4 20 643 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 Physical Media: Box 7, Folder 7 - Dr. Leisa Meyer Program Box 7, Folder 8 - Interviewees Materials, Original Series 2003-2007 Digital Media: 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 [2004] Ken Youngblood Interview Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August 22, 2004 Description An account of the resource Video recording and transcript of oral history interview with Laura Belmonte on August 22, 2004. Video and Transcript available at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center for on-site research. Ken was born November 22, 1949, in Vinita, Oklahoma. From sixth grade through high school, he played the piano and organ at the local Baptist Church. He attended high school in Jay, Oklahoma, married in 1971, went to Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma and obtained a degree in Music. He divorced in 1973 and came out soon after. Ken attended graduate school at the University of Oklahoma in Norman. In 1975, Ken moved to Tulsa and attended a hairstyling school and later opened a flower shop after working in the floral department of a local grocery. Ken discussed his early experiences in the gay scene in Tulsa and his first drag appearances, including participating in the Follies fundraiser for Oklahomans for Human Rights. In 1994, the well-known Tulsa artist Pat Gordon asked Ken to model in drag as part of a series of such works over the next few years. He discussed his awareness of AIDS and its impact in Tulsa and his volunteer work with the helpline maintained by Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights. In 1992, Ken and his long-time partner had a well- known “wedding” attended by some 300 gay and straight people. Subject The topic of the resource Ken Youngblood Oral History Project Interview from August 22, 2004 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Ken Youngblood, Laura Belmonte, Dennis Neill 2004 AIDS AIDS/HIV available at Center follies HIV/AIDs interview Ken Youngblood Laura A. Belmonte Laura Belmonte Northeastern State University Northeastern State University (NSU) NSU OKEQ Oral History Project oral history oral history interview Oral History Project oral history transcript OU Pat Gordon TOHR transcript Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) University of Oklahoma University of Oklahoma (OU) 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 Physical Media: Box 7, Folder 7 - Dr. Leisa Meyer Program Box 7, Folder 8 - Interviewees Materials, Original Series 2003-2007 Digital Media: 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/0621abae670b12030928928a1ac6c48e.pdf 8b5551e9e03a4803a44853d96fcc142a PDF Text Text � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [1999] Know Your Legal Rights Subject The topic of the resource 1999 Oklahoma Lesbian and Gay Law Association Know Your Legal Rights Letter Description An account of the resource A letter from Kerry R. Lewis with Oklahoma Lesbian and Gay Law Association and Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) to Tom Neal, publisher and editor of Tulsa Family News, inviting him to a seminar on estate planning held at the Pride Center on February 18, 1999, 1 page. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Kerry R. Lewis Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 18, 1999 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Oklahoma Lesbian and Gay Law Association, Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) 1999 Camille Quinn estate planning Kerry Lewis Kerry R. Lewis Know Your Legal Rights legal protection Oklahoma Lesbian and Gay Law Association Oklahoma Lesbian and Gay Lawyers Association Pride Center TOHR Tom Neal Tulsa Family News Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/94d27390b4ef6f944a8fee6f763e7267.jpg ab80fb6be6333553b3b7c030d7d61991 Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data MP4 Duration Length of time involved (seconds, minutes, hours, days, class periods, etc.) 0.3.50 Compression Type/rate of compression for moving image file (i.e. MPEG-4) MP4 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] Conversion Therapy - KTUL Channel 8, 11-18-2019 Subject The topic of the resource Jose Vega, Deputy Director of Oklahomans for Equality and Stephen Black, First Stone Ministries Interview regarding conversion therapy. Description An account of the resource Jose Vega recounts his experience being forced to go through conversion therapy as a teenager. Stephen Black discusses the reasons why he supports conversion therapy. MP4 video available to researchers for on-site viewing only due to copyright. Location:OkEq History Project/Ddatadrive/History-General (in Omeka)/KTUL 2019-11-18 Conversion Therapy Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource KTUL Channel 8, Tulsa Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available KTUL Channel 8, Tulsa Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource November 18, 2019 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Oklahomans for Equality, First Stone Ministries Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource KTUL Channel 8, Tulsa Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource MP$ Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/307 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/18 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource news Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Tulsa---Oklahoma Oklahoma---Tulsa The United States of America (50 states) Channel 8 conversion therapy First Stone Ministries Jose Vega KTUL Oklahomans for Equality Stephen Black https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/3eb9b3d9bed0aa19944ec6b9ffdeed7b.pdf efd0b605911d272b176e1eac1ce9b66a PDF Text Text �� https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/9736405acc63924b56d877f95beed32e.pdf d48e324d8c1f063fc37c3100e91105fb PDF Text Text �� https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/3853b8aad4cf42f04b93a515112e37ca.pdf 7da17af901ae11112ca4a9fc7741724e PDF Text Text �� https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/3d853df569c3cd8e8df1db209ce94f6d.pdf fe8ae0bd8f8b91b78934686036d6aea8 PDF Text Text �� Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [1996] Lambda Legal Subject The topic of the resource Activism Description An account of the resource Documents from Lambda Legal Defense Education Fund, Inc. Includes press releases, marriage project overview, and marriage project resource list. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Lambda Legal Defense Education Fund, Inc. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1996 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Marriage Equality Advocacy Activism 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 Physical Media: Box 7, Folder 7 - Dr. Leisa Meyer Program Box 7, Folder 8 - Interviewees Materials, Original Series 2003-2007 Digital Media: Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2006] Lamont Lindstrom Interview Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource April 15, 2006 Description An account of the resource Video recording and transcript of oral history interview with Laura Belmonte on April 15, 2006. Video and Transcript available at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center for on-site research. Lamont was born in Oakland, California on May 11th, 1953. At Berkeley, he completed a BA, MA and PhD in anthropology. Prior to spending a year in Australia on a National Science Foundation fellowship, Lamont married. They later relocated to Memphis for a teaching position and then joined the faculty at the University of Tulsa in 1982. In 1984 and 1985, he worked in Hawaii, returned to Tulsa and his wife and Lamont had 3 daughters. By 1994, he became more focused on his interest in same-sex relations. He has been in a long-term interracial relationship and discusses some of the challenges of segregation within the gay community. In 1996 he became involved with Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, including serving on the board in the 2000s. Subject The topic of the resource Lamont Lindstrom Oral History Project interview from April 15, 2006 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Lamont Lindstorm, Laura Belmonte, Dennis Neill 2006 available at Center interview Lamont Lindstrom Laura A. Belmonte Laura Belmonte OKEQ Oral History Project oral history oral history interview Oral History Project oral history transcript segregation TOHR TOHR Board of Directors transcript Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Board of Directors video 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 Physical Media: Box 7, Folder 7 - Dr. Leisa Meyer Program Box 7, Folder 8 - Interviewees Materials, Original Series 2003-2007 Digital Media: 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. A copy of the OSU transcript is on file at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center for on-site research. 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) https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/0d426be7c4cbee728bc6662809a1c1e6.pdf 6b7bcb0c286cb5c7ddf8bc5b88622c10 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 Vernon Jones Obituary Description An account of the resource Transcript: Vernon Leon Jones, 88, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, left this earthly plane to be with his late partner Phil Wiley, on February 5th, 2024. He was born in Oklahoma, on May 3rd, 1935. As a gay man, born and raised here, Vernon’s chosen family is vast. He is survived by Hayward Jones, Nekesha Jones, JaKobe Jones, Sue Davis, Fred Hilliard, Arlowe Clementine, Mason Thomas, Rey Thomas, and so many other individuals that claimed Vernon as their friend, family, and elder. Vernon was an active learner, even in his later years. He was always working to understand the world around him and was eternally hopeful for a better world. He was a strong advocate for marginalized peoples and was particularly committed to Queer and Black Liberation. Vernon was a clear Taurus. He was intelligent, dependable, logical, honest, and generous. Vernon spent most of his life focused on making his community better. He was a holder of receipts. A maker of spreadsheets. A true community historian and archivist. Vernon was dedicated to making people safer, both in his career in emergency management and his activist work in the fight against AIDS. He was not a stranger to controversy and was unrelenting in speaking his truth and the truth of the people he loved. In the years before his death, Vernon worked hard to ensure that the legacy of LGBTQ activism in Tulsa was properly recorded and preserved for current and future generations. His substantial archive is now housed in Oklahoma State University’s Archives. This collection will be witnessed by researchers and community members for years to come. Vernon was a connector. He worked hard to bring people together and was always willing to give someone support that needed it. Even in his death, he is connecting individuals over their shared love and respect for him and his life. Vernon fought hard for his community and the legacy of his late partner Phil Wiley. Anyone who knew Vernon was graced with stories of Phil’s life and legacy as well as their love for one another. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you remember Vernon by learning something new, taking a stand on social issues that are important to you, and keeping his life and legacy alive through storytelling. Vernon’s memorial service will take place March 1st at 11 AM at Butler-Stumpff & Dyer Funeral Home (<a href="https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=bfe3dfa29743f8d2JmltdHM9MTcwODY0NjQwMCZpZ3VpZD0xYTQ3OGQzZC1hYmNmLTYxMWUtMDhjNC05ZjI0YWFiYTYwNDUmaW5zaWQ9NTc0Nw&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=3&fclid=1a478d3d-abcf-611e-08c4-9f24aaba6045&u=a1L21hcHM_Jm1lcGk9MTIzfn5Vbmtub3dufkFkZHJlc3NfTGluayZ0eT0xOCZxPUJ1dGxlci1TdHVtcGZmJTIwJTI2JTIwRHllciUyMEZ1bmVyYWwlMjBIb21lJTIwJTI2JTIwQ3JlbWF0b3J5JnNzPXlwaWQuWU43MDl4MTIzMDIxMzUmcHBvaXM9MzYuMTU2OTEzNzU3MzI0MjJfLTk1Ljk2MTc5OTYyMTU4MjAzX0J1dGxlci1TdHVtcGZmJTIwJTI2JTIwRHllciUyMEZ1bmVyYWwlMjBIb21lJTIwJTI2JTIwQ3JlbWF0b3J5X1lONzA5eDEyMzAyMTM1fiZjcD0zNi4xNTY5MTR-LTk1Ljk2MTgmdj0yJnNWPTEmRk9STT1NUFNSUEw&ntb=1">2103 E 3rd St, Tulsa, OK 74104</a>). PDF Text Text 1/8/26, 1:44 PM Vernon Leon Jones - Butler-Stumpff & Dyer Funeral Home & Crematory  Vernon Leon Jones May 03, 1935 - February 05, 2024 Share:    Obituary Event & Services Charities & Donations Gallery Videos https://www.butler-stumpff.com/obituaries/vernon-leon-jones/ 1/4 �1/8/26, 1:44 PM Vernon Leon Jones - Butler-Stumpff & Dyer Funeral Home & Crematory Guestbook Send Flowers Obituary Vernon Leon Jones, 88, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, left this earthly plane to be with his late partner Phil Wiley, on February 5th, 2024. He was born in Oklahoma, on May 3rd, 1935. As a gay man, born and raised here, Vernon’s chosen family is vast. He is survived by Hayward Jones, Nekesha Jones, JaKobe Jones, Sue Davis, Fred Hilliard, Arlowe Clementine, Mason Thomas, Rey Thomas, and so many other individuals that claimed Vernon as their friend, family, and elder. Vernon was an active learner, even in his later years. He was always working to understand the world around him and was eternally hopeful for a better world. He was a strong advocate for marginalized peoples and was particularly committed to Queer and Black Liberation. Vernon was a clear Taurus. He was intelligent, dependable, logical, honest, and generous. Vernon spent most of his life focused on making his community better. He was a holder of receipts. A maker of spreadsheets. A true community historian and archivist. Vernon was dedicated to making people safer, both in his career in emergency management and his activist work in the fight against AIDS. He was not a stranger to controversy and was unrelenting in speaking his truth and the truth of the people he loved. In the years before his death, Vernon worked hard to ensure that the legacy of LGBTQ activism in Tulsa was properly recorded and preserved for current and future generations. His substantial archive is now housed in Oklahoma State University’s Archives. This collection will be witnessed by researchers and community members for years to come. Vernon was a connector. He worked hard to bring people together and was always willing to give someone support that needed it. Even in his death, he is connecting individuals over their shared love and respect for him and his life. Vernon fought hard for his community and the legacy of his late partner Phil Wiley. Anyone who knew Vernon was graced with stories of Phil’s life and legacy as well as their love for one another. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you remember Vernon by learning something new, taking a stand on social issues that are important to you, and keeping his life and legacy alive through storytelling. https://www.butler-stumpff.com/obituaries/vernon-leon-jones/ 2/4 �1/8/26, 1:44 PM Vernon Leon Jones - Butler-Stumpff & Dyer Funeral Home & Crematory Vernon’s memorial service will take place March 1st at 11 AM at Butler-Stumpff & Dyer Funeral Home (2103 E 3rd St, Tulsa, OK 74104). ABOUT US “We will always be kind and we will never take advantage of you or your family at your saddest time” is our promise to you. General Price List BUTLER-STUMPFF & DYER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY  2103 E 3rd St Tulsa, OK 74104  (918) 587-7000  info@butler-stumpff.com  Available 24/7 https://www.butler-stumpff.com/obituaries/vernon-leon-jones/ 3/4 � 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 Physical Media: Box 7, Folder 7 - Dr. Leisa Meyer Program Box 7, Folder 8 - Interviewees Materials, Original Series 2003-2007 Digital Media: 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 [2007] Vernon Jones Interview Description An account of the resource Video recording and transcription of Laura Belmonte’s interview of Vernon Jones conducted on February 28, 2007. Video and Transcript available at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center for on-site research. Vernon was born on May 3, 1935, near Tulsa and passed on February 5, 2024 in Tulsa. He enlisted in the Air Force and served for four years in the military in cryptographic operations, including two years stationed in Japan. After thirteen years of marriage and two daughters, Vernon came out to his wife and family. He and his partner, Phil Wiley, were co-founders of the Tulsa Gay Alliance in 1971, and they volunteered with the Tulsa Suicide Prevention Hotline. He worked in emergency management. In the mid-1970’s. He served on a task force within the Tulsa Human Rights Commission to research consideration of ordinance changes to address LGBT discrimination. Vernon left his archives to Oklahoma State University. A copy of his October 10, 2021, interview as a part of OSU’s Diverse Gender and Sexuality of Oklahoma Oral History Project is included in Vernon’s oral history folder at OkEq. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 28, 2007 Subject The topic of the resource Vernon Jones Oral History Project Interview from February 28, 2007 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Laura Belmonte, Vernon Jones, Lindsey Killebrew, Matthew D. Williams, Dennis Neill 2007 available at Center Butler-Stumpff & Dyer Funeral Home Butler-Stumpff and Dyer Butler-Stumpff and Dyer Funeral Home Dennis Neill interview Laura A. Belmonte Laura Belmonte Lindsey Killebrew Matthew D. Williams Matthew Williams Obituaries Obituary OKEQ Oral History Project oral history oral history interview Oral History Project oral history transcript transcript Vernon Jones Vernon Leon Jones video https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/4d5c6b38d16a7cf7d1c5fce47fa47c7f.png 67014014ccc0f346b395920693225a77 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/c43b4ea6c7197a8c3778ab35b5884028.pdf 35444056fd114f43bcb96a407676d282 PDF Text Text � https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/1b7f825e5050da4a0552a2542cc758ae.pdf 3e1b3159cc64f1d4bd3dfbe65e976b5a PDF Text Text �� https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/88c653df2bc15a563dfa631e5e6a0222.pdf 83415ef89794e5b39eaca55f55288cef PDF Text Text �� Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2000] Col. Cammermeyer Documents Subject The topic of the resource Pride Parade 2000 Description An account of the resource Documents relating to Col. Margarethe Cammermeyer serving as co-grand Marshal of 2000's Pride Parade. Includes letter from her agent, biography, and signed contract. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Lecture Literary management Inc. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 9, 2000 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Pride 2000 Diversity Celebration 2000 Pride Parade 2000 Col. Grace Cammermeyer https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/50c75d314ecd3bfe576df8fa1e4a818c.mp4 1cd0a806c5b45b06b12b8f2d5493d4a0 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/606165fb7c1a6f95167aa8b039f4cf5b.pdf 7df047509f8b51766c8cfb51987ff046 PDF Text Text GLBT History Project 03/31/2006 Interview of Leslie Penrose by Laura Belmonte Laura: It is Friday, March 31 2006 and we are at the community of Hope Church with Leslie Penrose for today’s interview. Leslie, let’s just start with some basic biographical information. When were you born, what was your family and education like and those sorts of things? Leslie: I was born in Amarillo, Texas in 1951 into an oil field family. And I grew up all over the Midwest and lived in almost every state west of the Mississippi. I went to 18 different schools between kindergarten and college. Roots are something I long for and moving is something I do well. Although, in my adult life I have lived in Tulsa since 1981 and really do feel like I’m establishing roots here and that this is home. Although my husband and I have moved to like 5 different houses so we still practice the moving thing. Laura: Did you have any brothers and sisters? Leslie: I did. I had two younger brothers and a younger sister so I was the oldest of four: and they’re all still living. My dad is dead but my mother is still living. Laura: And where did you go to college? Leslie: T.U. I got my masters at Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa. Laura: And you mentioned you are married, how long have you been? Leslie: 35 years. I got married right out of high school. He was in Marine Corps and it was just 6 months out of high school and I moved to California to take up residence on the marine base. Laura: Wow. And do you have children? 1 �Leslie: I do. I have two. One was born there in California after we had been married about two years. And the other one was born on the East coast. We moved back here to go to school and OU and from here we moved Richmond, Virginia for Steve’s job and my second child was born there. Laura: Well let’s move onto the issues of the gay community and gay people and such. When was the first time you recall hearing anything about the gay community in Tulsa? Leslie: I don’t know about hearing about the gay community in Tulsa but I do know when my own sense of awareness of gay issues happened. In the late 70s I was a banker. And I was not happy with that and I took a trip to Central America to try and figure things out and find out what I wanted to be when I grew up. And the leader of the trip that I went down there with was a gay man. And it was a very transforming trip for me and my relationship with him was very transforming. And I experienced him in a very pastoral, religious way. And I asked him one day why he wasn’t a pastor because he just had such a gift for it. And he said, “Well I would be except that the church won’t let me. I’m gay.” And it was not anything that I ever consciously knew. I mean I must have been aware of it on some level but it had never been part of my consciousness that that was where the church was. And it just blew my socks off and I continued to maintain a relationship with him but it actually that experience and my experience in Central America that drove me to seminary. And once I was in seminary, that issue and other issues of justice just kept pushing me to the edge: and I’d quit seminary and start it again and then I think I can’t do this church because it’s way too oppressive. But there was also something within me that came out of that trip to Central America that said, “My experience says there’s a different way of being a church, a way that is life giving.” And I knew that, and I wanted to be a part of that. Laura: Talk to me a little bit about your experiences at Phillips. Why did you decide to go there? Leslie: Well I decided to go there because it was the only seminary available to me. I was a young mother with 2 �young kids. I needed a local place. They were just starting there Tulsa campus back when I started in 1985 and they called and asked if I wanted to be a part of that very first class that met here in Tulsa. And so I did that. Laura: And you found this a kind of conflicted experience? were they saying about issues of social justice and homosexuality that you had to wrestle with? What Leslie: You know I don’t know if it was what they were saying as it was what the gospel was saying. I think actually the school was pretty mainline and kind of scared to enter into the really tough issues. I had, for most of my life, been involved in civil rights issues for African Americans but as I began to read the gospel and put things together it became clear to me that something was wrong with saying there are some folks that don’t fit into the salvation plan or however you want to talk about it. And the more I challenged that in my own thinking, the more I needed to embrace other people in the dialogue. I was the president of the student council at Phillips and actually challenged them to, for the first time, put gay and lesbian issues on the agenda and actually take them to a board meeting and tell them that Phillips might be a safe place for gay and lesbian students. It was not at that time. And they were pretty threatened by that first dialogue but it opened the door and they are now a very affirming place for gay and lesbian students. At about the same time, while I was in seminary, I was a part-time youth pastor at Memorial Methodist Church and I got a call one day from a friend of mine at St. Johns hospital, she was a nurse, and she said that there was a young man here and he is dying of AIDS and he hasn’t had any visitors here for over a month. Would you mind coming? I knew nothing about AIDS but I knew someone shouldn’t die with visitors for a month. So I went and it was a baptism by fire. When I got to him I asked if I could come in and he said sure. He said who are you? And I told him and then he said, “Oh you don’t even need to bother to have to stay. I know everything you have to say, the church has already told me I’m going to hell.” And it just broke my heart. I just said I don’t believe that. And he let me stay a few minutes so we could talk and when I left I asked if I could come back the next day and visit and he said yes. And I was there 3 �everyday for about a week until that young man died. During that time I got to meet a couple of his friends who came by because they had heard he was going to die. And from there I just got connected. It was like all of a sudden, there were a number of people who needed to deal with their spiritual issues relating to HIV and AIDS. I got connected with Dr. Beale and Ted Campbell and all of a sudden I was like “the chaplain” for Dr. Beale’s office. And then one day Ted Campbell called me and asked me to do some work with his HIV therapy group—that they had some spiritual issues to deal with. So I went, I was there for about an hour, and it was actually a pretty hostile group at first. Not too willing to talk. They had a few nice questions to ask me, but there wasn’t a conversation. And then right before it was time to go, one of the young men, Jim Berry, looking at me and said, “I have a question for you. So tell me why it is that God would create somebody and then condemn them to hell. Tell me what kind of God does that.” And the only response I had was a God who needs to die. Because that was true for me, the God that they were carrying around with them needed to die. So they invited me back and went back to that group for several months and worked on theological issues with them about their own belovedness in God’s eyes. Laura: How did you become aware of the difficulties that GLBT people faced at Phillips? Leslie: I just became aware that there were a couple of lesbian students there that were not out and were not willing to be out and only shared their story with me because I began to break the silence about the issue and ask those kinds of questions. In just becoming a safe place, several students decided to share their stories. Laura: Did you, yourself, have people assume you were a lesbian? Leslie: Absolutely, all the time. In fact, when I first community of Hope I intentionally took off my wedding ring because I got scared of the straight community relying on the fact that I was straight to make me safe in religious settings. Because the people I was working with were not safe in religious settings unless they pretended to be straight. So 4 �I was just unwilling for it to be that obvious that I was straight. Laura: You weren’t willing to flaunt your heterosexuality? Leslie: Yeah… I just wasn’t willing for someone else to use it. It just made me furious that that’s what made me safe. Laura: So what year did you finish seminary and how did your career trajectory go after that? Leslie: I was ordained in 1989 and I was still on staff at Memorial Drive. In 1990 a young gay couple started coming to the church that I was ministering at. And then another couple came and so on. At first the church was pretty receptive to the first two: tokenism thing was okay with them. But when it became 4 and 6 and 8 and a whole pew of young gay men, and most of them had AIDS, the church got more threatened. So in 1992 while I was in Central America leading a mission trip they had these secret meetings and when I got back they told me I needed to leave. They were no longer comfortable with my ministry. Well in the United Methodist Church that’s not how it works. The church doesn’t decide when you leave, only the bishop can decide that. So the bishop told them, “You don’t decide when she leaves. I do. And she will stay until June when it is the normal time for people to leave.” So between August of 92 and June of 93, I was in this horribly painful situation where I was serving this church where a significant number of the people did not want me there, yet a significant number did. The church began to split and the pastor got threatened and he wrote letters to the GLBT members who had already joined that they couldn’t do things like go into the kitchen because they had AIDS and they couldn’t teach Sunday school. You know, you’ve been there and heard it all. And so I went to the bishop and said, “Fine, if I’m going to move that that’s fine, that’s the system. But put someone in Tulsa who can be a safe place for these people. We’ve opened the door now and it needs to be provided.” And he said, “You need to start that congregation.” Well politically at that time the United Methodist Church would not support my opening a normal congregation that open and affirming. They just said no. So he and I put our heads together and he had just been 5 �in Central America and I often went to Central America and so we came up with the idea of creating a base community, which is really a model out of Latin America, primarily Catholic churches, whereby people who feel abandoned by the hierarchy who is pretty much in bed with the oligarchy in Central and South America. And they formed there own communities of justice and spirituality where they are the church and occasionally a priest may come and offer the sacraments the church is the people and they are doing the work of nurturing spirituality and beginning the read the bible in different ways and to question theology. And we thought this would make sense for Tulsa and we just made it up. And at annual conference in June of 1993 he commissioned me to begin a base community here in Tulsa, whatever that might mean. Laura: What was this bishop’s name? Leslie: Dan Solomon, a very courageous man. He found 12,000 dollars for me to have a part-time salary and that’s how it started: no place to meet, no nothing except a group of people who were willing. I went to several different churches and finally found one, Saint Mary United Methodist Church on North Denver, that would allow us to meet in the evenings in their basement. So on June 21, 1993 we had the very first gathering of community. There had been a group of 12 or 13 that had been meeting in my living room for two or three months trying to figure out what we wanted this church to look like. It was half gay and half straight and that was an important piece for us. We wanted life to not only be diverse in that kind of way but also in a financial way to bear witness to what was important: so we decided that for every dollar we spent on ourselves we would also spend a dollar beyond our walls. And we’ve done that now for 13 years. So we had this wonderful gathering of about 50 people in June of 1993 and gave birth to Community Hope. We met there at Saint Mary for about two months and then one evening one of their morning members saw one of our couples kissing in the parking lot and just freaked and went to the pastor and the rest of the congregation and within a few weeks they asked us to leave. So we rented a little life insurance building on the corner of Yale and Pine and were there for about two and one half years. We outgrew it and then we 6 �rented a warehouse on 2nd and Utica and completely gutted and redid the warehouse and it was a wonderful space for us and we had a wonderful time. We were there until early 1998. And then the city came and said we couldn’t stay because our zoning wasn’t right for being a church. So we began to look to look for another building. We were, what, 5 years old and looking for our 4th building. Laura: It’s a good thing you had the experience… Leslie: That’s right, all of my life. So then we started trying to buy a building. We tried to buy three different church buildings and once they found out who we were they wouldn’t sell us the building. So finally—you know if there is anything I regret in my ministry I think this is what it is—we bought the building in the closet. We had one of our members buy it and transfer it to us and that was in 1998. It was a deeply painful thing and it was fear that drove us to it: fear that we weren’t going to have any place to call home. But I almost wish we hadn’t because it ended up hurting us in significant ways but I didn’t know that until a year later when I looked back at some of the conflict—and we’d never had conflict in our congregation— that had started, the ways some people were acting in dysfunctional ways. And I think it was because we had gone back into the closet in order to buy that building. Laura: Let’s back up for a moment: I would assume some of this got public attention of some sort. When was the first time you remember gaining attention in the media for your outreach in the GLBT community? Leslie: Actually the Tulsa World did a story in probably 1995 and it was very positive about who we were and the outreach we were doing and that was probably the first time we got attention. We didn’t really get much other publicity until in 1999 when I was brought up on charges: and then there was lots of it, nationally. Laura: When you were interacting with these leasing agents and realtors, had you been cognizant of laws on housing discrimination not including sexual orientation? 7 �Leslie: I think I probably had, but since this was a church it never entered my mind that you would turn down the whole church! It still just blows me away. Laura: The reason I ask is because we probably looked at 20 different spaces when we rented and that was just 2 years ago. Leslie: And how painful it is! I mean I’m a straight woman, I had never dealt with any of this before and had no idea of how painful it could be. Laura: Did you have any sort of dialogue within the church about the dissention the decision to buy, sort of undercover, was causing? Leslie: No, we never had a dialogue about it. I preached about it and I think that in and of itself did the healing that I think was needed. We named what was going on and that helped to heal the wounds: to say that we really messed up and we aren’t going to do this again. Laura: In relation to your having this sort of ministry, churches don’t exist as little islands, when was the first time you recall encountering something from a different religious bent here in Tulsa? Leslie: In 1990, when I was ordained elder in the United Methodist Church I was charged with heresy when I came up for ordination. And the charge was that I didn’t believe in the bodily resurrection of Christ as a literal event. But what was behind that charge was the work I was doing with the gay and lesbian community and how threatened people were by that. Terry Ewing who at that time was an associate minister at Will Rogers United Methodist Church was the person who actually filed the charges, saying that I shouldn’t be ordained because I didn’t honor the covenant. That was a deeply painful thing: to stand on the floor of the annual conference and have people debate as too whether or not you are appropriate to ministry is pretty difficult. But it ended up being a pretty wonderful thing because it did two things: It made me decide whether or not I was really willing to go through with this and how important this was to my ministry because all I 8 �had to do was kind of back down. But I decided right then and there that if I couldn’t do the ministry that I was called to do then being ordained was meaningless. I think that decision on the floor of the conference is what got me through later challenges in my ministry that were much more difficult and much more painful. So I ended up being grateful for that initial little baptism by fire. The other this it did was the conference ended up having to deal with what it was going to mean to have diversity in its midst— and the vote ended up like 590 to 17 or something like that. But what it meant later on that night when I was actually ordained with the public there, at Boston Avenue Methodist and the place was filled, and the bishop always says, when he ordains a person, if there are any family or people from this persons church here please stand, when he put his hand on me almost the entire room stood. And they didn’t know me or care about me personally but it was their way of saying we are not going to be a church who says no to diversity. It was a powerful moment. Laura: Was this coexistent or did it precede debates on GLBT clergy in the church? Leslie: Oh it was right in the middle of it. The Methodist Church has been debating that for years and years and years. Laura: This obviously was going in a different direction. Leslie: Yes, this wasn’t about gay clergy but about what restrictions we place on who we minister to. Laura: How about form non-Methodist clergy in Tulsa? Leslie: Well that’s just how it’s always been in Tulsa. I walk into a room and the room kind of divides by where they are on this issue and other kinds of liberal issues. There are a lot of times I become sort of a metaphor for liberal religion in many settings and I’ve just gotten used to that. Laura: Now who would you construe as having been allies in this? Were there others making similar sorts of overtures to the GLBT community as you were? Or were you the trend setter? 9 �Leslie: I think in 1993 there were not. Community Hope was the first open and affirming, the first other than MCC to be open and affirming. There were certainly clergy friends that I had who were sympathetic but they were not out there pushing the envelope. Laura: After 1998, what happened? Leslie: In 1996 the United Methodist Church passed a law saying that Methodist clergy cannot do same-sex blessings and they cannot happen in United Methodist churches. We had been doing them all along. We would publish them in our newsletter and there was no secrecy. When the law passed, we had a meeting here and said okay were not going to quit. Then we started asking ourselves, what is our theology of weddings, how do we justify what we do? So we put together a group that began writing a document and researching our theology on weddings and in 1997 we had a church wide meeting and adopted this theology and that we are going to do these weddings. At about that same time the bishop who had started this congregation left and we got a new bishop: Bruce Blake. He said stop. There’s no negotiating this, stop. We said we can’t do that: we can’t stop doing our ministry. So we continued and we began doing this game playing with the bishop and the conference. They’d say okay send us a video of what you are doing. So we’d send them a video of holy union and they would say, okay you can keep doing them but you can’t wear your stall and you can’t bless the rings and you cant say those magic words I announce you as wife and wife or whatever. So we tried playing that game for awhile because we really wanted to dance—if they were going to move a little and let us do them then we could move a little as well. So I blessed the rings before the ceremony and not during it and it just became clearer and clearer that it had no integrity. We went back to the cabinet and said we just can’t do this. It’s like people being asked to cut off one of their own arms. Don’t kill yourself just cut off a piece of yourself—and we just couldn’t do that. So then, the strangest thing, in 1998 there was a holy union in California that a whole bunch or clergy did collectively instead of as individual clergy and they asked clergy across the nation to join. They asked clergy to sign on as clergy in abstentia: officiates in 10 �abstentia. So I singed on. Well there was a lay person in Eufaula who decided that was unacceptable to him and so he filed charges against me for doing a holy union in abstentia in January. And then channel 11was doing a report on those charges and they got in touch with some people I had performed a holy union for and got a hold of their video tape and put it on the news… And so the bishop filed charges and it just got to be this ridiculous mess. And so finally he just said there are charges filed and you can stop doing this, or go to trial, or leave the denomination. Well it didn’t make any sense to go to trial: I’m guilty. Why do we want to spend time and money to go through that. So I began to work with the United Church of Christ and the charges came on February 4, 1999 and I transferred my quarters on March 4th 1999. Laura: And how did all of this effect the congregation? Leslie: We lost a huge number of people. We were averaging 90 in worship and then there was a gradual slide. It dwindled down to about 35. One more time the church has said you’re welcome but then resent that. I had been in the Methodist church for 15 years as a clergy and there were a lot of relationships there. Laura: How did you make the overture to the United Church of Christ and how did the change affect the church? Leslie: It was really interesting. The story I told you about going to Central America and the young man that was gay, well he wrote to me and said he had joined the United Church of Christ and that is where you belong. So I went to talk to Russ Finnick which is the only other UCC church in town and he said of course you belong here. He drove me over to Kingfisher to talk with the committee and he nurtured me through the process and was my mentor. Laura: You’ve experienced a lot more first hand homophobia than a lot of gay people I know! So what sort of outreach and programming was the church doing? Leslie: Well in that first year we started we started the mission to feed the homeless which we still do every month. Our first worship was in June, we stared to feed the homeless in 11 �July, we started the GED program in the jails in July, we took a mission trip to Nicaragua in August and those things all continue. And our HIV ministry is such a part of who we are. Today we are probably 25% HIV infected. We’ve lost of about 60 of our members along the way. Laura: You’ve mentioned Jeff Beale, when was the first time you really encountered the AIDS epidemic? Was it before your ministry? Leslie: I’m sure I’d heard about it but it wasn’t a part of my daily life: and I don’t think I knew anything about it or the bigotry around it. Laura: What were some of the things you remember about how the community was reacting? Leslie: Just there was incredible fear. No one knew how you got it and people were afraid to touch anything that someone with HIV had touched. Families didn’t know how to react. It was such a big part of my ministry to go in and held hands and hugged and talked with these guys and having family members understand that it was okay. It was so hard to find nursing homes to find people, home health care was almost impossible, even funeral homes… Lots of the funerals would be done at Community of Hope because there was no where else to go. Laura: So you change denominations and go through this searing experience. Did you get national attention and how would you describe that experience? Leslie: Oh a flash in the pan. Jimmy Creach was another Methodist brought up on charges and it was in a couple national papers and theological journals. It was so insignificant compared to what was happening here that I didn’t really pay attention to it. Laura: Talk a little more about the local fires. Leslie: They were willing to reprint whatever people said and that got pretty nasty. I remember one of the news channels came to do a report here and we were clearing the church and I said what in the world are we going to do with 80 12 �United Methodist hymnals and that’s the piece they chose to put on the air! And I got lots of messages: how can you call yourself a minister and say that you know the bible? People put hours of work into trying to convince me that I’m wrong. But we also got an equal amount of mail that was supportive. I got one card that said, “I will hold my head a little higher because of you. Thank You.” That’s pretty amazing. Laura: Tell me about how the church has changed since all of this happened. Any particularly notable events or members over the years? Leslie: Well one thing I want to say is Phillips seminary, we have several professors and students that are a part of our congregation and that has been such a supportive and wonderful institution for us. Dr. Brandon Scott has written a book called “Re-imagine our World” and the last chapter is about Community of Hope and in particular his relationship with one young gay man who died of AIDS. And I’m really grateful that a straight white male in a powerful position is willing and able to look and say that I was really changed by this young man that people say doesn’t count and doesn’t matter. It’s been so wonderful to spend the last five years of my life to pour my energy into creating ministry and not fighting: those first 7 or 8 years were spend fighting the institution or at least defending ourselves from it and now we are dancing with it and it is so wonderful to be able to use your energy for creative things and not fighting institutions. Laura: How has all of this affected your husband and children? Leslie: It affected my children profoundly: they don’t go to church and have never been able to find one that they feel doesn’t have hypocrisy. And they are never going to find one like that: we are human, political animals and hypocrisy is going to be a part of our lives. But they just have no tolerance for it and are having a hard time figuring out what religious life means to them. My husband is just a rock. He was probably more wounded by the stuff with the United Methodist Church because he couldn’t do anything about it: all he could do was sit there and watch them hurt me and he has enough white male in him (ex marine) that 13 �he wants to be the knight in shining armor. And he is still angry. And that whole add about Open Doors, Open Hearts, Open Minds, well he just blows up every time. You know, I’m not angry anymore: we’re free of that now. I had some wonderful years and they gave me a great congregation. But it’s been hard for him. Laura: There’s been a vocal and organized GLBT community for quite awhile in Tulsa, but that hasn’t translated to big political names despite the city’s size. Why do you suspect that is the case? Leslie: First of all I’ve seen lots of incredible changes. In 1993 when Community of Hope opened there was nothing for the gay community besides bars. Even like the pride star was inside a bar! It was inside the bar. The group at TOHR didn’t have a home: there were just bars. I’m really grateful that it has become so much more mainstream in Tulsa. As for why, I think it’s the same reason Tulsa hasn’t progressed more with issues of racism and poverty. I think middle class privilege affects us in ways that keep us from really dealing with issues in the long term way that we need to: we enter into the struggle for a little while, but if change doesn’t happen quickly, we have other things to do—we have busy lives and enough privilege that we move on. Laura: How has the gay community and the community at large supported you over the years? Can you give me some examples of that? Leslie: Well Nancy McDonald has always been very supportive, financially and in all other ways. People like Marcus Rice, who works at Williams, and people who work in those corporate settings, like Dennis Neill, who are just there to be supportive and let you know that they are behind you. Laura: Is there anything else you’d like to add? If not, I appreciate your time. Leslie: Well I appreciate yours. And I appreciate the gift of the journey. Transcribed by Matthew Warren 14 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [Series] Oral Histories Project > Interviews Description An account of the resource Physical Media: Box 7, Folder 7 - Dr. Leisa Meyer Program Box 7, Folder 8 - Interviewees Materials, Original Series 2003-2007 Digital Media: Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2006] Leslie Penrose Interview Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource March 31, 2006 Description An account of the resource Video recording and transcript of oral history interview with Laura Belmonte on March 31, 2006. Born in Amarillo, Texas in 1951, Leslie graduated from the University of Tulsa with a degree in Religion and then a Masters of Divinity at Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa. She discusses her marriage, children and work in the LGBTQ+ community as a faith leader and early outreach to those impacted by HIV/AIDS. With the Methodist Bishop’s support, in 1993 she founded the Community of Hope when church leaders at her mainstream church became uncomfortable with her AIDS outreach. Facing continued pressure from the denomination, in 1999 she transferred her ordination to United Church of Christ to continue her ministry to the LGBTQ+ community and support for those living with HIV/AIDS. Subject The topic of the resource Leslie Penrose Oral History Project Interview from March 31, 2006 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Leslie Penrose, Laura Belmonte, Dennis Neill 2006 AIDS AIDS/HIV Community of Hope HIV HIV/AIDs interview Laura A. Belmonte Laura Belmonte Leslie Penrose OKEQ Oral History Project oral history oral history interview Oral History Project oral history transcript Phillips Theological Seminary transcript TU United Church of Christ University of Tulsa video https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/af4cc51745944714e799fdf80fa9868f.pdf 34effae04407e588dcba3bfb9df30eda PDF Text Text The Tulsa Forum by TulsaNow Talk About Tulsa => Other Tulsa Discussion => Topic started by: Ronnie Lowe on August 29, 2011, 11:04:26 pm Title: Tulsa Gay Alliance-1973 Post by: Ronnie Lowe on August 29, 2011, 11:04:26 pm Tulsa Gay Alliance 1973 It was 1973 and developments of great consequence were everywhere to be found. The Vietnam War was ending, the Watergate Scandal broke, the American Indian Movement seized a trading post and a church at historic Wounded Knee in South Dakota and minorities throughout the United States were encouraged by the progress of American Blacks. Here in Tulsa, a small but determined group of gay people organized to secure our right to be equal to our heterosexual counterparts. But in 1973 the tide had not yet turned for gay people. The medical profession had still to declare us fit. Hoover’s FBI routinely kept files on all “known” homosexuals. It was Boys in the Band times and while the coasts were closeted the atmosphere in Tulsa was doubly onerous. For most gay people there was the palpable fear of being beaten, fired from our jobs and driven out of our neighborhoods. Sometimes petty enemies, jealous neighbors or toxic co-workers who learned of our circumstance would blackmail us. Even discussion of homosexuality was considered inappropriate. The Tulsa Police Department would regularly bust gay bars simply because they catered to gay people. The TPD would back a paddy wagon up to the front of a bar, take the patrons down to the station, book and release them and the next day the Tulsa World and the Tulsa Tribune would print their names and more often than not they would be fired from their jobs. If we were dancing to Motown downtown at the Taj Mahal Bar and the lights flickered the men on the dance floor would separate because that was a signal that the police had arrived. It was illegal for men to dance together. It was illegal for men to dress in women’s clothing. It was illegal for two people of the same sex that loved each other, that wanted to have consensual sexual relations, to do so. Meanwhile homosexuality was as common then as it is today. Roughly ten percent of every demographic in Tulsa was homosexual -- living in denial or living in secret. It was in this oppressive Soviet-like atmosphere that I became a founding member of Tulsa Gay Alliance. I was 19 years old. Formation of Tulsa Gay Alliance That summer, I had read about and written to a new gay group at Oklahoma University in Norman and a man there named Denis put me in touch with a religious man, as I recall a seminarian, here in Tulsa who was forming a gay liberation group. So there we were in the late summer of 1973: A group of gay men and my feminist friend Jan, spread around the living room of this seminarian’s apartment at London Square, inventing our first gay political group. To my surprise my eighth grade English teacher, Gary Durst, was there with his friend. The energy was incredible as we addressed issues like -- what to call ourselves. Were we homosexuals, gays or the more radical moniker -- queers? We would avoid a rigid hierarchy and take turns leading meetings, we could reserve a room at the Tulsa Library, we would post notice and let everyone know that gay people would be gathering openly. We would tell the world who we were. Tulsa Gay Alliance was taking shape as we brainstormed. We accepted ourselves and that was the seminal spark. Tulsa Central Library Meetings There weren’t a large number of us at those first public meetings. As I recall there were only a handful, maybe seven or eight folks. I recall a Germanic dark-haired lesbian named Tay, the seminarian, a former Tulsa policeman, an older man who managed a gay bar and his friend, me and my straight friend Susan with her baby Jasmine in tow. There were just two or three more young men involved. I suppose we were trying to present ourselves as a public service when we scheduled our first guest speaker: A man from the Tulsa Health Department who lectured us on Sexually Transmitted Disease. I recall a drag show fundraiser at a gay bar named The Eighth Day at the intersection of 11th Street and Lewis. Barbara Streisand, Diana Ross and Judy Garland showed up. And I remember going to Southroads Mall with my friend Jan to canvas political candidates appearing there and asking them about their stance on gay rights. Tulsa Junior College �Tulsa Junior College Meanwhile, I was planning to attend Oklahoma University and wanted to complete some credits here at the new downtown Tulsa Junior College. Registration day arrived and I remember being pulled out of line by a security guard at TJC who told me I would be allowed to attend only if I promised not to organize a gay group at Tulsa Junior College. Apparently news of the free speech movement had not yet reached Tulsa. And just as now, many folks in power in Tulsa were gay and their hypocrisy was staggering. Generation Rap I’m not sure how many meetings occurred or how large Tulsa Gay Alliance became or what finally happened. I transferred to Oklahoma University early in that group’s life. At OU I joined the gay group and participated in consciousness raising presentations for heterosexual students. Not long after I arrived in Norman, Tulsa Gay Alliance arranged a show on a Tulsa TV show named Generation Rap. I volunteered for the show and traveled back to Tulsa with another gay man named Richard. A lesbian from the OU group also joined us. The show went very well. The psychologist twins who hosted Generation Rap asked me when I became gay and I immediately responded that I had been gay from the beginning. I never experienced a so-called conversion and that seemed to confuse the twins who asked me to repeat myself. Now I would respond that nature made me. I am a part of nature’s grand plan. Tulsa buffs will want to note that following the show the lone cameraman, Mazeppa Pompazoidi, stepped out from behind the camera and told me, “Man, that was good.” My dear mother had her sympathetic friends the Van Dusen’s over to our house to watch Generation Rap with her. I know that my public coming out was not easy for her. But as always my mother held her head high and supported me. Finally Today, gay politics is not central to my life. Our progress has allowed me to take that stance. But as hokey and flawed as our little gay group was, it was an important step for Tulsa. It was a genuine highpoint in the history of Gay People in Tulsa. We were the group that was not afraid to say our name. Way back in 1973 we did not hesitate to say we are Gay and we are proud. I would very much appreciate hearing from anyone who has memory of Tulsa Gay Alliance. Powered by SMF 1.1.21 | SMF © 2015, Simple Machines � 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 Physical Media: Digital Media: 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 The Tulsa Forum by TulsaNow Talk About Tulsa => Other Tulsa Discussion => Topic started by: Ronnie Lowe on August 29, 2011, 11:04:26 pm Title: Tulsa Gay Alliance-1973 Post by: Ronnie Lowe on August 29, 2011, 11:04:26 pm Tulsa Gay Alliance 1973 It was 1973 and developments of great consequence were everywhere to be found. The Vietnam War was ending, the Watergate Scandal broke, the American Indian Movement seized a trading post and a church at historic Wounded Knee in South Dakota and minorities throughout the United States were encouraged by the progress of American Blacks. Here in Tulsa, a small but determined group of gay people organized to secure our right to be equal to our heterosexual counterparts. But in 1973 the tide had not yet turned for gay people. The medical profession had still to declare us fit. Hoover’s FBI routinely kept files on all “known” homosexuals. It was Boys in the Band times and while the coasts were closeted the atmosphere in Tulsa was doubly onerous. For most gay people there was the palpable fear of being beaten, fired from our jobs and driven out of our neighborhoods. Sometimes petty enemies, jealous neighbors or toxic co-workers who learned of our circumstance would blackmail us. Even discussion of homosexuality was considered inappropriate. The Tulsa Police Department would regularly bust gay bars simply because they catered to gay people. The TPD would back a paddy wagon up to the front of a bar, take the patrons down to the station, book and release them and the next day the Tulsa World and the Tulsa Tribune would print their names and more often than not they would be fired from their jobs. If we were dancing to Motown downtown at the Taj Mahal Bar and the lights flickered the men on the dance floor would separate because that was a signal that the police had arrived. It was illegal for men to dance together. It was illegal for men to dress in women’s clothing. It was illegal for two people of the same sex that loved each other, that wanted to have consensual sexual relations, to do so. Meanwhile homosexuality was as common then as it is today. Roughly ten percent of every demographic in Tulsa was homosexual -- living in denial or living in secret. It was in this oppressive Soviet-like atmosphere that I became a founding member of Tulsa Gay Alliance. I was 19 years old. Formation of Tulsa Gay Alliance That summer, I had read about and written to a new gay group at Oklahoma University in Norman and a man there named Denis put me in touch with a religious man, as I recall a seminarian, here in Tulsa who was forming a gay liberation group. So there we were in the late summer of 1973: A group of gay men and my feminist friend Jan, spread around the living room of this seminarian’s apartment at London Square, inventing our first gay political group. To my surprise my eighth grade English teacher, Gary Durst, was there with his friend. The energy was incredible as we addressed issues like -- what to call ourselves. Were we homosexuals, gays or the more radical moniker -- queers? We would avoid a rigid hierarchy and take turns leading meetings, we could reserve a room at the Tulsa Library, we would post notice and let everyone know that gay people would be gathering openly. We would tell the world who we were. Tulsa Gay Alliance was taking shape as we brainstormed. We accepted ourselves and that was the seminal spark. Tulsa Central Library Meetings There weren’t a large number of us at those first public meetings. As I recall there were only a handful, maybe seven or eight folks. I recall a Germanic dark-haired lesbian named Tay, the seminarian, a former Tulsa policeman, an older man who managed a gay bar and his friend, me and my straight friend Susan with her baby Jasmine in tow. There were just two or three more young men involved. I suppose we were trying to present ourselves as a public service when we scheduled our first guest speaker: A man from the Tulsa Health Department who lectured us on Sexually Transmitted Disease. I recall a drag show fundraiser at a gay bar named The Eighth Day at the intersection of 11th Street and Lewis. Barbara Streisand, Diana Ross and Judy Garland showed up. And I remember going to Southroads Mall with my friend Jan to canvas political candidates appearing there and asking them about their stance on gay rights. Tulsa Junior College Tulsa Junior College Meanwhile, I was planning to attend Oklahoma University and wanted to complete some credits here at the new downtown Tulsa Junior College. Registration day arrived and I remember being pulled out of line by a security guard at TJC who told me I would be allowed to attend only if I promised not to organize a gay group at Tulsa Junior College. Apparently news of the free speech movement had not yet reached Tulsa. And just as now, many folks in power in Tulsa were gay and their hypocrisy was staggering. Generation Rap I’m not sure how many meetings occurred or how large Tulsa Gay Alliance became or what finally happened. I transferred to Oklahoma University early in that group’s life. At OU I joined the gay group and participated in consciousness raising presentations for heterosexual students. Not long after I arrived in Norman, Tulsa Gay Alliance arranged a show on a Tulsa TV show named Generation Rap. I volunteered for the show and traveled back to Tulsa with another gay man named Richard. A lesbian from the OU group also joined us. The show went very well. The psychologist twins who hosted Generation Rap asked me when I became gay and I immediately responded that I had been gay from the beginning. I never experienced a so-called conversion and that seemed to confuse the twins who asked me to repeat myself. Now I would respond that nature made me. I am a part of nature’s grand plan. Tulsa buffs will want to note that following the show the lone cameraman, Mazeppa Pompazoidi, stepped out from behind the camera and told me, “Man, that was good.” My dear mother had her sympathetic friends the Van Dusen’s over to our house to watch Generation Rap with her. I know that my public coming out was not easy for her. But as always my mother held her head high and supported me. Finally Today, gay politics is not central to my life. Our progress has allowed me to take that stance. But as hokey and flawed as our little gay group was, it was an important step for Tulsa. It was a genuine highpoint in the history of Gay People in Tulsa. We were the group that was not afraid to say our name. Way back in 1973 we did not hesitate to say we are Gay and we are proud. I would very much appreciate hearing from anyone who has memory of Tulsa Gay Alliance. 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 [2011] Tulsa Gay Alliance Formation in 1973 Description An account of the resource A posting on the TulsaNow's Tulsa Forum's site. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Lowe, Ronnie Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived TulsaNow - The Tulsa Forum Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Lowe, Ronnie Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 08/29/2011 Posting Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Lowe, Ronnie Ronnie Lowe The Tulsa Forum Tulsa Gay Alliance TulsaNow https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/a07d3eaa348eb6e4dd37b75bfde96f62.pdf 25dfc1a3af2c68004bca1aa7f2ea1200 PDF Text Text �� Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [Series] Oklahoma LGBT+ History > In Memoriam Description An account of the resource Physical Media: Digital Media: 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 Dustin James Parker, 25, of McAlester, died on Wednesday, January 1, 2020, in McAlester. A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 6, at 10 a.m. at McAlester Expo Center. Dustin was born on February 25, 1994, in Ada, to Rusty and Danielle (LeFlore) Parker. After graduating high school he attended Eastern State College in Wilburton, where he earned an associate degree in criminal justice. It is also where he met his future wife, Regina Bargas. Dustin was an instrumental part and manager of the new Rover Taxi service in McAlester. He loved his work and loved being able to provide for his family. Dustin loved to read and enjoyed dancing and singing and was a wonderful father to their four children. He was also a founding member of Oklahomans for Equality, McAlester Chapter. Dustin is survived by his wife, Regina; four children, Alex Hilburn, Natalie Hilburn, Damon Parker and Jacelyn Parker, all of the home; his parents, Rusty and Danielle Parker, of Krebs; a brother, Jonah Parker, of Krebs; paternal grandparents, Michael and Jenny Lou Parker; his parents-in-law, Eugene and Rosetta Bargas, of McAlester, and a brother-in-law, Kevin Bargas, of McAlester. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Arthur Sr. and Linda LeFlore. Published on January 3, 2020 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] Dustin Parker, February 25, 1994-January 1, 2020 Subject The topic of the resource Obituaries of Important figures associated with Oklahomans for Equality Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource McAlester News Capital Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available McAlester News Capital Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource January 3, 2020 Description An account of the resource Dustin Parker was murdered in McAlester, Oklahoma on January 1, 2020. The first 2020 murder of a trans person in the United States. He was the Co-founder of Oklahomans for Equality - McAlester Chapter Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Obituary Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/396 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant McAlester---Oklahoma Ada---Oklahoma Oklahoma---McAlester Oklahoma---Ada United States of America (50 states) Dustin Parker McAlester Oklahomans for Equality - McAlester Chapter Regina Bargas Trans Murder https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/69d5cd0324e64b3b0b28ace70a0236d4.jpg e56f6261c3de91a3d53b6e2b3fb2955e https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/93cf0fb2a1c6f6bfbeb49db9e57de8be.pdf b8dbb9f6d09648599512e938330287af PDF Text Text METROSTARNEWS.COM "WE DELIVER DIVERSITY" Church Visits Oklahoma Again By Victor Gorin APRIL 1, 2009 Hi ary Clinton will[ fight for gay rights worl[dwide By Rex Wockner in Wockner , Clinton by Rex Meeting with young people at the European Parliament in Brussels on March 6, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton promised to fight for gay rights on the world stage. Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Sherwood with biker group protesting Fred Phelps demonstrators at Moore High School. Gorin photo MOORE, OK __ Spreading their ukual rants of far out homophobia, members of Fred Phelps Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas came to protest near the Oklahoma State Capitol as well as Moore High School March 2. Few in the GLBT or fair minded community are not familiar with this church, as they have been protesting with infamous "God Hates Fags" signs along with other similar sentiments nationwide and abroad for over a decade. They gained national attention in 1998 when they picketed Matthew ShepardS funeral in Laramie,Wyoming with infamous signs, some stating "Matthew is in Hell". Rarely’ missing an opportunity to present their viewpoint, they have picketed funerals of those who have died of AIDS, and staged protests against governments who have granted rights or tal~en any action they perceive as "fag enabling." More recently their skewed logic went even further when they picketed funerals of American soldiers, incredulously promoting the concept that God is punishing America with the deaths of soldiers because our nation is too tolerant of homosexuals. Understandably this has raised anger with countless patriotic Americans, especially those in the military; veterans and their families & friends. Although the Westboro group had been to Oklahoma before, they returned again to protest against the Oklahoma Legislature for permitting a gay pastor, the Reverend Scott Jones- Cathedral of Hope UCC, to lead a Prayer for the Day at the invitation of State Representative A1 McAffrey. This protest drew a small crowd with TV & press coverage coverage at N.W. 23rd and Sante Fe, before the Phelps clan moved on ........... Continued See BAPTlST Page-9 At a question-and-answer session, Clinton called on Maxim Anmeghichean, programs director for the European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay~ Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, after commenting on his "I Love Hillaw" T-shirt. Anmeghichean said: "My name is Max. I am from Moldova, and I am a gay rights activist. In seven countries in the world homosexuals are sentenced to death and many more to prison. A lot of gay men arotmd the world die because of the HIV/ AIDS policies that the Bush administration had that did not allow to spend money on prevention for men who have sex with men. How do you see the foreign policy of the United States changing in the coming years in the field of human rights mad in partictdar sexual rights and gay and lesbian rights?" ........... Continued See HILLARY Page-8 �2 April 2009 �v~v~.metrostarnews.com ~°~t~oSTAR 3 �Busy year ahead £or Sooner State Rodeo By Michael W. Sasser New membership and renewed energy and interest in the Association are keys to a successful 2009. "XWe need the community’s involvement, bars’ involvement and participants’ involvement to bring a rodeo back to Tulsa," Dickrnan said. "It’s going to be an exciting year and we invite everyone in the commun!ty to join in." E~oto: fim Grubb, 7~m Dickmann, Don George, V¢7ll Hughes, & Scou" Gouard hosting a spaghel~i dinner to benefit St. Jerome’s Church. TULSA, OK __ With a new executive board elected in February, events already under its belt and a slate of others scheduled for the remainder of the year, the Sooner State Rodeo AssociaOon has a bustling 2009 ahead. "Our overall objective is to bring a rodeo back to Tulsa and to have one on a regular basis," said Tim Dickman, newly elected president. In addition to Dickman, Kevin George, Darin Steward, Kevin Murphy, Don George and Bob "West were elected vice president, tre~asurer, recording secretary, corresponding secretary and trustee respectively in February. "We want to remind people we’re still here, we’re still active and we are starting a new campaign to get people interested. Dickanau said. A spaghetti dinner at St. Jerome’s Church and a club night at Mavericks drew the community~ attention and attracted several new members. Key events ahead are also expected to garner notice and new members. The Associatioffs next general membership meeting is slated for Sunday, April 5th at St. Jerome’s Church in Brady Heights, and the general public is invited to attend. On April 24th at 9 pm at Mavericks, the Sooner State Royalty Roundup season kicks offwith a lead-in to the f~l 2009 competition. Past ’Royalty competitors will be on hand as well as those from other Associations. "We have the whole year m get contestants, but this event and others ~ve will have throughout the year help people raise the money they need to in order to compete and to get some experience beforehand," Dickman said. The Sooner State ¯ Rodeo Association is hosting its 3rd ka~nual Spring Blowout Barrel Race on Saturday, May 2nd at a site to be determined by the end of March. 4 For more information, call (918) 577-0030 or wvo~c.soonerstaterodeo.com KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY AT PH OENIX RISING MAY 2 OKEQ art gallery opens new exhibit featuring artist Krysta Hamilton By Victor Gorin OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Looking for some after May Day fun? On Saturday May 2 Phoenix Rising will host the 3rd annual Kentuc~- Derby ParD; where you can enjoy food with friends, wet your whistle at the cash bar and enjoy the thrill of the Kentucky Derby on the big screen. Originally organized by a group of friends who love equestrian sport, the first party had around 65 people, the next about 80, and they are hoping for a bigger crowd this year to experience the fun. As one of the organizers Max Paty puts it, "Last year it vcent from dead quiet when the race started, and then they just went crazy when the horses came down the home stretch, and it was really exciting!" It’s a free event with complimentary snacks and a cash bar, and everyone is invited, including out of towners who happen to be in OKC that day. It’s a great way to celebrate that event with your friends while meeting nev¢ ones. TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Dennis Ik Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Thursday meet-the-artist reception from 6-gpm, Thursday, April 2, 2009, for the opening of the new exhibit showing the paintings of artist, g-,Tsta Hamilton. The exhibit will remain up through the month of April, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-9pm. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Tulsa. More info can be found on the web at okeq.org. 7his monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’s for EqualiO, (OkEq): OkEq seeks equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Tmnsgender (LGBT) individuals andfamilies through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill EqualiO, Cente~ April 2009 �From ~2.95 Ask About La V®nda www.metrostarnews.com ~I®t~oSTAR 5 �anna Pa ge Miss Gay Oklahoma Heartland 200 By Victor Gorin Pageant co-owner James Walke~ Adrienne Fische~ Alanna Paige, Anita Ryde~ and other co-owner Mark Christensen. Gorin photo O~IOMA CITY, OK__ On February 20 Manna Paige captured the title of Miss Gay Oklahoma Heartland for 2009, with Anita Ryder ( currently also Miss Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association) winning first alternate. As a preliminary contest for the Miss Gay Oldahoma America Pageant, they will go on to compete for that title. It was a festive evening at Angles as the current reigning Miss Gay Oklahoma Heartland Adrienne Fischer passed on that tide ( she is also the current reigning Miss Gay Oklahoma) to Miss Paige. A1 Mc rey O ahoma County Medalion Dinner. A NEW KING GETS CRO’WNED! Pictured above are pageant co-owner James VCalker, Adrienne Fischer, Manna Paige, Anita Ryder & other pageant co-owner Mark Christensen By Victor Gorin By Victor Gorin Judy Calhoun celebrates her birthday at the annual Oklahoma County Democratic Patty_ Medallion Dinn~ well wished by AI McAfl~ey and Ieshia who led herfriends in song. Gorin photo. OYA~S,HOMA CITY, OK__ State Representative A1 McAffrey was the Master of Ceremonies for the Oklahoma Count), Democratic Party February 20. This is an annual event for the Party that is not only for fellowship, but also strengthening plans and resolve for the future. Represented at this event were both the Oklahoma Stonewall Democrats and the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus. Count3; Conventions will be held April 4, Congressional House District Conventions May 2, with the State Convention May 16 in Oklahoma City. To become involved or register to vote, go to ww,v.okdemocrats. org, or call State Party Headquarters (405) 427-3366, and in Tulsa call Tulsa County Headquarters (918-742 2457). 6 @et~oSTAR 2nd alternate Amadeus Ka~nii York- Texas, IGng Richard Cranium oflndiana , and Ist alternate Owen McCord of Georgia. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Oklahoma City again hosted the National Mr.Gay US of A MI contest at Angles dates September 1115. Emceed by the vivacious Amaya Mann, the competition began with 31 qualified contestants, narrowed down to 14 finalists for the finale March 15. Passing on his tide was the reigning King from 2008 Xander Kinidy of Tennessee, whose mother was present at the event. Capturing the tides for 2009 are 2nd Alternate Amadeus Karmanii York of Texas, 1st Alternate Owen McCord of Georgia, and the new king, Richard Cranium of Indiana. April 2009 �Wockner News Service ANALYSIS: California Supremes hear Prop 8 challenge Tl~e California Supreme Court on March 5 held its hearing in the case challenging Proposition 8, the voter-passed constitutional amendment that re-banned same-sex marriage -- and the hearing was an apparent disaster t’or the gay side¯ The justices constantly interrupted the gay side’s lawyers with aggressive questions, but let pro-Prop-8 attorney Ken Starr speak mostly unimpeded. ~ae justices seemed fixated on the fact that California’s domestic-partnership law gives gay Couples the same rights as a marriage, and the), downplayed the fact that they had ruled that separate isn’t equal in their May 2008 decision that legalized same-sex marriage. The justices seemed enamored of the notion that the people can do almost whatever they want via the ballot-box amendment process -- including repealing freedom of speech, banning gay adoption and pretty much anything else. in concluding that the court is going to uphold Prop 8. ’Milk’ gays the Oscars That would leave the gay side with two options: Return to the California ballot with a proactive initiative to attempt to undo Prop 8. Or take it to,the U.S. Supreme Court, using the court s ruling in the Colorado Amendment 2 case as a precedent. In that case, the high court struck dovin a state constitutional amendment that prohibited Colorado governments from protecting gay people in anti-discrimination laws. The justices said government cannot irrationally single out~one group of people for disfavored treatment. The Academy Awards offered some gayerthan-usual moments Feb. 22 as the movie Milk snagged two Oscars. Both of these "next step" options are considered risky moves. The court must issue its ruling by early June. Dolly Parton: ’I am not gay The justices all but laughed out of the chamber state Attorney General Jerry Browffs nove! "inalienable rights" natural-law argument against Prop 8. just an amendment or instead a constitutional revision. A revision has to start in the Legislature or at a constitutional convention; it can’t start with people collecting voter signatures, as Prop 8 did. On the case’s other big question -- whether the 18,000 couples who married in California between June and November 2008 will end up un-married if the court upholds Prop 8 -- a majority of the justices seemed opposed to viewing Prop 8 as rettoactive, despite its rather plain wording: "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." At one point, the justices had a bit of Clintonian fun ruminating on "what the meaning of the word ’is’ is" in Prop 8. Kenneth Starr came across at the hearing as smart, confident, well-spoken and quick on his feet. None of the gay side’s lawyers did as well. But, in fairness, they were hardly able to get a word in edgewise because of constant interruptions from the justices. And openly gay Dustin Lance Black, accepting the trophy for original screenplay, gave a shout-out to gay kids. "When I was 13 years old, my beatitiful mother and my father moved me from a conservative Mormon home in San Antonio, Tex., to California, and I heard the story of Harvey Milk," Black said. ’~md it gave me hope. It gave me the hope to live my life. It gave me the hope one day I could live my life openly as who I am and that maybe even I could fall in love and one day get married. "If Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he’d want me to say to all of the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told that they are ’less than’ by : or by their you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value and that no matter what ~yone ~eils you, God does love you, ~d that veiT SO0n~ I promise you; ~ou ~ill have equal rights federally across this great nation "~e On that key question, the gay side appears doomed as well, because court precedent on the issue does not favor the gay side’s arguments. Only a couple of the justices appeared possibly open to the idea of expanding their notion of what constitutes a constitutional revision. Accepting the award for best actor, for his portrayal of gay icon Harvey Milk, actor Sean Penn said: "You commie, homo-loving sons of guns .... For those who saw the signs of hatred as our cars drove in tonight, I think that it is a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect, and anticipate their great shame and the shame in their grandchildren’s eyes if they continue that way of support. We’ve got to have equal rights for everyone." of ours." In Singapore, where gay sex is illegal, MediaCorp TV deleted portions of Black’s and Penn’s speeches from its rebroadcast of the awards. Country-music legend Dolly Parton is straight, she told CNN’s Larry King on Feb. 21. "I am not ga~" Parton said. "I have been accused of that. But I have been happily married for 42 years to the same man. And he’s not the least bit, you know, threatened by the fact that I may be gay. And he knows have a lot of friends. But I love everybody. It doesn’t matter to me." Part0n said gay people like her because she’s authentic. "I think the gay people have always liked me because I have always been mysel[ I’m not intimidated by ho~v people perceive me, I don’t judge nor criticize people," she said. "I think that’s another reason they at least know that I’m sympathetic. I think all people have a right to be who they are. We’re all God’s children and God should be the one to judge, not other people. So I have a lot of gay friends, lesbian friends." MediaCorp/Channel 5 censorship manager David Christie said the broadcast "would have been in serious breach of the MDA (Media Development Authority) Programme Code if such controversial content was not editorially managed." "The code explicitly disallows content that sympathizes with, promotes or normalizes such a lifestyle from being broadcast," he said. The Asian satellite TV service STAR also censored the two men’s speeches, dropping the audio each time the word "gay" or "lesbian" was uttered. Utah senator demoted for anti-gay remarks Utah state Sen. Chris Buttars was ousted from two committees by Republican leaders Feb. 20 after he made homophobic remarks to a documentary maker. Buttars spoke in January to TV reporter Reed Cowan, who is making a documentary on the ¯ Mormon church’s involvement in the passage of California’s Proposition 8. The senator’s comments included: "Homosexuality will always be a sexual perversion. And you say that around here now and everybody goes nuts. But I don’t care .... They’re mean. They want to talk about being nice, they’re the meanest buggers I’ve ever seen .... It’s just like the Moslems. Moslems are good people and their religion is anti-war. But it’s been taken over by the radical side .... What is the morals of a gay person? You can’t answer that because anything goes .... They’re probably the greatest threat to America going down I know of. ... q]aey want superiority. It’s the beginning of the end. Oh, it’s worse than that. Sure. Sodom and Gomorrah was localized. This is worldwide." According to Salt Lake City’s KTVX, ~vhich broke the story: "Buttars also talks about a certain type of reported gay sex!~al activity which he claims is taking place. But ABC 4 does not consider that appropriate for its news content Students at George Mason University in Fairfax County, Va., elected a gay drag queen as homecoming queen Feb. 14. Senior Ryan Allen, who ran for the honor as Reann Ballslee, beat out two women for the crown. "It was just for fun," Allen told the Washington Post. "In the larger scheme of things, winning says so much about the university. X~[e’re one of the most diverse campuses in the country, and... ,ve celebrate that." MORTUARY ~ERVICE,~ STAR beams into more than 50 countries to some 300 million viewers. Media and blogger analysts were unanimous www.metrostarnews.com ~et~oSTAR 7 �Gay New Yorkers protest sex-shop arrests Beau poses nude Beau Breedtove, the 21-year-old man who had sex with Portland, Ore., Mayor Sam Adams just after Breedlove turned 18, has posed nude for the May issue of the gay porn magazine Unzipped. The revelation of the aNair nearly ended Adams’ career earlier this year. Adams was 42 years old at the time of the brief relationship and, when asked about it during his mayoral campaign, had denied it happened. Nae men claim to still be ftiends. Several dozen gay N~v ~rkers protested near Mayor Mict§ael Bloomberg~ mansion Feb. 14 over what they say are bogus arrests ofg~y men in adult video arcades. Photo by Joe Jervis Several dozen gay New ¥orkers protested near Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s mansion Feb. 14 over what they say are bogus arrests of gay men in adult video arcades. The activists claim undercover police o~cers have been hitting on gay men, then, after the men agree to have sex, leading them outside, offering them money, and arresting them for prostitution, whether they accept the money or not. At least 50 men have been victims of the sting, the activists said. The motive for the arrests is to create a pretense for shutting down the shops, the activists said. ~e arrests have been condemned by openly lesbian City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and openly gay state Sen. Tom Duane, among others. Hawaii House passes civil-union bill Hawaii’s House of Representatives passed a civil-union bill Feb. 12 by a vote of 33-17. The measure now advances to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where its fate is unpredictable. Republican Gov. Linda Lingle has not taken a position on the legislation. The proposal would grant civil-union couples all the state-level benefits, protections and responsibilities of marriage. Hawaii presendy has a reciprocal-beneficiaries law that grants registered same-sex couples limited spousal rights. Similar limited laws are in place in Maine and Washington. P~etroSTAR Colorado senator in anti- gay rant Colorado state Sen. Scott Renfroe, R-Greeley, unleashed a six-minute anti-gay diatribe on the floor of the Senate Feb. 23 during debate on a bill to allow gay state employees to share health benefits ~vith their partners. He equated gay sex with murder and adultery and seemingly suggested that people ~vho engage in gay sex commit ’,detestable" acts Renfroe said: "Homosexuality is seen as a violation of this natural creative order, and it is an offense to God .... Leviticus 18:22 ’ says: ’You shall not lie witha man as one lies with a female. It is an abomination.’ Leviticus 20:13 says, ’If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a ,voman, both of them have committed a detestable act, and they shall surely be put to death.’ ... When we create laws that goes (sic)against what biblically we are supposed to stand for, I think we are agreeing, or allowing to go forward, a sin which should not be treated by government as something that is legal. ... We are taking sins and making them to be legally OK, and that is ,vrong. That is an abomination .... And I’m not saying that this is the only sin that’s out there. Obviously, we have sin. We have murder, we have all sorts of sins. We have adultery. And we don’t make laws making those leg~A .... All sin is equa!. That sin there is as equal to any other sin that’s in the Bible." Five states -- California, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, and Vermont -- and Washington, D.C., have full civil-union laws that grant all state-level spousal rights. The bill passed. Massachusetts and Connecticut let gay couples marry, and New York recognizes same-sex marriages from states and countries that permit them. arlns Tt~e other countries that let gay couples marry are Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa and Spain. 8 "Beau Breedlove was extremely professional at his first erotic photo shoot in Los Ba~geles this past weekend," Unzipped online editor Sean Carnage told Advocate.corn Feb. 18. "He came to L.A. to prove that the Portland scandal does not define his sexuality. The photos portray the real Beau -- a confident and extremely handsome young man who is openly sensual, openly sexual and has nothing to hide." Drag r?yalty stripped ofregaha be sergeant-atMr. and Miss Gay Vancouver XXIX, along with the Emperor and Empress V of Surrey, were allowed to enter the Canadian province of British Columbia’s Legislative Assembly only after removing their tiaras, crowns and sashes, The Vancouver Sun reported March 2. "We had some trouble getting them into this house because of some, what I believe to be, antiquated rules here, but they are here, minus tiaras and sashes," New Democratic Party legislator Spencer Herbert said as he introduced the foursome to fellow legislators. Legislative sergeant-at:arms Gary Lenz explained that "protocol" prohibits headgear and certain other items inside the chamber, to maintain "dignity." Larry amer: Lincoln and Washington were gay Veteran gay and MDS activist, author and playwright Larry Kramer says he has evidence that Abraham Lincoln and George Washington were gay. Speaking to the Montreal newspaper Hour on March 5, Kramer said he will reveal the details in a book he’s writing, The American People: A History. "It’s a monster book," Kramer said. "It’s an attempt to put us (gay people) back in history from the beginning. No history book ever recorded anything about us, and researching this book I found out that both Lincoln and George Washington were gay.... I have stuff that will go beyond anything that has ever .... been wntten or stud ......... Clinton responded: "Human rights is and will always be one of the pillars of our foreign policy. And in particular, the persecution and discrimination against gays and lesbians is something that we take very seriously. It is terribly unfortunate, as you just recited, that, you lmow, right now in unfortunately many places in the world violence against gays and lesbians, certainly discrimination and prejudice, are not just occurring but condoned and protected, and we would hope that over the next few years we could have some influence in trying to change those attitudes." Clinton continued: "Specifically, with respect to HIV/AIDS, we have made a very big treatment commitment, as some of you know, through our program called PEPFAR. And it is an important part of the American approach toward trying to deal with the HIV/ MDS pandemic. But we haven’t done enough on prevention, and we haven’t done enough on outreach or testing. We’re beginning to, and under our administration we will do much more. And I can only hope that we all live long enough -- certainly I hope I live long enough; I think you all will -- to see the end to this kind of discriminatory treatment, and recognition that human rights are the inalienable right of every person no matter who that person loves, and that’s what we should be trying to achieve." Apd12009 �Sonja Martinez Receives the Richard May Award May Award to Sonja Martinez. Sonja is the daughter of Jesse and ka~ita Martinez of Oldahoma City. The Richard May Award was established by the Oklahoma MDS Care Fund to honor Richard May, a founder of the organization who passed away in March, 2000. The premise of the Richard May Award is that it is to be given annually in recognition of an individual who has given, in an exceptional way, of their time and talents to promote education, research and service regarding HIV/AIDS. The recipient should exemplify quiet strength and compassion, never seeking recognition, which was the spirit of Richard May. Sofia Martinez (Center) with her niece Jessica Martinez-Brooks and her sister and artist Bernadette Martinez. Press phom OK_LAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) _ The Oklahoma MDS Care Fund celebrated its Seventeenth Bmnual "Red Tie Night" at the Cox Communications Center February 28, 2009. The "Red Tie Night" brings together man), individuals and corporations to raise as much as one million dollars in a single night through various donations, auctions and generosity of many Oklahomans. The goal of the event is to raise money tbr education, direct services and research to fight HIV/ AIDS throughout the State of Oklahoma. One of the highlights of a very eventful evening was the presentation of the Richard Sonja has an annual Christmas Benefit to raise money for those with HIV/AIDS and this next year will be her nineteenth annual benefit. The benefit is held at the COPA bev;veen Thanksgiving and Christmas every year. Sonja accepted the award by saying: "~is award is a very big honor and I thank you so much. I would like to accept this award on behalf of all the dubs and entertainers in the Gay Community who do benefits all year around. I would also like to thank: Barbara and Jackie Cooper, Rick Moses, John Beebe, Tony Sinclair and Dee Goodwin; my family vcho have supported me and loved me unconditionally. And the Red Tie, thank you for all that you do." Christian, I623 N. iVlaplewood Tulsa, OK www,mcctuls org Oklahoma City, OK No matter who you are o are on life’s journey, y~: -R®ver®.d ~r. K~hy Kansas City’s Heartland Men’s Chorus rills OKC Crowd By Victor Gorin Charles Johnson presents director Dn Joseph Nadeau with a plaque j~om the City ofthe Village thanking them for their pe,formance. Gorin photo to Moore Oklahoma for another protest at Moore High School. Although their reasoning for picking out Moore High School for a protest site was unknown, their website did promise "We will picket you hypocrites and we continue to THANK GOD for the tornados that keep kicking Oklahoma’s backside.’Moore High School dismissed classes 15 minutes early for those students wishing to avoid the protest, but many stayed to tal~e part in what ’turned out to be a major counter protest. That protest, organized by Chelsea Marlett ( daughter ofRon Marlett, ~vho ran against Sally Kern in the State Legislative race 2008) not only brought out many from the GLBT community, but also many others to form a diverse crowd of around 2000 that included civil libertarians, yeterans groups, and just plain folks young and old. Undoubtedly the most spectacular counter protesters were the bikers, xvho rode repeatedly past the Phelps clan revving their engines to the crowd’s applause. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Oklahoma City was treated to a grand performance by the Heartland Men’s Chorus March 3 when the played to a large crowd at the Village Christian Church. N~e Chorus, which began in 1986, has performed extensively in the Missouri/Kansas area, and also throughout the United States and abroad. Featuring an eclectic mix of men’s choral music encompassing several music styles, the chorus was won acclaim and respecf froma wide City has were recognized by the City ( suburban community of OKC), and this concert, which was their OKC debut, would also benefit the BritVil Food Bank. Bringing their songs to Oklahoma, they presented their concept concert, "And Justice for All." Beginning xvith a number from the musical South Pacifici "You’ve got to be Cargfully Taught/Children will Listen", which depicted racism, they ,;vent through a series of selections accompanied by readings and accompanying pictures which portrayed the struggles of blacks, women, and the more recent activism of title GLBT community. Highlights included activist classics "We Shall Overcome" & ’Tkin’t gonna let nobody Turn me Round, but also included the comic relief of"Color of Colorado," a campy classic from the off Broadway musical "When Pigs FI~’ that portrays how vital the GLBT community really is to America. Closing with "I will stand with You," they left the audience with not only a call for unity but hope for a better tomorrow. Jeannie and other Moore High School students protest Phelps group. Gorin photo As one of them put it, Kevin Sherwood stated "I fought for our country for people to be able to live their lives they way they want. I fought so they ( the Phelps group) can say what they want to say, but we get the same rights. What upset me more than anything else is that they came here to scare kids. But apparently most of them ain’t all that scared!" Living proof of that was Jeannie, a student of Moore High School,who after some colorful outbursts about her opinion of the Phelps clan, had this to say" God loves all of us, we’re all equal, gays lesbians, it doesn’t matter God loves us all." Under the direction of Dr. Joseph Nadeau, they performed the following day for the American Choral Directors National Convention which also took place in Oklahoma City. They held the distinction of being one of only 2 gay men’s choruses to be invited to perform for that conference in the group’s 50 year history. 405.525.9555 www.metrostarnews.com #~÷troSTAR 9 �10 ~oSTAR April 2009 �Wockner News Service British PM opposes Prop8 British Prime Minister Gordon Brown opposes Proposition 8, the California ballot measure that last November re-banned samesex marriage after the state Supreme Court had legalized it. "This Proposition 8, this attempt to undo the good that has been done, this attempt to create divorces among 18,000 people who were perfectly legally brought together in partnerships, this is unacceptable and shows me why we alxvays have to be vigilant, why we have alvcays got to fight homophobic behavior and any form of discrimination," Brown said March 5 at a Downing Street reception for GLBT VIPs. On March 4, the California Suprelne Court heard oral arguments in the case seeking to overturn the constitutional amendment. It is widely expected that the effort will fail, with the justices deciding, in effect, that the right of the voters to amend the constitution is more sacrosanct than the constitutional guarantee of equal protection under the law. The court must issue its decision by early June. Burundi plan to ban gay sex dies in Senate A move to ban gay sex in the Central African nati~ 6f Burundi was reiected by the Senate Feb. 16 after having passed the National Assembly unanimously in November. "Burundi’s Senate, after significant pressure and ’heated debate,’ today reiected the proposed amendment to criminalize homosexual conduct. Victory -- for the moment," said Scott Long, head of Human Rights Watclqs LGBT Rights Division. The proposal, part of a much larger bill, set a punishment of between three months and two years in prison, along with a large fine, for engaging in consensual adult gay sex. The Senate and Assembly must now form a commission to reconcile the two versions of the bill before sending it to President Pierre Nkurunziza. "Any reconciliation could, potentially, reinstate the provision criminalizing samesex conduct," said the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission. "Whatever the outcome, the fact that the majority of senators voted against the provision shows a growing recognition that all citizens are entitled to the full enjoyment of human rights irtespective of their sexual orientation." Eighty-four of the world’s 19 5 nations ban gay sex. Colombian gay leader m dered Well-lmown Colombian gay activist idvaro Miguel Rivera Linares, 41, was killed March www.rnetrostarnews.com 6 in his apartment in Call He suffered a fatal blow to the head and was found tied to his bed and gagged. The apartment had been trashed but there were no signs of forced entry and nothing was stolen. Rivera received national attention when he fought a 2001 mandate by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrillas that all residents ofa FARC-controlled sector of the eastern state of Meta take an HIV test or leave the area within a week. Thereafter, he received death threats and was followed on the streets and harassed at worlc He eventually left Meta, his home state, as a result. Leading Latino-issues blogger Andrds Duque called Rivera’s death "a tremendous loss to the international human rights movement." Argentina lifts military gay ban Argentina’s military decriminalized homosexuality and lifted its gay ban Feb. 27. Part of an overhaul of the military justice system, the change was approved by Parliament last year and took effect six months after passage. U.S.-based Latino-issues, blogger Andrds ~t}que called the m.ove ’.on.e more L.GBT nghts development in a Latin American nation that leapfrogs over current U.S. policy" Gays in the U.S. military are required to remain in the closet under the "Don’t Ask, Dofft Tell" policy signed into law by President Bill Clinton. Prior to that time, gays were not allowed in the U.S. military at all. New regulations prohibit broadcast of songs and videos that glorify arson, rape, shooting or murder, as well as depictions of sex acts. Gay activists, locally and internationally, have campaigned for years against the anti-gay alleged "murder music" of Jamaican artists such as Sizzla, Bounty Killer, Elephant Man, Vybz Kartel, Beenie Man, Buju Banton, T.O.K. and Capleton. Phelpses banned from entering UK Anti-gay Kansas pastor Fred Phelps and his daughter Shirley have been banned from entering the United Kingdom, the Telegraph reported Feb. 19. The "God hates fags" team had announced plans to picket a performance of’l-he Laramie Project on Feb. 20 at a school arts center in Basingstoke, Hampshire. A UK Border Agency spokesman said: "Both these individuals have engaged in unacceptable behavior by inciting hatred against a number of communities .... We will continue to stop those who want to spread extremism, hatred and violent messages in our communities from coming to our country." In an interview with the BBC, Shirley PhelpsRoper stated: "There are members of WBC (Westboro Baptist Church) that are not named Phelps .... Unless they intend to begin checking the bare backsides of every person coming into that country to find that tattoo that says ’Property of WBC,’ they will have no way of identifying who is from WBC." In the end, a single, unidentified demonstrator showed up and was chased offby about 50 counterprotesters, the BBC reported. HIV rate climbs in Asia 300,000 at Sydney Mardi Gras Sydney’s 31st gay Mardi Gras parade attracted 300,000 spectators, 130 floats and 9,500 participants March 7. Openly gay Olympic gold medal diver Matthew Mitcham led offthe procession. His winning dive at the Beijing Olympics was the highest-scoring dive in Olympic history. Marching units included the Federal Police, the military and New South Wales firefighters. U.S. comedian Joan Rivers also joined in, riding on top of a truck. Jamaica .bans most anti- gay music Jamaica’s Broadcasting Commission has effectively banned most anti-gay dancehall songs from being played over the airwaves. Gay and bisexual men in Asia are having risky unprotected sex, causing dramatic climbs in HIV infection rates, said officials attending a World Health Organization HIV/AIDS conference Feb. 18 in Hong Kong. The gathering heard that more than 30 percent of gay and bisexual men in Bangkok are HIV-positive, while some Chinese cities report a rate as high as 18 percent, and China as a whole has a rate of 3.8 percent among gay/bisexual men. The director of Chinas AIDS-control center, Wu Zunyou, said amphetamine use and Internet hookups are factors in the climbing infection rate. HIV now is Chinas deadliest infectious disease, according to a new report from the Ministry of Health. Singapore censors Oscars Singapore’s MediaCorp TV censored its replay of the Academy Awards Feb. 23, removing portions of Dustin Lance Black’s acceptance speech. Black won the original screenplay Oscar for Milk, and said: "When I was 13 years old, my beautiful mother and my father moved me from a conservative Mormon home in San Antonio, Tex., to California, and I heard the story of Harvey Milk. And it gave me hope. It gave me the hope to live my life. It gave me the hope one day I could live my life openly as who I am and that maybe even I could fall in love and one day get married. "If Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he’d want me to say to all of the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told that they are ’less than’ by their churches, by the government or by their families, that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value and that no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you, and that very soon, I promise you, you will have equal rights federally across this great nation of ours." Sean Penn’s acceptance speech also was truncated. He won the best actor Oscar for his portrayal of Harvey Milk. Penn said: "You commie, homo-loving sons of guns .... For those who saw the signs of hatred as our cars drove in tonight, I think that it is a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect, and anticipate their great shame and the shame in their grandchildren’s eyes if they continue that way of support. We’ve got to have equal rights for everyone." Subscribers to one of the main Singaporean gay e-mail lists were outraged at the edits. "This sort of bigoted, intolerant and ignorant action by a national broadcaster is better suited for Iran or North Korea than a nation that puts itself forward as a modern worldclass city," wrote one. MediaCorp/Channel 5 censorship,manager David Christie said the broddcast would have been in serious breach of the MDA (Media Development Authority) Programme Code if such controversial content was not editorially managed." "The code explicitly disallows content that sympathizes with, promotes or normalizes such a lifestyle from being broadcast," he said. Gay sex is illegal in Singapore. The Asian satellite TV service STAR also censored the two men’s speeches, dropping the audio each time the word "gay" or "lesbian" vcas uttered. STAR beams into more than 50 countries to some 300 million viewers. More than 8 percent of gay and bisexual men in Jakarta are HIV-positive, the conference heard, as are 7.8 percent in Cambodia. #d®troSTAR 11 �By Camper English Colder, smaller, weaker: Better martinis ~lhe diplomatic way of defining the "best martini" is as "the martini that you like the best." But, really, if you’re pulling a jug of vodka out of the freezer and pouring it into a glass, you’re not drinking a martini at all. You’re drinldng a glass of cold vodl~a. Add olives and you’ve got vodka with a snack. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. I drink cold vodka all the time, and ~vho doesn’t enjoy a string of olives for dinner? But a martini is a mixed drink, necessitating more than one ingredient to mix into it. Bar-haviora Problems Gay bar bartenders, who are not necessarily gay bartenders, are usually the most ei~cient and fair intoxicologists in tl~e drinking universe. I say "fair" because at straight establishments, hot women and rid>looking men (usually jerk~) get first priority, and the bartenders frequently take drink orders out of order. Infuriating! This is not often the case in gay ~vatering holes, where the bartenders tend to be the hottest people in the room and dofft need to impress you by serving you first (you need impress them with the size of your tips). The working theory is that the martini star~ed as a spinoff of the Martinez, a cocktail made with sweetened gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur and bitters (with a lemon twist). As tastes in cocktails shifted away from sweet drinks, the "Dry Martini" made with d~/vermouth became more popular, and eventually most everybody forgot about the bitters. Vodka didn’t become an option until later. Given the variations over time, you could rightfully order your martini made with gin or vodka, sweet or dry vermouth or none at all, bitters or not, olives or a twist - and you could find a published recipe to back it up. None are the "right" way to make a martini, but I would encourage experimentation to find the way that’s right for you. While jumbo-sized martini glasses used in many bars provide a lot of liquor for the dollar, by the time you get to the bottom half you’re drinking room-temperature alcohol. That is bad. Or worse, it’s a warm salt bath if you’ve got the extra-large-sized olives in there that help to heat it xtp. The Also, gay bar patrons Imow how to behave (toward the very dassiest of bars serve their martinis in very small, very bartender anyway) and will often line up in an orderly fashion cold glasses - with an additional quantity of the drink in an at the drink well rather than shouting and waving like the ice-chilled container on the side. That is lovely. At home, I opening scene of The Love Boat al! along the bar. I take use vintage (small) glassware and keep the remainder cooling straight friends to my favorite gay bar and they are anlazed at ofthe strained drink in the the German,like efficientT in place. They are often jealous and frdezer’ ...... determine to start coming there every night, until they hear ........... .... ...... the 14th Madonna remix in a row. I can’t say I blame them. Do not fear vermouth. Try it and you might In a nightclub or other crowded venue, or anywhere with a find you actually like it mixed crowd, all bets for orderly ordering are off. You need - but probably not the to gain the attention of tl~e bartender as well as make him or 4-year-old, mostly full her think you’re going to be a good (i.e., fast, non-annoying) bottle gathering dust in customer. Here are a few suggestions for attracting the the back of your liquor bartender and keeping his attention. cabinet. Use a fresh bottle. Vermouth spoils like wine Look available. You want to make eye contact with the after opening, so buy small bartender and have her give you the "I see you" nod. To bottles and keep them in accomplish this, face the bar, not your friends behind you. If the refrigerator to lengthen you’re turned around chatting and using the bar as a leaning their life span. post, you’re not giving the right signal. Be ready. When you are trying to get the bartender’s attention, have visible cash in your hand -but don’t ~vave it around unless there is a row of drag queens in six-inch heels blocking your line of sight. And if you’re planning to pay with a credit card, you may want to keep that hidden. It takes longer to process, so the bartender will serve the cash-holding folks first. Also, be ready with your friends’ drink orders. Don’t wait until the bartender gets there to turn around and say, "What do you guys want?" As the person standing next to you, H1 swoop in and say "~ree martinis please" when your back is turned. I’m like that. S~’ategize. Don’t shout to get the bartender’s attention. Nobody likes to be yelled at while doing their job. A friendly "Hi!" sometimes helps though. Make your first tip the most generous one to help ensure prompt service and healthy pours for the rest of the evening. And be respectful of others - if the guy next to you was waiting longer but the bartender comes to you, give him the "he was here first" point. The bartender will remember that you’re next, and you never kmow if that guy next to you wil! return the favor and pay for your drink. 12 ~et~:oSTAR Ice, too, is an ingredient in the drink. If you keep your vodka or gin in the freezer, not much water will melt into your martini. Dilution brings the drink down to a manageable level of alcoholic strength to keep you from making that too-strong scrunchy face that gives you wrinkles. A martini should be refreshing, not painful. The shaken-versus-stirred decision is not worth the ~veight given to it. Shaking adds ice chips and air bubbles that make the drink look doudy and taste fizzy, whereas stirring results in a clear and smooth cocktail from the get-go. I prefer a stirred martini when I’m at a nice cocktail lounge, but I do often shake them at home. Not because it tastes better, but because shaldng is more fun. Camper English is a cocktails and spirits writer and publisher of Alcademics. com. ’ April 2009 �~e internationally renowned cast of Woody Sez- back row from left: Helen Russell, Darci Deaville, Andy Tekstein; J~ont- David Lutken as Woody @hoto courtesy of The Scotsman Publications Ltd.) OKLAHOI~La~ CITY, OK (PR) __ Lyric ~eatre, OkAahoma’s premiere professional theatre company, will present the American Premiere of Woody Sez, the words, music, & spirit ofV[oody Guthrie as part of the 2009 "Lyric at the Plaza" season. This unique theatrical concert event celebrates the life and spirit of American folk legend Vioody Guthrie, whose music continues to inspire today’s finest storytelling songwriters including Bob DyIan, Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, the Indigo Girls, and Billy Bragg. Lyri& production will run from March 26th through April 1 lth and features the show’s original cast from its European generously underwritten by Continental Resources, one of the largest independent oil and natural gas companies in the United States. The show will play a special two-night engagement at the Enid Symphony Center on Tuesday, March 31st and g~rednesday, April 1st at 7:30pm, marking the first time in the company’s 47-year history that a full prod,uction will be performed outside of Lyric s home venue. Back in Oldahoma City, Woody Sez performances are March 26th through April 1 lth: Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 2:00pm & 8:00pro. For tickets: ,a-wvc.lyrictheatreokc.com, (405) 524-9312, or in person at 1727 NW 16th St, Oldahoma City, OK. In Oklahoma City, the renovation and opening of Plaza Theatre, located on NW 16th Street between Penn and Classen, means that audiences can look forward to an intimate world-class theatrical experience, complete ~vith free accessible parking, tdtracomfortable seating, and a full service cash bar. Drinks are even allowed inside the theatre as the audience takes in the performance. The 2009 "Lyric at the Plaza" season concludes in May with Steel Magnolias. Lyric will continue to produce its annual summer season at downtmvn Oklahoma City’s Civic Center Music Hall, beginning in June with Disney’s High School Musical 2 and continuing with The Music Man, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Producers, and Little Shop of Horrors. tour. st0ryte!l& ~na David tutken Stars in {he and actor, musici~s Darcie Deaville ,Teirstein join in ,to portray up the fabric of Guthrie’s amazing story. The four accompany themselves on over 15 different instruments, ranging from guitar and fiddle to jaw harp and dulcimer. \Voodrow Wilson "W’oody" Guthrie was born in 1912 in Okemah, Oklahoma. He is best kmown as an American singersongwriter and folk musician, whose musical legacT indudes hundreds of political, traditional and children’s songs, ballads and improvised works. Many of his recorded songs are archived in the Library of Congress. Guthrie traveled from Oklahoma to California and later New York and used his rich life experiences and observations to write traditional folk and blues songs, many of which deal with the Great Depression. Guthrie died from complications of Huntington’s disease, a progressive genetic neurological disorder. When Nick Corley accepted the position as Lyric’s new artistic director, he was thrilled with the timing and what it meant for the future of Woody Sez. With the blessing of the Guthrie estate, Corley, who has directed the show fi’om its inception, prepared Lyric for the American premiere, so that Oklahomans could be the first in ~he country to celebrate Guthrie’s life and music in this special way. Furthermore, so that the celebration of Woody’s spirit can reach even further beyond the Oklahoma City metro area, Lyric Theatre has plans to take the show on the road. A special presentation of Woody Sez, the words, music, & spirit of Woody Guthrie has been w~-w.metrostarnews.com NetroSTAR 13 �Arkansas Domestic Partnership Registry Under Attack Gay News Bureau It is, said editor Don Lee in a editorial, "demagoguery based on religious prejudice bordering on moral fascism..." ~e Carroll County (AR) News reported King "felt the bill (to ban DPRs) was needed because tourism in Eureka Springs has become identified too strongly with issues of sexuality." EUREKA SPRINGS, AR The only Domestic Partnership Registry in Arkansas-and one of the fe~v in the Mid-South region of the country--may soon be history if one right-wing state legislator has his way. Given the town’s long-standing reputation as a major wedding destination, King’s rationale is fraudulent, says Walsh. But the Eureka Springs mayor, city council and supporters of the DPR, vow to vigorously oppose a move by Republican Arkansas State Rep. Bryan King to do away with it. "What the hell does he think goes on in all those heart shaped hot tubs and honeymoon cabins," Walsh said. "King’s real aim is to impose his extremist religious and political views on our town and at the expense of gay residents, business owners and tourists. In only 22 months, 256 unmarried couples from 55 Arkansas communities and 14 other states have registered as domestic partners in Eureka Springs. At least 28 of those couples came from neighboring Oklahoma and another 32 from Missouri, says Michael Walsh, who wrote the domestic partnership law that went into effect in June 2007. Efforts to keep the resort town from officially honoring gay and straight couples is "transparent homophobia," he says. "There are six words to describe State Rep. Bryan King of Arkansas," said Walsh, "and they are, ’State Rep. Sally Kern of Oklahoma’. To know one is to know the other." DPR advocates say it is hypocritical for any state lawmaker to condemn municipal domestic partnership laws while accepting campaign contributions from I~aft Foods, Wal-Mart, FedEx and Cox Communications, companies that have domestic partner policies. King is serving his final term as state representative and may next run for the Arkansas senate. His detractors say he has nothing to lose and much to gain by assaulting the DPR at this time. King introduced his anti-DPR measure March 9. Out lesbian Arkansas State Rep. Kathy Webb, a Democrat, opposes the ban and has said it may be killed at the committee level. Arkansas Speaker of the House Robbie Wills is also on record as opposing the bill. But Eureka Springs city officials are not taking any chances. In a statement signed by the entire Eureka Springs City Council, Mayor Dani Joy strongly defended the DPR and condemned King’s intrusion into city affairs. "I vdll not stand silent any longer and allow a demographic of our citizens to be humiliated and degraded," she said. "Prejudice or bigotry have no place in our city. The gay and lesbian community are our fi’iends, neighbors and family." The editor of the tmvffs weekly newspaper, The Lovely County Citizen, characterized Y,dng’s anti-DPR bill as a "regressive, faithbased, discriminatory, venal.., and cynical act." 14 ~{et~’oSTAR "Playing the gay card is a way for cheap politicians in Arkansas to fan the fires of hate and fatten up their campaign coffers." But, on the brink of what may be a precarious tourist season, King’s bill cotfld also deprive the town of a critical revenue stream. According to city records, the DPR has generated almost $10,000 for the city in less than two years. Registration costs $35 per couple. Diversity Weekend Kicks Offin Eureka Springs FRIDAY, APRIL 3 Domestic Partner Certificates. The courthouse is dosed Saturday and Sunday. City Clerl~’s office is in the City Hall, lower level of the Western Carroll County Courthouse, 44 S. Main. Office hours are 9:30 AM - 12 Noon and 1:30 to 4:30 PM. Over150 unique shops and galleries. Be sure to stop by and say hi to Charlie at A Byrds Eye View. Weekend favorites include The Tourist Stop, Mountain Eclectic, Antique Affaire, The Inn Convenience Store, Fusion Squared and Eclectic Edge. Over 6 vendors are setting up in the old Eureka Screams Theater parking lot and lobby, located on H~W 23 South. Friday Sunday, 8 AM - 5 PM, everything from Tools to Toys. Welcome Mixer, Pizza Bar, 13 N Main, 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Come feel the warmth. Mix and mingle with locals and visitors from around the county. CITY PARKING FREE AFTER 6 PM. Rock and Roll with Tiffany Christopher, The New Delhi, 2 North Main, All ages welcome, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM-ish. Walsh puts the figure at closer to $250,000 to $500,000 when DPR-related expenditures on hotels, motels, B &Bs, restaurants, bars, caterers, ministers, florists, gift shops, photographers mad spending by friends and }’amilies are included. It’s a Hawaiian Luau Weekend. Karake, Dance, Giveaways and FUN. Friday and Saturday, Henri’s Just One More, 19 1/2 Spring, Open Noon - 2AM, Full menu served till 9 PM nightly. NO COVER CHARGE. "Precisely when the state needs all the tax revenue it can it, I~dng’s bill is exceedingly short-sighted," he said. The always popular Tiki Torch Club and their Spring Diversity Dance Par-Tee. Arrive early this place fills up fast. Midnight Teaser Drag Show with Secdackeiry. * To express your support, send a brief e-mail to Eureka Springs Mayor Dani Joy at mayor@ cityofeurekasprings.org ~ Express your outrage to Arkansas State Rep. Bryan King at: kingb@arkleg.state.ar.us * Ask your friends, co-workers, family members and neighbors to do the same. * Send this story to news outlets, LGBT organizations, web sites and blogs. * Ask your elected local and state representatives to speak out on this issue, as did the Eureka Springs mayor when Sally Kern was on the rampage last year. = Come to Eureka Springs for Diversity Weekend April 3-5 and get your own DPR. See www.eurekapride.com for events. The Spring PDA photo shoot. Just some good time amusement for the tourist and to annoy the fundies. SPRINGS PUBHC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION (PDA), 12 noon, Basin Park band shell, downtown. A G-rated opportunity to smooch your sweetie-or the perfect stranger-for posterity. Eureka Pride has free treats to pass out. The Eclectic Edge, 49 Spring, ARTIST RECEPTION drop by and meet Artist Matt Johnson and Gallery owners David and Ginny between 1 and 5 PM. Light , refreshments. Register to win a piece of Matt s artwork. Raffie to benefit the local Doggie Shelter. KARAOYdS: Jack’s Place, 37 Spring, 2 PM - 6 PM, WOW!.!! Jello Shots For a BUCK! ALL GIRLS BAND IRIS: Chelsea’s, 10 Mountain St. Better show out early, these ladies have been known to Jump Start their show as early as 7 PM and then ~vind it up Midnight. The North West Arkansas Center For Equality and UA PRIDE, are havin,,g a dance. Entire, family welcome, upstairs at The Space, located across from the U.S. Post Office in Uptown-Downtown Eureka on Spring St., DJ dance music and activities for the kids. $5 cover, FREE to children 12 and under. 8 -11 PM. For a complete list of activities and events go to www.eurekapride.com and diversitypride. com. New Owners For Joplin’s Pla-Mor Lounge. Male Illusionist. That’s right they’re all girls and they’re dressed too ’KISS’. The IgSSS Tribute Band, Lumberyard, 105 East Van Buren, 9:00 PM. Stick around for DJ TIC’S Spin Cycle and Dance Party. Ashley McBryde... the miracle gift returns for SPRING ,n Eureka. Jacks Place. 37 Spring St, 9:00 PM.- Midnight, no cover. Handsome Lee wit! be checking IDs at the door. EUREKA’S UNDERGROUND the subterranean and always gay Eureka Live, 35 North Main, Trash Disco Party, drink specials. NO COVER CHARGE! THE DIVERSITY BAND: Chelsea’s, 10 Mountain St. 9 PM - ~ Avoid those Diversity buzz-killers like getting a DUI or trying to find a parking place downtown. Eureka Springs Limousine. $5.00 point to point. Call 479-244-6320 for your PICK-UP! New owners ofJoplin’s Pla-Mor Lounge, Tim, Bonnie and Tom. Staffphoto JOPLIN, MO (PR) After more than 40 years in the bar business including several gay clubs, Dick and Billy Jack decided to retire and let longtime friends Tim, Tom and Bonnie take over their latest venture, the Pla-Mor Lounge located at 532 S. Joplin St, Joplin’s only gay club. New hours beginning in April will be Tues-Sat 5pm to 1am. Happy hour 5pro to 7pm. Phone 417-624-2722 SATURDAY, APRIL 4 Name That Tune With Sandy at the Smokehouse Card, 580 West Van Buren, 8:30 A.M to1 l:30ish, biscuits as big as your head. WIN Fabulous Prizes, like Sparlcy Sun Glasses! Saturday and Sunday Only. The Diversity Bikers "Bridges and Dam Poker Run." Planer’s Hill Parking lot on the corner of 62 and 23 (Main Street) Starting at 12:45 PM. Retiring Pla-Mor owners Dick and Billy Jack. Staffphoto April 2009 �@ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa @Club Majestic, Tulsa @ Hideaway, Tulsa @ The Ledo, Oklahoma City www.rnetrostarnews.com @ The End Up, Tulsa @ Angles, Oklahoma City @ Finishline, Oklahoma City @The Mine Shaft, Tulsa @Club 209, Tulsa #~et~oSTAR 15 �of the world. Zinfandel vines were brought to California in the 1850s and it is now that state’s second most extensively planted red grape behind cabernet sauvignon. Initially, research confirmed a relationship between Zinfandel and Primitivo (a variety grown in Italy’s Puglia region), causing speculation that Zinfandel might have originated in Italy. However, in late 200 t, DNA fingerprinting determined that Crljenak Ka~telanski (a littleknown grape from Croatia) and Zinfandel have identical DNA profiles. Beside the Zinfandel grown in California (and Italy’s Priraitivo), there are only isolated plantings of this grape, mainly in South Africa and Australia. The Zinfandel grape can produce wines ranging from light, nouveau styles to hearty, robust reds with berrylike, spicy (sometimes peppery) flavors, plenty of tannins, enough complexity and longevity to be compared to Cabernet Sauvignon. Mr. D’s V2 case I really dig California Zins. For springtime/ back yard grill time, what better red xvine than Zinfandel to go with short ribs, beef brisket, grilled veggies and brats. Here are some killer bottles I think should be considered to go with your barbeque fun. Brief histoD+ of the grape [ZIHN-fuhn-dehl] qlais is thought to be California’s most popular red-wine grape because it’s not widely grown in other parts EarthQuake Zin ’06 The Phillips brothers pride themselves on farming their vineyards with a meticulous eye on quality. Their wines regularly take top accolades in wine competitions. This Zin is really full bodied with lots zing and flavor. In addition to the Earthquake brand of reservetier wines, wine brands under the Michael David Winery umbrella include the popular 7 Deadly Zins. This wine has recently come down in price about 20% in this market and it’s a must try. FoxGlove Zin ’07 Wine critic Robert Parker says that this one of the most ,mpress~!}e in the coot, high elevations Cruz M+0~nt~sT’ ~is Zi~ 9~(s ffo~m Vasq Robles ~fi~ is a n~ addition t0 ~¢~e~akers Bob & Jim Varner~ oo~tfoli6. I was completely surpnse~ at[)~Ow gogd~h~s single vineyard wi~e is for the~money. ~’ ~, + }~’~ If you are one of those xvho beliei( better, read on. Hyse Couzins ’05, This is the first intriguingblend 39% Zinfandel and drinldng xvell right now, to decant. Wine critid sa3 for the next 5 - 7 years. This be hard to find so if you see it, wine has also come down in 20% in this market and Remember that Zinfandel are two Couzins. Edmeades Mendocino This hasgot to be one of and 20061ooks to be to 2005 has some Petite Grenache blended color. ~nere is a cherry ~ spring Cabernet. juicy fruit acid balanc~ comedian Robin this winery and great Cabernet also For this Zin, ~only Family, is also currently making. uch xvineries like Paradigm, and Past clients include Screaming Eagle },arc 29. "We brought a bdtfle for ) w’. file opt in California during ~he We hadnt fasted it before hand’and bottle, I Wished a c9uple more. This wine in oiar state and this zin is ]his writer is one of the managers a~ the Grand Vin wine shop. He also bar tends and hosts wine & food town as the Enthusiasts of Tulsa. / www.l~ineSpecta- md pepper. Turn processor onand chop f~r Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Ingredients 2 -14 oz can chic~ peas, drained 4 cloves garlic, peeled " 1/2 cup jarred, i:o~ted red’peppers. drained Zest of one lemon Juice of one lemon !/4 cup tahini (may substitute ~vith pmnut or almond butter) i/2 cup olive oil | teas kosher salt 16 v~®t;oSTAR is creamy. Serve topped with a drizzle of 01ive oil, feta cheese and cracked black pepper if desired. Provide pita wedges and fresh vegetables for spreading. April 2009 �nmen At The BOK Center Tulsa Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band .April 7, 2009 @ 7:30 Ticket Prices: $9I, $57, $4I Get tickets at LiveNation.com, all Tickets.corn Outlets, or charge by phone at 1-866-7-BOK-CTR Bruce Springsteen’s new album ’Working on a Dream’ was released today (January 27, 2009). ’~,Working on a Dream~ was recorded with the E Street Band and features twelve new Springsteen compositions plus one bonus track. It is the fourth collaboration between Springsteen and Brendan O’Brien, who produced and mixed the album. Nickelback Apr 10, 2009 at BOK Center Nickelback With Seether and Saving Abel Aprill 0, 2009 Tickets On Sale Now Prices: $75, $55, $35 Unstoppable rock powerhouse Nickelback have announced dates for their upcoming North American tour in support of their new" album Dark Horse, released on Roadrunner Records on November !8th. Nickelback are a phenomenally successful touring band whose tours have grossed in excess of $100 million thus f.ar and have sold more than 30 million albums worldwide. Dark Horse is Nickelback’s first release since the immensely popular All ~fhe Right Reasons, released in 2005. Fleetwood Mac May 3, 2009 at BOK Center "Unleashed" Tour May 3, 200~ Tickets Off Sale Now Prices: $149.50, $79.50, $49150 Wne sure to be historic "Unleashed" Tour, beginning on March 1st in Pittsburgh, is an epic cross-c0untry trek featuring 44 shows in major markets. The tour will include al!~ of the Ma& many greatest hits fi’om over the course of the band’s extraordinary career. Fleem~ood Mac, the multi-Grammy winning, multi-platinum Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees are back on the road for the first time in five years following several successful solo projects. OKC Civic Center Music Hall April Events THE LEFT HAND SINGING a drama by Barbara Lebow Date: Frida); March 20, 2009 - Saturday, April 11, 2009 Presented by Carpenter Square Theatre MF~SURE FOR MEASURE by William Shakespeare Date: Friday, March 27, 2009 - Sunday, April i9, 2009 Presented by the Oklahoma City Theatre Company Perpetual Motion "Chiaroscuro" Date: Friday, April 03, 2009 - Saturday, April 04, 2009 Time: 7:30 p.m. Perpetual Motion presents Chiaroscuro CLASSIC SERIES: SEASON FINALE presented by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic Date: Saturday, April 04, 2009 Time: 8:00 p.m. Featuring Yuja X~gang, Piano ZOMBIE PROM Date: Frida>; April 10, 2009 - Sunday, Apri! 19, 2009 Zombie Prombook and lyrics by John Dempse, music by Dana E Rowe based on a story by John Dempsey and Hugh Murphy April 10-19, 2009 in the Freede Litde Theatre DISNEY’S THE LION KING Date: Tnesday, April 21, 2009 - Saturday, May 23, 2009 Presented by Celebrity Attractions Begins April 21, 2009 Tracy Morgan and Martin Lawrence put the fun in Funeral When Romeo first reported on the proposed Chris Rock-led American version of the outrageous British farce Death at a Funeral, it was unclear as to whether the wild gay subplot would survive. But as casting begins it seems clear that the queer surprise in the black comedy’s casket is alive and well. Better yet, 30 Rock’s hilarious Tracy Morgan has signed on to star alongside Martin La~vrence in the corned); due in 2010, about a dead patriarch’s funeral interrupted by mishaps~ bizarre guests and the arrival of the deceased’s secret gay lover. As long as Lawrence ~snt contracted to play B~g Momma in this verSion, fans of the original can rest easy:. Now, which brave American actor is going to pla~ the family member who runs around the hOuSe naked for the entire length of the fihn? ...... Cherry Jones’ sister act Object lesson to any actor who believes that coming out will be career-damaging: Cherry Jones. The talented lesbian character actress never stops working, plays the President on 24, was Matt Damon’s reality-checking mother in Ocean’s 13 and won a Tony Award for her pre-Meryl Streep incarnation of Sister Aloysius on Broadway in Doubt. Now she’l! take on another nun role in the upcoming drama Mother and Child starring opposite Naomi xYc:atts, Samuel Jackson, Kerry Washington and Annette Bening. The female-centered adoption drama is currently in production and due for release this December - aka Beg For Your Oscar Month - so the filmmakers must be pretty confident about its chances. Who knows, maybe Jones will have to dear room next to her Tony for a new golden friend. Ghost musical to raise Broadway from the dead? It seems that everything on Broadway is going belly up. Shows are dosing faster than new ones can take their place, ticket sales are in the toilet and all seems hopeless. And it’s desperate times that lead to crazy/genius ideas like Ghost: The Musical taldng root and flowering. The smash 1990 Patrick Swayze/Demi Moore film (for which Whoopi Goldberg won her Color Purple Oscar) is going to sing its way onto one of London’s West End stages sometime in 2010 and, if sufficiently crowd-pleasing, will probably make a mad dash for Broadway sometime later. The writers of "Unchained Melody" are already spending their future royalty check bump, but who’s going to pen the song about Patrick Swayze’s heartbreaking inability to express love without invoking the word "ditto?" Neil Patrick Hat~s. 20th Century Fox photo Nell Patrick Harris hands out TV Land Awards If the Harold and Kumar movies, How I Met Your Mother, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, his SNL appearance and his spoonbending antics on Ellen weren’t enough to convince you that Neil Patrick Harris is a national treasure, try this: now he’s retro-nostalgia-cable-channel TV Land’s answer to Hugh Jackman. The funny, quick-witted song-and-dance man will host April’s TV Land Awards with the requisite amount of skits, mttsical numbers and awards given out to shows like Charles In Charge and Mama’s Family. Expect a lot of vintage TV personalities showing up to join Harris as he tosses out non-vintage one-liners. Romeo San Vicente could sense something was up as early as Doogie Howser, ~I.D. He can be reached care ofthis publication or at DeeplnsideHollywood@qsyndicate.com. More ENTERTAINMENT see page 20 w"ww.metrostamews.com ~etroSTAR 17 �V @[8 by Donald Pile and Ray Williams SOME LEATHER_ FUN, ANYONE ? friends from North Carolina that we met there, Paul and Dick. After all, meeting new and exciting people is what traveling is all about. By the way, did we mention that they have a leather and chain sling in every room at the Inn Leather? Seriously if you are into leather, want to be into leather or just want to look and enjoy leather, then fly, drive, take a train or bus or even hitchhike and get down to die Inn Leather resort in Ft. Laxlderdale and learn how to have some real fun "leather fun". Spirit Journeys Announces Gay Travel Adventure Rafting the Grand Canyon Spirit Journeys has a new gay vacation rafting the Grand Canyon. This journey starts July 1, 2009 and ends July 10, 2009. NEW MILFORD, NJ (PRWEB)__ Spirit Journeys is very pleased to announce its new gay travel adventure rafting through the Grand Canyon. "Going Deep" is the title of this adventure and it begins and ends in Las Vegas and includes eight days and seven nights of rafting the Colorado River some 280 miles through the Grand Canyon. On this journey the goal IS tO experience the canyon and the river at a more profound level than on an ordinary vacation. Photo: Pool atThe Inn Leather Resort Since our travel columns are in publications from coast to coast and since we have readers who are into just about everything we decided to stay in this Leather Resort. The Inn Leather Resort has been serving the leather and levi gay community in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida as well as the entire East coast and the Midwest for over 10 years and a lot of gay men from all over the country love to stay there. During our stay ~ve met guys from New York, Chicago and several other places in the Midwest as well as Floridians. The general manager Chase and his staff of Benji, Kevin and Gabe are extremely professional, friendly and know how to take care of their guests. We just can’t say enough nice things about them. Chase has the most beautiful eyes and smile that you have ever seen in your life. We know that a lot of guys stay here just so that they Can see him! Tnru his professional guidance, the Inn is in the process of being remodeled. ~ae entire staff is really very accommodating. The grounds are filled with luscious tropical plants. The pool area is very inviting. wave, TWVCR/cable tv and alarm clock. They have ample off street parking for their guests. A stay here includes a complimentary continental breakfast poolside every morning. q-here are a lot of restaurants within walking distance and a major shopping center with a supermarket just a few blo~ away. If you are into leather or appreciate leather or just curious, then call and make a reservation. Oh yeah! Did we mention that there is a leather and chain SLING in every room? For those really into leather, be SURE and stop by the Ramrod leather bar at 1508 NE 4th Avenue for the most interesting time that you can EVER have in a gay bar! They have specials going on every day including Leather Sunday; Full Moon Monday, Butt to Butt Wednesda)~ Battle of the Bulge "l-hursday and Fetish Friday. They have a daily two for one happy hour from 3 to 9 PM. Check out their website at: www.ramrodbar.com A very special thanks to Chase, general manager of the Inn Leather and to our new Contact the Inn Leather Resort at: 877.532.7729 or email them at InnLeather610@aol.com and be sure to check out their website at: www.innleather.com. By the way, did we mention that they have a leather and chain sling in every room??? .Amenities include heated swimming pool, hot tub, tree wi-fi and a SLING in every room! Yep! You read that right ............ a leather and chain SLING in every room! Never tried one? XWell this is a perfect opporttinity for you. They have about a dozen rooms and suites and are located just two miles from the beach and just about a 10 minute drive to the major bars and one mile south of do~vntown Ft. Lauderdale and t’wo miles north of the Ft. Lauderdale airport. ~ae Inn Leather is a "clothing optional" resort. Did we mention that there is a leather and chain SLING in every room? Each accommodation includes queen or king size bed, private bath, kitchenette which includes fridge, coffee maker, micro18 While you in the area, be sure and check out the greatest totally nude beach in the country, Haulover Beach! which is located about a twenty minute drive south of Ft. Lauderdale. It is the only legally nude beach in the Florida. Haulover Beach Park contains one of south Florida’s most b~autiful clothing optional beaches-a 0.4 mile stretch of beach on the northernportion that draws people from all walks of life, from other states, Canada and a variety of other countries. Nestled between the Intercoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, it has pristine white sand shores, open ocean surf, various shaded picnic facilities, beautifully landscaped sand dunes, and concession stands. The beach is ideal for surfing as well as swimming. Thousands of people go to Haulover Beach on a sunny day. Simply put, Haulover Beach is one of the best clothing-optional beaches in the world, as ranked by many online and print publications. As many as 7,000 people visit the beach in a single day. There is a snack cart situated in the clothing optional area most days, as well as chairs available to rent. Haulover Beach is quite large and is broken up into different areas for gays and straights. It is a great way to meet people. Their website is http://www.hauloverbeach. org Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! Grand Canyon Rafting The adventure into Self is enhanced by the inspiring surroundings the Canyon has to offer. Being on the Colorado River at the bottom of the Grand Canyonhas a way of making humans very humble in the presence of such majesty, major life shifts can happen. Meditation Heart Circles and group movement rituals will be used to help open the mind and heart and deepen the experience of this incredible place. The intention is to actively engage the Canyon and the River; to know them on a more intimate level. The raft stops several times each day to hike, to explore side canyons, to swim in favorite swimming holes or to stand in ~e power of waterfalls. Howie Holben is the guide for this gay vacation. Heis owner and caretaker of Spirit Journeys. He was raised in northern Arizona and has always felt a special bond to the sacred places of the Southwest The gifts he brings to this Journey are his extensive knowledge of these places and the love for the path we follow on this journey. Since early childhood, he has been drawn to indigenous peoples and their spiritual teachings, traditions and practices. This attraction has taken him on many adventures, exploring the countless ways of "being in the world". His personal journey through addiction and recovery has spavcned in him a genuine interest in assisting others on their own spiritual path and he takes great pleasure in introducing people to practices, sacred ways and cultures to help them "step outside their box". A Reiki/Karuna Ki Master and Quantum Touch Pracdoner, his desire is to help others uncover their potential and set their hearts and minds free. For additional information on this and other special gay vacations, contact Hmvie Holben or visit w~#.spiritjourneys.com. About Spirit Journeys: Spirit Journeys offers gay travel, gay vacations and gay retreats with a spiritual focus, and unique gay retreat and gay vacation options. Call (800) 754-1875 to learn more about Spirit Journeys. leather and chain sling in every room" April 2009 �~ifest2 Se~ons Hualani. materials ,.~VW. metrostamews.com ~etroSTAR 19 �April At P.A.C. Tulsa Kyk°s Bed by Greg Fox April 18 -This year TU BLGTA’s Pride Prom 2009: A BollDvood Ball will be held on Apri! 18 at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center Westby Pavilion. 3-he event is a prom targeted toward Tulsa-area youth who are not alIowed m or not comfortable with bringing the date of their choice to prom, but it is open to all people ages 15 m 25. Tickets are $10 for general admission or $5 for %lsa UniversitT students. For more information emait http:l /us.mc l O.mail. yahoo.com/mc/ compose?to=tublgta@gmail.com. March-27-29 & April 2-4 8pro Up the Down Staircase -Liddy Doenges N~eatre Anyone who’s ever started a new job will relate to this comedy about Sylvia, an idealistic young English teacher maneuvering her way through a blizzard of paperwork, contradictmT orders and indecipherable instructions. She discovers that "Keep on file in numerical order" means throw in wastebasket, "Let it be a challenge" means April 14-15 7:30pro Aspen Santa Fe Ballet John H. XXqlliams ~eatre "Aspen Santa Fe Ballet is a jewel of a company...a refreshing surprise!" declares Ba&stage.com. This dazzling contemporary dance company will perform three to four pieces from its eclectic repertoire that contains works by some of the world’s [bremost choreographers, such as TwT1a %arp, Jorma Elo and Paul Taylor. The Vertical Hour April 16-18 at 8 p.m., April 19 at 2 p.m. Lid@ Doenges ~eatre "iI~e "vertical hour" is the first hour after an injury when ~sistance has the greatest chance of being beneficial, tn this 2006 play by Englishman David Hare, an ~Mnerican former war correspondent turned Yale political science professor joins her British boyfi’iend, Philip, for a visit to his fhther, Oliver. She has a pro-Iraq viewpoint, while the father, a doctor with liberal leanings, is against not only the war but many of the beliefs she holds about a range of issues. Nadia is both offended by and attracted to Oliver. Me ro Star Classfieds 2" square for as little as $39 per issue. Email: starnews@sbcglobal.net ~gebsite- vmcw.kylecornics.com E-Mail- KylesBnB@aot.com 918.835.7887 SAVE & FILL YOUR PIGGY e~ll: bittergirl@qsyndlcate.corn 20 ~®~ro~TAN ~w,joanhilty.net ~ ~1 April 2009 �by Jack Fertig Apill 2009 "Your are everyone’s darling Aries" Mercury, Venus, and the Sun are aligning in Aries bringing together charming, witty banter and mad, impulsive flirtations. Venus is retrograde so be careful with those flirtations. They’re not likely to go anywhere you’ll want to stay! ARIES (March 20-Apri~ 19): For now, you are everybody’s darling and could get away with almost anything. Dedicate that power for good, not selfish motives. You have so much of yourself to offer; select your beneficiaries wisely to be fully appreciated. TAURUS (Apri~ 20 - May 20): Take some private time with your nearest and dearest in pursuit of pleasures that nurture your soul. No need to hide in a cloister. You can be wild, loud, and frivolous, but do get away from your usual routines and pals. GEMIN~ (May 21- June 20): Fun with your friends can easily get way out of hand, but is that necessarily a bad thing? You could talk a tiger out of his or her stripes, but then what? When you start to improvise, then the fun really begins! SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Your fascination with a new sport or hobby is probably just a passing fancy. Enjoy it, but don’t invest in new gear at this point! Same with any dates right now. Don’t confuse a great time with falling in love. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Changes are needed around your home, and will be again soon. Whatever re-arrangements or new tchatchkes you like now will become annoying later. Just think of it as a springboard - and budget accordingly. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Dahhhling! You are just too, too charming. Be careful not to ta!k your way into something you can’t get out of! Sure, you can fake sincerity for now, but that will trip you up later! Be real! No, really real! PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Brace yourself and take a close look at any financial problems. This is the not the time to be buying anything (bad impulses!) or selling (you’ll get better prices later). Just take stock, and get things into order. CANCER (~une 2t- July 22): The m65n’s not full this week, but you’re shining like it may as well be. Dazzle your way up the ladder of success. Be clear on where you want to go and with ,~hom. Or at least leave room to change partners and destination. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Sometimes it’s best to let people air out their differences or to hone their arguments in fiery debate. If your peacemaking talents aren’t really needed, give yourself an aesthetic challenge at a movie or an art show you’d normally not attend. VlRGO (August 23 - September 22): Being a love god is a better deal when you can choose your worshippers. Even then, you’re likely to make bad choices. Have your fun, but commitments should be made in the cold light of day, not in the throes of passion. L~BP.A (September 23 - October 22): This is a great time to work on a relationship, not to start one. Problems are easy to discuss now. Solutions can come later. It may feel like you’re backtracking. That’s actually good for clarifying those problems. SCORHO (October 23 - November 21): Re-evaluate your goals at the gym. How much are you motivated by pride and vanity? Oh, really? Pushing too hard for looks may be undermining your health. Prioritize health, and your looks wil! last longer! www.metrostarnews.com METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Sunday 6:00 PM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM www.socmcc.org Have a God filled and Blessed Day! ~et~oSTAR 21 �(12" size Only) KING OF MASSAGE Great Touch Man to Man Full Body Massage 2 hands or 4 hands (2437) PROTECT YOURSELF PROTECT YOUR PARTNER(~t available Community @op e iving Now Hiring Male & Female H~V/A~DS i 501 c (3) l"qon P~ofit Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ an~ or living with AiDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. VVe invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net 22 #~etroSTAR April 2009 �Suppo~ those who suppor~ us. Their ads aliow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-222! ~a~:habanainn.com KELLY KIR£Y, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant i!i,:,ili[~ !i;(i/I VALERIE WILLIFORD 625 N.W. 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 OKC MORTUARY 2415-C N. X~!ALNUT AVE. Oklahoma City, OK 800-913-1310 THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPIZESSg/AY Oklahoma Cit7, OK 405-525-0730 vavw.habanainn.com EXPRESSIONS Comm Fdlowship 6009 1"~ Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 405 -761 - 1878 ~ww.expressionsO KC.com HOPE CLINIC 3540 E.TESTING 31st Ttflsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline SPIRIT OF CHt~ST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 10 AM MCC LFNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 ~,vw.mcctulsa.org ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK va~w.anglesclub.com OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836:8700 wv,wc.bambooloungetulsa.com OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 CLUB 209 209 N. BOULDER Tulsa, OK 918-584-9944 CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3131 N. PENN, OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Ttflsa, OK 918-584-9494 w~waclubmajesfictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH ~RESS\VAY Oldahoma City, OK 405-525-2900 v~v.habanainn.com JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK j udygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSg!AY Oklahoma Cit7, OK 73112 405-840-2106 ~vw.c21 goldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: wv,wc.gaybradyheightstulsa.com GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oldahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn www.okeq.org >> KING OF MASSAGE In or Out Calls Oldahoma City, OK 405-314-3898 HIDEAWAY LOLFNGE 11730 E. I1TH Tulsa, OK 918-437-0449 Open Sun thru Sat 2pm to 2am THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSXX~AY Ol’dahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 w~:habanainn.com THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa, OK 918-836-0915 Open 7 days a week 12noon to 2am THE MINESHAFT 424 S Memorial Di: Tulsa, OK 918-836-1250 Open Sun thru Sat 12noon to 2am TULSA EAGLE 1338 E. 31~D Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pm to 2am www.metrostarnews.com ~etroSTAR 23 �ahomans for Equality The Festival will be held on Saturday, June 6th, from 11arn to 11prn at Centennial Park at: 6th & Peoria. The Festival features a Kids Zone with inflatable water slides, a mechanical bull & a rock climbing wall for the adults, food & drinks, and all kinds of LGBT-friendly vendors, businesses, organizations & churches. Online registration still open! The 2009 Pride Parade starts on Saturday, June 6th at 7:30prn in the Brady Arts District and ends at the Diversity Festival at Centennial Park at 6th & Peoria. Shuttles and security will be provided. Online registration stilt open! Tulsa Folk-Rocker, Eric Hirnan is bringing his new band, Eric and the #.dams, to the Centennial Park Stage to headline at 9:00prn on Saturday night, June 6th. On May 30th at the historic Cain’s Ballroom, the annual Equality Gala will be held, celebrating the 2009 theme "Dreams Really Do Come True!" Visit ww~.okeq,org for tickets! The Tulsa Pride Exhibition of Fine Art, MOREcolor 2009, opens Thursday, June 4th from 5:00-9:00prn and continues Friday June 5th & Saturday June 6th from Noonennis R. Neill Equality Center. .. Turn-A-Bout Fundraiser Library Event PFLAG Spaghetti Dinner Diversi~ Day at the Zoo Pride ~nterfaith Service Gender Avengers/Trans Night ToUoLS.A. Leather Show PFLAG Movie Night OYP Fashion Show & Fundraiser Pride, Pioneers & Pancakes April 1st, 10pro May 28th, 7pro May 29th, 6:30pm May 30th, 10am May 31st, 3pro June 1st, 7pro June 2nd, 7pro June 3rd, 7pro June 5th, 7pro June 6th, 7:00am Club Maverick Tulsa Central Libra~ Fellowship Congregational Church Tulsa Zoo St. Jerome’s Parish Church OkEq Equality Center OkEq Event Center Circle Cinema Centennial Park Stage Centennial Park Building � 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. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document METROSTARNEWS.COM "WE DELIVER DIVERSITY" Church Visits Oklahoma Again By Victor Gorin APRIL 1, 2009 Hi ary Clinton will[ fight for gay rights worl[dwide By Rex Wockner Mr. andMrs. Kevin Sherwood with bikergroup protesting Fred Phelps demonstrators atMoore High School. Gorin photo MOORE, OK __ Spreading their ukual rants of far out homophobia, members of Fred Phelps Westboro Baptist Church ofTopeka, Kansas came to protest near the Oklahoma State Capitol as well as Moore High School March 2. Few in the GLBT or fair minded community are not familiar with this church, as they have been protesting with infamous "God Hates Fags" signs along with other similar sentiments nationwide and abroad for over a decade. They gained national attention in 1998 when they picketed Matthew ShepardS funeral in Laramie,Wyoming with infamous signs, some stating "Matthew is in Hell". Rarely’ missing an opportunity to present their viewpoint, they have picketed funerals of those who have died ofAIDS, and staged protests against governments who have granted rights or tal~en any action they perceive as "fag enabling." More recently their skewed logic went even further when they picketed funerals of American soldiers, incredulously promoting the concept that God is punishing America with the deaths of soldiers because our nation is too tolerant of homosexuals. Understandably this has raised anger with countless patriotic Americans, especially those in the military; veterans and their families & friends. Although the Westboro group had been to Oklahoma before, they returned again to protest against the Oklahoma Legislature for permitting a gay pastor, the Reverend Scott Jones- Cathedral of Hope UCC, to lead a Prayer for the Day at the invitation of State Representative A1 McAffrey. This protest drew a small crowd with TV & press coverage coverage at N.W. 23rd and Sante Fe, before the Phelps clan moved on ........... Continued See BAPTlST Page-9 in , Clinton Wockner by Rex Meeting with young people at the European Parliament in Brussels on March 6, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton promised to fight for gay rights on the world stage. At a question-and-answer session, Clinton called on Maxim Anmeghichean, programs director for the European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay~ Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, after commenting on his "I Love Hillaw" T-shirt. Anmeghichean said: "My name is Max. I am from Moldova, and I am a gay rights activist. In seven countries in the world homosexuals are sentenced to death and many more to prison. A lot of gay men arotmd the world die because of the HIV/ AIDS policies that the Bush administration had that did not allow to spend money on prevention for men who have sex with men. How do you see the foreign policy of the United States changing in the coming years in the field of human rights mad in partictdar sexual rights and gay and lesbian rights?" ........... Continued See HILLARY Page-8 2 April 2009 v~v~.metrostarnews.com ~°~t~oSTAR 3 Busy year ahead £or Sooner State Rodeo By Michael W. Sasser E~oto: fim Grubb, 7~m Dickmann, Don George, V¢7ll Hughes, &Scou" Gouard hosting a spaghel~i dinner to benefit St. Jerome’s Church. TULSA, OK __ With a new executive board elected in February, events already under its belt and a slate of others scheduled for the remainder of the year, the Sooner State Rodeo AssociaOon has a bustling 2009 ahead. "Our overall objective is to bring a rodeo back to Tulsa and to have one on a regular basis," said Tim Dickman, newly elected president. In addition to Dickman, Kevin George, Darin Steward, Kevin Murphy, Don George and Bob "West were elected vice president, tre~asurer, recording secretary, corresponding secretary and trustee respectively in February. "We want to remind people we’re still here, we’re still active and we are starting a new campaign to get people interested. Dickanau said. A spaghetti dinner at St. Jerome’s Church and a club night at Mavericks drew the community~ attention and attracted several new members. Key events ahead are also expected to garner notice and new members. The Associatioffs next general membership meeting is slated for Sunday, April 5th at St. Jerome’s Church in Brady Heights, and the general public is invited to attend. On April 24th at 9 pm at Mavericks, the Sooner State Royalty Roundup season kicks offwith a lead-in to the f~l 2009 competition. Past ’Royalty competitors will be on hand as well as those from other Associations. "We have the whole year m get contestants, but this event and others ~ve will have throughout the year help people raise the money they need to in order to compete and to get some experience beforehand," Dickman said. The Sooner State ¯ Rodeo Association is hosting its 3rd ka~nual Spring Blowout Barrel Race on Saturday, May 2nd at a site to be determined by the end of March. New membership and renewed energy and interest in the Association are keys to a successful 2009. "XWe need the community’s involvement, bars’ involvement and participants’ involvement to bring a rodeo back to Tulsa," Dickrnan said. "It’s going to be an exciting year and we invite everyone in the commun!ty to join in." For more information, call (918) 577-0030 or wvo~c.soonerstaterodeo.com KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY AT PHOENIX RISING MAY 2 By Victor Gorin OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Looking for some after May Day fun? On Saturday May 2 Phoenix Rising will host the 3rd annual Kentuc~- Derby ParD; where you can enjoy food with friends, wet your whistle at the cash bar and enjoy the thrill of the Kentucky Derby on the big screen. Originally organized by a group of friends who love equestrian sport, the first party had around 65 people, the next about 80, and they are hoping for a bigger crowd this year to experience the fun. As one of the organizers Max Paty puts it, "Last year it vcent from dead quiet when the race started, and then they just went crazy when the horses came down the home stretch, and it was really exciting!" It’s a free event with complimentary snacks and a cash bar, and everyone is invited, including out of towners who happen to be in OKC that day. It’s a great way to celebrate that event with your friends while meeting nev¢ ones. OKEQart gallery opens new exhibit featuring artist Krysta Hamilton TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Dennis Ik Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Thursday meet-the-artist reception from 6-gpm, Thursday, April 2, 2009, for the opening of the new exhibit showing the paintings of artist, g-,Tsta Hamilton. The exhibit will remain up through the month ofApril, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-9pm. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Tulsa. More info can be found on the web at okeq.org. 7his monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’s for EqualiO, (OkEq): OkEq seeks equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Tmnsgender (LGBT) individuals andfamilies through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation ofthe Dennis R. Neill EqualiO, Cente~ 4 April 2009 From ~2.95 AskAbout LaV®nda www.metrostarnews.com ~I®t~oSTAR 5 anna Pa ge Miss Gay Oklahoma Heartland 200 By Victor Gorin Pageant co-ownerJames Walke~ Adrienne Fische~ Alanna Paige, Anita Ryde~ and other co-owner Mark Christensen. Gorin photo O~IOMA CITY, OK__ On February 20 Manna Paige captured the title of Miss Gay Oklahoma Heartland for 2009, with Anita Ryder ( currently also Miss Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association) winning first alternate. As a preliminary contest for the Miss Gay Oldahoma America Pageant, they will go on to compete for that title. It was a festive evening at Angles as the current A1 Mc rey O ahoma County Medalion Dinner. reigning Miss Gay Oklahoma Heartland Adrienne Fischer passed on that tide ( she is also the current reigning Miss Gay Oklahoma) to Miss Paige. Pictured above are pageant co-owner James VCalker, Adrienne Fischer, Manna Paige, Anita Ryder & other pageant co-owner Mark Christensen By Victor Gorin A NEW KING GETS CRO’WNED! By Victor Gorin Judy Calhoun celebrates her birthday at the annual Oklahoma County Democratic Patty_ Medallion Dinn~ well wished by AIMcAfl~ey and Ieshia who led herfriends in song. Gorin photo. OYA~S,HOMA CITY, OK__ State Representative A1 McAffrey was the Master of Ceremonies for the Oklahoma Count), Democratic Party February 20. This is an annual event for the Party that is not only for fellowship, but also strengthening plans and resolve for the future. Represented at this event were both the Oklahoma Stonewall Democrats and the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus. Count3; Conventions will be held April 4, Congressional House District Conventions May 2, with the State Convention May 16 in Oklahoma City. To become involved or register to vote, go to ww,v.okdemocrats. org, or call State Party Headquarters (405) 427-3366, and in Tulsa call Tulsa County Headquarters (918-742 2457). 2nd alternate Amadeus Ka~nii York- Texas, IGng Richard Cranium oflndiana , and Ist alternate Owen McCord ofGeorgia. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Oklahoma City again hosted the National Mr.Gay US ofA MI contest at Angles dates September 11- 15. Emceed by the vivacious Amaya Mann, the competition began with 31 qualified contestants, narrowed down to 14 finalists for the finale March 15. Passing on his tide was the reigning King from 2008 Xander Kinidy ofTennessee, whose mother was present at the event. Capturing the tides for 2009 are 2nd Alternate Amadeus Karmanii York ofTexas, 1st Alternate Owen McCord of Georgia, and the new king, Richard Cranium of Indiana. 6 @et~oSTAR April 2009 Wockner News Service ANALYSIS: California Supremes hear Prop 8 challenge Tl~e California Supreme Court on March 5 held its hearing in the case challenging Proposition 8, the voter-passed constitutional amendment that re-banned same-sex marriage -- and the hearing was an apparent disaster t’or the gay side¯ The justices constantly interrupted the gay side’s lawyers with aggressive questions, but let pro-Prop-8 attorney Ken Starr speak mostly unimpeded. ~ae justices seemed fixated on the fact that California’s domestic-partnership law gives gay Couples the same rights as a marriage, and the), downplayed the fact that they had ruled that separate isn’t equal in their May 2008 decision that legalized same-sex marriage. The justices seemed enamored of the notion that the people can do almost whatever they want via the ballot-box amendment process -- including repealing freedom of speech, banning gay adoption and pretty much anything else. The justices all but laughed out of the chamber state Attorney General Jerry Browffs nove! "inalienable rights" natural-law argument against Prop 8. "~e just an amendment or instead a constitutional revision. A revision has to start in the Legislature or at a constitutional convention; it can’t start with people collecting voter signatures, as Prop 8 did. On that key question, the gay side appears doomed as well, because court precedent on the issue does not favor the gay side’s arguments. Only a couple of the justices appeared possibly open to the idea of expanding their notion ofwhat constitutes a constitutional revision. On the case’s other big question -- whether the 18,000 couples who married in California between June and November 2008 will end up un-married if the court upholds Prop 8 -- a majority of the justices seemed opposed to viewing Prop 8 as rettoactive, despite its rather plain wording: "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." At one point, the justices had a bit of Clintonian fun ruminating on "what the meaning of the word ’is’ is" in Prop 8. Kenneth Starr came across at the hearing as smart, confident, well-spoken and quick on his feet. None of the gay side’s lawyers did as well. But, in fairness, they were hardly able to get a word in edgewise because of constant interruptions from the justices. Media and blogger analysts were unanimous in concluding that the court is going to uphold Prop 8. That would leave the gay side with two options: Return to the California ballot with a proactive initiative to attempt to undo Prop 8. Or take it to,the U.S. Supreme Court, using the court s ruling in the Colorado Amendment 2 case as a precedent. In that case, the high court struck dovin a state constitutional amendment that prohibited Colorado governments from protecting gay people in anti-discrimination laws. The justices said government cannot irrationally single out~one group of people for disfavored treatment. Both of these "next step" options are considered risky moves. The court must issue its ruling by early June. Dolly Parton: ’I am not gay Country-music legend Dolly Parton is straight, she told CNN’s Larry King on Feb. 21. "I am not ga~" Parton said. "I have been accused of that. But I have been happily married for 42 years to the same man. And he’s not the least bit, you know, threatened by the fact that I may be gay. And he knows have a lot of friends. But I love everybody. It doesn’t matter to me." Part0n said gay people like her because she’s authentic. "I think the gay people have always liked me because I have always been mysel[ I’m not intimidated by ho~v people perceive me, I don’t judge nor criticize people," she said. "I think that’s another reason they at least know that I’m sympathetic. I think all people have a right to be who they are. We’re all God’s children and God should be the one to judge, not other people. So I have a lot of gay friends, lesbian friends." ’Milk’ gays the Oscars The Academy Awards offered some gayerthan- usual moments Feb. 22 as the movie Milk snagged two Oscars. Accepting the award for best actor, for his portrayal of gay icon Harvey Milk, actor Sean Penn said: "You commie, homo-loving sons of guns.... For those who saw the signs of hatred as our cars drove in tonight, I think that it is a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect, and anticipate their great shame and the shame in their grandchildren’s eyes if they continue that way of support. We’ve got to have equal rights for everyone." And openly gay Dustin Lance Black, accepting the trophy for original screenplay, gave a shout-out to gay kids. "When I was 13 years old, my beatitiful mother and my father moved me from a conservative Mormon home in San Antonio, Tex., to California, and I heard the story of Harvey Milk," Black said. ’~md it gave me hope. It gave me the hope to live my life. It gave me the hope one day I could live my life openly as who I am and that maybe even I could fall in love and one day get married. "If Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he’d want me to say to all of the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told that they are ’less than’ by : or by their you are beautiful, wonderful creatures ofvalue and that no matter what ~yone ~eils you, God does love you, ~d that veiT SO0n~ I promise you; ~ou ~ill have equal rights federally across this great nation of ours." In Singapore, where gay sex is illegal, MediaCorp TV deleted portions of Black’s and Penn’s speeches from its rebroadcast of the awards. MediaCorp/Channel 5 censorship manager David Christie said the broadcast "would have been in serious breach of the MDA (Media Development Authority) Programme Code if such controversial content was not editorially managed." "The code explicitly disallows content that sympathizes with, promotes or normalizes such a lifestyle from being broadcast," he said. The Asian satellite TV service STAR also censored the two men’s speeches, dropping the audio each time the word "gay" or "lesbian" was uttered. STAR beams into more than 50 countries to some 300 million viewers. Utah senator demoted for anti-gay remarks Utah state Sen. Chris Buttars was ousted from two committees by Republican leaders Feb. 20 after he made homophobic remarks to a documentary maker. Buttars spoke in January to TV reporter Reed Cowan, who is making a documentary on the ¯ Mormon church’s involvement in the passage of California’s Proposition 8. The senator’s comments included: "Homosexuality will always be a sexual perversion. And you say that around here now and everybody goes nuts. But I don’t care.... They’re mean. They want to talk about being nice, they’re the meanest buggers I’ve ever seen.... It’s just like the Moslems. Moslems are good people and their religion is anti-war. But it’s been taken over by the radical side.... What is the morals of a gay person? You can’t answer that because anything goes.... They’re probably the greatest threat to America going down I know of. ... q]aey want superiority. It’s the beginning of the end. Oh, it’s worse than that. Sure. Sodom and Gomorrah was localized. This is worldwide." According to Salt Lake City’s KTVX, ~vhich broke the story: "Buttars also talks about a certain type of reported gay sex!~al activity which he claims is taking place. But ABC 4 does not consider that appropriate for its news content Students at George Mason University in Fairfax County, Va., elected a gay drag queen as homecoming queen Feb. 14. Senior Ryan Allen, who ran for the honor as Reann Ballslee, beat out two women for the crown. "It was just for fun," Allen told the Washington Post. "In the larger scheme of things, winning says so much about the university. X~[e’re one of the most diverse campuses in the country, and... ,ve celebrate that." MORTUARY ~ERVICE,~ www.metrostarnews.com ~et~oSTAR 7 Gay New Yorkers protest sex-shop arrests Several dozen gay N~v ~rkers protested near Mayor Mict§ael Bloomberg~ mansion Feb. 14 over what they say are bogus arrests ofg~y men in adult video arcades. Photo byJoe Jervis Several dozen gay New ¥orkers protested near Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s mansion Feb. 14 over what they say are bogus arrests of gay men in adult video arcades. The activists claim undercover police o~cers have been hitting on gay men, then, after the men agree to have sex, leading them outside, offering them money, and arresting them for prostitution, whether they accept the money or not. At least 50 men have been victims of the sting, the activists said. The motive for the arrests is to create a pretense for shutting down the shops, the activists said. ~e arrests have been condemned by openly lesbian City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and openly gay state Sen. Tom Duane, among others. Hawaii House passes civil-union bill Hawaii’s House of Representatives passed a civil-union bill Feb. 12 by a vote of 33-17. The measure now advances to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where its fate is unpredictable. Republican Gov. Linda Lingle has not taken a position on the legislation. The proposal would grant civil-union couples all the state-level benefits, protections and responsibilities of marriage. Hawaii presendy has a reciprocal-beneficiaries law that grants registered same-sex couples limited spousal rights. Similar limited laws are in place in Maine and Washington. Five states -- California, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, and Vermont -- and Washington, D.C., have full civil-union laws that grant all state-level spousal rights. Massachusetts and Connecticut let gay couples marry, and New York recognizes same-sex marriages from states and countries that permit them. Tt~e other countries that let gay couples marry are Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa and Spain. Beau poses nude Beau Breedtove, the 21-year-old man who had sex with Portland, Ore., Mayor Sam Adams just after Breedlove turned 18, has posed nude for the May issue of the gay porn magazine Unzipped. The revelation of the aNair nearly ended Adams’ career earlier this year. Adams was 42 years old at the time of the brief relationship and, when asked about it during his mayoral campaign, had denied it happened. Nae men claim to still be ftiends. "Beau Breedlove was extremely professional at his first erotic photo shoot in Los Ba~geles this past weekend," Unzipped online editor Sean Carnage told Advocate.corn Feb. 18. "He came to L.A. to prove that the Portland scandal does not define his sexuality. The photos portray the real Beau -- a confident and extremely handsome young man who is openly sensual, openly sexual and has nothing to hide." "We had some trouble getting them into this house because of some, what I believe to be, antiquated rules here, but they are here, minus tiaras and sashes," New Democratic Party legislator Spencer Herbert said as he introduced the foursome to fellow legislators. Legislative sergeant-at:arms Gary Lenz explained that "protocol" prohibits headgear and certain other items inside the chamber, to maintain "dignity." Larry amer: Lincoln and Washington were gay Veteran gay and MDS activist, author and playwright Larry Kramer says he has evidence that Abraham Lincoln and George Washington were gay. Colorado senator in antigay rant Colorado state Sen. Scott Renfroe, R-Greeley, unleashed a six-minute anti-gay diatribe on the floor of the Senate Feb. 23 during debate on a bill to allow gay state employees to share health benefits ~vith their partners. Speaking to the Montreal newspaper Hour on March 5, Kramer said he will reveal the details in a book he’s writing, The American People: A History. He equated gay sex with murder and adultery and seemingly suggested that people ~vho engage in gay sex commit ’,detestable" acts .... been wntten or stud......... "It’s a monster book," Kramer said. "It’s an attempt to put us (gay people) back in history from the beginning. No history book ever recorded anything about us, and researching this book I found out that both Lincoln and George Washington were gay.... I have stuff that will go beyond anything that has ever Renfroe said: "Homosexuality is seen as a violation of this natural creative order, and it is an offense to God.... Leviticus 18:22 ’ says: ’You shall not lie witha man as one lies with a female. It is an abomination.’ Leviticus 20:13 says, ’If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a ,voman, both of them have committed a detestable act, and they shall surely be put to death.’ ... When we create laws that goes (sic)against what biblically we are supposed to stand for, I think we are agreeing, or allowing to go forward, a sin which should not be treated by government as something that is legal. ... We are taking sins and making them to be legally OK, and that is ,vrong. That is an abomination.... And I’m not saying that this is the only sin that’s out there. Obviously, we have sin. We have murder, we have all sorts of sins. We have adultery. And we don’t make laws making those leg~A.... All sin is equa!. That sin there is as equal to any other sin that’s in the Bible." The bill passed. Drag r?yalty stripped ofregaha be sergeant-atarlns Mr. and Miss Gay Vancouver XXIX, along with the Emperor and Empress V of Surrey, were allowed to enter the Canadian province of British Columbia’s Legislative Assembly only after removing their tiaras, crowns and sashes, The Vancouver Sun reported March 2. Clinton responded: "Human rights is and will always be one of the pillars of our foreign policy. And in particular, the persecution and discrimination against gays and lesbians is something that we take very seriously. It is terribly unfortunate, as you just recited, that, you lmow, right now in unfortunately many places in the world violence against gays and lesbians, certainly discrimination and prejudice, are not just occurring but condoned and protected, and we would hope that over the next few years we could have some influence in trying to change those attitudes." Clinton continued: "Specifically, with respect to HIV/AIDS, we have made a very big treatment commitment, as some of you know, through our program called PEPFAR. And it is an important part of the American approach toward trying to deal with the HIV/ MDS pandemic. But we haven’t done enough on prevention, and we haven’t done enough on outreach or testing. We’re beginning to, and under our administration we will do much more. And I can only hope that we all live long enough -- certainly I hope I live long enough; I think you all will -- to see the end to this kind of discriminatory treatment, and recognition that human rights are the inalienable right of every person no matter who that person loves, and that’s what we should be trying to achieve." 8 P~etroSTAR Apd12009 Sonja Martinez Receives the Richard May Award Sofia Martinez (Center) with her niece Jessica Martinez-Brooks and her sister and artist Bernadette Martinez. Pressphom OK_LAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) _The Oklahoma MDS Care Fund celebrated its Seventeenth Bmnual "Red Tie Night" at the Cox Communications Center February 28, 2009. The "Red Tie Night" brings together man), individuals and corporations to raise as much as one million dollars in a single night through various donations, auctions and generosity of many Oklahomans. The goal of the event is to raise money tbr education, direct services and research to fight HIV/ AIDS throughout the State of Oklahoma. One of the highlights of a very eventful evening was the presentation of the Richard May Award to Sonja Martinez. Sonja is the daughter ofJesse and ka~ita Martinez of Oldahoma City. The Richard May Award was established by the Oklahoma MDS Care Fund to honor Richard May, a founder of the organization who passed away in March, 2000. The premise of the Richard May Award is that it is to be given annually in recognition of an individual who has given, in an exceptional way, of their time and talents to promote education, research and service regarding HIV/AIDS. The recipient should exemplify quiet strength and compassion, never seeking recognition, which was the spirit of Richard May. Sonja has an annual Christmas Benefit to raise money for those with HIV/AIDS and this next year will be her nineteenth annual benefit. The benefit is held at the COPA bev;veen Thanksgiving and Christmas every year. Sonja accepted the award by saying: "~is award is a very big honor and I thank you so much. I would like to accept this award on behalf of all the dubs and entertainers in the Gay Community who do benefits all year around. I would also like to thank: Barbara and Jackie Cooper, Rick Moses, John Beebe, Tony Sinclair and Dee Goodwin; my family vcho have supported me and loved me unconditionally. And the Red Tie, thank you for all that you do." Christian, I623 N. iVlaplewood Tulsa, OK www,mcctuls org Oklahoma City, OK No matter who you are o are on life’s journey, y~: -R®ver®.d ~r. K~hy 405.525.9555 Kansas City’s Heartland Men’s Chorus rills OKC Crowd By Victor Gorin CharlesJohnson presents director Dn Joseph Nadeau with a plaquej~om the City ofthe Village thanking themfor theirpe,formance. Gorin photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Oklahoma City was treated to a grand performance by the Heartland Men’s Chorus March 3 when the played to a large crowd at the Village Christian Church. N~e Chorus, which began in 1986, has performed extensively in the Missouri/Kansas area, and also throughout the United States and abroad. Featuring an eclectic mix of men’s choral music encompassing several music styles, the chorus was won acclaim and respecf froma wide City has were recognized by the City ( suburban community of OKC), and this concert, which was their OKC debut, would also benefit the BritVil Food Bank. Bringing their songs to Oklahoma, they presented their concept concert, "And Justice for All." Beginning xvith a number from the musical South Pacifici "You’ve got to be Cargfully Taught/Children will Listen", which depicted racism, they ,;vent through a series of selections accompanied by readings and accompanying pictures which portrayed the struggles of blacks, women, and the more recent activism of title GLBT community. Highlights included activist classics "We Shall Overcome" & ’Tkin’t gonna let nobody Turn me Round, but also included the comic relief of"Color of Colorado," a campy classic from the off Broadway musical "When Pigs FI~’ that portrays how vital the GLBT community really is to America. Closing with "I will stand with You," they left the audience with not only a call for unity but hope for a better tomorrow. Under the direction of Dr. Joseph Nadeau, they performed the following day for the American Choral Directors National Convention which also took place in Oklahoma City. They held the distinction of being one of only 2 gay men’s choruses to be invited to perform for that conference in the group’s 50 year history. to Moore Oklahoma for another protest at Moore High School. Although their reasoning for picking out Moore High School for a protest site was unknown, their website did promise "We will picket you hypocrites and we continue to THANK GOD for the tornados that keep kicking Oklahoma’s backside.’Moore High School dismissed classes 15 minutes early for those students wishing to avoid the protest, but many stayed to tal~e part in what ’turned out to be a major counter protest. That protest, organized by Chelsea Marlett ( daughter ofRon Marlett, ~vho ran against Sally Kern in the State Legislative race 2008) not only brought out many from the GLBT community, but also many others to form a diverse crowd of around 2000 that included civil libertarians, yeterans groups, and just plain folks young and old. Undoubtedly the most spectacular counter protesters were the bikers, xvho rode repeatedly past the Phelps clan revving their engines to the crowd’s applause. Jeannie and other Moore High School students protest Phelps group. Gorin photo As one of them put it, Kevin Sherwood stated "I fought for our country for people to be able to live their lives they way they want. I fought so they ( the Phelps group) can say what they want to say, but we get the same rights. What upset me more than anything else is that they came here to scare kids. But apparently most of them ain’t all that scared!" Living proof of that was Jeannie, a student of Moore High School,who after some colorful outbursts about her opinion of the Phelps clan, had this to say" God loves all of us, we’re all equal, gays lesbians, it doesn’t matter God loves us all." www.metrostarnews.com #~÷troSTAR 9 10 ~oSTAR April 2009 British PM opposes Prop8 British Prime Minister Gordon Brown opposes Proposition 8, the California ballot measure that last November re-banned samesex marriage after the state Supreme Court had legalized it. "This Proposition 8, this attempt to undo the good that has been done, this attempt to create divorces among 18,000 people who were perfectly legally brought together in partnerships, this is unacceptable and shows me why we alxvays have to be vigilant, why we have alvcays got to fight homophobic behavior and any form of discrimination," Brown said March 5 at a Downing Street reception for GLBT VIPs. 6 in his apartment in Call He suffered a fatal blow to the head and was found tied to his bed and gagged. The apartment had been trashed but there were no signs of forced entry and nothing was stolen. Rivera received national attention when he fought a 2001 mandate by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrillas that all residents ofa FARC-controlled sector of the eastern state of Meta take an HIV test or leave the area within a week. Thereafter, he received death threats and was followed on the streets and harassed at worlc He eventually left Meta, his home state, as a result. On March 4, the California Suprelne Court heard oral arguments in the case seeking to overturn the constitutional amendment. It is widely expected that the effort will fail, with the justices deciding, in effect, that the right of the voters to amend the constitution is more sacrosanct than the constitutional guarantee of equal protection under the law. The court must issue its decision by early June. Burundi plan to ban gay sex dies in Senate Leading Latino-issues blogger Andrds Duque called Rivera’s death "a tremendous loss to the international human rights movement." Argentina lifts military gay ban Argentina’s military decriminalized homosexuality and lifted its gay ban Feb. 27. Part of an overhaul of the military justice system, the change was approved by Parliament last year and took effect six months after passage. A move to ban gay sex in the Central African U.S.-based Latino-issues, blogger Andrds nati~ 6f Burundi was reiected by the Senate ~t}que called the m.ove ’.on.e more L.GBT Feb. 16 after having passed the National nghts development in a Latin American Assembly unanimously in November. nation that leapfrogs over current U.S. "Burundi’s Senate, after significant pressure and ’heated debate,’ today reiected the proposed amendment to criminalize homosexual conduct. Victory -- for the moment," said Scott Long, head of Human Rights Watclqs LGBT Rights Division. The proposal, part of a much larger bill, set a punishment of between three months and two years in prison, along with a large fine, for engaging in consensual adult gay sex. The Senate and Assembly must now form a commission to reconcile the two versions of the bill before sending it to President Pierre Nkurunziza. "Any reconciliation could, potentially, reinstate the provision criminalizing samesex conduct," said the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission. "Whatever the outcome, the fact that the majority of senators voted against the provision shows a growing recognition that all citizens are entitled to the full enjoyment of human rights irtespective of their sexual orientation." policy" Gays in the U.S. military are required to remain in the closet under the "Don’t Ask, Dofft Tell" policy signed into law by President Bill Clinton. Prior to that time, gays were not allowed in the U.S. military at all. 300,000 at Sydney Mardi Gras Sydney’s 31st gay Mardi Gras parade attracted 300,000 spectators, 130 floats and 9,500 participants March 7. Openly gay Olympic gold medal diver Matthew Mitcham led offthe procession. His winning dive at the Beijing Olympics was the highest-scoring dive in Olympic history. Marching units included the Federal Police, the military and New South Wales firefighters. U.S. comedian Joan Rivers also joined in, riding on top of a truck. Eighty-four of the world’s 19 5 nations ban gay sex. Colombian gay leader m dered Well-lmown Colombian gay activist idvaro Miguel Rivera Linares, 41, was killed March Jamaica .bans most antigay music Jamaica’s Broadcasting Commission has effectively banned most anti-gay dancehall songs from being played over the airwaves. Wockner News Service New regulations prohibit broadcast of songs and videos that glorify arson, rape, shooting or murder, as well as depictions of sex acts. Gay activists, locally and internationally, have campaigned for years against the anti-gay alleged "murder music" ofJamaican artists such as Sizzla, Bounty Killer, Elephant Man, Vybz Kartel, Beenie Man, Buju Banton, T.O.K. and Capleton. Phelpses banned from entering UK Anti-gay Kansas pastor Fred Phelps and his daughter Shirley have been banned from entering the United Kingdom, the Telegraph reported Feb. 19. The "God hates fags" team had announced plans to picket a performance of’l-he Laramie Project on Feb. 20 at a school arts center in Basingstoke, Hampshire. A UK Border Agency spokesman said: "Both these individuals have engaged in unacceptable behavior by inciting hatred against a number of communities.... We will continue to stop those who want to spread extremism, hatred and violent messages in our communities from coming to our country." In an interview with the BBC, Shirley Phelps- Roper stated: "There are members ofWBC (Westboro Baptist Church) that are not named Phelps.... Unless they intend to begin checking the bare backsides of every person coming into that country to find that tattoo that says ’Property ofWBC,’ they will have no way of identifying who is from WBC." In the end, a single, unidentified demonstrator showed up and was chased offby about 50 counterprotesters, the BBC reported. HIV rate climbs in Asia Gay and bisexual men in Asia are having risky unprotected sex, causing dramatic climbs in HIV infection rates, said officials attending a World Health Organization HIV/AIDS conference Feb. 18 in Hong Kong. The gathering heard that more than 30 percent of gay and bisexual men in Bangkok are HIV-positive, while some Chinese cities report a rate as high as 18 percent, and China as a whole has a rate of 3.8 percent among gay/bisexual men. The director of Chinas AIDS-control center, Wu Zunyou, said amphetamine use and Internet hookups are factors in the climbing infection rate. HIV now is Chinas deadliest infectious disease, according to a new report from the Ministry of Health. More than 8 percent of gay and bisexual men in Jakarta are HIV-positive, the conference heard, as are 7.8 percent in Cambodia. Singapore censors Oscars Singapore’s MediaCorp TV censored its replay of the Academy Awards Feb. 23, removing portions of Dustin Lance Black’s acceptance speech. Black won the original screenplay Oscar for Milk, and said: "When I was 13 years old, my beautiful mother and my father moved me from a conservative Mormon home in San Antonio, Tex., to California, and I heard the story of Harvey Milk. And it gave me hope. It gave me the hope to live my life. It gave me the hope one day I could live my life openly as who I am and that maybe even I could fall in love and one day get married. "If Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he’d want me to say to all of the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told that they are ’less than’ by their churches, by the government or by their families, that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value and that no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you, and that very soon, I promise you, you will have equal rights federally across this great nation of ours." Sean Penn’s acceptance speech also was truncated. He won the best actor Oscar for his portrayal of Harvey Milk. Penn said: "You commie, homo-loving sons of guns.... For those who saw the signs of hatred as our cars drove in tonight, I think that it is a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect, and anticipate their great shame and the shame in their grandchildren’s eyes if they continue that way of support. We’ve got to have equal rights for everyone." Subscribers to one of the main Singaporean gay e-mail lists were outraged at the edits. "This sort of bigoted, intolerant and ignorant action by a national broadcaster is better suited for Iran or North Korea than a nation that puts itself forward as a modern worldclass city," wrote one. MediaCorp/Channel 5 censorship,manager David Christie said the broddcast would have been in serious breach of the MDA (Media Development Authority) Programme Code if such controversial content was not editorially managed." "The code explicitly disallows content that sympathizes with, promotes or normalizes such a lifestyle from being broadcast," he said. Gay sex is illegal in Singapore. The Asian satellite TV service STAR also censored the two men’s speeches, dropping the audio each time the word "gay" or "lesbian" vcas uttered. STAR beams into more than 50 countries to some 300 million viewers. www.rnetrostarnews.com #d®troSTAR 11 By Camper English Colder, smaller, weaker: Better martinis ~lhe diplomatic way of defining the "best martini" is as "the martini that you like the best." But, really, if you’re pulling a jug of vodka out of the freezer and pouring it into a glass, you’re not drinking a martini at all. You’re drinldng a glass of cold vodl~a. Add olives and you’ve got vodka with a snack. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. I drink cold vodka all the time, and ~vho doesn’t enjoy a string of olives for dinner? But a martini is a mixed drink, necessitating more than one ingredient to mix into it. Bar-haviora Problems The working theory is that the martini star~ed as a spinoff of the Martinez, a cocktail made with sweetened gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur and bitters (with a lemon twist). As tastes in cocktails shifted away from sweet drinks, the "Dry Martini" made with d~/vermouth became more popular, and eventually most everybody forgot about the bitters. Vodka didn’t become an option until later. Gay bar bartenders, who are not necessarily gay bartenders, are usually the most ei~cient and fair intoxicologists in tl~e drinking universe. I say "fair" because at straight establishments, hot women and rid>looking men (usually jerk~) get first priority, and the bartenders frequently take drink orders out of order. Infuriating! This is not often the case in gay ~vatering holes, where the bartenders tend to be the hottest people in the room and dofft need to impress you by serving you first (you need impress them with the size of your tips). Given the variations over time, you could rightfully order your martini made with gin or vodka, sweet or dry vermouth or none at all, bitters or not, olives or a twist - and you could find a published recipe to back it up. None are the "right" way to make a martini, but I would encourage experimentation to find the way that’s right for you. Also, gay bar patrons Imow how to behave (toward the bartender anyway) and will often line up in an orderly fashion at the drink well rather than shouting and waving like the opening scene ofThe Love Boat al! along the bar. I take straight friends to my favorite gay bar and they are anlazed at the German,like efficientT in place. They are often jealous and ofthe strained drink in the frdezer’ ...... determine to start coming there every night, until they hear ........... .... ...... the 14th Madonna remix in a row. I can’t say I blame them. In a nightclub or other crowded venue, or anywhere with a mixed crowd, all bets for orderly ordering are off. You need to gain the attention of tl~e bartender as well as make him or her think you’re going to be a good (i.e., fast, non-annoying) customer. Here are a few suggestions for attracting the bartender and keeping his attention. While jumbo-sized martini glasses used in many bars provide a lot of liquor for the dollar, by the time you get to the bottom half you’re drinking room-temperature alcohol. That is bad. Or worse, it’s a warm salt bath if you’ve got the extra-large-sized olives in there that help to heat it xtp. The very dassiest ofbars serve their martinis in very small, very cold glasses - with an additional quantity of the drink in an ice-chilled container on the side. That is lovely. At home, I use vintage (small) glassware and keep the remainder cooling Look available. You want to make eye contact with the bartender and have her give you the "I see you" nod. To accomplish this, face the bar, not your friends behind you. If you’re turned around chatting and using the bar as a leaning post, you’re not giving the right signal. Be ready. When you are trying to get the bartender’s attention, have visible cash in your hand -but don’t ~vave it around unless there is a row of drag queens in six-inch heels blocking your line of sight. And if you’re planning to pay with a credit card, you may want to keep that hidden. It takes longer to process, so the bartender will serve the cash-holding folks first. Also, be ready with your friends’ drink orders. Don’t wait until the bartender gets there to turn around and say, "What do you guys want?" As the person standing next to you, H1 swoop in and say "~ree martinis please" when your back is turned. I’m like that. S~’ategize. Don’t shout to get the bartender’s attention. Nobody likes to be yelled at while doing their job. A friendly "Hi!" sometimes helps though. Make your first tip the most generous one to help ensure prompt service and healthy pours for the rest of the evening. And be respectful of others - if the guy next to you was waiting longer but the bartender comes to you, give him the "he was here first" point. The bartender will remember that you’re next, and you never kmow if that guy next to you wil! return the favor and pay for your drink. Do not fear vermouth. Try it and you might find you actually like it - but probably not the 4-year-old, mostly full bottle gathering dust in the back of your liquor cabinet. Use a fresh bottle. Vermouth spoils like wine after opening, so buy small bottles and keep them in the refrigerator to lengthen their life span. Ice, too, is an ingredient in the drink. Ifyou keep your vodka or gin in the freezer, not much water will melt into your martini. Dilution brings the drink down to a manageable level of alcoholic strength to keep you from making that too-strong scrunchy face that gives you wrinkles. A martini should be refreshing, not painful. The shaken-versus-stirred decision is not worth the ~veight given to it. Shaking adds ice chips and air bubbles that make the drink look doudy and taste fizzy, whereas stirring results in a clear and smooth cocktail from the get-go. I prefer a stirred martini when I’m at a nice cocktail lounge, but I do often shake them at home. Not because it tastes better, but because shaldng is more fun. Camper English is a cocktails and spirits writer andpublisher of Alcademics. com. ’ 12 ~et~:oSTAR April 2009 ~e internationally renowned cast ofWoody Sez- back rowfrom left: Helen Russell, Darci Deaville, Andy Tekstein;J~ont- David Lutken as Woody @hoto courtesy of The Scotsman Publications Ltd.) OKLAHOI~La~ CITY, OK (PR) __ Lyric ~eatre, OkAahoma’s premiere professional theatre company, will present the American Premiere ofWoody Sez, the words, music, & spirit ofV[oody Guthrie as part of the 2009 "Lyric at the Plaza" season. This unique theatrical concert event celebrates the life and spirit ofAmerican folk legend Vioody Guthrie, whose music continues to inspire today’s finest storytelling songwriters including Bob DyIan, Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, the Indigo Girls, and Billy Bragg. Lyri& production will run from March 26th through April 1 lth and features the show’s original cast from its European tour. st0ryte!l& ~na David tutken Stars in {he and actor,musici~s Darcie Deaville ,Teirstein join in ,to portray up the fabric of Guthrie’s amazing story. The four accompany themselves on over 15 different instruments, ranging from guitar and fiddle to jaw harp and dulcimer. \Voodrow Wilson "W’oody" Guthrie was born in 1912 in Okemah, Oklahoma. He is best kmown as an American singersongwriter and folk musician, whose musical legacT indudes hundreds of political, traditional and children’s songs, ballads and improvised works. Many of his recorded songs are archived in the Library of Congress. Guthrie traveled from Oklahoma to California and later New York and used his rich life experiences and observations to write traditional folk and blues songs, many ofwhich deal with the Great Depression. Guthrie died from complications of Huntington’s disease, a progressive genetic neurological disorder. When Nick Corley accepted the position as Lyric’s new artistic director, he was thrilled with the timing and what it meant for the future ofWoody Sez. With the blessing of the Guthrie estate, Corley, who has directed the show fi’om its inception, prepared Lyric for the American premiere, so that Oklahomans could be the first in ~he country to celebrate Guthrie’s life and music in this special way. Furthermore, so that the celebration of Woody’s spirit can reach even further beyond the Oklahoma City metro area, Lyric Theatre has plans to take the show on the road. A special presentation ofWoody Sez, the words, music, & spirit ofWoody Guthrie has been generously underwritten by Continental Resources, one of the largest independent oil and natural gas companies in the United States. The show will play a special two-night engagement at the Enid Symphony Center on Tuesday, March 31st and g~rednesday, April 1st at 7:30pm, marking the first time in the company’s 47-year history that a full prod,uction will be performed outside of Lyric s home venue. Back in Oldahoma City, Woody Sez performances are March 26th through April 1 lth: Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 2:00pm & 8:00pro. For tickets: ,a-wvc.lyrictheatreokc.com, (405) 524-9312, or in person at 1727 NW 16th St, Oldahoma City, OK. In Oklahoma City, the renovation and opening of Plaza Theatre, located on NW 16th Street between Penn and Classen, means that audiences can look forward to an intimate world-class theatrical experience, complete ~vith free accessible parking, tdtracomfortable seating, and a full service cash bar. Drinks are even allowed inside the theatre as the audience takes in the performance. The 2009 "Lyric at the Plaza" season concludes in May with Steel Magnolias. Lyric will continue to produce its annual summer season at downtmvn Oklahoma City’s Civic Center Music Hall, beginning in June with Disney’s High School Musical 2 and continuing with The Music Man, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Producers, and Little Shop of Horrors. w~-w.metrostarnews.com NetroSTAR 13 Arkansas Domestic Partnership Registry Under Attack Gay News Bureau EUREKA SPRINGS, AR The only Domestic Partnership Registry in Arkansas-- and one of the fe~v in the Mid-South region of the country--may soon be history if one right-wing state legislator has his way. But the Eureka Springs mayor, city council and supporters of the DPR, vow to vigorously oppose a move by Republican Arkansas State Rep. Bryan King to do away with it. In only 22 months, 256 unmarried couples from 55 Arkansas communities and 14 other states have registered as domestic partners in Eureka Springs. At least 28 of those couples came from neighboring Oklahoma and another 32 from Missouri, says Michael Walsh, who wrote the domestic partnership law that went into effect in June 2007. Efforts to keep the resort town from officially honoring gay and straight couples is "transparent homophobia," he says. "There are six words to describe State Rep. Bryan King ofArkansas," said Walsh, "and they are, ’State Rep. Sally Kern of Oklahoma’. To know one is to know the other." DPR advocates say it is hypocritical for any state lawmaker to condemn municipal domestic partnership laws while accepting campaign contributions from I~aft Foods, Wal-Mart, FedEx and Cox Communications, companies that have domestic partner policies. King is serving his final term as state representative and may next run for the Arkansas senate. His detractors say he has nothing to lose and much to gain by assaulting the DPR at this time. King introduced his anti-DPR measure March 9. Out lesbian Arkansas State Rep. Kathy Webb, a Democrat, opposes the ban and has said it may be killed at the committee level. Arkansas Speaker of the House Robbie Wills is also on record as opposing the bill. But Eureka Springs city officials are not taking any chances. In a statement signed by the entire Eureka Springs City Council, Mayor Dani Joy strongly defended the DPR and condemned King’s intrusion into city affairs. "I vdll not stand silent any longer and allow a demographic of our citizens to be humiliated and degraded," she said. "Prejudice or bigotry have no place in our city. The gay and lesbian community are our fi’iends, neighbors and family." The editor of the tmvffs weekly newspaper, The Lovely County Citizen, characterized Y,dng’s anti-DPR bill as a "regressive, faithbased, discriminatory, venal.., and cynical act." It is, said editor Don Lee in a editorial, "demagoguery based on religious prejudice bordering on moral fascism..." ~e Carroll County (AR) News reported King "felt the bill (to ban DPRs) was needed because tourism in Eureka Springs has become identified too strongly with issues of sexuality." Given the town’s long-standing reputation as a major wedding destination, King’s rationale is fraudulent, says Walsh. "What the hell does he think goes on in all those heart shaped hot tubs and honeymoon cabins," Walsh said. "King’s real aim is to impose his extremist religious and political views on our town and at the expense of gay residents, business owners and tourists. "Playing the gay card is a way for cheap politicians in Arkansas to fan the fires of hate and fatten up their campaign coffers." But, on the brink of what may be a precarious tourist season, King’s bill cotfld also deprive the town of a critical revenue stream. According to city records, the DPR has generated almost $10,000 for the city in less than two years. Registration costs $35 per couple. Walsh puts the figure at closer to $250,000 to $500,000 when DPR-related expenditures on hotels, motels, B &Bs, restaurants, bars, caterers, ministers, florists, gift shops, photographers mad spending by friends and }’amilies are included. "Precisely when the state needs all the tax revenue it can it, I~dng’s bill is exceedingly short-sighted," he said. * To express your support, send a brief e-mail to Eureka Springs Mayor Dani Joy at mayor@ cityofeurekasprings.org ~ Express your outrage to Arkansas State Rep. Bryan King at: kingb@arkleg.state.ar.us * Ask your friends, co-workers, family members and neighbors to do the same. * Send this story to news outlets, LGBT organizations, web sites and blogs. * Ask your elected local and state representatives to speak out on this issue, as did the Eureka Springs mayor when Sally Kern was on the rampage last year. = Come to Eureka Springs for Diversity Weekend April 3-5 and get your own DPR. See www.eurekapride.com for events. Diversity Weekend Kicks Offin Eureka Springs FRIDAY, APRIL 3 Domestic Partner Certificates. The courthouse is dosed Saturday and Sunday. City Clerl~’s office is in the City Hall, lower level of the Western Carroll County Courthouse, 44 S. Main. Office hours are 9:30 AM - 12 Noon and 1:30 to 4:30 PM. Over150 unique shops and galleries. Be sure to stop by and say hi to Charlie at A Byrds Eye View. Weekend favorites include The Tourist Stop, Mountain Eclectic, Antique Affaire, The Inn Convenience Store, Fusion Squared and Eclectic Edge. Over 6 vendors are setting up in the old Eureka Screams Theater parking lot and lobby, located on H~W 23 South. Friday - Sunday, 8 AM - 5 PM, everything from Tools to Toys. Welcome Mixer, Pizza Bar, 13 N Main, 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Come feel the warmth. Mix and mingle with locals and visitors from around the county. CITY PARKING FREE AFTER 6 PM. Rock and Roll with Tiffany Christopher, The New Delhi, 2 North Main, All ages welcome, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM-ish. It’s a Hawaiian Luau Weekend. Karake, Dance, Giveaways and FUN. Friday and Saturday, Henri’s Just One More, 19 1/2 Spring, Open Noon - 2AM, Full menu served till 9 PM nightly. NO COVER CHARGE. The always popular Tiki Torch Club and their Spring Diversity Dance Par-Tee. Arrive early this place fills up fast. Midnight Teaser Drag Show with Secdackeiry. Male Illusionist. That’s right they’re all girls and they’re dressed too ’KISS’. The IgSSS Tribute Band, Lumberyard, 105 East Van Buren, 9:00 PM. Stick around for DJ TIC’S Spin Cycle and Dance Party. Ashley McBryde... the miracle gift returns for SPRING ,n Eureka. Jacks Place. 37 Spring St, 9:00 PM.- Midnight, no cover. Handsome Lee wit! be checking IDs at the door. EUREKA’S UNDERGROUND the subterranean and always gay Eureka Live, 35 North Main, Trash Disco Party, drink specials. NO COVER CHARGE! THE DIVERSITY BAND: Chelsea’s, 10 Mountain St. 9 PM - ~ Avoid those Diversity buzz-killers like getting a DUI or trying to find a parking place downtown. Eureka Springs Limousine. $5.00 point to point. Call 479-244-6320 for your PICK-UP! SATURDAY, APRIL 4 Name That Tune With Sandy at the Smokehouse Card, 580 West Van Buren, 8:30 A.M to1 l:30ish, biscuits as big as your head. WIN Fabulous Prizes, like Sparlcy Sun Glasses! Saturday and Sunday Only. The Diversity Bikers "Bridges and Dam Poker Run." Planer’s Hill Parking lot on the corner of 62 and 23 (Main Street) Starting at 12:45 PM. The Spring PDA photo shoot. Just some good time amusement for the tourist and to annoy the fundies. SPRINGS PUBHC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION (PDA), 12 noon, Basin Park band shell, downtown. A G-rated opportunity to smooch your sweetie-or the perfect stranger-for posterity. Eureka Pride has free treats to pass out. The Eclectic Edge, 49 Spring, ARTIST RECEPTION drop by and meet Artist Matt Johnson and Gallery owners David and Ginny between 1 and 5 PM. Light , refreshments. Register to win a piece of Matt s artwork. Raffie to benefit the local Doggie Shelter. KARAOYdS: Jack’s Place, 37 Spring, 2 PM - 6 PM, WOW!.!! Jello Shots For a BUCK! ALL GIRLS BAND IRIS: Chelsea’s, 10 Mountain St. Better show out early, these ladies have been known to Jump Start their show as early as 7 PM and then ~vind it up Midnight. The North West Arkansas Center For Equality and UA PRIDE, are havin,,g a dance. Entire, family welcome, upstairs at The Space, located across from the U.S. Post Office in Uptown-Downtown Eureka on Spring St., DJ dance music and activities for the kids. $5 cover, FREE to children 12 and under. 8 -11 PM. For a complete list of activities and events go to www.eurekapride.com and diversitypride. com. New Owners ForJoplin’s Pla-Mor Lounge. New owners ofJoplin’s Pla-Mor Lounge, Tim, Bonnie and Tom. Staffphoto JOPLIN, MO (PR) After more than 40 years in the bar business including several gay clubs, Dick and Billy Jack decided to retire and let longtime friends Tim, Tom and Bonnie take over their latest venture, the Pla-Mor Lounge located at 532 S. Joplin St, Joplin’s only gay club. New hours beginning in April will be Tues-Sat 5pm to 1am. Happy hour 5pro to 7pm. Phone 417-624-2722 Retiring Pla-Mor owners Dick and Billy Jack. Staffphoto 14 ~{et~’oSTAR April 2009 @ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa @ Hideaway, Tulsa @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @Club Majestic, Tulsa @ The Ledo, Oklahoma City @ Angles, Oklahoma City @ Finishline, Oklahoma City @ The End Up, Tulsa @The Mine Shaft, Tulsa @Club 209, Tulsa www.rnetrostarnews.com #~et~oSTAR 15 I really dig California Zins. For springtime/ back yard grill time, what better red xvine than Zinfandel to go with short ribs, beef brisket, grilled veggies and brats. Here are some killer bottles I think should be considered to go with your barbeque fun. Brief histoD+ of the grape [ZIHN-fuhn-dehl] qlais is thought to be California’s most popular red-wine grape because it’s not widely grown in other parts of the world. Zinfandel vines were brought to California in the 1850s and it is now that state’s second most extensively planted red grape behind cabernet sauvignon. Initially, research confirmed a relationship between Zinfandel and Primitivo (a variety grown in Italy’s Puglia region), causing speculation that Zinfandel might have originated in Italy. However, in late 200 t, DNA fingerprinting determined that Crljenak Ka~telanski (a littleknown grape from Croatia) and Zinfandel have identical DNA profiles. Beside the Zinfandel grown in California (and Italy’s Priraitivo), there are only isolated plantings of this grape, mainly in South Africa and Australia. The Zinfandel grape can produce wines ranging from light, nouveau styles to hearty, robust reds with berrylike, spicy (sometimes peppery) flavors, plenty of tannins, enough complexity and longevity to be compared to Cabernet Sauvignon. Mr. D’s V2 case EarthQuake Zin ’06 The Phillips brothers pride themselves on farming their vineyards with a meticulous eye on quality. Their wines regularly take top accolades in wine competitions. This Zin is really full bodied with lots zing and flavor. In addition to the Earthquake brand of reservetier wines, wine brands under the Michael David Winery umbrella include the popular 7 Deadly Zins. This wine has recently come down in price about 20% in this market and it’s a must try. FoxGlove Zin ’07 Wine critic Robert Parker says that this one of the most ,mpress~!}e in the coot, high elevations Cruz M+0~nt~sT’ ~is Zi~ 9~(s ffo~m Vasq Robles ~fi~ is a n~ addition t0 ~¢~e~akers Bob & Jim Varner~ oo~tfoli6. I was completely surpnse~ at[)~Ow gogd~h~s single vineyard wi~e is for the~money. ~’ ~, + }~’~ Ifyou are one of those xvho beliei( better, read on. Cabernet. juicy fruit acid balanc~ comedian Robin this winery and great Cabernet also For this Zin, ~only Family, is also currently making. uch xvineries like Paradigm, and Past clients include Screaming Eagle },arc 29. "We brought a bdtfle for ) w’. file opt in California during ~he We hadnt fasted it before hand’and bottle, I Wished a c9uple more. This wine in oiar state and this zin is ]his writer is one of the managers a~ the Grand Vin wine shop. He also bar tends and hosts wine & food town as the Enthusiasts ofTulsa. Hyse Couzins ’05, This is the first intriguingblend 39% Zinfandel and drinldng xvell right now, to decant. Wine critid sa3 for the next 5 - 7 years. This be hard to find so if you see it, wine has also come down in 20% in this market and Remember that Zinfandel are two Couzins. Edmeades Mendocino This hasgot to be one of and 20061ooks to be to 2005 has some Petite Grenache blended color. ~nere is a cherry ~ spring / www.l~ineSpectamd pepper. Turn processor onand chop f~r Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Ingredients 2 -14 oz can chic~ peas, drained 4 cloves garlic, peeled " 1/2 cup jarred, i:o~ted red’peppers. drained Zest of one lemon Juice of one lemon !/4 cup tahini (may substitute ~vith pmnut or almond butter) i/2 cup olive oil | teas kosher salt is creamy. Serve topped with a drizzle of 01ive oil, feta cheese and cracked black pepper if desired. Provide pita wedges and fresh vegetables for spreading. 16 v~®t;oSTAR April 2009 nmen At The BOK Center Tulsa Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band .April 7, 2009 @ 7:30 Ticket Prices: $9I, $57, $4I Get tickets at LiveNation.com, all Tickets.corn Outlets, or charge by phone at 1-866-7-BOK-CTR Bruce Springsteen’s new album ’Working on a Dream’ was released today (January 27, 2009). ’~,Working on a Dream~ was recorded with the E Street Band and features twelve new Springsteen compositions plus one bonus track. It is the fourth collaboration between Springsteen and Brendan O’Brien, who produced and mixed the album. Nickelback Apr 10, 2009 at BOK Center Nickelback With Seether and Saving Abel Aprill 0, 2009 Tickets On Sale Now Prices: $75, $55, $35 Unstoppable rock powerhouse Nickelback have announced dates for their upcoming North American tour in support of their new" album Dark Horse, released on Roadrunner Records on November !8th. Nickelback are a phenomenally successful touring band whose tours have grossed in excess of $100 million thus f.ar and have sold more than 30 million albums worldwide. Dark Horse is Nickelback’s first release since the immensely popular All ~fhe Right Reasons, released in 2005. Fleetwood Mac May 3, 2009 at BOK Center "Unleashed" Tour May 3, 200~ Tickets Off Sale Now Prices: $149.50, $79.50, $49150 Wne sure to be historic "Unleashed" Tour, beginning on March 1st in Pittsburgh, is an epic cross-c0untry trek featuring 44 shows in major markets. The tour will include al!~ of the Ma& many greatest hits fi’om over the course of the band’s extraordinary career. Fleem~ood Mac, the multi-Grammy winning, multi-platinum Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees are back on the road for the first time in five years following several successful solo projects. OKC Civic Center Music Hall April Events THE LEFT HAND SINGING a drama by Barbara Lebow Date: Frida); March 20, 2009 - Saturday, April 11, 2009 Presented by Carpenter Square Theatre MF~SURE FOR MEASURE by William Shakespeare Date: Friday, March 27, 2009 - Sunday, April i9, 2009 Presented by the Oklahoma City Theatre Company Perpetual Motion "Chiaroscuro" Date: Friday, April 03, 2009 - Saturday, April 04, 2009 Time: 7:30 p.m. Perpetual Motion presents Chiaroscuro CLASSIC SERIES: SEASON FINALE presented by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic Date: Saturday, April 04, 2009 Time: 8:00 p.m. Featuring Yuja X~gang, Piano ZOMBIE PROM Date: Frida>; April 10, 2009 - Sunday, Apri! 19, 2009 Zombie Prombook and lyrics by John Dempse, music by Dana E Rowe based on a story by John Dempsey and Hugh Murphy April 10-19, 2009 in the Freede Litde Theatre DISNEY’S THE LION KING Date: Tnesday, April 21, 2009 - Saturday, May 23, 2009 Presented by Celebrity Attractions Begins April 21, 2009 Tracy Morgan and Martin Lawrence put the fun in Funeral When Romeo first reported on the proposed Chris Rock-led American version of the outrageous British farce Death at a Funeral, it was unclear as to whether the wild gay subplot would survive. But as casting begins it seems clear that the queer surprise in the black comedy’s casket is alive and well. Better yet, 30 Rock’s hilarious Tracy Morgan has signed on to star alongside Martin La~vrence in the corned); due in 2010, about a dead patriarch’s funeral interrupted by mishaps~ bizarre guests and the arrival of the deceased’s secret gay lover. As long as Lawrence ~snt contracted to play B~g Momma in this verSion, fans of the original can rest easy:. Now, which brave American actor is going to pla~ the family member who runs around the hOuSe naked for the entire length of the fihn? ...... Cherry Jones’ sister act Object lesson to any actor who believes that coming out will be career-damaging: Cherry Jones. The talented lesbian character actress never stops working, plays the President on 24, was Matt Damon’s reality-checking mother in Ocean’s 13 and won a Tony Award for her pre-Meryl Streep incarnation of Sister Aloysius on Broadway in Doubt. Now she’l! take on another nun role in the upcoming drama Mother and Child starring opposite Naomi xYc:atts, Samuel Jackson, Kerry Washington and Annette Bening. The female-centered adoption drama is currently in production and due for release this December - aka Beg For Your Oscar Month - so the filmmakers must be pretty confident about its chances. Who knows, maybe Jones will have to dear room next to her Tony for a new golden friend. Ghost musical to raise Broadway from the dead? It seems that everything on Broadway is going belly up. Shows are dosing faster than new ones can take their place, ticket sales are in the toilet and all seems hopeless. And it’s desperate times that lead to crazy/genius ideas like Ghost: The Musical taldng root and flowering. The smash 1990 Patrick Swayze/Demi Moore film (for which Whoopi Goldberg won her Color Purple Oscar) is going to sing its way onto one of London’s West End stages sometime in 2010 and, if sufficiently crowd-pleasing, will probably make a mad dash for Broadway sometime later. The writers of "Unchained Melody" are already spending their future royalty check bump, but who’s going to pen the song about Patrick Swayze’s heartbreaking inability to express love without invoking the word "ditto?" Neil Patrick Hat~s. 20th Century Foxphoto Nell Patrick Harris hands out TV Land Awards If the Harold and Kumar movies, How I Met Your Mother, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, his SNL appearance and his spoonbending antics on Ellen weren’t enough to convince you that Neil Patrick Harris is a national treasure, try this: now he’s retro-nostalgia-cable-channel TV Land’s answer to Hugh Jackman. The funny, quick-witted song-and-dance man will host April’s TV Land Awards with the requisite amount of skits, mttsical numbers and awards given out to shows like Charles In Charge and Mama’s Family. Expect a lot ofvintage TV personalities showing up to join Harris as he tosses out non-vintage one-liners. Romeo San Vicente could sense something was up as early as Doogie Howser, ~I.D. He can be reached care ofthispublication or at DeeplnsideHollywood@qsyndicate.com. More ENTERTAINMENT see page 20 w"ww.metrostamews.com ~etroSTAR 17 V @[8 by Donald Pile and Ray Williams SOME LEATHER_ FUN, ANYONE? Photo: Pool atThe Inn Leather Resort friends from North Carolina that we met there, Paul and Dick. After all, meeting new and exciting people is what traveling is all about. By the way, did we mention that they have a leather and chain sling in every room at the Inn Leather? Seriously ifyou are into leather, want to be into leather or just want to look and enjoy leather, then fly, drive, take a train or bus or even hitchhike and get down to die Inn Leather resort in Ft. Laxlderdale and learn how to have some real fun "leather fun". Since our travel columns are in publications from coast to coast and since we have readers who are into just about everything we decided to stay in this Leather Resort. The Inn Leather Resort has been serving the leather and levi gay community in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida as well as the entire East coast and the Midwest for over 10 years and a lot of gay men from all over the country love to stay there. During our stay ~ve met guys from New York, Chicago and several other places in the Midwest as well as Floridians. The general manager Chase and his staff of Benji, Kevin and Gabe are extremely professional, friendly and know how to take care of their guests. We just can’t say enough nice things about them. Chase has the most beautiful eyes and smile that you have ever seen in your life. We know that a lot of guys stay here just so that they Can see him! Tnru his professional guidance, the Inn is in the process of being remodeled. ~ae entire staff is really very accommodating. The grounds are filled with luscious tropical plants. The pool area is very inviting. .Amenities include heated swimming pool, hot tub, tree wi-fi and a SLING in every room! Yep! You read that right............ a leather and chain SLING in every room! Never tried one? XWell this is a perfect opporttinity for you. They have about a dozen rooms and suites and are located just two miles from the beach and just about a 10 minute drive to the major bars and one mile south of do~vntown Ft. Lauderdale and t’wo miles north of the Ft. Lauderdale airport. ~ae Inn Leather is a "clothing optional" resort. Did we mention that there is a leather and chain SLING in every room? Each accommodation includes queen or king size bed, private bath, kitchenette which includes fridge, coffee maker, microwave, TWVCR/cable tv and alarm clock. They have ample off street parking for their guests. A stay here includes a complimentary continental breakfast poolside every morning. q-here are a lot of restaurants within walking distance and a major shopping center with a supermarket just a few blo~ away. Ifyou are into leather or appreciate leather or just curious, then call and make a reservation. Oh yeah! Did we mention that there is a leather and chain SLING in every room? For those really into leather, be SURE and stop by the Ramrod leather bar at 1508 NE 4th Avenue for the most interesting time that you can EVER have in a gay bar! They have specials going on every day including Leather Sunday; Full Moon Monday, Butt to Butt Wednesda)~ Battle of the Bulge "l-hursday and Fetish Friday. They have a daily two for one happy hour from 3 to 9 PM. Check out their website at: www.ramrodbar.com A very special thanks to Chase, general manager of the Inn Leather and to our new leather and chain sling in every room" While you in the area, be sure and check out the greatest totally nude beach in the country, Haulover Beach! which is located about a twenty minute drive south of Ft. Lauderdale. It is the only legally nude beach in the Florida. Haulover Beach Park contains one of south Florida’s most b~autiful clothing optional beaches-a 0.4 mile stretch of beach on the northernportion that draws people from all walks of life, from other states, Canada and a variety of other countries. Nestled between the Intercoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, it has pristine white sand shores, open ocean surf, various shaded picnic facilities, beautifully landscaped sand dunes, and concession stands. The beach is ideal for surfing as well as swimming. Thousands of people go to Haulover Beach on a sunny day. Simply put, Haulover Beach is one of the best clothing-optional beaches in the world, as ranked by many online and print publications. As many as 7,000 people visit the beach in a single day. There is a snack cart situated in the clothing optional area most days, as well as chairs available to rent. Haulover Beach is quite large and is broken up into different areas for gays and straights. It is a great way to meet people. Their website is http://www.hauloverbeach. org Contact the Inn Leather Resort at: 877.532.7729 or email them at InnLeather610@aol.com and be sure to check out their website at: www.innleather.com. By the way, did we mention that they have a leather and chain sling in every room??? Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! Spirit Journeys Announces Gay Travel Adventure Rafting the Grand Canyon Spirit Journeys has a new gay vacation rafting the Grand Canyon. This journey starts July 1, 2009 and ends July 10, 2009. NEW MILFORD, NJ (PRWEB)__ Spirit Journeys is very pleased to announce its new gay travel adventure rafting through the Grand Canyon. "Going Deep" is the title of this adventure and it begins and ends in Las Vegas and includes eight days and seven nights of rafting the Colorado River some 280 miles through the Grand Canyon. On this journey the goal IS tO experience the canyon and the river at a more profound level than on an ordinary vacation. Grand Canyon Rafting The adventure into Self is enhanced by the inspiring surroundings the Canyon has to offer. Being on the Colorado River at the bottom of the Grand Canyonhas a way of making humans very humble in the presence of such majesty, major life shifts can happen. Meditation Heart Circles and group movement rituals will be used to help open the mind and heart and deepen the experience of this incredible place. The intention is to actively engage the Canyon and the River; to know them on a more intimate level. The raft stops several times each day to hike, to explore side canyons, to swim in favorite swimming holes or to stand in ~e power ofwaterfalls. Howie Holben is the guide for this gay vacation. Heis owner and caretaker of Spirit Journeys. He was raised in northern Arizona and has always felt a special bond to the sacred places of the Southwest The gifts he brings to this Journey are his extensive knowledge of these places and the love for the path we follow on this journey. Since early childhood, he has been drawn to indigenous peoples and their spiritual teachings, traditions and practices. This attraction has taken him on many adventures, exploring the countless ways of "being in the world". His personal journey through addiction and recovery has spavcned in him a genuine interest in assisting others on their own spiritual path and he takes great pleasure in introducing people to practices, sacred ways and cultures to help them "step outside their box". A Reiki/Karuna Ki Master and Quantum Touch Pracdoner, his desire is to help others uncover their potential and set their hearts and minds free. For additional information on this and other special gay vacations, contact Hmvie Holben or visit w~#.spiritjourneys.com. About Spirit Journeys: Spirit Journeys offers gay travel, gay vacations and gay retreats with a spiritual focus, and unique gay retreat and gay vacation options. Call (800) 754-1875 to learn more about Spirit Journeys. 18 April 2009 ~ifest2 Se~ons Hualani. ,.~VW.metrostamews.com materials ~etroSTAR 19 April At P.A.C. Tulsa April 18 -This year TU BLGTA’s Pride Prom 2009: A BollDvood Ball will be held on Apri! 18 at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center Westby Pavilion. 3-he event is a prom targeted toward Tulsa-area youth who are not alIowed m or not comfortable with bringing the date of their choice to prom, but it is open to all people ages 15 m 25. Tickets are $10 for general admission or $5 for %lsa UniversitT students. For more information emait http:l/us.mc l O.mail.yahoo.com/mc/ compose?to=tublgta@gmail.com. March-27-29 & April 2-4 8pro Up the Down Staircase -Liddy Doenges N~eatre Anyone who’s ever started a new job will relate to this comedy about Sylvia, an idealistic young English teacher maneuvering her way through a blizzard of paperwork, contradictmT orders and indecipherable instructions. She discovers that "Keep on file in numerical order" means throw in wastebasket, "Let it be a challenge" means April 14-15 7:30pro Aspen Santa Fe Ballet John H. XXqlliams ~eatre "Aspen Santa Fe Ballet is a jewel of a company...a refreshing surprise!" declares Ba&stage.com. This dazzling contemporary dance company will perform three to four pieces from its eclectic repertoire that contains works by some of the world’s [bremost choreographers, such as TwT1a %arp, Jorma Elo and Paul Taylor. The Vertical Hour April 16-18 at 8 p.m., April 19 at 2 p.m. Lid@ Doenges ~eatre "iI~e "vertical hour" is the first hour after an injury when ~sistance has the greatest chance of being beneficial, tn this 2006 play by Englishman David Hare, an ~Mnerican former war correspondent turned Yale political science professor joins her British boyfi’iend, Philip, for a visit to his fhther, Oliver. She has a pro-Iraq viewpoint, while the father, a doctor with liberal leanings, is against not only the war but many of the beliefs she holds about a range of issues. Nadia is both offended by and attracted to Oliver. Me ro Star Classfieds 2" square for as little as $39 per issue. Email: starnews@sbcglobal.net 918.835.7887 SAVE & FILL YOUR PIGGY Kyk°s Bed by Greg Fox ~gebsite- vmcw.kylecornics.com E-Mail- KylesBnB@aot.com e~ll: bittergirl@qsyndlcate.corn ~w,joanhilty.net ~~1 20 ~®~ro~TAN April 2009 by Jack Fertig Apill 2009 "Your are everyone’s darling Aries" Mercury, Venus, and the Sun are aligning in Aries bringing together charming, witty banter and mad, impulsive flirtations. Venus is retrograde so be careful with those flirtations. They’re not likely to go anywhere you’ll want to stay! ARIES (March 20-Apri~ 19): For now, you are everybody’s darling and could get away with almost anything. Dedicate that power for good, not selfish motives. You have so much of yourself to offer; select your beneficiaries wisely to be fully appreciated. TAURUS (Apri~ 20 - May 20): Take some private time with your nearest and dearest in pursuit of pleasures that nurture your soul. No need to hide in a cloister. You can be wild, loud, and frivolous, but do get away from your usual routines and pals. GEMIN~ (May 21- June 20): Fun with your friends can easily get way out of hand, but is that necessarily a bad thing? You could talk a tiger out of his or her stripes, but then what? When you start to improvise, then the fun really begins! CANCER (~une 2t- July 22): The m65n’s not full this week, but you’re shining like it may as well be. Dazzle your way up the ladder of success. Be clear on where you want to go and with ,~hom. Or at least leave room to change partners and destination. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Sometimes it’s best to let people air out their differences or to hone their arguments in fiery debate. If your peacemaking talents aren’t really needed, give yourself an aesthetic challenge at a movie or an art show you’d normally not attend. VlRGO (August 23 - September 22): Being a love god is a better deal when you can choose your worshippers. Even then, you’re likely to make bad choices. Have your fun, but commitments should be made in the cold light of day, not in the throes of passion. L~BP.A (September 23 - October 22): This is a great time to work on a relationship, not to start one. Problems are easy to discuss now. Solutions can come later. It may feel like you’re backtracking. That’s actually good for clarifying those problems. SCORHO (October 23 - November 21): Re-evaluate your goals at the gym. How much are you motivated by pride and vanity? Oh, really? Pushing too hard for looks may be undermining your health. Prioritize health, and your looks wil! last longer! SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Your fascination with a new sport or hobby is probably just a passing fancy. Enjoy it, but don’t invest in new gear at this point! Same with any dates right now. Don’t confuse a great time with falling in love. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Changes are needed around your home, and will be again soon. Whatever re-arrangements or new tchatchkes you like now will become annoying later. Just think of it as a springboard - and budget accordingly. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Dahhhling! You are just too, too charming. Be careful not to ta!k your way into something you can’t get out of! Sure, you can fake sincerity for now, but that will trip you up later! Be real! No, really real! PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Brace yourself and take a close look at any financial problems. This is the not the time to be buying anything (bad impulses!) or selling (you’ll get better prices later). Just take stock, and get things into order. METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Sunday 6:00 PM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM www.socmcc.org Have a God filled and Blessed Day! www.metrostarnews.com ~et~oSTAR 21 (12" size Only) (2437) PROTECT YOURSELF PROTECT YOUR PARTNER(~t Community @op e iving H~V/A~DS i 501 c (3) l"qon P~ofit Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ an~ or living with AiDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. VVe invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net KING OF MASSAGE Great Touch Man to Man Full Body Massage 2 hands or 4 hands available Now Hiring Male & Female 22 #~etroSTAR April 2009 Suppo~ those who suppor~ us. Their ads aliow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-222! ~a~:habanainn.com KELLY KIR£Y, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant i!i,:,ili[~ !i;(i/I H35O40PEE.T3E1SstTING CLINIC VALERIE WILLIFORD 625 N.W. 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 OKC MORTUARY 2415-C N. X~!ALNUT AVE. Oklahoma City, OK 800-913-1310 Ttflsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPIZESSg/AY Oklahoma Cit7, OK JUDY G. PHOTO’S 405-525-0730 Tulsa, OK vavw.habanainn.com judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 EXPRESSIONS Comm Fdlowship CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 6009 1"~ Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 3627 NW EXPRESSg!AY 405-761 - 1878 Oklahoma Cit7, OK 73112 ~ww.expressionsOKC.com 405-840-2106 ~vw.c21 goldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK va~w.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836:8700 wv,wc.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB 209 209 N. BOULDER Tulsa, OK 918-584-9944 CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Ttflsa, OK 918-584-9494 w~waclubmajesfictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH ~RESS\VAY Oldahoma City, OK 405-525-2900 v~v.habanainn.com SPIRIT OF CHt~ST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 10 AM MCC LFNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 ~,vw.mcctulsa.org OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 www.okeq.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3131 N. PENN, OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM KING OF MASSAGE In or Out Calls Oldahoma City, OK 405-314-3898 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: wv,wc.gaybradyheightstulsa.com GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oldahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn >> HIDEAWAY LOLFNGE 11730 E. I1TH Tulsa, OK 918-437-0449 Open Sun thru Sat 2pm to 2am THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSXX~AY Ol’dahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 w~:habanainn.com THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa, OK 918-836-0915 Open 7 days a week 12noon to 2am THE MINESHAFT 424 S Memorial Di: Tulsa, OK 918-836-1250 Open Sun thru Sat 12noon to 2am TULSA EAGLE 1338 E. 31~D Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pm to 2am www.metrostarnews.com ~etroSTAR 23 ahomans for Equality The Festival will be held on Saturday, June 6th, from 11arn to 11prn at Centennial Park at: 6th & Peoria. The Festival features a Kids Zone with inflatable water slides, a mechanical bull & a rock climbing wall for the adults, food & drinks, and all kinds of LGBT-friendly vendors, businesses, organizations & churches. Online registration still open! The 2009 Pride Parade starts on Saturday, June 6th at 7:30prn in the Brady Arts District and ends at the Diversity Festival at Centennial Park at 6th & Peoria. Shuttles and security will be provided. Online registration stilt open! Tulsa Folk-Rocker, Eric Hirnan is bringing his new band, Eric and the #.dams, to the Centennial Park Stage to headline at 9:00prn on Saturday night, June 6th. On May 30th at the historic Cain’s Ballroom, the annual Equality Gala will be held, celebrating the 2009 theme "Dreams Really Do Come True!" Visit ww~.okeq,org for tickets! The Tulsa Pride Exhibition of Fine Art, MOREcolor 2009, opens Thursday, June 4th from 5:00-9:00prn and continues Friday June 5th & Saturday June 6th from Noonennis R. Neill Equality Center. .... Turn-A-Bout Fundraiser Library Event PFLAG Spaghetti Dinner Diversi~ Day at the Zoo Pride ~nterfaith Service Gender Avengers/Trans Night ToUoLS.A. Leather Show PFLAG Movie Night OYP Fashion Show & Fundraiser Pride, Pioneers & Pancakes April 1st, 10pro May 28th, 7pro May 29th, 6:30pm May 30th, 10am May 31st, 3pro June 1st, 7pro June 2nd, 7pro June 3rd, 7pro June 5th, 7pro June 6th, 7:00am Club Maverick Tulsa Central Libra~ Fellowship Congregational Church Tulsa Zoo St. Jerome’s Parish Church OkEq Equality Center OkEq Event Center Circle Cinema Centennial Park Stage Centennial Park Building 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 [2009] Metro Star Magazine, April 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 4 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Metro Star News Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Metro Star News Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource April 2009 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Greg Steele James Nimmo Jeanne Flanigan Victor Gorin Rex Wockner Susan A. Muscari Gerald Libonati Michael W. Sasser Romeio San Vicente Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ray Williams Jack Fertig Devre Jackson Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri Western Arkansas Eastern Oklahoma Southeast Kansas The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Metro Star Magazine, February 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 2 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/131 The Metro Star Magazine, July 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 7 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/133 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/128 Art Gallery Comics crossword puzzle Dolly Parton drag entertainment government Heartland Men's Choir Hillary Clinton homophobia international news Kentucky Derby Krysta Hamilton Kyle's Bed and Breakfast Miss Gay Mr. Gay National news Oklahoma News Oscars protest Richard May Award rodeo Westboro Baptist Church https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/b315c7cae9535db43f75cac6c0374d98.pdf 1d7cb3bbc44adf0cd10220bbe4b7ca65 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 Prime Time Vol. II Number 5 Subject The topic of the resource Activism Description An account of the resource Volume II, issue 5 of Prime Time, official publication of the Metropolitan Life Services Center (MLSC) of St. Louis. Covers politics, LGBT representation, community events, and organizational concerns, Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Metropolitan Life Services Center (MLSC) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Prime Time Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Metropolitan Life Services Center (MLSC) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource May 1976 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Bob Hansman Tim Lindemann Jim K. F. M. Kerr Jim Marshall Lisa Wagaman Relation A related resource Metropolitan Life Services Center (MLSC) Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newsletter Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/files/show/2094 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Bob Hansman Tim Lindemann Jim K. F. M. Kerr Jim Marshall Lisa Wagaman Metropolitan Life Services Center (MLSC) St. Louis Jean O'Leary Businesses Bars Activism PDF Text Text �� Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [1976] Metropolitan Life Services Center Subject The topic of the resource Activism Description An account of the resource Documents and items relating to the Metropolitan Life Services Center (MLSC). Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Metropolitan Life Services Center (MLSC) Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource May 1976 Relation A related resource Other Organizations and Events Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Metropolitan Life Services Center (MLSC) St. Louis Activism Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/644 activism Metropolitan Life Services Center (MLSC) Missouri Prime Time St. Louis https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/4925a96d3b5024026c790f61d4e13a21.jpg 2ab57472213adfa54f9de4d75ffdd56c https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/3ee8f381ed39dc703246c0919556e821.jpg 14b0b3cf41dc7b576785c2ac1307da4a https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/8500f6c29e509267bc95fe68c15e7848.jpg 939478b5a26e7570e368514c1778affd https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/787e0a666247a20897cfd49af8771c42.jpg c5129be785780a335983a47be0fb25b1 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/244bc43759b7b8503ce7a19d594c952c.jpg e95f53d0989d6b26683bca234f376b01 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/6ce329be1e5ace326f3a1372a9f9bc0a.jpg a67a55e16c4110a47c9a3b344e8c289b https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/8881cd72f2695b252b72f16865a2c8ea.jpg 29e8a455ab3fb1d5456083d8aab6a382 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/76e96230e94e7ab96fcba248f6beab9b.jpg c1863809dce9eb9f64788fd9134baed7 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/b0aacfc176bf0f19ddd0e7ab2ffa39ef.jpg 7efb1253f2d66b9b57e4e74df624db93 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/ede173c5720b18f42322db966373d81a.jpg 8b1c8f3f7daf8562cc533eb06a1c54e7 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/124b2c17d278096b425acbbb455828d0.jpg 71f94722489c8bdfb643ea662a847e4f https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/36daa62ffa8ab68540f9e6ada681e3e5.jpg e23a540409abc0f9e98691fe9af76d60 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/4319cb399e5658228390af97b76cfb3e.jpg 10d02368d8eaada22fdf105bc8ebbcdf https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/3397a26ae76d4a6ba269cc10eac4525f.jpeg b87615513f508ef0288df62963dc5cee https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/5d29f0ebb284a8f9493bceb4a5ceecde.jpg 77af2fed90123f93909394e69775cd7e https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/69b8b94d73ac6d6ec140c340b820311a.jpg dc56f066f4c542f326c21abbc87561e6 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/c4fbc21ee504d81995d9d71eb53eb172.jpg 5282678dff53ad18a408fe58bd28d12e https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/526cd27184406121821d992f41770b7c.jpg 3495ea8c81df0177f12962e306137656 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/b764738a62c2ed07b20a8712c9d1509a.jpg ee61702dbed3713d265c70484efb1240 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/362723a581b57a8f5bf49bb38b7baaef.jpg d74c4f7d6152229b8b32d5d5d6fd63eb https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/6723e6394787a79ce18cfe2eee87aa3e.jpg 96aa5c63d1b8154d3bd7db200b0ce4ea https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/047cde890265bba9853cec32c43f9cf6.jpeg 2a16c1fb97e7b4ee5448a7d57d746a29 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/cc8f15182a470936f6358589f8f7144a.jpeg 2cd7bb06bafd31fe46deec22e0fa856d https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/0094fcc74d3b1358598571176cbb94b3.jpeg 746db8fcf6377796a261d14000a4355c https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/12fa74537c61fa7f53f1bfad28db8383.jpeg bca868180c57449efc94608726d32b95 Photo Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2010] Equality Gala Photos Subject The topic of the resource OKEQ Equality Gala 2010 Photos Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2010 Description An account of the resource 50 photos from the 2012 Equality Gala hosted by Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ), including the Silent Auction and various attendees. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Mia Bella Images 2010 2010 Gala auction Dennis Neill Dennis R Neill Dennis R. Neill Equality Gala Equality Gala 2010 gala Mia Bella Mia Bella Images OkEq Oklahomans for Equality Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) 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 Physical Media: Box 7, Folder 7 - Dr. Leisa Meyer Program Box 7, Folder 8 - Interviewees Materials, Original Series 2003-2007 Digital Media: 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 [2003] Mike Green Interview Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource May 4, 2003 Description An account of the resource Transcript only of oral history interview with Kerry Lewis on May 4th, 2003. Born on June 25th, 1932, in Tulsa, Mike served as the Oklahomans for Human Rights, Tulsa Chapter as its first Vice-President when it was formed in 1980. He often represented members of the LGBTQ+ community with various legal issues, including incidents of police entrapment. Married in 1955, he and his wife divorced in 1967 after which he became involved with Tulsa’s gay community. Mike passed in Tulsa in the early 2020’s. Need deed of gift. Tape says "1st Treasurer 1980-1982." Video and Transcript available at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center for on-site research. Subject The topic of the resource Mike Green Oral History Project Interview from May 4, 2003 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Mike Green, Kerry Lewis, Dennis Neill 2003 interview Kerry Lewis legal protection Mike Green OHR OKEQ Oral History Project Oklahomans for Human Rights Oklahomans for Human Rights - Tulsa Chapter oral history oral history interview Oral History Project oral history transcript police abuse TOHR transcript Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) video https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/45e6f476355e02977987a81605111c80.pdf 8b810e5aebe43d8d8b1ceea94e8ce806 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 Parade Application Subject The topic of the resource Martin Luther King Jr. Parade 2014 Description An account of the resource Copy of Oklahomans for Equality's application to take part in 2014's Martin Luther King Jr. parade. Includes letter to participants from Parade Committee Chair Fred Jones and MLK Board President Pleas A. Thompson, participant information, rules and regulations, and a parade map. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa MLK Commemorative Society and Parade Committee Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource January 20, 2014 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Fred Jones Pleas A. Thompson Tulsa MLK Commemorative Society and Parade Committee Toby Jenkins Oklahomans for Equality Relation A related resource Martin Luther King Jr. Parade 2014 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Application Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Fred Jones Pleas A. Thompson Tulsa MLK Commemorative Society and Parade Committee Toby Jenkins Oklahomans for Equality Martin Luther King Jr. Parade 2014 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/files/show/2099 PDF Text Text �� Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2014] Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Subject The topic of the resource Activism Description An account of the resource Documents and items relating to OKEQ's involvement in 2014's Martin Luther King Jr. parade. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource MLK Parade Committee Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Jan 20, 2014 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Fred Jones Pleas A. Thompson Oklahomans for Equality Relation A related resource Other Organizations and Events Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Martin Luther King Jr. Parade 2014 Activism Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/647 2014 Fred Jones Martin Luther King Jr. Parade Oklahomans for Equality Pleas A. Thompson Toby Jenkins Tulsa MLK Commemorative Society and Parade Committee 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 Physical Media: Box 7, Folder 7 - Dr. Leisa Meyer Program Box 7, Folder 8 - Interviewees Materials, Original Series 2003-2007 Digital Media: Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] Murrel Wilmoth Interview Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource October 22, 2005 Description An account of the resource Video recording and transcript of oral history interview with Laura Belmonte on October 22, 2005 (Laura misspeaks at the beginning of the interview and says it is the 21st). Video and Transcript available at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center for on-site research. Murrel was born on April 4, 1932, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. At the age of four, his family moved to Tulsa, graduated from Daniel Webster High School and attended Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University) for 2 years and then joined the Coast Guard for four years, serving in California. He completed his degree at OSU, then returned to California for seven years before coming back to Tulsa in 1965, after which he started his coming out process. Murrel worked in the Tulsa Planning Commission office, became involved with the Metropolitan Community Church and Prime Timers, an organization for older gay men. He discussed his network of friends and the “don’t ask, don’t tell” environment in Tulsa in the 1970s, 1980s. At age 92, Murrel passed away on February 25, 2025, in Tulsa. His obituary is included in an addendum to his transcript. Subject The topic of the resource Murrel Wilmoth Oral History Project Interview from October 21, 2005 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Murrel Wilmoth, Laura Belmonte, Jensen Bridges, Matthew D. Williams, Dennis Neill 2005 available at Center Dennis Neill Dennis R. Neill interview Jensen Bridges Laura A. Belmonte Laura Belmonte Matthew D. Williams Matthew Williams Metropolitan Community Church Murrel Wilmoth Obituaries Obituary OKEQ Oral History Project Oklahoma State University Oklahoma State University (OSU) oral history oral history interview Oral History Project oral history transcript OSU Prime Timers Primetimers transcript video https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/36e07eedadd314c0c35a52f521780568.pdf 681671f28571362a27cc7e96ef64ade8 PDF Text Text �� https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/37a338107367701105be8f2c10bee624.pdf b7755a7a8ca5adb24828e165f6e0c6aa PDF Text Text � https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/38881df851af5b7fd5f86967575c1ceb.jpg cab810bee53fb16fbf7d21b788891f29 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/8669731c918b596d9a2dc21748d8be68.pdf 8cd820ace5e2e79cff3918435b74b206 PDF Text Text � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [1998-2000] Feast With Friends Subject The topic of the resource Feast With Friends Description An account of the resource Documents and items relating to the NAMES Project fundraiser, Feast With Friends. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource NAMES Project Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource October 14, 2000 November, 1998 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource NAMES Project Kelly Kirby Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Feast With Friends Names Project AIDS Quilt Fundraiser https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/a9833ab5fe8328fbfdef9ec903c20de0.mp4 92825093a4ada74a717cc055997e13ba https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/3fc48b689864b8bf66fd6a4fc194b5ac.pdf 67e001a6f4d45e09317b66ff95c3f17b PDF Text Text Oklahomans for Equality Oral History Interview with Nancy McDonald Interview Conducted by Anna Puhl Date: 2021 Transcribed By: Dennis Neill using Reduct.Video AI, April 4, 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 �In 2021, Anna Puhl of the OkEq staff did a short interview with Nancy McDonald in her home. The interview focused on Nancy’s work on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community as a founder of PFLAG in Tulsa, her testimony before Congress concerning the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), and involvement with OkEq. Nancy McDonald Interview with Anna Puhl 2021 Nancy McDonald: Well, I think it's important to understand the mission of PFLAG. Yes. PFLAG has three components. It really is supportive of parents and LGBT people who are coming out to their parents on what is this all about. We have come so far since 1987. So we no longer get people coming to PFLAG who are crying because they had gay kids. Then the second component of PFLAG is to educate. Educate ourselves, to educate our family members, to educate our friends, our religious affiliations, the volunteer work that we may do. And the third component is advocacy. And those three prongs hold true for the local chapter as well as the national organization. So the national organization, one of the things that they wanted to support was gay marriage. And we thought, oh, this would never, ever come to be. And then all of a sudden, up pops DOMA, the Defense of Marriage Act, sponsored by our congressman Steve Largent. And so they were going to have hearings on DOMA and PFLAG was asked to participate. So I went to Washington to participate on the panel discussion before the Justice Committee in Congress. That was, it was an interesting experience. And I was on the panel with Elizabeth Birch, who was at that time a president of the HRC, Human Resources Committee [Human Rights Campaign, now just HRC]. And also Andrew Sullivan, who was a Republican, a gay man, living with AIDS. And we were the last panel to be interviewed. Prior to that interview, Steve Largent walked into the room where we were being interviewed, all of these people were being interviewed about DOMA. And I thought to myself, it was very crowded, there was one seat to my right, the door was on my left, he wasn't going to get by me. And so I stood up and I said, you know, Representative Largent, I'm from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Oh, he was so glad to see me. And then he sort of puzzled, and he said, well, why are you here? And I said, I'm here to testify against DOMA, because that's very hurtful for my daughter and many other LGBT people. At that point in time, I had a hold of his hand. It's a very interesting and funny story. I don't know, I was holding his hand with both of my hands, and I didn't let go, as I was talking about how mean-spirited this piece of legislation was. I think he thought I was contagious, because he kept backing away with me and I wouldn't let go. And there was a photographer from the Washington Post sitting on the floor, snapping these pictures. It's now in the national PFLAG office, Steve Largent almost at a 90-degree angle as he tries to get away from me. So it was sort of funny. But then in the testimony, it was really interesting, because the first person, Elizabeth Birch, testified, and they had her crying, and they attacked her about being a lesbian. The second one was 2 �Andrew Sullivan. Andrew was HIV-positive, he was out, and it was just so meanspirited. And then I was the last person to testify against DOMA, and I took my chair and I just thought to myself, all of these men sitting on this panel are grandparents. And so I introduced myself. I introduced myself as a parent, and a grandparent. And at that point, you could have heard a pin drop in there. And they started asking me questions, and they were sort of mean. You know, I did the best that I could, but I knew when I ended that we were not going to be successful in getting this piece of legislation out of the House. So it moved forward, and then it was such a disappointment to me and to a lot of other people that Bill Clinton signed it. And so that was my one experience in Congress. But I also testified on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Anna Puhl: Tell me about it. Nancy McDonald: And that was, you know, what we were trying to do was to get a national law that you could not fire LGBT people because they were gay. That never really happened, but we picked up, you know, many, many, many, many corporations that just embraced that and put that as part of their policies. And then I also testified on HIV-AIDS drugs and the value of the federal government supporting drugs for HIV-AIDS. So, and that was successful. I feel really good about that one. But I had a number of experiences in Congress and working with Congress on policies to protect our LGBT youth. Certainly in Oklahoma, I worked on the antibullying legislation. It was defeated three times before we finally got it through. And it was a lot of education, one-on-one, with the local congressmen, or the local legislators, I should say. And that's a good piece of legislation. One of the challenges there, it does not specifically say gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender youth. It says youth. And the difficulty in getting that piece of legislation through the Oklahoma legislature is that they would get hung up on gay, lesbian, bi, and trans. And so I met with an attorney from ACLU and he said, don't worry about that, Nancy. What we want to get into that bill is all youth. And when we get all youth, that includes our youth. And so if there's any issue, or if someone files suit against a school district for a child being bullied because they're gay, we can use this piece of legislation. And so that's how we got it through the Oklahoma legislature. But we had to work hard. We never did get gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender people in our hate crimes, state-created hate crimes law. It's still a disappointment. Anna Puhl: We have a city ordinance. Nancy McDonald: That's right. We all should be very proud of our city. And the things that have happened in our city government policies, in our non-profit policies, in our corporate policies, in our public schools. Our kids and our teachers are protected. I'm so grateful to Dr. Gist to have continued that even though the former president, I refuse to say his name, the former president immediately abandoned that piece of legislation. 3 �Anna Puhl: Title IX, yeah. What are some challenges that you have overcome in your time, like more specified on OkEq than PFLAG? I love PFLAG stuff. What are some things you've done with OkEq or what are some accomplishments that you think OkEq has done? What are some things, like moments in your history with OkEq that you're proud of? Nancy McDonald: I'm so proud of just having a building that is a safe place for gay, lesbian, bi, trans people. And it is a real tribute to their board of directors and their leadership and the executive director for making that happen. It was a challenge to raise the money for this community center. We should be proud that we did not accept any federal grants, any federal money, any state money. This was raised locally from individuals and corporations and foundations that supported the LGBT community. I'm extremely proud of that. At the last gay pride parade, you know, I was doing it in my wheelchair and I just thought about it. I thought, my gosh, 10,000 plus people. We couldn't even get a parade permit. The city wouldn't let us have a parade. And we walked on the sidewalk to Veterans Park for our first fair community event. It took us two years to get that permit, thanks to Greg Gatewood and his leadership. And then to see the events around the city. And the booths and the people having fun, and it was well done. It was not anything that would make any of us ashamed. I'm always pleased that it's of such good quality, and maybe that's some other coming out of me, but I really want it to be topnotch good quality, something that all of us can be proud of, including parents. Anna Puhl: You brought up something that made me think: hold on, do you want to talk about the library? Nancy McDonald: Okay, I'll talk about the library. Sharon Thoele, who was the executive director of Tulsa Cares- and you know I was part of the founders of Tulsa Cares when we got our first Ryan White money to have a program to service our HIV-AIDS patients and clients- and Sharon Thoele decided that Joe and I needed to be recognized in some visible, tangible way, and so she came up with the idea of the library, and so we thought that was really lovely to have a library in our honor, but, more important than that, to have resources, books and films and videos and whatever pieces of information- for the LGBT community to come in and have a safe place to read and research and do all those things. So yes, Joe and I are very proud of our Joe and Nancy Library. Anna Puhl: I love the Joe and Nancy Library. I work in the History Project a lot, so it's kind of my home base, I think, as here we are in 2021, and I try to think about you know what are the needs. Nancy McDonald: I am still extremely concerned about our kids in public schools, and do we have adequate resources for them at their school level and how do we help our young people address the hate speech that is often directed at them from their peers? That's a big concern. I'm also concerned about how we continue to reach out and try to educate the evangelical person in this community, the churches, you know. I've been in the parades from the very beginning. I've seen the horrible signs. I just think it must be so difficult for LGBT people to walk by those. 4 �I always wanted to roll up to them and say: I've seen your signs for 20 years. You need to get some new ones. I worry about when we put our LGBT people at risk for hate speech. I often reflect on when I testified on DOMA. I know that that room was filled with young LGBT people and they sat there and had to listen to the hate speech from the congressman and I just ache for when that happens. I hope that we can continue to educate that this is no longer an issue. It certainly is better than it was in 1987, but I don't think we can give up and say the job is done- absolutely not. Anna Puhl: This is not a question for the thing, but out of curiosity, at Pride this year did you see anybody protesting? Nancy McDonald: Yes Anna Phul: Okay, I didn't go the whole parade route so I didn't know. Nancy McDonald: They had moved this year. They were up towards the beginning of the parade and they were there with all of their signs and their whistles and hate speech yelling at everybody and it's hateful and thank goodness for the Dykes on Bikes Because they just drove by and made lots of noise in front of them. I'm always grateful for the Dykes on Bikes I've seen I mean I participated in the San Francisco Gay Pride and the New York Gay Pride and I've participated in the 2 AIDS marches on Washington and I'm always grateful for the Dykes on Bikes. Anna Phul: So, how many children do you have and how many grandchildren do you have? Nancy McDonald: Well, we have four children and then we have sort of a semi adopted son. Okay, we never legally adopted him, but he's very much part of our family. And I have eight grandchildren and then Zach our sort of adopted son has two. Our youngest daughter, our gay daughter, went to Booker T. Washington. She's a great soccer player, but this is her mother talking. She went to Tufts University, and she was on the starting squad freshman year and then she has a degree in sociology and women's studies. Wasn't quite sure what she was going to do. She went to San Francisco worked in a law office. Didn't like that, decided that she really would like to be an English teacher of English learners or English language learners. So she went to Stanford and she had a master's and her PhD in education from Stanford and she is Living in Seattle, Washington. She is the headmistress of a private school in Seattle. She is married and she has two children Simon is 17 and Sadie is 14 Anna Phul: Can you were you like did you ever imagine that that she'd be married with two children? Nancy McDonald: No, never. Anna Puhl: Can you say that in a sentence? Does that make sense? Nancy McDonald: I think that every parent dreams about you know, what your children will become. They'll get married, heterosexual, they'll have children. They'll have you know, we will have lovely grandchildren. And you very quickly realize that's 5 �not the case. It is their life. And so when Morva came out we had to reconstruct our hopes and dreams for her. And one of the things was at that point in time, I didn't think she would ever be able to have a family. Not so. And so when she announced to us that she really wanted children, and she wanted us to be a part of that. We said absolutely. We love you no matter what. Held her hand. They're brother and sister [ pointing to a picture]. You know, you just that was not in our hopes and dreams for Morva. Even after she became after she came out, they thought she'll never have a family. But she does, she has a lovely family. Anna Puhl: That's so cool. Yeah,you're gonna like be a showstopper on these things, you know. [ Pointing to Joe McDonald] He can be the quiet one. Nancy McDonald: Super dad. 6 � 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 Physical Media: Box 7, Folder 7 - Dr. Leisa Meyer Program Box 7, Folder 8 - Interviewees Materials, Original Series 2003-2007 Digital Media: 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] Nancy McDonald Interview Subject The topic of the resource Nancy McDonald Interview with Anna Puhl from 2021 Description An account of the resource In 2021, Anna Puhl of the OkEq staff did a short interview with Nancy McDonald in her home. The interview focused on Nancy’s work on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community as a founder of PFLAG in Tulsa, her testimony before Congress concerning the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), and involvement with OkEq. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Nancy McDonald, Anna Puhl, Dennis Neill Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2021 2021 AIDS AIDS drugs AIDS/HIV AIDS/HIV drugs Anna Puhl Defense of Marriage Act Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) DOMA HIV HIV drug study HIV/AIDs HIV/AIDS research interview Joe McDonald Nancy and Joe McDonald Nancy and Joe McDonald Rainbow Library Nancy McDonald Nancy McDonald Rainbow Library OKEQ Oral History Project oral history oral history interview Oral History Project oral history transcript Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) PFLAG PFLAG Tulsa Chapter Rainbow Library Sharon Thoele transcript Tulsa CARES Tulsa PFLAG video