Welch: I think about seven. Marcy Smith: - 7-8% or something rather than 5%. So we were right around 92% of all the funds that were raised, stayed right there in the community foundation. That was the other thing. It was a big milestone, was going to Tulsa Community Foundation because it was about credibility. And so we needed to have our money at a place where it was managed for a place of credibility. So that was a huge milestone when we were able to have those funds placed at the Tulsa Community Foundation which they are still at today. So that was a big deal. That added some ... . Sue Welch: Yeah, through Dennis and Nancy, they introduced us to people there and got all that set up safe and safeguarded. So then, donors would feel even more comfortable. Toby Jenkins: So about how many years was the fundraising part of it? Marcy Smith: Six. Sue Welch: 6-7. Marcy Smith: Yeah, six, 2007 when we did it. Toby Jenkins: Did people grow fatigued from that? I mean, did theyMarcy Smith: Oh yeah. I mean, it didn't take too many years that when Sue and I would show up at a party, people were turning away. I mean, they knew we were gonna be pressing the flesh and, hi, how you doing? We haven't seen a donation from you in a while. But I mean, it just kinda got to be a joke. We were like, "Are we gonna get invited to anything this year?" 30 �Toby Jenkins: So I'm gonna take you back. This is your life. It's January 1st, 2000, the night after the Y2K fear. What were y'all doing on January 1st, 2000? Do you remember? Marcy Smith: Well, I can tell you what I was doing. I was head of the Y2K project at Tulsa County. So I spent that New Year's Eve in the computer room doing one of these. And it was a five-year project that I led. And I had the same budget from my boss which was, you're not gonna spend any money on this project. We weren't able to do that because of software costs, but it was a very small budget. So that's where I was. So I was in a computer room in Tulsa, Oklahoma that night. And it went perfectly, by the way. Sue Welch: Are you remembering a house party? Toby Jenkins: Yeah, on New Year's Day. Sue Welch: On New Year's Day. Marcy Smith: Oh, New Year's Day? Okay. Marcy Smith: New Year's Day, we had a house party at our house. Marcy Smith: Yeah, and invited several people. And I think we'd seen you peripherally, but this was your first time to reallyToby Jenkins: Be pulled into the project. Sue Welch: Yeah, yeah. To be ... . Toby Jenkins: My point isSue Welch: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: - I can remember getting invited to that on New Year's Day after we had all survived. And that was my first time to hear about it. The project to raise money for our permanent center. Now, I was very familiar with the center. Sue Welch: Sure. Toby Jenkins: But it was the first time I'd ever been included in that. And I had no money, but I was able to make just a little bitty tiny gift. But you made me feel like my little tiny gift was as important as the people who were writing the big checks. Sue Welch: It was. 31 �Toby Jenkins: So you spent five or six years raising this money and keeping the community focused on the prize. When did we buy the building? And do you wanna talk a little bit about the effort to finally purchase property? Sue Welch: So as we were getting, we set a goal that we would have a certain amount of money raised before we would even look at property. And we were reviewing a dozen or more properties over and over, as we got to that point. And Dennis called and said, "Hey, have you looked at this place at 4th and Kenosha?" And we're like, "Okay, we'll go look at that one." And so we called up the realtor who was listed there and I said, "Okay, great. I'm gonna have to talk to another realtor and tell him who we are and what we're looking for." And so went to his office and on his wall was a big picture of John F. Kennedy. I was like, "I think I'm okay." And so I met Max Tankersley and told him about who we were and he said, "Okay, great. I'd love to show you this". So we walked in and at the time, it had been a communications company, so there were wires literally everywhere. It was just full of communications things. But it was so solid because it used to be an oil company's building, where they built explosives to dig oil wells before they had the bits. So the walls are about 12 inches thick. It is just so solid. So walking through, it's really solid, it's not dirty, it's not dank, it's bright…Lots of windows, lots of space. We're thinking, "Oh my gosh, there's so much space here. But from these surveys, we could do this, we could do that, we could do all the things that the people are wanting." And so I think we probably called Dennis first and said, "Dennis, this is a really neat place." And we had a key group of donors who just kept donating, were donating substantially. And so, we rented two trolley cars. We had a nice little reception at a house in Terwilliger Heights. And we said, "We're gonna take you all to a place we want you to see that we believe this is gonna be our center." And so we got 'em all fed and liquored up and got 'em on the trolleys. And so we came in and several of them were likebecause it wasn't rough compared to the things we've been looking at, but it wasn't fancy by any means. Marcy Smith: And grey. Sue Welch: And it was downtown, which was one of the locations people wanted, but not everyone. And so I think several of them went, "Oh, wow, this is really great, great vision." And some of 'em went, "Ugh, this is what you're picking? It was a little effort in getting people on board with that. So we created- we got together a group of designers and if you want to haveToby Jenkins: Gay designers. 32 �Sue Welch: Gay designers. And if you want to have fun, get a group of gay designers together and tell them, we're not paying them anything and everything they develop needs to come in free, all the accessories, all the furniture. Toby Jenkins: Yeah, but they have to raise the money to furnish the room. Sue Welch: And so that was fun. Kirk Holt, I appointed him as the chair, 'cause he's great at getting all those people together. So we developed these vision boards for each of the rooms and we had more people come and more people look, and that really helped with donations. This was, of course, after we bought the building, and that helped also engage people for volunteerism, if they couldn't give or if they wanted to do more, to physically work at the building in renovations. I served as the general contractor for the renovations and we had a ... . Marcy Smith: And she got paid zero. Sue Welch: And we had literally hundreds of volunteers working thousands of hours. The things we had to hire, have electricians, licensed plumbers, that sort of thing. We certainly did that. But I mean, so many people learned how to sheet rock, insulate things, tear down walls. Some of my happiest memories are remembering these guys and looking at you Dennis, doing that work, that heavy, hard work. Marcy Smith: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: So the building was purchased, let's talk about that morning after years of fundraising and this was the- you're trying to keep everybody rowing in the right direction. Tell us about that morning, when you invited the community to come and look at it and we raised the first rainbow flag. Sue Welch: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: From our flagpole and we had ... Marcy Smith: Talking about the Field of Dreams? Sue Welch: Nope. Marcy Smith: Oh, okay. Toby Jenkins: No, I'm talking about the morning we ... Marcy Smith: Oh, the grand opening. Toby Jenkins: Well, it wasn’t the grand opening, it was the morning that we ... Sue Welch: That was our first flag. 33 �Toby Jenkins: The building was ours, and we raised the flag for the first time. Marcy Smith: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: You had a bagpiper on the roof. Sue Welch: Yeah, yep, had a bagpiper on the roof, we had Rick Hollingsworth give us a blessing. Toby Jenkins: Probably, a thousand people showed up. Sue Welch: The first time so many people had even been in the building. And I remember it was so loud downstairs in the main hall. I was looking around, I'm not a loud speaker and I thought, "I've gotta find somebody, I've gotta get up on these stairs, I gotta find somebody to get the attention of this crowd. And I saw Rebecca Ungerman out there and I said, "Rebecca." And so I got Rebecca up on the stairs and everyone was milling about, crammed in there and just excited. And so she got the crowd's attention and we just had a little, here's your new home people, let's complete this project. Toby Jenkins: Yep, first timeSue Welch: Yep. Toby Jenkins: - this was ours, it belonged to us. Sue Welch: Yeah, people were so excited. Toby Jenkins: Wasn't leased, wasn't rented, no landlord could take our mortgage away. Sue Welch: Exactly. Toby Jenkins: And we were able to raise our rainbow flag. Sue Welch: Yep, show who we were, know that we'd have signage on the building that it couldn't be taken away because that was a problem with so many of the places, moving so often caused breaks in services, not being able to identify our building, our storefront, where we were leasing, caused difficulty in people's access. And so now, we had a place we could put signage, have our flag, we had a corner in downtown Tulsa, in the heart of Oklahoma. Marcy Smith: And as most neighborhoods go after the gays move in, this area of Tulsa and downtown has exploded with development, exploded. Toby Jenkins: And here you have it, we can verify documentation that the gay folks revitalized downtown Tulsa you now at this point. 34 �Marcy Smith: Absolutely. Marcy Smith: This Pearl District, you have- absolutely right. Sue Welch: Absolutely. Toby Jenkins: 'Cause it was the truth. Sue Welch: Absolutely. Toby Jenkins: Because it was just, mostly downtown was abandoned buildings that were boarded up. Sue Welch: Yep. Toby Jenkins: Nobody lived down here. There weren't any stores or you didn't have people walking their pets, so. Sue Welch: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: But it's what we could afford and we got it. Tell us about that year we spent working on it, but at the same time, we were operating the centerSue Welch: Sure. Toby Jenkins: - with all of its servicesSue Welch: Sure. Toby Jenkins: - at its old location. Sue Welch: Marcy had a good job that allowed me to spend a lot of time during that time away from my practice. And so every Saturday and Sunday, we would have volunteers. One of my cohorts would help check 'em in and we give assignments. Some people would just be sweeping, some people would be putting up walls. Toby Jenkins: Or ladders. On ladders. Sue Welch: Yeah. Oh, on ladders, painting, cleaning, taking up tile from the floor. You name it. Tiling new bathroom floors, from A to Z. So volunteers full out Saturdays, Sundays, weekend after weekend after weekend to get this accomplished on a shoestring, but properly and still involving people. That was as much part of it as anything. It's one thing to pay for everything to get done and come on in. We created this beautiful jewel box for you. But it's another thing to have people go, I created this. I helped open these doors. I painted this door. That was huge. 35 �Toby Jenkins: So tell us about the grand opening, and the Field of Dreams, dinners, andSue Welch: So the Field of Dreams, we did have requirements because we were changing the use from what it was previously to a public space. So we had to create more accessible ramps, elevators, doorways, things like that, and all that added up to quite some expense. So our first official event here was called the Field of Dreams. If we build it, they will come. And so we had volunteers in softball uniforms, and we had teams thatToby Jenkins: Cute gay boys. Marcy Smith: Yeah. Marcy Smith: We had team captains. Sue Welch: Not girls in softball uniforms. Marcy Smith: We had team captains, so it was baseball teams and it was a competition. Sue Welch: So they were bidding against each other. There was nothing they were gonna win. There were no prizes. There were no auction items. This was full-out cash. They were playing against each other, and we raised all the money, over $130,000 cash, that night without any auction items to do all of the ADA requirements. Marcy Smith: And it was adopting rooms. So these were concept drawings of what the various spaces were gonna be. So if you were a kitchen person, or you were interested in the library, or the art gallery, the theater. That was really great to have those concept drawings, so that people could visualize what this incredible space was gonna look like, based on the town halls, and what they said they wanted in the space. So we were able to give 'em pretty much everything they asked for. The other thing I remember, too, is the size of the building, okay? So we were at 3,500 square feet. This facility is 18,000 square feet. We got so much pushback from, are you kidding me? You're never gonna be able to fill that space. Sue Welch: We don't need that. Marcy Smith: .. We don't need that space. And here we are, nearly 20 years later, and in my opinion, we could add on a few places, but. Toby Jenkins: So any details about the grand opening? I'm trying to remember. Sue Welch: I remember, we did balloons, 'cause at that time- 36 �Marcy Smith: We did an non-environmental thing. Sue Welch: - we were not that environmentally conscious. I'm sorry, I apologize. Marcy Smith: We released balloons. Sue Welch: But we did have a bagpiper on the roof, which was really cool. Everyone was just so thrilled, and walking through the place. It was just giddy, giddying us, it was wonderful. Marcy Smith: Smudging, blessing the building. People laying hands on the building. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Marcy Smith: Good energy. Sue Welch: It was. Toby Jenkins: ... American blessings. Marcy Smith: Yes, yes. Sue Welch: It was good energy. Toby Jenkins: And then we moved in. Sue Welch: Yes. Toby Jenkins: And the programs began. Sue Welch: And the programs began. And yes, if you build it, they will come. It's absolutely true. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Sue Welch: Given the proper leadership, and we had such great leadership then, and people pushing for great programs. Toby Jenkins: And so prior to this, we would have these huge meetings or events. We would have to rent space, or we would have to cram into whatever place we had. I can remember many, many things that we would use in those other spaces. Or when the sodomy laws were struck down, we didn't have a big enough space, so we had to use a restaurant on Cherry Street. But then this building finally had enough space that if we could mobilize and fight for our communitySue Welch: Yeah. 37 �Toby Jenkins: - Celebrate, remember those. I mean, it became a place where people did their funerals, their commitment ceremonies, and where we met for meetings to fight for our rights. Sue Welch: Yeah. Yeah, we could celebrate and mobilize and honor each other in our own home. Toby Jenkins: Do you remember some of the major events that this building was here to witness and testify to? Marcy Smith: Well, legalized same-sex marriage for number one. But also it becoming a hub for pride. So that we could centralize pride activities, which was really pretty cool to be able to do that. Otherwise, we were renting, leasing space to try to do pride events. We're not without negative things happening, and one of the things that wasn't publicized at the time that we did it but we did it for safety was, we put bulletproof glass in this building because we felt that at some point, unfortunately, that may be needed. And so we had a drive-by shooting in this building and thankfully, the bulletproof glass did its job. So never more thankful to have that particular decision to save people ... – [Bullet-resistant glass was not initially installed. It was added in 2017 after a drive-by shooting from a pellet gun made 13 holes in the front windows and front door. Wes Smith, an OkEq member, challenged the community to send in $13 each to replace the glass. The challenge went viral, people across the country and world sent in money. In total, more than $33,000 was committed which allowed OkEq to replace all downstairs windows and the front door with bullet-resistant glass.] Toby Jenkins: So do you remember when the sodomy laws were struck down, we celebrated at a restaurant, but the next major event was when gays were allowed to be in the military ... . And do you remember the events around that? Sue Welch: So yes, we were able to celebrate that in a fantastic way and we actually created the veterans lobby here, top second floor, off the elevator. And then another pivotal time ... Toby Jenkins: And we ... - just a minute. We invited military recruiters to come to this ... . Sue Welch: That's right, that's right. Toby Jenkins: And they came all the way from where, the Pentagon. Sue Welch: Fantastic, yes. That's right ... . 38 �Toby Jenkins: And we became the very first place in the United States where gay people served, signed up to join the military. We were the face of that on the front page of 1900 newspapers the next day in the heartland, in the middle of the country. Sue Welch We were also because of Mary and Sharon and Gay and Sue and were able to celebrate the pivotal gay marriage right here, in the center, with those ladies here in Tulsa. So yeah, so many pivotal things here. Toby Jenkins: Remember when the White House came to visit, when we got behind the Affordable Care Act cause we knew we needed to sign people up so that Obamacare, and they sent a representative here 'cause we had signed up 147 people in one day. Sue Welch: It's fantastic. It's fantastic, yeah. Toby Jenkins: So Sue, you called it the field of dreams. Why did you call it the field of dreams? Sue Welch: Because if we build it, they will come. Toby Jenkins: And did they come? Sue Welch: They did, and actually even more, in more numbers than I dreamed. I mean the programming and Toby, I know you're greatly responsible for a lot of that programming that started happening. And the people upon people, upon people who came and had fun or had a service or were recognized and seen or just got to be able to be with their family, their LGBTQ+ family, just people fill this place the whole entire time, all the time. I know I would get update calls from you saying how many people had come and what pivotal help had been given to certain people that day. Just incredible. Marcy Smith: Well, saving lives. Sue Welch: Absolutely, saving lives. Marcy Smith: People who were at the end of their rope. I mean, just needing a place to come where they can literally walk in the door. Sue Welch: ... you're safe. Marcy Smith: Yes, this is a safe place. Sue Welch: A safe affirming place. 39 �Toby Jenkins: So you spent a lot of work for the community to make this happen, and on behalf of the community, the LGBTQ+ community, I wanna say thank you so much for that. Any regrets about it? Sue Welch: None. Marcy Smith: None. Sue Welch: None. And I have to say there were so many hundreds of people behind us who really made it happen, who made it a success. We were just able to drive some of it. Toby Jenkins: So this is a- in 2026 and you ladies are moving into your middle age years. Marcy Smith: Thank you for that. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: There were some difficult times, 'cause just because we had the building doesn't mean- I mean, we've had some vandalism, we've had physical threats, we've had some deaths, some heartaches, and we've had some other challenges too. You just didn't hang up your hats and say, we're done helping the community or being involved. What have you had to do in the last few years? Sue Welch: So things were rocking along really great for a while. We got some breathing time and just having fun with friends and things. But there were some individuals, boards, leaderships, that didn't go through what all of us went through. They didn't go through the turmoil and the trial and the difficulties that all of us went through. They're a younger generation, they grew up being able to be married, they grew up with less offense to them, they grew up being able to put their partner's picture on their office desk. Just so different from us. When some younger leadership, I think I'll just categorize it that way, came in, I don't think it was- they had less ownership. So, COVID came and that changed everything for everybody. But generationally, I think we're significantly different in that. We like to gather physically together and COVID made that really difficult. So coming out of that, changes started happening. We noticed we weren't getting notices about things happening at the center, even post-COVID. It seemed there was less going on. People weren't gathering at the center. We didn't reactivate those activities and events and things for people to physically gather. As the world did, we all became a little more siloed. So I think we lost a lot of interest, funding, relativity during that time. 40 �In February of 2024, we got a notice saying that the organization needed to raise $100,000 to keep the doors open. We were in shock. And so we met up with some people and said, "What's going on here? What's happening?" And so Marcy and I, thanks to some people, we were asked to be on the gala committee that year. We were generously given the leeway to co-chair the gala. And fortunately, we kinda did our thing. We've done a lot of galas. Well, by the gala committee, we were generously offered to co-chair the gala. We had leadership difficulty. I was coming in, again, as old lesbians going, "What do you know?" I mean, that was an old time. You can't do anything for us. And we had a hard time not going ... listen to whippersnappers. This is how it was. So ultimately, that gala was the highest grossing and highest net gala in OkEq’s history. And we were able to really build up our coffers again, and keep us open and keep the center going and alive. Marcy Smith: In 90 days. Sue Welch: Yeah, in a very short time. Marcy Smith: There was no one chairing this. It was not gonna happen. Sue Welch: Yeah, there was not gonna be a gala. We even had foundations tell us, "You should not be having a gala right now." And we said, "For two reasons. We have to have a gala. We must have a gala. One, of course, for the fundraising. And, we know we can do this. Two, for the community. Because our community has scattered to the winds. And we need to bring them back together." Toby Jenkins: So we talked about the pandemic, and we talked about the financial challenges the organizations have, and we've talked about generational differences, and- but we also have political issues that are impacting our community. It's 2026, so as your sign-off message, I've asked you to think about this. Do you have a challenge, or a message, or a final words that you'd like to give to people who might see this, and either feel the motivation to get involved, or maybe even have an explanation of how important it is? Do you have any final words for our viewers? Sue Welch: You go first. Marcy Smith: I would say that don't discount having a place, a physical place. I have an IT background and we're in a virtual world at this point, but there is so much in life, especially in a human experience, virtual stuff cannot give you and provide you that connection that you have to have by just being in the same space with people who support you, and that you can provide fine services. 41 �The whole point of this Center was for it to be a resource center for people. We didn't think that we were gonna be all things to all people, but we wanted to have a hub, a place where the organization could also work with other organizations to provide services to people, and to have a gathering place for us, and we're seeing this. We are seeing this in the world now. We are seeing psychological studies coming out about how this isolationism, and being at home, and this whole virtual reality, if you will, it's not. It's not real. What is real is being with people, engaging with people, celebrating with people, having really hard times with people. It's a human experience. It cannot be replaced with technology. That's my background, and I know that. And so it's about having a home and a place to come back to. And supporting an organization that's going to help our community be a better place. Not just the LGBTQ+ community, but other members in this community we call home, we call Tulsa, reaching out to other organizations to help in that effort, because it's a tough time, and funding is getting ripped out from non-profits. They are literally facing their demise. National public Radio… all of these things that we held to be, assumed that it was always gonna be here, always thought we would have public funding for the arts, really. Always thought we would have freedom of speech, thought we would have freedom of the press. The press is what is gonna hold our elected officials accountable, in addition to us. So we are at a really, really tough time, and it has been set on fire because of technology. Because we are not gathering together. Because we're holed up in our respective places, and we've got to come together again. We've got to support each other again in a physical way, in addition to a technological way. And having a home that is a place where we can gather, where we can rally, where we can figure out strategies to do this, is really important because if the decision is ever made to lose this space, then we become invisible again. They, whoever they are succeeded. They don't have a place to call home anymore. They don't have a place to gather anymore. They don't have a place to rally. They don't have a place to celebrate our artists. They don't have a place for our performers to come. They don't have a place to have counseling. Transgendered individuals don't have a place to have health care. We don't have a- we're burning books, and we're banning books. We don't have a library anymore to celebrate that aspect. All of these things are here for anyone who wants to come in and celebrate LGBTQIA+ individuals as a community, but as a community, as an accepting and affirming community that we call home. And that's Tulsa. It's so much more than a physical building, and that's where I would say, generationally moving forward, I hope that you all 42 �can understand how important the space is to maintain. Can we change the space? Absolutely. Can we change up the different things that are here? Absolutely. That's what a home's all about. It evolves and it changes as we need it to change. But I am hopeful and lay this on the table for folks coming behind us, please keep it. Please figure out how to keep it. Make it your own, make it evolve and change as our needs change. But allowing it to go away, I think, will be a grave mistake for our community. And I'm not saying that it is. I'm not saying that it is. But I think there are individuals out there that feel that we don't need a space to call our own, where we can celebrate each other, a physical space. And home is a really big word, encompasses a lot of things. Sue Welch: I really couldn't say any better than that, but just to say that, when you lose something that so many people have identified with, you lose your identity. When you don't communicate to every group, not just the current generation, but every group, about what's here for them. When you don't have physical group meetings, people physically gathering in large groups, that sounds scary to some people now, just because of COVID, but we have to have face-to-face large groups to support each other. The harder it gets politically, financially, the more we need to physically gather and we have our home to do it in. So let's not lose that, let's not take it for granted, let's use it. Toby Jenkins: This is perfect. So while you're the CP's ambassadors, called them the Iron Lady, Madam Prime Minister, was my nicknames for them. What are you presently doing? I mean what do you- your careers and the work that you do now? Sue Welch: Well, we are entrepreneurial. We own a business together called OsteoStrong, which is a wellness center that focuses on increasing your bone density, your muscular strength and your ligament and tendon strength. That's healthy for everybody. We have over 300 members. We're loving it and we do have some of our community members who are also OsteoStrong members and we do love that. We garden, we travel, we've loved that forever. I serve as a trustee again on the Board of Trustees for Oklahomans For Equality. Toby Jenkins: In your medical practice there, you're focusing a lot on issues with the emerging, growing older adult population, so that you're still serving a community, every aspect of it. Sue Welch: Sure, sure. Toby Jenkins: Anything else for us and our founder. Do you have any other things or archivist any things, before we bring our interview to a close? 43 �Sue Welch: I just wanna say thank you to all of you for all the work you're doing and have done, because we could not have done anything, any of this without you. Amanda Thompson: Yeah, no, it's great. And thank you guys for sharing this. And as the one youngster in the room, I wholeheartedly agree with everything you're saying and the stuff you talk about is really important. I'm personally very lucky and very happy to be a part of furthering those connections and helping people just get the word out, how important these things are. Sue Welch: Thank you, Amanda. Marcy Smith: We have to pay it forward. Amanda Thompson: Yeah. Marcy Smith: We do. Toby Jenkins: Yeah, thank you so much. You have been listening toMarcy Smith: Marcy Smith. Sue Welch: Sue Welch. Toby Jenkins: - here at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center on January the 16th, 2026. Addendum: Sue Welch requested the following be added to the transcript. "My Dad, Lloyd Welch was a 3rd generation brick mason and builder. He helped with the initial renovation when we bought the building for the Dennis R Neill Equality Center. He taught volunteers and various friends many skills that we needed during that time to get the building ready. He taught and worked with Stan Smalts, Dale Tune and Marty Steinmetz, replacing and hanging exterior doors; David Hoot patching interior plaster walls; Norm Kopp tuck pointing worn brick exterior wall joints of the building, as well as many other tasks with other volunteers. He had a great time with the guys and they with him. They all really appreciated learning from him. Some of them even took the skills they learned from our volunteer efforts into their own lives later as well. My Mom, Joan Welch provided moral encouragement and cheerleading support during that time filled with physical work. We would all break for lunch in the garage, now the Lynn Riggs Theatre. Nancy McDonald, everyone's Mom, brought cookies for snacks every weekend for the volunteer crew. It was a fantastic time of camaraderie, hard work and joy!" 44 � 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 [2026] Sue Welch and Marcy Smith Interview Description An account of the resource Sue Welch and Marcy Smith share their personal journeys, highlighting their experiences growing up in Oklahoma and navigating their identities as members of the LGBTQ+ community. Marcy recounts her childhood in Tulsa, her education at Oklahoma Christian College, and her early awareness of her sexual orientation. She reflects on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in a conservative environment, including the need for stealth and the importance of finding community. Sue shares her upbringing in Ponca City and her academic journey at OSU. Both women discuss their relationships, the evolution of their identities, and the significance of community support in their lives.<br /><br />Marcy and Sue recount their involvement with Oklahomans for Equality and the development of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. They reflect on the challenges of coming out to their families, the societal pressures they faced, and the importance of creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals in Tulsa. Their stories are filled with humor, resilience, and a sense of belonging, showcasing the power of love and community in overcoming adversity. In this episode, Marcy Smith and Sue Welch share their inspiring journey of establishing a community center for the LGBTQ+ community in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They successfully organized fundraising events, such as house parties and the Wild Hearts Ball, to raise awareness and funds. Their determination led to significant milestones, including securing a $10,000 grant from a New York foundation and eventually purchasing a permanent space for their community center, which became a hub for support, celebration, and activism.<br /><br />The conversation highlights the importance of physical spaces for community gathering, especially in a time when virtual connections are prevalent. Marcy and Sue emphasize the need for ongoing support and engagement within the community, particularly in light of recent political challenges. They reflect on the center's role in pivotal moments for LGBTQ+ rights, including the legalization of same-sex marriage and the repeal of discriminatory laws. Their message is clear: maintaining a physical home for the community is essential for fostering connection, support, and resilience against adversity. Subject The topic of the resource Sue Welch and Marcy Smith Oral History Interview from January 16, 2026 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Sue Welch, Marcy Smith, Toby Jenkins, Dennis Neill Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource January 16, 2026 2026 AIDS AIDS/HIV Dennis Neill Dennis R. Neill Dennis R. Neill Equality Center Equality Center Equality Center Opening Gay marriage HIV HIV/AIDs interview LGBT marriage Marcy Smith OHR OkEq Equality Center OKEQ Oral History Project Oklahoma Christian College Oklahoma State University Oklahoma State University (OSU) Oklahomans for Human Rights Oklahomans for Human Rights - Tulsa Chapter oral history oral history interview Oral History Project oral history transcript OSU Pyramid Project same sex marriage Sue Welch Toby Jenkins TOHR transcript Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) video Wild Hearts Ball https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/f72c2df42fc84be737c24550dce17aec.mp4 d517224038d8563bc6f524eb2753e69d https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/9c5aa6299e0ece9650f1789f237c463b.pdf fc9870b8c20fb40b7478d0f28e9f551a PDF Text Text Oklahomans for Equality Oral History Interview with John Madigan Interview Conducted by Toby Jenkins Date: January 13, 2026 Transcribed By: Dennis Neill using Reduct.Video AI, January 25, 2026 Restrictions: Interviewee requested: N/A Oklahomans for Equality History Project 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK. 74120 918.743.4297 historyproject@okeq.org 1 �About John Madigan Summary This conversation with John Madigan explores his life journey from a small mining town in Canada to becoming an influential figure in the LGBTQ+ community in Tulsa, Oklahoma. John shares his experiences growing up on a farm, his transition into the oil and gas industry, and his eventual involvement in various LGBTQ+ organizations, including Prime Timers. He reflects on the intersection of faith and sexuality, the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, and the importance of advocacy and inclusion for older adults. John's insights provide a rich narrative of resilience, community, and the ongoing fight for equality. Takeaways 2  John was born in a small mining town in Canada.  He grew up on a farm with 12 siblings.  Education was a significant part of his early life.  John transitioned to the oil and gas industry in the 1960s.  He moved to Tulsa in 1990 and became involved in the local community.  John identifies as a gay man and became aware of his sexuality in adolescence.  He has maintained his Catholic faith throughout his life. � John has been actively involved in LGBTQ+ organizations, including Prime Timers.  He emphasizes the importance of community and advocacy for older LGBTQ+ adults.  John believes in the need for ongoing activism to protect LGBTQ+ rights. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Early Life 02:47 Growing Up on the Farm 06:00 Education and Early Career 09:00 Transition to the Oil and Gas Industry 12:02 Life in Tulsa and Community Engagement 15:02 Understanding Sexual Identity 18:02 Faith and Sexuality 20:55 Involvement in LGBTQ+ Organizations 23:48 The Formation of Prime Timers 26:57 Community Building and Advocacy 30:08 Challenges and Triumphs in the LGBTQ+ Community 33:09 Reflections on Aging and Inclusion 36:01 Future of LGBTQ+ Advocacy 38:59 Final Thoughts and Legacy John Madigan Interview Toby Jenkins: Good afternoon. We are here at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center in the Joe and Nancy McDonald Rainbow Library. And we have an interview with John Madigan. John, for archival purposes, tell us your full name, your date of birth, and your physical address. John Madigan: John T. Madigan. 04-24-45, XXXXX, Tulsa. 3 �Toby Jenkins: All right. So we're going to jump right in. John, where were you born? John Madigan: Luscar, Alberta, in Canada. Toby Jenkins: In Canada. So you're from Canada. Is that a big city, small city, little town, hole in the wall? What is it? John Madigan: Well, back in the early 40s, it was a mining town. Today, it's a, what do you want to say? It's got a signpost to say where it was. Toby Jenkins: So you were born there in Canada. And at that time, so 1945, it would have been a mining town. What would the population have been? John Madigan: 400 or 500 people. They're just miners. Toby Jenkins: So it was still just a small town. And did your father work in the mine? John Madigan: Yes. That was his military duty. Toby Jenkins: OK. He was required to do it, or it was his assignment. Was he assigned there for security or for just a? John Madigan: He worked in it. Toby Jenkins: OK. And did your mother work outside the home? John Madigan: No. Toby Jenkins: And how many siblings do you have? John Madigan: 12. Toby Jenkins: 12. And this would have been in 1945 in Canada. And your father was able to support the family with the money he made at the mine? John Madigan: Well, that lasted only after the war was over. Then we moved back to Saskatchewan where he was raised to his parents' homestead. Toby Jenkins: So they had a farm? John Madigan: His parents moved from Ontario to Saskatchewan in 1905 when the three provinces were divided up. And so they had to have people to populate it. So it was just like Oklahoma. You had a homestead. Toby Jenkins: OK. And so you kind of grew up on a farm then? Toby Jenkins: How old were you when you moved back to Saskatchewan? 4 �John Madigan: About a year old. Toby Jenkins: Oh, so you were just a toddler. Where are you in the birth order of 12 kids? John Madigan: At the top. Toby Jenkins: You're the oldest? John Madigan: Yes. Toby Jenkins: Well, that's incredible. There was a lot of pressure on you. Now, with 12 children, what was their religious affiliation? John Madigan: They were Roman Catholic. Toby Jenkins: Roman Catholic. That explains the 12 children. So you lived there, and you lived on what would have been your grandparents' homestead. So did you farm? John Madigan: When in 46, 47, we moved to my uncle's farm. And then he moved back to Ontario. And so we had the farm until 2018. Everybody quit farming. Toby Jenkins: What kind of did y'all raise? Crops, cattle, sheep, goats? John Madigan: No goats. No, it was wheat farming. And we had cows on the side for eating purposes. Toby Jenkins: Was there a little school in this little town that y'all went back to? John Madigan: Yeah, we had two. It was called Naomi. It was three miles from the house. And then when we started to go to school, we walked or rode the horse. We didn't get to drive the buggy until we were eight, nine years old. Toby Jenkins: No school bus? John Madigan: School bus? We're lucky we had a car. Toby Jenkins: So you had to go three miles to school. Now was that a Canadian public school, or was that a private Catholic school? John Madigan: Public school. Toby Jenkins: And is that where you graduated from high school? John Madigan: No, that was my elementary. And then they closed it and they consolidated the school district. So we had to move to town to go to school. That's when we found out there was a school bus that worked. 5 �Toby Jenkins: And what was the town, the bigger city? John Madigan: Ceylon Toby Jenkins: And so they had a high school, a public high school. John Madigan: It went from first to twelfth grade. Toby Jenkins: Do you remember what year you graduated from high school? John Madigan: 1964. Toby Jenkins: 1964. How many were in your graduating class? John Madigan: Twelve. Toby Jenkins: Twelve. Wow. Well, that sounds so wonderful. So you were twelve years old. You graduated from a class of twelve, my apologies. And when you finished high school, you had all of these younger siblings. What was your plan? Do you remember what your plan was as a senior in high school? What you kind of dreamed. Did you dream you were going to farm? Or did you dream you were going to stay there? No. John Madigan: No. Farming was not my forte. I was not going to make that as a career and I didn't. Toby Jenkins: So what did you do right after high school? John Madigan: So after high school, then did odd jobs. And then I got a summer job with the highway department. John Madigan: The, what do you want to call it? District office was there in town. Toby Jenkins: So you did that, but you still were staying at home in that area. John Madigan: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: And still helping with your family. John Madigan: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: When did you finally leave there? John Madigan: Then that winter I got a job with the company doing oil and gas exploration from here in Tulsa. Toby Jenkins: In 1965? John Madigan: It's about 67. 6 �Toby Jenkins: 67. Okay. So you're a Canadian farm boy and you went from there to Tulsa, Oklahoma. John Madigan: Well, I spent the winter in Canada doing exploration. And then the next spring he moved us down here to Kansas. That was the first job in exploration down here. Toby Jenkins: Okay. So did you have to have a visa, a work permit? John Madigan: Yeah, I had a work visa. Toby Jenkins: And so that would have been in the 60s. Were you excited about coming to work in the U.S.? John Madigan: Yes, it was a good job. Toby Jenkins: You were just glad to get off the farm. John Madigan: That was something to do. Toby Jenkins: And so you came to the middle of the country and you said you started out in Kansas. And what exactly were you doing in the oil and gas? Were you a roughneck? John Madigan: No. No, it was exploration. We used gravity for our readings. It's similar to seismic, where they drilled holes and used dynamite for their energy. We had a machine that was gravity. It would read the pull of gravity. It changed at every spot that we were in. Toby Jenkins: So eventually, you said you started out in Kansas. Then eventually they moved you to Tulsa? John Madigan: Well, we went from Kansas. That year we went to Iowa. Then from Iowa we went to Nevada. Spent over about a year in Nevada. And then we went to Utah, to north of Salt Lake, Ogden. And worked out on the Salt Lake flat. And then we moved back to Kansas, to Goodland. And then from there, went back to Williston, North Dakota. And then we moved down to San Antonio, Texas in July, so you know what the temperature was there, when the humidity and the temperature were the same. Toby Jenkins: But I would have thought you would have been grateful to get out in North Dakota in the summer. John Madigan: That was coming summer. The fun of job, working exploration, was we worked in the summer in the south and worked in the winter in the north. 7 �Toby Jenkins: Isn't that the way it always is? So while you're bouncing around all over the midsection of America in the oil and gas industry, were you staying in contact with your family? I mean, were you sending money home? John Madigan: No. Toby Jenkins: But you were writing them letters, talking to them. John Madigan: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: Your siblings, did you make trips home during the holidays? John Madigan: Every once in a while, yeah. We had vacation time. Toby Jenkins: When did you eventually land in Tulsa? What year would that have been? John Madigan: I came to Tulsa to stay in 1990, in January. Toby Jenkins: So all of those years, would they have you visit Tulsa for companyrelated issues? John Madigan: Yeah, the only time coming to town was just between jobs, change equipment or something like that. Toby Jenkins: And so what was your thoughts of Tulsa in those days when you first were exposed to it? Because that would have been in the days we were the oil capital of the world. John Madigan: Yeah, that was, well, I didn't stay in very long, but it was a nice city, liked it. That's why I come back. Toby Jenkins: Yeah, and do you remember what the company was you worked with, what the name of the company was? John Madigan: They started out as E.V. McCollum & Company. And then when the owner finally, to decide, when he was in his 80s, to retire, it was called Gravimetrics. And we had an office down on South Main, just across the street from Texaco building. Dennis, you'd know where the Texaco building was. Toby Jenkins: All right, so about what age was it you finally moved to Tulsa, officially, permanently? John Madigan: I guess that's 90, that's 35 years ago. You take that from 80, I'm about 50. 8 �Toby Jenkins: You were in your 40s, late 40s. Okay, so all of this time you're here, did you become a U.S. citizen, or did you maintain your Canadian citizenship? John Madigan: Yeah, I still got my Canadian citizenship. I couldn't give it up, I couldn't afford to. Toby Jenkins: Right, so during this time you would have been a young adult man. Did you ever marry? Did you ever have children? John Madigan: No. Toby Jenkins: Okay. So you were a farm boy, and you landed this job, and it took you all over the country. How do you identify? What is your sexual orientation? John Madigan: Gay. Toby Jenkins: So you consider yourself a gay man. When did you begin to be aware that you were different than other people, different than other farm boys? Speaker 3: 13. Toby Jenkins: So you began to be aware of some differences when you were an adolescent. And when you finally get out of Canada, and you're traveling with this oil and gas company, was this an identity or sexual orientation? You became more aware of it, more confident that that's? John Madigan: Oh yeah, because you met different people in different towns. Toby Jenkins: Yeah, so when you would travel to these towns, would there be places to meet other men who were like yourself? John Madigan: Well, there could be, but I wasn't pursuing that. Toby Jenkins: Okay. But you knew that, by then you knew that you... John Madigan: Oh yeah, because you knew. Toby Jenkins: Okay, so when you came to Tulsa, did you meet any other gay people here in Tulsa? John Madigan: Well, that's when I, by 95, that's when I joined Prime Timers. Toby Jenkins: Okay, but that would have been a couple of years after you had arrived. What about when you first arrived in Tulsa? John Madigan: Oh, yeah, we got to know a friend that, he was a Prime Timer too, and he was working at the hotel that I was staying over in West Tulsa. 9 �Toby Jenkins: Okay, do you remember who that was? Was that just a friend, or was that a boyfriend? John Madigan: No, we got to know each other, and his name was Jim Young. Toby Jenkins: Jim Young, okay, very good. Do you remember, when you first moved here, did you go to the gay bars here in Tulsa? Did you find them? John Madigan: I knew of them, but I didn't go to them. Toby Jenkins: Was it because that wasn't your thing, or you were still, you weren't out to people at work? I mean, what was the motivation for kind of segregating yourself from the community? John Madigan: No, it was just not that, I wasn't a bar person. I went to bars when I was working, you know, friends and co-workers. When I was working in different towns, I went to bars, but it was not very often. Toby Jenkins: So, you met this guy, and did he then kind of introduce you to other gay men, the bigger community? John Madigan: No, the conversation got around to it, you know. And he knew people here in Tulsa, because he moved from Eufaula up to Tulsa get away from the kinfolk. Toby Jenkins: Now, you had never married, and you were staying in contact with your family. Did you ever have a discussion with your family that you identified as gay, or did they ever ask? John Madigan: They didn't ask, and so I just kept things quiet. So, I'm sure they, you know, we just don't speak about it. A couple of my brothers, I am sure they're gay. Toby Jenkins: So, we all just, it's just not a conversation. Now, when you were addressing this, was there, did you have any kind of internal turmoil? I mean, did you feel like there was something wrong with you being this way, and so you felt like you needed to date women, or you needed to make everybody think you were straight? John Madigan: No, I just didn't. It was not a topic of discussion, even though I had coworkers that voiced their hetero feelings. Toby Jenkins: Yeah, talking about women all the time. John Madigan: And about gays. You know, they'd run into them in their lifetime, and well, we got talking about it, and they'd run them down, and I'd just cut them off at the knees and say, this is not appropriate to the job. 10 �Toby Jenkins: Okay, so what about, you were born into a Catholic family. Was there, and now, are you still a practicing Catholic? John Madigan: Oh, yeah. Toby Jenkins: Yeah, still identifies Roman Catholic, and where do you attend services? John Madigan: Christ the King, Cherry Street. Toby Jenkins: Was there ever a time where your faith and your sexuality, there was a struggle, or did you come to a resolution? Did you seek out pastoral counseling? John Madigan: No, not really. But I knew that that was not the norm of the traditional religious in the church. Yeah. But just...I had people that had conflicts with their religion and voiced it, you know, but that's just part of the tradition, you know, that was not in, so yeah, you deal with it. Toby Jenkins: Did you ever feel any kind of, um, like you were being attacked or you were being questioned at your church? Did they want to know why you weren't married, or, John Madigan: No. Toby Jenkins: Okay, so you never had a priest or a religious leader who tried to reassure you that you were welcome at the church and maybe talk about that? John Madigan: I never felt unwelcome at any church that I went to. Toby Jenkins: Were there other LGBTQ people in your congregation that you knew? John Madigan: Oh, heck yes, you know them. Toby Jenkins: So, uh, just, just out of curiosity, as an 80 year old Catholic Canadian, what did you think when our previous Pope began to really make waves and say some pretty unexpected things affirming and loving towards LGBTQ people, specifically when he said priests could, um, uh, say a prayer at, uh, at same sex, uh, marriage ceremony, they, you couldn't do the ceremony, but they could, I guess, bless it. John Madigan: Bless it, yeah. Toby Jenkins: What was, what was your thoughts when that happened? John Madigan: That was, well, the, uh, this is the recognition by the church that we're children of God. There's no discrimination. It's only humans discriminate against. We'll always have homophobes. 11 �Toby Jenkins: Were you surprised that the Pope came out so strongly, supportingly, and lovingly of LGBTQ people? No. John Madigan: No. It was, it was in the, kind of in the flow. Toby Jenkins: Okay. John Madigan: It was, the church has, has to, uh, adjust to the society. Toby Jenkins: So the, the present Pope, who's an American Pope, um, do you feel like he's going to continue the work of the previous Pope of inclusion and moving the church towards a more welcoming faith community? John Madigan: Well, they're going to be more open about it. It was not saying that the church was not welcoming to you. They just didn't say anything about it. Toby Jenkins: Very interesting. Anything else you want to say about faith and sexuality or anything about that before? John Madigan: You know, since we’ve worked for the last 40 years or more, we made our voice, our presence known. We live in this country. We're a part of everything. Toby Jenkins: Ok. So it's, um, you're here, you know that you're a gay man, you're in Tulsa, Oklahoma, you've met this one friend, um, and, uh, you didn't really, from what you're told us, you didn't really connect, you know, with the clubs, the bars. Um, were you aware of TOHR, uh, and it's different names, what we call Oklahomans for Equality today? John Madigan: And, uh, I didn't, hmm, may have heard about it, but didn't, you know, make any concerted connection to it until after I, that both of us joined Prime Timers. Toby Jenkins: Okay. John Madigan: And then, and then, then right there you had 40 gay people right in front of you, yeah. Toby Jenkins: So, uh, did, in those, like in the early 90s when it was forming, did y'all meet at the community center? Um, do you remember? John Madigan: We met at the, there was a meeting room at, um, Harvard where the, uh, TOHR had their call center. Toby Jenkins: And their and their HIV testing, yeah. John Madigan: No, it didn't have that, it was, uh, you know, just the telephone. You called in and. 12 �Toby Jenkins: Okay, the helpline. John Madigan: Yeah, the helpline, that's right, and because a couple of the, uh, Prime Timers were working there. Toby Jenkins: Were volunteering on it. And so they would meet there in the meeting room. John Madigan: Yeah, they had a meeting room there. Toby Jenkins: Ok. So, you, you met this friend, and did he tell you about Prime Timers, or were y'all a part of Prime Timers forming? John Madigan: One of his friends that he knew, uh, mentioned it, and, uh. And I think Jim knew about Wesley, which was the founder. Toby Jenkins: Wesley, do you remember his last name? John Madigan Bauer. Toby Jenkins: Bauer, okay. Toby Jenkins: So Wesley had formed a chapter of Prime Timers. For our viewers, please tell us what Prime Timers is, and what it means, and what its mission. John Madigan: Okay. Prime Timers started in Boston. He was a professor, and he wanted to have a group of men of like persuasion for older guys to have a place to go and meet and greet, have fellowship and things. He started the organization in 1983. In 1993, Wesley and Omer started Tulsa Area Prime Timers. Toby Jenkins: Okay. So it was a chapter of a national affiliate. And so did they have monthly meetings, monthly discussion groups? John Madigan: We had a monthly meeting, and we had activities during the month. Toby Jenkins: What were you doing to be connected to the national group? Because I guess by then it probably had chapters all over the country, didn't it? John Madigan: Oh, yeah. Even off in other countries. Toby Jenkins: Yeah, around the world. My awareness of it is, to me, it seems to be having a resurgence. Do you think that's because there's more older men now that we're seeing? Our LGBTQ community, we're seeing a larger group of older, middleaged retired men? 13 �John Madigan: Oh, yes. It's more acceptable and open, and there's less conflict and stigma in this. And then the mission of the organization was to have something for older men to do, meet others. Toby Jenkins: And so it was just for men? John Madigan: Yes, it is just a men's group. Toby Jenkins: How did you handle, if you had an individual who identified as a female person, they wanted to be a part of the group, how did you handle that? John Madigan: Just told them away. When we were at the meeting down at Peoria... Toby Jenkins: On the Brookside location. John Madigan: On the Brookside location, we had just one lady come up and says, can we join Prime Timers? And I says, no, it's a men's only organization. And she says, well, could we start one? I says, yeah, you can start a girls' Prime Timers. Toby Jenkins: And there is a similar organization. I think it's changed its name a couple of times, but it is for older women who identify as lesbian or bisexual. How did you handle individuals who might have been transgender? John Madigan: Well, we had a member that transed while she was a member. And after she transed, then she was out of the group. We didn't ostracize her. She would come to the all activities. Toby Jenkins: So as she transitioned, came into the group identifying as male and transitioned to a female person. And so once she transitioned, she left the group. John Madigan: Yeah, well, she was identifying as female. Toby Jenkins: So that would have been the 90s and you got involved in it. What else would you like to say about Prime Timers? John Madigan: It's a great organization for gay men. Toby Jenkins: Bisexual men. John Madigan: Yes. Toby Jenkins: And you have, I know you'll have lots of brunches and lunches and you go to the movies and I know several of you travel to the National Gathering every year. You have a monthly meeting here at the Center. You have big holiday parties. I went to one of your recent holiday parties. I don't know how, there's probably 60 men in that 14 �house. And it was a blast and I got hand warmers in the gift exchange. I was tickled to death. Toby Jenkins: So Prime Timers, while it's its own separate individual 501c3 and its own program for gay and bisexual men, you had said that you were meeting, you were meeting at the Center. You talked about how the Harvard location, the Brookside location, and then I can, I think the first time I was exposed to you was when we were 21st and Memorial in the meeting room downstairs, which was not super accessible for people who had, people who had difficulty going up and down. When did you begin to get more involved with the organization? I mean, originally it was called Oklahomans for Human Rights and it became Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights and then eventually Oklahomans for Equality. John Madigan: I got into TOHR, oh I guess 97, 98, and just since I worked at nights and Tuesdays was usually my day off. So I'd go down to the Center on Memorial and sit at the meeting. Toby Jenkins: Okay. You would volunteer? John Madigan: No, just got interested. Toby Jenkins: Now were you ever involved in PFLAG with Nancy and Joe McDonald? John Madigan: Oh yes. Got connected at Fellowship [Congregational Christian Church] when they were having meetings there. Toby Jenkins: Okay. John Madigan: Nancy. TOHR. Then after that, then they got to, they got started with the Pyramid Project and just one day I got roped in by Sue and Marcy. Toby Jenkins: Okay. And what was the, if you, for our viewers, tell us what the Pyramid Project was? John Madigan: The Pyramid Project was set up for, for the organization to find a permanent building. So it's in 2004, was it then? Then we finally bought the building. Toby Jenkins: Why did we need a permanent building? John Madigan: Well, because our landlords weren't very good. Toby Jenkins: Wouldn't let us fly a rainbow flag over the building. So you helped with that project? John Madigan: Yes 15 �Toby Jenkins: So were you here that day we bought the building and raised the flag and we had the bagpiper here. What were your thoughts that day after y'all spent how many years? John Madigan: I guess about eight years, you know, convincing the gay community in Tulsa that we got the dirt. Back then we always had to say, well you don't have any dirt so we won't give you any money. Toby Jenkins: Yeah, so by dirt you mean geographical possession of a piece of property. John Madigan: Yeah, and so then when we did, we signed the deed on this building, then we come up and says, okay now, we got the dirt. We want your money. Toby Jenkins: Yeah, and they come across. Toby Jenkins: We all work together. Do you, so you were involved in Prime Timers and you were involved in this organization's formation and supporting the purchase of a permanent building. Did you participate in any of the renovation days that we would have? John Madigan: Oh yeah, When I had days off. John Madigan: when, of course, mornings was... Okay, gay people don't start before nine o'clock. So... Toby Jenkins: So, I want to, I don't want to miss it. Is there anything during that time, anything else that stands out in your mind, like pride festivals? Did Prime Timers participate in the pride festivals and the pride parades? John Madigan: Oh, yes. That was our community exposure. Toby Jenkins: That's what people found out about you. So we moved into this building and then y'all started having your monthly meetings here. Do you remember when they, do you remember when they were going to lift the ban on gays in the military? And were you a part of helping me collect names for our wall of honor? John Madigan: Yes, it is right over there. Toby Jenkins: And many of those were Prime Timers, weren't they? John Madigan: Yes Toby Jenkins: And we've lost many of them. John Madigan: Like most of them. 16 �Toby Jenkins: Most of them on the military wall, our wall of honor, which we dedicated that whenever the ban was lifted. And so, do you remember anything you want to say about that and what that experience was like? John Madigan: Well, that was a nice gesture by the organization to honor those people that served for freedom in this country. Toby Jenkins: Right. John Madigan: Even though they had to keep their mouth shut, otherwise they would have been kicked out. Toby Jenkins: Yeah. So when did there begin to be a stronger emphasis on providing programming for older adults? When did that really take off? John Madigan: I guess about 2009, 10, when you run into the SAGE organization. Toby Jenkins: Yeah, Serena Worthington. John Madigan: Yeah, Serena. Toby Jenkins: I heard her speak at Creating Change in Chicago, and it's like, do you remember me coming back and telling you, John, we're going to start a SAGE program? John Madigan: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: Because this is what everybody does. And can you tell me about those first few months, maybe that first year, until we finally got it right? John Madigan: Well, it was just like any gay group. It was about older adults and gay people in this country. In this town, didn't. There was nothing for seniors. That what it is all about? It took a lot of voicing and twisting arms. We're not going to kill you just because you're old. Toby Jenkins: So I think you might remember that first year, you and I would create programs. We would have the Area Aging on Aging come. We would have funeral homes, nursing homes come, and nobody would show up. John Madigan: Some still don't today sometimes. Toby Jenkins: Because we just thought we needed to provide programming agerelated. Well, that was a mistake, wasn't it? John Madigan: Well, it was not what they were thinking. Toby Jenkins: Right. 17 �John Madigan: Process. When we brought them there, and the whole intent was just to have those organizations and how they treated us as senior gay and lesbian people in their entities. Now, how were you gonna be treated after you died when you went to a funeral home? Toby Jenkins: Right. John Madigan: Or you went to a senior center? Toby Jenkins: Right. John Madigan: Were you gonna be put in the back room way down in the hall and they show up every couple of days for you because you're gay? Toby Jenkins: Yeah. So it had an advocacy element of it where while we were networking with these senior serving agencies, we were trying to make them more inclusive. John Madigan: Well, and that's what SAGE was all about. Toby Jenkins: Right. So what was it? We finally did that everybody got with it and they decided they wanted to be a part of it. John Madigan: You convinced Serena to have a gay conference here. Toby Jenkins: Yeah, we hosted. John Madigan: And hosted it. And they finally, oh, okay, that's something cool. Toby Jenkins: So you remember how we began to shift our attention from making them aware of resources to social activity like trips and pool parties and luncheons and entertainment, movie days and book story, book reviews. That's when we really began to see it take off and grow. John Madigan: Oh, yeah, because we did other things then just sit around and talk. Toby Jenkins: Talk about old stuff. John Madigan: Well, about each other. And did things that were interesting to people. Toby Jenkins: And more social. John Madigan: Yeah. Toby Jenkins: Creating social opportunity. John Madigan: Yeah. 18 �Toby Jenkins: Right. John Madigan: And the trips went to places where the people that are born, raised and lived and worked in this county had never been there. Never been, oh, I've never been here in all my life. Yeah. Toby Jenkins: Museums. John Madigan: Like going down to Fort Gibson. Toby Jenkins: Right. John Madigan: It's been here before the state was a state. Toby Jenkins: Um, yeah, we, activities began to be, in those days we used to have to rent vehicles and eventually we ended up with the equality van. And while we were traveling all over the country going to these things, it was branded so that other people knew about us and how to find us. John Madigan: Well, you couldn't miss it, the advertising name on the vehicle. Toby Jenkins: How did people find SAGE when we started that chapter? Cause we had lots of interesting, do you remember any of the stories about how people just showed up? John Madigan: No, they just showed up and just people come in and say, well, well, first it was something for the senior group and other than, it was geared to them and they felt comfortable. Yeah, the age group was right. Toby Jenkins: What about you? I know you were involved in the veterans wall. Also, our former director, Greg Gatewood, who had been the former director, he used to have an event on Thanksgiving day for older adults who were by themselves. And so I felt like we need to keep that going. Do you remember the days when we finally decided we wanted to create a Thanksgiving dinner here? So people started out as a thing for older adults who were by themselves and then it... John Madigan: Become a community meal. That was giving thanks for us. We had some place to go to and we had a community that you could relate to. Toby Jenkins: And how many people would come to those meals? John Madigan: Couple of hundred. Toby Jenkins: Yeah, and who would help provide the food? 19 �John Madigan: The allied churches. Oh, they'd fight each other trying to see who was going to get there. Toby Jenkins: Over who was bringing green beans or… John Madigan: Or cookies or cake. Toby Jenkins: But that was a huge project, wasn't it? John Madigan: Oh, yes. Toby Jenkins: And then we'd prepare the meals for people who couldn't come so they could have these takeaway meals which would be older adults who were shut in and couldn't. So, you've kind of been involved in so many facets of the community. And so, 80 years old, you look marvelous. I know multiple times you've traveled with the organization to conferences, trying to remember all the ones you went to, because every time we went to Creating Change, I would drag you out and make, I know your favorite one must have been when we took 56 people on a bus to Washington, D.C. John Madigan: Well, that was, you're not gonna forget that trip. Toby Jenkins: No, well, especially getting trapped in the Appalachian Mountains, in the fog, and we had to get out and walk through the mountains to keep the bus, oh, gosh, yeah, that was a… John Madigan: And then when we got there, the city shut down. Toby Jenkins: It was in the middle of the government shutdown under Trump, his original residency, and we marched, didn't we, against Trump and his attack on the LGBT community in his first, first term. So, you're 80 years old. And tell me your thoughts about, your thoughts for the future and your suggestions on what might help us improve to make sure everybody's included. John Madigan: Well, right now, in this day and age, is senior mobility. We have seniors, gay and lesbian seniors, at home that would like to come down here, but can't, don't have any availability to transportation. We had a lady, senior, ask us about coming to the OKEQ Senior Group, but she needed transportation. So, you gotta, that way you gotta have somebody to go pick her up, and her, him, didn't know which one it was, but anyway. Toby Jenkins: Would it be possible to work with non-profit organization, or non-profit or governmental transportation modules to be able to figure out a way to get them here? 20 �John Madigan: Well, yeah, there are other organizations in town that have transportation for their groups, but they don't have, can they fit in that, or do they belong to that? Toby Jenkins: Right. John Madigan: Life Senior Services, or the VA? Toby Jenkins: Possibly, y'all could partner with Tulsa, I forget what it's called, the bus system here has... John Madigan: The Lift. Toby Jenkins: The Lift. John Madigan: But then they, there they have to reserve the pickup time, two, three days out. Toby Jenkins: But that could be something that could be coordinated. John Madigan: Could be, yeah. Toby Jenkins: What else do you think is, when you're thinking of, you're youthful, 80 years old, you're eight decades on Planet Earth, what, do you have concerns about our present situations? Just curious, because this won't happen very often, we've got a reallife Canadian across the table from us, how does it make you feel whenever our present White House leadership is so combative and adversarial with Canada, our nearest neighbor? John Madigan: Our present President is, he's an opportunist and an agitator. He loves poke you on the ribs about things, and it's the things that are done behind the scenes. With the LGBT community, we got to be on guard 25-8 to keep what we got, because it'll go out the window in a flash. Most LGBT people think we got it made. Nah, the kids don't have a clue where we started. That's where the history should start. History 101 to the 20-year-olds, what it was like in 1980. Dennis Neill: This being a history project, this is John with Tay and others, when we drop boxes off for them to help support the resurgence of the history project. So maybe ask him a few questions about his experience with that. Toby Jenkins: Dennis has a picture of you and Tay and some other people in there. What year would that have been? 21 �Dennis Neill: I would say, John, probably around 2002 was when Laura and I relaunched the history project. And I was dropping boxes off. Would that be at Tay's house? John Madigan: Yeah, that's Tay Clare”s house. Dennis Neill: There's a few more pictures with a few more people in it. Toby Jenkins: So what we were talking about is all the different things you've been involved in. So you would have been right there. We got the pictures to prove it. As they say, a photo, it didn't happen. Well, there it happened. And we got you... John Madigan: This group of people here that started this were trying to keep it going. A bunch of women. And most of these women went to MCC. And it was still going back then. Toby Jenkins: Metropolitan Community Church. John Madigan: And it was kind of an outreach for them, too. Toby Jenkins: So this would have been when Dennis was a young man. So that would have been 20... John Madigan: When we were all pups. Toby Jenkins: It would be about 2002. And Dr. Laura Belmonte, who would have been our board president at that time, professor at OSU. And you look like you were involved in relaunching, as Dennis and John, his partner John and Laura Belmonte, wanted to relaunch the history archives and the history project. So that's what this picture is. John Madigan: Yeah, they were going through photos that people had for... Going back for 30 years by that time. Toby Jenkins: I loved what you said. We have our archivist, Amanda. I felt like his last line when he said... We've got Dennis Neill, founder of Oklahomans for Equality, and Amanda Thompson, our archivist. I felt like if you're going to have a promotional, John Madigan's line, History 101, I felt like that could have sold why this, what we're doing, is so critical. Anything else, John, as we come to the end of this, our time together, anything else you would want to say? John Madigan: We have to fight. Keep it going. They'll run us down. That's what the young people have to do. 22 �Toby Jenkins: All right. Well, thank you so much. That concludes our interview with John Madigan here at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center on January the 13th, 2026, at his youthful 80 years old. Addendum: Photos of volunteers at Tay Clare’s house sorting OkEq archival materials, circa 200 2. 23 �24 �25 � 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 [2026] John Madigan Interview Description An account of the resource Video recording and transcript of oral history interview with Toby Jenkins on January 13, 2026. John explores his life journey from a small mining town in Canada to becoming an influential member in the LGBTQ+ community in Tulsa, Oklahoma. John shares his experiences growing up on a farm, his transition into the oil and gas industry, and his eventual involvement in various LGBTQ+ organizations, including Prime Timers and OkEq Seniors. He reflects on the intersection of faith and sexuality, the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, and the importance of advocacy and inclusion for older adults. John's insights provide a rich narrative of resilience, community, and the ongoing fight for equality. Subject The topic of the resource John Madigan Oral History Project Interview from January 13, 2026 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource John Madigan, Toby Jenkins, Dennis Neill Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource January 13, 2026 2026 interview John Madigan OKEQ Oral History Project OKEQ Seniors oral history oral history interview Oral History Project oral history transcript Prime Timers Primetimers Toby Jenkins transcript video https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/023559720fd72ce52b47697fd079f211.JPG 4dfd0f8858284e1c50788f51c9ec4b9f https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/b5fde90b2684c2ec8438e2718e52f8c4.mp4 122ef854ea8cc57b0d701b3a8e39f867 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/a6620e81230ea3ccbc140ceb3d612311.pdf 9a54b9df7d6c3a4103fec956642cb721 PDF Text Text Oklahomans for Equality Oral History Interview with Kent Harrell (AKA Anita Richards) Interview Conducted by Toby Jenkins Date: December 23, 2025 Transcribed and Edited By: Dennis Neill using Riverside Studio.ai Restrictions: Interviewee requested: N/A Oklahomans for Equality History Project 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK. 74120 918.743.4297 historyproject@okeq.org 1 �Oklahomans for Equality Oral History Project Interview December 23, 2025 Interview of Kent Harrell (AKA Anita Richards) by Toby Jenkins Addendum - Kent Harrell Show Notes from Riverside Studio AI Topics include: Drag performance, LGBT community, family dynamics, AIDS awareness, personal identity, marriage equality, pageant culture, early life, career beginnings Summary This conversation explores the life and experiences of Kent Wilson Harrell Jr., focusing on his journey through early life, family dynamics, understanding his sexual orientation, and his career in drag performance. Kent shares insights into the challenges faced by the LGBT community, particularly during the AIDS crisis, and reflects on his personal relationships, including his marriage to Taylor. The discussion emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and offers advice for future generations. Takeaways Kent's family background includes a strong connection to the Air Force and NASA. Childhood experiences shaped Kent's understanding of gender identity. Acceptance of sexual orientation can be a challenging journey with family. Kent's drag career began in the late 1970s, inspired by performances he witnessed. The drag community has evolved significantly over the decades. Pageants in the LGBT community serve as both a platform for talent and a source of competition. 2 �The AIDS crisis had a profound impact on the LGBT community, leading to increased awareness and activism. Marriage equality has been a significant milestone for the LGBT community. Being true to oneself is essential for a fulfilling life Chapters 01:16 Introduction and Early Life 04:24 Family Dynamics and Schooling 07:23 Self-Discovery and Identity 10:21 Relationship Journey 13:21 Coming Out and Family Acceptance 20:13 Career Beginnings in Performance 25:15 Memorable Performances and Clubs 31:59 The Journey of a Performer 33:25 Pageant Culture in the LGBT Community 36:01 The Evolution of Pride Festivals 39:00 The Impact of AIDS on the Community 54:18 Love and Commitment in the LGBT Community ________________________________________________________________________Interview starts – Toby – please tell us your name. My name is Kent Wilson Harrell Jr. Toby - And for purposes of documentation, could you tell us your date of birth and how old you are at the time of this interview? 3 �March the 4th, 1960 and I am currently 65 years and about 9 months old I guess. Toby - Let's talk a little bit about how you got to us. The day of your appearance here in the world. So tell us where you were born, what city, and a little bit about your family. Well, my father worked for the federal government, and he worked for NASA. And he and my mother both were employees of Tinker Air Force Base. They worked for the Air Force. And my dad was constantly going for, what he did was quality assurance. Whenever the federal government would contract with an Air Force base to build a specific part for a plane or a rocket, or whatever and they needed a particular piece or something built, it was his responsibility to make sure that thing met government specifications. So he was constantly being moved to Air Force Base, Air Force Base, Air Force Base. So how I came into the world, he had been in Duluth, Minnesota for about six months, about four or five months, and my mother went to see him one weekend. And at this time, my dad was 43 years old and my mother was 39. They had a 17-year-old daughter and a seven year old daughter. So about a week or two weeks after that fact, they were out in an amusement park and my mother was a roller coaster fanatic and rode a roller coaster and got violently ill and went to the doctor the next day and the doctor said, you need to go to an obstetrician. And she went to the obstetrician. The obstetrician said, Mrs. Harold, you're pregnant. And she called my dad in Minnesota and said, guess what? We're going to have a new addition to my family. He said, no way. You're kidding. Anyway, long story short. That's how I came into the world from a weekend visit from Minnesota anyway. Toby - and they were living in Oklahoma City at the time. So you were born in Oklahoma City. Did you go to school in Oklahoma City? 4 �No, we lived in Oklahoma City until, well, for a long time, about two years, my dad was transferred to Vermont and New York State and then came back to our house in Oklahoma City after that and he came back to Tinker and then was transferred to North America Rockwell in December of 1964. So I was about four years and seven months old or so. So we moved to Tulsa and the first place we moved to was over on the west side. And we lived in an addition that's still in existence called Mountain Manor off of Southwest 33rd. The early days were Crystal City, shopping center and all that area around. Toby - and you went to school over in West Tulsa. Well, I started out, the situation was, in so much as both were working at North American Rockwell, my mother got a job there too. She was a statistician. And what they would do, they would drive from that area town towards North American Rockwell, and there was a little nursery school over on North Sheridan. And that's where they put me in daycare centers, we call them now. And so when I turned five, I had to go to kindergarten, of course, and the closest kindergarten to that daycare was Burbank Elementary, which is now the Bell Junior High School annex. And that's where I started my academia was at Burbank Elementary. Toby - Now, did you graduate from a Tulsa High School? No, as time went on, we ended up going from first to Tulsa, then they moved to Broken Arrow, and then from Broken Arrow to Rogers County and the Rogers County area. And we started out in Claremore and then moved to Oologah. So from seventh grade till my senior year, I went to high school and junior high in Oologah. And the reason I did that, my middle sister, because of my dad's position, had been moved from pillar to post, state to state, school to school. And when we finally settled in Oologah, I said, I'm not moving. I said, I'm not going to be transferred to any other schools. I'm going to stay here and graduate at this school. And if you don't like it, you're going to have to get me a transfer. And so that's what we did. And I spent from seventh to senior year in a very wonderful environment, a great, great school, and had a very normal academic situation in high school. 5 �Toby - and what high school. Oologah class of 197(?) Toby - For our viewing audience, I'm going to share a photo. How old are you in this photo? You're just a child. Six. Six years old. in this photo... Toby - You're dressed in a dress, looks like makeup. Tell us a little bit about, can you remember that event? My mother said once many, many years after the fact, she said, you know, when you were clumping down the hallway in my high heel shoes, I never expected you to turn it into a 45 year career. But I guess the situation was, I'm not going to say that I was, you know, you hear the stereotypical stories of a passive father, aggressive mother and all that kind of world. Not necessarily so with me, but my mother was a very gregarious individual. She was a wonderful personality and was a very colorful dresser. And she loved oranges and reds and greens and all vibrant colors. Well, men at that time were reduced to gray suits, blue suits, know, black suits. And here was this burden paradise in my household that was constantly looking so fabulous. And I thought that's what I, that's exactly how I'd like to be. so as stereotypical, I've heard this story from many, many gay individuals. I was attracted to, it was a crazy thing. I had my Tonka toys, had my GI Joes, I had my fire trucks, the whole rigmarole. But I also loved, my mom's high heels and all the bright colors and all the things and coming from that era no one ever specifically said to me you have to have a baseball or a basketball or a football or whatever. Whatever I wanted I got. It didn't matter to my dad whether I wanted a football which I had or a Barbie doll. Nobody ever cared. Which was so unusual from that time period. But you don't know it's unusual because it's your life, you know. Toby - So at six years old when you've got on makeup and a dress and high heels they thought it was 6 �They thought it was hysterical. My sister, at the time was 13, thought it was deplorable and that I was something to be hidden away as far as she was concerned. But no one ever took it seriously. They just thought it was funny. Toby - Now, how do you identify? What is your sexual orientation? How do you identify? You mean like of course I'm gay but I've always said male people have asked me it took me many, many years to make people in my family understand just because I was an entertainer a drag entertainer that I didn't necessarily want to be transgender full-time seven days a week Toby - Well thank you for sharing for that. Now you have a relationship. Tell us a little bit about your relationship. Taylor, my dear husband, Taylor and I met online when he was 19 years old. I didn't know how old he was. We got in contact on Facebook, and he got in contact with me instead of vice versa. I was just intrigued by this individual. I took a look at this face that I like, no face I'd ever seen before in my entire life. And something about him just was interesting. And I got to talking with him, asking who he was, where he was from. He told me he was from Minneapolis. I had no idea he was 19 years old. So when I found that out, I said, at that point in time, Facebook was talking to people or reporting that there were police departments around the United States that were using young men to entrap older gentlemen. you know, not knowing this person as I didn't, I didn't know whether that might have been the case also. So I found, once I found out specifically how old that he was, I said, I'm, I can't talk to you anymore. I'm sorry. And he said, but why? I said, well, you're just, you're too young. So I didn't speak to him for about close to a year and I did keep looking at his pictures and he kept looking at mine which I didn't realize till finally one day he messaged me and he said well, I'm 20 He said aren't I old enough for you to talk to now? Yes, I guess so and the situation was Taylor was Taylor felt he was transgender and from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and he was undergoing hormone therapy at that time. And he was engaged to be married to a gentleman that he was living with. But the gentleman that he was engaged to had a 7 �hard and fast rule. He said, if you want to take these hormones, that's your business and I can't stop you. But you will never, as long as you live under my roof, dress in female attire. And Taylor explained this to me and I said, you know, nobody has a right to tell you what you can and cannot be. If this is who you think you are, then you have every right on the face of the earth to be that. And I said, I'm going to give you an opportunity. I said, if you want to come to Tulsa and live with me, I said, I will make sure that you get the best medical attention. I will make sure in one way the other that you get the best best psychotherapy that you're going to have to have to do this. And I said, I will make sure that you get under the best medical care that you can have that we can find for you. If this is the person, you know, the avenue that you intend to be and who you feel you really are. So he said, he finally agreed to it. And he, and I said, well, then here's the, well, I said, I'm not rich. I have no money. I can't afford to send you here on a plane. But I said, I will try to get you here the best way I can. So bless his heart. He rode 17 and a half hours by bus to get here to Tulsa and as I told him We did get him under therapy Then he went through about and a half year worth of hormone therapy but somewhere along the way he didn't realize that it's a very hard and complicated thing to be a woman to there are certain things that you have to do in your day-to-day life that he really just didn't want to do so finally an individual who is very close to us who was trans sat him down and said Taylor you're about as female as the wall you're sitting against and I think you need to wean yourself off this medication and sit down and figure out who you really are and live your life, which is what he did. Toby - Thank you so much for sharing that. I want to talk to you a little bit about, this is your senior picture. Graduated from Oologah. Just curious, Kent, when was it that you realized that you were gay? I can tell you specifically. Toby - And tell us a little bit about maybe your interaction with your family. Because you and Taylor are legally married. And you're old enough to remember when same-sex marriage was not legal in Oklahoma. But tell us 8 �when you accepted your sexual orientation and maybe a little bit abouthow your family handled that identity. When I first realized that my attraction was more to the male gender, my mother and dad allowed me to go to a movie. I was 12 years old. There was a film that came out that year in 1972 called 40 Carrots. And it was about a lady who, a 40-year-old lady who on her birthday took a trip to Europe. And so on the prior was starring Liv Ullmann was the gal. And so in the process of this movie, she's driving along through Italy and her car stalls and she's on a bridge. And as she's out in the middle of nowhere, she doesn't know what she's going to do. And she walks over to the edge of this bridge and she looks down in this water. And there in this water is swimming this beautiful young man in a tiny yellow Speedo bikini. The yellow, the man in the bikini was Edward Albert Jr. And when he came up out of that water in this glistening, glistening photo, know, film, he came up out of that water. I was like, ha ha ha ha ha. And I knew right then that there was something a little different for me than most people. Or so I thought. I didn't know if I was the only individual like that or not. But that was the very first kind of initiation. Toby - You know, like all kids growing up in the 70s, you thought you were the only one on the face of the earth. You didn't talk about it. You know, I remember my mother and dad in a warehouse market and I was a movie magazine fanatic. And I was looking at some movie magazines and I was thumbing through and I looked down on the floor and there was a centerfold from that first, the very first edition of Playgirl magazine. And I unfolded that centerfold, went, holy cow. I folded it back up and put it in my pocket and it home. I stole it. Toby - You stole it.. I stole that sin and needless to say that was my little secret thing but there again I didn't you know I didn't discuss it with anybody really and to tell you the honest truth my parents were not they they you know as time went by of course you have revealed eventually you know they've put 9 �two and two together were they happy about it no no they weren't happy and there was a point in time where I finally said you know, you can't deal with this and I don't want to deal with you either. I, for my own purpose reasons, I moved to Tulsa. My sister said, you know, leave home, come to Tulsa. I was 19 and I moved to Tulsa. got a job. I went over and I moved into a place called Harvard Terrace Apartments around 21st and Harvard. I lived my own life and I didn't speak to my folks for over a year. It was a ridiculous thing to do because I was a very sheltered individual. I didn't know how to pay bills. I didn't know where you paid the water bill, the gas bill, blah, blah. Eventually lost the apartment, ended up homeless and still wouldn't go home. Still wouldn't go home. Lived in my car and then one day out of the blue I happened to see my parents. I was basically starving now. I had been doing drag all along. I had been doing drag here in Tulsa. I started in 1979 and but things weren't going great and being hungry as I was, I saw my mother dad drive down the street one day in their car and I thought, I'm going to go home, I'm tired, I'm starving, I'm going to go home and went home for two or three years, about three years and tried to live the life that I thought that's who they wanted me to be and then realized you just can't do it. You have to be who you are. You can't let somebody subjugate you into being somebody that you're not. And finally at the age of about 23 or 24, I came back to Tulsa. Toby - during that time had they resolved it that they come to accept that you were Well, a way, my mother once asked me, she said, you know, she said, I don't understand. She said, can't you just, you know, it's fine. That's your attraction is to men, but do you have to participate in that? Can't you just go over to the, you know, just stop it? And I said, mother, it's who you are. I said, you can't go off and you just, can't turn it off like a light switch at the wall. You can't just stop being who you are. It's who I am. I was born this way. You have to accept that. they did do it in time. But the real catalyst of the whole thing was when I was 26, I met an individual by the name of Larry Guz, who was my first long-term relationship. And he said, Kent, you've 10 �got to stop this. You've got to confront this. You've got to make them understand. If they can't love you for what you are, then they have to love you for who you are. And if they can't do that, they don't need you anyway. Toby – I want our audience to see a picture of your beautiful mom and dad. And they finally, my dad came to Larry and I and he finally said, if this is who you are, this is who you are and we accept you 150%. So that kind of, took a long, time, but they finally did. Toby - So, you're very. well known in Tulsa as Anita Richards. So I want us to kind to talk, begin to talk about your career as a performer. You said, you told us earlier that in 1979, and you would have been 19 years old, you already had started doing performance. Did you? How did you? How did come about that? I had never even heard of a drag queen. I didn't know there was any avenue that a guy could dress in female attire in public. I had no idea. From the time I was eight years old, was out in my mother's and dad's garage with a record player lip syncing to Funny Girl. I learned the lyrics to Don't Rain On My Parade before I could practically walk. I knew automatically and of course my parents thought I was nuts. You're hearing this kid who's out doing these big jaw long jams. So I knew that was something I wanted to do but I didn't know there was an avenue for it until one night there was a very fabulous nightclub here in Tulsa across the street from what is now TCC called Caruso's. And it had been there since the 1950s. It was a very sophisticated nightclub in the 50s called the Queen of Hearts. But by the time I came along, it had become a gay bar and was called Caruso's and it had a huge showroom that held about 250 people. And one night a young boy that I was dating said, let's go to Caruso's. He said, I'm going to sneak you in. He said, a friend of mine is performing on stage and needs a shirt from me. I'm gonna sneak you in and you sit in the back and I'm gonna go to the dressing room and give him the shirt and I'll come back and we'll watch 11 �his number and then we'll leave and get out of here before we get caught. So this boy, the gentleman performing his name was Samoy Alexander and he went by the name of Tracy Chateau, I'll never forget him. And he came out on stage, he was doing a song called The Deputy of Love and my friend brought him this western shirt covered with silver fringe and I saw Tracy come out and perform and I was like... Oh my Lord, can't, I want to do this, I want to do this. And the next individual that came out, I'll never forget it, was Trudy Tyler, who was, at that time, it was so funny, I was 19, Trudy was 21 and was already in Miss Gay Oklahoma of America. And when she came out on stage, it was a complete vision, I was just, it raptured. And I thought, this is something I'm going to do one of these days. So I... went back to work at Target and one Christmas we got some glittering ladies clothes and I saved up some money and bought a dress and the next thing you know I went to What Is Now the Eagle. This was 1979 mind you. I went to What Is Now the Eagle at that time it was Tracy's New Edition was what it was called and they had show nights, amateur nights on Monday and there was an intimate Queen there and I went in and brought a record and performed. My initial name was Anita Trick. And how that came by, I was standing there, the show director at that time, Tracy's was another very well-known Queen here in town, by the name of Miko Kassadine. to Miko Kassadine, she said, what's your name honey? And I said, My name's Kent. She said, no, what's your show name? And I said, I don't have one. She said, you have two entertainers ahead of you. You better find one, get one quickly so I can introduce you. And I'm standing there thinking, now, know, no one had checked IDs in those days. And here I am, this kid, I'm standing here thinking, what am I going to do? What am I going to do? And a guy walked by me, he said, my God, I need a drink. And I turned around and I looked at me, and I said, my name's I Need a Trick. Well, she said, what? I said, my name's, I need a drink well she immediately thought I said Anita like Anita Bryant and she did introduce me on stage as Anita Trick and that was the first performance I ever did and so every time the Eagle holds much nostalgia for me you know but that anyway that started it out. Toby - You were talking about the performance in those days, this would have been in 1979. You get a record, you had to give them a… 12 �Yeah, you know cassette, no cassettes no CDs. The well-known Queens here in Tulsa they had these large leather cases and you put your record albums in the leather cases and they had a long strap you put the strap on the side of your shoulder carried it in with your luggage and the funny thing about 45 some odd years later Chris Cole and I were working at the Bamboo and someone came up with the grand idea that they wanted to do an old-fashioned drag show and they asked they said let's do this with albums, no cassettes, no CDs, let all the performers bring record albums. And so we had a little cast put together and the young people all agreed to it. They all said, we'll go out, we'll go research and go to the record stores and we'll find record albums and so forth. Which they did. And another gentleman who was one of the people that came to Bamboo brought a portable turntable sound system, which we used. But the funny thing about it was, in the days when those shows were done, Chris and I never were responsible for putting the show together. We were never responsible for the lineup of the entertainers and so forth. And you know that night we had 15 entertainers. Every single entertainer was doing three songs a piece. Every single song was on a specific album, so we're dealing with 45 record albums and having to label them and put them and I looked at Chris and I said it didn't use it was not this hard when we were kids. She said we were responsible for this movie. Well, didn't know any different. No, no, no, that's all we did. Toby – You talked about Caruso's, talked about Queen of Hearts, E-Ball, Tracy's. Tell us some of the other clubs where you performed. Oh, was some of them were clubs, some of them were dives. There was one downtown called Friends Lounge. I don't know if you remember, if you probably don't remember that. There was one... Well, the main club in those days, the very first bar that I was supposed to go to attend, we had a huge club here in Tulsa called the Old Plantation. You remember Old Plantation? And the very night I was supposed Where was it? I can't remember. It was 51st and Sheridan. The night I was supposed to go to the Plantation, one of the patrons set it on fire and burned it to the ground. So I didn't get to attend that club, but so the next largest club that everyone wanted to 13 �entertain at besides Caruso’s downtown was Zippers at 32nd and S. Yale. And that's predominantly where I started really, really entertaining was in Zippers. John Willis who owned Zippers was a very good friend of mine. It was a gay bar. It was a big disco. It held probably a hundred and maybe a hundred and fifty people. And I performed there for quite a while until they brought in a door lady and her name was Patty Murray Handley. And we all know Patty very dearly. And it was her first job. And I walked in with my suitcase one day for a performance and she said, I need to see your ID. And I of course automatically knew I'm 20 years old. I said, well, I left it out in the car. She said, no, I need to see the ID. She said, you can't perform in here. I said, I've been performing here for over a year. She said, well, you're not going to perform in here tonight because I'm not letting you in the door. You can come back four months from now when you're 21 years old. And I had to tell everybody and I turned around and walked out. Fast forward 40 plus years, I walk into a doctor's office of Dr. Jeff Beal and I had not seen this young lady since that probably about that time. And I walk in for my doctor's appointment and she's sitting at the admissions desk. And she took one look at my name and she remembered my face. And after she checked me in, I was sitting there in the waiting room and she said, could you come over here? Could you come over here? She said do you remember me and I said well I don't think so and she explained who she was and she said I have to tell you I want to apologize she said I have thought about this for over whatever it was 35 years I have felt guilty ever since that night that I didn't allow you to come into that club and perform like you had been I was just scared if I did I'd lose my job and she said do you ever forgive me I said I wouldn't remember this if you hadn't even mentioned it but of course I did anyway. She was following the law and I told her, I you know, I don't blame you. But you should follow the law. I don't blame her one bit. Toby - Well she was following the law. We here at Oklahomans for Equality believe that... What other clubs stand out in your mind? 14 �Really those are probably the most, there was a very place, I hate to use the term seedy, that's not a very good description, but there was a place downtown called, on 11th, called The Mining Company. And I performed there a few times, but predominantly Zippers, predominantly Tracy's. Toby -Now, during this time, you were a performer. Did you ever travel to other states? Not until later. I was the first individual from the city of Tulsa to ever perform at Angles. This would have been right because I was in Oklahoma City. As I say, I performed here in Tulsa from 1979 to about 1982 and that was when I decided to move back to Tulsa, move back to with my parents, which they were living 100 miles south from here, little town called Weleetka, Oklahoma. I stayed there two years and came back and once I came back in 84, I think it was 83 or 84, I started performing again and have continued on as a regular basis ever since that time. But in 1986, Angles in Oklahoma City had opened their very first talent show you might say. It was called Drag Off or Drag Race or something like that. Anyway, I won it. And by winning it, you had to come back, was the process of elimination. And by winning it and becoming the champion, I won a two weekend a month spot on the Sunday showcase at Angles. And so ended up being the first person from the city of Tulsa ever to work there on regular basis. As Ginger Lamar referred to me, I was the queen of the Turner Turnpike. She's the only queen in town that's got tire tracks up her back. Anyway, it was a lot of fun. Toby - So I know that you have won some titles and you participated in pageants. Tell us a little bit about the pageant culture within the LGBT community. You know today it's mainstream. There's you know top-tier shows that people sit every night and watch. But I always like them. But it was not necessarily in Oklahoma, but really it was. Miss Oklahoma, the America pageant system, course, is the oldest Miss gay America is the oldest pageant system in the United States. And it was it was formed in 1972 by the late Norman Jones, Norma Christie, and has continued on. And it wasn't until about 1977 that she released the royalty rights to permit, I guess you'd say preliminary pageants to get contestants for her Miss America pageant. You had to go through and still to this day have to go through a system. You win a preliminary title. Then if you go from 15 �there that sponsors you into a state title, which of course is like say you Miss Gay Tulsa of America, then you're sponsored into Miss gay Oklahoma of America. If you win Miss gay Oklahoma of America, you immediately are responsible to represent your state at Miss America, wherever it's held, Dallas or wherever. And that's still the same. It's been since 1972 and it's still the same way. Of course, as you say, now they're much more mainstream. I really personally, for me, my personal goal was predominantly entertainment. I wasn't I was not that much interested I did miss Tulsa USA in 1987 I think I did Miss Tulsa of America probably about 1988. But I wasn't necessarily interested in entertaining in pageants because in my estimation, a title was for a year. You spent a lot of money. Sometimes you won, sometimes you didn't. And I saw very negative aspects of the pageant system that I thought I just don't need to be a part of this. There's good aspects and bad aspects of everything and I saw both. And I thought my goal is to entertain in the public. That's what I want to do. I was happy to bring a little happiness into life and into other people's lives. But it wasn't until I was 57 years old a friend of mine opened a pageant system called American National Star, an independent offshoot. I told Taylor, I said, know, I wonder if I can do this. And he said, well, why don't you start a little late? And I said, well, long as you're breathing, that's my goal. As long as you're breathing, you have a chance and you can still move and God gives you decent health, go for it. So I entered American National Star Classic and won that and of course people said some of the judges said you know what is your goal here I said to prove that no matter how old you are if there's a goal that you want to accomplish you can go for it as long as your health holds out you feel like you're physically able to do it you do it well lo and behold I won that pageant and then went on to their state title and won that too. And then, so by me doing that, I was asked by my dear friend, Brandon Patrick, aka Chanel Sterling, to at 58 years old to enter the Miss Gay Tulsa pageant. She said, have you ever been Miss Gay Tulsa? And it was a rumor from a thousand years that I was at one time a Miss Gay Tulsa, which I never had even entered the pageant except once. So I had done that. I entered Miss Gay Tulsa of America. It was majestic and came up first runner up. And then was responsible to go to Miss Oklahoma and one first 16 �run up out of 13 other kids at 59 years old and the reigning Miss Gay America walked up to me that evening and said, you are who I want to be when I grow up. And I thought that was so precious. And I am proud to say I have the highest standing score of any individual in personal interview of any Miss Oklahoma of America pageant that's ever been. And the current Miss America that year. She said, now when you go to nationals, she said, I want you to do something for me. And I said, what's that? She said, I want you to be just exactly who you are right now. Because she said, if you are, she said, they'll fall in love with you just like I have. I thought that was so sweet. Sad to say, God and nature had other plans. Because after the four day Miss Oklahoma pageant, I came down with arthritic neuropathy. And was unable to practically walk for about the next month. And so I wasn't able to attend Miss America Pageant, but things work out for the best, guess. I don't know. Anyway. Toby - Did you ever perform at Pride? Only for about 25 years. Toby - First Pride Festival. I don't know, I couldn't honestly tell you the first one I performed at, the first one that I went to was in 1993 when we were out at Mohawk Park when it was considered a... was sort of, were all sort of, people were separated. Remember, I didn't see a lot of unity out there because there were different groups sitting all around. I was glad when it finally got more unified and moved downtown. But the first Pride I ever performed at I think was about 1996. Toby - So that's the first pride you ever went to. I don't know, 1993 was the first one. Toby - Now you eventually became... Queen of Tulsa Pride. I think so. One of my proudest moments. 17 �Toby - You're still considered the… So you talked about your love of drag was you wanted to entertain I can remember you being a regular cast member at Twisted Theater at Renegades. And you were a part of the Twisted Theater with Tabitha and I can remember you were a hit as Rose on the go. You were part of the Golden Girls cast and played Rose. You remember performing at Pride Day? Yeah, that's what is the what's the park? Toby - Well today it's called Veterans Park, but at the time it was Centennial Park. That was without a doubt. we all, all of us who participated in the Twisted Theater performances consider those our happiest days. We all still talk about it. Toby - Record crowds. And Tabitha Taylor, who is now Brielle Cassell, gave me the opportunity to perform roles that I would never in my entire life had a chance to do otherwise and it was the most unique experience. we all, she stretched all of us to the full capacity that she thought we were capable of performing. And I mean, I got to do things like Betty Davis or Whatever Happened to Baby Jane, as you say, Rose in the Golden Girls, and Sissy in the Sorted Lives, and all those, we performed. Toby - I remember some beach movie. Frankie Avalon, was Frankie Avalon and the footage of Beach Blanket Bingo was one of those we did. And then Little Shop of Horrors. Basically, for those who might not understand what we're talking about, Twisted Theater was where basically they chose a film. Did a little shopping, cut out all the unnecessary subplot, kept the main storyline, and added music to accentuate the story and to move it along. The most famous one, I believe, that was ever done was The Exorcist. what the director would do, he would take out the subplot, look at the film, use music to accentuate the different part, and sometimes there would be music that didn't even have anything to do or wasn't any part of the particular film, but it still was relevant to the story itself. And that's kind of what Twisted Theater 18 �was. was like, for instance, probably one of the most famous ones was we did the Wizard of Oz. But when Dorothy came and knocked on the wizard's door, instead of the, she and the scarecrow and the cowardly lion got to Oz, instead of meeting the wizard, when she opened the door, she was confronted by by Dr. Frankenfurter from Rocky Horror Picture Show. And that particular instance, Dr. Frankenfurter happened to be me. So that's kind of what it was anyway. And it was a wonderful opportunity to perform. I don't know if we'll ever see those days again. But there have been people who have tried to copy that format. And some of them have been very successful. Probably the single most successful use of that format is is Chanel Sterling, who is without a doubt one of the single most all around talented individuals drag or otherwise I have ever known or ever met in my entire life. And a treasured treasured friend. Toby - Let's talk a little bit about your 65. So you've talked about the 1970s all the way to the present. Tell me about the first time you heard about AIDS. I was sitting in a club. I had just come back to Tulsa, as I said, in 1983, I think, 83, 84. And I was sitting in a club and a former boyfriend of mine came in and sat down. He had just come back from New York and we got acquainted and we began to visit. And I said, how was New York, Dean? And it was Dean Martin. He said, oh, kid, he said, it's horrifying. I said, horrifying? What are you talking about? He said, there's something going on there. They call it gay cancer. I said, gay cancer? What do you mean? He said, it's a disease. He said, it's killing people just right and left. He said, you'll see someone out at a bar on a Monday and they'll be gone by Thursday. And he said, it's it's unexplainable. And I never heard of it. I didn't know what it was. didn't know. I didn't understand that it was how it was transmitted and so forth. The first person in Tulsa that ever passed away that was the first person that anyone knew about that came in contact with HIV and passed away from the disease was a young man by the name of Paul Pack, who was a bartender at a club downtown called Tim's Playroom owned by... was Tim Turner, Tim Turner. And his lover was a very well-known female 19 �impersonator here in Tulsa, she was Shawna Michaels. And all we knew was that Paul got very sick and he was the first person that anyone had ever heard of that had, was Kaposi Sarcoma. And we all knew that he had... away, well automatically that kind of put a face to the situation here in Tulsa specifically. And we didn't, any of us, know, you know, what it was, how we basically came in contact with it. And we knew how it was transmitted, of course, but we didn't know the ins or outs of the disease. everyone automatically started getting tested. And I remember the very first test that I ever took was in 1986. I was 26 years old. I was terrified, absolutely terrified. And the health department. Toby – That’s where you took that test? And once they found out what you were in there, they treated you like what you were there for… they treated you like basically you were a vermin, you know, and you're just non-human. And as time went by, after, by 1987, I was with, as I said, my other half, Larry, who was a patient of Dr. Jeff Beal. And Jeff was the first medical physician that I'd ever come in contact who knew what was going on. And he basically held meetings and tried to explain to people the severity of what was happening and how there needed to be funding for research and so forth. And was very much on the forefront of that. And we realized then the enormity of the situation we were in. And the very first time, I will tell you. I didn't think I was going to get emotional about this. The first time I ever was confronted with it completely. I was at a pride celebration on the campus of the University of California in Irvine. And they had brought the AIDS quilt to the campus and they put it in the Student Union and it was in different levels of the Student Union. So they divided it up so that you could go and see it. And I was a member of the court system in California, in Orange County at that time and I was there with one of their booths. And I left during a break and I went to the Student Union and walked through and I can tell you that I don't normally get emotional in public. I'm not that kind of an individual. But when I was confronted with those faces and with the, all the, just the whole enormity of the quilt itself, I just fell into pieces. The next thing I knew, they were picking me up off the floor and handing me a box of Kleenex. And I kept saying, I'm so sorry. I said, no. Toby - Do you remember what year that was? 20 �19, let's see, I moved to California in November of 1988. So this would have been about 1990. And it was just, you know, it just hit you directly in the face. But I... After I came back to Tulsa in 92, I lost a number of friends, personal friends that passed away with AIDS. And like we were talking about on the phone last night, one of the individuals was 33 years old. And he had come in contact with it through the first sexual partner that he had ever physically been with and had been dealing with the disease from the time he was 20 until he was 33. And he was a patient of Dr. Beal’s. And I remember him saying to me, he said, I don't understand it. said, you know, you, I haven't lived any different life than you have. You and I, we've had the same experiences. Why am I in this situation that you're not? And I truthfully didn't. I said, Michael, I don't know. I don't know. But I said, all I know is I want to help you as much as I possibly can. And I watched that poor young thing, young man, 33 years old, pass away, the most horrific death I've ever seen in my life. And you just, and I struggled with the guilt. You do, you can't help it. Because you think, how did this get me? And all I can say is that I think I have been put here for a purpose. Obviously there must be some reason or another or otherwise it would have been I would have been in the same situation and the only thing that I could do in help with him there was a doctor here in town the name of Ralph Richter who was participating in a study through a company called VaxGen and a doctor had developed what he said was a vaccination for the AIDS virus. And they were doing a blind test study through this doctor's office and I participated in it. And they basically, they gave you shots of the synthetic antibodies, basically what they were. You didn't know whether you were getting the placebo or whether you were getting the vaccination itself. There was a series of 10 shots that she took once a month, 10 months. Midway through, I began to start getting ferocious colds and illnesses and coming up with all kinds of strange bruises and so forth. I finally asked one of the medical people in his office, said, how does my body know that what you're and you couldn't tell have an AIDS test because if you did you automatically came up positive. Anyway I asked the nurse, I said how does my body know that I'm not getting the actual antibodies? I said how does my body know that it's 21 �synthetic? And she really couldn't answer so I quit participating. And about four months later right before the study was over with they explained to me they said you know we were just getting ready to close we wish that you would come back and continue this and I went ahead and did it. I went ahead and finished the test honey and lo and behold After it was all over they sent me notification that I hadn't been given the vaccination Now what was sad about that? One of the reasons that I quit was I didn't know at the time that this shot these inoculations were $900 apiece and I asked the Representatives of the company that were in the doctor's office. I said what makes you think that any young gay individual walking down the street is going to have $900 or basically $9,000 on 10 shots to be able to afford this. They can't do it. I said, how many insurance companies are going to sponsor this? Well, they had no, you know, they had no response to that really. Anyway, lo and behold, of the gentleman who invented the vaccination to try to get the American Medical Association to approve it. He was a doctor of course who dealt with aged patients. He took the blood samples, drew blood from his most terminally ill patient and transfused the blood into him, so the contaminated blood into his own body. And he never came up with the disease. And he tried to present that as a case to the AMA that for sure that this vaccination actually did work and they still refused to approve it. So it was all that trouble for nothing basically. Toby - I can remember you helping us raise money to buy this building. You would perform at some of the big events that we would have. I can remember you and Chris Cole performing at the old Brady Mansion on Denver. That was such a unique experience to come down those stairs and see all those people at the foot of it made you feel quite like a celebrity. Toby - What about, let's, you and Taylor were able to be legally married. I want to share your picture. And y'all got married in drag. He was still, he was the guest speaker that year 2014, November 2014 at the transgender day of remembrance. We had been together by this time three years. And as you all know, we had gone through our first initial commitment ceremony here, but I knew that he was scheduled to go up to Oklahoma City tonspeak at that organizational meeting. And he was 22 �involved at that time with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, which that organization. And he was very good friends of the individual who officiated our ceremony, who had gone through a minister, what's the correct term? Toby - A minister ordination. And that gentleman, the clinic, called me one day and he said, I have to tell you something. And he said, I think you should know. I said, what's that? He said, Taylor is preparing to surprise you with something. And I said, what's he going to surprise me with? He said he's bought a ring and he intends to propose marriage to you after he gets done with his speech at the organization meeting. And he said, I want to know, are you going to say yes because we've got to buy license. We've got to get everything together beforehand. We just can't throw away, have a ceremony. We need to do all this legally and I want to get it all prepared. I was quite frankly aghast. I didn't know what to say. Because the idea of being legally married had never really entered my mind. But I got to thinking personally about the situation and I thought this is this way I know that he is taken care of. I said, I know he's going to be taken care of, that there's nobody in my family that can come in and take anything away from him. That if it's all legally shared together. So I thought this is probably the best thing we can do for each other. And so he didn't know I knew anything about what was going to happen. So after he got done making his speech, he said, now I want to bring my other half up to, we were all outside with the candlelight ceremony. then I came up and he got down on his hands and knees, or she, she I should say, she got down on her hands and knees at that time and proposed. And I said, of course, yes. Well, we went into the building we were all attending this meeting. And Robin Dorner was the president of the gala, she'd already gone and bought the wedding cake and the whole nine yards had the license and everything there. The funny situation about it was we were standing on a platform about as high as this table when we to officiate the ceremony and go through the nuptials and when Clint said, 23 �do you, take this individual to be your lawfully wedded spouse to have and to hold until you part? When he had gotten aware of the situation it hit point blank in his face and he fainted. I was standing there. I watched his eyes roll, her eyes as I said she was a drag. I watched her eyes roll completely back on her head, turned snow white and started to fall. And I just grabbed her by the hand and jerked her back. He came back and I asked him, I said, what happened. He said, because I realized that this was for real, for real. This was this was going to be the lasting thing. There was no turning back, you know, the enormity of the situation. He looked me square in the face and he said, I'm glad we did it My father bless his heart. I loved him so dearly. He, when Taylor decided to become transgender or thought she was transgender. I didn't think I was going get emotional. My mother had left a pair of earrings on the table. And he had lived at this table all the time. My mother had been gone about a year. Excuse me, I can't believe this. This is crazy. She'd been gone about a year. And I didn't know what he thought about Taylor all of a sudden assuming a female identity, which he hadn't been when he came here. Because as everyone does when you're transgender you have to spend a year living in you know in your chosen attire what she was doing at the time and My dad walked over and he took the earrings off this table and he put them in Taylor's open hand And he said Mrs. Harold would be proud of you for having the courage to be who you feel that you really are. And he said, nobody can take that away from you. And that to me was just unbelievable. As time went on, Taylor decided that wasn't who he actually truthfully thought he was. Who he thought he was wasn't who he was anyway. But it was a situation that my dad did that. And I will tell you that when my father passed away, it affected Taylor almost more than it did me because he was, for the first time, had been totally accepted 100 % in that world. I had a very, very, very unique set of parents. Toby - This has been wonderful. Is there anything else you would like to say before we close out this interview? A message you might give to generations who come after you and watch this video. 24 �Be who you are. Don't let anybody, don't let anybody try to hold you down and try to make you who you aren't. You only have one chance at life and the thing you have to do with that one chance is to make the most of it as you possibly can and that's being true to yourself. That's the main goal in life is to always be true to yourself. Toby - One more time for the camera, your full legal name. Kent Wilson Harrell. Jr. 25 � 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 [2025] Kent Harrell Interview Description An account of the resource Video recording and transcription of Toby Jenkin’s December 23, 2025, interview. The interview explores his life and experiences focusing on his journey through early life, family dynamics, understanding his sexual orientation, and his career in drag performance. Kent shares insights into the challenges faced by the LGBT community, particularly during the AIDS crisis, and reflects on his personal relationships, including his marriage to Taylor. The discussion emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and offers advice for future generations. Subject The topic of the resource Kent Harrell Oral History Project Interview Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Kent Harrell, Toby Jenkins, Dennis Neill Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource December 23, 2025 2025 AIDS AIDS/HIV Dennis Neill HIV HIV/AIDs interview Kent Harrell OKEQ Oral History Project oral history oral history interview Oral History Project oral history transcript Toby Jenkins transcript video https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/f9b1e8d9473f37a0ef1163eecab2efe1.pdf ba168f62a92aab503fddbb4e5a32c5f9 PDF Text Text OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY BOARD REPORT - NOVEMBER, DECEMBER, & JANUARY Executive Summary FY26 Grant :Funding Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) advocates for equal rights for Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, lntersex, and Asexual (2SLGBTQIA+) individuals and families through intersectional advocacy, education, programs, community partnerships, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. • Secured Funding 0 Anne & Henry Zarrow Foundation o GKFF o Sanford & Irene Burnstein Family Foundation o Schusterman Family Programs & Services Philanthropies o Coretz Family Foundation (new • Affirming Health Care • Affinity & Social Groups funding) • Legal Advocacy & Support • Basic Needs & Referral o Flint Family Foundation (new • Visual & Performing Arts Support revenue) • On Site Mental Health & • 2SLGBTQIA+ Resource & o HarvardAvenue Christian Church Lending Library Counseling Services • Awaiting Response • Youth & Young Adult • Rural Pride Outreach & o Lawrence Foundation (new Programming Support revenue) • Tulsa Fringe Festival • Peer & Identity Based o Vision Arts Grant (new funding) Support Groups • Tulsa Pride • In Progress o William K Warren Foundation (new funding) Volunteer Engagement • Prospects o Hardesty Family Foundation ° Cresap Family Foundation November Community Meal+ Rainbow Harvest: Sixteen volunteers participated, including support from community partners such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, the Tulsa Zoo, and Laureate Brain Institute. Volunteer Orientation: Six new volunteers completed orientation. Im hailey.briggs@okeq.org \. 918-442-8665 ~ okeq.org �December Fairy Tree: In collaboration w ith Tulsa Cares, we fulfilled holiday wish lists for 22 families in need. Clothing Swap & Winter Clothing Drive: Four volunteers supported the event, benefiting approximately 50 community members. An estimated 200 pounds of clothing, shoes, and outerwear were collected and redistributed. Maker's Market: Four volunteers supported the event, which f eatured 17 vendors and local artists and welcomed approximately 50 community m embers. Rainbow H arvest: Six volunteers participated. Volunteer Orientation: Four new volunteers completed orientation. Giving Tuesday & End of Year Giving Our 2025 Giving Tuesday and end-of-year giving campaign reinforced the importance of consistent, accessible communication with our community and the impact of clearly telling OKEQ's story. The campaigns utilized a combination of email outreach, social media, mailed letters, and a live ask at our Annual Community Dinner ensuring we reached supporters across multiple platforms and preferences. Giving Tuesday was a series of social media posts highlighting different aspects of the Center and OKEQ's programs over t he course of 2.5 weeks followed by a live ask at the Annual Community Meal. In total we generated $3,283.50. Our end of year letter cost the site approximately $75 for paper and postage, and has generated roughly $35,121.00 to date, demonstrating a strong return on investment and the effectiveness of low-cost, relationship- centered fundraising strategies. Beyond revenue, this campaign highlighted how regu lar communication builds trust, keeps our community connected to our mission, and makes giving to OKEQ accessible to t he general public. By clearly sharing our impact and offering multiple, straightforward ways to give, we reduced barriers to participation and invited broader engagement in sustaining our work. This approach underscores that storytelling, consistency, and accessibility are essential to long-term fundraising success and community support. �Equality Business Alliance Overview The Equality Business Alliance (EBA) Steering Committee is comprised of 10 d iverse members of the local business community, representing a range of industries and varying levels of experience w ith the EBA. This group has come together w it h a shared commitment to relaunch the Equality Business Alliance in a way that is values- driven and d irectly informed by the needs of the queer and affirming business community. The committee will m eet twice monthly to guide this work. Key Outcomes During a recent meeting, the Steering Committee engaged in a SOAR framework (Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, Results) to assess the current state of the EBA and identify priorities for relaunch. Strengths: Members affirmed the strong credibility of Oklahomans for Equalit y, deep community trust, and a shared commitment to affirming and inclusive business practices. Opportunities: The group identified t he need for c learer membership benefits, increased visibility for affirming businesses, and more intentional pathways for engagement, accountability, and growth within the alliance. Aspirations: The committee articu lated a s hared vis ion for a revitalized Equality Business Alliance that supports business owners, aligns with OKEQ values, and meaningfully benefits LGBTQ+ community members. Results: There was strong alignment around developing a c lear, trusted EBA framework w ith defined member benefits, t ransparent vetting standards, and programming that members find genuinely valuable. Next Steps • Cont inue twice-monthly Steering Committee meetings to maintain momentum. • Draft a revised EBA framework out lining membership benefits, expectations, and accountability standards. • Refine the vett ing process to ensure t ransparency, consistency, and alignment w ith OKEQ values. • Develop programming and engagement opportunities that respond directly to the expressed needs of queer and affirming businesses. Strategic Impact This work represents a s ignificant step toward relaunching the Equality Business Alliance as a sustainable, community-informed program. By centering the lived experience and expertise of local business owners, the EBA is being rebuilt in a way that strengthens affirming businesses while advancing OKEQ's broader mission of equit y, inclusion, and community care EBA Steering Committee Members Aubrey Naiman - Tulsa Library-Economic & Community Development Camille Diaz - Serenity Financial Courtney Ivy - Next Level Senior Advisors Kathy Clarke - Energy Environments Sally Mercedes - Magic City Books Tiyanah Garrett - Chamber of Commerce Eric Eastland-Jones - Advocacy Resources Kevin Eastland- Jones - Advocacy Resources The Steering Committee will continue this work at its next meeting on Friday, ;January 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. �Dear friends, As we reach the close of 2025, I've been reflecting on the foundations of Oklahomans for Equality, where we came from, who we have become, and what still calls us forward. Our story began decades ago, in the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis, with a group of volunteers who saw the dire unmet needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ people in Tulsa and refused to look away. They pooled their time, resources, determination, and belief in community care to create something that did not yet exist. These qualities are still built into the bones of this organization today. That commitment drives us to provide vital, affirming, and affordable medical care to hundreds of people each year. This year alone, 422 individuals received care through our medical clinic, many experiencing respectful and identity-affirming healthcare for the first time. It is the same approach that fuels our partnerships with embedded mental health and legal providers, who support hundreds of community members each year seeking counseling, advocacy, and guidance in moments when they need it most. It is what inspires volunteers to show up week after week, leading support groups, facilitating programs, sorting food, hosting events, and creating spaces of belonging. This year, 178 volunteers lent their time, energy, and heart to OKEQ, proving that community care is not just a value here, it is a practice and a shared responsibility. It is also the energy behind programs like Rainbow Harvest, a low-barrier farmers market that has provided fresh and shelf-stable groceries to 447 people in its first six months, supporting community members facing food insecurity. �It is what carried us across the state to 10 rural Pride events this year, ensuring support, visibility, and connection even in the smallest corners of Oklahoma. And it empowers us to host citywide events like Tulsa Pride, creating vital opportunities for joy, celebration, solidarity, and visibility for tens of thousands of people each year. This is what it means to stay proximate to our community's needs. This is the work we do because of you. FOREQU TULS FliH FEST IV September 19 &20 821 [ 4~St. lulsa. OK As we look toward 2026, t he need for affirming, life-changing care and safe spaces in Oklahoma remains urgent, especially in a political climate that continues to target 2S LGBTQIA+ rights and access to essential services. We cannot meet these needs without your support. If you are in a position to make a year end gift, your donation, no matter the size, directly sustains the programs people rely on for safety, support, and dignity. If you are able to volunteer, your time becomes part of the legacy t hat has carried us from our earliest days. And if this is not the season where either is possible, your continued connection - reading our newsletters, attending events, stopping by the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is deeply valued. Staying proximate to th is work is its own form of generosity. As we prepare for the year ahead, I am profoundly grateful for your trust, for your care, and for your continued commitment to the belief that every 2S LGBTQIA+ person in Oklahoma deserves access to reso urces, support and dignity. With gratitude and determination, Hailey Briggs Executive Director Oklahomans for Equality Donate or volunteer by using the QR code above or by visiting our website at https://okeq.org/donatE!/ � https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/429a5d5e3ba794e46ee9f05118ba6659.jpg 869b61f842d8520fdc8cc2da39a30b20 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/232b19a66aa75684344a87a1ea869c7d.jpg d1fd1709268158ce1b04844d9d39be94 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/0c6ecf4209c219fa5c7af099fcd37d6d.jpg e663b2383c6758df49adc1d519ad9c91 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/2999919a60916612d6790f1fd840c36e.jpg 05da7f9710163fb1f779166ac27b9043 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/6946ecfb78faf3877005d005b6385da7.jpg 1b4c7924bf4125d9de6cebcb281a82d3 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 [2025-2026] OKEQ Board Report for November 2025 - January 2026 Subject The topic of the resource Oklahomans for Equality Board Report - November, December, & January 2025-2026 Description An account of the resource 1 5-page document and 5 scanned images of the Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) Board Report for the months of November and December in 2025, and January 2026. Includes letter from Executive Director Hailey Briggs. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ), Hailey Briggs Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 2025 - January 2026 2025 2026 Executive Director Hailey Briggs Hailey Briggs OkEq OKEQ Board Oklahomans for Equality Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) Oklahomans for Equality Board https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/931ca8ee760f61e0ca774790cf7a08b6.pdf 04313a6cf8c4c3141058993dc2a9d086 PDF Text Text FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND ACCOMPANYING INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 WITH COMPARATIVE TOTALS FOR 2023 OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC. �OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC. TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE Board of Directors .............................................................................................................................. 3 Independent Auditor’s Report ......................................................................................................... 4-5 Financial Statements Statements of Financial Position .......................................................................................... 6 Statements of Activities ........................................................................................................ 7 Statements of Functional Expenses....................................................................................... 8 Statements of Cash Flows .....................................................................................................9 Notes to the Financial Statements ................................................................................. 10-15 �OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 Whitney Cipolla Paula Shannon Kaylyn Compton Liz Ortiz Eddie Carreno William Mark Bonney Yonah Jasper Julia Fletcher Grace Fallon Stephen Haney Kasey Rhone Zoe Brett Lollie Moore President Vice-President/Treasurer Secretary Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member Member at large 3 �124 S. Main Street, Miami, Oklahoma 74354 6 South Adair, Pryor, Oklahoma 74361 918-542-4401 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT Senior Management and Board of Directors Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. Tulsa, Oklahoma OPINION We have audited the accompanying financial statements of the Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. (a nonprofit organization), which comprise the statements of financial position as of September 30, 2024, and the related statements of activities, statements of functional expenses, and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. as of September 30, 2024, and the changes in its net assets and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. BASIS FOR OPINION We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAS). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report. We are required to be independent of the Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. and to meet our other ethical responsibilities, in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audit. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinions. RESPONSIBILITIES OF MANAGEMENT FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, management is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about of Oklahomans for Equality, Inc.'s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are available to be issued. AUDITOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Misstatements are considered material if there is a substantial likelihood that, 4 �To the Board of Directors Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. Page 2 individually or in the aggregate, they would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user based on the financial statements. In performing an audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, we:  Exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit.  Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of Oklahomans for Equality, Inc.’s internal control. Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed.  Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluate the overall presentation of the financial statements.  Conclude whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about Oklahomans for Equality, Inc.’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time. We are required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit, significant audit findings, and certain internal control related matters that we identified during the audit. REPORT ON SUMMARIZED COMPARATIVE INFORMATION We have previously audited Oklahomans for Equality, Inc.’s 2023 financial statements, and we expressed an unmodified audit opinion on those audited financial statements, in our report dated December 22, 2023. In our opinion, the summarized comparative information presented herein, as of and for the year ended September 30, 2023, is consistent, in all material respects, with the audited financial statements from which it has been derived. OBER & LITTLEFIELD Certified Public Accountants, PLLC Miami, Oklahoma May 7, 2025 5 �OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC. STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 WITH COMPARATIVE TOTALS YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 2024 Assets Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents - restricted Investments held by others Inventory Prepaid insurance Other assets Total Current Assets $ Noncurrent Assets: Furniture and Fixtures Buildings and Improvements Computers and Software Less: Accumulated Depreciation Total Noncurrent Assets Total Assets $ Liabilities Current Liabilities: Accounts payable Accrued expenses Deferred revenue Payroll liabilities Sales tax payable Total Liabilities $ Net Assets Net assets without donor restrictions Net assets with donor restrictions Total Net Assets 549,201.46 31,159.19 50,934.96 8,946.43 62,428.14 2,024.30 704,694.48 134,098.46 2,013,376.54 15,080.30 (1,045,140.26) 1,117,415.04 1,822,109.52 18,301.75 1,665.79 79,886.00 25,596.87 941.77 126,392.18 2023 $ $ $ 1,664,558.15 31,159.19 1,695,717.34 Total Liabilities and Net Assets $ 1,822,109.52 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 6 80,446.42 97,766.15 43,994.38 13,004.85 19,590.23 22,690.07 277,492.10 134,098.46 2,013,376.54 15,080.30 (944,137.42) 1,218,417.88 1,495,909.98 26,862.12 32,186.42 1,723.75 856.31 138.24 61,766.84 1,336,376.99 97,766.15 1,434,143.14 $ 1,495,909.98 �OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC. STATEMENTS OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 WITH COMPARATIVE TOTALS YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 2024 2023 Without Donor With Donor Restriction Restriction Total Total Revenues, gains, and other support Support: Grants 244,549.50 36,244.00 280,793.50 309,922.57 Contributions 287,931.49 50,515.71 338,447.20 376,482.68 Membership income Sponsorship 7,881.45 - 7,881.45 18,891.05 455,731.44 - 455,731.44 184,589.10 Other Income 149,658.96 Total Support 1,145,752.84 86,759.71 - Net assets released from restrictions 153,366.67 (153,366.67) Total support 1,299,119.51 (66,606.96) 149,658.96 293,140.47 1,232,512.55 1,203,300.87 1,232,512.55 1,203,300.87 Revenues and gains/(losses): Unrealized gain/(loss) on investment 7,172.06 - 7,172.06 2,462.20 Total revenue and gains/(losses) 7,172.06 - 7,172.06 2,462.20 1,239,684.61 1,205,763.07 Total revenues, gains/(losses), and other support 1,306,291.57 (66,606.96) EXPENSES: Program Services 568,246.63 - 568,246.63 792,989.54 Support Services: Fundraising 63,545.67 - 63,545.67 48,454.12 Support Services: General and Administrative 346,318.11 - 346,318.11 345,035.04 Total expenses 978,110.41 - 978,110.41 1,186,478.70 Increase (decrease) in net assets 328,181.16 (66,606.96) 261,574.20 19,284.37 Net assets, beginning of year 1,336,376.99 97,766.15 1,434,143.14 1,414,858.77 31,159.19 $ 1,695,717.34 $ 1,434,143.14 Net assets, end of year $ 1,664,558.15 $ The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 7 �OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC. STATEMENTS OF FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 WITH COMPARATIVE TOTALS YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 2024 Program Advertising $ Fundraising 567.07 $ - 2023 General & Admin $ 233.00 $ 800.07 $ 4,300.20 1,609.92 Chapter and Affiliate Expense 64,621.75 - Computer and Software 3,830.15 5,321.26 Contracted Services 10,670.00 - 19,149.00 Cost of Goods Sold 13,028.83 - - - 1,198.00 1,198.00 8,964.00 4,210.00 12,503.21 32,528.37 10,848.68 - 8,416.63 104,013.62 - 16,003.10 - Employee benefits 15,815.16 Event expense 8,416.63 Fundraising Costs 12,305.65 Total Bank Fees Dues, Fees and Registrations - Total - - 16,003.10 13,915.57 19,891.05 - 64,621.75 59,601.61 8,979.93 18,131.34 13,984.93 29,819.00 49,125.50 13,028.83 34,681.62 - Insurance 6,068.23 - 22,209.99 28,278.22 40,746.16 Meals 2,764.93 - 566.56 3,331.49 4,250.59 Miscellaneous 957.50 - 6,704.20 7,661.70 3,442.38 Office/Postage Expense 2,645.76 - 12,802.68 15,448.44 2,488.59 Payroll tax expense 19,937.83 3,136.10 9,494.27 32,568.20 26,467.17 Program Expenses 20,790.68 - - 20,790.68 46,093.70 Printing/Copying Expense 3,654.60 - 2,111.96 5,766.56 6,440.97 Professional Services 17,911.90 - 51,535.54 69,447.44 107,928.40 Repairs and Maintenance 28,926.24 Salaries and Wages 231,660.80 Security 12,825.00 34,875.21 12,229.54 41,155.78 27,384.37 107,615.09 374,151.10 348,783.13 63,265.85 - 3,677.50 16,502.50 - - 96.00 96.00 495.00 3,952.76 - 17,638.23 21,590.99 34,280.84 Travel Expense 354.96 - 2,679.55 3,034.51 4,222.21 Utilities Expense 33,912.51 - 4,908.79 38,821.30 43,888.85 Total Expenses Before Depreciation 504,923.21 308,638.69 877,107.57 1,080,518.07 Depreciation 63,323.42 37,679.42 101,002.84 105,960.63 978,110.41 $ 1,186,478.70 Staff and Board Development Supplies Total Expenses $ 568,246.63 63,545.67 $ 63,545.67 $ 346,318.11 $ The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 8 �OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC. STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 WITH COMPARATIVE TOTALS YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 2024 2023 $ 261,574.20 $ 19,284.37 101,002.84 (6,940.58) 105,960.63 (2,444.51) 20,665.77 4,058.42 (42,837.91) (22,690.07) 2,696.63 (19,590.23) (39,081.00) 24,740.56 803.53 78,162.25 402,148.08 23,950.68 (5,848.74) 951.47 1,723.75 103,993.98 Cash flows from operating activities Change in net assets Adjustments to reconcile change in net assets to net cash used in operating activities: Depreciation expense Unrealized gain on investments (Increase)/decrease in operating assets: Promises to give Inventory Prepaid expenses Increase/(decrease) in operating liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued expenses Payroll liabilities Sales tax payable Unearned revenue Net cash provided/(used) by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of property and equipment Net cash provided/(used) by investing activities Net increase/(decrease) in cash Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents, end of year - (24,021.91) (24,021.91) 402,148.08 178,212.57 $ 580,360.65 79,972.07 98,240.50 $ 178,212.57 $ 549,201.46 31,159.19 $ 580,360.65 $ 80,446.42 97,766.15 $ 178,212.57 Reconciliation to statement of financial position: Cash and cash equivalents Restricted cash The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 9 �OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 WITH COMPARATIVE TOTALS YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 Note 1 – Nature of the Organization The Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. (the “Organization”), is an Oklahoma nonprofit corporation, incorporated on November 20th, 2006. Oklahomans for Equality, Inc., formerly known as Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR), have served the Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual (2SLGBTQIA+) community since the organization was founded in 1980. The Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. seeks equal rights for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Accounting – The financial statements are prepared using the accrual basis of accounting. Accordingly, revenue is recorded when earned, and expenses are recorded when incurred. The financial statements are presented in accordance with authoritative accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations. As such, the standards require contributions to be recognized as revenue when they are received, or unconditionally pledged, and net assets to be classified as net assets with donor restrictions or net assets without donor restrictions, depending on the limitations placed on the contributions when received. Income Taxes – The Organization is exempt from federal income taxes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, no provision has been made for federal or state income taxes. In addition, the Organization has been determined by the Internal Revenue Service not to be a private foundation, within the meaning of Section 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Organization’s Forms 990, Organization Exempt from Income Tax, for the years ending 2021, 2022, and 2023 are subject to examination by the IRS, generally for three years after they were filed. Estimates – The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, requires management to make estimates, and assumptions, that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents – Cash and cash equivalents include all monies in banks, and highly liquid investments, with maturity dates of less than twelve months. The carrying value of cash, and cash equivalents, approximates fair value because of the short maturities of those financial instruments. Concentrations of Credit and Market Risk – Financial instruments that potentially expose the Organization to concentrations of credit, and market risk consist primarily of cash equivalents and investments. Cash equivalents are maintained at high-quality financial institutions, and credit risk exposure is limited at any one institution. The Organization has not experienced any losses on its cash equivalents. Property and Equipment – Property and equipment are recorded at acquisition cost. The Organization capitalizes assets with a cost greater than $2,500. Betterments and renewals are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations when incurred. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method, over the following estimated useful lives: Building and improvements Equipment Vehicles 40 years 3-10 years 3 years 10 �OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 WITH COMPARATIVE TOTALS YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies: (continued) Classification of Net Assets - Net assets of the Organization shall be classified based upon the existence, or absence, of donor-imposed restrictions, as follows: Net Assets without Donor Restrictions - Net assets that are not subject to donor-imposed stipulations. Net Assets with Donor Restrictions - Net assets subject to donor-imposed stipulations that may, or will be, satisfied through the actions of the Organization, and/or the passage of time. Net assets accumulated by the Organization that are not subject to donor-imposed restrictions, but which the Board of Directors of the Organization has earmarked for specific uses, shall be segregated in the accounting records as "board-designated" funds, within the category of net assets without donor restrictions. Note 3 – Concentrations of Credit Risk Custodial credit risk is the risk that, in the event of a bank failure, the Organization’s deposits may not be returned to it. The Organization’s cash deposits, including interest-bearing certificates of deposit, are maintained in financial institutions. The Organization has a deposit policy for custodial credit risk to move funds to another institution if the balance exceeds FDIC coverage. Demand deposits Total $ $ A 500,000.00 500,000.00 Category B $ $ - C $ 80,360.65 $ 80,360.65 Carrying Amount $ 580,360.65 $ 580,360.65 Bank Balance $ 576,802.34 $ 576,802.34 Category A – Cash and cash equivalents that are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or collateralized with securities held by the Organization, or its agent, in the Organization’s name. Category B – Collateralized with securities held by the pledging financial institution’s trust department, or agent, in the Organization’s name. Category C – Uninsured or unregistered investments for which securities are held by the pledging financial institution’s trust department, or agent, but not in the Organization’s name. Note 4 – Promises to Give Promises to give are majorly comprised of contributions awarded by third parties but not received prior to yearend. There were $0 promises to give as of September 30, 2024. 11 �OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 WITH COMPARATIVE TOTALS YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 Note 5 – Restricted Cash As of September 30, 2024, the Organization had restricted cash in the amount of $31,159.19. Restricted as follows: Restricted Purpose Chapter and Affiliates Food Insecurity Grant History Project Lynn Riggs/Kitchen Van Insurance Rainbow Room Various >$2K Total $ $ Amount 5,957.93 10,594.00 8,360.01 1,789.37 1,167.75 2,500.00 790.13 31,159.19 Note 6 – Investments Held by Others Investments held by others, as of September 30, 2024, consist of two investment funds held by Tulsa Community Foundation (TCF): The OkEq Operating Endowment Fund and the OkEq Capital Campaign Fund. These funds are invested in pooled funds, cash, and equivalents. The investments are carried on the Organization’s books at fair market value. These funds are component funds of Tulsa Community Foundation (TCF). As defined by the United States Treasury Regulations, TCF has the right to modify the terms of the fund agreement. This is sometimes referred to as “variance power”. As a result of the variance power all component funds are considered to be part of a single public charity, TCF. TCF is the legal owner of all assets contributed to any of its component funds. Financial Accounting Standards Board requires that if TCF accepts contributions from the Organization and agrees to transfer those assets and the return on investment of those assets back to the Organization, then these contributions are to be reported on the financial statements of the Organization. The OkEq Operating Endowment Fund -This fund was established as Oklahomans for Equality Fund, a TCF Agency Fund, in April 2001. It transitioned to the OkEq Operating Endowment Fund on 12/30/2010. Current fund advisors are Board President, Vice President, and Treasurer. With 2/3 of the Advisors, TCF can accept annual distribution requests and make changes to the fund including the investment strategy. The portion allocated to the Organization, and reported as investments held by others, is $16,369.53. The portion of funds contributed to TCF by unrelated third-party donors and not reported as investments held by others on the Organizations books is $15,238.78. The OkEq Capital Campaign Fund - This fund was originally established by Tulsa Oklahomans for Human, Rights, Inc. as the Pyramid Project Capital Campaign Reserve Fund, a TCF agency reserve fund, in April 2002. It was renamed to the OkEq Capital Campaign Fund in TCF records. It is an agency reserve fund, and the funds are available to purchase , furnish, maintain, or make improvements to a building to house the Tulsa gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Community Center owned by Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights. Current fund advisors are Board President, Vice President, and Treasurer. With 2/3 of the Advisors, TCF can accept annual distribution requests and make changes to the fund including the investment strategy. The portion allocated to the Organization and reported as investments held by others $34,565.43. The portion of funds contributed to TCF by unrelated third-party donors and not reported as investments held by others on the Organization’s books is $122,904.98. 13 �OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 WITH COMPARATIVE TOTALS YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 Note 6 – Investments Held by Others (continued) As of September 30, 2024, the balances are insured by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), up to $500,000. Cash coverage is limited at $250,000. At times, the Organization’s deposits may exceed insured amounts. Management believes the funds are not exposed to any significant risk due to the diversity of high-grade financial instruments held by the fund, and management’s routine assessment of the portfolio. Investment Interest Rate Risk Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in market interest rates will adversely affect the fair value of an investment. Generally, the longer the maturity of an investment, the greater the sensitivity of its fair value to changes in market interest rates. Note 7 – Fair Value Measurements The Organization reports fair value measurements of its assets and liabilities using a three-level hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy, established by GAAP, requires that entities maximize the use of observable inputs, and minimize the use of unobservable inputs, when measuring fair value. The assets or liability’s measurement within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the measurement. The three levels of input used to measure fair value are as follows: Level 1. Quoted prices are for identical assets or liabilities in active markets to which the Organization has access at the measurement date. Level 2. Inputs other than quoted prices included in level 1 that are observable for the assets or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include:     Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; Quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active; Observable inputs other than quoted prices for the asset or liability (for example, interest rates and yield curves); and Inputs derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data by correlation, or by other means. Level 3. Unobservable inputs for the assets or liabilities. Unobservable inputs should be used to measure the fair value if observable inputs are not available. When available, the Organization measures fair value using Level 1 inputs because they generally provide the most reliable evidence of fair value. However, Level 1 inputs are not available for many of the assets and liabilities that the Organization is required to measure at fair value (for example, unconditional promise to give and in-kind contributions). The primary uses of fair value measurements in the Organization’s financial statements are the initial measurement of noncash gifts, gifts of investment assets, if any, including unconditional promises to give, and recurring measurement of short-term and long-term investments. 13 �OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 WITH COMPARATIVE TOTALS YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 Note 8 – Property and Equipment The following is an analysis of property and equipment, at cost, and related depreciation at September 30, 2024: Beginning of Year Furniture and Fixtures Building and Improvements Computers and Software Total Capital Assets Less: Accumulated Depreciation Net Book Value $ 134,098.46 2,013,376.54 15,080.30 2,162,555.30 (944,137.42) 1,218,417.88 Additions $ (101,002.84) (101,002.84) Deletions $ - End of Year 134,098.46 2,013,376.54 15,080.30 2,162,555.30 (1,045,140.26) $ 1,117,415.04 Note 9 – Deferred Revenue Deferred revenue represents payments received for events occurring subsequent to year end. Note 10 – Note Payable The Organization had no notes payable as of September 30, 2024. Note 11 – Donated Services The Organization receives a significant amount of donated services from unpaid volunteers, who assist in fundraising and special projects. No amounts have been recognized in the statement of activities because the criteria for the recognition, under authoritative accounting standards, have not been satisfied. Note 12 – Functional Allocation of Expenses The costs of providing the various programs, and supporting services, have been summarized on a functional basis, in the statement of functional expenses. Costs that are not directly associated with providing specific services have been allocated based on the relative time spent by the employees providing these services. Note 13 – Commitments and Contingencies As of the date of this report, the Organization had no commitments or contingencies other than those reported on the statement of financial position. 14 �OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SEPTEMBER 30, 2024 WITH COMPARATIVE TOTALS YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 Note 14 – Liquidity and Availability Financial assets available for general expenditure, that is, without donor or other restrictions limiting their use, within one year of September 30, 2024, are: Cash and cash equivalents Investments Other assets Total financial assets, at year end Less those unavailable for general expenditures within on year, due to: Contractual or donor-imposed restrictions Restricted by donor with time or purpose restrictions Financial assets available to meet cash needs for general expenditures within one year $ 580,360.65 50,934.96 2,024.30 633,319.91 31,159.19 $ 602,160.72 Note 15 – Net Assets with Donor Restrictions The Organization has $31,159.19 net assets with donor restrictions at September 30, 2024. Restricted Purpose Chapter and Affiliates Food Insecurity Grant History Project Lynn Riggs/Kitchen Van Insurance Rainbow Room Various >$2K Total $ $ Amount 5,957.93 10,594.00 8,360.01 1,789.37 1,167.75 2,500.00 790.13 31,159.19 Note 16 – Evaluation of Subsequent Events The Organization has evaluated subsequent events through May 7, 2025, the date which the financial statements were available to be issued, and no additional disclosures are required. 15 � 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 OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC.<br /><br />FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND ACCOMPANYING INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT<br /><br />FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2024<br />WITH COMPARATIVE TOTALS FOR 2023<br /><br />OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC.<br />TABLE OF CONTENTS<br /><br />PAGE<br /><br />Board of Directors .............................................................................................................................. 3<br />Independent Auditor’s Report ......................................................................................................... 4-5<br /><br />Financial Statements<br />Statements of Financial Position .......................................................................................... 6<br />Statements of Activities ........................................................................................................ 7<br />Statements of Functional Expenses ....................................................................................... 8<br />Statements of Cash Flows ..................................................................................................... 9<br />Notes to the Financial Statements ................................................................................. 10-15<br /><br />OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC.<br />BOARD OF DIRECTORS<br />SEPTEMBER 30, 2024<br /><br />Whitney Cipolla President<br />Paula Shannon Vice-President/Treasurer<br />Kaylyn Compton Secretary<br />Liz Ortiz Member<br />Eddie Carreno Member<br />William Mark Bonney Member<br />Yonah Jasper Member<br />Julia Fletcher Member<br />Grace Fallon Member<br />Stephen Haney Member<br />Kasey Rhone Member<br />Zoe Brett Member<br />Lollie Moore Member at large<br /><br />3<br /><br /><strong>OBER &amp; LITTLEFIELD</strong><br /><strong>Certified Public Accountants, PLLC</strong><br />124 S. Main Street, Miami, Oklahoma 74354<br />6 South Adair, Pryor, Oklahoma 74361<br />918-542-4401<br /><br /><strong>INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT</strong><br /><br />Senior Management and Board of Directors<br />Oklahomans for Equality, Inc.<br />Tulsa, Oklahoma<br /><br /><strong>OPINION</strong><br />We have audited the accompanying financial statements of the Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. (a nonprofit organization), which comprise the statements of financial position as of September 30, 2024, and the related statements of activities, statements of functional expenses, and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements.<br />In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. as of September 30, 2024, and the changes in its net assets and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.<br /><br /><strong>BASIS FOR OPINION</strong><br />We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAS). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report. We are required to be independent of the Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. and to meet our other ethical responsibilities, in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audit. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinions.<br /><br /><strong>RESPONSIBILITIES OF MANAGEMENT FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS</strong><br />Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material<br />misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.<br />In preparing the financial statements, management is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about of Oklahomans for Equality, Inc.'s ability to continue as a going concern within one year after the date that the financial statements are available to be issued.<br /><br /><strong>AUDITOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS</strong><br />Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Misstatements are considered material if there is a substantial likelihood that, individually or in the aggregate, they would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user based on the financial statements.<br /><br />4<br /><br />To the Board of Directors<br />Oklahomans for Equality, Inc.<br />Page 2<br /><br />In performing an audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, we:<br /> Exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit.<br /> Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.<br /> Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of Oklahomans for Equality, Inc.’s internal control. Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed.<br /> Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluate the overall presentation of the financial statements.<br /> Conclude whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about Oklahomans for Equality, Inc.’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.<br />We are required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit, significant audit findings, and certain internal control related matters that we identified during the audit.<br /><br /><strong>REPORT ON SUMMARIZED COMPARATIVE INFORMATION</strong><br />We have previously audited Oklahomans for Equality, Inc.’s 2023 financial statements, and we expressed an unmodified audit opinion on those audited financial statements, in our report dated December 22, 2023. In our opinion, the summarized comparative information presented herein, as of and for the year ended September 30, 2023, is consistent, in all material respects, with the audited financial statements from which it has been derived.<br /><br />[Signature: Ober &amp; Littlefied, PLLC]<br /><br /><strong>OBER &amp; LITTLEFIELD</strong><br />Certified Public Accountants, PLLC<br />Miami, Oklahoma<br />May 7, 2025<br /><br />5<br /><br />OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC.<br />STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION<br />AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2024<br />WITH COMPARATIVE TOTALS YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023<br /><br />2024 2023<br /><br /><strong>Assets</strong><br />Current Assets:<br />Cash and cash equivalents $549,201.46 $80,446.42<br />Cash and cash equivalents - restricted 31,159.19 97,766.15<br />Investments held by others 50,934.96 43,994.38<br />Inventory 13,004.85 8,946.43<br />Prepaid insurance 62,428.14 19,590.23<br />Other assets 22,690.07 2,024.30<br />Total Current Assets 704,694.48 277,492.10<br /><br />Noncurrent Assets:<br />Furniture and Fixtures 134,098.46 134,098.46<br />Buildings and Improvements 2,013,376.54 2,013,376.54<br />Computers and Software 15,080.30 15,080.30<br />Less: Accumulated Depreciation (1,045,140.26) (944,137.42)<br />Total Noncurrent Assets 1,117,415.04 1,218,417.88<br />Total Assets $1,822,109.52 $1,495,909.98<br /><br /><strong>Liabilities</strong><br />Current Liabilities:<br />Accounts payable $18,301.75 $26,862.12<br />Accrued expenses 1,665.79 32,186.42<br />Deferred revenue 79,886.00 1,723.75<br />Payroll liabilities 25,596.87 856.31<br />Sales tax payable 941.77 138.24<br />Total Liabilities 126,392.18 61,766.84<br /><br /><strong>Net Assets</strong><br />Net assets without donor restrictions 1,664,558.15 1,336,376.99<br />Net assets with donor restrictions 31,159.19 97,766.15<br />Total Net Assets 1,695,717.34 1,434,143.14<br />Total Liabilities and Net Assets $1,822,109.52 $1,495,909.98<br /><br />The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.<br /><br />6<br /><br />OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC.<br />STATEMENTS OF ACTIVITIES<br />FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2024<br />WITH COMPARATIVE TOTALS YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023<br /><br />2024 2023<br />Without Donor Restriction With Donor Restriction Total Total<br />Revenues, gains, and other support<br />Support:<br />Grants 244,549.50 36,244.00 280,793.50 309,922.57<br />Contributions 287,931.49 50,515.71 338,447.20 376,482.68<br />Membership income 7,881.45 - 7,881.45 18,891.05<br />Sponsorship 455,731.44 - 455,731.44 184,589.10<br />Other Income 149,658.96 - 149,658.96 293,140.47<br />Total Support 1,145,752.84 86,759.71 1,232,512.55 1,203,300.87<br />Net assets released from restrictions 153,366.67 (153,366.67) - -<br />Total support 1,299,119.51 (66,606.96) 1,232,512.55 1,203,300.87<br /><br />Revenues and gains/(losses):<br />Unrealized gain/(loss) on investment 7,172.06 - 7,172.06 2,462.20<br />Total revenue and gains/(losses) 7,172.06 - 7,172.06 2,462.20<br />Total revenues, gains/(losses), and other support 1,306,291.57 (66,606.96) 1,239,684.61 1,205,763.07<br /><br />EXPENSES:<br />Program Services 568,246.63 - 568,246.63 792,989.54<br />Support Services: Fundraising 63,545.67 - 63,545.67 48,454.12<br />Support Services: General and Administrative 346,318.11 - 346,318.11 345,035.04<br />Total expenses 978,110.41 - 978,110.41 1,186,478.70<br /><br />Increase (decrease) in net assets 328,181.16 (66,606.96) 261,574.20 19,284.37<br /><br />Net assets, beginning of year 1,336,376.99 97,766.15 1,434,143.14 1,414,858.77<br />Net assets, end of year $1,664,558.15 $31,159.19 $1,695,717.34 $1,434,143.14<br /><br />The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.<br /><br />7<br /><br />OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC.<br />STATEMENTS OF FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES<br />FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2024<br />WITH COMPARATIVE TOTALS YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023<br /><br />2024 2023<br />Program Fundraising General &amp; Admin Total Total<br />Advertising $567.07 - $233.00 $800.07 $4,300.20<br />Bank Fees 1,609.92 - 12,305.65 13,915.57 19,891.05<br />Chapter and Affiliate Expense 64,621.75 - - 64,621.75 59,601.61<br />Computer and Software 3,830.15 5,321.26 8,979.93 18,131.34 13,984.93<br />Contracted Services 10,670.00 - 19,149.00 29,819.00 49,125.50<br />Cost of Goods Sold 13,028.83 - - 13,028.83 34,681.62<br />Dues, Fees and Registrations - - 1,198.00 1,198.00 8,964.00<br />Employee benefits 15,815.16 4,210.00 12,503.21 32,528.37 10,848.68<br />Event expense 8,416.63 - - 8,416.63 104,013.62<br />Fundraising Costs - 16,003.10 - 16,003.10 -<br />Insurance 6,068.23 - 22,209.99 28,278.22 40,746.16<br />Meals 2,764.93 - 566.56 3,331.49 4,250.59<br />Miscellaneous 957.50 - 6,704.20 7,661.70 3,442.38<br />Office/Postage Expense 2,645.76 - 12,802.68 15,448.44 2,488.59<br />Payroll tax expense 19,937.83 3,136.10 9,494.27 32,568.20 26,467.17<br />Program Expenses 20,790.68 - - 20,790.68 46,093.70<br />Printing/Copying Expense 3,654.60 - 2,111.96 5,766.56 6,440.97<br />Professional Services 17,911.90 - 51,535.54 69,447.44 107,928.40<br />Repairs and Maintenance 28,926.24 - 12,229.54 41,155.78 27,384.37<br />Salaries and Wages 231,660.80 34,875.21 107,615.09 374,151.10 348,783.13<br />Security 12,825.00 - 3,677.50 16,502.50 63,265.85<br />Staff and Board Development - - 96.00 96.00 495.00<br />Supplies 3,952.76 - 17,638.23 21,590.99 34,280.84<br />Travel Expense 354.96 - 2,679.55 3,034.51 4,222.21<br />Utilities Expense 33,912.51 - 4,908.79 38,821.30 43,888.85<br />Total Expenses Before Depreciation 504,923.21 63,545.67 308,638.69 877,107.57 1,080,518.07<br />Depreciation 63,323.42 - 37,679.42 101,002.84 105,960.63<br />Total Expenses $568,246.63 $63,545.67 $346,318.11 $978,110.41 $1,186,478.70<br /><br />The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.<br /><br />8<br /><br />OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC.<br />STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS<br />FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2024<br />WITH COMPARATIVE TOTALS YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023<br />2024 2023<br />Cash flows from operating activities<br />Change in net assets $261,574.20 $19,284.37<br />Adjustments to reconcile change in net assets to net cash used in operating activities:<br />Depreciation expense 101,002.84 105,960.63<br />Unrealized gain on investments (6,940.58) (2,444.51)<br />(Increase)/decrease in operating assets:<br />Promises to give 20,665.77 (22,690.07)<br />Inventory 4,058.42 2,696.63<br />Prepaid expenses (42,837.91) (19,590.23)<br />Increase/(decrease) in operating liabilities:<br />Accounts payable and accrued expenses (39,081.00) 23,950.68<br />Payroll liabilities 24,740.56 (5,848.74)<br />Sales tax payable 803.53 951.47<br />Unearned revenue 78,162.25 1,723.75<br />Net cash provided/(used) by operating activities 402,148.08 103,993.98<br /><br />Cash flows from investing activities<br />Purchase of property and equipment - (24,021.91)<br />Net cash provided/(used) by investing activities - (24,021.91)<br /><br />Net increase/(decrease) in cash 402,148.08 79,972.07<br />Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 178,212.57 98,240.50<br />Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $580,360.65 $178,212.57<br /><br />Reconciliation to statement of financial position:<br /><br />Cash and cash equivalents $549,201.46 $80,446.42<br />Restricted cash 31,159.19 97,766.15<br />$178,212.57 $580,360.65 <br /><br />The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.<br /><br />9<br /><br />OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC.<br />NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS<br />SEPTEMBER 30, 2024<br />WITH COMPARATIVE TOTALS YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023<br /><br /><strong>Note 1 – Nature of the Organization</strong><br />The Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. (the “Organization”), is an Oklahoma nonprofit corporation, incorporated on November 20th, 2006. Oklahomans for Equality, Inc., formerly known as Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR), have served the Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual (2SLGBTQIA+) community since the organization was founded in 1980. The Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. seeks equal rights for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.<br /><br /><strong>Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</strong><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Basis of Accounting</span> – The financial statements are prepared using the accrual basis of accounting. Accordingly, revenue is recorded when earned, and expenses are recorded when incurred. The financial statements are presented in accordance with authoritative accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations. As such, the standards require contributions to be recognized as revenue when they are received, or unconditionally pledged, and net assets to be classified as net assets with donor restrictions or net assets without donor restrictions, depending on the limitations placed on the contributions when received.<br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Income Taxes</span> – The Organization is exempt from federal income taxes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, no provision has been made for federal or state income taxes. In addition, the Organization has been determined by the Internal Revenue Service not to be a private foundation, within the meaning of Section 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.<br />The Organization’s Forms 990, <em>Organization Exempt from Income Tax</em>, for the years ending 2021, 2022, and 2023 are subject to examination by the IRS, generally for three years after they were filed.<br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Estimates</span> – The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, requires management to make estimates, and assumptions, that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates.<br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Cash and Cash Equivalents</span> – Cash and cash equivalents include all monies in banks, and highly liquid investments, with maturity dates of less than twelve months. The carrying value of cash, and cash equivalents, approximates fair value because of the short maturities of those financial instruments.<br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Concentrations of Credit and Market Risk</span> – Financial instruments that potentially expose the Organization to concentrations of credit, and market risk consist primarily of cash equivalents and investments. Cash equivalents are maintained at high-quality financial institutions, and credit risk exposure is limited at any one institution. The Organization has not experienced any losses on its cash equivalents.<br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Property and Equipment</span> – Property and equipment are recorded at acquisition cost. The Organization capitalizes assets with a cost greater than $2,500. Betterments and renewals are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations when incurred. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method, over the following estimated useful lives:<br />Building and improvements 40 years<br />Equipment 3-10 years<br />Vehicles 3 years<br /><br />10<br /><br />OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC.<br />NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS<br />SEPTEMBER 30, 2024<br />WITH COMPARATIVE TOTALS YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023<br /><br /><strong>Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:</strong> (continued)<br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Classification of Net Assets</span> - Net assets of the Organization shall be classified based upon the existence, or absence, of donor-imposed restrictions, as follows:<br /><em>Net Assets without Donor Restrictions</em> - Net assets that are not subject to donor-imposed stipulations.<br /><em>Net Assets with Donor Restrictions</em> - Net assets subject to donor-imposed stipulations that may, or will be, satisfied through the actions of the Organization, and/or the passage of time.<br />Net assets accumulated by the Organization that are not subject to donor-imposed restrictions, but which the Board of Directors of the Organization has earmarked for specific uses, shall be segregated in the accounting records as "board-designated" funds, within the category of net assets without donor restrictions.<br /><br /><strong>Note 3 – Concentrations of Credit Risk</strong><br />Custodial credit risk is the risk that, in the event of a bank failure, the Organization’s deposits may not be returned to it. The Organization’s cash deposits, including interest-bearing certificates of deposit, are maintained in financial institutions. The Organization has a deposit policy for custodial credit risk to move funds to another institution if the balance exceeds FDIC coverage.<br />Category Carrying Bank<br />A B C Amount Balance<br />Demand deposits $500,000.00 $ - $80,360.65 $580,360.65 $576,802.34<br />Total $500,000.00 - $80,360.65 $580,360.65 $576,802.34<br />Category A – Cash and cash equivalents that are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or collateralized with securities held by the Organization, or its agent, in the Organization’s name.<br />Category B – Collateralized with securities held by the pledging financial institution’s trust department, or agent, in the Organization’s name.<br />Category C – Uninsured or unregistered investments for which securities are held by the pledging financial institution’s trust department, or agent, but not in the Organization’s name.<br /><br /><strong>Note 4 – Promises to Give</strong><br />Promises to give are majorly comprised of contributions awarded by third parties but not received prior to year-end. There were $0 promises to give as of September 30, 2024.<br /><br />11<br /><br />OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC.<br />NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS<br />SEPTEMBER 30, 2024<br />WITH COMPARATIVE TOTALS YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023<br /><br /><strong>Note 5 – Restricted Cash</strong><br />As of September 30, 2024, the Organization had restricted cash in the amount of $31,159.19. Restricted as follows:<br />Restricted Purpose Amount<br />Chapter and Affiliates $5,957.93<br />Food Insecurity Grant 10,594.00<br />History Project 8,360.01<br />Lynn Riggs/Kitchen 1,789.37<br />Van Insurance 1,167.75<br />Rainbow Room 2,500.00<br />Various &gt;$2K 790.13<br />Total $31,159.19<br /><br /><strong>Note 6 – Investments Held by Others</strong><br />Investments held by others, as of September 30, 2024, consist of two investment funds held by Tulsa Community Foundation (TCF): The OkEq Operating Endowment Fund and the OkEq Capital Campaign Fund. These funds are invested in pooled funds, cash, and equivalents. The investments are carried on the Organization’s books at fair market value. These funds are component funds of Tulsa Community Foundation (TCF). As defined by the United States Treasury Regulations, TCF has the right to modify the terms of the fund agreement. This is sometimes referred to as “variance power”. As a result of the variance power all component funds are considered to be part of a single public charity, TCF. TCF is the legal owner of all assets contributed to any of its component funds.<br />Financial Accounting Standards Board requires that if TCF accepts contributions from the Organization and agrees to transfer those assets and the return on investment of those assets back to the Organization, then these contributions are to be reported on the financial statements of the Organization.<br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><em>The OkEq Operating Endowment Fund</em></span> -This fund was established as Oklahomans for Equality Fund, a TCF Agency Fund, in April 2001. It transitioned to the OkEq Operating Endowment Fund on 12/30/2010. Current fund advisors are Board President, Vice President, and Treasurer. With 2/3 of the Advisors, TCF can accept annual distribution requests and make changes to the fund including the investment strategy. The portion allocated to the Organization, and reported as investments held by others, is $16,369.53. The portion of funds contributed to TCF by unrelated third-party donors and not reported as investments held by others on the Organizations books is $15,238.78.<br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><em>The OkEq Capital Campaign Fund -</em> </span>This fund was originally established by Tulsa Oklahomans for Human, Rights, Inc. as the Pyramid Project Capital Campaign Reserve Fund, a TCF agency reserve fund, in April 2002. It was renamed to the OkEq Capital Campaign Fund in TCF records. It is an agency reserve fund, and the funds are available to purchase , furnish, maintain, or make improvements to a building to house the Tulsa gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Community Center owned by Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights. Current fund advisors are Board President, Vice President, and Treasurer. With 2/3 of the Advisors, TCF can accept annual distribution requests and make changes to the fund including the investment strategy. The portion allocated to the Organization and reported as investments held by others $34,565.43. The portion of funds contributed to TCF by unrelated third-party donors and not reported as investments held by others on the Organization’s books is $122,904.98.<br /><br />13 [sic.]<br /><br />OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC.<br />NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS<br />SEPTEMBER 30, 2024<br />WITH COMPARATIVE TOTALS YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023<br /><br /><strong>Note 6 – Investments Held by Others (continued)</strong><br />As of September 30, 2024, the balances are insured by the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), up to $500,000. Cash coverage is limited at $250,000. At times, the Organization’s deposits may exceed insured amounts. Management believes the funds are not exposed to any significant risk due to the diversity of high-grade financial instruments held by the fund, and management’s routine assessment of the portfolio.<br /><em>Investment Interest Rate Risk</em><br />Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in market interest rates will adversely affect the fair value of an investment. Generally, the longer the maturity of an investment, the greater the sensitivity of its fair value to changes in market interest rates.<br /><br /><strong>Note 7 – Fair Value Measurements</strong><br />The Organization reports fair value measurements of its assets and liabilities using a three-level hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy, established by GAAP, requires that entities maximize the use of observable inputs, and minimize the use of unobservable inputs, when measuring fair value. The assets or liability’s measurement within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the measurement. The three levels of input used to measure fair value are as follows:<br />Level 1. Quoted prices are for identical assets or liabilities in active markets to which the Organization has access at the measurement date.<br />Level 2. Inputs other than quoted prices included in level 1 that are observable for the assets or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include:<br /> Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;<br /> Quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active;<br /> Observable inputs other than quoted prices for the asset or liability (for example, interest rates and yield curves); and<br /> Inputs derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data by correlation, or by other means.<br />Level 3. Unobservable inputs for the assets or liabilities. Unobservable inputs should be used to measure the fair value if observable inputs are not available. When available, the Organization measures fair value using Level 1 inputs because they generally provide the most reliable evidence of fair value. However, Level 1 inputs are not available for many of the assets and liabilities that the Organization is required to measure at fair value (for example, unconditional promise to give and in-kind contributions). The primary uses of fair value measurements in the Organization’s financial statements are the initial measurement of noncash gifts, gifts of investment assets, if any, including unconditional promises to give, and recurring measurement of short-term and long-term investments.<br /><br />13<br /><br />OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC.<br />NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS<br />SEPTEMBER 30, 2024<br />WITH COMPARATIVE TOTALS YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023<br /><br /><strong>Note 8 – Property and Equipment</strong><br />The following is an analysis of property and equipment, at cost, and related depreciation at September 30, 2024:<br />Beginning of Year Additions Deletions End of Year<br />Furniture and Fixtures 134,098.46 - - 134,098.46<br />Building and Improvements 2,013,376.54 - - 2,013,376.54<br />Computers and Software 15,080.30 - - 15,080.30<br />Total Capital Assets 2,162,555.30 - - 2,162,555.30<br />Less: Accumulated Depreciation (944,137.42) (101,002.84) - (1,045,140.26)<br />Net Book Value $1,218,417.88 $(101,002.84) $ - $1,117,415.04<br /><br /><strong>Note 9 – Deferred Revenue</strong><br />Deferred revenue represents payments received for events occurring subsequent to year end.<br /><br /><strong>Note 10 – Note Payable</strong><br />The Organization had no notes payable as of September 30, 2024.<br /><br /><strong>Note 11 – Donated Services</strong><br />The Organization receives a significant amount of donated services from unpaid volunteers, who assist in fundraising and special projects. No amounts have been recognized in the statement of activities because the criteria for the recognition, under authoritative accounting standards, have not been satisfied.<br /><br /><strong>Note 12 – Functional Allocation of Expenses</strong><br />The costs of providing the various programs, and supporting services, have been summarized on a functional basis, in the statement of functional expenses. Costs that are not directly associated with providing specific services have been allocated based on the relative time spent by the employees providing these services.<br /><br /><strong>Note 13 – Commitments and Contingencies</strong><br />As of the date of this report, the Organization had no commitments or contingencies other than those reported on the statement of financial position.<br /><br />14<br /><br />OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC.<br />NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS<br />SEPTEMBER 30, 2024<br />WITH COMPARATIVE TOTALS YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2023<br /><br /><strong>Note 14 – Liquidity and Availability</strong><br />Financial assets available for general expenditure, that is, without donor or other restrictions limiting their use, within one year of September 30, 2024, are:<br />Cash and cash equivalents $580,360.65<br />Investments 50,934.96<br />Other assets 2,024.30<br />Total financial assets, at year end 633,319.91<br />Less those unavailable for general expenditures within on year, due to:<br />Contractual or donor-imposed restrictions<br />Restricted by donor with time or purpose restrictions 31,159.19<br />Financial assets available to meet cash needs for general expenditures within one year $602,160.72<br /><br /><strong>Note 15 – Net Assets with Donor Restrictions</strong><br />The Organization has $31,159.19 net assets with donor restrictions at September 30, 2024.<br />Restricted Purpose Amount<br />Chapter and Affiliates $5,957.93<br />Food Insecurity Grant 10,594.00<br />History Project 8,360.01<br />Lynn Riggs/Kitchen 1,789.37<br />Van Insurance 1,167.75<br />Rainbow Room 2,500.00<br />Various &gt;$2K 790.13<br />Total $31,159.19<br /><br /><strong>Note 16 – Evaluation of Subsequent Events</strong><br />The Organization has evaluated subsequent events through May 7, 2025, the date which the financial statements were available to be issued, and no additional disclosures are required.<br /><br />15 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 [2025] OKEQ Financial Statements and Auditor's Report from September 2024 Subject The topic of the resource Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. Financial Statements and Accompanying Independent Auditor's Report for the Year Ended September 30, 2024 with Comparative Totals for 2023 Description An account of the resource 15 pages of Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ)'s financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2024, with an independent auditor's report done by Ober & Littlefield and comparative totals for the year of 2023. Issued on May 7, 2025. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://okeq.org/bylaws/ Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource May 7, 2025 2024 2025 auditor's report Board President Board President Whitney Cipolla Board Secretary Board Secretary Kaylyn Compton Board Vice President Board Vice President Paula Shannon Eddie Carreno Financial financial statements Grace Fallon independent auditor's report Julia Fletcher Kasey Rhone Kaylyn Compton Liz Ortiz Lollie Moore Mark Bonney Ober & Littlefield Ober and Littlefield OkEq OKEQ Board OKEQ Board of Directors OKEQ financials OKEQ President of the Board OKEQ Secretary of the Board OKEQ Treasurer of the Board Oklahomans for Equality Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) Oklahomans for Equality Board Paula Shannon statement of activity Stephen Haney Whitney Cipolla William Mark Bonney Yonah Jasper Zoe Brett https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/66fc35b404b61682ae133f181178a1fd.pdf 4ec43730f9635dfd1d6f91a3495b4b5f PDF Text Text ����������������������������������� https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/69fcc05087040f4bec383f9eb90d1e61.pdf b4496951fab1b4148f7565deef59fa20 PDF Text Text �������������������������������������������� https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/31227bab2e3f67e37b593a5738dfe3c7.pdf 56f1a9863d72ed7f9f7889a947e3a9e9 PDF Text Text �������������������������������������������� https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/731abe33d904a6d66283dc7bbbf58e26.pdf 44312a8ba8a35d04f3cad91a0a09e308 PDF Text Text ��������������������������������������� https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/f4709928045816d843f51c7dda2e6c01.pdf 08d1ac1a65618d89f6b87e6c9430cf9d PDF Text Text ���������������������������������������� https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/997f4d12142096ba9d7d5dab33a88238.pdf 45bad35b79f8f1ba27486bcdee108c0f PDF Text Text Form D Employer identification number 73­1300864 Initial return Doing business as Final return/terminated E Telephone number Amended return Application pending Number and street (or P.O. box if mail is not delivered to street address) Room/suite P O BOX 2687 City or town, state or province, country, and ZIP or foreign postal code TULSA, OK 74101 G Gross receipts $ 882,512 F Name and address of principal officer: TOBY Q JENKINS Tax­exempt status: Website: Open to Public Inspection , and ending 09­30­2020 C Name of organization OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY INC Name change J 2019 Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information. For the 2019 calendar year, or tax year beginning 10­01­2019 B Check if applicable: Address change I 0047 Under section 501(c), 527, or 4947(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code (except private foundations) Do not enter social security numbers on this form as it may be made public. Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service A OMB No. 1545­ Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax 990 501(c)(3) 501(c) ( ) H(a) Is this a group return for subordinates? H(b) Are all subordinates included? (insert no.) 4947(a)(1) or Corporation No No If "No," attach a list. (see instructions) 527 H(c) Group exemption number WWW.OKEQ.ORG K Form of organization: Yes Yes Trust Association L Year of formation: 1980 Other M State of legal domicile: OK Summary Part I 1 Briefly describe the organization’s mission or most significant activities: OKEQ SEEKS EQUAL RIGHTS FOR LGBTQ+ INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES THROUGH INTERSECTIONAL ADVOCACY, EDUCATION, PROGRAMS, ALLIANCES AND THE OPERATION OF THE DENNIS R NEILL EQUALITY CENTER. if the organization discontinued its operations or disposed of more than 25% of its net assets. 2 Check this box 3 Number of voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1a) . . . . . . . . 3 12 4 Number of independent voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1b) 12 . . . . . 4 5 Total number of individuals employed in calendar year 2019 (Part V, line 2a) . . . . . . 5 11 6 Total number of volunteers (estimate if necessary) . . . . . . 6 275 7a 0 7a . . . . . . Total unrelated business revenue from Part VIII, column (C), line 12 b Net unrelated business taxable income from Form 990­T, line 39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7b Prior Year 8 Contributions and grants (Part VIII, line 1h) . . . . . . . . . 9 Program service revenue (Part VIII, line 2g) . . . . . . . . . 10 Investment income (Part VIII, column (A), lines 3, 4, and 7d ) . . . . 11 Other revenue (Part VIII, column (A), lines 5, 6d, 8c, 9c, 10c, and 11e) 12 Total revenue—add lines 8 through 11 (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12) 13 Grants and similar amounts paid (Part IX, column (A), lines 1–3 ) . 14 Benefits paid to or for members (Part IX, column (A), line 4) . 15 Salaries, other compensation, employee benefits (Part IX, column (A), lines 5–10) 16a Professional fundraising fees (Part IX, column (A), line 11e) b Total fundraising expenses (Part IX, column (D), line 25) . . . . . 936,077 842,043 8,968 11,249 0 15,049 9,762 960,094 863,054 . 0 . . . . 0 232,530 309,156 . 0 36,089 17 Other expenses (Part IX, column (A), lines 11a–11d, 11f–24e) . 18 Total expenses. Add lines 13–17 (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25) 19 Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 18 from line 12 . . . . . . . . . 692,467 548,663 924,997 857,819 . 35,097 5,235 Beginning of Current Year 20 Total assets (Part X, line 16) . 21 Total liabilities (Part X, line 26) . 22 Net assets or fund balances. Subtract line 21 from line 20 . Part II . . . . . . . . . 0 Current Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . End of Year 1,756,829 . . 1,864,117 22,615 124,668 1,734,214 1,739,449 Signature Block Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this return, including accompanying schedules and statements, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, it is true, correct, and complete. Declaration of preparer (other than officer) is based on all information of which preparer has any knowledge. 2021­08­13 Date Signature of officer Sign Here PAUL ALLEN TREASURER Type or print name and title Print/Type preparer's name Paid Preparer Use Only Preparer's signature Firm's name Kelly Kirby CPA PC Firm's address 4815 S Harvard Ave Ste 525 Date PTIN if 2021­08­14 Check P00319981 self­employed Firm's EIN 73­1440529 Phone no. (918) 747­5466 TULSA, OK 741353069 May the IRS discuss this return with the preparer shown above? (see instructions) For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the separate instructions. . . . . . . . Cat. No. 11282Y . . . Yes No Form 990 (2019) �Page 2 Form 990 (2019) Part III Statement of Program Service Accomplishments Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part III . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Briefly describe the organization’s mission: OKEQ SEEKS EQUAL RIGHTS FOR LGBTQ+ INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES THROUGH INTERSECTIONAL ADVOCACY, EDUCATION, PROGRAMS, ALLIANCES AND THE OPERATION OF THE DENNIS R NEILL EQUALITY CENTER. 2 Did the organization undertake any significant program services during the year which were not listed on the prior Form 990 or 990­EZ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes No . . Yes No If "Yes," describe these new services on Schedule O. 3 Did the organization cease conducting, or make significant changes in how it conducts, any program services? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . If "Yes," describe these changes on Schedule O. 4 4a Describe the organization’s program service accomplishments for each of its three largest program services, as measured by expenses. Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations are required to report the amount of grants and allocations to others, the total expenses, and revenue, if any, for each program service reported. (Code: ) (Expenses $ 695,233 including grants of $ ) (Revenue $ ) MINORITY COMMUNITY CENTER OPERATION, CULTURAL AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND EVENT FACILITATION INCLUDING:COUNSELING AND WELLNESS PROGRAMS. PROVIDING FREE LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING SERVICES. MORE THAN 30 PEER LED SUPPORT GROUPS FOR INDIVIDUALS DEALING WITH POST TRAUMATIC STRESS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION IDENTITY ACCEPTANCE, DEPRESSION, EATING DISORDERS, GRIEF RECOVERY, TRANSGENDER ISSUES, DIVORCE AND RELATIONSHIP CHALLENGES, SUBSTANCE ABUSE, AND HEALTH CHALLENGES.TRANSGENDER SERVICES AND PROGRAMS. PROVIDING MEDICAL REFERRALS AND LIMITED MEDICAL SERVICES, MENTAL HEALTH REFERRALS, LEGAL SERVICES AND 5 DIFFERENT PEER LED SUPPORT GROUPS FOR INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR FAMILIES WHO IDENTIFY AS TRANSGENDER. LGBT OLDER ADULT PROGRAM. PROVIDING MEDICAL REFERRALS, MENTAL HEALTH REFERRALS, LEGAL SERVICES, WEEKLY CHECK INS, ADVOCATING FOR THOSE LIVING IN ASSISTED LIVING CENTERS, AND SOCIAL PROGRAMMING FOR LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER SENIOR ADULTS. 4b (Code: ) (Expenses $ including grants of $ ) (Revenue $ ) 4c (Code: ) (Expenses $ including grants of $ ) (Revenue $ ) 4d Other program services (Describe in Schedule O.) (Expenses $ 4e Total program service expenses including grants of $ ) (Revenue $ ) 695,233 Form 990 (2019) �Page 3 Form 990 (2019) Part IV Checklist of Required Schedules Yes 1 Is the organization described in section 501(c)(3) or 4947(a)(1) (other than a private foundation)? If "Yes," complete Schedule A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No Yes 1 2 Is the organization required to complete Schedule B, Schedule of Contributors (see instructions)? . 2 3 Did the organization engage in direct or indirect political campaign activities on behalf of or in opposition to candidates for public office? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part I . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 4 Section 501(c)(3) organizations. Did the organization engage in lobbying activities, or have a section 501(h) election in effect during the tax year? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part II . . . . . . . . . 4 5 Is the organization a section 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), or 501(c)(6) organization that receives membership dues, assessments, or similar amounts as defined in Revenue Procedure 98­19? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part III . . 5 Did the organization maintain any donor advised funds or any similar funds or accounts for which donors have the right to provide advice on the distribution or investment of amounts in such funds or accounts? If "Yes," complete Schedule D,Part I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Did the organization receive or hold a conservation easement, including easements to preserve open space, the environment, historic land areas, or historic structures? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part II . . . . 7 No 8 No 9 No 6 7 . . 8 Did the organization maintain collections of works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Did the organization report an amount in Part X, line 21 for escrow or custodial account liability; serve as a custodian for amounts not listed in Part X; or provide credit counseling, debt management, credit repair, or debt negotiation services? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part IV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Did the organization, directly or through a related organization, hold assets in temporarily restricted endowments, permanent endowments, or quasi endowments? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part V . . . . . . 11 If the organization’s answer to any of the following questions is "Yes," then complete Schedule D, Parts VI, VII, VIII, IX, or X as applicable. Yes No Yes No No 10 Yes 11a Yes a Did the organization report an amount for land, buildings, and equipment in Part X, line 10? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part VI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b Did the organization report an amount for investments—other securities in Part X, line 12 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part VII . . . . . . . 11b No Did the organization report an amount for investments—program related in Part X, line 13 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part VIII . . . . . . . 11c No 11d No 11e No c d Did the organization report an amount for other assets in Part X, line 15 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part IX . . . . . . . . . . . . e Did the organization report an amount for other liabilities in Part X, line 25? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part X f Did the organization’s separate or consolidated financial statements for the tax year include a footnote that addresses the organization’s liability for uncertain tax positions under FIN 48 (ASC 740)? 11f "Yes," complete Schedule Part X independent audited financial statements for the tax year? If "Yes," complete 12a If Did the organization obtainD, separate, 12a Schedule D, Parts XI and XII . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b Was the organization included in consolidated, independent audited financial statements for the tax year? If "Yes," and if the organization answered "No" to line 12a, then completing Schedule D, Parts XI and XII is optional 13 Is the organization a school described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii)? If "Yes," complete Schedule E 14a Did the organization maintain an office, employees, or agents outside of the United States? . . . . . b Did the organization have aggregate revenues or expenses of more than $10,000 from grantmaking, fundraising, business, investment, and program service activities outside the United States, or aggregate foreign investments valued at $100,000 or more? If "Yes," complete Schedule F, Parts I and IV . the . organization . . . . report . .on Part . 15 Did IX, column (A), line 3, more than $5,000 of grants or other assistance to or for any foreign organization? If “Yes,” complete Schedule F, Parts II and IV . 16 . . . . Did the organization report on Part IX, column (A), line 3, more than $5,000 of aggregate grants or other assistance to or for foreign individuals? If “Yes,” complete Schedule F, Parts III and IV . . . No No 12b No 13 No 14a No 14b No 15 No 16 No No 17 Did the organization report a total of more than $15,000 of expenses for professional fundraising services on Part IX, column (A), lines 6 and 11e? If "Yes," complete Schedule G, Part I(see instructions) . . . . 17 18 Did the organization report more than $15,000 total of fundraising event gross income and contributions on Part VIII, lines 1c and 8a? If "Yes," complete Schedule G, Part II . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Did the organization report more than $15,000 of gross income from gaming activities on Part VIII, line 9a? I f "Yes," complete Schedule G, Part III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 No 20a No 19 20a Did the organization operate one or more hospital facilities? If "Yes," complete Schedule H . . . . b If "Yes" to line 20a, did the organization attach a copy of its audited financial statements to this return? 21 Did the organization report more than $5,000 of grants or other assistance to any domestic organization or domestic government on Part IX, column (A), line 1? If “Yes,” complete Schedule I, Parts I and II . . . . . Yes 20b 21 No Form 990 (2019) �Page 4 Form 990 (2019) Part IV Checklist of Required Schedules (continued) Yes No 22 Did the organization report more than $5,000 of grants or other assistance to or for domestic individuals on Part IX, column (A), line 2? If “Yes,” complete Schedule I, Parts I and III . . . . . . . . 22 No 23 Did the organization answer "Yes" to Part VII, Section A, line 3, 4, or 5 about compensation of the organization’s current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, and highest compensated employees? If "Yes," complete Schedule J . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 No 24a Did the organization have a tax­exempt bond issue with an outstanding principal amount of more than $100,000 as of the last day of the year, that was issued after December 31, 2002? If “Yes,” answer lines 24b through 24d and complete Schedule K. If “No,” go to line 25a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b Did the organization invest any proceeds of tax­exempt bonds beyond a temporary period exception? . c . . 24b Did the organization maintain an escrow account other than a refunding escrow at any time during the year to defease any tax­exempt bonds? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24c d Did the organization act as an "on behalf of" issuer for bonds outstanding at any time during the year? . . . 25a Section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations. Did the organization engage in an excess benefit transaction with a disqualified person during the year? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part I . . . . 24d 25a No 25b No former officer, director, trustee, key employee, creator or founder, substantial contributor, or 35% controlled entity or family member of any of these persons? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, aPart II or . other . . assistance . . . to .any. current . . or .former officer, director, trustee, key Did the organization provide grant 26 No employee, creator or founder, substantial contributor, or employee thereof, a grant selection committee member, or to a 35% controlled entity (including an employee thereof) or family member of any of these persons? If "Yes," completeSchedule L,Part III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 No 28a No b Is the organization aware that it engaged in an excess benefit transaction with a disqualified person in a prior year, and that the transaction has not been reported on any of the organization’s prior Forms 990 or 990­EZ? I f "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part I . the . organization . . . . report . .any. amount . . on. Part . X,. line . 5 .or 22 . for . receivables . . . . . or payables to any current or 26 Did from 27 28 No 24a Was the organization a party to a business transaction with one of the following parties (see Schedule L, Part IV instructions for applicable filing thresholds, conditions, and exceptions): a A current or former officer, director, trustee, key employee, creator or founder, or substantial contributor? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part IV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b A family member of any individual described in line 28a? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part IV . . . . . 28b No A 35% controlled entity of one or more individuals and/or organizations described in lines 28a or 28b? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part IV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28c No 29 Did the organization receive more than $25,000 in non­cash contributions? If "Yes," complete Schedule M . . 29 No 30 Did the organization receive contributions of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets, or qualified conservation contributions? If "Yes," complete Schedule M .terminate, . . . or dissolve . . . and . cease . . operations? . . . If."Yes," . complete . . Did the organization liquidate, Schedule N, Part I 30 No 31 No 32 No 33 No 34 No 35a No c 31 32 33 34 Did the organization sell, exchange, dispose of, or transfer more than 25% of its net assets? If "Yes," complete Schedule N, Part II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Did the organization own 100% of an entity disregarded as separate from the organization under Regulations sections 301.7701­2 and 301.7701­3? If "Yes," Schedule R, Part I .tax­exempt . . . or. taxable . . entity? . . If ."Yes," . complete . Was the complete organization related to any Schedule R, Part II, III, or IV, and Part V, line 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35a Did the organization have a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)? b If ‘Yes’ to line 35a, did the organization receive any payment from or engage in any transaction with a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)? If "Yes," complete Schedule R, Part V, line 2 . . . 36 37 38 35b Section 501(c)(3) organizations. Did the organization make any transfers to an exempt non­charitable related organization? If "Yes," complete Schedule R, Part V, line 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 No Did the organization conduct more than 5% of its activities through an entity that is not a related organization and that is treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes? If "Yes," complete Schedule R, Part VI 37 No Did the organization complete Schedule O and provide explanations in Schedule O for Part VI, lines 11b and 19? Note. All Form 990 filers are required to complete Schedule O. . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Part V Statements Regarding Other IRS Filings and Tax Compliance Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part V . . . . . . . . Yes . . Yes 1a Enter the number reported in Box 3 of Form 1096. Enter ­0­ if not applicable . . b Enter the number of Forms W­2G included in line 1a. Enter ­0­ if not applicable c . 1a 19 1b 0 Did the organization comply with backup withholding rules for reportable payments to vendors and reportable gaming (gambling) winnings to prize winners? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1c . No Yes Form 990 (2019) �Page 5 Form 990 (2019) Part V Statements Regarding Other IRS Filings and Tax Compliance (continued) 2a Enter the number of employees reported on Form W­3, Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements, filed for the calendar year ending with or within the year covered by this return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2a 11 2b b If at least one is reported on line 2a, did the organization file all required federal employment tax returns? Note. If the sum of lines 1a and 2a is greater than 250, you may be required to e­file (see instructions) 3a Did the organization have unrelated business gross income of $1,000 or more during the year? . . . b If “Yes,” has it filed a Form 990­T for this year? If “No” to line 3b, provide an explanation in Schedule O . . Yes 3a No . 3b 4a At any time during the calendar year, did the organization have an interest in, or a signature or other authority over, a financial account in a foreign country (such as a bank account, securities account, or other financial account)? . the . name of the foreign country: b If "Yes," enter See instructions for filing requirements for FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts 5a (FBAR). Was the organization a party to a prohibited tax shelter transaction at any time during the tax year? . . 4a No 5a No b Did any taxable party notify the organization that it was or is a party to a prohibited tax shelter transaction? 5b No c 5c If "Yes," to line 5a or 5b, did the organization file Form 8886­T? . . . . . . . . . . . . 6a Does the organization have annual gross receipts that are normally greater than $100,000, and did the organization solicit any contributions that were not tax deductible as charitable contributions? . . . 6a b If "Yes," did the organization include with every solicitation an express statement that such contributions or gifts were not tax deductible? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 No 6b Organizations that may receive deductible contributions under section 170(c). a Did the organization receive a payment in excess of $75 made partly as a contribution and partly for goods and services provided to the payor? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7a Yes b If "Yes," did the organization notify the donor of the value of the goods or services provided? 7b Yes c d If "Yes," indicate the number of Forms 8282 filed during the year e . . . . . Did the organization sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of tangible personal property for which it was required to file Form 8282? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Did the organization, during the year, pay premiums, directly or indirectly, on a personal benefit contract? . . g If the organization received a contribution of qualified intellectual property, did the organization file Form 8899 as required? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . h If the organization received a contribution of cars, boats, airplanes, or other vehicles, did the organization file a Form 1098­C? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Sponsoring organizations maintaining donor advised funds. Did a donor advised fund maintained by the sponsoring organization have excess business holdings at any time during the year? . . . organizations . . . . maintaining . Sponsoring donor advised funds. a Did the sponsoring organization make any taxable distributions under section 4966? . . . . . . . . b Did the sponsoring organization make a distribution to a donor, donor advisor, or related person? . 10 7e No 7f No 7g No 7h 8 9a . . 9b Section 501(c)(7) organizations. Enter: a Initiation fees and capital contributions included on Part VIII, line 12 . . . 10a b Gross receipts, included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12, for public use of club facilities 11 Section 501(c)(12) organizations. Enter: a Gross income from members or shareholders . . . . . . . . 10b . 11a b Gross income from other sources (Do not net amounts due or paid to other sources against amounts due or received from them.) . . . . . . . . . . 11b 12a Section 4947(a)(1) non­exempt charitable trusts. Is the organization filing Form 990 in lieu of Form 1041? b If "Yes," enter the amount of tax­exempt interest received or accrued during the year. 13 No Did the organization receive any funds, directly or indirectly, to pay premiums on a personal benefit contract? f 8 7c 7d 12a 12b Section 501(c)(29) qualified nonprofit health insurance issuers. a Is the organization licensed to issue qualified health plans in more than one state? . . . . . . . . . Note. See the instructions for additional information the organization must report on Schedule O. b Enter the amount of reserves the organization is required to maintain by the states in which the organization is licensed to issue qualified health plans . . . . 13b c 13c Enter the amount of reserves on hand . . . . . . . . . . . . 14a Did the organization receive any payments for indoor tanning services during the tax year? . . . 14a b If "Yes," has it filed a Form 720 to report these payments?If "No," provide an explanation in Schedule O . . 14b 15 16 . 13a . Is the organization subject to the section 4960 tax on payment(s) of more than $1,000,000 in remuneration or excess parachute payment(s) during the year? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . If "Yes," Is the organization see instructions an educational and file Form institution 4720, subject Schedule to N. the section 4968 excise tax on net investment income? . . If "Yes," complete Form 4720, Schedule O. No 15 No 16 No Form 990 (2019) �Page 6 Form 990 (2019) Part VI Governance, Management, and Disclosure For each "Yes" response to lines 2 through 7b below, and for a "No" response to lines 8a, 8b, or 10b below, describe the circumstances, processes, or changes in Schedule O. See instructions. Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part VI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Section A. Governing Body and Management Yes 1a Enter the number of voting members of the governing body at the end of the tax year If there are material differences in voting rights among members of the governing 1a 12 1b 12 No body, or if the governing body delegated broad authority to an executive committee or similar committee, explain in Schedule O. b Enter the number of voting members included in line 1a, above, who are independent 2 Did any officer, director, trustee, or key employee have a family relationship or a business relationship with any other officer, director, trustee, or key employee? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Did the organization delegate control over management duties customarily performed by or under the direct supervision of officers, directors or trustees, or key employees to a management company or other person? 4 . 5 Did the organization make any significant changes to its governing documents since the prior Form 990 was filed? Did the. organization become aware during the year of a significant diversion of the organization’s assets? . 6 Did the organization have members or stockholders? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No 3 No 4 No 5 . 7a Did the organization have members, stockholders, or other persons who had the power to elect or appoint one or more members of the governing body? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b Are any governance decisions of the organization reserved to (or subject to approval by) members, stockholders, or persons other than the governing body? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 2 No 6 Yes 7a Yes 7b No Did the organization contemporaneously document the meetings held or written actions undertaken during the year by the following: a The governing body? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b Each committee with authority to act on behalf of the governing body? . . . . . . . . . . . . Is there any officer, director, trustee, or key employee listed in Part VII, Section A, who cannot be reached at the organization’s mailing address? If "Yes," provide the names and addresses in Schedule O . . . . . . . 8a Yes 8b Yes 9 9 No Section B. Policies (This Section B requests information about policies not required by the Internal Revenue Code.) Yes 10a Did the organization have local chapters, branches, or affiliates? . . . . . . . . . . . . 10a b If "Yes," did the organization have written policies and procedures governing the activities of such chapters, affiliates, and branches to ensure their operations are consistent with the organization's exempt purposes? 10b 11a Has the organization provided a complete copy of this Form 990 to all members of its governing body before filing 11a the form? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b Describe in Schedule O the process, if any, used by the organization to review this Form 990. 12a Did the organization have a written conflict of interest policy? If "No," go to line 13 . . . . . . . . . . Yes . . b Were officers, directors, or trustees, and key employees required to disclose annually interests that could give rise to conflicts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12a Yes 12b Yes Did the organization regularly and consistently monitor and enforce compliance with the policy? If "Yes," describe in Schedule O how this was done . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12c Yes 13 Did the organization have a written whistleblower policy? . . . . . . . . . . 13 Yes 14 Did the organization have a written document retention and destruction policy? . . . . . . . . . 14 Yes 15 Did the process for determining compensation of the following persons include a review and approval by independent persons, comparability data, and contemporaneous substantiation of the deliberation and decision? 15a Yes c . . . . . a The organization’s CEO, Executive Director, or top management official b Other officers or key employees of the organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No No . . 15b No 16a Did the organization invest in, contribute assets to, or participate in a joint venture or similar arrangement with a taxable entity during the year? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16a No b If "Yes," did the organization follow a written policy or procedure requiring the organization to evaluate its participation in joint venture arrangements under applicable federal tax law, and take steps to safeguard the organization’s exempt status with respect to such arrangements? . . . . . . . . . . . . 16b If "Yes" to line 15a or 15b, describe the process in Schedule O (see instructions). Section C. Disclosure 17 List the states with which a copy of this Form 990 is required to be filed 18 Section 6104 requires an organization to make its Form 1023 (or 1024­A if applicable), 990, and 990­T (501(c)(3)s only) available for public inspection. Indicate how you made these available. Check all that apply. 19 Describe in Schedule O whether (and if so, how) the organization made its governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements available to the public during the tax year. 20 State the name, address, and telephone number of the person who possesses the organization's books and records: PAUL ALLEN P O BOX 2687 T U L S A, O K 7 4 1 0 1 ( 9 1 8 ) 7 4 3 ­ 4 2 9 7 OK Own website Another's website Upon request Other (explain in Schedule O) Form 990 (2019) �Page 7 Form 990 (2019) Part VII Compensation of Officers, Directors,Trustees, Key Employees, Highest Compensated Employees, and Independent Contractors Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part VII . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Section A. Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest Compensated Employees 1a Complete this table for all persons required to be listed. Report compensation for the calendar year ending with or within the organization’s tax year. List all of the organization’s current officers, directors, trustees (whether individuals or organizations), regardless of amount of compensation. Enter ­0­ in columns (D), (E), and (F) if no compensation was paid. List all of the organization’s current key employees, if any. See instructions for definition of "key employee." List the organization’s five current highest compensated employees (other than an officer, director, trustee or key employee) who received reportable compensation (Box 5 of Form W­2 and/or Box 7 of Form 1099­MISC) of more than $100,000 from the organization and any related organizations. List all of the organization’s former officers, key employees, or highest compensated employees who received more than $100,000 of reportable compensation from the organization and any related organizations. List all of the organization’s former directors or trustees that received, in the capacity as a former director or trustee of the organization, more than $10,000 of reportable compensation from the organization and any related organizations. See instructions for the order in which to list the persons above. Check this box if neither the organization nor any related organization compensated any current officer, director, or trustee. (A) Name and title (B) Average hours per week (list any hours for related organizations below dotted line) (1) PAUL ALLEN ...................................................................... TREASURER 15.00 ................. (2) KIRK HOLT ...................................................................... TRUSTEE 5.00 ................. (3) DAN BURNSTEIN ...................................................................... TRUSTEE 5.00 ................. (4) AL TRIGGS ...................................................................... DIRECTOR 5.00 ................. (5) SHAWNA BAKER ...................................................................... TRUSTEE 5.00 ................. (6) KRIS WILMES ...................................................................... TRUSTEE 5.00 ................. (7) CHRISTOPHER BRECHT­SMITH ...................................................................... PRESIDENT 15.00 ................. (8) DARCY HAZELWOOD ...................................................................... AT LARGE 10.00 ................. (9) ROBIN VANMETER ...................................................................... DIRECTOR 5.00 ................. (10) LAURA ARROWSMITH ...................................................................... DIRECTOR 5.00 ................. (11) WILL VAUGHN ...................................................................... SECRETARY 10.00 ................. (12) ALLISON IKLEY­FREEMAN ...................................................................... DIRECTOR 5.00 ................. (13) STACY TURNER ...................................................................... VICE PRESIDENT 10.00 ................. (14) ANGELYN DALE ...................................................................... DIRECTOR 5.00 ................. (15) BOB HANSON ...................................................................... DIRECTOR 5.00 ................. (16) COREY THOMPSON ...................................................................... DIRECTOR 5.00 ................. (17) TOBY Q JENKINS ...................................................................... CEOEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 69.00 ................. (C) Position (do not check more than one box, unless person is both an officer and a director/trustee) X X (D) Reportable compensation from the organization (W­2/1099­ MISC) (E) Reportable compensation from related organizations (W­2/1099­ MISC) (F) Estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations 0 0 0 X 0 0 0 X 0 0 0 X 0 0 0 X 0 0 0 X 0 0 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 X X 0 0 0 X X 0 0 0 X 0 0 0 X 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 X 0 0 0 X 0 0 0 X 0 0 0 63,500 0 13,606 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 X X 0.00 X 0.00 X X 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 X 0.00 Form 990 (2019) �Page 8 Form 990 (2019) Section A. Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest Compensated Employees (continued) Part VII (A) Name and title 1b Sub­Total . . . . (B) Average hours per week (list any hours for related organizations below dotted line) . . . . . . . (C) Position (do not check more than one box, unless person is both an officer and a director/trustee) . . . . . . . d Total (add lines 1b and 1c) . . . . . . . . . . (E) Reportable compensation from related organizations (W­2/1099­ MISC) (F) Estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations . c Total from continuation sheets to Part VII, Section A . . (D) Reportable compensation from the organization (W­ 2/1099­MISC) 63,500 0 13,606 2 Total number of individuals (including but not limited to those listed above) who received more than $100,000 of reportable compensation from the organization 0 3 Did the organization list any former officer, director or trustee, key employee, or highest compensated employee on line 1a? If "Yes," complete Schedule J for such individual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 No 4 For any individual listed on line 1a, is the sum of reportable compensation and other compensation from the organization and related organizations greater than $150,000? If "Yes," complete Schedule J for such individual 4 No 5 No Yes . 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Did any person listed on line 1a receive or accrue compensation from any unrelated organization or individual for services rendered to the organization?If "Yes," complete Schedule J for such person . . . . . . . . No Section B. Independent Contractors 1 Complete this table for your five highest compensated independent contractors that received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization. Report compensation for the calendar year ending with or within the organization’s tax year. (A) Name and business address (B) Description of services (C) Compensation 2 Total number of independent contractors (including but not limited to those listed above) who received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization Form 990 (2019) �Page 9 Form 990 (2019) Statement of Revenue Part VIII Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part VIII . (A) Total revenue 1a Federated campaigns . b Membership dues . . . . . . . . (C) Unrelated business revenue . . . . . (D) Revenue excluded from tax under sections 512 ­ 514 1a . c Fundraising events . . (B) Related or exempt function revenue 1b . 230,400 1c d Related organizations 1d e Government grants (contributions) 1e f All other contributions, gifts, grants, and similar amounts not included above g Noncash contributions included in lines 1a ­ 1f:$ h Total. Add lines 1a­1f . 611,643 1f 1g . . . . . . 842,043 Business Code 2a b c d e f All other program service revenue. g Total. Add lines 2a–2f. . . . . 3 Investment income (including dividends, interest, and other . . . tax­exempt . . . 4 similar Incomeamounts) from investment of bond proceeds 5 Royalties . . . . . . . . . . (i) Real 6a Gross rents 6a Less: rental expenses 6b b c Rental 6c income or d (loss) Net rental income or (loss) . from sales of assets other than inventory 11,249 3,693 3,693 . (ii) Personal . . . . (i) Securities 7a Gross amount 11,249 . . (ii) Other 7a b Less: cost or other basis and sales expenses 7b c Gain or (loss) 7c d Net gain or (loss) . . . . . . . . . 8a Gross income from fundraising events (not including $ 230,400 of contributions reported on line 1c). See Part IV, line 18 . . . . 16,367 8a 12,674 b Less: direct expenses 8b . income . . or (loss) from fundraising events . c Net . 9a Gross income from gaming activities. 9a See Part IV, line 19 . . . b Less: direct expenses 9b . income . . or (loss) from gaming activities . c Net 10a Gross sales of inventory, less returns and allowances . . . 12,853 10a 6,784 b Less: cost of goods sold 10b . . c Net income or (loss) from sales of inventory . Miscellaneous Revenue . 6,069 6,069 863,054 6,069 Business Code 11a b c d All other revenue . . e Total. Add lines 11a–11d . . . . 12 Total revenue. See instructions . . . . . . . . . 0 14,942 Form 990 (2019) �Page 10 Form 990 (2019) Part IX Statement of Functional Expenses Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations must complete all columns. All other organizations must complete column (A). Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part IX . Do not include amounts reported on lines 6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, and 10b of Part VIII. (A) Total expenses . . . (B) Program service expenses . . . . . . (C) Management and general expenses . . . . (D) Fundraising expenses 1 Grants and other assistance to domestic organizations and domestic governments. See Part IV, line 21 . . . . 2 Grants and other assistance to domestic individuals. See Part IV, line 22 . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Grants and other assistance to foreign organizations, foreign governments, and foreign individuals. See Part IV, lines 15 and 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Benefits paid to or for members . . . . . . . 63,500 47,625 12,700 3,175 191,410 143,558 38,282 9,570 8 Pension plan accruals and contributions (include section 401(k) and 403(b) employer contributions) . . . . 7,000 5,250 1,400 350 9 Other employee benefits 26,423 19,817 5,285 1,321 20,823 15,617 4,165 1,041 19,000 14,419 3,620 961 28,299 28,299 . 46,787 35,090 9,358 2,339 . 3,064 2,451 613 71,961 53,971 14,392 3,598 47,937 47,937 4,509 4,509 101,235 75,926 20,247 5,062 24,448 18,336 4,890 1,222 152,776 152,776 b ADVOCACY 2,603 2,603 c IN KIND EXPENSE 16,709 5,288 5,421 6,000 5 Compensation of current officers, directors, trustees, and key employees . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Compensation not included above, to disqualified persons (as defined under section 4958(f)(1)) and persons described in section 4958(c)(3)(B) . . . . . . . . . 7 Other salaries and wages . 10 Payroll taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Fees for services (non­employees): a Management . . . . . . b Legal . . . . . . . . c Accounting d Lobbying . . . . . . . . . . 225 . . . . . . . . . . . . 225 . e Professional fundraising services. See Part IV, line 17 f Investment management fees . . . . . . g Other (If line 11g amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column (A) amount, list line 11g expenses on Schedule O) 12 Advertising and promotion 13 Office expenses . . . 14 Information technology 15 Royalties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Occupancy 17 Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Payments of travel or entertainment expenses for any federal, state, or local public officials . 19 Conferences, conventions, and meetings 20 Interest . . . . 21 Payments to affiliates . . . . . . . . . . 22 Depreciation, depletion, and amortization 23 Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Other expenses. Itemize expenses not covered above (List miscellaneous expenses in line 24e. If line 24e amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column (A) amount, list line 24e expenses on Schedule O.) a CENTER PROGRAMS d e All other expenses 25 Total functional expenses. Add lines 1 through 24e 29,110 21,761 5,899 1,450 857,819 695,233 126,497 36,089 26 Joint costs. Complete this line only if the organization reported in column (B) joint costs from a combined educational campaign and fundraising solicitation. Check here if following SOP 98­2 (ASC 958­720). Form 990 (2019) �Page 11 Form 990 (2019) Part X Balance Sheet Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part IX . . . . . . . . . (A) Beginning of year 1 2 Cash–non­interest­bearing . . . . . . . 2,000 . 3 Savings and temporary cash investments . . . . . . . . . Pledges and grants receivable, net . . 4 Accounts receivable, net 5 7 Loans and other payables to any current or former officer, director, trustee, key employee, creator or founder, substantial contributor, or 35% controlled entity or family member of any of these persons Loans . . and . other . .receivables . . from other disqualified persons (as defined under section 4958(f)(1)), and persons described in section 4958(c)(3)(B) . . . Notes and loans receivable, net . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Inventories for sale or use 9 Prepaid expenses and deferred charges 6 10a b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,213,344 Less: accumulated depreciation 10b 709,943 12 Investments—other securities. See Part IV, line 11 13 Investments—program­related. See Part IV, line 11 14 Intangible assets 15 2,000 2 10,500 3 7,000 4 5 6 7 8 1,561,596 . 10c . . . . . 16 Other assets. See Part IV, line 11 . .assets. . . Add . lines . .1 through . . . (must . Total 15 equal line 34) . . . 17 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 18 Grants payable 19 Deferred revenue 20 Tax­exempt bond liabilities 21 Escrow or custodial account liability. Complete Part IV of Schedule D 21 22 22 23 Loans and other payables to any current or former officer, director, trustee, key employee, creator or founder, substantial contributor, or 35% controlled entity or family member of any of these persons . . . . . . . . . Secured mortgages and notes payable to unrelated third parties . . 24 Unsecured notes and loans payable to unrelated third parties 24 25 Other liabilities (including federal income tax, payables to related third parties, and other liabilities not included on lines 17 ­ 24). Complete Part X of Schedule D 26 Total liabilities. Add lines 17 through 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50,752 . . . . . . . 28 61,989 14 1,756,829 16 1,864,117 22,615 17 568 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 . . . . 20 . . 124,100 25 22,615 26 124,668 1,701,660 27 1,706,895 32,554 28 32,554 and complete lines 27, 28, 32, and 33. Net assets without donor restrictions . . . . . . . . . . Net assets with donor restrictions . . . . . . . . . . . Organizations that do not follow FASB ASC 958, check here and complete lines 29 through 33. Capital stock or trust principal, or current funds 30 Paid­in or capital surplus, or land, building or equipment fund 31 Retained earnings, endowment, accumulated income, or other funds 32 Total net assets or fund balances . . . . . . . . . . . Total liabilities and net assets/fund balances . . . . . . . . . 23 . 29 33 12 15 . Organizations that follow FASB ASC 958, check here 27 1,503,401 13 . . . 13,016 11 . . . 9 10a Investments—publicly traded securities . (B) End of year 276,711 . Land, buildings, and equipment: cost or other basis. Complete Part VI of Schedule D 11 . 1 7,528 . . 124,453 . . . . . . . . 29 . . 30 31 1,734,214 32 1,756,829 33 1,739,449 1,864,117 Form 990 (2019) �Page 12 Form 990 (2019) Part XI Reconcilliation of Net Assets Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part XI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Total revenue (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12) . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 863,054 2 Total expenses (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25) . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 857,819 3 Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 2 from line 1 4 Net assets or fund balances at beginning of year (must equal Part X, line 33, column (A)) . . 5 Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments . . 6 Donated services and use of facilities 7 Investment expenses 8 Prior period adjustments 9 Other changes in net assets or fund balances (explain in Schedule O) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 7 . 8 . Net assets or fund balances at end of year. Combine lines 3 through 9 (must equal Part X, line 33, column Part(B)) XII Financial Statements and Reporting . . . 1,734,214 . 10 Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part XII . 5,235 4 5 . . 3 . . . . . . . . 9 0 10 1,739,449 . . . . . Yes 1 Accounting method used to prepare the Form 990: Cash Accrual . No Other If the organization changed its method of accounting from a prior year or checked "Other," explain in Schedule O. 2a Were the organization’s financial statements compiled or reviewed by an independent accountant? 2a No 2b No If ‘Yes,’ check a box below to indicate whether the financial statements for the year were compiled or reviewed on a separate basis, consolidated basis, or both: Separate basis Consolidated basis Both consolidated and separate basis b Were the organization’s financial statements audited by an independent accountant? If ‘Yes,’ check a box below to indicate whether the financial statements for the year were audited on a separate basis, consolidated basis, or both: Separate basis c Consolidated basis Both consolidated and separate basis If "Yes," to line 2a or 2b, does the organization have a committee that assumes responsibility for oversight of the audit, review, or compilation of its financial statements and selection of an independent accountant? 2c If the organization changed either its oversight process or selection process during the tax year, explain in Schedule O. 3a As a result of a federal award, was the organization required to undergo an audit or audits as set forth in the Single Audit Act and OMB Circular A­133? 3a b If "Yes," did the organization undergo the required audit or audits? If the organization did not undergo the required audit or audits, explain why in Schedule O and describe any steps taken to undergo such audits. 3b No Form 990 (2019) �Form 990 (2019) Additional Data Return to Form Software ID: Software Version: Form 990, Special Condition Description: Special Condition Description �SCHEDULE A (Form 990 or 990EZ) Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Name of the organization Public Charity Status and Public Support OMB No. 1545­0047 Complete if the organization is a section 501(c)(3) organization or a section 4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust. Attach to Form 990 or Form 990­EZ. Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information. 2019 Open to Public Inspection Employer identification number OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY INC 73­1300864 Part I Reason for Public Charity Status (All organizations must complete this part.) See instructions. The organization is not a private foundation because it is: (For lines 1 through 12, check only one box.) 1 A church, convention of churches, or association of churches described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(i). 2 A school described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii). (Attach Schedule E (Form 990 or 990­EZ).) 3 A hospital or a cooperative hospital service organization described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(iii). 4 A medical research organization operated in conjunction with a hospital described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(iii). Enter the hospital's name, city, and state: 5 An organization operated for the benefit of a college or university owned or operated by a governmental unit described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(iv). (Complete Part II.) 6 A federal, state, or local government or governmental unit described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(v). 7 An organization that normally receives a substantial part of its support from a governmental unit or from the general public described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi). (Complete Part II.) 8 A community trust described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi). (Complete Part II.) 9 An agricultural research organization described in 170(b)(1)(A)(ix) operated in conjunction with a land­grant college or university or a non­land grant college of agriculture. See instructions. Enter the name, city, and state of the college or university: 10 An organization that normally receives: (1) more than 331/3% of its support from contributions, membership fees, and gross receipts from activities related to its exempt functions—subject to certain exceptions, and (2) no more than 331/3% of its support from gross investment income and unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 tax) from businesses acquired by the organization after June 30, 1975. See section 509(a)(2). (Complete Part III.) 11 An organization organized and operated exclusively to test for public safety. See section 509(a)(4). 12 An organization organized and operated exclusively for the benefit of, to perform the functions of, or to carry out the purposes of one or more publicly supported organizations described in section 509(a)(1) or section 509(a)(2). See section 509(a)(3). C h e c k the box in lines 12a through 12d that describes the type of supporting organization and complete lines 12e, 12f, and 12g. a Type I. A supporting organization operated, supervised, or controlled by its supported organization(s), typically by giving the supported organization(s) the power to regularly appoint or elect a majority of the directors or trustees of the supporting organization. You must complete Part IV, Sections A and B. b Type II. A supporting organization supervised or controlled in connection with its supported organization(s), by having control or management of the supporting organization vested in the same persons that control or manage the supported organization(s). You must complete Part IV, Sections A and C. c Type III functionally integrated. A supporting organization operated in connection with, and functionally integrated with, its supported organization(s) (see instructions). You must complete Part IV, Sections A, D, and E. d Type III non­functionally integrated. A supporting organization operated in connection with its supported organization(s) that is not functionally integrated. The organization generally must satisfy a distribution requirement and an attentiveness requirement (see instructions). You must complete Part IV, Sections A and D, and Part V. e Check this box if the organization received a written determination from the IRS that it is a Type I, Type II, Type III functionally integrated, or Type III non­functionally integrated supporting organization. f g Enter the number of supported organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Provide the following information about the supported organization(s). (i) Name of supported organization (ii) E I N (iii) Type of organization (described on lines 1­ 10 above (see instructions)) (iv) Is the organization listed in your governing document? Yes (v) Amount of monetary support (see instructions) (vi) Amount of other support (see instructions) No Total For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990­EZ. Cat. No. 11285F Schedule A (Form 990 or 990­EZ) 2019 �Page 2 Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Sections 170(b)(1)(A)(iv) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) (Complete only if you checked the box on line 5, 7, or 8 of Part I or if the organization failed to qualify under Part III. If the organization failed to qualify under the tests listed below, please complete Part III.) Section A. Public Support Schedule A (Form 990 or 990­EZ) 2019 Part II Calendar year (a) 2 0 1 5 (b) 2 0 1 6 (c) 2 0 1 7 (d) 2 0 1 8 (e) 2 0 1 9 (f) Total (or fiscal year beginning in) 1 Gifts, grants, contributions, and 675,776 1,338,258 834,790 936,077 842,043 4,626,944 membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grant.") . . 2 Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf . . . . 3 The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge.. 675,776 1,338,258 834,790 936,077 842,043 4,626,944 4 Total. Add lines 1 through 3 5 The portion of total contributions by each person (other than a governmental unit or publicly 1,288,805 supported organization) included on line 1 that exceeds 2% of the amount shown on line 11, column (f). . 6 Public support. Subtract line 5 from 3,338,139 line 4. Section B. Total Support Calendar year (a) 2 0 1 5 (b) 2 0 1 6 (c) 2 0 1 7 (d) 2 0 1 8 (e) 2 0 1 9 (f) Total (or fiscal year beginning in) 675,776 1,338,258 834,790 936,077 842,043 4,626,944 7 Amounts from line 4. . 8 Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on 9,288 15,623 6,510 8,968 11,249 51,638 securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources . . . 9 Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on. . 10 Other income. Do not include gain ­4,192 9,507 ­728 15,049 9,762 29,398 or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.). . 11 Total support. Add lines 7 through 4,707,980 10 12 Gross receipts from related activities, etc. (see instructions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 13 First five years. If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a section 501(c)(3) organization, check this box and stop here . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage 14 Public support percentage for 2019 (line 6, column (f) divided by line 11, column (f)) . . . . . . . . . 15 Public support percentage for 2018 Schedule A, Part II, line 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 70.900 % 15 73.870 % 16a 33 1/3% support test—2019. If the organization did not check the box on line 13, and line 14 is 33 1/3% or more, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b 33 1/3% support test—2018. If the organization did not check a box on line 13 or 16a, and line 15 is 33 1/3% or more, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17a 10%­facts­and­circumstances test—2019. If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, or 16b, and line 14 is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts­and­circumstances" test, check this box and stop here. Explain in Part VI how the organization meets the "facts­and­circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b 10%­facts­and­circumstances test—2018. If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, or 17a, and line 15 is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts­and­circumstances" test, check this box and stop here. Explain in Part VI how the organization meets the "facts­and­circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Private foundation. If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, 17a, or 17b, check this box and see instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Schedule A (Form 990 or 990­EZ) 2019 �Page 3 Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Section 509(a)(2) (Complete only if you checked the box on line 10 of Part I or if the organization failed to qualify under Part II. If the organization fails to qualify under the tests listed below, please complete Part II.) Section A. Public Support Schedule A (Form 990 or 990­EZ) 2019 Part III Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) 1 Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") . 2 Gross receipts from admissions, merchandise sold or services performed, or facilities furnished in any activity that is related to the organization's tax­exempt purpose 3 Gross receipts from activities that are not an unrelated trade or business under section 513 . . . . . 4 Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf . . . 5 The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge 6 Total. Add lines 1 through 5 7a Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons b Amounts included on lines 2 and 3 received from other than disqualified persons that exceed the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the amount on line 13 for the year. c Add lines 7a and 7b. . 8 Public support. (Subtract line 7c from line 6.) (a) 2 0 1 5 (b) 2 0 1 6 (c) 2 0 1 7 (d) 2 0 1 8 (e) 2 0 1 9 (f) Total Section B. Total Support Calendar year (a) 2 0 1 5 (b) 2 0 1 6 (c) 2 0 1 7 (d) 2 0 1 8 (e) 2 0 1 9 (f) Total (or fiscal year beginning in) 9 Amounts from line 6. . . 10a Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources . . b Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1 9 7 5. c Add lines 10a and 10b. 11 Net income from unrelated business activities not included in line 10b, whether or not the business is regularly carried on. 12 Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.) . . 13 Total support. (Add lines 9, 10c, 11, and 12.). . First five years. If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a section 501(c)(3) organization, 14 check this box and stop here. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage 15 Public support percentage for 2019 (line 8, column (f) divided by line 13, column (f)) . . . . . . . . . 15 16 Public support percentage from 2018 Schedule A, Part III, line 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage 17 Investment income percentage for 2019 (line 10c, column (f) divided by line 13, column (f)) . . . . . . 17 18 Investment income percentage from 2018 Schedule A, Part III, line 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 19a 331/3% support tests—2019. If the organization did not check the box on line 14, and line 15 is more than 33 1/3%, and line 17 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization . . . . . . . b 33 1/3% support tests—2018. If the organization did not check a box on line 14 or line 19a, and line 16 is more than 33 1/3% and line 18 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization . . . . 20 Private foundation. If the organization did not check a box on line 14, 19a, or 19b, check this box and see instructions . . . . Schedule A (Form 990 or 990­EZ) 2019 �Page 4 Schedule A (Form 990 or 990­EZ) 2019 Part IV Supporting Organizations (Complete only if you checked a box on line 12 of Part I. If you checked 12a of Part I, complete Sections A and B. If you checked 12b of Part I, complete Sections A and C. If you checked 12c of Part I, complete Sections A, D, and E. If you checked 12d of Part I, complete Sections A and D, and complete Part V.) Section A. All Supporting Organizations Yes 1 Are all of the organization’s supported organizations listed by name in the organization’s governing documents? If "No," describe in Part VI how the supported organizations are designated. If designated by class or purpose, describe the designation. If historic and continuing relationship, explain. 1 2 Did the organization have any supported organization that does not have an IRS determination of status under section 509(a)(1) or (2)? If "Yes," explain in Part VI how the organization determined that the supported organization was described in section 509(a)(1) or (2). 2 3a Did the organization have a supported organization described in section 501(c)(4), (5), or (6)? If "Yes," answer (b) and (c) below. b Did the organization confirm that each supported organization qualified under section 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) and satisfied the public support tests under section 509(a)(2)? If "Yes," describe in Part VI when and how the organization made the determination. c Did the organization ensure that all support to such organizations was used exclusively for section 170(c)(2)(B) purposes? If "Yes," explain in Part VI what controls the organization put in place to ensure such use. 4a Was any supported organization not organized in the United States ("foreign supported organization")? If “Yes” and if you checked 12a or 12b in Part I, answer (b) and (c) below. b Did the organization have ultimate control and discretion in deciding whether to make grants to the foreign supported organization? If “Yes,” describe in Part VI how the organization had such control and discretion despite being controlled or supervised by or in connection with its supported organizations. c 5a b c Did the organization support any foreign supported organization that does not have an IRS determination under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) or (2)? If “Yes,” explain in Part VI what controls the organization used to ensure that all support to the foreign supported organization was used exclusively for section 170(c)(2)(B) purposes. Did the organization add, substitute, or remove any supported organizations during the tax year? If “Yes,” answer (b) and (c) below (if applicable). Also, provide detail in Part VI, including (i) the names and EIN numbers of the supported organizations added, substituted, or removed; (ii) the reasons for each such action; (iii) the authority under the organization's organizing document authorizing such action; and (iv) how the action was accomplished (such as by amendment to the organizing document). Type I or Type II only. Was any added or substituted supported organization part of a class already designated in the organization's organizing document? 3a 3b 3c 4a 4b 4c 5a 5b Substitutions only. Was the substitution the result of an event beyond the organization's control? 5c 6 Did the organization provide support (whether in the form of grants or the provision of services or facilities) to anyone other than (i) its supported organizations, (ii) individuals that are part of the charitable class benefited by one or more of its supported organizations, or (iii) other supporting organizations that also support or benefit one or more of the filing organization’s supported organizations? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI. 6 7 Did the organization provide a grant, loan, compensation, or other similar payment to a substantial contributor (defined in section 4958(c)(3)(C)), a family member of a substantial contributor, or a 35% controlled entity with regard to a substantial contributor? If “Yes,” complete Part I of Schedule L (Form 990 or 990­EZ) . 7 8 Did the organization make a loan to a disqualified person (as defined in section 4958) not described in line 7? I f “Yes,” complete Part I of Schedule L (Form 990 or 990­EZ). 9a Was the organization controlled directly or indirectly at any time during the tax year by one or more disqualified persons as defined in section 4946 (other than foundation managers and organizations described in section 509(a) (1) or (2))? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI. b Did one or more disqualified persons (as defined in line 9a) hold a controlling interest in any entity in which the supporting organization had an interest? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI. c Did a disqualified person (as defined in line 9a) have an ownership interest in, or derive any personal benefit from, assets in which the supporting organization also had an interest? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI. 10a Was the organization subject to the excess business holdings rules of section 4943 because of section 4943(f) (regarding certain Type II supporting organizations, and all Type III non­functionally integrated supporting organizations)? If “Yes,” answer line 10b below. b Did the organization have any excess business holdings in the tax year? (Use Schedule C, Form 4720, to determine whether the organization had excess business holdings). No 8 9a 9b 9c 10a 10b Schedule A (Form 990 or 990­EZ) 2019 �Page 5 Schedule A (Form 990 or 990­EZ) 2019 Part IV 11 Supporting Organizations (continued) Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Has the organization accepted a gift or contribution from any of the following persons? a A person who directly or indirectly controls, either alone or together with persons described in (b) and (c) below, the governing body of a supported organization? 11a b A family member of a person described in (a) above? 11b c A 35% controlled entity of a person described in (a) or (b) above? If “Yes” to a, b, or c, provide detail in Part VI. 11c Section B. Type I Supporting Organizations 1 Did the directors, trustees, or membership of one or more supported organizations have the power to regularly appoint or elect at least a majority of the organization’s directors or trustees at all times during the tax year? If “No,” describe in Part VI how the supported organization(s) effectively operated, supervised, or controlled the organization’s activities. If the organization had more than one supported organization, describe how the powers to appoint and/or remove directors or trustees were allocated among the supported organizations and what conditions or restrictions, if any, applied to such powers during the tax year. 2 Did the organization operate for the benefit of any supported organization other than the supported organization(s) that operated, supervised, or controlled the supporting organization? If “Yes,” explain in Part VI how providing such benefit carried out the purposes of the supported organization(s) that operated, supervised or controlled the supporting organization. 1 2 Section C. Type II Supporting Organizations 1 Were a majority of the organization’s directors or trustees during the tax year also a majority of the directors or trustees of each of the organization’s supported organization(s)? If “No,” describe in Part VI how control or management of the supporting organization was vested in the same persons that controlled or managed the supported organization(s). 1 Section D. All Type III Supporting Organizations 1 Did the organization provide to each of its supported organizations, by the last day of the fifth month of the organization’s tax year, (i) a written notice describing the type and amount of support provided during the prior tax year, (ii) a copy of the Form 990 that was most recently filed as of the date of notification, and (iii) copies of the organization’s governing documents in effect on the date of notification, to the extent not previously provided? 2 Were any of the organization’s officers, directors, or trustees either (i) appointed or elected by the supported organization(s) or (ii) serving on the governing body of a supported organization? If "No," explain in Part VI how the organization maintained a close and continuous working relationship with the supported organization(s). 3 By reason of the relationship described in (2), did the organization’s supported organizations have a significant voice in the organization’s investment policies and in directing the use of the organization’s income or assets at all times during the tax year? If "Yes," describe in Part VI the role the organization’s supported organizations played in this regard. 1 2 3 Section E. Type III Functionally­Integrated Supporting Organizations 1 2 Check the box next to the method that the organization used to satisfy the Integral Part Test during the year (see instructions): a The organization satisfied the Activities Test. Complete line 2 below. b The organization is the parent of each of its supported organizations. Complete line 3 below. c The organization supported a governmental entity. Describe in Part VI how you supported a government entity (see instructions) Activities Test. Answer (a) and (b) below. Yes a Did substantially all of the organization’s activities during the tax year directly further the exempt purposes of the supported organization(s) to which the organization was responsive? If "Yes," then in Part VI identify those supported organizations and explain how these activities directly furthered their exempt purposes, how the organization was responsive to those supported organizations, and how the organization determined that these activities constituted substantially all of its activities. b Did the activities described in (a) constitute activities that, but for the organization’s involvement, one or more of the organization’s supported organization(s) would have been engaged in? If "Yes," explain in Part VI the reasons for the organization’s position that its supported organization(s) would have engaged in these activities but for the organization’s involvement. 3 No 2a 2b Parent of Supported Organizations. Answer (a) and (b) below. a Did the organization have the power to regularly appoint or elect a majority of the officers, directors, or trustees of each of the supported organizations? Provide details in Part VI. b Did the organization exercise a substantial degree of direction over the policies, programs and activities of each of its supported organizations? If "Yes," describe in Part VI. the role played by the organization in this regard. 3a 3b Schedule A (Form 990 or 990­EZ) 2019 �Page 6 Schedule A (Form 990 or 990­EZ) 2019 Part V Type III Non­Functionally Integrated 509(a)(3) Supporting Organizations 1 Check here if the organization satisfied the Integral Part Test as a qualifying trust on Nov. 20, 1970 (explain in Part VI). See instructions. All other Type III non­functionally integrated supporting organizations must complete Sections A through E. Section A ­ Adjusted Net Income 1 Net short­term capital gain 1 2 Recoveries of prior­year distributions 2 3 Other gross income (see instructions) 3 4 Add lines 1 through 3 4 5 Depreciation and depletion 5 6 Portion of operating expenses paid or incurred for production or collection of gross income or for management, conservation, or maintenance of property held for production of income (see instructions) 6 7 Other expenses (see instructions) 7 8 Adjusted Net Income (subtract lines 5, 6 and 7 from line 4) 8 Section B ­ Minimum Asset Amount 1 Aggregate fair market value of all non­exempt­use assets (see instructions for short tax year or assets held for part of year): (A) Prior Year (B) Current Year (optional) (A) Prior Year (B) Current Year (optional) 1 a Average monthly value of securities 1a b Average monthly cash balances 1b c Fair market value of other non­exempt­use assets 1c d Total (add lines 1a, 1b, and 1c) 1d e Discount claimed for blockage or other factors (explain in detail in Part VI): 2 Acquisition indebtedness applicable to non­exempt use assets 2 3 Subtract line 2 from line 1d 3 4 Cash deemed held for exempt use. Enter 1­1/2% of line 3 (for greater amount, see instructions). 4 5 Net value of non­exempt­use assets (subtract line 4 from line 3) 5 6 Multiply line 5 by .035 6 7 Recoveries of prior­year distributions 7 8 Minimum Asset Amount (add line 7 to line 6) 8 Current Year Section C ­ Distributable Amount 1 Adjusted net income for prior year (from Section A, line 8, Column A) 1 2 Enter 85% of line 1 2 3 Minimum asset amount for prior year (from Section B, line 8, Column A) 3 4 Enter greater of line 2 or line 3 4 5 Income tax imposed in prior year 5 6 Distributable Amount. Subtract line 5 from line 4, unless subject to emergency temporary reduction (see instructions) 6 7 Check here if the current year is the organization's first as a non­functionally­integrated Type III supporting organization (see instructions) Schedule A (Form 990 or 990­EZ) 2019 �Page 7 Schedule A (Form 990 or 990­EZ) 2019 Part V Type III Non­Functionally Integrated 509(a)(3) Supporting Section DOrganizations ­ Distributions (continued) Current Year 1 Amounts paid to supported organizations to accomplish exempt purposes 2 Amounts paid to perform activity that directly furthers exempt purposes of supported organizations, in excess of income from activity 3 Administrative expenses paid to accomplish exempt purposes of supported organizations 4 Amounts paid to acquire exempt­use assets 5 Qualified set­aside amounts (prior IRS approval required) 6 Other distributions (describe in Part VI). See instructions 7 Total annual distributions. Add lines 1 through 6. 8 Distributions to attentive supported organizations to which the organization is responsive (provide details in Part VI). See instructions 9 Distributable amount for 2019 from Section C, line 6 10 Line 8 amount divided by Line 9 amount Section E ­ Distribution Allocations (see instructions) (i) Excess Distributions (ii) Underdistributions Pre­2019 (iii) Distributable Amount for 2019 1 Distributable amount for 2019 from Section C, line 6 2 Underdistributions, if any, for years prior to 2019 (reasonable cause required­­ explain in Part VI ). See instructions. 3 Excess distributions carryover, if any, to 2019: a From 2014. . . . . . b From 2015. . . . . . . c From 2016. . . . . . . d From 2017. . . . . . . e . . . . . . From 2018. . f Total of lines 3a through e g Applied to underdistributions of prior years h Applied to 2019 distributable amount i Carryover from 2014 not applied (see instructions) j Remainder. Subtract lines 3g, 3h, and 3i from 3f. 4 Distributions for 2019 from Section D, line 7: $ a Applied to underdistributions of prior years b Applied to 2019 distributable amount c Remainder. Subtract lines 4a and 4b from 4. 5 Remaining underdistributions for years prior to 2019, if any. Subtract lines 3g and 4a from line 2. If the amount is greater than zero, explain in Part VI . See instructions. 6 Remaining underdistributions for 2019. Subtract lines 3h and 4b from line 1. If the amount is greater than zero, explain in Part VI. See instructions. 7 Excess distributions carryover to 2020. Add lines 3j and 4c. 8 Breakdown of line 7: a Excess from 2015. . . . b Excess from 2016. . . . . c Excess from 2017. . . . . d Excess from 2018. . . . . e . . . . Excess from 2019. . Schedule A (Form 990 or 990­EZ) (2019) �Page 8 Schedule A (Form 990 or 990­EZ) 2019 Part VI Supplemental Information. Provide the explanations required by Part II, line 10; Part II, line 17a or 17b; Part III, line 12; Part IV, Section A, lines 1, 2, 3b, 3c, 4b, 4c, 5a, 6, 9a, 9b, 9c, 11a, 11b, and 11c; Part IV, Section B, lines 1 and 2; Part IV, Section C, line 1; Part IV, Section D, lines 2 and 3; Part IV, Section E, lines 1c, 2a, 2b, 3a and 3b; Part V, line 1; Part V, Section B, line 1e; Part V Section D, lines 5, 6, and 8; and Part V, Section E, lines 2, 5, and 6. Also complete this part for any additional information. (See instructions). Facts And Circumstances Test Return Reference Explanation Schedule A (Form 990 or 990­EZ) 2019 �Additional Data Return to Form Software ID: Software Version: �Schedule B OMB No. 1545­0047 Schedule of Contributors (Form 990, 990­EZ, or 990­PF) 2019 Attach to Form 990, 990­EZ, or 990­PF. Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for the latest information. Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Name of the organization OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY INC Employer identification number 73­1300864 Organization type (check one): Filers of: Form 990 or 990­EZ Section: 501(c)( ) (enter number) organization 4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust not treated as a private foundation 527 political organization Form 990­PF 501(c)(3) exempt private foundation 4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust treated as a private foundation 501(c)(3) taxable private foundation Check if your organization is covered by the General Rule or a Special Rule. Note: Only a section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) organization can check boxes for both the General Rule and a Special Rule. See instructions. General Rule For an organization filing Form 990, 990­EZ, or 990­PF that received, during the year, contributions totaling $5,000 or more (in money or other property) from any one contributor. Complete Parts I and II. See instructions for determining a contributor's total contributions. Special Rules For an organization described in section 501(c)(3) filing Form 990 or 990­EZ that met the 331/ 3% support test of the regulations under sections 509(a)(1) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi), that checked Schedule A (Form 990 or 990­EZ), Part II, line 13, 16a, or 16b, and that received from any one contributor, during the year, total contributions of the greater of (1) $5,000 or (2) 2% of the amount on (i) Form 990, Part VIII, line 1h, or (ii) Form 990­EZ, line 1. Complete Parts I and II. For an organization described in section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) filing Form 990 or 990­EZ that received from any one contributor, during the year, total contributions of more than $1,000 exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes, or for the prevention of cruelty to children or animals. Complete Parts I, II, and III. For an organization described in section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) filing Form 990 or 990­EZ that received from any one contributor, during the year, contributions exclusively for religious, charitable, etc., purposes, but no such contributions totaled more than $1,000. If this box is checked, enter here the total contributions that were received during the year for an exclusively religious, charitable, etc., purpose. Don't complete any of the parts unless the General Rule applies to this organization because it received nonexclusively religious, charitable, etc., contributions totaling $5,000 or more during the year . . . . . . . . . $ Caution: An organization that isn't covered by the General Rule and/or the Special Rules doesn't file Schedule B (Form 990, 990­EZ, or 990­PF), but it must answer “No” on Part IV, line 2, of its Form 990; or check the box on line H of its Form 990­EZ or on its Form 990PF, Part I, line 2, to certify that it doesn't meet the filing requirements of Schedule B (Form 990, 990­EZ, or 990­PF). For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990, 990­EZ, or 990­PF. Cat. No. 30613X Schedule B (Form 990, 990­EZ, or 990­PF) (2019) �Schedule B (Form 990, 990­EZ, or 990­PF) (2019) Page 2 Name of organization OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY INC Part I Employer identification number 73­1300864 Contributors (see instructions). Use duplicate copies of Part I if additional space is needed. Contributors (a) No. (b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4 (c) Total contributions (d) Type of contribution Person RESTRICTED Payroll $ RESTRICTED , (a) No. Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.) (b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4 (c) Total contributions (d) Type of contribution Person Payroll $ Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.) (a) No. (b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4 (c) Total contributions (d) Type of contribution Person Payroll $ Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.) (a) No. (b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4 (c) Total contributions (d) Type of contribution Person Payroll $ Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.) (a) No. (b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4 (c) Total contributions (d) Type of contribution Person Payroll $ Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.) (a) No. (b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4 (c) Total contributions (d) Type of contribution Person Payroll $ Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.) Schedule B (Form 990, 990­EZ, or 990­PF) (2019) �Schedule B (Form 990, 990­EZ, or 990­PF) (2019) Name of organization OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY INC Page 3 Employer identification number 73­1300864 Part II (a) No. from Part I Noncash Property (see instructions). Use duplicate copies of Part II if additional space is needed. (b) Description of noncash property given (c) FMV (or estimate) (d) Date received (See instructions) $ (a) No. from Part I (b) Description of noncash property given (c) FMV (or estimate) (d) Date received (See instructions) $ (a) No. from Part I (b) Description of noncash property given (c) FMV (or estimate) (d) Date received (See instructions) $ (a) No. from Part I (b) Description of noncash property given (c) FMV (or estimate) (d) Date received (See instructions) $ (a) No. from Part I (b) Description of noncash property given (c) FMV (or estimate) (d) Date received (See instructions) $ (a) No. from Part I (b) Description of noncash property given (c) FMV (or estimate) (d) Date received (See instructions) $ Schedule B (Form 990, 990­EZ, or 990­PF) (2019) �Schedule B (Form 990, 990­EZ, or 990­PF) (2019) Page 4 Name of organization OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY INC Employer identification number 73­1300864 Part III (a) No. from Part I Exclusively religious, charitable, etc., contributions to organizations described in section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) that total more than $1,000 for the year from any one contributor. Complete columns (a) through (e) and the following line entry. For organizations completing Part III, enter the total of exclusively religious, charitable, etc., contributions of $1,000 or less for the year. (Enter this information once. See instructions.) $ Use duplicate copies of Part III if additional space is needed. (b) Purpose of gift (c) Use of gift (d) Description of how gift is held (e) Transfer of gift Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4 (a) No. from Part I (b) Purpose of gift Relationship of transferor to transferee (c) Use of gift (d) Description of how gift is held (e) Transfer of gift Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4 (a) No. from Part I (b) Purpose of gift Relationship of transferor to transferee (c) Use of gift (d) Description of how gift is held (e) Transfer of gift Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4 (a) No. from Part I (b) Purpose of gift Relationship of transferor to transferee (c) Use of gift (d) Description of how gift is held (e) Transfer of gift Transferee's name, address, and ZIP 4 Relationship of transferor to transferee Schedule B (Form 990, 990­EZ, or 990­PF) (2019) �Additional Data Return to Form Software ID: Software Version: �SCHEDULE C Political Campaign and Lobbying Activities (Form 990 or 990­ EZ) For Organizations Exempt From Income Tax Under section 501(c) and section 527 2019 Complete if the organization is described below. Attach to Form 990 or Form 990­EZ. Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information. Open to Public Inspection Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service OMB No. 1545­0047 If the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, Line 3, or Form 990­EZ, Part V, line 46 (Political Campaign Activities), then Section 501(c)(3) organizations: Complete Parts I­A and B. Do not complete Part I­C. Section 501(c) (other than section 501(c)(3)) organizations: Complete Parts I­A and C below. Do not complete Part I­B. Section 527 organizations: Complete Part I­A only. If the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, Line 4, or Form 990­EZ, Part VI, line 47 (Lobbying Activities), then Section 501(c)(3) organizations that have filed Form 5768 (election under section 501(h)): Complete Part II­A. Do not complete Part II­B. Section 501(c)(3) organizations that have NOT filed Form 5768 (election under section 501(h)): Complete Part II­B. Do not complete Part II­A. If the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, Line 5 (Proxy Tax) (see separate instructions) or Form 990­EZ, Part V, line 35c (Proxy Tax) (see separate instructions), then Section 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) organizations: Complete Part III. Name of the organization Employer identification number OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY INC 73­1300864 Part I­A Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c) or is a section 527 organization. 1 Provide a description of the organization’s direct and indirect political campaign activities in Part IV (see instructions for definition of “political campaign activities") 2 Political campaign activity expenditures (see instructions) .................................................................... 3 Volunteer hours for political campaign activities (see instructions) .................................................................. Part I­B $ Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(3). 1 Enter the amount of any excise tax incurred by the organization under section 4955 ................................ $ 2 Enter the amount of any excise tax incurred by organization managers under section 4955 ....................... $ 3 If the organization incurred a section 4955 tax, did it file Form 4720 for this year? ......................................... Yes No 4a Was a correction made? ...................................................................................................................... Yes No b If "Yes," describe in Part IV. Part I­C Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c), except section 501(c)(3). 1 Enter the amount directly expended by the filing organization for section 527 exempt function activities ..... $ 2 Enter the amount of the filing organization's funds contributed to other organizations for section 527 exempt function activities ............................................................................................................................ $ 3 Total exempt function expenditures. Add lines 1 and 2. Enter here and on Form 1120­POL, line 17b........... $ 4 Did the filing organization file Form 1120­POL for this year? ................................................................... 5 Enter the names, addresses and employer identification number (EIN) of all section 527 political organizations to which the filing organization made payments. For each organization listed, enter the amount paid from the filing organization’s funds. Also enter the amount of political contributions received that were promptly and directly delivered to a separate political organization, such as a separate segregated fund or a political action committee (PAC). If additional space is needed, provide information in Part IV. (a) N a m e (b) A d d r e s s (c) E I N Yes No (d) Amount paid from (e) Amount of filing organization's political contributions funds. If none, enter received and ­0­. promptly and directly delivered to a separate political organization. If none, enter ­0­. 1 2 3 4 5 6 For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the instructions for Form 990 or 990­EZ. Cat. No. 50084S Schedule C (Form 990 or 990­EZ) 2019 �Page 2 Schedule C (Form 990 or 990­EZ) 2019 Part II­A A Check Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(3) and filed Form 5768 (election under section 501(h)). if the filing organization belongs to an affiliated group (and list in Part IV each affiliated group member's name, address, EIN, expenses, and share of excess lobbying expenditures). B Check if the filing organization checked box A and "limited control" provisions apply. Limits on Lobbying Expenditures (The term "expenditures" means amounts paid or incurred.) 1a Total lobbying expenditures to influence public opinion (grass roots lobbying) ...................... b Total lobbying expenditures to influence a legislative body (direct lobbying) ........................ c Total lobbying expenditures (add lines 1a and 1b) ............................................................ d Other exempt purpose expenditures ............................................................................... e Total exempt purpose expenditures (add lines 1c and 1d) .................................................. f Lobbying nontaxable amount. Enter the amount from the following table in both columns. If the amount on line 1e, column (a) or (b) is: The lobbying nontaxable amount is: Not over $500,000 20% of the amount on line 1e. Over $500,000 but not over $1,000,000 $100,000 plus 15% of the excess over $500,000. Over $1,000,000 but not over $1,500,000 $175,000 plus 10% of the excess over $1,000,000. Over $1,500,000 but not over $17,000,000 $225,000 plus 5% of the excess over $1,500,000. Over $17,000,000 $1,000,000. (a) Filing organization's totals g Grassroots nontaxable amount (enter 25% of line 1f) ................................................. h Subtract line 1g from line 1a. If zero or less, enter ­0­. ................................................ i Subtract line 1f from line 1c. If zero or less, enter ­0­. ................................................ j If there is an amount other than zero on either line 1h or line 1i, did the organization file Form 4720 reporting section 4911 tax for this year? ................................................................................................................... (b) Affiliated group totals Yes No 4­Year Averaging Period Under Section 501(h) (Some organizations that made a section 501(h) election do not have to complete all of the five columns below. See the separate instructions for lines 2a through 2f.) Lobbying Expenditures During 4­Year Averaging Period Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) 2a Lobbying nontaxable amount b Lobbying ceiling amount (150% of line 2a, column(e)) c Total lobbying expenditures d Grassroots nontaxable amount e Grassroots ceiling amount (150% of line 2d, column (e)) f Grassroots lobbying expenditures (a) 2 0 1 6 (b) 2 0 1 7 (c) 2 0 1 8 (d) 2 0 1 9 (e) Total Schedule C (Form 990 or 990­EZ) 2019 �Page 3 Schedule C (Form 990 or 990­EZ) 2019 Part II­B Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(3) and has NOT filed Form 5768 (election under section 501(h)). For each "Yes" response on lines 1a through 1i below, provide in Part IV a detailed description of the lobbying activity. (a) (b) Yes | No Amount During the year, did the filing organization attempt to influence foreign, national, state or local legislation, including any attempt to influence public opinion on a legislative matter or referendum, through the use of: 1 a Volunteers? ........................................................................................................... Yes b Paid staff or management (include compensation in expenses reported on lines 1c through 1i)? ........ Yes c Media advertisements? ................................................................................................... No d Mailings to members, legislators, or the public? ............................................................................. No e Publications, or published or broadcast statements? ........................................................... No f Grants to other organizations for lobbying purposes? .......................................................... g Direct contact with legislators, their staffs, government officials, or a legislative body? ....................... Yes h Rallies, demonstrations, seminars, conventions, speeches, lectures, or any similar means? .................. Yes i Other activities? ................................................................................................................... j Total. Add lines 1c through 1i .................................................................................................... 2a No No Did the activities in line 1 cause the organization to be not described in section 501(c)(3)? ..... No b If "Yes," enter the amount of any tax incurred under section 4912 ........................................... c If "Yes," enter the amount of any tax incurred by organization managers under section 4912 ................... d If the filing organization incurred a section 4912 tax, did it file Form 4720 for this year? ........................ Part III­A Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(4), section 501(c)(5), or section 501(c)(6). Yes 1 Were substantially all (90% or more) dues received nondeductible by members? ............................................... 1 2 Did the organization make only in­house lobbying expenditures of $2,000 or less? ............................................ 2 3 Did the organization agree to carry over lobbying and political expenditures from the prior year? ................................. 3 Part III­B Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(4), section 501(c)(5), or section 501(c)(6) and if either (a) BOTH Part III­A, lines 1 and 2, are answered "No" OR (b) Part III­A, line 3, is answered “Yes." 1 Dues, assessments and similar amounts from members ...................................................................... 2 Section 162(e) nondeductible lobbying and political expenditures (do not include amounts of political expenses for which the section 527(f) tax was paid). a b Current year ............................................................................................................................. Carryover from last year ............................................................................................................ 2a c Total ........................................................................................................................................... 2c 3 Aggregate amount reported in section 6033(e)(1)(A) notices of nondeductible section 162(e) dues . 3 4 If notices were sent and the amount on line 2c exceeds the amount on line 3, what portion of the excess does the organization agree to carryover to the reasonable estimate of nondeductible lobbying and political expenditure next year? ...................................................................................................................... 4 5 Taxable amount of lobbying and political expenditures (see instructions) ......................................... 5 Part IV No 1 2b Supplemental Information Provide the descriptions required for Part l­A, line 1; Part l­B, line 4; Part l­C, line 5; Part II­A (affiliated group list); Part II­A, lines 1 and 2 (see instructions), and Part ll­B, line 1. Also, complete this part for any additional information. Return Reference Explanation Schedule C (Form 990 or 990EZ) 2019 �Additional Data Return to Form Software ID: Software Version: �SCHEDULE D Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service OMB No. 1545­0047 Supplemental Financial Statements (Form 990) 2019 Complete if the organization answered "Yes," on Form 990, Part IV, line 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 12a, or 12b. Attach to Form 990. Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information. Name of the organization Open to Public Inspection Employer identification number OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY INC 73­1300864 Part I Organizations Maintaining Donor Advised Funds or Other Similar Funds or Accounts. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 6. (a) Donor advised funds (b) Funds and other accounts 1 Total number at end of year . . . . . . . . . 2 Aggregate value of contributions to (during year) 3 Aggregate value of grants from (during year) 4 Aggregate value at end of year . . . . . . . . 5 Did the organization inform all donors and donor advisors in writing that the assets held in donor advised funds are the organization’s property, subject to the organization’s exclusive legal control? . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes No 6 Did the organization inform all grantees, donors, and donor advisors in writing that grant funds can be used only for charitable purposes and not for the benefit of the donor or donor advisor, or for any other purpose conferring impermissible private benefit? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes No Part II 1 Conservation Easements. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 7. Purpose(s) of conservation easements held by the organization (check all that apply). Preservation of land for public use (e.g., recreation or education) Preservation of an historically important land area Protection of natural habitat Preservation of a certified historic structure Preservation of open space 2 Complete lines 2a through 2d if the organization held a qualified conservation contribution in the form of a conservation easement on the last day of the tax year. Held at the End of the Year a Total number of conservation easements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2a b Total acreage restricted by conservation easements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2b c Number of conservation easements on a certified historic structure included in (a) . . . . . 2c d Number of conservation easements included in (c) acquired after 7/25/06, and not on a historic structure listed in the National Register . . . 2d 3 Number of conservation easements modified, transferred, released, extinguished, or terminated by the organization during the tax year 4 Number of states where property subject to conservation easement is located 5 Does the organization have a written policy regarding the periodic monitoring, inspection, handling of violations, and enforcement of the conservation easements it holds? . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes No 6 Staff and volunteer hours devoted to monitoring, inspecting, handling of violations, and enforcing conservation easements during the year 7 Amount of expenses incurred in monitoring, inspecting, handling of violations, and enforcing conservation easements during the year 8 Does each conservation easement reported on line 2(d) above satisfy the requirements of section 170(h)(4) (B)(i) and section 170(h)(4)(B)(ii)? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 In Part XIII, describe how the organization reports conservation easements in its revenue and expense statement, and balance sheet, and include, if applicable, the text of the footnote to the organization’s financial statements that describes the organization’s accounting for conservation easements. $ Part III Yes No Organizations Maintaining Collections of Art, Historical Treasures, or Other Similar Assets. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 8. 1a If the organization elected, as permitted under SFAS 116 (ASC 958), not to report in its revenue statement and balance sheet works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets held for public exhibition, education, or research in furtherance of public service, provide, in Part XIII, the text of the footnote to its financial statements that describes these items. b If the organization elected, as permitted under SFAS 116 (ASC 958), to report in its revenue statement and balance sheet works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets held for public exhibition, education, or research in furtherance of public service, provide the following amounts relating to these items: (i) Revenue included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ (ii) Assets included in Form 990, Part X . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ If the organization received or held works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets for financial gain, provide the following amounts required to be reported under SFAS 116 (ASC 958) relating to these items: 2 a Revenue included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ b Assets included in Form 990, Part X . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990. Cat. No. 52283D Schedule D (Form 990) 2019 �Page 2 Organizations Maintaining Collections of Art, Historical Treasures, or Other Similar Assets (continued) Schedule D (Form 990) 2019 Part III 3 a Using the organization’s acquisition, accession, and other records, check any of the following that are a significant use of its collection items (check all that apply): d Public exhibition Loan or exchange programs b e Scholarly research c Other Preservation for future generations 4 Provide a description of the organization’s collections and explain how they further the organization’s exempt purpose in Part XIII. 5 During the year, did the organization solicit or receive donations of art, historical treasures or other similar assets to be sold to raise funds rather than to be maintained as part of the organization’s collection?. . . Part IV 1a Is the organization an agent, trustee, custodian or other intermediary for contributions or other assets not included on Form 990, Part X? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . If "Yes," explain the arrangement in Part XIII and complete the following table: c Beginning balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1c d Additions during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1d e Distributions during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1e f Ending balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1f b No Yes Did the organization include an amount on Form 990, Part X, line 21, for escrow or custodial account liability? . . . If "Yes," explain the arrangement in Part XIII. Check here if the explanation has been provided in Part XIII Part V No Amount b 2a Yes Escrow and Custodial Arrangements. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 9, or reported an amount on Form 990, Part X, line 21. Yes No . . . . Endowment Funds. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 10. (a) Current year 1a Beginning of year balance b Contributions . . . . . . (b) Prior year (c) Two years back (d) Three years back (e) Four years back 50,752 94,420 67,200 51,577 42,293 11,249 8,968 6,509 15,623 9,284 62,001 103,388 73,709 67,200 51,577 . c Net investment earnings, gains, and losses d Grants or scholarships . . . e Other expenditures for facilities and programs . . . f Administrative expenses g End of year balance 2 . . . . . . . . . . Provide the estimated percentage of the current year end balance (line 1g, column (a)) held as: a Board designated or quasi­endowment b Permanent endowment c Temporarily restricted endowment The percentages on lines 2a, 2b, and 2c should equal 100%. 3a Are there endowment funds not in the possession of the organization that are held and administered for the organization by: (i) unrelated organizations b 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (ii) related organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . If "Yes" on 3a(ii), are the related organizations listed as required on Schedule R? . . . . . . . . . . Yes . 3a(i) No Yes 3a(ii) . No 3b Describe in Part XIII the intended uses of the organization's endowment funds. Part VI Land, Buildings, and Equipment. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 11a. See Form 990, Part X, line 10. (a) Cost or other basis (investment) Description of property 1a Land . . b Buildings . . . . (b) Cost or other basis (other) (c) Accumulated depreciation (d) Book value 2,015,807 537,217 1,478,590 197,537 172,726 24,811 . . . c Leasehold improvements d Equipment e Other . . . . . . . . . Total. Add lines 1a through 1e. (Column (d) must equal Form 990, Part X, column (B), line 10(c).) . . 1,503,401 Schedule D (Form 990) 2019 �Page 3 Schedule D (Form 990) 2019 Part VII Investments—Other Securities. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 11b.See Form 990, Part X, line 12. (a) Description of security or category (including name of security) (1) Financial derivatives . (2) Closely­held equity interests (b) Book value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (3) Other (A) B E N E F I C I A L I N T E R E S T I N T U L S A C O M M F (c) Method of valuation: Cost or end­of­year market value 61,989 F (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H) (I) Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col. (B) line 12.) Part VIII 61,989 Investments—Program Related. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11c. See Form 990, Part X, line 13. (a) Description of investment (b) Book value (c) Method of valuation: Cost or end­of­year market value (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 13.) Part IX Other Assets. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11d. See Form 990, Part X, line 15. (a) Description (b) Book value (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 15.) Part X . . . . . . . . . . . Other Liabilities. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11e or 11f. See Form 990, Part X, line 25. 1. (a) Description of liability (b) Book value (1) Federal income taxes (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 25.) 2. Liability for uncertain tax positions. In Part XIII, provide the text of the footnote to the organization's financial statements that reports the organization's liability for uncertain tax positions under FIN 48 (ASC 740). Check here if the text of the footnote has been provided in Part XIII Schedule D (Form 990) 2019 �Page 4 Schedule D (Form 990) 2019 Part XI Reconciliation of Revenue per Audited Financial Statements With Revenue per Return. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 12a. 1 Total revenue, gains, and other support per audited financial statements 2 Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12: . . a Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments . . . . b Donated services and use of facilities . . . . . . . . . 2b c Recoveries of prior year grants . . . . . . . . . 2c d Other (Describe in Part XIII.) . . . . . . . . . e Add lines 2a through 2d . . . . . . . 2d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Subtract line 2e from line 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Amounts included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12, but not on line 1: a Investment expenses not included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 7b . b Other (Describe in Part XIII.) . . . . . . . . . . . c Add lines 4a and 4b . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 . . 2e 3 4b . . . . . . . . . 4c . . . 5 Reconciliation of Expenses per Audited Financial Statements With Expenses per Return. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 12a. 1 Total expenses and losses per audited financial statements 2 Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part IX, line 25: . . a Donated services and use of facilities . . . . . . . . b Prior year adjustments . . . . . . . . c Other losses d Other (Describe in Part XIII.) . . . . . . . . . e . 4a Total revenue. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 12.) Part XII 1 2a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2a 2b . . 2c 2d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2e 3 Subtract line 2e from line 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 4 Amounts included on Form 990, Part IX, line 25, but not on line 1: a Investment expenses not included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 7b . . 4a b Other (Describe in Part XIII.) . . . . . . . . . 4b c 5 Add lines 2a through 2d . . . Add lines 4a and 4b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total expenses. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 18.) . . . . . . . . 4c . . 5 Part XIII Supplemental Information Provide the descriptions required for Part II, lines 3, 5, and 9; Part III, lines 1a and 4; Part lV, lines 1b and 2b; Part V, line 4; Part X, line 2; Part XI, lines 2d and 4b; and Part XII, lines 2d and 4b. Also complete this part to provide any additional information. Return Reference Explanation Schedule D (Form 990) 2019 �Additional Data Return to Form Software ID: Software Version: �OMB No. 1545­0047 Supplemental Information Regarding Fundraising or Gaming Activities SCHEDULE G (Form 990 or 990­EZ) Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, lines 17, 18, or 19, or if the organization entered more than $15,000 on Form 990­EZ, line 6a. Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Attach to Form 990 or Form 990­EZ. Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information. Name of the organization OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY INC 2019 Open to Public Inspection Employer identification number 73­1300864 Part I 1 Fundraising Activities. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 17. Form 990­EZ filers are not required to complete this part. Indicate whether the organization raised funds through any of the following activities. Check all that apply. a Mail solicitations b c d In­person solicitations 2a b e Solicitation of non­government grants Internet and email solicitations f Solicitation of government grants Phone solicitations g Special fundraising events Did the organization have a written or oral agreement with any individual (including officers, directors, trustees or key employees listed in Form 990, Part VII) or entity in connection with professional fundraising Yes No services? If "Yes," list the 10 highest paid individuals or entities (fundraisers) pursuant to agreements under which the fundraiser is to be compensated at least $5,000 by the organization. (i) Name and address of individual or entity (fundraiser) (ii) Activity (iii) Did fundraiser have custody or control of contributions? Yes No (iv) Gross receipts from activity (v) Amount paid to (or retained by) fundraiser listed in col. (i) (vi) Amount paid to (or retained by) organization 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 List all states in which the organization is registered or licensed to solicit contributions or has been notified it is exempt from registration or licensing. For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990­EZ. Cat. No. 50083H Schedule G (Form 990 or 990­EZ) 2019 �Schedule G (Form 990 or 990­EZ) 2019 Part II Page 2 Fundraising Events. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 18, or reported more than $15,000 of fundraising event contributions and gross income on Form 990­EZ, lines 1 and 6b. List events with gross receipts greater than $5,000. 1 Gross receipts . (c)Other events EQ GALA (event type) (event type) (total number) 246,767 246,767 2 Less: Contributions . . . 3 Gross income (line 1 minus line 2) . . . . . . 230,400 230,400 16,367 16,367 . . . . . 5 Noncash prizes . . . . 6 Rent/facility costs . . . . . . . 7 Food and beverages 8 Entertainment . . 9 Other direct expenses . . . . . 12,674 12,674 10 Direct expense summary. Add lines 4 through 9 in column (d) . . . . . . . . . . 12,674 11 Net income summary. Subtract line 10 from line 3, column (d) . . . . . . . . . . 3,693 Part III Gaming. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 19, or reported more than $15,000 on Form 990­EZ, line 6a. (b) Pull tabs/Instant bingo/progressive bingo (a) Bingo 1 Gross revenue . . . . . 2 Cash prizes . . . . 3 Noncash prizes . . . . 4 Rent/facility costs . . . . 5 Other direct expenses . . . . Yes 6 Volunteer labor . . . . % Yes No 7 Direct expense summary. Add lines 2 through 5 in column (d) 9 (d) Total events (add col. (a) through col. (c)) . . . (b) Event #2 . 4 Cash prizes . (a)Event #1 % Yes No . (d) Total gaming (add col.(a) through col.(c)) (c) Other gaming % No . . . . . . . . . 8 Net gaming income summary. Subtract line 7 from line 1, column (d) . . . . . . . . . Enter the state(s) in which the organization conducts gaming activities: a b 10a b . . . Yes No Were any of the organization's gaming licenses revoked, suspended or terminated during the tax year? . If "Yes," explain: . . Yes No Is the organization licensed to conduct gaming activities in each of these states? . If "No," explain: Schedule G (Form 990 or 990­EZ) 2019 . . . . �Schedule G (Form 990 or 990­EZ) 2019 11 Page 3 12 Does the organization conduct gaming activities with nonmembers? . . . . . . . . . . Is the organization a grantor, beneficiary or trustee of a trust or a member of a partnership or other entity formed to administer charitable gaming? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Indicate the percentage of gaming activity conducted in: a The organization's facility . . . . b An outside facility . . . . 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes No Yes No . . 13a % . . 13b % Enter the name and address of the person who prepares the organization's gaming/special events books and records: Name Address 15a b Does the organization have a contract with a third party from whom the organization receives gaming revenue? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . If "Yes," enter the amount of gaming revenue received by the organization amount of gaming revenue retained by the third party c $ $ . . Yes No Yes No and the . If "Yes," enter name and address of the third party: Name Address 16 Gaming manager information: Name Gaming manager compensation $ Description of services provided Director/officer 17 a Independent contractor Mandatory distributions: Is the organization required under state law to make charitable distributions from the gaming proceeds to retain the state gaming license? b Employee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Enter the amount of distributions required under state law distributed to other exempt organizations or spent in the organization's own exempt activities during the tax year Part IV $ Supplemental Information. Provide the explanations required by Part I, line 2b, columns (iii) and (v); and Part III, lines 9, 9b, 10b, 15b, 15c, 16, and 17b, as applicable. Also provide any additional information. See instructions. Return Reference General Explanation Attachment Explanation EQUALITY GALA, AN ANNUAL IN PERSON EVENT HELD FOR MANY YEARS, WAS NOT HELD IN APRIL 2020 AS PLANNED DUE TO COVID­19 PANDEMIC. Schedule G (Form 990 or 990­EZ) 2019 Additional Data Return to Form Software ID: Software Version: �SCHEDULE O Supplemental Information to Form 990 or 990­EZ (Form 990 or 990­ EZ) Complete to provide information for responses to specific questions on Form 990 or 990­EZ or to provide any additional information. Attach to Form 990 or 990­EZ. Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for the latest information. Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Name of the organization OMB No. 1545­0047 2019 Open to Public Inspection Employer identification number OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY INC 73­1300864 Return Reference Explanation Members or stockholder classes and rights Part VI line 6 PERSONS WHO MAKE MINIMUM LEVEL OF CONTRIBUTION ARE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE ON MATTERS THAT COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING INCLUDING ELECTING MEMBERS TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Member election for additional members Part VI line 7a PERSONS WHO MAKE MINIMUM LEVEL OF CONTRIBUTION ARE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE ON MATTERS THAT COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING INCLUDING ELECTING MEMBERS TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. Form 990 governing body review Part VI line 11 CIRCULATED FOR REVIEW BY MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Conflict of interest policy compliance Part VI line 12c DIRECTORS ARE REQUIRED TO MAKE FULL DISCLOSURE OF POTENTIAL AND ACTUAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND RECUSE FROM ISSUES AS NECESSARY CEO executive director top management comp Part VI line 15a USE OF OKLAHOMA CENTER FOR NON PROFITS PROVIDED DATA Governing GUIDESTAR.COM AND IN OFFICE AVAILABLE FOR MEMBERS TO READ AND TO COPY AS WELL AS ELECTRONICALLY documents etc available to public Part VI line 19 Significant program services not listed on prior year return Part III line 2 MEDICAL CLINIC Explanation ROUNDING $1 of other changes in net assets or fund balances Part XI line 9 List of other expenses Part IX line 24e BANK CHARGES AND FEES $8,590MEMBERSHIP DUES $3,505THEFT LOSS $96EMPLOYEE EXPENSE $16,919TOTAL $29,110 For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990­EZ. Cat. No. 51056K Schedule O (Form 990 or 990­EZ) 2019 �Additional Data Return to Form Software ID: Software Version: � https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/1a250269c888cd5b75e5cbf15c09a252.pdf ce4d51aaf6ba3a457bef40612b64de88 PDF Text Text ����������������������������������������� https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/b958e43fe00167900c971cd5b677870d.pdf 13545af37c463a2107dc65459416f79f PDF Text Text Form OMB No. 1545­ Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax 990 0047 2021 Under section 501(c), 527, or 4947(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code (except private foundations) Do not enter social security numbers on this form as it may be made public. Open to Public Inspection Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information. Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service A For the 2021 calendar year, or tax year beginning 10­01­2021 , and ending 09­30­2022 C Name of organization OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY INC B Check if applicable: Address change D Employer identification number 73­1300864 Name change Initial return Doing business as Final return/terminated E Telephone number Amended return Application pending Number and street (or P.O. box if mail is not delivered to street address) Room/suite PO BOX 2687 (918) 743­4297 City or town, state or province, country, and ZIP or foreign postal code TULSA, OK 74101 G Gross receipts $ 1,272,013 F Name and address of principal officer: I J Tax­exempt status: Website: 501(c)(3) 501(c) ( ) H(a) Is this a group return for subordinates? H(b) Are all subordinates included? (insert no.) 4947(a)(1) or Corporation No No If "No," attach a list. See instructions. 527 H(c) Group exemption number WWW.OKEQ.ORG K Form of organization: Yes Yes Trust Association L Year of formation: 1980 Other M State of legal domicile: OK Summary Part I 1 Briefly describe the organization’s mission or most significant activities: OKEQ SEEKS EQUAL RIGHTS FOR 2SLGBTQIA+ INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES THROUGH INTERSECTIONAL ADVOCACY, EDUCATION, PROGRAMS, ALLIANCES AND THE OPERATION OF THE DENNIS R NEILL EQUALITY CENTER. if the organization discontinued its operations or disposed of more than 25% of its net assets. 2 Check this box . . . . . . . 3 Number of voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1a) . 3 15 4 Number of independent voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1b) 15 5 Total number of individuals employed in calendar year 2021 (Part V, line 2a) . 6 Total number of volunteers (estimate if necessary) 7a . . . . . Total unrelated business revenue from Part VIII, column (C), line 12 . . . . . . . . 4 . . . . . . 5 12 . . . . . . 6 312 7a 0 . . . . b Net unrelated business taxable income from Form 990­T, Part I, line 11 . . 8 Contributions and grants (Part VIII, line 1h) . . . . . . . . . 9 Program service revenue (Part VIII, line 2g) . . . . . . . . . 10 Investment income (Part VIII, column (A), lines 3, 4, and 7d ) . . . . 11 Other revenue (Part VIII, column (A), lines 5, 6d, 8c, 9c, 10c, and 11e) 12 Total revenue—add lines 8 through 11 (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12) 13 Grants and similar amounts paid (Part IX, column (A), lines 1–3 ) . 14 Benefits paid to or for members (Part IX, column (A), line 4) . 15 Salaries, other compensation, employee benefits (Part IX, column (A), lines 5–10) . . . . . . . . . 7b Prior Year 16a Professional fundraising fees (Part IX, column (A), line 11e) b Total fundraising expenses (Part IX, column (D), line 25) . . . . . Current Year 1,064,421 920,197 116,436 16,385 14 20,353 ­137,788 1,101,159 898,859 . 0 . . . . 0 341,489 389,831 35,900 27,979 840,772 539,199 1,218,161 957,009 . 61,148 17 Other expenses (Part IX, column (A), lines 11a–11d, 11f–24e) . 18 Total expenses. Add lines 13–17 (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25) 19 Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 18 from line 12 . . . . . . . . . . ­117,002 ­58,150 Beginning of Current Year 20 Total assets (Part X, line 16) . 21 Total liabilities (Part X, line 26) . 22 Net assets or fund balances. Subtract line 21 from line 20 . Part II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . End of Year 1,625,819 . . 1,574,711 3,373 10,415 1,622,446 1,564,296 Signature Block Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this return, including accompanying schedules and statements, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, it is true, correct, and complete. Declaration of preparer (other than officer) is based on all information of which preparer has any knowledge. 2023­08­03 Date Signature of officer Sign Here DOROTHY BALLARD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Type or print name and title Print/Type preparer's name Paid Preparer Use Only Preparer's signature Firm's name OBER & LITTLEFIELD CPAS Firm's address 124 S MAIN ST Date PTIN if 2023­08­10 Check P01780781 self­employed 47­4648903 Firm's EIN Phone no. (918) 542­4401 MIAMI, OK 74354 May the IRS discuss this return with the preparer shown above? (see instructions) For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the separate instructions. . . . . . . . Cat. No. 11282Y . . . Yes No Form 990 (2021) �Page 2 Form 990 (2021) Part III Statement of Program Service Accomplishments Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part III . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Briefly describe the organization’s mission: OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY (OKEQ) SEEKS EQUAL RIGHTS FOR 2SLGBTQIA+ INDIVUALS AND FAMILIES THROUGH INTERSECTIONAL ADVOCACY, EDUCATION, PROGRAMS, ALLIANCES, AND THE OPERATION OF THE DENNIS R. NEILL EQUALITY CENTER. 2 Did the organization undertake any significant program services during the year which were not listed on the prior Form 990 or 990­EZ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes No . . Yes No If "Yes," describe these new services on Schedule O. 3 Did the organization cease conducting, or make significant changes in how it conducts, any program services? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . If "Yes," describe these changes on Schedule O. 4 4a Describe the organization’s program service accomplishments for each of its three largest program services, as measured by expenses. Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations are required to report the amount of grants and allocations to others, the total expenses, and revenue, if any, for each program service reported. (Code: ) (Expenses $ 761,904 including grants of $ ) (Revenue $ 116,436 ) MINORITY COMMUNITY CENTER OPERATION, CULTURAL AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND EVENT FACILITATION INCLUDING: COUNSELING AND WELLNESS PROGRAMS. PROVIDING FREE LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING SERVICES. MORE THAN 30 PEER LED SUPPORT GROUPS FOR INDIVIDUALS DEALING WITH POST TRAUMATIC STRESS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION IDENTITY ACCEPTANCE, DEPRESSION, EATING DISORDERS, GRIEF RECOVERY, TRANSGENDER ISSUES, DIVORCE AND RELATIONSHIP CHALLENGES, SUBSTANCE ABUSE, AND HEALTH CHALLENGES. TRANSGENDER SERVICES AND PROGRAMS: PROVIDING MEDICAL REFERRALS AND LIMITED MEDICAL SERVICES, MENTAL HEALTH REFERRALS, LEGAL SERVICES AND 5 DIFFERENT PEER LED SUPPORT GROUPS FOR INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR FAMILIES WHO IDENTIFTY AS TRANSGENDER. LGBT OLDER ADULT PROGRAM: PROVIDING MEDICAL REFERRALS, MENTAL HEALTH REFERRALS, LEGAL SERVICES, WEEKLY CHECK INS, ADVOCATING FOR THOSE LIVING IN ASSISTED LIVING CENTERS, AND SOCIAL PROGRAMMING FOR LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER SENIOR ADULTS. 4b (Code: ) (Expenses $ including grants of $ ) (Revenue $ ) 4c (Code: ) (Expenses $ including grants of $ ) (Revenue $ ) 4d Other program services (Describe in Schedule O.) (Expenses $ 4e Total program service expenses including grants of $ ) (Revenue $ ) 761,904 Form 990 (2021) �Page 3 Form 990 (2021) Part IV Checklist of Required Schedules Yes 1 Is the organization described in section 501(c)(3) or 4947(a)(1) (other than a private foundation)? If "Yes," complete Schedule A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2 Is the organization required to complete Schedule B, Schedule of Contributors? See instructions. 2 3 Did the organization engage in direct or indirect political campaign activities on behalf of or in opposition to candidates for public office? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part I . . . . . . . . . . . . . Section 501(c)(3) organizations. Did the organization engage in lobbying activities, or have a section 501(h) election in effect during the tax year? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part II . . . . . . . . . 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 . . . Is the organization a section 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), or 501(c)(6) organization that receives membership dues, assessments, or similar amounts as defined in Rev. Proc. 98­19? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part III . . Did the organization maintain any donor advised funds or any similar funds or accounts for which donors have the right to provide advice on the distribution or investment of amounts in such funds or accounts? If "Yes," complete Schedule D,Part I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Did the organization receive or hold a conservation easement, including easements to preserve open space, the environment, historic land areas, or historic structures? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part II . . . . Did the organization maintain collections of works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes Yes No 3 4 Yes No 5 No 6 7 No 8 No 9 No Did the organization report an amount in Part X, line 21 for escrow or custodial account liability; serve as a custodian for amounts not listed in Part X; or provide credit counseling, debt management, credit repair, or debt negotiation services? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part IV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Did the organization, directly or through a related organization, hold assets in temporarily restricted endowments, permanent endowments, or quasi endowments? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part V . . . . . . 10 Yes 11a Yes If the organization’s answer to any of the following questions is "Yes," then complete Schedule D, Parts VI, VII, VIII, IX, or X, as applicable. a Did the organization report an amount for land, buildings, and equipment in Part X, line 10? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part VI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b Did the organization report an amount for investments—other securities in Part X, line 12 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part VII c . . . . . . . 11b No 11c No 11d No 11e No Did the organization report an amount for investments—program related in Part X, line 13 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part VIII . . . . . . . d Did the organization report an amount for other assets in Part X, line 15 that is 5% or more of its total assets e No reported in Part X, line 16? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part IX . . . . . . . . . . . . Did the organization report an amount for other liabilities in Part X, line 25? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part X f Did the organization’s separate or consolidated financial statements for the tax year include a footnote that addresses the organization’s liability for uncertain tax positions under FIN 48 (ASC 740)? 11f "Yes," complete Schedule Part X independent audited financial statements for the tax year? If "Yes," complete 12a If Did the organization obtainD, separate, 12a Schedule D, Parts XI and XII . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b Was the organization included in consolidated, independent audited financial statements for the tax year? If "Yes," and if the organization answered "No" to line 12a, then completing Schedule D, Parts XI and XII is optional 13 Is the organization a school described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii)? If "Yes," complete Schedule E 14a Did the organization maintain an office, employees, or agents outside of the United States? . . . . . b Did the organization have aggregate revenues or expenses of more than $10,000 from grantmaking, fundraising, business, investment, and program service activities outside the United States, or aggregate foreign investments valued at $100,000 or more? If "Yes," complete Schedule F, Parts I and IV . the . organization . . . . report . .on Part . 15 Did IX, column (A), line 3, more than $5,000 of grants or other assistance to or for any foreign organization? If “Yes,” complete Schedule F, Parts II and IV . 16 . . . . Did the organization report on Part IX, column (A), line 3, more than $5,000 of aggregate grants or other assistance to or for foreign individuals? If “Yes,” complete Schedule F, Parts III and IV . . . No No 12b No 13 No 14a No 14b No 15 No 16 No 17 Did the organization report a total of more than $15,000 of expenses for professional fundraising services on Part IX, column (A), lines 6 and 11e? If "Yes," complete Schedule G, Part I. See instructions. . . . . 17 Yes 18 Did the organization report more than $15,000 total of fundraising event gross income and contributions on Part VIII, lines 1c and 8a? If "Yes," complete Schedule G, Part II . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Yes 19 Did the organization report more than $15,000 of gross income from gaming activities on Part VIII, line 9a? I f "Yes," complete Schedule G, Part III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20a Did the organization operate one or more hospital facilities? If "Yes," complete Schedule H . . . . b If "Yes" to line 20a, did the organization attach a copy of its audited financial statements to this return? 21 Did the organization report more than $5,000 of grants or other assistance to any domestic organization or domestic government on Part IX, column (A), line 1? If “Yes,” complete Schedule I, Parts I and II . . . . . 19 No 20a No 20b 21 No Form 990 (2021) �Page 4 Form 990 (2021) Part IV Checklist of Required Schedules (continued) Yes No 22 Did the organization report more than $5,000 of grants or other assistance to or for domestic individuals on Part IX, column (A), line 2? If “Yes,” complete Schedule I, Parts I and III . . . . . . . . 22 No 23 Did the organization answer "Yes" to Part VII, Section A, line 3, 4, or 5, about compensation of the organization’s current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, and highest compensated employees? If "Yes," complete Schedule J . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 No 24a Did the organization have a tax­exempt bond issue with an outstanding principal amount of more than $100,000 as of the last day of the year, that was issued after December 31, 2002? If “Yes,” answer lines 24b through 24d and complete Schedule K. If “No,” go to line 25a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b Did the organization invest any proceeds of tax­exempt bonds beyond a temporary period exception? . c . . 24b Did the organization maintain an escrow account other than a refunding escrow at any time during the year to defease any tax­exempt bonds? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24c d Did the organization act as an "on behalf of" issuer for bonds outstanding at any time during the year? . . . 25a Section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations. Did the organization engage in an excess benefit transaction with a disqualified person during the year? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part I . . . . 24d 25a No 25b No former officer, director, trustee, key employee, creator or founder, substantial contributor, or 35% controlled entity or family member of any of these persons? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, aPart II or . other . . assistance . . . to .any. current . . or .former officer, director, trustee, key Did the organization provide grant 26 No employee, creator or founder, substantial contributor, or employee thereof, a grant selection committee member, or to a 35% controlled entity (including an employee thereof) or family member of any of these persons? If "Yes," completeSchedule L,Part III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 No 28a No b Is the organization aware that it engaged in an excess benefit transaction with a disqualified person in a prior year, and that the transaction has not been reported on any of the organization’s prior Forms 990 or 990­EZ? I f "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part I . the . organization . . . . report . .any. amount . . on. Part . X,. line . 5 .or 22 . for . receivables . . . . . or payables to any current or 26 Did from 27 28 No 24a Was the organization a party to a business transaction with one of the following parties (see the Schedule L, Part IV instructions for applicable filing thresholds, conditions, and exceptions): a A current or former officer, director, trustee, key employee, creator or founder, or substantial contributor? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part IV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b A family member of any individual described in line 28a? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part IV . . . . . 28b No A 35% controlled entity of one or more individuals and/or organizations described in line 28a or 28b? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part IV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28c No 29 Did the organization receive more than $25,000 in non­cash contributions? If "Yes," complete Schedule M . . 29 No 30 Did the organization receive contributions of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets, or qualified conservation contributions? If "Yes," complete Schedule M .terminate, . . . or dissolve . . . and . cease . . operations? . . . If."Yes," . complete . . Did the organization liquidate, Schedule N, Part I 30 No 31 No 32 No 33 No 34 No 35a No c 31 32 33 34 Did the organization sell, exchange, dispose of, or transfer more than 25% of its net assets? If "Yes," complete Schedule N, Part II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Did the organization own 100% of an entity disregarded as separate from the organization under Regulations sections 301.7701­2 and 301.7701­3? If "Yes," Schedule R, Part I .tax­exempt . . . or. taxable . . entity? . . If ."Yes," . complete . Was the complete organization related to any Schedule R, Part II, III, or IV, and Part V, line 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35a Did the organization have a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)? b If ‘Yes’ to line 35a, did the organization receive any payment from or engage in any transaction with a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)? If "Yes," complete Schedule R, Part V, line 2 . . . 36 37 38 35b Section 501(c)(3) organizations. Did the organization make any transfers to an exempt non­charitable related organization? If "Yes," complete Schedule R, Part V, line 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 No Did the organization conduct more than 5% of its activities through an entity that is not a related organization and that is treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes? If "Yes," complete Schedule R, Part VI 37 No Did the organization complete Schedule O and provide explanations on Schedule O for Part VI, lines 11b and 19? Note. All Form 990 filers are required to complete Schedule O. . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Part V Statements Regarding Other IRS Filings and Tax Compliance Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part V . . . . . . . . Yes . . Yes 1a Enter the number reported in box 3 of Form 1096. Enter ­0­ if not applicable . . b Enter the number of Forms W­2G included on line 1a. Enter ­0­ if not applicable c . 1a 13 1b 0 Did the organization comply with backup withholding rules for reportable payments to vendors and reportable gaming (gambling) winnings to prize winners? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1c . No Yes Form 990 (2021) �Page 5 Form 990 (2021) Part V Statements Regarding Other IRS Filings and Tax Compliance (continued) 2a Enter the number of employees reported on Form W­3, Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements, filed for the calendar year ending with or within the year covered by this return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2a 12 2b b If at least one is reported on line 2a, did the organization file all required federal employment tax returns? Note. If the sum of lines 1a and 2a is greater than 250, you may be required to e­file. See instructions. 3a Did the organization have unrelated business gross income of $1,000 or more during the year? . . . b If “Yes,” has it filed a Form 990­T for this year? If “No” to line 3b, provide an explanation in Schedule O . . Yes 3a No . 3b 4a At any time during the calendar year, did the organization have an interest in, or a signature or other authority over, a financial account in a foreign country (such as a bank account, securities account, or other financial account)? . the . name of the foreign country: b If "Yes," enter See instructions for filing requirements for FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts 5a (FBAR). Was the organization a party to a prohibited tax shelter transaction at any time during the tax year? . . 4a No 5a No b Did any taxable party notify the organization that it was or is a party to a prohibited tax shelter transaction? 5b No c 5c If "Yes," to line 5a or 5b, did the organization file Form 8886­T? . . . . . . . . . . . . 6a Does the organization have annual gross receipts that are normally greater than $100,000, and did the organization solicit any contributions that were not tax deductible as charitable contributions? . . . 6a b If "Yes," did the organization include with every solicitation an express statement that such contributions or gifts were not tax deductible? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 No 6b Organizations that may receive deductible contributions under section 170(c). a Did the organization receive a payment in excess of $75 made partly as a contribution and partly for goods and services provided to the payor? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7a Yes b If "Yes," did the organization notify the donor of the value of the goods or services provided? 7b Yes c d If "Yes," indicate the number of Forms 8282 filed during the year e . . . . . Did the organization sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of tangible personal property for which it was required to file Form 8282? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Did the organization, during the year, pay premiums, directly or indirectly, on a personal benefit contract? . . g If the organization received a contribution of qualified intellectual property, did the organization file Form 8899 as required? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . h If the organization received a contribution of cars, boats, airplanes, or other vehicles, did the organization file a Form 1098­C? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Sponsoring organizations maintaining donor advised funds. Did a donor advised fund maintained by the sponsoring organization have excess business holdings at any time during the year? . . . organizations . . . . maintaining . Sponsoring donor advised funds. a Did the sponsoring organization make any taxable distributions under section 4966? . . . . . . . . b Did the sponsoring organization make a distribution to a donor, donor advisor, or related person? . 10 7e No 7f No 7g No 7h No 8 9a . . 9b Section 501(c)(7) organizations. Enter: a Initiation fees and capital contributions included on Part VIII, line 12 . . . 10a b Gross receipts, included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12, for public use of club facilities 11 Section 501(c)(12) organizations. Enter: a Gross income from members or shareholders . . . . . . . . 10b . 11a b Gross income from other sources. (Do not net amounts due or paid to other 11b sources against amounts due or received from them.) . . . . . . . . . . 12a Section 4947(a)(1) non­exempt charitable trusts. Is the organization filing Form 990 in lieu of Form 1041? b If "Yes," enter the amount of tax­exempt interest received or accrued during the year. 13 No Did the organization receive any funds, directly or indirectly, to pay premiums on a personal benefit contract? f 8 7c 7d 12a 12b Section 501(c)(29) qualified nonprofit health insurance issuers. a Is the organization licensed to issue qualified health plans in more than one state? . . . . . . . . . Note. See the instructions for additional information the organization must report on Schedule O. b Enter the amount of reserves the organization is required to maintain by the states in which the organization is licensed to issue qualified health plans . . . . 13b c 13c Enter the amount of reserves on hand . . . . . . . . . . . . 14a Did the organization receive any payments for indoor tanning services during the tax year? . . . 14a b If "Yes," has it filed a Form 720 to report these payments?If "No," provide an explanation in Schedule O . . 14b 15 16 17 . 13a . Is the organization subject to the section 4960 tax on payment(s) of more than $1,000,000 in remuneration or excess parachute payment(s) during the year? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . If "Yes," Is the organization see the instructions an educational and file institution Form 4720, subject Schedule to theN. section 4968 excise tax on net investment income? . . If "Yes," complete Form 4720, Schedule O. Section 501(c)(21) organizations. Did the trust, any disqualified person, or mine operator engage in any activities that would result in the imposition of an excise tax under section 4951, 4952, or 4953? . . If "Yes," complete Form 6069. No 15 No 16 No 17 Form 990 (2021) �Page 6 Form 990 (2021) Part VI Governance, Management, and Disclosure. For each "Yes" response to lines 2 through 7b below, and for a "No" response to lines 8a, 8b, or 10b below, describe the circumstances, processes, or changes in Schedule O. See instructions. Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part VI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Section A. Governing Body and Management Yes 1a Enter the number of voting members of the governing body at the end of the tax year If there are material differences in voting rights among members of the governing 1a 15 1b 15 No body, or if the governing body delegated broad authority to an executive committee or similar committee, explain in Schedule O. b Enter the number of voting members included in line 1a, above, who are independent 2 Did any officer, director, trustee, or key employee have a family relationship or a business relationship with any other officer, director, trustee, or key employee? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Did the organization delegate control over management duties customarily performed by or under the direct supervision of officers, directors or trustees, or key employees to a management company or other person? 4 . 5 Did the organization make any significant changes to its governing documents since the prior Form 990 was filed? Did the. organization become aware during the year of a significant diversion of the organization’s assets? . 6 Did the organization have members or stockholders? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No 3 No 4 . 7a Did the organization have members, stockholders, or other persons who had the power to elect or appoint one or more members of the governing body? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b Are any governance decisions of the organization reserved to (or subject to approval by) members, stockholders, or persons other than the governing body? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 2 No 5 Yes 6 Yes 7a Yes 7b No Did the organization contemporaneously document the meetings held or written actions undertaken during the year by the following: a The governing body? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b Each committee with authority to act on behalf of the governing body? . . . . . . . . . . . . Is there any officer, director, trustee, or key employee listed in Part VII, Section A, who cannot be reached at the organization’s mailing address? If "Yes," provide the names and addresses in Schedule O . . . . . . . 8a Yes 8b Yes 9 9 No Section B. Policies (This Section B requests information about policies not required by the Internal Revenue Code.) Yes 10a Did the organization have local chapters, branches, or affiliates? . . . . . . . . . . . . 10a b If "Yes," did the organization have written policies and procedures governing the activities of such chapters, affiliates, and branches to ensure their operations are consistent with the organization's exempt purposes? 10b 11a Has the organization provided a complete copy of this Form 990 to all members of its governing body before filing 11a the form? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b Describe on Schedule O the process, if any, used by the organization to review this Form 990. . . . . . 12a Did the organization have a written conflict of interest policy? If "No," go to line 13 . . . . . . . b Were officers, directors, or trustees, and key employees required to disclose annually interests that could give rise to conflicts? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No 12a Yes 12b Yes Did the organization regularly and consistently monitor and enforce compliance with the policy? If "Yes," describe on Schedule O how this was done . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12c Yes 13 Did the organization have a written whistleblower policy? . . . . . . . . . . 13 Yes 14 Did the organization have a written document retention and destruction policy? . . . . . . . . . 14 Yes 15 Did the process for determining compensation of the following persons include a review and approval by independent persons, comparability data, and contemporaneous substantiation of the deliberation and decision? 15a Yes c . . . . . a The organization’s CEO, Executive Director, or top management official b Other officers or key employees of the organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No No 15b No 16a Did the organization invest in, contribute assets to, or participate in a joint venture or similar arrangement with a taxable entity during the year? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16a No b If "Yes," did the organization follow a written policy or procedure requiring the organization to evaluate its participation in joint venture arrangements under applicable federal tax law, and take steps to safeguard the organization’s exempt status with respect to such arrangements? . . . . . . . . . . . . 16b If "Yes" to line 15a or 15b, describe the process on Schedule O. See instructions. Section C. Disclosure 17 List the states with which a copy of this Form 990 is required to be filed 18 Section 6104 requires an organization to make its Form 1023 (1024 or 1024­A, if applicable), 990, and 990­T (section 501(c)(3)s only) available for public inspection. Indicate how you made these available. Check all that apply. 19 Describe in Schedule O whether (and if so, how) the organization made its governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements available to the public during the tax year. 20 State the name, address, and telephone number of the person who possesses the organization's books and records: T E R Y D E S H O N G P O B O X 2 6 8 7 P O B O X 2 6 8 7 T U L S A, O K 7 4 1 0 1 ( 9 1 8 ) 7 4 3 ­ 4 2 9 7 OK Own website Another's website Upon request Other (explain in Schedule O) Form 990 (2021) �Page 7 Form 990 (2021) Part VII Compensation of Officers, Directors,Trustees, Key Employees, Highest Compensated Employees, and Independent Contractors Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part VII . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Section A. Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest Compensated Employees 1a Complete this table for all persons required to be listed. Report compensation for the calendar year ending with or within the organization’s tax year. List all of the organization’s current officers, directors, trustees (whether individuals or organizations), regardless of amount of compensation. Enter ­0­ in columns (D), (E), and (F) if no compensation was paid. List all of the organization’s current key employees, if any. See the instructions for definition of "key employee." List the organization’s five current highest compensated employees (other than an officer, director, trustee or key employee) who received reportable compensation (box 5 of Form W­2, Form 1099­MISC, and/or box 1 of Form 1099­NEC) of more than $100,000 from the organization and any related organizations. List all of the organization’s former officers, key employees, or highest compensated employees who received more than $100,000 of reportable compensation from the organization and any related organizations. List all of the organization’s former directors or trustees that received, in the capacity as a former director or trustee of the organization, more than $10,000 of reportable compensation from the organization and any related organizations. See the instructions for the order in which to list the persons above. Check this box if neither the organization nor any related organization compensated any current officer, director, or trustee. (A) Name and title (B) Average hours per week (list any hours for related organizations below dotted line) (C) Position (do not check more than one box, unless person is both an officer and a director/trustee) (D) Reportable compensation from the organization (W­2/1099­ MISC/1099­ NEC) (E) Reportable compensation from related organizations (W­2/1099­ MISC/1099­ NEC) (F) Estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations (1) STACY TURNER ...................................................................... PRESIDENT 15.00 ................. X X 0 0 0 (2) BOB HANSON ...................................................................... VICE PRESIDE 10.00 ................. X X 0 0 0 (3) TERY DESHONG ...................................................................... TREASURER 15.00 ................. X X 0 0 0 (4) CHRIS BRECHT­SMITH ...................................................................... SECRETARY 10.00 ................. X X 0 0 0 (5) DANI BIRD ...................................................................... MEMBER AT LA 10.00 ................. X X 0 0 0 (6) STEPHEN RUNDELL ...................................................................... DIRECTOR 5.00 ................. X 0 0 0 (7) SHANNON FAIR ...................................................................... DIRECTOR 5.00 ................. X 0 0 0 (8) LAURA ARROWSMITH ...................................................................... DIRECTOR 5.00 ................. X 0 0 0 (9) ANGELYN DALE ...................................................................... DIRECTOR 5.00 ................. X 0 0 0 (10) DARCI HAZELWOOD ...................................................................... DIRECTOR 5.00 ................. X 0 0 0 (11) WILL VAUGHN ...................................................................... DRECTOR 5.00 ................. X 0 0 0 (12) LIZ ORTIZ ...................................................................... DIRECTOR 5.00 ................. X 0 0 0 (13) MONIQUE WASHINGTON ...................................................................... DIRECTOR 5.00 ................. X 0 0 0 (14) JOE GUETLEIN ...................................................................... DIERCTOR 5.00 ................. X 0 0 0 (15) JUSTIN ROSS ...................................................................... DIRECTOR 5.00 ................. X 0 0 0 (16) DOROTHY BALLARD ...................................................................... EXECUTIVE DI 15.00 ................. X 0 0 0 X 0.00 Form 990 (2021) �Page 8 Form 990 (2021) Section A. Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest Compensated Employees (continued) Part VII (A) Name and title 1b Sub­Total . . . . (B) Average hours per week (list any hours for related organizations below dotted line) . . . . . . . (C) Position (do not check more than one box, unless person is both an officer and a director/trustee) . . . . . . . d Total (add lines 1b and 1c) . . . . . . . . . . (E) Reportable compensation from related organizations (W­2/1099­ MISC/1099­ NEC) (F) Estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations . c Total from continuation sheets to Part VII, Section A . . (D) Reportable compensation from the organization (W­ 2/1099­ MISC/1099­ NEC) 2 Total number of individuals (including but not limited to those listed above) who received more than $100,000 of reportable compensation from the organization 3 Did the organization list any former officer, director or trustee, key employee, or highest compensated employee on line 1a? If "Yes," complete Schedule J for such individual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 No 4 For any individual listed on line 1a, is the sum of reportable compensation and other compensation from the organization and related organizations greater than $150,000? If "Yes," complete Schedule J for such individual 4 No 5 No Yes . 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Did any person listed on line 1a receive or accrue compensation from any unrelated organization or individual for services rendered to the organization?If "Yes," complete Schedule J for such person . . . . . . . . No Section B. Independent Contractors 1 Complete this table for your five highest compensated independent contractors that received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization. Report compensation for the calendar year ending with or within the organization’s tax year. (A) Name and business address (B) Description of services (C) Compensation 2 Total number of independent contractors (including but not limited to those listed above) who received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization Form 990 (2021) �Page 9 Form 990 (2021) Statement of Revenue Part VIII Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part VIII . (A) Total revenue . . . . . (B) Related or exempt function revenue Contributions, Gifts, Grants, and OtherAmt Similar Amounts 1a Federated campaigns . b Membership dues . . . . . . . . (D) Revenue excluded from tax under sections 512 ­ 514 1a . c Fundraising events . . (C) Unrelated business revenue 1b . 352,600 1c d Related organizations 1d e Government grants (contributions) 1e 412,369 1f 155,228 f All other contributions, gifts, grants, and similar amounts not included above g Noncash contributions included in lines 1a ­ 1f:$ 1g h Total. Add lines 1a­1f . . . . 5,114 . . . 920,197 Business Code 116,436 2a INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY SERVICE 116,436 624100 b c d e f All other program service revenue. g Total. Add lines 2a–2f. . . . 116,436 . 3 Investment income (including dividends, interest, and other . . . tax­exempt . . . 4 similar Incomeamounts) from investment of bond proceeds 5 Royalties . . . . . . . . . . (i) Real 6a Gross rents 6a Less: rental expenses 6b b c Rental 6c income or (loss) d Net rental income or (loss) . from sales of assets other than inventory b c 14 . (ii) Personal . . . . (i) Securities 7a Gross amount 14 . . (ii) Other 7a Less: cost or other basis and sales expenses 7b Gain or (loss) 7c d Net gain or (loss) . . . . . . . . . 8a Gross income from fundraising events (not including $ 352,600 of contributions reported on line 1c). See Part IV, line 18 . . . . 188,625 8a 347,424 b Less: direct expenses 8b . income . . or (loss) from fundraising events . c Net 9a Gross income from gaming activities. 9a See Part IV, line 19 . . . b Less: direct expenses 9b . income . . or (loss) from gaming activities . c Net 10a Gross sales of inventory, less returns and allowances . . ­158,799 . . 46,741 10a 25,730 b Less: cost of goods sold 10b . . c Net income or (loss) from sales of inventory . Miscellaneous Revenue . 21,011 21,011 898,859 137,447 Business Code 11a b c d All other revenue . . e Total. Add lines 11a–11d . . . . 12 Total revenue. See instructions . . . . . . . . . 14 Form 990 (2021) �Page 10 Form 990 (2021) Part IX Statement of Functional Expenses Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations must complete all columns. All other organizations must complete column (A). Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part IX . Do not include amounts reported on lines 6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, and 10b of Part VIII. . . . (B) Program service expenses (A) Total expenses . . . . . . (C) Management and general expenses . . . . (D) Fundraising expenses 1 Grants and other assistance to domestic organizations and domestic governments. See Part IV, line 21 . . . . 2 Grants and other assistance to domestic individuals. See Part IV, line 22 . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Grants and other assistance to foreign organizations, foreign governments, and foreign individuals. See Part IV, lines 15 and 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Benefits paid to or for members . . . . . . . 5 Compensation of current officers, directors, trustees, and key employees . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Compensation not included above, to disqualified persons (as defined under section 4958(f)(1)) and persons described in section 4958(c)(3)(B) . . . . . . . . . 7 Other salaries and wages . . . . . . . . 339,464 254,598 67,893 16,973 22,234 16,675 4,447 1,112 28,133 21,100 5,627 1,406 19,308 14,481 3,862 965 9,684 7,263 1,937 484 8 Pension plan accruals and contributions (include section 401(k) and 403(b) employer contributions) . . . . 9 Other employee benefits 10 Payroll taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Fees for services (non­employees): a Management . . . . . . b Legal . . . . . . . . c Accounting d Lobbying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . e Professional fundraising services. See Part IV, line 17 f Investment management fees . . . . . 27,979 27,979 . g Other (If line 11g amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column (A) amount, list line 11g expenses on Schedule O) 22,666 22,666 59,440 44,581 11,887 2,972 60,540 45,405 12,108 3,027 3,411 2,558 682 171 85 85 21,443 16,082 4,289 1,072 a CENTER PROGRAMS 223,019 223,019 b BUILDING MAINTENANCE 50,335 37,751 10,067 2,517 c EMPLOYEE EXPENSES 29,709 22,282 5,942 1,485 d BANK CHARGES AND FEES 14,832 11,124 2,966 742 12 Advertising and promotion 13 Office expenses . . . . . . . . . . 14 Information technology . . . . . 15 Royalties . . . . 16 Occupancy 17 Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Payments of travel or entertainment expenses for any federal, state, or local public officials . 19 Conferences, conventions, and meetings 20 Interest . . . . 21 Payments to affiliates . . . . . . . . . . 22 Depreciation, depletion, and amortization 23 Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Other expenses. Itemize expenses not covered above (List miscellaneous expenses in line 24e. If line 24e amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column (A) amount, list line 24e expenses on Schedule O.) e All other expenses 25 Total functional expenses. Add lines 1 through 24e 24,727 22,234 2,250 243 957,009 761,904 133,957 61,148 26 Joint costs. Complete this line only if the organization reported in column (B) joint costs from a combined educational campaign and fundraising solicitation. Check here if following SOP 98­2 (ASC 958­720). Form 990 (2021) �Page 11 Form 990 (2021) Part X Balance Sheet Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part IX . . . . . . . . . (A) Beginning of year 1 2 Cash–non­interest­bearing . . . . . . . 2,000 . 3 Savings and temporary cash investments . . . . . . . . . Pledges and grants receivable, net . . 4 Accounts receivable, net 5 7 Loans and other receivables from any current or former officer, director, trustee, key employee, creator or founder, substantial contributor, or 35% controlled entity or family member of any of these persons Loans . . and . other . .receivables . . from other disqualified persons (as defined under section 4958(f)(1)), and persons described in section 4958(c)(3)(B) . . . Notes and loans receivable, net . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Inventories for sale or use 9 Prepaid expenses and deferred charges 6 10a b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,213,344 Less: accumulated depreciation 10b 813,108 12 Investments—other securities. See Part IV, line 11 . 13 Investments—program­related. See Part IV, line 11 14 Intangible assets 15 2,410 2 7,000 3 4 5 6 7 10c 1,400,236 78,333 11 57,857 . . . . . 16 Other assets. See Part IV, line 11 . .assets. . . Add . lines . .1 through . . . (must . Total 15 equal line 33) . . . 17 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 18 Grants payable 19 Deferred revenue 20 Tax­exempt bond liabilities 21 Escrow or custodial account liability. Complete Part IV of Schedule D 21 22 22 23 Loans and other payables to any current or former officer, director, trustee, key employee, creator or founder, substantial contributor, or 35% controlled entity or family member of any of these persons . . . . . . . . . Secured mortgages and notes payable to unrelated third parties . . 24 Unsecured notes and loans payable to unrelated third parties 24 25 Other liabilities (including federal income tax, payables to related third parties, and other liabilities not included on lines 17 ­ 24). Complete Part X of Schedule D 26 Total liabilities. Add lines 17 through 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 13 14 15 1,625,819 16 1,574,711 3,373 17 10,415 . . 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 . . . . 20 . . 25 3,373 26 10,415 1,589,892 27 1,531,742 32,554 28 32,554 and complete lines 27, 28, 32, and 33. Net assets without donor restrictions . . . . . . . . . . Net assets with donor restrictions . . . . . . . . . . . Organizations that do not follow FASB ASC 958, check here and complete lines 29 through 33. Capital stock or trust principal, or current funds 30 Paid­in or capital surplus, or land, building or equipment fund 31 Retained earnings, endowment, accumulated income, or other funds 32 Total net assets or fund balances . . . . . . . . . . . Total liabilities and net assets/fund balances . . . . . . . . . 23 . 29 33 . . Organizations that follow FASB ASC 958, check here 27 12 . . 13,016 1,400,236 . . . 8 . . . . 9 10a Investments—publicly traded securities . (B) End of year 101,192 . Land, buildings, and equipment: cost or other basis. Complete Part VI of Schedule D 11 . 1 13,016 . . 125,234 . . . . . . . . 29 . . 30 31 1,622,446 32 1,625,819 33 1,564,296 1,574,711 Form 990 (2021) �Page 12 Form 990 (2021) Part XI Reconcilliation of Net Assets Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part XI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Total revenue (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12) . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 898,859 2 Total expenses (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25) . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 957,009 3 Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 2 from line 1 4 Net assets or fund balances at beginning of year (must equal Part X, line 32, column (A)) . . 5 Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments . . 6 Donated services and use of facilities 7 Investment expenses 8 Prior period adjustments 9 Other changes in net assets or fund balances (explain in Schedule O) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 7 . 8 . 9 Net assets or fund balances at end of year. Combine lines 3 through 9 (must equal Part X, line 32, column Part(B)) XII Financial Statements and Reporting . . . 1,622,446 . 10 Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part XII . ­58,150 4 5 . . 3 . . . . . . . 10 . . 1,564,296 . . . . Yes 1 Accounting method used to prepare the Form 990: Cash Accrual . No Other If the organization changed its method of accounting from a prior year or checked "Other," explain on Schedule O. 2a Were the organization’s financial statements compiled or reviewed by an independent accountant? 2a No 2b No If ‘Yes,’ check a box below to indicate whether the financial statements for the year were compiled or reviewed on a separate basis, consolidated basis, or both: Separate basis Consolidated basis Both consolidated and separate basis b Were the organization’s financial statements audited by an independent accountant? If ‘Yes,’ check a box below to indicate whether the financial statements for the year were audited on a separate basis, consolidated basis, or both: Separate basis c Consolidated basis Both consolidated and separate basis If "Yes," to line 2a or 2b, does the organization have a committee that assumes responsibility for oversight of the audit, review, or compilation of its financial statements and selection of an independent accountant? 2c If the organization changed either its oversight process or selection process during the tax year, explain in Schedule O. 3a As a result of a federal award, was the organization required to undergo an audit or audits as set forth in the Single Audit Act and OMB Circular A­133? 3a b If "Yes," did the organization undergo the required audit or audits? If the organization did not undergo the required audit or audits, explain why in Schedule O and describe any steps taken to undergo such audits. 3b Form 990 (2021) �Form 990 (2021) Additional Data Return to Form Software ID: Software Version: Form 990, Special Condition Description: Special Condition Description �SCHEDULE A (Form 990) Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service OMB No. 1545­0047 Public Charity Status and Public Support 2021 Complete if the organization is a section 501(c)(3) organization or a section 4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust. Attach to Form 990 or Form 990­EZ. Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information. Name of the organization Open to Public Inspection Employer identification number OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY INC 73­1300864 Part I Reason for Public Charity Status (All organizations must complete this part.) See instructions. The organization is not a private foundation because it is: (For lines 1 through 12, check only one box.) 1 A church, convention of churches, or association of churches described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(i). 2 A school described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii). (Attach Schedule E (Form 990).) 3 A hospital or a cooperative hospital service organization described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(iii). 4 A medical research organization operated in conjunction with a hospital described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(iii). Enter the hospital's name, city, and state: 5 An organization operated for the benefit of a college or university owned or operated by a governmental unit described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(iv). (Complete Part II.) 6 A federal, state, or local government or governmental unit described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(v). 7 An organization that normally receives a substantial part of its support from a governmental unit or from the general public described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi). (Complete Part II.) 8 A community trust described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi). (Complete Part II.) 9 An agricultural research organization described in 170(b)(1)(A)(ix) operated in conjunction with a land­grant college or university or a non­land grant college of agriculture. See instructions. Enter the name, city, and state of the college or university: 10 An organization that normally receives: (1) more than 331/3% of its support from contributions, membership fees, and gross receipts from activities related to its exempt functions—subject to certain exceptions, and (2) no more than 33 1/3% of its support from gross investment income and unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 tax) from businesses acquired by the organization after June 30, 1975. See section 509(a)(2). (Complete Part III.) 11 An organization organized and operated exclusively to test for public safety. See section 509(a)(4). 12 An organization organized and operated exclusively for the benefit of, to perform the functions of, or to carry out the purposes of one or more publicly supported organizations described in section 509(a)(1) or section 509(a)(2). See section 509(a)(3). C h e c k the box on lines 12a through 12d that describes the type of supporting organization and complete lines 12e, 12f, and 12g. a Type I. A supporting organization operated, supervised, or controlled by its supported organization(s), typically by giving the supported organization(s) the power to regularly appoint or elect a majority of the directors or trustees of the supporting organization. You must complete Part IV, Sections A and B. b Type II. A supporting organization supervised or controlled in connection with its supported organization(s), by having control or management of the supporting organization vested in the same persons that control or manage the supported organization(s). You must complete Part IV, Sections A and C. c Type III functionally integrated. A supporting organization operated in connection with, and functionally integrated with, its supported organization(s) (see instructions). You must complete Part IV, Sections A, D, and E. d Type III non­functionally integrated. A supporting organization operated in connection with its supported organization(s) that is not functionally integrated. The organization generally must satisfy a distribution requirement and an attentiveness requirement (see instructions). You must complete Part IV, Sections A and D, and Part V. e Check this box if the organization received a written determination from the IRS that it is a Type I, Type II, Type III functionally integrated, or Type III non­functionally integrated supporting organization. f g Enter the number of supported organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Provide the following information about the supported organization(s). (i) Name of supported organization (ii) E I N (iii) Type of organization (described on lines 1­ 10 above (see instructions)) (iv) Is the organization listed in your governing document? Yes (v) Amount of monetary support (see instructions) (vi) Amount of other support (see instructions) No Total For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990­EZ. Cat. No. 11285F Schedule A (Form 990) 2021 �Page 2 Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Sections 170(b)(1)(A)(iv) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) (Complete only if you checked the box on line 5, 7, or 8 of Part I or if the organization failed to qualify under Part III. If the organization failed to qualify under the tests listed below, please complete Part III.) Section A. Public Support Schedule A (Form 990) 2021 Part II Calendar year (a) 2 0 1 7 (b) 2 0 1 8 (c) 2 0 1 9 (d) 2 0 2 0 (e) 2 0 2 1 (f) Total (or fiscal year beginning in) 1 Gifts, grants, contributions, and 834,790 936,077 842,043 1,064,421 920,197 4,597,528 membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grant.") . . 2 Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf . . . . 3 The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge.. 834,790 936,077 842,043 1,064,421 920,197 4,597,528 4 Total. Add lines 1 through 3 5 The portion of total contributions by each person (other than a governmental unit or publicly 115,999 supported organization) included on line 1 that exceeds 2% of the amount shown on line 11, column (f) . . 6 Public support. Subtract line 5 from 4,481,529 line 4. Section B. Total Support Calendar year (a) 2 0 1 7 (b) 2 0 1 8 (c) 2 0 1 9 (d) 2 0 2 0 (e) 2 0 2 1 (f) Total (or fiscal year beginning in) 834,790 936,077 842,043 1,064,421 920,197 4,597,528 7 Amounts from line 4. . 8 Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on 14 14 securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources . . . 9 Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on. . 10 Other income. Do not include gain ­728 15,049 9,762 20,353 ­137,788 ­93,352 or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.). . 11 Total support. Add lines 7 through 4,504,190 10 12 Gross receipts from related activities, etc. (see instructions) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 351,802 13 First 5 years. If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a section 501(c)(3) organization, check this box and stop here . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage 14 Public support percentage for 2021 (line 6, column (f) divided by line 11, column (f)) . . . . . . . . . 15 Public support percentage for 2020 Schedule A, Part II, line 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 99.500 % 15 71.400 % 16a 33 1/3% support test—2021. If the organization did not check the box on line 13, and line 14 is 33 1/3% or more, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b 33 1/3% support test—2020. If the organization did not check a box on line 13 or 16a, and line 15 is 33 1/3% or more, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17a 10%­facts­and­circumstances test—2021. If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, or 16b, and line 14 is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts­and­circumstances" test, check this box and stop here. Explain in Part VI how the organization meets the "facts­and­circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b 10%­facts­and­circumstances test—2020. If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, or 17a, and line 15 is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts­and­circumstances" test, check this box and stop here. Explain in Part VI how the organization meets the "facts­and­circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Private foundation. If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, 17a, or 17b, check this box and see instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Schedule A (Form 990) 2021 �Page 3 Schedule A (Form 990) 2021 Part III Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Section 509(a)(2) (Complete only if you checked the box on line 10 of Part I or if the organization failed to qualify under Part II. If the organization fails to qualify under the tests listed below, please complete Part II.) Section A. Public Support Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) 1 Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") . 2 Gross receipts from admissions, merchandise sold or services performed, or facilities furnished in any activity that is related to the organization's tax­exempt purpose 3 Gross receipts from activities that are not an unrelated trade or business under section 513 . . . . . 4 Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf . . . 5 The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge 6 Total. Add lines 1 through 5 7a Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons b Amounts included on lines 2 and 3 received from other than disqualified persons that exceed the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the amount on line 13 for the year. c Add lines 7a and 7b. . 8 Public support. (Subtract line 7c from line 6.) (a) 2 0 1 7 (b) 2 0 1 8 (c) 2 0 1 9 (d) 2 0 2 0 (e) 2 0 2 1 (f) Total Section B. Total Support Calendar year (a) 2 0 1 7 (b) 2 0 1 8 (c) 2 0 1 9 (d) 2 0 2 0 (e) 2 0 2 1 (f) Total (or fiscal year beginning in) 9 Amounts from line 6. . . 10a Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources . . b Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1 9 7 5. c Add lines 10a and 10b. 11 Net income from unrelated business activities not included on line 10b, whether or not the business is regularly carried on. 12 Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.) . . 13 Total support. (Add lines 9, 10c, 11, and 12.). . First 5 years. If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a section 501(c)(3) organization, 14 check this box and stop here. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage 15 Public support percentage for 2021 (line 8, column (f) divided by line 13, column (f)) . . . . . . . . . 15 16 Public support percentage from 2020 Schedule A, Part III, line 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage 17 Investment income percentage for 2021 (line 10c, column (f) divided by line 13, column (f)) . . . . . . 17 18 Investment income percentage from 2020 Schedule A, Part III, line 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 19a 331/3% support tests—2021. If the organization did not check the box on line 14, and line 15 is more than 33 1/3%, and line 17 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization . . . . . . . b 33 1/3% support tests—2020. If the organization did not check a box on line 14 or line 19a, and line 16 is more than 33 1/3% and line 18 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization . . . . 20 Private foundation. If the organization did not check a box on line 14, 19a, or 19b, check this box and see instructions . . . . Schedule A (Form 990) 2021 �Page 4 Schedule A (Form 990) 2021 Part IV Supporting Organizations checked checked box (Complete only if you checked a box on line 12 of Part I. If you checked box 12a, of Part I, complete Sections A and B. If you box 12b, of Part I, complete Sections A and C. If you checked box 12c, of Part I, complete Sections A, D, and E. If you 12d, of Part I, complete Sections A and D, and complete Part V.) Section A. All Supporting Organizations Yes 1 Are all of the organization’s supported organizations listed by name in the organization’s governing documents? If "No," describe in Part VI how the supported organizations are designated. If designated by class or purpose, describe the designation. If historic and continuing relationship, explain. 1 2 Did the organization have any supported organization that does not have an IRS determination of status under section 509(a)(1) or (2)? If "Yes," explain in Part VI how the organization determined that the supported organization was described in section 509(a)(1) or (2). 2 3a Did the organization have a supported organization described in section 501(c)(4), (5), or (6)? If "Yes," answer lines 3b and 3c below. b Did the organization confirm that each supported organization qualified under section 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) and satisfied the public support tests under section 509(a)(2)? If "Yes," describe in Part VI when and how the organization made the determination. c Did the organization ensure that all support to such organizations was used exclusively for section 170(c)(2)(B) purposes? If "Yes," explain in Part VI what controls the organization put in place to ensure such use. 4a Was any supported organization not organized in the United States ("foreign supported organization")? If “Yes” and if you checked box 12a or 12b in Part I, answer lines 4b and 4c below. b Did the organization have ultimate control and discretion in deciding whether to make grants to the foreign supported organization? If “Yes,” describe in Part VI how the organization had such control and discretion despite being controlled or supervised by or in connection with its supported organizations. c 5a b c Did the organization support any foreign supported organization that does not have an IRS determination under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) or (2)? If “Yes,” explain in Part VI what controls the organization used to ensure that all support to the foreign supported organization was used exclusively for section 170(c)(2)(B) purposes. Did the organization add, substitute, or remove any supported organizations during the tax year? If “Yes,” answer lines 5b and 5c below (if applicable). Also, provide detail in Part VI, including (i) the names and EIN numbers of the supported organizations added, substituted, or removed; (ii) the reasons for each such action; (iii) the authority under the organization's organizing document authorizing such action; and (iv) how the action was accomplished (such as by amendment to the organizing document). Type I or Type II only. Was any added or substituted supported organization part of a class already designated in the organization's organizing document? 3a 3b 3c 4a 4b 4c 5a 5b Substitutions only. Was the substitution the result of an event beyond the organization's control? 5c 6 Did the organization provide support (whether in the form of grants or the provision of services or facilities) to anyone other than (i) its supported organizations, (ii) individuals that are part of the charitable class benefited by one or more of its supported organizations, or (iii) other supporting organizations that also support or benefit one or more of the filing organization’s supported organizations? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI. 6 7 Did the organization provide a grant, loan, compensation, or other similar payment to a substantial contributor (defined in section 4958(c)(3)(C)), a family member of a substantial contributor, or a 35% controlled entity with regard to a substantial contributor? If “Yes,” complete Part I of Schedule L (Form 990) . 7 8 Did the organization make a loan to a disqualified person (as defined in section 4958) not described on line 7? I f “Yes,” complete Part I of Schedule L (Form 990). 9a Was the organization controlled directly or indirectly at any time during the tax year by one or more disqualified persons, as defined in section 4946 (other than foundation managers and organizations described in section 509(a) (1) or (2))? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI. b Did one or more disqualified persons (as defined on line 9a) hold a controlling interest in any entity in which the supporting organization had an interest? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI. c Did a disqualified person (as defined on line 9a) have an ownership interest in, or derive any personal benefit from, assets in which the supporting organization also had an interest? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI. 10a Was the organization subject to the excess business holdings rules of section 4943 because of section 4943(f) (regarding certain Type II supporting organizations, and all Type III non­functionally integrated supporting organizations)? If “Yes,” answer line 10b below. b Did the organization have any excess business holdings in the tax year? (Use Schedule C, Form 4720, to determine whether the organization had excess business holdings). No 8 9a 9b 9c 10a 10b Schedule A (Form 990) 2021 �Page 5 Schedule A (Form 990) 2021 Part IV 11 Supporting Organizations (continued) Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Has the organization accepted a gift or contribution from any of the following persons? a A person who directly or indirectly controls, either alone or together with persons described on lines 11b and 11c below, the governing body of a supported organization? 11a b A family member of a person described on 11a above? 11b c A 35% controlled entity of a person described on line 11a or 11b above? If “Yes” to 11a, 11b, or 11c, provide detail in Part VI. 11c Section B. Type I Supporting Organizations 1 Did the officers, directors, trustees, or membership of one or more supported organizations have the power to regularly appoint or elect at least a majority of the organization’s directors or trustees at all times during the tax year? If “No,” describe in Part VI how the supported organization(s) effectively operated, supervised, or controlled the organization’s activities. If the organization had more than one supported organization, describe how the powers to appoint and/or remove directors or trustees were allocated among the supported organizations and what conditions or restrictions, if any, applied to such powers during the tax year. 2 Did the organization operate for the benefit of any supported organization other than the supported organization(s) that operated, supervised, or controlled the supporting organization? If “Yes,” explain in Part VI how providing such benefit carried out the purposes of the supported organization(s) that operated, supervised or controlled the supporting organization. 1 2 Section C. Type II Supporting Organizations 1 Were a majority of the organization’s directors or trustees during the tax year also a majority of the directors or trustees of each of the organization’s supported organization(s)? If “No,” describe in Part VI how control or management of the supporting organization was vested in the same persons that controlled or managed the supported organization(s). 1 Section D. All Type III Supporting Organizations 1 Did the organization provide to each of its supported organizations, by the last day of the fifth month of the organization’s tax year, (i) a written notice describing the type and amount of support provided during the prior tax year, (ii) a copy of the Form 990 that was most recently filed as of the date of notification, and (iii) copies of the organization’s governing documents in effect on the date of notification, to the extent not previously provided? 2 Were any of the organization’s officers, directors, or trustees either (i) appointed or elected by the supported organization(s) or (ii) serving on the governing body of a supported organization? If "No," explain in Part VI how the organization maintained a close and continuous working relationship with the supported organization(s). 3 By reason of the relationship described in line 2 above, did the organization’s supported organizations have a significant voice in the organization’s investment policies and in directing the use of the organization’s income or assets at all times during the tax year? If "Yes," describe in Part VI the role the organization’s supported organizations played in this regard. 1 2 3 Section E. Type III Functionally­Integrated Supporting Organizations 1 2 Check the box next to the method that the organization used to satisfy the Integral Part Test during the year (see instructions): a The organization satisfied the Activities Test. Complete line 2 below. b The organization is the parent of each of its supported organizations. Complete line 3 below. c The organization supported a governmental entity. Describe in Part VI how you supported a government entity (see instructions) Activities Test. Answer lines 2a and 2b below. Yes a Did substantially all of the organization’s activities during the tax year directly further the exempt purposes of the supported organization(s) to which the organization was responsive? If "Yes," then in Part VI identify those supported organizations and explain how these activities directly furthered their exempt purposes, how the organization was responsive to those supported organizations, and how the organization determined that these activities constituted substantially all of its activities. b Did the activities described on line 2a, above constitute activities that, but for the organization’s involvement, one or more of the organization’s supported organization(s) would have been engaged in? If "Yes," explain in Part VI the reasons for the organization’s position that its supported organization(s) would have engaged in these activities but for the organization’s involvement. 3 No 2a 2b Parent of Supported Organizations. Answer lines 3a and 3b below. a Did the organization have the power to regularly appoint or elect a majority of the officers, directors, or trustees of each of the supported organizations?If "Yes" or "No", provide details in Part VI. b Did the organization exercise a substantial degree of direction over the policies, programs and activities of each of its supported organizations? If "Yes," describe in Part VI. the role played by the organization in this regard. 3a 3b Schedule A (Form 990) 2021 �Page 6 Schedule A (Form 990) 2021 Part V Type III Non­Functionally Integrated 509(a)(3) Supporting Organizations 1 Check here if the organization satisfied the Integral Part Test as a qualifying trust on Nov. 20, 1970 (explain in Part VI). See instructions. All other Type III non­functionally integrated supporting organizations must complete Sections A through E. Section A ­ Adjusted Net Income 1 Net short­term capital gain 1 2 Recoveries of prior­year distributions 2 3 Other gross income (see instructions) 3 4 Add lines 1 through 3 4 5 Depreciation and depletion 5 6 Portion of operating expenses paid or incurred for production or collection of gross income or for management, conservation, or maintenance of property held for production of income (see instructions) 6 7 Other expenses (see instructions) 7 8 Adjusted Net Income (subtract lines 5, 6 and 7 from line 4) 8 Section B ­ Minimum Asset Amount 1 Aggregate fair market value of all non­exempt­use assets (see instructions for short tax year or assets held for part of year): (A) Prior Year (B) Current Year (optional) (A) Prior Year (B) Current Year (optional) 1 a Average monthly value of securities 1a b Average monthly cash balances 1b c Fair market value of other non­exempt­use assets 1c d Total (add lines 1a, 1b, and 1c) 1d e Discount claimed for blockage or other factors (explain in detail in Part VI): 2 Acquisition indebtedness applicable to non­exempt use assets 2 3 Subtract line 2 from line 1d 3 4 Cash deemed held for exempt use. Enter 0.015 of line 3 (for greater amount, see instructions). 4 5 Net value of non­exempt­use assets (subtract line 4 from line 3) 5 6 Multiply line 5 by 0.035 6 7 Recoveries of prior­year distributions 7 8 Minimum Asset Amount (add line 7 to line 6) 8 Current Year Section C ­ Distributable Amount 1 Adjusted net income for prior year (from Section A, line 8, Column A) 1 2 Enter 85% of line 1 2 3 Minimum asset amount for prior year (from Section B, line 8, Column A) 3 4 Enter greater of line 2 or line 3 4 5 Income tax imposed in prior year 5 6 Distributable Amount. Subtract line 5 from line 4, unless subject to emergency temporary reduction (see instructions) 6 7 Check here if the current year is the organization's first as a non­functionally­integrated Type III supporting organization (see instructions) Schedule A (Form 990) 2021 �Page 7 Schedule A (Form 990) 2021 Part V Type III Non­Functionally Integrated 509(a)(3) Supporting Section DOrganizations ­ Distributions 1 (continued) Current Year Amounts paid to supported organizations to accomplish exempt purposes 1 2 Amounts paid to perform activity that directly furthers exempt purposes of supported organizations, in excess of income from activity 2 3 Administrative expenses paid to accomplish exempt purposes of supported organizations 3 4 Amounts paid to acquire exempt­use assets 4 5 Qualified set­aside amounts (prior IRS approval required ­ provide details in Part VI) 5 6 Other distributions (describe in Part VI). See instructions 6 7 Total annual distributions. Add lines 1 through 6. 7 8 Distributions to attentive supported organizations to which the organization is responsive (provide details in Part VI). See instructions 8 9 9 Distributable amount for 2021 from Section C, line 6 10 Line 8 amount divided by Line 9 amount Section E ­ Distribution Allocations (see instructions) 10 (i) Excess Distributions (ii) Underdistributions Pre­2021 (iii) Distributable Amount for 2021 1 Distributable amount for 2021 from Section C, line 6 2 Underdistributions, if any, for years prior to 2021 (reasonable cause required­­ explain in Part VI ). See instructions. 3 Excess distributions carryover, if any, to 2021: a From 2016. . . . . . b From 2017. . . . . . . c From 2018. . . . . . . d From 2019. . . . . . . e . . . . . . From 2020. . f Total of lines 3a through e g Applied to underdistributions of prior years h Applied to 2021 distributable amount i Carryover from 2016 not applied (see instructions) j Remainder. Subtract lines 3g, 3h, and 3i from line 3f. 4 Distributions for 2021 from Section D, line 7: $ a Applied to underdistributions of prior years b Applied to 2021 distributable amount c Remainder. Subtract lines 4a and 4b from line 4. 5 Remaining underdistributions for years prior to 2021, if any. Subtract lines 3g and 4a from line 2. If the amount is greater than zero, explain in Part VI . See instructions. 6 Remaining underdistributions for 2021. Subtract lines 3h and 4b from line 1. If the amount is greater than zero, explain in Part VI. See instructions. 7 Excess distributions carryover to 2022. Add lines 3j and 4c. 8 Breakdown of line 7: a Excess from 2017. . . . b Excess from 2018. . . . . c Excess from 2019. . . . . d Excess from 2020. . . . . e . . . . Excess from 2021. . Schedule A (Form 990) (2021) �Page 8 Schedule A (Form 990) 2021 Part VI Supplemental Information. Provide the explanations required by Part II, line 10; Part II, line 17a or 17b; Part III, line 12; Part IV, Section A, lines 1, 2, 3b, 3c, 4b, 4c, 5a, 6, 9a, 9b, 9c, 11a, 11b, and 11c; Part IV, Section B, lines 1 and 2; Part IV, Section C, line 1; Part IV, Section D, lines 2 and 3; Part IV, Section E, lines 1c, 2a, 2b, 3a and 3b; Part V, line 1; Part V, Section B, line 1e; Part V Section D, lines 5, 6, and 8; and Part V, Section E, lines 2, 5, and 6. Also complete this part for any additional information. (See instructions). Facts And Circumstances Test Return Reference PART II, LINE 10 Explanation ­93,352 Schedule A (Form 990) 2021 �Additional Data Return to Form Software ID: Software Version: �Political Campaign and Lobbying Activities OMB No. 1545­0047 For Organizations Exempt From Income Tax Under section 501(c) and section 527 2021 Complete if the organization is described below. Attach to Form 990 or Form 990­EZ. Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information. Open to Public Inspection SCHEDULE C (Form 990) Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service If the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, Line 3, or Form 990­EZ, Part V, line 46 (Political Campaign Activities), then Section 501(c)(3) organizations: Complete Parts I­A and B. Do not complete Part I­C. Section 501(c) (other than section 501(c)(3)) organizations: Complete Parts I­A and C below. Do not complete Part I­B. Section 527 organizations: Complete Part I­A only. If the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, Line 4, or Form 990­EZ, Part VI, line 47 (Lobbying Activities), then Section 501(c)(3) organizations that have filed Form 5768 (election under section 501(h)): Complete Part II­A. Do not complete Part II­B. Section 501(c)(3) organizations that have NOT filed Form 5768 (election under section 501(h)): Complete Part II­B. Do not complete Part II­A. If the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, Line 5 (Proxy Tax) (see separate instructions) or Form 990­EZ, Part V, line 35c (Proxy Tax) (see separate instructions), then Section 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) organizations: Complete Part III. Name of the organization Employer identification number OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY INC 73­1300864 Part I­A Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c) or is a section 527 organization. 1 Provide a description of the organization’s direct and indirect political campaign activities in Part IV. See instructions for definition of “political campaign activities." 2 Political campaign activity expenditures. See instructions .................................................................... 3 Volunteer hours for political campaign activities. See instructions .................................................................. Part I­B $ Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(3). 1 Enter the amount of any excise tax incurred by the organization under section 4955 ................................ $ 2 Enter the amount of any excise tax incurred by organization managers under section 4955 ....................... $ 3 If the organization incurred a section 4955 tax, did it file Form 4720 for this year? ......................................... Yes No 4a Was a correction made? ...................................................................................................................... Yes No b If "Yes," describe in Part IV. Part I­C Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c), except section 501(c)(3). 1 Enter the amount directly expended by the filing organization for section 527 exempt function activities ..... $ 2 Enter the amount of the filing organization's funds contributed to other organizations for section 527 exempt function activities ............................................................................................................................ $ 3 Total exempt function expenditures. Add lines 1 and 2. Enter here and on Form 1120­POL, line 17b........... $ 4 Did the filing organization file Form 1120­POL for this year? ................................................................... 5 Enter the names, addresses and employer identification number (EIN) of all section 527 political organizations to which the filing organization made payments. For each organization listed, enter the amount paid from the filing organization’s funds. Also enter the amount of political contributions received that were promptly and directly delivered to a separate political organization, such as a separate segregated fund or a political action committee (PAC). If additional space is needed, provide information in Part IV. (a) N a m e (b) A d d r e s s (c) E I N Yes No (d) Amount paid from (e) Amount of filing organization's political contributions funds. If none, enter received and ­0­. promptly and directly delivered to a separate political organization. If none, enter ­0­. 1 2 3 4 5 6 For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the instructions for Form 990. Cat. No. 50084S Schedule C (Form 990) 2021 �Page 2 Schedule C (Form 990) 2021 Part II­A A Check Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(3) and filed Form 5768 (election under section 501(h)). if the filing organization belongs to an affiliated group (and list in Part IV each affiliated group member's name, address, EIN, expenses, and share of excess lobbying expenditures). B Check if the filing organization checked box A and "limited control" provisions apply. Limits on Lobbying Expenditures (The term "expenditures" means amounts paid or incurred.) 1a Total lobbying expenditures to influence public opinion (grass roots lobbying) ...................... b Total lobbying expenditures to influence a legislative body (direct lobbying) ........................ c Total lobbying expenditures (add lines 1a and 1b) ............................................................ d Other exempt purpose expenditures ............................................................................... e Total exempt purpose expenditures (add lines 1c and 1d) .................................................. f Lobbying nontaxable amount. Enter the amount from the following table in both columns. If the amount on line 1e, column (a) or (b) is: The lobbying nontaxable amount is: Not over $500,000 20% of the amount on line 1e. Over $500,000 but not over $1,000,000 $100,000 plus 15% of the excess over $500,000. Over $1,000,000 but not over $1,500,000 $175,000 plus 10% of the excess over $1,000,000. Over $1,500,000 but not over $17,000,000 $225,000 plus 5% of the excess over $1,500,000. Over $17,000,000 $1,000,000. (a) Filing organization's totals g Grassroots nontaxable amount (enter 25% of line 1f) ................................................. h Subtract line 1g from line 1a. If zero or less, enter ­0­. ................................................ i Subtract line 1f from line 1c. If zero or less, enter ­0­. ................................................ j If there is an amount other than zero on either line 1h or line 1i, did the organization file Form 4720 reporting section 4911 tax for this year? ................................................................................................................... (b) Affiliated group totals Yes No 4­Year Averaging Period Under Section 501(h) (Some organizations that made a section 501(h) election do not have to complete all of the five columns below. See the separate instructions for lines 2a through 2f.) Lobbying Expenditures During 4­Year Averaging Period Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in) 2a Lobbying nontaxable amount b Lobbying ceiling amount (150% of line 2a, column(e)) c Total lobbying expenditures d Grassroots nontaxable amount e Grassroots ceiling amount (150% of line 2d, column (e)) f Grassroots lobbying expenditures (a) 2 0 1 8 (b) 2 0 1 9 (c) 2 0 2 0 (d) 2 0 2 1 (e) Total Schedule C (Form 990) 2021 �Page 3 Schedule C (Form 990) 2021 Part II­B Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(3) and has NOT filed Form 5768 (election under section 501(h)). For each "Yes" response on lines 1a through 1i below, provide in Part IV a detailed description of the lobbying activity. (a) (b) Yes | No Amount During the year, did the filing organization attempt to influence foreign, national, state or local legislation, including any attempt to influence public opinion on a legislative matter or referendum, through the use of: 1 a Volunteers? ........................................................................................................... Yes b Paid staff or management (include compensation in expenses reported on lines 1c through 1i)? ........ Yes c Media advertisements? ................................................................................................... No d Mailings to members, legislators, or the public? ............................................................................. No e Publications, or published or broadcast statements? ........................................................... No f Grants to other organizations for lobbying purposes? .......................................................... No g Direct contact with legislators, their staffs, government officials, or a legislative body? ....................... No h Rallies, demonstrations, seminars, conventions, speeches, lectures, or any similar means? .................. No i Other activities? ................................................................................................................... No j Total. Add lines 1c through 1i .................................................................................................... 2a Did the activities in line 1 cause the organization to be not described in section 501(c)(3)? ..... b If "Yes," enter the amount of any tax incurred under section 4912 ........................................... c If "Yes," enter the amount of any tax incurred by organization managers under section 4912 ................... d If the filing organization incurred a section 4912 tax, did it file Form 4720 for this year? ........................ Part III­A No Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(4), section 501(c)(5), or section 501(c)(6). Yes 1 Were substantially all (90% or more) dues received nondeductible by members? ............................................... 1 2 Did the organization make only in­house lobbying expenditures of $2,000 or less? ............................................ 2 3 Did the organization agree to carry over lobbying and political expenditures from the prior year? ................................. 3 Part III­B Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(4), section 501(c)(5), or section 501(c)(6) and if either (a) BOTH Part III­A, lines 1 and 2, are answered "No" OR (b) Part III­A, line 3, is answered “Yes." 1 Dues, assessments and similar amounts from members ...................................................................... 2 Section 162(e) nondeductible lobbying and political expenditures (do not include amounts of political expenses for which the section 527(f) tax was paid). a b Current year ............................................................................................................................. Carryover from last year ............................................................................................................ 2a c Total ........................................................................................................................................... 2c 3 Aggregate amount reported in section 6033(e)(1)(A) notices of nondeductible section 162(e) dues . 3 4 If notices were sent and the amount on line 2c exceeds the amount on line 3, what portion of the excess does the organization agree to carryover to the reasonable estimate of nondeductible lobbying and political expenditure next year? ...................................................................................................................... 4 5 Taxable amount of lobbying and political expenditures. See Instructions ......................................... 5 Part IV No 1 2b Supplemental Information Provide the descriptions required for Part l­A, line 1; Part l­B, line 4; Part l­C, line 5; Part II­A (affiliated group list); Part II­A, lines 1 and 2 (see instructions), and Part ll­B, line 1. Also, complete this part for any additional information. Return Reference Explanation Schedule C (Form 990) 2021 �Additional Data Return to Form Software ID: Software Version: �SCHEDULE D Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service OMB No. 1545­0047 Supplemental Financial Statements (Form 990) 2021 Complete if the organization answered "Yes," on Form 990, Part IV, line 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 12a, or 12b. Attach to Form 990. Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information. Name of the organization Open to Public Inspection Employer identification number OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY INC 73­1300864 Part I Organizations Maintaining Donor Advised Funds or Other Similar Funds or Accounts. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 6. (a) Donor advised funds (b) Funds and other accounts 1 Total number at end of year . . . . . . . . . 2 Aggregate value of contributions to (during year) 3 Aggregate value of grants from (during year) 4 Aggregate value at end of year . . . . . . . . 5 Did the organization inform all donors and donor advisors in writing that the assets held in donor advised funds are the organization’s property, subject to the organization’s exclusive legal control? . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes No 6 Did the organization inform all grantees, donors, and donor advisors in writing that grant funds can be used only for charitable purposes and not for the benefit of the donor or donor advisor, or for any other purpose conferring impermissible private benefit? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes No Part II 1 Conservation Easements. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 7. Purpose(s) of conservation easements held by the organization (check all that apply). Preservation of land for public use (e.g., recreation or education) Preservation of an historically important land area Protection of natural habitat Preservation of a certified historic structure Preservation of open space 2 Complete lines 2a through 2d if the organization held a qualified conservation contribution in the form of a conservation easement on the last day of the tax year. Held at the End of the Year a Total number of conservation easements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2a b Total acreage restricted by conservation easements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2b c Number of conservation easements on a certified historic structure included in (a) . . . . . 2c d Number of conservation easements included in (c) acquired after 7/25/06, and not on a historic structure listed in the National Register . . . 2d 3 Number of conservation easements modified, transferred, released, extinguished, or terminated by the organization during the tax year 4 Number of states where property subject to conservation easement is located 5 Does the organization have a written policy regarding the periodic monitoring, inspection, handling of violations, and enforcement of the conservation easements it holds? . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes No 6 Staff and volunteer hours devoted to monitoring, inspecting, handling of violations, and enforcing conservation easements during the year 7 Amount of expenses incurred in monitoring, inspecting, handling of violations, and enforcing conservation easements during the year $ 8 Does each conservation easement reported on line 2(d) above satisfy the requirements of section 170(h)(4) (B)(i) and section 170(h)(4)(B)(ii)? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Yes No In Part XIII, describe how the organization reports conservation easements in its revenue and expense statement, and balance sheet, and include, if applicable, the text of the footnote to the organization’s financial statements that describes the organization’s accounting for conservation easements. Part III Organizations Maintaining Collections of Art, Historical Treasures, or Other Similar Assets. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 8. 1a If the organization elected, as permitted under FASB ASC 958, not to report in its revenue statement and balance sheet works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets held for public exhibition, education, or research in furtherance of public service, provide, in Part XIII, the text of the footnote to its financial statements that describes these items. b If the organization elected, as permitted under FASB ASC 958, to report in its revenue statement and balance sheet works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets held for public exhibition, education, or research in furtherance of public service, provide the following amounts relating to these items: (i) Revenue included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ (ii) Assets included in Form 990, Part X . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ If the organization received or held works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets for financial gain, provide the following amounts required to be reported under FASB ASC 958 relating to these items: 2 a Revenue included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ b Assets included in Form 990, Part X . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990. Cat. No. 52283D Schedule D (Form 990) 2021 �Page 2 Organizations Maintaining Collections of Art, Historical Treasures, or Other Similar Assets (continued) Schedule D (Form 990) 2021 Part III 3 a Using the organization’s acquisition, accession, and other records, check any of the following that are a significant use of its collection items (check all that apply): d Public exhibition Loan or exchange programs b e Scholarly research c Other Preservation for future generations 4 Provide a description of the organization’s collections and explain how they further the organization’s exempt purpose in Part XIII. 5 During the year, did the organization solicit or receive donations of art, historical treasures or other similar assets to be sold to raise funds rather than to be maintained as part of the organization’s collection?. . . Part IV 1a Is the organization an agent, trustee, custodian or other intermediary for contributions or other assets not included on Form 990, Part X? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . If "Yes," explain the arrangement in Part XIII and complete the following table: c Beginning balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1c d Additions during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1d e Distributions during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1e f Ending balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1f b No Yes Did the organization include an amount on Form 990, Part X, line 21, for escrow or custodial account liability? . . . If "Yes," explain the arrangement in Part XIII. Check here if the explanation has been provided in Part XIII Part V No Amount b 2a Yes Escrow and Custodial Arrangements. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 9, or reported an amount on Form 990, Part X, line 21. Yes No . . . . Endowment Funds. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 10. (a) Current year 1a Beginning of year balance b Contributions . . . . . (b) Prior year (c) Two years back (d) Three years back (e) Four years back 75,601 61,989 50,752 94,420 67,200 ­55,124 13,612 11,249 8,968 6,509 20,477 75,601 62,001 103,388 73,709 . . c Net investment earnings, gains, and losses d Grants or scholarships . . . e Other expenditures for facilities and programs . . . f Administrative expenses g End of year balance 2 . . . . . . . . . . Provide the estimated percentage of the current year end balance (line 1g, column (a)) held as: a Board designated or quasi­endowment b Permanent endowment c Term endowment 100.000 % The percentages on lines 2a, 2b, and 2c should equal 100%. 3a Are there endowment funds not in the possession of the organization that are held and administered for the organization by: (i) Unrelated organizations b 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (ii) Related organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . If "Yes" on 3a(ii), are the related organizations listed as required on Schedule R? . . . . . . . . . . Yes . 3a(i) No Yes 3a(ii) . No 3b Describe in Part XIII the intended uses of the organization's endowment funds. Part VI Land, Buildings, and Equipment. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 11a. See Form 990, Part X, line 10. (a) Cost or other basis (investment) Description of property 1a Land . . b Buildings . . . . (b) Cost or other basis (other) (c) Accumulated depreciation (d) Book value 2,015,807 630,855 1,384,952 197,537 182,253 15,284 . . . c Leasehold improvements d Equipment e Other . . . . . . . . . Total. Add lines 1a through 1e. (Column (d) must equal Form 990, Part X, column (B), line 10(c).) . . 1,400,236 Schedule D (Form 990) 2021 �Page 3 Schedule D (Form 990) 2021 Part VII Investments ­ Other Securities. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 11b.See Form 990, Part X, line 12. (a) Description of security or category (including name of security) (1) Financial derivatives . (2) Closely­held equity interests (b) Book value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (c) Method of valuation: Cost or end­of­year market value (3)Other (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H) Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col. (B) line 12.) Part VIII Investments ­ Program Related. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11c. See Form 990, Part X, line 13. (a) Description of investment (b) Book value (c) Method of valuation: Cost or end­of­year market value (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 13.) Part IX Other Assets. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11d. See Form 990, Part X, line 15. (a) Description (b) Book value (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 15.) Part X . . . . . . . . . . . Other Liabilities. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11e or 11f. See Form 990, Part X, line 25. 1. (a) Description of liability (b) Book value (1) Federal income taxes (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 25.) 2. Liability for uncertain tax positions. In Part XIII, provide the text of the footnote to the organization's financial statements that reports the organization's liability for uncertain tax positions under FIN 48 (ASC 740). Check here if the text of the footnote has been provided in Part XIII Schedule D (Form 990) 2021 �Page 4 Schedule D (Form 990) 2021 Part XI Reconciliation of Revenue per Audited Financial Statements With Revenue per Return. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 12a. 1 Total revenue, gains, and other support per audited financial statements 2 Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12: . . a Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments . . . . b Donated services and use of facilities . . . . . . . . . 2b c Recoveries of prior year grants . . . . . . . . . 2c d Other (Describe in Part XIII.) . . . . . . . . . e Add lines 2a through 2d . . . . . . . 2d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Subtract line 2e from line 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Amounts included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12, but not on line 1: a Investment expenses not included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 7b . b Other (Describe in Part XIII.) . . . . . . . . . . . c Add lines 4a and 4b . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 . . 2e 3 4b . . . . . . . . . 4c . . . 5 Reconciliation of Expenses per Audited Financial Statements With Expenses per Return. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 12a. 1 Total expenses and losses per audited financial statements 2 Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part IX, line 25: . . a Donated services and use of facilities . . . . . . . . b Prior year adjustments . . . . . . . . c Other losses d Other (Describe in Part XIII.) . . . . . . . . . e . 4a Total revenue. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 12.) Part XII 1 2a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2a 2b . . 2c 2d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2e 3 Subtract line 2e from line 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 4 Amounts included on Form 990, Part IX, line 25, but not on line 1: a Investment expenses not included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 7b . . 4a b Other (Describe in Part XIII.) . . . . . . . . . 4b c 5 Add lines 2a through 2d . . . Add lines 4a and 4b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total expenses. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 18.) . . . . . . . . 4c . . 5 Part XIII Supplemental Information Provide the descriptions required for Part II, lines 3, 5, and 9; Part III, lines 1a and 4; Part lV, lines 1b and 2b; Part V, line 4; Part X, line 2; Part XI, lines 2d and 4b; and Part XII, lines 2d and 4b. Also complete this part to provide any additional information. Return Reference Explanation Schedule D (Form 990) 2021 �Additional Data Return to Form Software ID: Software Version: �OMB No. 1545­0047 Supplemental Information Regarding Fundraising or Gaming Activities SCHEDULE G (Form 990) 2021 Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, lines 17, 18, or 19, or if the organization entered more than $15,000 on Form 990­EZ, line 6a. Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Open to Public Inspection Attach to Form 990 or Form 990­EZ. Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information. Name of the organization OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY INC Employer identification number 73­1300864 Part I 1 Fundraising Activities. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 17. Form 990­EZ filers are not required to complete this part. Indicate whether the organization raised funds through any of the following activities. Check all that apply. a Mail solicitations b c d In­person solicitations 2a e Solicitation of non­government grants Internet and email solicitations f Solicitation of government grants Phone solicitations g Special fundraising events b Did the organization have a written or oral agreement with any individual (including officers, directors, trustees or key employees listed in Form 990, Part VII) or entity in connection with professional fundraising Yes No services? If "Yes," list the 10 highest paid individuals or entities (fundraisers) pursuant to agreements under which the fundraiser is to be compensated at least $5,000 by the organization. (i) Name and address of individual or entity (fundraiser) (ii) Activity 1 (iii) Did fundraiser have custody or control of contributions? Yes No (iv) Gross receipts from activity (v) Amount paid to (or retained by) fundraiser listed in col. (i) (vi) Amount paid to (or retained by) organization GRANT WRIT DONNA MATTHEWS DONNA MATTHEWS 3718 S TOLEDO AVE 3718 S TOLEDO AVE T U L S A, O K 7 4 1 3 5 No 27,979 ­27,979 27,979 ­27,979 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 List all states in which the organization is registered or licensed to solicit contributions or has been notified it is exempt from registration or licensing. OK For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990­EZ. Cat. No. 50083H Schedule G (Form 990) 2021 �Schedule G (Form 990) 2021 Part II Page 2 Fundraising Events. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 18, or reported more than $15,000 of fundraising event contributions and gross income on Form 990­EZ, lines 1 and 6b. List events with gross receipts greater than $5,000. 1 Gross receipts . (c)Other events EQUALITY GALA (event type) PRIDE FESTIVAL (event type) 1 (total number) . 353,950 177,027 2 Less: Contributions . . . 3 Gross income (line 1 minus line 2) . . . . . . 274,350 78,250 79,600 98,777 . . (b) Event #2 . 4 Cash prizes . (a)Event #1 . . . . . 5 Noncash prizes . . . . 6 Rent/facility costs . . . . . . . 7 Food and beverages 8 Entertainment . . 9 Other direct expenses . . 539,023 352,600 8,046 186,423 1,075 120,930 . 5,619 62,737 62,737 18,149 139,079 79,193 79,193 51,230 6,521 63,370 10 Direct expense summary. Add lines 4 through 9 in column (d) . . . . . . . . . . 345,454 11 Net income summary. Subtract line 10 from line 3, column (d) . . . . . . . . . . ­159,031 Part III Gaming. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 19, or reported more than $15,000 on Form 990­EZ, line 6a. (b) Pull tabs/Instant bingo/progressive bingo (a) Bingo 1 Gross revenue . . . . . 2 Cash prizes . . . . 3 Noncash prizes . . . . 4 Rent/facility costs . . . . 5 Other direct expenses . . . . Yes 6 Volunteer labor . . . . % Yes No 7 Direct expense summary. Add lines 2 through 5 in column (d) 9 8,046 1,075 . . (d) Total events (add col. (a) through col. (c)) % Yes No . (d) Total gaming (add col.(a) through col.(c)) (c) Other gaming % No . . . . . . . . . 8 Net gaming income summary. Subtract line 7 from line 1, column (d) . . . . . . . . . Enter the state(s) in which the organization conducts gaming activities: a b 10a b . . . Yes No Were any of the organization's gaming licenses revoked, suspended or terminated during the tax year? . If "Yes," explain: . . Yes No Is the organization licensed to conduct gaming activities in each of these states? . If "No," explain: . . . . Schedule G (Form 990) 2021 �Schedule G (Form 990) 2021 11 Page 3 12 Does the organization conduct gaming activities with nonmembers? . . . . . . . . . . Is the organization a grantor, beneficiary or trustee of a trust or a member of a partnership or other entity formed to administer charitable gaming? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Indicate the percentage of gaming activity conducted in: a The organization's facility . . . . b An outside facility . . . . 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yes No Yes No . . 13a % . . 13b % Enter the name and address of the person who prepares the organization's gaming/special events books and records: Name Address 15a b Does the organization have a contract with a third party from whom the organization receives gaming revenue? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . If "Yes," enter the amount of gaming revenue received by the organization amount of gaming revenue retained by the third party c $ $ . . Yes No Yes No and the . If "Yes," enter name and address of the third party: Name Address 16 Gaming manager information: Name Gaming manager compensation $ Description of services provided Director/officer 17 a Independent contractor Mandatory distributions: Is the organization required under state law to make charitable distributions from the gaming proceeds to retain the state gaming license? b Employee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Enter the amount of distributions required under state law distributed to other exempt organizations or spent in the organization's own exempt activities during the tax year Part IV $ Supplemental Information. Provide the explanations required by Part I, line 2b, columns (iii) and (v); and Part III, lines 9, 9b, 10b, 15b, 15c, 16, and 17b, as applicable. Also provide any additional information. See instructions. Return Reference Explanation Schedule G (Form 990) 2021 Additional Data Return to Form Software ID: Software Version: �SCHEDULE O (Form 990) Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Supplemental Information to Form 990 or 990­EZ Complete to provide information for responses to specific questions on Form 990 or 990­EZ or to provide any additional information. Attach to Form 990 or 990­EZ. Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for the latest information. Name of the organization OMB No. 1545­0047 2021 Open to Public Inspection Employer identification number OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY INC 73­1300864 Return Reference Explanation FORM 990, PAGE 2, PART III, LINE 4A MINORITY COMMUNITY CENTER OPERATION, CULTURAL AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND EVENT FACILITATION INCLUDING: COUNSELING AND WELLNESS PROGRAMS. PROVIDING FREE LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING SERVICES. MORE THAN 30 PEER LED SUPPORT GROUPS FOR INDIVIDUALS DEALING WITH POST TRAUMATIC STRESS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION IDENTITY ACCEPTANCE, DEPRESSION, EATING DISORDERS, GRIEF RECOVERY, TRANSGENDER ISSUES, DIVORCE AND RELATIONSHIP CHALLENGES, SUBSTANCE ABUSE, AND HEALTH CHALLENGES. TRANSGENDER SERVICES AND PROGRAMS: PROVIDING MEDICAL REFERRALS AND LIMITED MEDICAL SERVICES, MENTAL HEALTH REFERRALS, LEGAL SERVICES AND 5 DIFFERENT PEER LED SUPPORT GROUPS FOR INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR FAMILIES WHO IDENTIFTY AS TRANSGENDER. LGBT OLDER ADULT PROGRAM: PROVIDING MEDICAL REFERRALS, MENTAL HEALTH REFERRALS, LEGAL SERVICES, WEEKLY CHECK INS, ADVOCATING FOR THOSE LIVING IN ASSISTED LIVING CENTERS, AND SOCIAL PROGRAMMING FOR LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER SENIOR ADULTS. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 5 AN APPARENT EMBEZZLEMENT HAS BEEN DISCOVERED AFTER YEAR END OF 9/30/21. THE AMOUNT IS BELIEVED TO BE 14,758. AN IVESTIGATION IS IN PROGRESS. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 6 PERSONS WHO MAKE MINIMUM LEVEL OF CONTRIBUTION ARE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE ON MATTERS THAT COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING INCLUDING ELECTING MEMBERS TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 7A PERSONS WHO MAKE MINIMUM LEVEL OF CONTRIBUTION ARE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE ON MATTERS THAT COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING INCLUDING ELECTING MEMBERS TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 11B FORM 990 IS CIRCULATED FOR REVIEW BY MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 12C DIRECTORS ARE REQUIRED TO MAKE FULL DISCLOSURE OF POTENTIAL AND ACTUAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND RECUSE FROM ISSUES AS NECESSARY. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 15A OKLAHOMA CENTER FOR NON­PROFITS PROVIDED COMPENSATION DATA. FORM 990, PAGE 6, PART VI, LINE 19 GUIDESTAR.COM AND IN OFFICE AVAILABLE FOR MEMBERS TO READ AND TO COPY AS WELL AS ELECTRONICALLY. For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990­EZ. Cat. No. 51056K Schedule O (Form 990) 2021 �Additional Data Return to Form Software ID: Software Version: � 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 [2014-2021] OKEQ 990 Tax Return Forms Subject The topic of the resource Form 990 Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax From 2014-2021 for Oklahomans for Equality Description An account of the resource 8 documents of 990 tax forms filed by Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) for the years 2014 to 2021. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://okeq.org/bylaws/ Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2014 - 2021 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 990 Tax Forms Financial OkEq Oklahomans for Equality Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) tax forms Taxes https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/df3afeae778e443958da1aa1edeba2dc.pdf de434f64cde48b6f85350054ced8f1c7 PDF Text Text Docusign Envelope ID: 581A289A-2131-45B2-81F5-0FCF3C9A3429 RESOLUTION NO. FY 24-3 BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC. RESOLUTION WHEREAS: Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Oklahoma and is governed by a Board of Directors that has the authority pursuant to the corporation’s bylaws to adopt resolutions and to authorize officers and/or employees of the corporation to execute contracts and/or disburse payments in the name of the corporation. WHEREAS: Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. plans to organize and hold the 2024 Tulsa Pride festivities starting on Friday, October 11, 2024, and ending Sunday, October 13, 2024, and as a result will need to begin paying security deposits and executing contracts to ensure the smooth operation of such festivities. WHEREAS: To effectively and responsibly manage the disbursement of funds by the corporation in support of the 2024 Tulsa Pride festivities, the Pride and Finance Committees of Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. recommend that the Board of Directors grant prior approval for the below listed items that are expected to exceed the $10,000.00 threshold requiring board approval, set forth by the corporation’s bylaws. This prior approval shall grant contracting authority, at the below prescribed limits and for the below defined purposes, so that the relevant officers and/or employees of the corporation may execute any relevant contracts and/or disburse any payments related to any such items. The items referenced above are as follows: (1) Expenditures not to exceed a cumulative total of $35,000.00 for the purposes of event liability insurance; (2) Expenditures not to exceed a cumulative total of $36,000.00 for the purposes of renting event stage(s) and any associated lighting needs; (3) Expenditures not to exceed a cumulative total of $40,000.00 for the purposes of renting booths, supplies, and other amenities as needed; (4) Expenditures not to exceed a cumulative total of $16,000.00 for the purposes of engaging private event security. WHEREAS: To effectively plan and execute the 2024 Tulsa Pride festivities, the Pride and Finance Committees of Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. also recommend that the Board of Directors waive the open competition requirements for the above referenced expenditures, as set forth in Section 6.1 of the Finance Policy Manual. Due to the nature of such expenditures, it may be counterproductive and/or extremely difficult to obtain the required minimum number of bids, and therefore waiving such requirements would reduce administrative burden. This waiver shall only apply to these specific above referenced expenditures for the 2024 Tulsa Pride festivities. THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Board of Directors of Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. grants prior approval for contracting authority and disbursement of payments, and waives open competition 1 �Docusign Envelope ID: 581A289A-2131-45B2-81F5-0FCF3C9A3429 requirements, for the purposes of the 2024 Tulsa Pride festivities, for the following items: (1) expenditures not to exceed a cumulative total of $35,000.00 for event liability insurance, (2) expenditures not to exceed a cumulative total of $36,000.00 for the purposes of renting event stage(s) and any associated lighting needs, (3) expenditures not to exceed a cumulative total of $40,000.00 for the purposes of renting booths, supplies, and other amenities as needed, and (4) expenditures not to exceed a cumulative total of $16,000.00 for the purposes of engaging private event security. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Board of Directors of Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. delegates the contract authority on the above referenced expenditure items to the following officers and/or employees of the corporation: (1) Whitney Cipolla in her official capacity as President, (2) Paula Shannon in her official capacity as Vice President, (3) Eddie Carreno in his official capacity as Treasurer, and (4) Andi Gunter in her official capacity as Deputy Director. ADOPTION This resolution was adopted in executive session at the regular meeting of the Board of Directors of Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. held in person and online at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center located at 621 E 4th St, Tulsa, OK 74120 on July 18, 2024, where 12 directors were present and with a final vote of 12 in favor, none against, and none abstaining. Signed and sealed this 4th day of August, 2024 by: OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC. ______________________________ Whitney Cipolla, President ATTEST: ______________________________ Yonah Jasper, Secretary 2 � 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 Docusign Envelope ID: 581A289A-2131-45B2-81F5-0FCF3C9A3429<br /><br /><strong>OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY</strong><br /><br /><strong>RESOLUTION NO. <span style="text-decoration:underline;">FY 24-3</span></strong><br /><strong>BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC.</strong><br /><strong><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;">RESOLUTION</span></strong><br /><strong><br />WHEREAS:</strong> Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Oklahoma and is governed by a Board of Directors that has the authority pursuant to the corporation’s bylaws to adopt resolutions and to authorize officers and/or employees of the corporation to execute contracts and/or disburse payments in the name of the corporation.<br /><br /><strong>WHEREAS:</strong> Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. plans to organize and hold the 2024 Tulsa Pride festivities starting on Friday, October 11, 2024, and ending Sunday, October 13, 2024, and as a result will need to begin paying security deposits and executing contracts to ensure the smooth operation of such festivities.<br /><br /><strong>WHEREAS:</strong> To effectively and responsibly manage the disbursement of funds by the corporation in support of the 2024 Tulsa Pride festivities, the Pride and Finance Committees of Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. recommend that the Board of Directors grant prior approval for the below listed items that are expected to exceed the $10,000.00 threshold requiring board approval, set forth by the corporation’s bylaws. This prior approval shall grant contracting authority, at the below prescribed limits and for the below defined purposes, so that the relevant officers and/or employees of the corporation may execute any relevant contracts and/or disburse any payments related to any such items. The items referenced above are as follows:<br /><br />(1) Expenditures not to exceed a cumulative total of $35,000.00 for the purposes of event liability insurance;<br />(2) Expenditures not to exceed a cumulative total of $36,000.00 for the purposes of renting event stage(s) and any associated lighting needs;<br />(3) Expenditures not to exceed a cumulative total of $40,000.00 for the purposes of renting booths, supplies, and other amenities as needed;<br />(4) Expenditures not to exceed a cumulative total of $16,000.00 for the purposes of engaging private event security.<br /><br /><strong>WHEREAS:</strong> To effectively plan and execute the 2024 Tulsa Pride festivities, the Pride and Finance Committees of Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. also recommend that the Board of Directors waive the open competition requirements for the above referenced expenditures, as set forth in Section 6.1 of the Finance Policy Manual. Due to the nature of such expenditures, it may be counterproductive and/or extremely difficult to obtain the required minimum number of bids, and therefore waiving such requirements would reduce administrative burden. This waiver shall only apply to these specific above referenced expenditures for the 2024 Tulsa Pride festivities.<br /><br /><strong>THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:</strong> That the Board of Directors of Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. grants prior approval for contracting authority and disbursement of payments, and waives open competition requirements, for the purposes of the 2024 Tulsa Pride festivities, for the following items: (1) expenditures not to exceed a cumulative total of $35,000.00 for event liability insurance, (2) expenditures not to exceed a cumulative total of $36,000.00 for the purposes of renting event stage(s) and any associated lighting needs, (3) expenditures not to exceed a cumulative total of $40,000.00 for the purposes of renting booths, supplies, and other amenities as needed, and (4) expenditures not to exceed a cumulative total of $16,000.00 for the purposes of engaging private event security.<br /><br />1<br /><br />Docusign Envelope ID: 581A289A-2131-45B2-81F5-0FCF3C9A3429<br /><br /><strong>BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:</strong> That the Board of Directors of Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. delegates the contract authority on the above referenced expenditure items to the following officers and/or employees of the corporation: (1) Whitney Cipolla in her official capacity as President, (2) Paula Shannon in her official capacity as Vice President, (3) Eddie Carreno in his official capacity as Treasurer, and (4) Andi Gunter in her official capacity as Deputy Director.<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>ADOPTION</strong></span><br /><br />This resolution was adopted in executive session at the regular meeting of the Board of Directors of Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. held in person and online at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center located at 621 E 4th St, Tulsa, OK 74120 on July 18, 2024, where <span style="text-decoration:underline;">12</span> directors were present and with a final vote of <span style="text-decoration:underline;">12</span> in favor, <span style="text-decoration:underline;">none</span> against, and <span style="text-decoration:underline;">none</span> abstaining.<br /><br />Signed and sealed this <span style="text-decoration:underline;">4th</span> day of <span style="text-decoration:underline;">August,</span> 2024 by:<br /><br />OKLAHOMANS FOR EQUALITY, INC.<br />[Whitney Cipolla's signature]<br />______________________________<br />Whitney Cipolla, President<br /><br />ATTEST:<br />[Yonah Jasper's signature]<br />______________________________<br />Yonah Jasper, Secretary<br /><br />2 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 [2024] OKEQ Resolution FY 24-3 Subject The topic of the resource Oklahomans for Equality Resolution No. FY 24-3 by the Board of Directors of Oklahomans for Equality, Inc. Description An account of the resource 2 pages of the Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) Resolution No. FY 24-3 by the Board of Directors of OKEQ, Inc. regarding the approved spending amounts for certain items for 2024 Tulsa Pride activities. It was adopted by the board on July 18, 2024, and signed and sealed on August 4, 2024. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August 4, 2024 2024 Andi Gunter Board Deputy Director Andi Gunter Board President Board President Whitney Cipolla Board Secretary Board Secretary Yonah Jasper Board Treasurer Board Treasurer Eddie Carreno Board Vice President Paula Shannon Eddie Carreno Finance Committee Financial OkEq OKEQ Board OKEQ Board Deputy Director OKEQ Board Deputy Director Andi Gunter OKEQ Board of Directors OKEQ Board President OKEQ Board President Whitney Cipolla OKEQ Board Secretary OKEQ Board Secretary Yonah Jasper OKEQ Board Treasurer OKEQ Board Treasurer Eddie Carreno OKEQ Board Vice President OKEQ Board Vice President Paula Shannon OKEQ financials OKEQ Resolution No. FY 24-3 Oklahomans for Equality Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) Oklahomans for Equality Board Paula Shannon Pride 2024 Pride Committee pride festival pride Parade Pride Parade and festival resolution resolution adoption Resolution FY 24-3 Tulsa Pride Tulsa Pride 2024 Whitney Cipolla Yonah Jasper