20 20 666 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/bdb6088d1bc366521858d11bcd914536.jpg b1de3fab736189d2d0eefe64dc5551b2 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/65f70937fddc003ec7286228b1931d10.pdf 67d876921a3186405ea6fb57378dcbab PDF Text Text 2004 tulsa oMahomans for human rights TOHR’s Year End Fundrais ng Campaign Mark Bomley October marked the start of a new fiscal year for TOHR. We need your financial support to enter what will be a ~nost significant 3ear for the gay. lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community. 220 Attend Vigil; Hundreds More the Streets Sometimes hate gives Tulsa a black ey~ This time we gave it back. l~libhaei Christopher, Executive Direc~or It didn’t take long after Oklahoma’s resounding defeat of GLBT marriage rights on November 2 for the hatemongers to start dancing in the streets. The GLBT Info Line rang steadily with news of people upset alter the election, some feeling afraid to go to work, some-having their cars chased; and at least otie beaten up-a woman attacked by a lesbian-hating neighbor. While dealing with all that, we got the news that FredPhelps’ group, Westboro Baptist Church, was coming back to town on SundazNovember 7 and Monday November 8, this time to picket churches that they believed didn’t do not show enough hatred toward GLBT people, and Charles Page High School in Sand Springs for not shoWing enough hatred toward its gay students. Fred Phelps’ batfie cry, "God hates fags," would be heard ~once again in the Tulsa area. I started calling our friends on the Say No ¯To Hate Coalition and members of our advocacy committee to see what could be done in response. When we told Nancy Eggen o£United Campus Ministries, she suggested a Sunday evening vigil. She swiftly organized a beautiful vigil service, and TOHR set about getting the word out. Thousands ofemails and phone calls later, the Center hosted its largest attendance ever. If you missed the vigil, you also missed a great homecoming. (And ifyou 7l send me your email address 1won ’t let you miss the next one]) People who hadn’t seen each other for years, new friends from Native American and African American communities, TOHR members of years past, and many of the new friends we (continued on p. 9) In the short period of six months since moving into our new Center and lfiring an Executiv-e Director. TOHR has substantially increased its service to the GLBT co~mnunitv. The number of calls received on the GLBT Info Line grew 300%. The number of meetings held at the Tulsa GLBT Conununitv Center doubled. Our-cooperative work with allied organizations has growu dramatically--we have_ presented the daylong Questions on Mam’i~q_e: A Con./~rence on Marriage Equalio,. hosted a month-long residency of the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force. worked with PFLAG and others to present two candidate forum events and a panel discussion on the legal implications of the Oklahoma antigay marriage amendment, coordinated the Tulsa GLBT History Project Lecture. and participated in the Say No To Hate Coalition and its hate speech task force. (contimted on p. 3) �publ~hed by PO Box 2687 Tulsa, OK 74101 918-743-4297 The Holidays Present Special Challenges" Every year at this time my partner and I have our annual ’"What are we going to do for the holidays?" discussion. This year, we are skipping Thanksgiving and Christmas with the family. For us, holidays are our choice. I know that for many, holidays become a time of angst because their family takes the position that we can come but only if our partner does not. Each of us has to make our own choices when faced with families who feel this way. Our ~a~ailies are in effect saying, "choose us or choose your partner." For some, this position is an absolute and will rarely change; for others it is only a test to see how "committed" we are to "being gay" or to our partners. What we should remember is that it is okay to make whatever choices we want. Whether we want to go be with our families or not is our decision and there is no reason we should feel any shame or guilt. After the events of this past year, some of us will fmd comfort in being with family; for others our families can be toxic. If your family is one that is not supportive, you should have an exit strategy. Don’t ride with others who may not want to leave when you do. IGaow when you are getting angry or depressed. If traveling long distances, make a hotel reservation for each night even if you have to cancel it. Once when visiting my sister at her invitation, my partner and I arrived only to be told that we had to sleep in different rooms. Be explicit with the ground rules before you arrive. Don’t leave things to chance. Even if you have had prior good experiences with family, be prepared this year for those family members who have been less supportive to be more vocal. Don’t expect them to be more difficult, just be prepared for how you are going to react. A New Year’s Resolution That Does Everyone Good O.ne of .the.most important New year’s Resolutions that I ever made was to be out in every aspect of my life. After the vote in Oklahoma this year, it is important to me to let as many of the three-out-of-four Oklahomans who voted for State Question 711 know that I am still here, still gay, and still deserving of equal relationship rights. For me, this will likely manifest itself in more LGBT t-shirts, buttons, etc. While Wild Oats may be a relatively safe place to stock up, I expect that I will also do some shopping at Walmart and Homeland. I urge all of us to be out in 2005. Come by the Center and get stickers for your cars, jewelry items, flags and windsocks to decorate your front porch. Let 2005 be the year that we let our PRIDE shine. \ President, TOHR email: commun[ty@tohr.or~ Office location Tulsa GLBT Conununity Center 5545 East 41st Street Tulsa. OK 74135 TOHR Board of Directors Executive Board President--Mark Bonney 1st Vice President--Dr. Laura Belmonte 2nd~/ice President--Libby Bender Secretary--Mike Williams Treasurer--Dwight Kealiher Assistant Treasurer---John Madigan Governing Board Director, Gender Outreach--Troy Nicholas Director, Board Development--Ken Youngblood Director, Fundraising--Dennis Neill Director, Programs & Facilities--Ken Youngblood Directors at Lar,qe Andrew Carter Kelly Carter Steve Eberle Janet Gearin Richard Hurtig Shelly Ledford Anita Randza Mike Redman Devon Rutherford Kaye Smith Novia Stice Executive Director Michael Christopher TOHR’s Capital Campaiqn The Pyramid Project pyramidproject.org ff~e Pyramid Pro~ Chair Sue Welch Committee Memhors Mark Bonney, Marc Frieden, Michelle Hoffman, David Hoot, Shelly Ledford, Cathe~!n Mason, Marcy Smith and Tim Williams. TOHR is a 501(c)3 ~ganization of~ratod Ihro~h donations and non-p.~ voluntenm. Cen~bu~on~ are t;~x-deductible ~o the fullest extent of current U~ Sta~ of Arne~a tax isw~ The Torch, a publicalion of Tulsa Oklahomans fo~ Human Rights, Inc. is John D. Cutrlght, MSW, LCSW Counselor &Psychotherapist’ 4870 S. Lewis Avenue, Suite 190 Tulsa, OK 74105 918-284-0123 Children + Adolescents + Adult + Couples x~tished bimanlHy wilh an estimated annual readership of 10,000. Subscription rates are paid contributing member dues of Tulsa Oldahomans for Human Rights (TOHR). Th~ Torch is protected by copyright and may not be repreduced in whale or part except by permission obt~ncd by co~acling TOHR ~reclly. Cre~t must be given to TOHR. The views of Ihe To~ch are expres~:l in editorials only. Views expreesed in lettars to Ihe edtor and other submtsdons are those of the au~or and do not nec~sorily r~ect Ihese of the board of drectors, centrib~ng members or e~tors ar leadorship of TOHR. The Torch reserves ~he right to e~t or reject any mate~t subrnilted f~r public.on. The Torch end/or TOHR is not respansit~e for damages due to typographical e~rors. Advertisaments designed and created for publisaf~an in the Torch rennin the property of TOHR. The Torch and/or TOHR cannot be respansit~e f~ d~ms by Copyright 2004, TOHR. �Fund-Raising Campaign ~.,f~vm p. 1) During the same period we presemed the mmual Diversity Celebration. expanded support group progra~mning, established the Tulsa Rainbow Business Organization (TURBO). increased Center attendance for social events, conducted a major upgrade of our computer systems, and launched the TOHR eNEWS email newsletter to rave reviews. And. with PFLAG and Tulsa Reaches Out. we sponsored a scientific study to assess the needs of the Tulsa GLBT Co~mnunity right now. It feels like we’ve done a year’s work in just a few months, but that’s exacth- the pace we need to lnaintain to take advantage of this umque moment in our history. The debate around marriage mad the overturning of all remaining sodomy laws is bringing unpredictable attention--and opportuniU, ha light of and despite recent electoral backlash, hate crimes legislatioh, employment nondiscri~nination policies. the needs of our co~mnunitv have becoine both more critically i~nportant mad more attainable. The 20-member TOHR Board of Directors and thirty dedicated volunteers of the Tulsa GLBT Coimnunitv Center ask you to consider a substantial co~mnitment of dollars in the upcoming ?ear. The momentum of this thne must be continualhfed ~{,ith effort, passion mad funds so that we will not miss this rare opportunity to advance our rights. In six months, the number of new people who have entered the fight is more than equal to the whole movement of a year ago. and TOHR is your contact with that force, y-our legs m the race. To move our community and organization forward in 2005. we are asking our contributors to consider raising their level of support this ?’ear. Please send in the donation form available in this newsletter. We are deeply grateful for your help! Estimated Revenues Oct 1.2004 - Sept 30 2005 - $160,000 Othe= M emberships, Benefits, 4% 3% Grants, 19% Di,,~rsity Ce~ebratto n, 40% Donations & Pledg e~, 30% ., Estimated Expenses p ro grams Oct&1 2004 - Seot 30 2005 - $160,000 Other, 5%. M arketing, 14% VCages & Benefits, 29% Facilities & Offic 28% Diversity Celebratio n, 24% Kelly Kirby, CPA, PC Certified Public Accountant "For AII Your Accounting Needs" Gay men and lesbians face many special situations, whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve this community. 4815 South Harvard, Suite 424 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135-3066 918.747.5466 �GARRETT LAW OFFICE, RC. TOHR Board members and officers at November annual Board retreat, All Souls Unitarian Church, led by Tulsa facilitator Barbara Bannon. Easy as Pie! Holiday Shop Online and Help the Pyramid Project Sue Welch With the Holidays upon us, The Pyramid Project wants you to shop till you drop! You’ve helped raise just over $300,000 in pledges and donations to purchase a permanent site for the Tulsa GLBT Community Center. We want to help you do even more good and it not hurt a bit. Shop online through the iGive secure network of over 550 brand name stores and give to the Pyramid Project without it costing you a penny! .In addition, if you join iGive through the How to Donate page of the Pyramid Project website, PyramidProject.org, and make a purchase within 30 days, the Pyramid Project receives an EXTRA $5.00 at NO cost to you. Here’s how it all works: iGive Members are the folks doing the shopping. Members accrue money by shopping via iGive and iGive works on the behalf of each member to direct a percentage of that member’s purchases to the Pyramid Project--that’s up to 26% of each purchase at NO cost to you! When supporters use thejoinLink on the Pyramid Project website, Pyramid Project is automatically pre-selected to benefi!! Every single supporter’s online shopping at over 550 popular stores means a donation for TOHR’s Pyramid Project! Remember, each new person who joins and shops within 30 days means a $5~0 bonus for TOHR’s Pyramid Project, so do it now! Use your Join link at PyramidProject.org. Garrett Law Office, P.C. ,is an association of lawyers with one common goal: to serve the public interest by representing injured persons or persons with property damage who are susceptible to possible unfair treatment by insurance companies. Our practice areas are: INSURANCE DISPUTES PERSONAL INJURY WRONGFUL DEATH JOB-RELATED INJURIES SOC~L SECURITY DISABILITY PRODUCT LIABILITY SECURITIES FRAUD BANKRI~TCY Call our office for a free consultation before you commit to signing a release which could compromise the value of your claim and your legal rights. 1-888-GARRETT HOUSE FOR RENT in one of Tulsa’s few "blue precincts," In Tulsa: $700 per month in historic Yorktown, St. John’s hospital 622-9292 area. Two bedrooms and one bath, a large kitchen, generous living room, separate dining room and glassed in back porch. Amenities include central air, washer, dryer, dishwasher and refrigerator! Leave a message for Ralph at 743-6863. Remember - The adjus’ter works,ibr flw ilISIlI’OIIC~ WE WORK FOR YOU~ sssss sss ss ssss ss ssssssssssssss sssss �UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDA E~:ember 1, 15_ Coming Out Group. Support for people making the journey out of the closet, fadlitated by John D. Cutr~jht, -~ MSW, LCSW. This is not formal counseling, but an open discussion between peers with guidance by a trained facilitator, and is very helpful in the difficult coming out process. Meets the first and third Wednesdays at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 5545 E. 4"1st, at 7:00pro. December 7, 14, 21 - Free anonymous HIV testing at the Center, 5545 E. 41st Street at our H.O.P.E. Testing Clinic, 6:00 to 8:00pro every Tuesday except Dec. 28 December 3, 10, 17 - Films at the Center. Join us at 6:30pro Fdday evenings for movie night.., fun, film and fdends at the Center, 5545 E. 41~ December 3, 4, 7 - Council Oak Men’s Chorale and Women of Council Oak Holiday Concert, "Home is Where the Heart Is" at Tdnity Episcopal. For tickets go to www.counciloak.org. December 6 - Diversity Celebration Planning Meeting at the Tulsa GLBT Community Ceqter, 5545 E. 41st. Anyone interested in being part of this annual June pride celebration is encouraged to attend. December 13 - PFLAG/TOHR Holiday Dinner. Come and join us for the annual holiday dinner at 6:30pro at Fellowship Congregational Church, 2900 South Harvard. The Council Oak Men’s Chorale and Women of Council Oak will entertain, and PFLAG will present the annual SWAN Awards. It’s a covered dish dinner, so bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share. December 17 -The dinner and lecture, GAY MARRIAGE, THE CONSTITUTION, AND AMERICAN POLITICS, features speaker Dr. Paul Finkelman, Chapman Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Tulsa, at 6:30 p.m. in Kaiser-Miller Auditorium, 1719 South Owasso, Tulsa. The cost for adults is $10.00 per person, for children 4-12, $5.00. Tots are invited to join us at $1 per meal. Dinner reservations and baby sitting arrangements may be made by calling the Synagogue at 583-7121 or dropping a note to suzanne@bnaiemunah.com. December 18 - Test Fest 2004, a day-long fair-style fun fest and free anonymous HIV testing. Door prizes, food, free sex supplies, games, and hot films on the big screen TV, with visits from very special guests. 10am to 7pm. Bring all your friends, get tested and know your status! Hosted by TOHR and H.O.P.E. Testing Services At the Center, 5545 E. 41st. December 27- PFLAG Support Meeting. Have a gay someone special in the family and need someone to talk to? This is the place. Call 749-4901 if you would like to attend. January 5, 19- Coming Out Group meets the first and third Wednesday of every month at the Ceriter, 5545 E. 41st. (See December 1 above for details~) January 6 - JUST WHAT DO WE NEED? is a presentation at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 5545 East 41st Street at 7:00pro focusing on a large-scale needs assessment commissioned last Spring by TOHR, PFLAG and Tulsa Reaches Out, to evaluate the needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community in the Tulsa area. Join us for the presentation by Janice Nicklas of the Community Service Council and a discussion following. This special presentation is TOHR’s monthly membership meeting for January. Desserts and coffee wilt be served. January t0- Presentation at the PFLAG monthly meeting of the GLBT Needs Assessment by Janice Nicklas of the Community Service Council at 7:30pro, Fellowship Congregational Church, 2900 South Harvard. January 12 - Diversity Celebration Planning Meeting atthe Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 5545 E. 41st. Open to all. January 24- PFLAG Support Meeting. Have a gay s(~meone special in the family and need someone to talk tO? This is. the place. Call 7494901 if you would like to attend February 4- TOHR Members Covered Dish Dinner. Bring a dish to share and hear speakers every month on the first Thursday at the Center, 5545 E. 41st Street. IMPORTANT." To get updates on events plus links to important LGBTnews items, subscribe to the free TOHR eNEWS email newsletter by sendit~l email with the words ENEWS SUBSCRIBE h~ the subject line to mchristopher@tohr.org. Genesis Ministries. 2419 S. 83rd E. Avenue, Tulsa, OK Meets Sunday 11 a.m. for service, Wednesday 7 p. ~ for Bible St~dy, Singing and Prayer �OpenArms Youth Project in Tulsa has been serving the GLBTQ youth ages 14-2! for almost three years now. As the Center has grmvn, the youth have been the driving force behind its success and the formation of a programming schedule. The project is governed by both a youth board and an adult board of directors. The youth design the group activities and the adult board oversees grant writing and fm~draising as well as the record keeping and major growt~h activities. Since opening the t’n’st Center in May of 2002, OpeltArms relocated to a larger location in December 2003, and in February 2004 expanded to add additional Office space for computer and Internet access, after-school activities, and safe sex outreach programs. OpenArms offers training for youth to become H1V/STD peer educators and 32 youth have now been certified in the extensive training cun’iculum that was designed and written by the University of Oklahoma. OpenArms provides a variety services to youth including counseling, group meetings, social activities, mentor partners, after-school programs, HIV/STD education and other activities to help youth cope with their specific needs. OpenArms strives to reach youth where they are in their process of "coming out," providing many different levels of information based on their own requirements. OpenArms is an organization built for youth and designed by youth to reach them where they are and to fill the gaps in services that they identify in the community. OpenArms Youth Project is funded in part by the youth it serves via a cover charge for social activities and also by community donations. Contact OpenArms at 918838-7104, info@openarmsproject.org FALL FUND DRIVE 2004 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights extends heartfelt thanks to the generous donors to our Fall Fund Dm;e. Below are listed the names of those with giftsor pledges $100 or more wire have Wen us permission to acknmvledge them publicly. Thank You.t $5,000 am! above Derails Neill and Jolm Southard ~.1,000 to $4,.99.9 Mark Henq¢ Cisar Holt, Inc. Doug Campbell ¯ Kaye Smith . Michael .Williams and Lance Pillstrom $250 to $99.9 Lamont Lindstrom Duane MenNe and Mike Mills. Tom Neal Gregg Smith mad Kevin Burleson Michael Green Sl O0 to 8249 Janet Gearin kaadrew Carter D. Bruce Lewis Rev. mad Mrs. Russdl Bennett Fred Bassett tulsa glbt history projec HISTORY PROJECT Memories Fulsa has a rich liistorv of gay "’spaces"--bars mad clubs where the community could come together to relax and mingle, and to escape the everyday surveillance of mainstream society. Do you remember these old favorites of the 1940s--1970s? ** TROPICAL GARDENS ** BLUE NOTE LOUNGE ** BLUE HAVEN ** MILWAUKEE TAVERN ** BISHOPS BAR ** St. MORITZ ** LITTLE MEXICO ** THE DOGHOUSE ** SKOO-BEE-DO ** FRI-ENDS LOUNGE (a.k.a. THE FRUIT LOOP) ** TRACY’S ** THE NEW EDITION ** THE ZEBRALOUNGE ** TAJ MAHAL ** RR-tE GALA ** TIM’S PLAYROOM CLUB ** THE CLUB ** THE QUEEN OF HEARTS ** NEW YORK. NEW YORK ** THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH ** PAPILLON ** THE ZEBRA ** CARUSO’S ** ANYTHING GOES CLUB ** NEW PLANTATION CLUB ** TIM’S PLAYROOM CLUB ** ZIPPERS ~ ~ TULSA MINING COMPANY ** SEEKERS CHOICE ** OVER THE RAINBOW ** DANTES �lVi E BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP IN TULSA OKLAHOMANS FOR HUMAN PqGHTS include many nice privileges, but the one that really means something important is that you will be participating in a very meaningful way in the rights of every gay man, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered person in Tulsa to live with full citizenship and to pursue a life with equality. ]-he levels listed below are just guidelines--anything you want to contribute will be deeply appreciated. You can give the full amount today, or instruct us to bill your credit card monthly for a certain amount and for a specific number of months. If you like, you can even make your gift online at www.tohr.org.., just click the DONATE button. Membership is for one full year from the date you join. Name(s) as it (they) should appear on mail addressed to you: Check this box if you DO NOT want to be acknowledged by name in our publications: [] M~ling Address (we) want to join TOHR! 0 Individual $30 0 Family/Household $50 © Patron $100 © Business/Organization $ 100 © Donor’s Circle $300+ $ 0 NEVer Student or AmeriCorps Volunteer Membership $15 Telephone IMPORTANT: Ernaii Address © Check enclosed, payable to TOHR © My company offers a matching gift program. The -proper forms are enclosed or will.follow. ¯ © Please bill my (our) credit card: © Visa © MasterCard © American Express Card # 0 Volunteering at the Center 0 Volunteering for Diversity Celebration 0 The Rights Advocacy Team Expiration Date Signature 200,000 people in northeastern Oklahoma deserve equality regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights works for legal equality and social acceptance--not just tolerance---for the gay, lesbian bisexual, transgender and allied community of northeast Oklahoma through advocacy, education, leadership and unity. Thousands of callers are served each year through the Tulsa GLBT Info Line (743-GAYS). I 0,000 visitors are served through the Tulsa GLBT Community Center and annual Diversity Celebration.. Hundreds attend conferences, lectures and other educational opportunities designed to build po.sitive perceptions of the GLBT community--both in the community and among ourselves. Tulsa Oldahomans for ll-~uman Rights works for you. �Please tape your check inside and fold here. Tape closed before mailing. THANK YOU! Please tape your check inside and fold here. Tape closed before mailing. Place From: Postage Here Membership Tulsa Oklahomans for Human .Rights PO Box 2687 . Tulsa, OK 74101 �220 Attend Vigil... (continuedfrom p. 1) have been making in Tulsa’s faith communities all came together for a candlelight vigil. We experienced one of those moving moments that have become all too rare in life--a moment in which we all felt the support and love of oue another. And we encouraged each other to participate in one more positive action, a Silent Sweep Against Hate at the high school after Phelps’ group had gone. Fred Phelps had eleven people in his hate-filled protest of the churches that day, and even fewer at the high school the next morning. After strongly encouraging our members to stay away from the high school protest, hoping to focus media attention away from Phelps’ people and onto our own, I met Don Satterthwaite and Vernon Jones of our sister group, Oklahoma Freedom and Equality Coalition, at the school at 7:30am. We were there to observe and to document. Vernon and I interviewed tw, o of Phelps’ people on video, then crossed the street to interview the counter-protesters. Despite our efforts to keep the crowds down, 240 people showed up in opposition to the "God Hates Fags" signs. Most were high school and college students, and there were some parents. Most expressed a deeply felt need to stand up and do something. Some didn’t feel quite satisfied yet. Silent ~eep Against Hate I spoke with the principal, Robert Franklin, to let him know that we were planning something for that afternoon when school was to let out. We wanted students to see something very positive. Someone on the Say No To Hate Coalition had reminded me of the Silent Sweep Against Hate that was held after the Ku Klux Klan had a Tulsa rally. We called the organizers of that action and got their help in plauning a new, sweep demonstration to rid Charles Page High School of homophobia. The principal was a little wary, but he knew, we were the good guys. We gathered at about 2:30, brooms in hand, on the sidewalk across the driveway from the high school’s main entrance. As the parking lot emptied, we swept the sidewalks and heard cheera of solidarity from students. Sweepers included TOHR donors, friends from the Jewish Federation and the Say No To Hate Coalition, PFLAG, several churches, Open Arms Youth Project, the University of Tulsa’s BLGTA, United Campus Ministries and students from Tulsa Community College. In all, about 75 people attended the sweep. Between the vigil, the students who stood against Phelps, mad the Sileut Sweep, we numbered about 535 people against Phelps’ meager dozen. The guest of honor? The young man whom Sand Springs high school students refused to hate: Michael Shackleford. He was there tlvoughout--from the vigil through the s~veep, and his presence encouraged all of us. Radical Inelusivity Since the first articles on a Sand Springs high school student appeared a few months ago, Washington Post correspondent Anne Hull has quietly followed the young man’s story. I’ve skipped many of the details of the vigil because Anne’s story tells it so much better than I could. (I hope you’ll read it at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn!articles/A48197- Sweeping Away IIa~e in Sand Springs 2004Novl3.html.) Of Rev. Russell Bennett’s words that inght, she writes: Bennett recited a Bible verse in which Jesus scolds the leaders of his time for worrying more about narrow morality than the bigger picture. ’Woe to you, hypocrites,’ the reverend said. ’For vou tithe mint and dill and cumin, mad have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy.’ [Michael Shackleford’s mother] Janice was quiet, listening to phrases such as ’radical inclusivity’ mad quotes by Robert F. Kennedy about the long ann that bends toward justice... As school let out [on Monday], dozens of people from Tulsa Oklahomans For Human Rights arrived With brooms. In silence, they swept the sidewalk ~vhere the Phelps protesters had been. Michael ~vas there, sweeping. A group of students walked by. One of them, a girl ~vith long, silk2~ hair and a backpack, was obviously fed up with all the protests and counter-protests. ’Leave our homos alone,’ she said. To Anne Hull and Michael Shackleford, to the students in Sand Springs, to Nancy Eggen, Russ Bennett, Cathy Elliot, Nancy McDonald, Nancy Day and everyone else who worked to pull this together on incredibly short notice, to all of the organizations and individuals who stood together against hate for two days in two towns, to the people who stayed together after the protest to go to breakfast and reimagine the future, and those who got together a few nights later to celebrate victor5; in the jaws of the election defeat-thank you. After the passage of a constitutional anaendment by which our full citizenship was revoked, after people with hate on their lips were triumphantly elected to the highest offices in our nation, we needed something wonderful to happen. Fred Phelps didn’t expect to bring us renewed hope mad strength. This time we’re glad he came. �Consider Giving Your Tax-Deductible Contributions Through the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Tulsa. You will be able to specifically direct your funds to any of the pre-screened Tulsa Area Non-Prdits, ensuring that your contributior~s are going to agencies which support diversity in their policies and outreach. Your contribution will be leveraged with other dollars, increasing our visibility and the benefit to the non-profit agencies of your choice. This Donor Advised Fund has been established with the Tulsa Community Foundation. Some 40 non-profit organizations in the Tulsa Area have added Sexual Orientation to their non-discrimination policies. Please support these progressive organizations with tax-deductible contributions in the name of the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Tulsa. Some of the organizations supported this year include: All Souls Unitarian Church Community Outreach Program; Arthritis Foundation; Arts and Humanities Council; Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma; Child Abuse Network; Cc~-nmunity Action Project; Domestic Violence Intervention Services; Family & Children’s Services: Komen Race for the Cure (Breast Cancer); League of Women Voters; Life Senior Services; Light Opera of Oklahoma; Mental Health Association; National Conference of Community and Justice; Parent Child Center of Tulsa; Philbrook Art Museum; Planned Parenthood of Northeastern Oklahoma; Tulsa AIDS Walk; Tulsa CARES; Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless; Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights; Tulsa Opera; Youth Services of Tulsa. Making a difference in Tulsa while highlighting the important contributions of the Gay, Lesbian and Allied Communities. �Interview with a Board Member: Ken Youngblood ¯ is a much harder goal to accomplish mad,takes a lot of work. The reality of our community is that we are very diverse. We don’t always agree but hopefully we can all agree onat least one goal--equality and re= spect. One shining light ha TOHR’s history is the number of great activists and leaders who have started with TOHR and then started their own specialized groups to great success. TORCH: As TOHR Program Director, what can we expect in the future? KY: Our new committee is currently working on many new programs but always wants to hear from the community on what YOU want. Talk to us .We will listen. ~ Ken Youngblood chairs TOHR’s Program Committee. He is a long-time Tulsa florist and antiques dealer with an alter-ego even more famous that he is! TORCH: Where did you grow up? Where is home for you? KY: I grew up in Jay, OK, Huckleberry Capital of the world and home to the mighty, mighty Bulldogs high school football team. Jay is a very small town and our home was in the country. Actually, almost all of Jay is in the country except for a couple of blocks where the courthouse for Delaware County is located. My father was a patrol officer for Lake Eucha and was an employee of the City of Tulsa. My morn owned her own beauty salon which was on main street. In college, at Northeastem State, I became very involved in anti-Vietnam War activities. My first step into the world of social politics! I guess I was a radical then too. After graduating with degrees in music, business, and political science, I drifted around the country for a while. In 1976 1 ended up in Tulsa and have been here ever since. I love the city! It has changed over the years. TORCH: When did you first get involved with TOHR? KY: Back then it was called Oklahomans for Human Rights. There was a sister group in OKC. My first memories of that group were Christmas Parties downtown at Trinity Episcopal. Back then I felt empowered by being with other gay people. The group always made me very proud to be gay. At that time the group was more social than political and I became personally much more political and with the AIDS epidemic, TOHR started to become more political. During the mid 80s, I was always helping with fund raisers and was a regular on the Gay Hotline. I’ve been involved off and on through all these years serving as first lady during 91 and 92. What a beating!! It has to be worse than being President!! TORCH: What are some ofyour TOHR memories?? KY: To be truthful, there have been years where we have made huge strides in the face of a lot of adversity. There have been years when the Board was absolutely awful. I believe the new board has the opportunity to take the community to a higher level but it won’t be easy. Division is easy and the low road. Unification TORCH: Now tell us about PEACHES. The truth is Peaches and Ken are very different individuals. Peaches is a created character. Peaches has helped raise more money for the community than most patrons. Ask her what she thinks (she will tell you even if you don’t). TORCH: Ah’ight Peaches, so what are your opinions of TOHR and the gay communiO,? PEACHES: Thank God somebody asked! Get off 5"our ass Gay Community! I’m tired of you .just sitting home whining that nothing goes on! A lot of you don’t support jack. TOHR is working its butt off! We need )’our help! Volunteer! Pay for the electric bill or the gas bill! Stop by and talk to us! Be part of the community instead of being an outsider. TOHR can only be relevant if everybody comes together and we help each other. Smooch!!~~,~ Out TOHR s Coming ~rst ~_Support Group continues to meet the f and third Wednesday of every month at 7:00pm at the Tulsa GLBTCommunity Center 5545 E. 41st Street. ~ Counselor and therapist John D. Cutright (MSN, LCSW) leads friendly and supportive discussion. ~ ALL WELCOME! ~. TOHR is seeking insurance bids from a GLBT-owned, managed and/or -affirming insurance agent. If you would like to bid on our insurance contract, please contact Michael Christopher at rnchdstopher@tohr.org. �Monday., Dec 13 6:30pro Fellowship Congregational Church 2900 South Harvard Bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share, or just come! Entertainment by ~Council Oak Men’s Chorale! o o o Reach thousands ofNE OMahoma’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, questioning, attd allied READERS ADVERTISE IN THE TORCH! o o Tuisa.Oklahomans for Human.Rights P.O. Box 2687 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74101 This may be your last issue! We’ve been mailing the Torch to a large list of past members and friends through this year. But as of the next issue, we’ll be mailing only to current Members and Volunteers! If you’d like to continue receiving the Torch, please fill out and return the Membership Form inside. Thanks! ~ Printed on recycled. chlorine flee l~aper For rate card and specs email mchristopher@tohr, org or p one Mlclaael at 74~-4297 � Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Microsoft Publisher 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] TOHR Torch, December - January 2004; Volume 4, Issue 2 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource December 2004, January 2005 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights December 2004 January 2004 TOHR Torch https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/d25e8bca28d5decdf8f55e069b2d1a56.jpg 2d313341bfd21cfb6def0e76b87d5cdf https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/1e18626568737ce653593ad8f86b17c8.pdf 886af50e45e5e15915d0f4777976654e PDF Text Text Volume three / issue four June 2004 the tulsa oklahomans for human rights Cherokee Nation Issues Same-Gender Marriage License According to Mark Bo~mey, TONR eqtnil treatment under the law is not goThe Cherokee Nation in May issued ing away no matter what laws or Constipresident and Oklahoma atromey, its first marriage fieense to a samegender couple. "Judges only issue ol~mJons and orders tulional Amendments are passed in as a result of a controversy or lawsuit. It Oklahoma or elsewhere," Laura added. Kathy R, ond Dawn N. celebrated appears that Dow~ has become the Kathy and Dawn shared that they their tmion with a quiet ceremaony presided by Leslie Pe~rose, pastor of Com- most activist Justice in the world by is- wish to thank TOHR and the GLBT and mtmity of Hope U.C.C. Earlier this year, suuig an ordcx without any suit having alfied connnunity for their love and support TOHR will continue to monitor the Pastor Penrose qualified to officiate been fred." ceremonies eondoeted pursuant to The Muskogee Phoenix reported that reaction of the Cherokee Nation and Cherokee law. keep you informed. one Cherokee Tribal Cotm(flor, Linda Under Cherokee law, enacted before O’Leat3’ of Delaware County stated, "The licengmg is an abomination .... statehood, man,age is genderless. One nfthe parmers is the "companion and Apparently Councilor O’Leary believes the one I live with" and the other is "my that even the Cherokee Nation should he rded as a Christian Theocracy." cooker." While the license was issued, "TOHR applauds these courageous the Chief Justice of the Appeals Tribunal, Darell Down, issued an order plac- and dedicated women," said Laura Beling a moratorium res~icbng thrthe~ monte, TOHR first ~ice-president and su~mce marriage licenses. director of advocacy. "The issue of You The REAL Activist Judges are not Liberal Commentary by Mark Bonney If the right wing accuses someone else of bad behavior you can bet they are either d(mg it themselves or are about to do it. How often heve we heard the phrase "activist Judges"? The right wing uses this phrase to discredit any legal opinion that does not conform to its narrow view of Chris- the same org~uizations that have decried other judges and juatices for upholdsng the fights of the minority by striking down unconstitutional laws. The lower comts in California hised to intervene. It took an activist Supreme Court of California to interfere with the executive’s right to determine how he or she administers his or her OWlCe and those that work reader him or her. Nonnai!y, executives are granted deference in their decisions until such time as a final trial on the merits has been held. Only an activist judge would hold otherwise. These same groups tried to stop the ............¯ �From the President It seems that every day I read a new stoW about GLBT persons fighting for for human dghts their rights. TOHR applauds all of these individuals. Our communi~j could not be ~s successfifl as we are without the support of GLBT persons, their friends ~rtd ~’flmily, at!d the many or L,Z niTations who back our cause. Dttrlng the weekend of April 30 and May 1, our commuinly had at least four wondel’fifl choices of activities sponsored by ValiOUS groups. Open Arms Youth Project sponsored a one-man show that gave the audience a hilarious inside tour of a conversion therapy retreat. Council Oak presented tmother extraordinary. concert. Soulforce and Community of Hope raised thousands of dolhars at their you want rainbow?. IDE we gotralnb . OPEN Tues-Fri 6:00-9:00 PM Saturday 3:00-9:C0 PM 5545 E. 4fst St., Tulsa OK Inside the Tulsa @LBT Center www,tohr.org �for human rights Tulsa Ok/ahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) works to secure oquali~/ antisocial acceptance for the G~y, Lesbian, Bisexual, Tmnsgendered (GLBT) and allied cornmuni~ of Northeast Oklahoma through advocacy, education, leadership, and uni~ Activist Judges (ConI~r~dfrom Fage ]) issumzce of marriage certificates ia Massaehuseils. They were hoping against hope that some acdvist judge would issue an order to halt the issuance critic eert~catss. Forttmately, the conservative jodges of the First Circuit Court of Appeals and of the U.S. Supreme Court bald tim] to trait true conservmive beliefs that the federal judiciau¢ should not interllere in a state’s fights issue. As you wifi recall, the Massachusetts State Supreme Court bad previously determthed it was uncoasfiintional under the Massachusetts’ State Consfitotion to deny marriage licenses to its citizens on the basis of sex. Justice Roy Moore of Alabama was removed from the bench for being activist when be refused to comply with a to the bench in a continuing stealth attack to take over the Country. After all, for them, God’s law is above man’s law so the ends justify the means. While this statement by me may seem radical, remember William Pryor’s own statement. It is their desire to take over the CUBACHE, DIVE T INING CALL IOM 7-1757 SPECIALIZING IN DiVE IRAINING FOR /HE NEW SCUBADIVER SPECIALrlY CLASSES ALSO AVAILABLE Boot Camp for Bucks Michael Christopher The Gill Foundation, a major national binder of Talsa GLBT work, hosted two days of fired-raising training in Dallas on April 16 and 17. I’ve attended many expensive fired-raising conferences over years, and this federal court order to remove the Ten one -- priced so that even the smallCommandments from the State Judicial eat orgaulzatinns could participate -Building. I have never heard of a liberal stands above them all. Gill will offer training for our board md other judge being removed or censoxed for being activist. Presidem Bush recently, boards in the fall. without Senate approval, appointed Sessions on sttategic planning, WdlJam Pryor to the Eleventh C~rcult corporate sponsorships and major Court of Appeals. To my knowledge no gifts offered sohd frameworks for acpresident has ever used a recess aption, and will begin very soon to bear pointment to place someone on the fruit for TOHI~. and the people we bench. Wiffmm Pucor, as a’domey general The opportuin~y to meet so m~ny of Ainbnma, f’ded a brief in support of of our GLBT orgaaizmion colleagues Justice Roy Moore. In a speech Pryor was the greatest highlight of the congave at a rally supporting Justice ference. The work we’re d~mg is goMoore, Pu’or stated, "Now is the time ing on all across our region, and is for all good Christians -- Catholics, Or- being done by passionate and highly thodox and Protestants -- to take back competent people. our Country mzd our Courts." Such a statement should have disqualified Pryor from consideration, and indeed it was sul~iuleta to deny him Setmts conf’~mation. The Religious Right, through President Bush. is "on a mission from God" to appoint every conceivable radical conservative activist judge and justice www.scubachef.nef Kelly Kirby CPA, PC Certified Public Accountant "For AII Your Accounting Needs" Gay men and lesbians face many special sRuations, whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve this community. 4815 South Harvard, Suite 424 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135-3066 918.747.5466 Tulsa GLBT Information Line 743-GAYS (743-9127) �Advocacy Committee Get your Pride Guide! Sets Marriage Amendmeat Strategy J~ura Bel~onte Tl~e TOHR Advocacy ComwJitee has outlined a strategy for fighting efforts to outlaw same-gender marriagn. Tlae state pkans a Novea~ber 2004 ballot imfiafive to amend the Oldahorn constitution. This campaign promises to be one of the ugliest, most important baRles GLBT Oklahomarts have faced. TOHR will focus its efforts in the Tulsa a~a, working closely with other lo~al groups. Our activities will include voter registration, a speakers’ bateau, phone bank, direct mail, and public video and lecture forums. We welcome volunteers to assist in these endeavors and will have a table in the advoc~y tent at the Jtme 12 Diversiiy Celebration. Contact laura Bulmonte, commioee emir, at (918) 906-2134 for more iaformation. Available for Download at htt p://www.tohr.org and at these establishments: Tulsa GLBT Center Club Majestic Club Maverick End Up Club - Renegades Silver Star Toolbox YBR We~ve moved to a new location! Diversity Celebration 2004-Tulsa, OK ~ ~-- Tile Tulsa Cen er June 4-12 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights P.O. Box 2687 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74101 � Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Microsoft Publisher 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] TOHR Torch, June 2004; Volume 3, Issue 4 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 2004 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights June 2004 TOHR Torch https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/780493bc99dc0092016690d81f1064c3.jpg ad975b6701680f69d7d79f82082a7a83 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/27e001c0a4121e2198a35009cf33374e.pdf 8b834c4ee446c0157b5723c07d4483f0 PDF Text Text May 2004 volume three / issue three the tulsa oklahomans for human rights TOHR President Among Same-Gender Marriage Panel Participants n April 15, approximately 60 have wrilten an excellent brief that Women’s Law Caucus, and Public Inshows how marrmge laws are used to law students and others turned terest Law Society. E~fll is a long ftme member of discriminate against same-gender conout for a panel discussion about PFLAG and of the ACLU. He reported the Federal Marriage Amendment at Paula, Oklal~oma City police officer The University of Tnisa School of Law. on a case pendnig before the Oldakoma and orddmed deacon m the Episcopal Supreme Court about a male couple Assistant Law School Dean Vicki JorCharch~ reminded everyone of the failwho had been together for 25 years, opdan introduced panelists Bill Hhdde, Paula Sopina, Mark ~onney, and Brian erating a ranch in Creek County. When ings of the law as it addresses issues of Chase, who all spoke passionately about one of the partners died. his will was not transgendered couples. Although not the negative impact such an amendment admitted to probate due to a teclmical discussed because of time [imitations, would have. Ed Groshan, speaking as an defect. Both the trial court and the Oina- Paula showed us how complicated the marriage issue becomes when two perEvangelical Christiaz~ was the o~ly per- homa Court of Appeals held that for sons who are legally marhed want to son among those ~nvited who was will- purposes of intestate suc~essinn (how ing to argue in favor of the amendment. proper~ is ddstsiboted upon the death of remain married a~er one spouse traasiThe evem was sponsored by the law a person without a will) the survivthg Marl TOHR president, spoke about school’s American Constitution Society, parmer had no rights and the estate should pass to the deceased’s distant his get somal experiences with prejudice. cousins. In an opinion that defies logic, the Court of AppeaLs also held that the fotmtaals for "whites" and "coloreds" sttrviv~g parmer could not make any "marrieds" and the "civil unions." other clahn on the prope~y (based on his contributions to its development) Ed spoke compassionatuly despite since he had had a fmnflial relationsltip DC 2004 Events Schedwith the deceased. The ACLU and Bill O ule Interview with a Board Member: Laura Bet- Fundraising Committee Report Meet author Bridget Bufford on May 22. Advance Acceptance forTransgendered, by D 1 )~L~IR ~,it T Y , ~(~’ ~ Saturday, June 5 DoubleTree Hotel in Tulsa Keynote $;)eakers John Lawrence and ~orne~ ~itchell Katine �From the President For many of us, Diversity Celebration is the one time each year when we feel a part of society. This year, Diversity Week will be longer and larger them ever offering each of us multiple oppommities for self-empowerment. In January 2000, my New Year’s re solution was to be out in all aspects of my life. I determured that I would acknowledge my sexual orientation in public setlings. As so often happens when we become willing to advance ourselves, I found myself confronted with a difficult choice. The Muskogee Phoe~Lx newspa- Get your 2004 Diversity Celebration commemorative huron at the Tulsa GLBT Center and Pride Store, 5545 E. 41st St. in Tulso. $2. for human rights Tulsa Oklah~narm for Human Rights (TOHR PO Box 2687 Tulsa, OK 74101 918-7434297 (phone) / 918~0108 (Pax) w~w.tohr.org �Interview with a Board Member: Laura Belmonte Laura Belmonte is associate professor of History at Oklahoma State University. She is TOHR’s f~rst vice president, chairs our Advocacy committee, and is director of our new Tulsa GLBT History Project. TORCH. Where didyou grow up? Where is homeforyou? LB: I was born in New York, but grew up outside of Atlanta. ARer attending the University of Georgia, I got my doctorate from die University of Virginia I moved to Oklaboma in 1996 and now regard Tulsa as home. TORCH: Andl~fe now in Tulsa and at OSU... has the lrar~ition been an experience? LB: Boy, was itever. The thing I have found hardest to a~cept is die tmrelen~ug assumption of sameness (everybody’s white, slraighi. RepubUca~ evaugslieal Chiisfmu, etc.) that many Oklahonums make whether in public or private. TORCH: Whytsimportantforyouto be involvedwith TOItR at this time? LB: I diimk this is a critical juncture in TOHR’s history. With our new exeeufive director and die progress of the Pyramid Project, TOHR is poised to reach tmprecedented heights at a time of vitdl national and local importance. How could I not help if I can? TORCH: What are some of the organization’s recent advocacy efforts? LB: We have continued so far unfnfitfad discussions with the City Council about amending Tulsa’s antidiscrln~mation ordinances. We met recently with the leadership of the Tulsa Worldto ensuce balnneod cover- age of GLBT issues. We have also participated very actively in several media interviews in support of samegender marriage. TORCH: Tell m" about the History Project. ~Fhot do you hope it ac- CAI.L 357-17 7 SPECIAUZ]NG IN DiVE TRNNING FOR THE NEW SCUBADIVER SPECIALJTY CLASSES ALSO AVAILABLE complishes? LB; The Hisiory Pro- www.scubachef.net r 2003. We are currenfly coaduodng oral lfistories, colleering photograpks and other pleling prima~ research in newspapers and government dooumente. G~tr aim is to trace die history of GLBT l~ople in Tulsa throughout the post-1900 era in order to demonstrate the vibrancy of our eoramuaity despite a hostile political climate. TORCH: And how can the community help with both advocacy and the His÷ tory Project? LB: We desperately need people to come out publicly in helping us make our case in the media, before public officials, and with private employers. Most Americans are fair-minded and when diey encmmter a real-life GLBT makes them realize that discrimination Check Out New Goods at Pride Store Kathy Dales Since our center relocation, die Pride Store has added more than $1,500 in merchandise. Included is a vast selection of pride jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, rings, watches and earrings. We also have stickers, magnets, lighters, pride bears, candles, flags, greeting cards and more. Additionally, we’re offering a discount on Diversity Celebration 2003 and other T-shirts. Stop by to see what die new Pride Store has to offer, and to stock up for Diversity Celebration 2004. If you don’t £md what you’re looking for, our store volunteers ~e taking suggestions for new merchimdlse. The Pride Store is open during Community Center hours: Tuesday through Friday, 6-9 p.m., mad Saturday, 3-9 p.m. Poga 3 �Diversity Celebration 2004 Schedule of Events TORCH Advertising June 4-12 Wednesday, June 9th Panel discussion - "A Celebration of Same-Sex Marriage." Sponsored by Parents, Families & Friends ofLesbians and Gays ~FIAG) Tulsa. www.pflagtulsa.org. Thursday, June 10th "Singing With Pride: A Concert by the Council Oak Men’s Chorale," Presented by the Tulsa Ci&-County Library System. Friday, June llth Volunteer Appreciation Night Sponsored by Tulsa Oklahomtms for Human Rights (TOI~R) www.tohr.org. Where will YOU be?? Friday, June 4th Family Pride Spaghetti Dinner Sponsored by Parents, Families & Friends ofLesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Tulsa www.pflagtulsa.org. Saturday, June 5th Diversity Gala and Dinner Saturday, June 12th Tulsa Pride Parade Presented by Tulsa OMahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) in parmership with the GLBTand Allied communities www.tohr.org. 24th Annual Diversity Celebration Festival Presented by Tulsa Oldahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) in parmership with the GLBT and Allied communiHes www.tohr.org. Rate per Column Inch Quarterly Issue, cornmunity distribution $9.00 per inch * Minimum ad Monthly Issue, membership distribution $750 per inch * Discount per Ad Sunday, June 6th Interfaith Service Tuesday, June 8th Art Show & Sale Sponsored by Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights" ~TOHR) www.tohr.org. Distribution yeu want rainboW. Sponsored by Tulsa Oklahomansfor Human Rights (TOttR) ,,~vw.tohr.org. Monday, June 7th Film "Family Fundamentals" Sponsored by Parents, FamClies & Friends ofLesbia~t~ and Gays (PFLAG) Tulsa. www.pflagtulsa.org. Advertising Rates Up to 4 column inches 0% 6-10 column inches 15% we gotrainbow. 11-15 column inches 25% 16-20 column inches 35% OPEN Tues-Fri 6:00-9:00 PM Saturday 3:00-9:00 PM 20-30 column inches 40% 5545 E. 41st St., Tulsa OK Inside the Tulsa GLBT Center �~tulsa oklahomans for human rights Tu~a Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) wo~s to s~cure equalil~ and social acceplance for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendeted (GLBT) and bilind communily of Nodheast OkJahoma through advocacy, educa#bn, leadership, and unity. Fundraising Committee Report TOHR’s previous and current Boards of Directors have set income and expenditure goals for the organization. As indicated in pie ehmts of our projected fiscal year 20032004 budget, our lwgest expense items include the annual Diversity Celebralio~ our new Executive Director, and lease and other costs rec/uired to run the Community Center. Our best income sources currently include Diversity Celebration events, thrected donations that support the ED position, and general commtmity donations to the organization. (’Note: These charts represent projected income and expcndiiaures. Actual costs to date have included additional audit, ftmdraising, and moving expenses which are documented in monthly and annual budget reporis.) The Fundraising Cnmmittee is working this year especially to increase income from TOHR memberships and also to obtain grants from supportive local and national foundations. Over the past four months, TOHRhas submitted four grant applications. One of these requests (te Vefizon Foundation) has been dshied but three remain ~mder review. We are requesting $41,000 from the David Boimett Foundation to expand TOHR’s CyberCenter and also to ac quire recording technology to serve our new I]Jstory Project. We are also requesting $32,500 from the Unitarian Universalist Veatch Program at Shelter Reek and $15,000 from the Funding Exchange to help us expand our advocacy and commtmity organization efforts. These efforts include a get-out-the-vote campalg~ enhancing our wehsite and the TORCHnewsletter, and construction of a Coramtmity Resource kiosk in die new Community Center. In coming months, the Fundralsing Corarcditee wit] ideatify additional funding sources that cotdd help support TOHR operations and also beneficial new programs to serve T~sa’s GLTB eommlmity. A fimdiaising event was held at the new Community Center on March 28 at which community supporters pledged over $21,000 in operating funds for the upcoming year. We much appreciate these important con~butions that help us meet this year’s donation goals. This is a challenging yet exciting tirne for TOHR. Strong financial support is vital in order to maintain existing operations and to increase oar visibility and expand o~ community programmin~. The Ftmdmising Commiitce thanks in advance all the individuals and foundations we expect to call upon this year! EXPENSES 03-04 1~ lease, 24,000 �Letter from the Director Michael Christopher My first weeks as TOHR’s first Executive Director went by in a flash, and even in that brief time the struggle for equality has grown stronger and more vocal. Demonstrations are hitting the streets across the U.S., and misguided efforts to seize state constitutions have met with hardening resistance. What a great time to be alive! I should introduce myself. I studied music, and while in school I helped found an emergency aid organization called People’s Workshop. I had a brief career in theatre as a singer/actor/director/designer, and worked as a composer of theatrical music. I came to Tulsa and worked with Tulsa Comprehensive Cultural Plan leaders to help launch the Brady Arts District, and with a hardy band of urban pioneers we opened Tulsa Center for Contemporary Art (TuCCA). As an arts activist I staged art stunts to draw attention to the community’s cultural creatives. I still have my "Fight for Homoerotic Art" t-shirt. And then I sold out. Having learned to raise money for "the fi’inge," I decided to try doing it for mainstream causes, and worked with Life Services as its development manager. After that, now no longer a practicing artist, it was back to New York for three years to develop an arts festival, and back again to Tulsa to raise money for Tulsa Opera. Then a year to help Hospice of Green Country build its funding base, followed by two years rl]nning a software company, and two years helping build a national profile for Price Tower Arts Center. During those years I raised two daughters (I’m a proud B) before moving on to a "more unconventional" relationship (as Channel 2 described it when they interviewed me last week). Somehow it all led me here, feeling very much back home, working with the needs and the people I love. Less than two weeks after the new Center opened, the TOHR board and volunteers hosted a dinner to thank twenty-five individuals and families who have given substantial dollar gifts to TOHR. Remarkably, they dug into their pockets once again, newly pledging $21,850 toward operating costs. I didn’t have anything to do with that-board members and donors made it happen, and I was beside myself with awe. On April 17, an Open House honored our members and the many men and women who make use of the Center day by day. Our immediate cash needs secure, coming up in May is a very special event to thank the volunteers who are the heart and soul of TOHR. Unfortunately, I had to miss the Open House. I was in Dallas, learning from the Gill Foundation about a brilliant new tool in our work to establish our basic rights. A new Gay & Lesbian Fund For Tulsa has been established with assistance from the foundation to make new funds available for Tulsa charities of every stripe--as long as their non-discrimination policy includes sexual orientation. Our new allies at the Tulsa Community Foundation are helping us make it happen. Soon you’ll begin seeing the Gay & Lesbian Fund For Tulsa rising in the patron lists of this fair city’s charitable establishment. You’ll get the feeling that we’re making real progress, and you’ll be right. Now that TOHR has a full-time paid director, many new avenues open up to us. New programming possibilities. New opportunities to cooperate with other organizations. New funding resources. And, of course, we’ve got a brand new Center--bigger, more comfortable and easy to get to by both 1-44 and the BA. What a great time to be involved with TOHR! Thank you for letting me be a part of it. Michael Christopher Executive Director Page 6 �Education Needed to Advance Acceptance for Transgendered While gays and lesbians fight for greater equality, the mmsgendered seek acceptance from their GLBT peers. Millie Lucas, RN, Gender Gutreach of Oklahoma member and educator shares her story as a way... Lyingflat on my bacl~ the lights are blinding as the cart 1 am on is rolled into the operating theater One hundred and ten minutes later, I awaken to hear, "Ms Lucas, Ms Lucas. Your awrgery is over, " With a deluge ofjoy, relief and excitement, my eyes flooding with tears, l softly whisper, "7hank God] It "s all over. " As I drift back to sleep, I wonder if this action will help those around me az" much as’ it hos helpedme. Will they still call me "that thing?" Will my family and those who knew me before continue to call me by that "’boy name? " Sex reassignment surgery, or SRS, is the last hurdle m a cldminetion of often many years of the transition from one gender to the other, Millie says. "Not all choose to have their geuilals ’reitrranged’ to match their internal thelings. Some live in the opposite gender and are content to live with those genitals ~vith which they were born. It’s all a personal decision based on what makes one feel whole," she says. Millie points to society’s responsiffflity to reco~ize and accept its great dlveral~, including the transgendared coramtmity. Simple actions, like lakhlg care with pronouns, can make a tremendous difference. Addressing community members with the proper pronotms and terms of gender should be common respect and maimers," she says. "If we can learn those hortific terms that offend us alI, then don’t we yet have the intallect and capacity to learn the correct a~d dignified words to speak?" What can you do? Learn more about transgender issues. Millie recom mends www.annelawrence.com as For information about the Ioeal transgendered group, Gender Outreach of Oklahoma, contact program director, Troy Nicholas, at the TOHR center. Or visit the new hatcraet site, www.genderoufreach.org. Meet author Bridget Bufford Author Bridget Bufford will be at the Tulsa GLBT Center on Saturday, May 22rid at 7:30 pm to discuss her book MINUS ONE: A Twelve-Step Journey. Marrfage Discussion Iris own lack of personal ex~rienee with anyone who is gay or lesbian. He stated that he bel2eves continued dialogue is crucial for both sides. He supported the idea of rights for same~ender couples but maintained that Iroduction of children is the fundamental purpose of manage. He also cited Christian Coalition slipperyslope dogma that same-gender marrmge would lead to bigamy, polygamy, bestiality, and incest. Brian spoke eloquently about the legal fights derded to same-guader couples. He expressed Iris fi’astrafions with the un fawaess of paying into soial security even though his partner is not entitled to the benefits that married persons receive fi~am the system. He also reaunded us that under Oklahoma Law tmmarried same-gender par~e~s must pay te~x on the first dollar of an inheritance while married survlvo~s psy no tax on properly transfers that follow the death of their part~er. After the panel finishedits stmemerits, many m the audience asked questions and showed their suppori Kelly Kirby CPA, PG Certified Public Accountant "For Afl Your Accounting Needs" Gay men and lesbians face many specJal situations, whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve this community. 4815 South Harvard, Suite 424 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135-3066 918.747.5466 Page7 �s~ql~!~l uetunH JO; suetuoqel~fO eslnJ. uo ~00¢ oo � Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Microsoft Publisher 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] TOHR Torch, May 2004; Volume 3, Issue 3 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource May 2004 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/a60a6d91f2ab8c1807a4f247d29a9481.jpg 99fdb538f6ad8a50a50415677354ea02 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/6975f6b4aa1347ad2d35218b9cb3e1a2.pdf 58429d2554579da67177c13d6d9751a8 PDF Text Text Volume four/~ssue one tulsa oklahomans for human rights TOHR ANNOUNCES TURBO Many of you will remember the old Rainbow Business Coalition (Rainbow Biz). It fives ! Tulsa Rainbow Business Organization (TURBO) is a groundup, new effort that brings together GLBT-owned, -managed, and -friendly businesses to serve our common commercial and community goals. Along the way, TURBO will build awareness in the mainstream community about our contributions to the Tulsa economy. TURBO is being organized by TOHR as part of its mission to advocate for the rights and quality of life of northeast Oklahoma’s GLBT community. It will initially be operated as a community service program of TOHR, led by a committee consisting of business members. The group will meet monthly, initially at the GLBT Community Center (5545 East 41st St:). There are no membership fees at this time. The first organizing meeting will be held Monday, Sept 27 from noon to 1:30 pm at the Center. If you own or manage a business and would like to participate in TtuRBO, please contact Michael Christopher at 743-4297 or mchristopher@tohr.org. Find more information at www.turborainbow.com. New TOHR Board Candidates At the September 30 Annual Membership Meeting, TOHR members will elect new board members. Get to know our new recruits... Mike Redman, Attorney -- Mike Redman grew up in Oklahoma City and is a 1988 graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Law. After law school, Mike moved to Tulsa. His primary areas of practice are employment law and unfair business litigation. He has represented the Tulsa Area United Way for several years and serves on its Board of Directors as its general counsel. Kelly Carter, Student-- Kelly says that being a Black lesbian has given her the strength to overcome obstacles. Over the past two years she taught Diversity courses for a Fortune 500 company, and in the process discovered a passion for teaching. She is returning to university to comp!ete a degree while operating a small business from her home. (continued on p. 3) OUT OK FILM FESTIVAL Philip Au Gay and lesbian movies have been unjustly demonized. They are either poorly acted, technically unsound, or horror-of-all-horrors boring. OUT OK challenges that preconception. Independent films are well performed, well made, and socially relevant to a community that is generally perceived as invisible or inconsequential. We’re here! We’re queer! And we’re on fil!! Gay and lesbian movies made by gays and lesbians for gays and lesbians. Our stories. Our voice. No compromises. OUT OK celebrates being out, being visible, and being proud. Join us for OUT OK--two weekends of celluloid fun. Opening October 14-16, Oklahoma City. Closing October 2024, Tulsa. Admission: $10.00. From thought-provoking documentaries like Tying the Knot which tackles (continued on p. 3) �Page2 Fro the President Mar4 Bonney It has been a year already since I was asked to serve on the TOHR Board. A lot has transpired over this year. We moved the Center, hired our first Executive Director, raised over $20,000 in one night from major donors, surpassed $300,000 in pledges and donations to the Pyramid Project, began the development of a superior web site, sent the TWIT out weekly, published the TORCH on a regular basis, and we recruited new board members so that we will have the largest board in recent memory. More important, ho~vever, is what our volunteers accomplished. They kept the Center open over 1000 hours, made visitors feel welcome, answered thousands of phone calls and provided information to callers, managed the Pride Store, committed their time and talents to various groups who meet at the Center, planned and coordinated the Pride Parade, Diversity Celebration Festival and Gala Dinner, held the History Project Dinner, and collected important GLBT memories for future generations. Over the past year, it is you our members and non-member attendees and supporters that have helped TOHR achieve its mission in the community. We need and want your continuing involvement during this next year, our 25~ year of human rights work in Tulsa and Northeast Oklahoma. In this issue is a calendar of so many upcoming GLBT events it would be difficult to attend and support them all. Please try. Make October your LGBT month. Bring your family and friends to these events. Sign up and volunteer to help. Also noted in this issue is a list of businesses and churches that supported a recent "Pro~Marriage Rally" in Tulsa. If you know anyone at these organizations, I hope that you ask them to dialogue with members ofTOHR, PFLAG, Soulforce and other groups mad, if necessary, that they back away from supporting or patronizing these churches and businesses. Next year we have many unachieved goals to fulfill. We have already taken action to increase programming and Center use. Over the next year we plan to publish a Rainbow Directory/Pink Pages, program Pride celebration activities for TOHR’s 25~ anniversary, increase our membership by over 500 new friends, and help establish and/or revitalize new LGBT organizations such as a LGBT business association, TURBO. I am excited about the year ahead and look forward to a new board, new volunteers, and new members. TOHR does make a difference in Tulsa and GreenCountry. Be a part of the difference! for human rights pnb!~sbed by Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (-I-OHR) PO Box 2687 Tulsa, OK 74]01 918-743-4297 www.toh r.org email: community@tohr.org Office location Tulsa GLBT Community Center 5545 East 41st Street Tnlsa. OK 74135 TOHR Board of Directors Executive Board President--Mark Bonney 1st Vice President--Dr. Laura Belmonte 2nd Vice President--Lamont Lindstrom Secretary--Mike Williams Treasurer--Dwight Kealiher Assistant Treasurer--John Madigan Governing Board Director, Gender Outreach---Troy Nicholas Director, Board Development--Ken Youngblood Director, Fundraising--Dennis Neill Director, Advocacy--Laura Belmonte Director, Programs & Facilities--Ken Youngblood Directors at Lar.cle Janet Gearin Devon Rutherford Executive Director Michael Christopher TOHR’s Capital Campai~tn the Pryamid Project pyramidproject.org Chair Sue Welch Committee Members Mark Bonney, Marc Frieden, Michelle Hoffman, David Hoot, Shelly Ledford, Catheryn Mason, Marcy Smith and Tim Williams. President, TOHR , John Do Cutright, MSW, LCSW Counselor & Psychotherapist 4870 S. Lewis Avenue, Suite 190 Tulsa, OK 74105 918-284-0123 Children + Adolescents Adult + Couples TOHR is a 501(c)3 organization operated through donations and non.paid volunteers. Contributions are tax-deduclible to the fullest extent of current United States of America tax laws. The Torch, a publication of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, Inc. is published bimonthly with an estimated annual readership of 10,000, Subscription rates are paid contributing member dues of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR). The Torch is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or part except by permission obtained by contacting TOHR directly. Credit must be given to TOHR. The views of the Torch are expressed in editorials only. Views expressed in letters to the editor and other submissions are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the board of directors, contributing members or editors or leadership of TOHR. The Torch reserves the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication. The Torch and/or TOHR is not responsible for damages due to typographical errors. Advertisements designed and created for publication in the Torch remain the property of TOHR. The Torch and/or TOHR cannot be responsible for claims by advertisers. The use of the name or likeness of a person or entity in the Torch in advertising or editorial content does not imply any particular sexual orientation or political affiliation. Copyright 2004, TOHR. �Candidates (continuedfrom p, !) the current incendiary subject of gay marriage and relationship discrimination to full-frontal Antonio Sabato, Jr. in the dark comedy Testosterone. A cornucopia of diverse voices like Beautiful Boxer, the true story of a champion kick boxer whose fierceness in the ring rose with every application of lipstick and rouge. Eating Out will make you laugh with uncontrollable glee and wet with nocturual joy. Straight Jacket harkens back to the Hollywood days of yesteryear when celluloid heroes conquered women on screen and conquered studs behind--the scenes. Coming of age stories like Cowboys and Angels where self-discovery and friendship is daunting and perilous. Navigating the path of domestic relationships requires strength and a Goldfish Memory as well as a sense of humor. And more! Oklahoma deserves the best. But that begins with you. The OUT OK VIP PASS provides priority seating to all movies, free admission to the LEVEL Cocktail Party, free admission to the CABANA BOY Romp/ GAY FUEL Pump Station, free admission to The Summer Film Series-2005, Survival Kit. Oklahoma City: $50.00. Tulsa: $70.00. ALL proceeds benefit The Pyramid Project. OUT OK thanks LEVEL VODKA; SHOWTIME QUEER AS FOLK, THE L-WORD; GAY FUEL; CABANA BOY RUM; HERE! PAY-PER-VIEW; THE GAYLY OKLAHOMAN; OUT OK EVENTS. For information or to order tickets or a VIP PASS, contact pau@outok.corn or 918-682-4654, ext. 2. SEE YOU ~ THE DARK! Tulsa GLBT information Line 743=GA¥S (743-4297) Tying the Knot OUT OK will feature Jim De Seve’s timely documentmT T)’mg the Knot on Wednesday. October 20. at 6:30 pro. in the OSU-Tulsa Auditoriuna (700 N. Greenwood Ave.). The cost is $10.00 or is free for those with an OUT OK VIP Pass. Tying the Knot takes a searing look at current national debates over samegender marriage. The centerpiece of the film is the story of Stun B.. an Oklahoma rancher who loses Earl. his partner of 22 ?ears. Sam B. is plunged into a court battle with Earl’s distant relatives who dispute Sam’s rights to the ranch. A panel discussion will follow the 90 minute documental3 featuring Sam B.. his attorney Mark Hamby. and a representative from the ACLU. The discussion, which is free. will run from 8:05 to 9:15 p.m. MEMBERSHIP PO TL (_ [CKS’ ARE BACK. New-and-improved TOHR ~nomhly membership meetings will feature important speakers with hot topics as well as a 6:30 p.m. mixer--a great way to meet each other, catch up on families, and plan our responses to what is happening in the media and the co~mnunitv. Ken Youngblood and the TOHR Progrmns Committee are coordinating. Bring a potluck dish: drinks are provided. We meet at the Center (5545 E. 41st St.) the first Thursday of every month. Starting October 7, 6:30 p.m. Steve Eberle, Director of Environmental Programs, American Lung Association of Oklahoma --- For 26 years, Steve has served with Tulsa area nonprofit boards, gala committees mad planning efforts. He served as the liaison between the AIDS community and Catholic Charities’ St. Joseph’s Residence. Steve has long been a board member and on the advisory board for Tulsa Global Alliance. He co-founded the Tulsa AIDS Walk and remains on that committee, and was a founding member of the Tulsa area NAMES Project. He served as Executive Director of the Washington County SPCA and, as an educator, Eberle has taught for Tulsa Public Schools, Tulsa Community College, and Tulsa Technology Center on various curricula. Steve currently oversees environmental issues and the historic restoration of the Tulsa Fire Alarm Building for the American Lung Association of Oklahoma. Kaye Smith, Retired-- Kaye is a long-time TOHR volunteer and contributor, currently serving in the Center office on database projects. Novia Stice, Convention Management, Downtown DoubleTree Hotel -- Novia is employed with the Downtown Doubletree Hotel in Convention and Catering Event Management. His partner, Paul Caplinger, is Executive Chef at the Chalkboard Restaurant (continued on p. 6) �Page 4 From tke Executive Director Michael Christopher "Use your own bestjudgmeht at all times" - The entire Nordstrom Department Stores policy manual Trust is a difficult virtue for me. Like most people, I usually tend to believe that I could get the job done better than somebody else if only I had the time. And there’s an instinct to try to make rules so that what I can’t do myself won’t stray too far from expectations. I fight that instinct. The truth is, I couldn’t possibly get everything done that needs doing at work and at home without trusting a lot of other people whose talents exceed mine in remarkably many areas. At TOHR, it means making sure the resources are in place and then trusting many volunteers, colleagues and supporters to use their best judgment as they take command of particular efforts and do what needs to be done. It works like magic. TOHR’s new Coming Out Group continues to meet each Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at the Center (5545 E 41~ St.). ~ Counselor ~d therapist 1oN~ D. Cutright (MSN. LCSW) leads friendly, fr~ ~d suppo~ive discussion. ALL WELCOME~ ANGELS NEEDED There’s another group of people that we have to trust. While volunteers get the work done, there are some things that only money can buy, like rent, utilities, phone, postage.., a painfully long list. So, I trust that people in the community will provide that kind of help when we need it. Just like with volunteer recruitment, we’d soon be in trouble if we didn’t work hard to recruit donors. We’re a lean organization and we can’t afford to get too sophisticated, so it may look like we’ve got a permanent hand sticking out there (okay, I do, and I am glad to see you). If fundraising were the core business of the organizations you support, you’d expect them to do a brilliant job of it and never make the mistake of asking you twice or three times when you’ve already given. But fimdraising isn’t the primary business of any charity I’d ever support, and I suspect you could say the same. I get a kick out ofjust giving something when they ask, and then turning them loose to focus on their real work. TOHR needs a printing company to donate between $5.000 and $10.000 worth of printing over the next year. including small items mad the 2b05 Pride Guide for next June. There will be plenty of lead time. no rush jobs. TOHR accomplishes its mission through com~nunications, and printed materials take our message of equal rights into important places. So, now we’re asking. I know it’s an election year and there are plenty of good places to put your money to work, but one of these days, when the homophobes start getting fired instead of us, you’ll be amazed at the return we’re getting on your money. You’d also be amazed at what it costs to run a Community Center, sponsor gatherings, put on the annual Diversity Celebration, and run an advocacy program. About half of our annual budget just covers the basics of keeping the Center running year round, serving thousands of visitors and callers on the GLBT Info\ Line. The rest is spent on Diversity Celebration and programs, including GLINT rights advocacy. When sixty conservative Tulsa faith communities camouflage a hate rally as "pro-marriage," TOHR is there the same day with the truth on the television news programs and the following morning in the newspaper. When someone is venturing out of the closet for the first time and doesn’t know how to meet anyone or how to feel safe exploring their sexuality, we get the call. When someone wants to know in indelicate detail how to minimize infection danger from oral sex because he’s going home to a wife every night, we get those calls, too. There’s so much that can be done--and is being done--when you have an organization like TOHR working in the community. It happens in ways you sometimes can’t see--in elected officials’ offices, at chamber of commerce meetings, (continued on p. 7) TOHR also badly needs extra funfishing for the room at the back of the Center where support groups meet. We would much appreciate the gift of: A sofa/loveseat combo, or sofa aM chair, contemporau in soft blues or greens: An area rug. about 6’ x 9" in soft blues or greens: End tables (2). contempora~: table lamps (2). contempora~-. Please contact Michael Christopher at mchristopher@tohr.org or 743-4297 if you can help. These tax deductible do,rations will be given full cash value in all donor recognition. �EVENTS CALENDAR September 27 - Tulsa Rainbow Business Organization (TURBO). 12 noon at (he Center. For GLBT-mvned. -managed and friendly Tulsa busmesspeople. RSVP Michael Clms(opher. mcln’is(opher<(t:tohr.org, by September 25. September 28 - TOHR & PFLAG sponsor a C,’mdidates Forum. Candidates for US Hotlse of Representatives Doug Dodd (D) mid John Sullivan (R) lmve been reviled for tiffs fonun, along with many candidates for state legislative seats, to be held at tile Center at 7:00pro. September 30 - TOHR Annual Membership Meeting 6pro at the Center. All current TOHR members ae invited to attend tl~e meeting and elect tile incoming Board of Directors. For a slate of candidates, to ulxla(e your memberslfip, or (o RVSP for (lie meeting, contact Michael Christopher. mchristol)hera,tohr,o~g. 7434297. October 2 - ()~te,s’tio~s o~ ~\ larriage, a conference on marriage equality sponsored ill parl by TOHR. at (he DoubleTree Hotel Downtown. II’s an all-day conference fealuring speakers of national prominence, and admission is oulv $10. See page 9 for delails, October 7 -.VEIl7 (no( really so new. bnt rediscovered and with a new format) TOHR Monthly Membership Potluck. Held on file first Thursday of every month, these meetings won’t waste your time. but dig right into juicy content, featuring hot speakers and topics. Bring along a favorite dish you’d like to share. October 8 - 2004 Tulsa GLBT l--Iistoo Project Lecture. Speaker: Professor MV Lee Badgett. Topic: Looking Into tl~e European Custal Ball: What Can file US Learn About Same-Gender nmrriage? Lecture at 7:00pro. All Souls Unitarian Church. $251520 TOHR Members. available at file Center, See stou on page 10. October 8 - National Boycott for Equality. Don’t spend money or use cell phones for one day to prove the impact of (he GLBT connnunig" on the econmnv. For hffornmfion, search Google for "’equality boycott." (But DO come to (he histoo project lecture!) October 1t) - National Coming Out Day Potlnck Picltic. sponsored by PFLAG and TOHR at Whiteside Park. oil 41 st between Harvard and Yale. 4:00pro to 8:00pro. Bm~g a dish to share. October 11 -PFLAG Back To School Picnic for Gay Straight Alliance members, families, school (eachers and counselors. Call PFLAG Tulsa for details. 749-4901. October 14 - Mamage Panel: The Legal Aspects of Pending Legislation. Designed to extend file work of the October 2 nmrriage cmfference and sponsored iu part by TOHR. this panel will feature experts on the law. What lmppens when Oklahoma nmkes it constitutionally forbidden to recognize a marriage from another stale’? Keep an eve on the eNEWS for details. October 14 through 24 - Out OK Film Festival. Opens October 14 through 16 in Oklahonm Cig. then m Tulsa October 20 tl~ough 24. Out OK benefits TOHR’s Pyranffd Project. and is one GREAT bargain m cinema, hlcludes the Oclober 20 6:30pro screemng of T3’ing the L)u~t. OSU-Tnlsa Auditorium. featuring a panel discussion with the man who is tile snbject of this very human documentary about legalized discrin~lation. October 20 - "I.’ving the Knot. fihn and panel discussion. 6:30pro. OSU-Tulsa Auditorium. The story of Sam. who lost his propem. as a resnlt of lffs parmer’s death. A case study in why mamage equality is crucial in the protection of our basic human rights. Admission $10. Benefits the Pymnfid Project. October 28 - Marriage Panel: Religion and Same-Gender Mamage. Designed to extend tile work of the October 2 marriage cmfference and sponsored m part by TOHR. tiffs panel will featnre experts on the religious aspects of the same-gender mamage debate. Keep an eye on the eNEWS for details. November 2 - Election day... VOTE! For GLBT-friendlmess ratings of candidates, pick up a copy of the Oklahonm Gay & Lesbian Political Caucus ~fide at the Center. November 4 - TOHR Montlfly Membership Poflnck Held the first Tlmrsda.v of ever3. monfll. Bmlg along a favorite dish you’d like to sMre. LAST CHANCE: The S~gnature Project If you haven’t gotten 3our signature sent in vet to be included in the "’Defend Marriage" ad to be published in the Tulsa World. thne is rumfing out. Email mchristopher@tohr.org for the PDF sgnamre release form to fill ont and mail in by October 5. Sponsored by PFLAG Tulsa and TOHR. Nafiona! Coming Out Day Potluck Pknk Sunday, October 1 O, 4 to 8pro at Whiteside Park, 4009 S. Pittsburg Ave. Come Ou~ and show your colors and bring a d~sh lto share! Sponsored by TOHR and PFLAG Tulsa �Page 6 Candidates (continuedj~om p. 3) They both share an educationbackground of having attended OSU’s School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration. Novia has worked with numerous nonprofit organizations’ fundraising efforts over the years. He currently also serves on the Board of Directors for the Palmer Drug Abuse Program and the Regional Aids Interfaith Network (RAIN) as well as the Golf Tournament Committee for the Tulsa chapter of the American Cancer Society. Andrew Carter Mental Health Case Manager, Family and Children Services -- Andrew received his bachelor’s degree from Langston University, Tulsa. He spent over four years as a habilitation training specialist working with persons with developmental disabilities. After graduating from college, he dedicated two years to national service with the National AIDS Fund AmeriCorps Team Tulsa. Andrew served both years at the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network (RAIN) and during his second year was also the team coordinator. He works part-time as a MSM Outreach Specialist for H.O.P.E. Testing Clinic. Andrew is a graduate of Leadership Tulsa Class 30. Libby Bender, Creative Director, Littlefield, lnc. -- Libby is Creative Director for one of the region’s leading advertising and public relations agencies. She has been active with numerous nonprofit organizations, and currently serves on the Tulsa Marriage Conference Steering Committee. In October she will join TOHR’s board as Director of Communications and will be responsible for advancing the organization’s publie profile, boosting utilization of the Center, and increasing conference and event attendance. Richard Hurfig, Supervisor of Computer Support, City of Tulsa Parks & Recreation -- Richard works for the City of Tulsa as the computer support supervisor for the Park & Recreation Department, managing 175 computers, five servers, and 200+ users. Rich Brew. Tulsa Women’s Tea Dance ,Sue Welch On Sunday August 29~. 200 women White of Chocolate Foumains of Tulsa gathered for a festive time at the Green- (x~avw.chocolatefoumainsoftulsa.com) wood Cultural Center. The 4a~ Tulsa Donated auction items included: VinWonaen’s Tea Dance. once again. tage pin-up calendars from the estate of proved to be a good fundraiser for longtime Tulsa residents and 45 year TOHR’s Pyrmnid Project. The Pvrmnid partners. Ollie Belle Stines and Mamie Project is TOHR’s capital campaign to Watson: signed & frmned m~ by Tulsa provide a permanem visible presence artist Allie Jensen: $100 of electrolysis for Tulsa’s GLBT Community Cemer. treatments from Sue Welch. R. E.: Art So far. over $300.000 has been raised Deco sculpture: velvet fireplace stocktoward the million dollar goal. This ings: hand-blown glass dish by acyear. the Women’s Tea Dance raised claimed Tulsa glass artisan. Sarah $4.100 for the capital campaign. Since Diggdon: spa basket from this event is privately sponsored, all of x~ax.av.baronabaskets.com, and a $400 the money raised, goes directly to the photography session from Lov’s Phocapital campaign. Thank you to the tography. following sponsors for their generosity: Jane Barnes: Laura Belmonte: Carol I. The list of exhibitors included: All Crax~ford: Barb Daib: Lana Hartig & Souls Unitarian Church. Doug Dodd Dana Hervey: Stacv D. Johi~son Insur- cmnpaign, The Gathering Place. Herance Agency: Nancy McDonald: Caro- land Sisters. Kessie Noel. Kiwanee lyn Nichols: Kaxe Smith: Marcy Smith Center. Life Resources. Lov’s Photog& Sue Welch: Gay Fuel: Cabana Boy raph3. MCC Church. Merry Makes Rum. Art!. Moodswing. Out OK film Festival. The Pvrmnid Project. Rainbow Attendees were entertained by the all Families. Sisters in Spirit Motorcycle girl band Moodswing mid a dru~mning Club. TOHR’s Pride Store. Tulsa Opgroup facilitated by the Kiwanee Cenera. Tulsa PFLAG. mid the Women of ter. The Girls Next Door calendars were Council Oak. sold and models were on hand to autograph calendars. Door prizes included We wish to thank volunteers who made eve exams by Dr. Judy Kastl. moviethe event possible! Phillip Au with Gay love?’s gift basket from Phillip Au mid Fuel & Cabana Boy Rum. Tmnmie the Out OK Film Festival. and a spa Blancett. Mark Bonney. Regina Cole. gift basket by Heather Harp Howland Barb Daily. Penny Davis & Laura Design. The winner of the luxurious Mumford. Cathy Elliot. Sarah Fitzgertrip for taro to Palm Springs was Lori ald. Carrie Flehartv & Trish Spurgin. Pax~ae of Shawnee. Food was provided Lorene Gravitt & Wanda Young. by-Tim Willimns of TW’s Catering Heather Harp Howland & Carolyn (xxax.av.twsafabcatering.com) and Russ Nichols. Lana Hartig & Dana Hervev. Michelle Hoffman. Stacv Johnson. Shelly Ledford. Mary Lincoln. Kim He earned a bachelors degree in computer science and an MBA from OSU-Tulsa. Other new board member candidates include Anita Randza and Shelly Ledford. Returning to the board for the 2005 fiscal year are Laura Belmonte, Mark Bonney, Janet Geafin, Dwight Kealiher, Lamont Lindstrom, John Madigan, Dennis Neill, Troy Nicholas, Devon Rutherford, Mike Williams, and Ken Youngblood. McAnally-. Carol Redford. JoAma Ritchey. Devon Rutherford. Marcy Smith & Sue Welch. Stacv Takacs. Kathy Williams. Tim Williams & Jonathon Brown. Robbie Wright. and the Eklesia Church. Thanks to all for a fun time that helped us move a step closer to a permanent home for the Community Center, the programs it provides & people it serves. now and for generations to come! �BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP IN TULSA OKLAHOMANS FOR HUMAN P~IGHTS include many nice privileges, but the one that really means something important is that you will be participating in a very meaningful way in the rights of every gay man, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered person in Tulsa to live with full citizenship and to pursue a life with equality. The levels listed below are just guidelines---an~-thing you want to contribute will be deeply appreciated. You can give the full amount today, or instruct us to bill your credit card monthly for a certain amount and for a specific number of months. If you like, you can even make your gift online at www.tohr.org.., just click the DONATE button. Membership is for one full year from the date you join. Name(s) as it (they) should appear on mail addressed to you: Mailing Address Telephone IMPORTANT: Email Address (we) w~n~ to join TOHP,.~ Q Individual $30 © Family/Household $100 (~) Patron $ I O0 " © Business/Organization $ 100 ~) Donor’s Circle $300+ $ Check enclosed, payable to TOHR My company offers a matching gift program. The proper forms are enclosed or will follow. Please bill my (our) credit card: © Visa © MasterCard ©American Express Card # I am interested in: Volunteering at the Center Volunteering for Diversity Celebration The Rights Advocacy Team Expiration Date Signature 200,000 people in northeastern Oklahoma deserve equality regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights works for legal equality and social acceptance--not just tolerance--for the gay, lesbian bisexual, transgender and allied community of northeast Oklahoma through advocacy, education, leadership and unity. 4,000 callers are served each year through the Tulsa GLBT Info Line (743-GAYS). I 0,000 visitors are served through the Tulsa GLBT Community Center and annual Diversity Celebration. Hundreds attend conferences, lectures and other educational opportunities designed to build positive perceptions of the GLBT community--both in the community and among ourselves. TOHlt~ ~s worsting ~or you. �................................ Please tape your check inside and Fold Here. - ................................ Tape closed before mailing. Please tape your check inside and Fold Here. - ................................ Tape closed before mailing. From: Place Postage Here Membership Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights PO Box 2687 Tulsa, OK 74101 �Interview with a Board Member. Larnont Lindstrom Lamont Lindstrom is TOHR’s Second Vice President. He is a profes ......... sot of anthropology at the University of Tulsa. TORCH: Where didyou grow up? W’nere is hdme for you? LL: I was born in Oakland, CA and grew up in Martinez Milch, at the time, was a small town of 10,000 on the fringes of the San Francisco Bay Area. TORCH: What brought you to Tulsa? LL:I finished up my anthropological degree at the University of California, Berkeley in 1981 and had taught one year at what was then Southwestern at Memphis (now Rhodes College). In 1982, I was looking for my next job in academia and had two offers: to go to Wellington, New Zealand or to come here to Tulsa. I chose Tulsa (and that’s a long story). TORCH: And what do you think of Oklahoma? LL:It’s been.., interesting. Actually, my anthropological side finds Oklahoma fascinating. As Indian Territory, the state was for years an internal colony of the U.S. which then came into unexpected wealth. The place is full of all sorts of interesting cultural twists and turns. Tulsa has been an interesting place from which to watch and, to some extent, take part in the last 25 years of GLBT struggles and progress. I jokingly call myself a backwards Okie who went the wrong way along Route 66. My sisters and brother and their families are still out in California, and my three daughters (born Oklahomans) now spend summers with me and live the rest of the year in Hawaii. The oldest, though, has just started college in New York and I’m hoping that the next one comes to the University of Tulsa next year. TORCH: And what about experiences at TU? LL: TU is a first-rate university with an excellent anthropology faculty, which is one of the reasons that have kept me in Tulsa. It does need, however, to incorporate sexual orientation and Lamont, Elsa, Carla, & Nora gender identity in its statement on nondiscrimination--we’re working on this. I’ve been faculty advisor of the student GLBTA (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered association--that’s a mouthful of letters) since 1997. This is a small but active group of students that adds a lot to college life. This year several new "family" faculty members have come on board and I’m hoping GLBT programs and visibility will get even better. TORCH: What does an anthropologist make of GLBT issues? LL: The cross-cultural perspective is especially important as we all too often mistake our own norms to be human universals. I once wrote a newspaper column on gay culture and was able to draw on anthropological data, for example, to explore all sorts of marriage customs--including samegender marriages--that exist in many different cultures. Today’s "’normal" marriage, in fact, is a historically recent practice--and certainly not one devised by God. Abraham and those ancient Hebrews were polygynists. TORCH: And your work with TOHR? LL: Second VP is a wonderful position since it comes with no official duties! I’ve tried to make myself useful helping out on the Fundraising Committee and I’ve also edited recent issue,s of the TORCH (which is why I’m here in this column until I can chase down more interesting Board Members for you all to meet!). From the EoDo (co,,,,,,,e4ti.o,, p. 4; m correspondence with govermnent officials, and in quiet calls we make on e~nployers who fail to protect employees, a doctor who mistreats a transgendered patient, a church employ,ee who wants someone present when they come out to a pastor, a pastor who is weighing how to come out to a church board, a govermnentfi~nded agency that needs help changing a co~mnunitv’s intolerance ~yithout getting itself de-funded and everybody fired. The work and the nnpact of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human RiNats radiate far beyond its front door. TOHR’s been around for 24 years mad it’s an old battleaxe now. still swinging confidently, landing blow after blow. And we’re sharpening it up with an expanded board of directors to b~ing in more voices mad more diversity of opimon. When our new year begins on October 1~ there will be 21 people wielding the ax-almost tavice as many board members as there are when I’m writing tiffs. Beyond the board, we’re reaching out with a new Advisor, Counsel and expanding the work and membership of the Advocacy, Committee. TOHR is a growing group of people working on more and more levels in the community. Ever,, voice is needed and welcome. There’s just so much going on right now in the courts, legislatures, the media, and in our people’s lives that there’s never been a more important time to become a member, or renew 3’our support or volunteer for Tulsa Oklalmmans for Human Rights. Executive Director, TOHR GET TWIT. The weekly GLBT community list of events and activities emailed to you every week. Contact TOHR today at community@tohr.org to sign up �Page 8 Human Rights Update Mark Bonney T his year we will likely see a vote in Oklahoma designed to perpetuate discrimination against our community for years to come. I believe there are three reasons for why Oklahomans will vote on State Question 711 this November. First, the U.S. Supreme Court told Oklahomans that they can no longer arrest us in our homes for being in adult consensual relationships--for being Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgendered. Some Oklahomans simply want to vote for discrimination as a way of"fighting back" at the Court for freeing us of the brand "criminal"--a brand that allowed discrimination against us because "criminals do not deserve human rights." Unfomanately, Oklahoma has an embarrassing history of discrimination and lagging behind the rest of the country in supporting diversity and recognizing the economic and social benefits of a more progressive approach to human rights. Some of our faith communities have illadvisedly stepped into the political arena and have been involved in supporting and perpetuating discrimination, as when their pastors argued that ’~the Bible says that slavery is okay" or when they once set up church schools to avoid integration. Many of these same groups are leading the fight against same-gender marriage, tragically repeating their mistakes of the past. Second, Republican strategists believe that placing the issue on the November ballot will help Republican candidates win election to the State House and the U.S. Senate where races are close. Combining this issue with rallies around the state designed to increase voter turnout from fundamentalist congregations may well work. Third, rules of the Oklahoma House and Senate were ignored in bringing this issue to a vote of the people. Joint resolutions are different from bills. Resolutions do not require the Governor’s signature but bills do. In the last session, a bill was amended to place the issue on the ballot because the time for full consideration of a resolution had expired. The Democratic leadership could have stopped the measure based upon procedural improprieties but they did not. It is rumored that the Democrat leadership had negotiated with the Republican leadership and reached an agreement that this issue would not be brought up for a vote. If this is true, then Republican leadership--and in particular Senate Minority Leader James Williamson--broke this agreement. Regardless of the outcome of the vote we must stand up and stand out. In my years of political involvement I have never met anyone fired for "coming out." I have, however, dealt with friends, relatives and employers of those struggling with coming out who want equality and fairness for the LGBT community. We are increasingly faced with the reality that we cannot sit quietly or not take sides in this battle. Some churches and religious extremists in Tulsa have declared war on the GLBT community by holding a so-called "Pro-Marriage Rally." I was there. My partner and I sat through the whole event. It is unfortunate that some of our political officials continue to support the divisive and anti-human rights message of these extremists. At the rally, Mayor LaFortune called us unAmerican and Senator Willia_mson avowed that he loved the homosexual but hated the "sin" yet he was rnd~e and would not shake the hand of Professor Laura Belmonte when previously he had appeared with her on a " talk show. The recurring theme was that "God’s Law," as they interpret it, trumps the Constitution and that such law should govern all Americans’ lives whether Christian, Jewish, Muslim, or non-believer. Speakers maintained that "there is no separation of church and state in the Constitution." And a final presenter advocated the glory of traditional gender roles where women have no leadership role in the home. We must be willing to resist this coopting of our political process by those with an extremist agenda that is so antihuman rights. It is ironic and tragic that one who professes marriage so strongly, State Senator WSl=liamson, is himself twice divorced and makes a living as a divorce attorney. Likewise, a business sponsor of the rally married his son’s ex-wife. I believe we can legitimately question the credibility of such individuals. Can they really lecture us that we are unfit to be married or that we would destroy the institution of marriage? I hope that you will join me in taking action. The City Council should reject Mayor LaFormne’s comment that one has to believe as he does to be a good Tulsan, a good Oklahoman, or a good American. Instead, for the sake of the future of Tulsa, let’s support diversity and publicly recognize the significant contributions that the GLBT community makes to the betterment the city. I ask you to consider whether you should patronize the businesses and churches that sponsored the rally. Advocating with our pocketbooks can be a very powerful tool. By working together and redoubling our educational efforts, we can help improve Tulsa for us all. (See the list ofsponsors of the anti-gay "pro-marriage" rally on page 9.) Genesis Ministries 2419 S. 83rd E. Avenue, Tulsa, OK Meets Sunday 11 a.m. for service Wednesday 7p.m. for Bible Study, Singing and Prayer �This Fall, Oklahomans will decide whether or not to change our state constitution to deny the benefits of marriage to any unmarried couple. State Question 711 defines marriage as only between one man and one woman and prohibits legally recognizing any same-gender marriage that takes place anywhere else. Before we vote, it is important to consider how this change will impact each and every one of us, gay and straight. It is a complex issue of rights, religion, and equality. The conference welcomes the "moveable middle"--those people who want to learn more about the issue before casting their votes. On Saturday, October 2, we are going to talk about the implications of this controversial state question in the context of rights, religion and equality. A respected group of religious and community leaders, attorneys, and legislators will lead day-long discussion of this sensitive issue at Tulsa’s Downtown Doubletree Hotel. The conference is sponsored by Community of Hope United Church of Christ, PFLAG Tulsa, Fellowship Congregational Church, Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, Tulsa Interfaith Alliance, Oklahoma Freedom and Equality Coalition, United Ministries at University of Tulsa, BGLTA (Bi, Gay, Lesian, Transgendered Alliance) at the University of Tulsa, Phillips Theological Seminary, Parish Church of St. Jerome, and Soulforce of Oklahoma. Every Oklahoman should be educated on what State Question 711 really means to us as individuals and as a state. Join us on October 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for an enlightening experience. Registration is $10. Send email to mchristopher@tohr.org for registration materials. Please encourage your family, friends, and co-workers to attend--there may be no more effective action you can take in the struggle to preserve our constitutional freedoms this year! Kelly Kirby, CPA, PC Certified Public Accountant "For AII Your Accounting Needs" Gay men and lesbians face many special situations, whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve this community. 4815 South Harvard, Suite 424 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135-3066 918.747.5466 These organizations sponsored the August 2,t anti-gay "pro-marriage" rally at Union High School: Abbot Industries C-It-All Leak Detectors & Plumbing Clear-Tone Hearing & Laboratories Community Spirit Magazine Evans Electric Jim and Ronda Norton PACE Printing ~ain Care Assoc. of Oklahoma Air Comfort Builders Steel Association of Christian Therapists Bair Foundation Christian Home Educatots Fellowship Purne!l Financial Services Churches: Tulsa Together/Christian Ministers Alliance Warner Audio Florist on the Square Victory Christian Center Asbury United Methodist Cedar Ridge Christian Central Nazarene Christ Presbyterian Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Crossroads Christian Center Eastland Assembly of God First Christian - Owasso First Nazarene - Sand Springs Glad Tidings Assembly of God Grace Fellowship Hawest Church Immanuel Lutheran Liberty Church Open Bible Fellowship Park Plaza Church of Christ Praise Center Redeemer Covenant St. Timothy The Church at Battlecreek Vera Full Gospel Fellowship First Baptist - BA, Claremore Berean Baptist Bethany Missionary Bapfist Calvary Baptist - Broken Arrow Central Baptist Easton Heights Baptist Eastwood Baptist Glenwe~l Baptist Lynn Lane Baptist Mr. Rose Baptist Parkview Baptist GARRETT LAW OFFICE, P.C. Garrett Law Office, P.C. ~ is an association of lawyers with one colnmon goal: to serve the public interest by representing injured persons or persons with property damage who are susceptible to possible unfair treatment by insurance companies. Our practice areas are: INSURANCE DISPUTES PERSONAL INJURY WRONGFUL DEATH JOB-RELATED INJURIES SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY PRODUCT LIABILITY SECURITIES FRAUD BANKRUPTCY Call our office for a free consultation before you commit to signing a release which could compromise the value of your claim and your legal rights. 1-888-GARRETT In Tulsa: 622-9292 Rementber - The a~Ottster works,Ibr rite illSllrallC~ COIlll)HI1)’-- WE WORK FOR YOU! ssss sss s 8s s s ss ss ssss ss s §s s §ss§§§§ssss§§ss§s ssss§§sss§s§ss§s§s§.§ §.. .... �Page 10 Professor Lee Badgett To Present TOHR’s 2004 History Project Lecture October 8 Looking into the European Crystal Ball: What Can the U.S. Learn about Same-Gender Marriage? Professor Lee Badgett will draw on her recent research in Europe on same-gender marriage to make predictions about what will happen in the U.S. She will talk about why some European countries recognize partnerships or mamage rights while others do not, and she will address one of the main issues of the same-gender marriage debate: What happens to heterosexual marriage when samegender couples marry? Lee Badger is Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She is the author ofMoney, Myths and Change: The Economic Lives ofLesbians and ~ Gay Men, and is Research Director and cofounder of the Institute i and Lesbian Strategic Studies. Professor Badgett has appeared on television in the U.S. and the U.K. and on many radio programs including NPR’s Talk of the Nation. The event is sponsored by TOHR, PFLAG Tulsa, the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Tulsa, OSU Dept. of Women’s Studies and OSU Dept. of American Studies. The dinner and lecture are on October 8 at All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S. Peoria at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 for TOHR members and $25 for the general public and are available at the GLBT Community Center, 5545 E. 41st St., or by calling or emailing credit card information to mchristopher@tohr.org, 918-743-4297. Find more information at www.tulsagayhistory.com. T ULSA OKLAHOMANS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS RO. Box 2687 TULSA, OKLAHOMA 74101 Do we have your email address ? If not, then you’re missing our free eNEWS service that sends links to important stories of interest to the GLBT community every week or two. Send email to mchristopher@tohr.org with the words ENEWS SUBSCRIBE in the subject line. Printed on recycled chlorine flee paper e e e e e Reach thousands of NE Oklahoma’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, questioning, and allied READERS Advertise in tl~e TORCH:" For rate card and specs, email mchristopher@tohr.org or phone 918-743-4297. The Torch offers a discoum to nonprofit organizations that have a non-discrimination policy that includes sexual orientation and gender identity. � 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] TOHR Torch, October 2004; Volume 4, Issue 1 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2004 October Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/085342b7c8d4f9849f434573d83bdc4c.jpg 609731fd3b7354fe173da800c56ae096 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/b0d51370251f06c8d91194fcdfdbeee2.pdf b392b70032c9687b9c90df5d5b653225 PDF Text Text spring 2004 quarterly news / volume three / issue one tho tulsa oMahomans for human Hghts Director to Come Onboard by Spring This month, TOHR is running ads in the Tulsa Worm and The Gaily Oklahoma as well as in several national venues. We are seeking our first Executive Director. Thanks to community giving that will support the first year’s salary and benefits, we are excited to hire a fulltime professional. Our new Executive Director will guide our programming and help improve our outreach and service to the GLBT community. TOHR, with a fulltime director, will join the ranks of a handful of GLBT organizations with professional staff. Our classified ad asks that the suc- Tallking about Same-Gender For many of us, the holidays remind us of the importance of family. Federal and state legislative action this year could potentially impact the families we choose to build. Therefore, it’s important to fully understand same-gender marriage and civil unions from a legal perspective: This article refers to "Same-Gender Marriage" and not "Same-Sex Marriage" or "Gay Marriage,~ Gender and sex are not the same. When speaking of marriage, use the terms "mixedgender marriage" and "same-gender (Continued on page 3, see Same Gender Marriage) cessful candidate have a minimum of two years’ experience in development and grants management, organizational and volunteer management, and program development. Qualified candidates should also have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Relocation to Tulsa is essential. The ad directs applicants to our website (www.TOHR.org) where a more complete job description is available. This explains that the new Executive Director will have overall responsibility for financial, programmatic and operational management of our largely volunteer organization. The Executive Director will also be a strong and visionary leader with a proven track record in management, financial management, program development and fund raising, and will help guide Board decisions. The application deadline is February 28. Soon afterwards, the Search Committee will interview top candidates and plans to make a recommendation to the Board in March. After the new Executive Director has joined us, the community as a whole will be invited to ~velcome and meet our new Director at several upcoming events. New location opens on March 2nd The Tulsa GLBT Community Center will move to 5545 East 41~t Street at the end of February. The Center reopens in the Highland Plaza shopping center at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, 2 March. The new space is centrally located in Tulsa, just east of Promenade Mall on E. 41st Street. Our volunteers are already packing up the old Center, which has operated for several years at 21 st St. and Memorial Ave. The new Center includes a large meeting space, basic kitchen facilities, accessible restrooms, and a number of smaller offices. The Pride Store will occupy one of these and -other Tulsa:area GLBT organizations and allies may eventually move into the others. TOHR has signed a two-year lease on the new Center. We also look forward to the successful completion of the Pyramid Project Capital Campaign. This will spur the Center’s final move--our relocation into our own permanently endowed space by March 2006. In the meanwhile, stop by and tour our new space. �TOHR members and friends, for human rights This is my first letter to be included in what I hope will be a monthly newsletter to our members. There have been many wonderful things happening to TOHR and to our community. Much progress has been made in educating the public on rights and benefits that many take for granted but are systematically denied to the GLBT community. This year will prove to be momentous for education in Oklahoma. We have already seen a push to amend both the U.S. Constitution and the Oklahoma Constitution in ways that "legalize" discrimination. In addition to operating the Community Center, TOHR serves to educate. TOHR will be involved in all local and state efforts to further awareness of GLBT issues. I encourage you to look for our educational statements on issues related to Same Gender Civil Unions and Civil Marriage. It is also important for us to educate ourselves and to speak with a unified voice. You’ll find an article in this newsletter that explains the appropriate terms and communication techniques to use as you discuss these important issues with others outside of the GLBT community. I want to thank all of the volunteers who give so much of their time to TOHR. I am excited about this year and our wonderful Board of Directors. Attendance at Board meetings has been extraordinary. The search for an Executive Director is ongoing and we are ready to move into our next temporary location for the Community Center, in anticipation of a permanent location, we hope in 2006, through the hard work of Pyramid Project. In January you should have received a membership application form. Please fill out the form and send your membership check to TOHR. With you we can achieve our visioN. For the Board, Mark Bonney, TOHR President published by Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) PO Box 2687 Tulsa, OK 74101 918-743-4297 (phone) / 918-384-0108 (fax) www.tohr.org email: community@tohr.org Office location (as of March 2, 2004) Tulsa GLBT Center 5545 East 41st Street Tulsa, OK 74135 TOHR Board of Directors Executive Board President--Mark Bonney 1st Vice President--Dr. Laura Belmonte 2nd Vice President--Lamont Lindstrom Secretary--Mike Williams Treasurer--Patrick Hobbs Assistant Treasurer--John Madigan President Emeritus--Brent Ortolani Governinq Board Director, Gender Outreach--Troy Nicholas Director, Public Relations & Events--Tim Scott Director; Board Development--Ellen Averill Director, Fundraising’Dennis Neill Director, Advocacy--Brent Ortolan Director, Programs & Facilities--Ken Youngblood Directors at Large Dwight Kealiher Janet Gearin Devon Rutherford TOHR’s Capita Campai,qn the Pyramid Project pyramidproject.org Co-Chairs Sue Welch & Brent Ortolani Committee M,embers ........ Theresa Barnard, Mark Bonney, Marc Frieden, Greg Gatewood, David Hoot, Brent Ortolani,, Marcy Smith and Tim Williams. TOHR is a 501(c)3 organization operated completely through donations and non-paid vohmteers. Contributions are taxdeductible to the tidiest extent of current United States of America tax lau’s. OPEN Tues-Fri 6:00-9:00 PM Saturday 3:00-9:00 PM 5545, E. 41st St. Inside the Tulsa GLBT Community Center (as of March 2) Page 2 The Torch, a publication of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, Inc. is published quarterly (Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer) with an estimated annual readership of 10,000. Subscription rates are paid contributing member dues of Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR). Advertising rates are: business card: $25/issue; 1/4 page: $50/ issue; 1/2 page: $75/issue and full page; $t00iissue. A 25% discounted is available with a paid annual advertising plan. The Torch is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or part except by permission obtained by contacting TOHR directly. Credit must be given to TOHR. The views Of the Torch are expressed in editorial only. Views expressed in lettersm the editor and other submissions are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the board of directors, contributing m~mbers or editors or leadership of TOHR. The Torch reserves the right to edit or reject any material submitted for publication. The Torch and/or TOHR is not responsible for damages due to typographical errors. Advertisements designed and created for publication in the Torch remain the property of TOHR. The Torch and/or TOHR cannot be responsible for claims by advertisers. The use of the name or likeness of a person or entity in the Torch in advertising or editorial content does not imply any particular sexual orientation or political affiliation. Copyright 2004, TOHR. �~a oklahomans for human rights Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) works to secure equality and social acceptance for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered (GLBT) and allied community of Northeast Oklahoma through advocacy, education, leadership, and unity. Same-Gender P~rriage (Contimtedfrom page 1) marriage." Why? Oklahoma defines marriage as "a personal relation arising out of a civil contract." As of Jan. 1, t997, Oklahoma prohibits marriages between persons of the same gender. In order to obtain a marriage license in Oklahoma, an application must be completed and delivered to the Court Clerk. The Court Clerk is a government official in each County whose salary is paid for by tax revenue. All marriages in Oklahoma must be "solemnized," meaning a person of authority a judge, retired judge or religious or ecclesiastical official signs the marriage license after confirming the two individuals’ public intent to enter into a marriage contract. Religious services or ceremonies are optional. Many people think of marriage as a religious ceremony. This is understandable the bulk of the wedding budget is spent planning and conducting the religious ceremony. Getting a blood test, appearing at the Court Clerk’s Office to complete the government application and paying the government license fee seem like a formality. Yet all mixed-gender couples in Oklahoma can receive the hundreds of legal and social benefits and obligations of marriage without a religious ceremony. In fact, about one in five Oklahomans skip the religious cere- The weekly GLBT Community list events and activities ernailed to you every w~ Email TO~ today at mony. Among the rights and responsibilities of marriage are: inheritance, medical care, health insurance, survivor benefits, tax-free transfers of property, alimony, child-support, payment of health related costs of the partner. Many Oklahomans still do not understand that two persons who have shared their life experience as partners for 40 years may be denied visitation in the final days of their partner’s illness. Oklahomans do not understand that sometimes we are not permitted to even go to the funerals for our deceased partners and are immediately "kicked out" onto the street, sometimes having to resort to public assistance. Same-gender couples in Oklahoma pay taxes, live in committed relationships, and deserve the same government benefits and burdens as every other citizen. Allowing same-gender couples to complete the application, pay the fee and receive the license would not permit that couple to force any individual or church to accept their union. Such a couple could not require any religious leader to perform any ceremony. The-more people think about the rights that GLBT persons do not have as a result of being denied a government license purely on the basis of gender, the more those persons will see the injustice of the current system and the more Oklahomans will be willing to allow same-gender families to have equal rights and responsibilities. TOHR has joined the Oklahoma Freedom and Equality Coalition in support of marriage rights, and Mark Bonney serves as its Media Committee co-chair. Each of us must do our part to educate and explain the issues to our family, friends and neighbors. If you would like additional copies of this newsletter or of this article, please contact TOHR or feel free to make copies. Melissa Guillet Reports On Friday, January 30th, members of the transgender community met at All Souls Unitarian Church along with several members of the church’s congregation for food, drink, singing, and fellowship. The Evening Social v~as the first of many events that weekend that were part of Tulsa’s first annual Loving Our Varied Existences Gender Conference. The LOVE Gender Conference began as an effort to help educate those of the church about transgender issues, but with the help of Troy Nicholas of TOHR/Gender Outreach and Anita Randza from All Souls, it grew to include an entire weekend of events for the transgender community. Seminars taught by A.J .Galloway, Dana Brown-Owings, Cat Turner, and Nancy McDonald covered topics ranging from Trans-Activism to a PFLAG sharing and discussion seminar. Afterwards, everyone left to change for a dinner at the Church, featuring Dianna Cicotello as keynote speaker. Those attending finished the evening at the Playmor Lounge. Here, Millie Lucas and friends gave a drag show to benefit the efforts of Gender Outreach of Oklahoma, a local support and education group for the transgendered community, to become a non-profit organization. The final day started with a discussion panel featuring A J, Dana, Cat, and Dianna, in addition to local Gender Outreach of Oklahoma members Paula Johnson and Lissa Guillet, to give the church and others attending a chance to ask the questions that were on their minds about being transgendered. Even Reverend Lavanhar gave a transgender-themed sermon teaching acceptance, and truly showed that he loved our varying existences. Tulsa GLBT Information Line 743-GAVS Page 3 �An Interview with Devon Retherford Devon Retherford, in addition to being a TOHR Director at large, is also interning with TOHR. She oversees much of the day-to-day operations of the Tulsa GLBT Center, including organizing our Center volunteers. TORCH: Where did you grow up? Where is home for you? DR: I have lived in Tulsa all of my 27 years and I now live near TU. TORCH. Tell us about your educational goals. What are you majoring in at OU Tulsa? DR: I am getting my Masters degree in Human Relations. I am considering getting a doctorate in Human Services, but I am not sure about that goal right now. TORCH." How is your TOHR internship contributing to your studies? DR: I wanted to do my internship with TOHR for personal growth rather than as an enhancement to my education. The personal growth that has happened with me through being involved with TOHR has been worth more than any education could ever give me. It has been a wonderful experience, so far. I have enjoyed meeting and working with many great people who care so much about the GLBT community. TORCH." What have you enjoyed the most, interning at the Center? DR: The people. I enjoy meeting and getting to know new people. I meet someone new almost every night at the center and 99% of them are really neat people. GLINT PAST In recent weeks, the Tulsa GLBT History Project has begun conducting oral history interviews with members of our community. We are documenting fascinating stories about the founding of TOHR, bar life in Tulsa, the city’s response to GLBT people, the AIDS epidemic, and other milestones. The interviews are recorded on a digital video camera and will be transcribed. They will be an important resource for our community, historians, and independent scholars. This semester, an OSU undergraduate is working on an independent study of coverage of GLBT issues in the Tulsa World since the late 1980s. Her research will enable the Project to build a vertical file Of all local newspaper stories. The History Project is eager to interview GLBT Tulsa~ and former Tulsans. If you or someone you know is willing to share your stories and/or loan photographs, videos, and other documents for copying and preservation, please contact Laura Behnonte at 918/906-2134. It’s your history - help us record it. Page 4 TORCH:And ,what’s been your biggest challenge? DR: The biggest challenge is getting people to volunteer and continue to be volunteers. I still need volunteers to fill slots during the week and Saturday. tt is a fun place to volunteer and meet really great people. I must thank all of the very faithful volunteers that I have now. Their work is appreciated and without them there would not be a Center. TORCH." How do you think we can improve Center services to the GLBT community? DR: Right now we are getting ready to move to our new Center. This move in itself will improve how we can serve the community. We are working on getting more programming through the Center to let the community know that we care about them and to bring more people to the new location. Currently we have added the Women’s Group, which is the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, and we hope to add other groups as well. The Women’s Group is open to all women, straight, lesbian, bisexual, coupled, single, with children, without children, and of any age and socioeconomic status. TORCH. Tell us about the future. Where will you go from here? DR: My future is wide open right now. In May I will have completed my masters degree and be looking forward to a little time off before we launch into the Diversity Celebration. I plan to work with the Board and community to enhance all areas of TOHR’s service to the GLBT community. I see a bright future for myself and the Tulsa GLBT Community Center. � Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Microsoft Publisher 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] TOHR Torch, Spring 2004; Volume 3, Issue1 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2004 Spring Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/aa5001a58e15d3873648e4e0994b00e8.jpg 8b328e52f9511b74df80e7411f02c70d https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/4d0e31793a150cbf67bd0392ffe4e42e.pdf 1bc0447a42d97dcc256f9e3b0cc677d7 PDF Text Text February/March 2005 Volume four / Issue three the tulsa oklahomans for human rights CELEBRATE DIVERSITY 2005! PFLAG, Open Arms and TOHR Join TOHR’s 2Sth Anniversary It happened 25 years ago, when the Tulsa chapter of OkJahomans for Human Rights, an Oktahoma City-based organization, was formed. Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) was born and is now one of the oldest continuously operating GLBT advocacy organizations in the nation. TOHR is now well known for sponsoring the week-long Diversity Celebration held each year in June, which first appeared in 1999. This year PFLAG and Open Arms Youth Project will join as presenting sponsors Diversity Celebration 2005 As befits a 25th anniversary year, we’re planning some great things for the June 2005 Diversity Celebration. Most of the popu- TURBO to Produce Pride Guide It’s time for Tulsa to have its own Gay has produced a Pride Guide~an advertising program for Diversity Celebration in June that included a dozen or more businesses. But the newly-reconceptuaIized publication will fill a serious gap in the Tulsa GLBT community when it premieres with listings--we hope--of a hundred or more GLBT-owned, GLBT-managed and GLBT-friendly northeast Oklahoma businesses. A city’s "Gay Yellow Pages" is an historical document that will stand for generations as testimony to the Survivor Oklahoma! By Lamont Lindstrom Oklahoma’s Dr. Scout Cloud Lee (shown above with her partner Annie Lee) "survived" 39 days on Efate Island in the South Pacific nation of Vanuatu. Scout was the second-to-last "voted off the island" in the popular television show Sun/ivor Vanuatu. This was, it was clear to all, a wise move on the part of winner Chris Daugherty. If Daugherty had gone into the final tribal council with Scout, she--and not he--would no doubt have won the show’s million-dollar prize. After Survivor’s emotional climax, Scout returned to Oklahoma and, recently, she, Annie, dogs, and cats have moved to a beautiful new ranch south of Stillwater where eventually they will also keep their horses, A former OSU Sti!lwater professor, Scout was attracted not by the show’s monetary prize but �From the President A Personal In vitat/on: It’s yourCenter, and the Board of Directors of TOHR invites you to use it. If Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) PO Box 2687 Tulsa OK 74101 918-743-4297 (phone) / 918-384-0108 (fax) www.tohr.org email: community~,,tohr orq you have a group that wants a place to meet, think about using the Center. If you want to plan a one-time meeting or semina~, use the Center. We want you to feel at home. If you are at home watching TV by yourself, consider coming to the Center. The big screen %/is on almost every night. We hope to be expanding the Cyber-Center soon with updated equTprnent, more sta- TOHR Board of Directors tions and games. Continue to watch for expanded programming. In this newsletter you will find information about our first meeting for the community to discuss Diversity Celebration 2005. This year’s theme is "Diversity at Work." We will be focusing on diversity in the work place and how diversity works to enhance the community. We want input from all or ganizations, and we want other organizations to share in the planning of the week-long events. This year TOHR has two main goals. The first is to build bridges with all LGBT organizations and with those non-LGBT organizations that serve our community. We want to meet with you and see how TOHR can work with your organization for the common good of all of us. We hope to bring leaders from other organizations to the Board and to committees of TOHR so that we can strategize on increasing our overall effectiveness. The second goal is to take the message to Tulsa’s leaders that diversity is a must for economic prosperity. If you have contacts with any of Tulsa’s leaders and can arrange an informal house party or formal meeting please let us know. We hope to combine these two goals by coordinating meetings be- py~amidproject org tween Tulsa’s leaders and the leaders of LGBT organizations. With your help TOHR can achieve both of these goals this year. SueWelch Mark Bonney, Marc Frieden, M TOHR Responds to HIV Funding Cuts TOHR recently worked with community leaders in reaction to cuts in state funding of HIV testing clinics. With the help of local doctors and executive directors of HIV related organizations we believe that funding will be restored to some of the clinics facing closure, We thank the lead- John D. Cutright, MSW, LCSW Counselor & Psychotherapist 4870 S. Lewis Avenue, Suite 190 Tulsa, OK 74105 918-284-0123 �TOHR’s Fall Fund Drive has been a great success so far, with pledges and gifts stiff coming in. We are deeply grateful to the donors who have given to this special campaign, which represents nearly 30% of our year’s budget. In addition, the Winter Membership Drive has just gotten underway, with gifts of every size. We are extremely pleased to announce that TOHR is now 260 members strong--and growing! Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights is deeply grateful to those wonderful donors who contributed $100 or more to the Fall Fund Drive or joined TOHR at the Patron or higher level during the Membership Ddve~ Thank you! Wesley Allen Alison Anthony and Mark Wilson Dr. Mark Argo and David Rosebeary Jane Barnes Fred Basset[ Laura Belmonte Rev. and Mrs. Russell Bennett Kathie Fite Rabbi Marc Boone Fitzerman Dr. Mark Frost and Tim VanMeter David Garrett Kevin Gaylor and Don Lawrence Janet Geadn Mark Bonney and Philip Au Howard Brewer Gregg Smith and Kevin Burleson Dr. Greg Gray Michael Green Mark Henry Barry Hensley and Terry Baxter Jack Camden Doug Campbell Andrew Carter Robert Cisar and Kirk Holt/Cisar-Holt Inc. Carl Cliver Patrick Hobbs and John Orslak Dwight Holden and Ted Eudy Dr. Greg Holt Bobbe Hornback The Jensen/Christopher Family Joe Johnson Karl Cooke Robert Coffey and Andrew Kins!ow Greg Johnston Kenneth Joslin and Mark Linholm Dwight Kealiher Thorn Kelley and Todd Durbin Joel Cousins and Frank Medearis Barb Daily Michael R. Davis Stephen Eberle Charles Faudree Mike Keys and Ty Kazubowski George King D. Bruce Lewis Lamont Lindstrom and Devre JackSon Jul[e Littlefield John Madigan Bill and Marilyn Major Rick Martin and Daniel Schneider Martin Martinez and Daniel gurnstein George Matarazzo and Bill Ferguson Nancy and Joe McDonald Dick Miller Duane MenNe and Mike Mi!ls Tom Neal Dennis Neifl and John Bouthard Jayne Oertle Rev. Leslie and Steve Penrose Barri and Dr. Dan Plunkett Anita Randza Michael Redman Devon Rethefford Kaye Smith Marcy Smith and Sue Welsh Marcy Smith and Sue Welch Debra Smotherman Kelly Kirby, CPA, PC Certified Public Accountant "For AII Your Accounting Needs" Gay men and lesbians face many special situations, whether single or as couples. We are proud to serve this community. 4815 South Harvard, Suite 424 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135-3066 918.747.5466 CHANGES AT TOHR’S COMMUNITY CENTER Highland Plaza is undergoing a facelift, expanding and lifting the facade. Come visit and see the Center’s new look, at 5545 E. 41st Street, Tulsa. 3 �History or th Brother Outsider." The Life of Bayard Rustin February 24, 6:00 prn at the Center Come to our monthly membership potluck dinner in observation of Black History Month, and see the award winning film about Bayard Rustin, One of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s key organizers and an openly gay African American man. Rustin organized the 1963 March on Washington, one of the largest nonviolent protests ever held in the U.S. He brought Gandhi’s protest techniques to the American civil rights movement, and help mold Dr. King into an international leader. Despite these achievements, Rustin was silenced, arrested, and fired, largely beCause he was an openly gay man in a fiercely homophobic era. The film is a 2003 Sundance Film Festival Official Selection. The Tulsa showing is sponsored by TOHR GLBT History Project. Bayard Rustin with Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1956 during the bus boycott in Montgomery, AL. Associated The February potluck dinner has been moved from its usual first-Thursday slot to accommodate the showing of the film. Please bring a dish to share. Soft drinks D][SCO FUNK & JIVE: W][LD HEARTS 8ALL 5 By Sue Welch Is it the ’70s you long for? DISCO, FUNK & JIVE for Wild Hearts Ball 5 is here! Hey man, you know this gig... Soul Train, Laugh In, Gloria Gaynor and ABBA. So get down with your bad self in your best ’70’s threads and win the costume prize or just come as you are. Dig the chocolate fondue and other free hors ’d oeuvres. Gifts for the first fifty in the door! Be cool and don’t miss the Solid Gold Larn6 Dancers! For 21 and over, there will be a cash martini bar and other spirited libations. If you don’t have a 21 ID, you may groove at the soft beverage bar. Get down to funky town with your favorite retro tunes, hang loose in the Lava Lounge, take some party pics, and more!! This year we are pleased to have several local nightclubs join in the party! After doing the hustle at the Wild Hearts Ball, boogie on down to your local club favorites. Club Mavericks, HOTs, End Up, TNTs, and New Age Renegades will be offering special surprises for Wild Hearts Ball attendees so keep your party wristband on. GET DOWN, GET DOWN!!! To get you in the mood visit www.brumm.com/gaylib/disco. "Disco Music Was Gay Music," Tom Moulton’s essay about the importance and influence of disco music for gay culture in the 1970s, will take you there. "He mixed many, many of the dance and disco albums of the 1970s, and essentially defined worldwide dance music from this period on". Yes dudes, apparently we brought Disco out of the gay bar closet and turned it into pop culture for the world to love! When: Saturday, February 12th, 8 prn ’til Midnight. Where: The Greenwood Cultural Center, 322 N. Greenwood Tickets: $20 at the door or $15 advance at: GLBT Community Center, 5545 E. 41st, 918-743-4297 Burnett’s Flowers & Gifts, 4322 E. 11th, 918-834-5555 4 �UPCOMfNG EVENTS February/March 2005 February 1, 8, 15, 22. March 1, 8, 16, 22, 29 Free anonymous HIV testing at the Center, 5545 E. 41~t Street at our N.O.EE, Testing Clinic, 5;00 to 8:00pm Tuesdays. February 3. 10, 17, 24, March 3, 10. 17, 24, 31 - Crafty Girlz, TOHR’s women’s group, meets Thursdays at 7:30pm. February 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25 - Films at the Center. Join us at 5:30pm Friday evenings for fun, film and friends at the Center, 5545 E. 41~. February S, 12, 19, 26, March 5, 12, 19, 26 - Free anonymous HIV testing at the Center, 5545 E. 41st Street at our H.O.P.E, Testing Clinic, 4:00pm to 7:00prn Saturdays. February 22, 6:0Opm - Discussion of the Pride Store’s future at the Center. Sales have been declining for some time, and you’re invited to join board members in a discussion of whether to close it or how to revitalize it. See story on page 5, February 24, 6:00pm - Film: Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin, and potluck dinner, Official Selection, g00g Sundance Film Festi vaL Bring a dish to share. Sponsored by the Tulsa GLBT History Project. Dinner at 6, film at 7. See story on page & February 26, Saturday morning at 10:00am - Diversity Celebration All-Volunteer Meeting at the Center, Come and be a part of this year’s Diversity Celebration! Coffee and donuts, at the Center, 5545 E. 41st. March 1, 6:O0pm - Prime Timers meeting. Guys, bring your mature adult self to the Center and join Prime Timers! March 3, 6:00pm - TOHR Monthly Membership Potluck Dinner. Bayard Rustin. The Film Brother Outsider: Bring a covered dish to share! March 10, 7:OOpm - Scout Cloud lee, Oklahoma’s own Survivorcelebrity, will be Keynote Speaker at Tulsa Peace Fellowship’s Season for Nonviolence Celebration at Temple Israel, 2004 E. 23~d Place, Tulsa. Dr. Lee’s keynote address is entitled "Let Peace Reign: Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors." See story on page 1. March 16, 6:00pm - Diversity Celebration Steering Committee meeting at the Center. SUBSCRIBE TO THE eNEWS and get (approximately) weekly updates on what’s going on ~ the GLBT community in Tulsa--right ~ your ema# inbox. You’ll be up to date with national news stories, too. Subscribing is MEMBERSHIP FEEDBACK REQUESTED: Whither the Pride Store? TOHR’s Executive Committee will discuss the future of the Pride Store at 6 pm on February 22 at the Center. Sales at the store, which has been The GLBT InfoLine (918) 743-GAYS (4297) located inside the Center for several years, have been declining. The Board needs your input to decide whether to close the store or to under take its revitalization. We invite anyone with ideas or thoughts to share to attend this month’s Executive Committee meeting. It’s not only your connection to Tulsa’s nightlife, it’s your first call when you’re looking for GLBT-friendly healthcare, legal assistance, counseling, and so much more. �Focus on Supporting Organizations: All Souls Unitarian Church by Ruben Garcia /n each Torch, we will offer a supporting organization in Oklahoma the opportunity to highlight its activities on behaff of the GLBT communitJz Zf your organization is interested in submitting an article in a future Torch, please contact us at community@tohLorg. /n this edition, Rubin Garcia of the All 5ouls Unitarian Church’s GLBT History Projec Project describes this Tulsa church’s programs. Memories hosted TOHR’s monthly meetings and has supported GLBT programs ever including: ¯ Performing same sex unions; ¯ Coordinating a prom night for GLBT youth; All Souls Are Welcome All Souls Unitarian Church of Tulsa, Oklahoma, one of the largest Unitarian churches in the world, recently was recognized by the Unitarian/Universalist Association (UUA) as a Welcoming Congregation. Unitarian churches welcome all who seek a religious home free of creeds and guided by love, reason and conscience. They are committed to respecting differences and striving for understanding of the diverse experiences of their members. In 1989, after 20 years of milestones and growing pains, delegates of the ¯ Hosting Tulsa’s fffst ever Transgender Conference; ¯ Offering rehearsal and performance space for the Council Qak Men’s Chorale and the Women of Council Oak; ¯ Sponsoring RAIN Teams to serve PLWA; ¯ Participating in and promoting Tulsa’s Diversity Celebration; ¯ Cosponsoring the TOHR History Pro ject, chronicling the lives of GLBT pe~ sons in the Tulsa area. All Souls Welcoming Congregation GLBT program long term goals include: ¯ Sponsoring a local group for GLBT Unitarian Universalists, their families and friends, for support, socializing, and sharing life issues; ¯ Hosting a GLBT brunch at an area restaurant on the 2~d Sunday of each month for its members and visitors; ¯ Outreach to the GLBT community to Tulsa Pride Pioneers Bruce Goff and Adah M. Robinson 8ruce Goff (I 904-I 982) and Adah M. Robinson share credit for the design (what each contributed is still the subject of debate) of Tulsa’s spectacular art deco Boston Avenue Methodist Church in the mid 1920s. Goff had apprenticed at twelve years old to the architectural firm gregation programs among its member ¯ Tentatively p~anning a conference of churches to facilitate inclusiveness. They affirming and supporting congregations in the Tulsa area to address bar- Rush, Endacott and Rush. Robinson taught Goff art at Tulsa (Central) High School. She subsequently be came an Art Instructor at the University of Tulsa and founded Tulsa’s about the spiritual, political, and social riers to equality in the mainstream Alpha Roh Tau Civic Art Association wellbeing of GLBT persons who are o& faith community. in 1930. [n addition to architecture, Goff composed for the piano. He UUA General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to initiate Welcoming Con- are designed to educate members publicize the religious alternative offered by Unitarian UniversaIism; ten excluded from participation in GLBT project planning meetings are mainstream churches. For more infor- scheduled at the church at 12:30 on the mation on the history and vision of the 3~ Sunday of each month The staff and UUA’s Welcoming Congregation pro- members of All Souls are proud to be a gram visit the Office of BGLT Concerns port in the storm and partners in pride at www.uua.org/bgltc. with other northeastern Oklahoma or All Souls has had a !ong history with Tulsa’s GLBT community before ever becoming a Welcoming Congregation in 2004. AS early as 1981 the church taught in Chicago, Berkeley and eventually joined the University of Oklahoma’s School of Architecture ganizations supportive of the GLBT in 1942, remaining there until 1955. Nearly 150 of Goff’s designs were built in 15 states, including an art community. Visit the church any Sunday studio for Adah, located at 1119 S. at 10 or 11:30 a.m. to experience loving, liberal, life affirmB~l spirituality that is �by its chai]enges. These challenges included basic "surviving"--camping out, making friends, and competing with 17 other eager contestants--and barista Ami Cusack. Scout had not and books are available on her In- told producers about her relation- ternet website: ship when she interviewed for Survi- www.scoutcloudlee.com. Scout and vor 7. Like many of us, she finds labels~hether Gay, Lesbian, Dem- Annie are also founders of the Mag- ocrat, or Christian--confining and al non-profit established to contrib- uncomfortable. 8y Survivor Vanua- ute to global peace through play. ical Child Foundation, an education- also the physical and mental reward tu, however, Scout felt she had Later this year she and the Founda- and immunity nothing to downplay. tion will be working with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services competitions that Scoutand the contestants must tackle. Scout ’ was mostly has a professional interest in challenge construc- throughout tion. Since 1980, the series. she and Annie, as A~though Annie Lee and Vision Us, Inc., have offered "Leadership Embassy for Ami’s partner Crissy flew to Vanuatu Excellence" trainings, serving busi- to participate in the "family reward nesses and organizations such as Ap- challenge," the show did not air the ple Computer, Ford, IBM, and the two couples’ kisses. On the other Chickasaw Nation. Vision Us trainings hand, during the Reunion Finale and challenge courses stress strategic host Jeff Probst asked Scout how pIanning, team building, interpersonal her fellow Ok~ahomans had received relations, motivation, win-win conflict, her back home after being "outed" stress management, and more: all the on the show. Scout explained that skills one needs to be a successful she has experienced nothing but survivor. In Vanuatu, Scout called on friendliness and interest back in Ok- her coaching experience to council lahoma. A large crowd of several her fellow survivors, but principally hundred, for example, turned up she called on this to coach herself to and gave her a standing ovation face daily gritty challenges of cold, when she spoke recently about her Survivor experiences at the Stillwa- hunger, and a malfunctioning knee joint replacement. ter Public Library. Scout had applied to join Survivor 7 (Pearl Islands} and although not selected was told by producers that she definitely should reapply. She did, and ended up on a dark Vanutau beach one cotd July night building the Yasur team camp with eight other women. Mark Burnett, Survivor’s Executive Producer, had framed the Vanuatu "tribal" competition as women versus men. No surprise, perhaps, the show featured nine strong, outspoken, and capable women--two lesbians among these: Scout and As successful survivor, Scout also draws on her skills as singer and author. She is ready to release her fifth CD. She has also written many books including The Circle is Sacred, co-authored with her partner Annie (Dr. Carol Ann Washburn) and Sworn to Fun: Celebrate Every Little Thing, Every Day, both published by Tulsa’s Council Oak Books. With a friend, she has also developed her own perfume she calls Integrity. For those interested, her several CDs First-Ever Test Fest Draws a Crowd HO.P.E Testing Clinic and TOHR wanted to boost the numbers of people being tested for H]V, so they threw a party! The GLBT Community Center hosted and showed films through the day. Gender illusionist Miss Bobby Page gave two delightful shows, and there were wonderful door prizes donated by Tulsa Opera and other Tulsa businesses. TOHR and H.O.P.E anticipate Teat Fest �~tulsa oklahomans DIVERSITY AT WORK for human rights DIVERSITY CELEBRATION 2005 COMMUNITY HERO AWARD NOMINATION FORM Address Name Address State City Zip Phone allied commuNty of NE Oklahoma through advocacy, education, leadelsNp and unity Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) is a 501 (c)3 nonproSt orgaNzation Contributions are tax deductible as allowed by law PO Box 2687 Tulsa, OK 74101 918.743.4297 8 www.tohr.org �Tulsa GLBT Center Receives National Cyber Center Grant TULSA--The David Bohnett Foundation of Los Angeles, CA announced a $32,065.68 grant to Tulsa Oklaho mans for Human Rights {TOHR) to be used for equipping an expanded computer center, to be named the David Bohnett CyberCenter. The foundation was established by David Bohnett, founder of the technology company GeoCities, in 1994. By August, 1999, GeoCities was cited by Internet ranking firm, Media Metrix, as one of the top four most trafficked sites on the web. GeoCities became publicly traded on NASDAQ in August of 1998, and was subse quently acquired by Yahoo! Inc. in May 1999. Mr. Bohnett continues to serve as Chairman of the foundation, which has a specialized interest in funding CyberCenters within gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community centers nationwide. Tulsa’s GLBT Community Center, operated since 1996 by TOHR, has for a number of years offered its users a "Cyber Caf~" in which two public computers are available for unfiltered Internet access and other uses. The Bohnett grant will enable TOHR to expand the Cyber Caf~ to ten workstations, with the potential for use as a computer classroom. The Cyber Caf~ is the Center’s most popular feature, with users often waiting in line for access to computers. The new David Bohnett Cyber Center, with ten state-of-the-ar~ computers for public use, will vastly expand the capabilities of the Center. High speed Internet access, especially vid Bohnett Foundation and iBM, iBM for interactive video games, is a very will be providing the computers, popular feature for younger visitors. monitors, laser printer, and scanner Many visitors use the computers to equipment, Included in the grant is prepare r~sum~’s research sexual $10,000 in cash to be used in building entation and gender identity issues out the new CyberCenter space within on the Web, and reach out to other the GLBT Community Center, and for GLBT individuals through ]nternet various application programming chat rooms. needs. in an arrangement between the Da- It you support Non-Profils in theTulsa Area �Interview with a Board Member Kelly Rechelle Carter TORCH: Where did you grow up? Where is home for you? KC: [ grew up in a small town called Adrian Michigan. Adrian is one of those places that you can see all the bad things happening around you but, in Adrian, you can still leave your doors unlocked at night. It’s my calm in the storm. I moved to Tulsa in 1996 and ! have recently moved to Oklahoma City. TORCH: How did you get involved with TOHR? I become involved with TOHR about three years ago when a friend asked me to become a member of the Board. My main function at that time was Secretary of the Board and helping make The Diversity Celebrations happen each year. ! left TOHR after a year of service. I was overwhelmed by the amount of work and the lack of volunteers. When I was asked to join again this past September [ really had to take a hard look at myself and TOHR. ] needed to know that the people that were involved this time were in it for the long haul. [ needed to know that they had a love for our community as much as ! do and ! needed to make sure that ] was willing to give up the time it takes to make TOHR happen, i’m a member of the Board because ! believe in the possibilities of what TOHR can bring to this community. I believe by having the doors of the Community Center open we are telling the Tulsa community and the State of Oklahoma that we, the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender community, are here to stay. TORCH: What other organizations are you working with at the moment? [ hotd a seat as Secretary of the Board for Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) here in Tulsa. ! am also working on a project called Diversity House which is putting the framework together to create a house for homeless Gay and Lesbian youth in OKC. TORCH: You’ve help lead our annual Diversity Celebrations--can you tell us abou t some "memon)l moments "? I’ve worked on Diversity for the past two years. What remember is the complicated planning that goes into getting the job done. The long hours and the lack of sleep is what ~ remember most. Those were also some of the best times, You spend so much time with the crew you are working with that they become like fami[y. The most gratifying part of any Diversity Celebration is when the months of planning come to an end and you see 10,000 people walk onto the field with their partners, their kids, and their friends and you realize that this is what all that work was about. TORCH: And what can we expect for Diversity in the future? Over the past 25 years TOHR has seen many changes. But it has always moved forward. That’s why it’s so good that the Board changes every two years so fresh faces and new ideas can be brought to the table. TOHR is an organization that was created for the community by the community. Its success will Join TURBO! The Tulsa Rainbow Business Organization builds the GLBT family by helping our businesses grow, and by showing the greater Tulsa community that there is substantial economic clout in the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. Joining TURBO is easy, and FREE] Download the membership form at www,t ur borainbow.com. �DISCO, FUNK & JIVE! WZLD HEART.~ BALL #5/ When: Saturday, February 12th, 8 pm ’til Midnight. Where: Greenwood Cultural Center, 322 N. Greenwood Tickets: $20 at the door or $15 advance at: GLBT Community Center, 5545 E. 41 st, 918-743-4297 Burnett’s Flowers & Gifts, 4322 E. 1 lth, 918-834-5555 Petal Pushers, 1660 E. 71st, 918-494-0999 Benefiting TOHR’s Pyramid Project Capital Campaign Reach thousands of NE Oklahoma’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, questioning, and allied READERS ADVERTISE IN THE TORCH! For rate card and specs See the story on page 4 REMINDER: TORCH IS NOW MAILED ONLY TO OUR MEMBERS. PLEASE ENCOURAGE YOUR FR~[ENDS TO JO[N. IF YOU PICKED UP THIS COPY, PLEASE HELP SUPPORT ~TS Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights P.O. Box 2687 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74101 � Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Microsoft Publisher Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] TOHR Torch, February-March 2005; Volume 4, Issue 3 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February - March 2005 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights February 2005 TOHR Torch https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/cbd3b82247e4c4eadc83a4934259e074.jpg 7355e3f0fb88d63ef43c7d6ebd67a7ab https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/cb0c9c183b92e5b42dcdda4184ad9ca0.pdf 36c17cee6aab257744b790b6a5047017 PDF Text Text May/June2005 Volume four/Issue five oklahomans for human rights Leaving on a Jet Plane! Lear Jet Use for 3 Hours Tops List of Live Auction Items at Diversity Gala 2005! Diversity Celebration 05 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Pdghts (TOHR) is celebrating its 25th Am~iversary tlfis year mad offering a once-in-alifetime opportusfity. Topping the list of live auction items during the event of the year, "Diversity Gala 2005," is the use of a private Lear Jet for 3 hours! Rarely offered at similar events, you and 6 or 7 friends can leave on a jet plane, traveling to your destniation while supporting equalit2 . EQUAL RIGHTS._NO MORE, NO LESS! tulsa- pride Each year, the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) and allied community comes together for PRIDE events - celebrating our cor~m~tmity and the advances made toward equality by being ourselves and being OUT. This year, we are celebrathig the GLBT & allied con~nunity through PRIDE and diversity with the theme "EQUAL RIGHTS...No More, No Less!" "Diversity Celebration 2005 - Tnisa PRIDE" premiere events feature the 6th A~nual Tulsa GLBT PRIDE Parade & Festival. The parade bes£ns on Cherry Street near 15th & Peoria, travels West on 15th to Main Street and heads South to Veterans Park. Don’t miss the Maple Park Parties mad the Party on Main to cheer on the floats, marching units and Grand Marshals. The finish line at the intersection of 18th & Main will have g~andstands as well as a few special surprises - plan to stake your spot early in the ~ay. (Continued on page 3) JUNE t0, 2005 TIJLSA, TOHR’s A~miversary Celebration begins at 6:00 PM with a Patrons’ Reception and tour of the acclaimed blockbuste~ exlaibit of "Machu Picchu." 7:00 PM brings the Anniversary Reception and Silem Auction with over 50 items ranging from diimers to yoga classes to antiques. Dirmer by the Polo Grill, the live auction, presentation of awards and remarks by guest speaker Tim PaLmer follow at 8:00 PM in Gilcrease Museum’s beautiful Vista Room. "Metro Swing," along with chocolates and cheeses, are plarmed after dimmer to close out this special everdng. Reservations range from $45 to $125 and are currently available at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center. SeF page 6 for all the information you need and log onto TOHR.org to make your reservations today. �This year’s "Diversity Celebration 2005 - Tulsa Prid!!" will be the largest ever. Look for lhe schedule of events and the plans in this issue. This will be one celebration you will not want to miss. The events over the last year t~ave energized our community. Our allies are realizing that they must join us in our stand for equality. Steve Eberle organized a successthl fundralser at the Tulsa Summit Club. Individuals who have never previously donated to TOHR gave money and pledges. Look for a full report from Steve in the next issue. The state legislative session is always tense and tiffs year has been no exception. Only three house members voted against a resolution to direct the public libraries to restrict access to the book "King and King". This children’s book shows a prince rejecting the princess in favor of a prince. TOHR continues to work to educate Northeast Oldahomans on the need for civil equality. On behalf of the board I want to extend our sincere appreciation for those who have supported TOHR tiffs past year. Those who attend the Diversity Gala wi!l see how much support we have. These contributions reflect the confidence that the cotrantmity has in TOFIR m~d its board of directors. We are deeply touched by for human fights Office location ~ommunRy Center 5545 East 41st Street Tulsa, OK 74135 TOHR Board of Directors _Executive Board President.ark Benney 1st V~ce President--Dr. Laura Belmonte Secret~ry--Mike Willia ms Treasurer--Dwight Kealiher Assistant Treasurer~ohn Madigan your generosity. President, TOHR TOHR’s~ The Pyramid Project Sue Welch Comm4t~ Member~ �(continued fi.om page l) The PRIDE Festival, at Veterans Park, will be filled with more live entertainment by local stars, an expanded Family Fun Zone for the kid in us all, activities for young adults, sports and activities for everyone and of course, all kinds of vendors with everything from arts & crafts to food to rainbow merchandise - and most everything in between! EQUAL RIGHTS.,.NO MORE, NO LESS! On April 20th, Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) celebrated the grand opening of the David Bohnett CyberCenter. Some 50 people joined the TOHR Board, staff and volunteers in welcoming Michael Fleming, Executive Director of the Los Angeles-based foundation to the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center. The ten donated computer workstations greatly enhance the services provided at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center. Already, the David Bohnett CyberCenter has had more than 200 users! Usage is expected to grow as additional features are added and computer skills classes are offered. Watch for additional information about computer skills classes upcoming this summer. Many in the community are working together for "Diversity Celebration 2005 - Tulsa PRIDE! You can be a part of the excitement and help make the Pride Parade & Festival the event for Tulsa! Contact Christina Elder, Diversity Celebration 2005 Volunteer Coordinator @ 743-4297 or tohr.org and see what you can do for Pride! After the Grand Opening, more than 25 TOHR donors and board members met for the quarterly "Donors’ Circle" reception at the White Lion Pub. TOHR thanks the David Bohnett Foundation and all the volunteers and board members who helped make the CyberCenter a reality. And we thank our donors who help ensure that our Community Center and its programs are available to all. We also appreciate John and Betty of the White Lion Pub for hosting the Donors’ Circle and welcoming Michael Fleming to Tulsa. Dennis Neil CHECK OUT THE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS ON PAGE 5 & PLAN TO ATTEND ALL THE EVENTS! For more information on the events of Diversity Celebration 2005, please contact Greg Gatewood at the GLBT Community center at 918-743-4297 or ggatewood@tohr.org or Kelly Carter at kcarter@cox.net. Kelly Carter Get ’em while they’re hot! You can support the Tulsa PRIDE Parade & Festival when you buy a 2005 "Equality" bracelet for only $3 each. Get one or fill your arms with them. EQUALITY bracelets are available at the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgender (GLBT) Community Cetner at 5545 E 41st Street in Highland Plaza. The Tulsa GLBT Community Center is open 3:00-9:00 ~PM Tuesday-Saturday. GOT PR DE? Volunteers make Tulsa’s annual PRIDE events - "Diversity Celebra, tion"- the success that it’s always been. PRIDE Parade & Festival volunteers can choose from a variety of options in helping the community commemorate, educate & celebrate. Take your pick of several opportunities to give back to your community. Many positions are available in 2 houz shifts by contacting the "Diversity Celebration 2005 Tulsa PRIDE!" Volunteer Coordinator, Christina Elder, at misschristinarml0@¥ahoo.com, calling the Tulsa GLBT Community Center at 743-4297 or you can log onto TOHR.org. Pictured above at the David Bohnett CyberCenter Grand Opening are (Imeeling, l to O: Center Director Greg Gatewood and Board Member Andrew Carter. Standing l to r: Board members Dennis Neill, D~vight Kealiher, Steve Eberle, Janet Gearin, Kaye Smith, Richard Hurtig, Laura Bebnonte, Lamont Linstrom, Michael Fleming, ED of the David Bohnett Foundation and John Madigan. Picture below at the TOHR Donor Circles event at the White Lion Pub are TOHR supporters (1 to r): Linda Stevens, Bob Cisar, Janet Gearin and Kirk Holt. John Do &p C S. ¯ Avenue Suite OK 74! Children+ Adolescent+ Aclult+ C �5545 east 41st TUESDAYS Open 3-9 PM WEDNESDAYS Open 3-9 PM THURSDAYS Open 3-9 PM FRIDAYS Open 3-9 PM SA TURDA YS Open 3-9 PM Pride Store 6-9 PM HIV Testing 6-8 PM 1 st Tuesday Primetimers 6 PM - Board 7 PM - Mtg. FREE POOL! Cyber Focus 6-9 PM Gender Outreach 7-9 PM Pride Store 6-9 PM FREE POOL! Pride Store 6-9 PM Games & Things 7-9 PM FREE POOL! Pride Store 6-9 PM Center Cinema 6:30-9 PM FREE POOL! Pride Store SALE~ 3-9 PM HIV Testing " 4-7 PM 1st Saturday T.U.L.S.A. 4 PM - Board 5 PM - Mtg. ?REE POOL! SUNDAYS Open for the "Sunday Sho" Sunday Sho 9-10 PM "Queer as Folk" Doors open at 8:30 PM Special Events www.tohr.org Is your weekend in the middle of the week? Are you looking for a place to relax with friends during the afternoon? Do you need a place to surf the web, catch up on TiVo or play games on PlayStation 2? Does your organization need a place for meetings or events? Then the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center is the place for you, your friends and your family! The Tulsa GLBT Community Center is expanding the hours of operation so all in the community - young adults to seniors and all in between - can take advantage of the many programs and services offered in the center. Now open from 3:00 - 9:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday, the Center has been refurbished and redesigned with you in mind. New at the Center is: The wildly popular David Bohnett CyberCenter. 10 flat-panel workstations outfitted with the latest technology allows you to surf the web, finish that school paper or chat with friends across the nation. The "Family" Room. GLBT parents can bring their children to the center - and the kids can play the day away in the new "family" room. PlayStation 2, board games, books (we have the "controversial" titles), toys and more are available for the kid in us all in the Family Room. o The Community Conference Room is available for use during the day or evening for Reach thousands of NE OK Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and allied community READERS ADVERTISE IN THE TORCH! board meetings, planning sessions - whatever you need. The "Back Room." Soon to open, groups up to 20 people may meet in private. The Tulsa GLBT History Project documents and preserves the rich history of the Northeast Oklahoma GLBT community. Now in the History Room is a temporary display of past PRIDES. Come by and fred your face in the pictures and help us identify others in the hundreds of pictures from years gone by. The Nancy McDonald Rainbow Library has over 3,000 titles for you to checkout - and over 300 FREE movies. It’s all being cata!ogued for you to easily find your selection or area of interest. See the schedule above and stop by soon - you’ll discover the community! ALL are Welcomer. OPEN Tues-Sat. 6:00-9:00 PM 5545 E. 41st St., Inside the Tulsa GLBT Community Center �GARRETT LAW OFFICE, R C. tulsa glbt history project Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) sponsored Tulsa’s first community PRIDE picnic (now the Tulsa PRIDE Festival) in 1982 at Chandler Park. In those years, socialization was very important and TOHR offered a useful way to meet other GLBT people. The picnic featured activities such as softball, volleyball, and sack and high heel races. It was a true picnic in the sense that people brought their own coolers, food and blankets and shared their experiences of living in Tulsa during what was a very difficult time for the GLBT community. This was just at the onset of the AIDS epidemic and many of those who participated in the first picnic have passed on. We honor their memories during TOHR "s 25tt’ anniversary year, and the upcoming "Diversity Celebration 2005 Tulsa PRIDE!" I moved to Tulsa in May 1981. I had just out of the Navy and finished graduate school, moving to Tulsa to go to work for the same institution to which I am still employed. Those were wonderful days for me. AIDS hadn’t reared its deadly head as yet; the oil crunch hadn’t caused scores of professionals to move to greener pastures. OHR (what was to become TOHR) had just been established here and it seemed to me that all one had to say was "OHR is planning..." and people showed up by the hundreds--whether it was a picnic at Chandler Park, a baseball game at Henthorne, or the Turn-About Show at the Homebuilders’ Association building. Everyone wanted to be there. The first picnic took place summer 1982. I remember it was hot (no shock I’m sure), but many were pressed and dressed--remember preppy was in. We all seemed so young (we were actually) and nothing seemed impossible. Dennis i Neill and TOHR officers had created a venue whereby gay people from all over Green Country could gather and celebrate their hard-won individuality. The Stonewall Riots were a very recent memory then and the gay community seemed to feel part of the fabric of America. I think we felt good about ourselves and hoped that the future would bring other advancements in the cause of the rights of gay, bi-sexual, lesbian and transgendered people everywhere. That first picnic may then be compared to other halcyon days in history--those precious times prior to events that forever changed the fabric of society. We were young, proud, and defiant--we had everything to gain and, we thought, nothing to lose. The AIDS crisis was and is pure tragedy, but we have come through it stronger, and even more defiant than before. Here’s to all those wonderful people from that first picnic--whether you’re still with us or whether your spirit guides us from other plains of existence. We salute you. -- Mike Williams & Dennis Neil Garrett Law Office, EC. ~is an association of lawyers with one common goal: to serve the public interest by representing injured persons or persons with property damage who are susceptible to possible unfair treatment by insurance companies. Our practice areas are: INSURANCE DISPUTES PERSONAL INJURY WRONGFUL DEATH JOB-RELATED INJURIES SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY PRODUCT LIABILITY SECURITIES FRAUD BANKRUPTCY Call our office for a free consultation before you commit to signing a release which could compromise the value of your claim and your legal rights. 1-888-GARRETT In Tulsa: 622-9292 Remember - The adjuster works for the insurance co~npany - WE WORK FOR YOU! �Pyramid Project Event A Great Success . The Terwilleger Heights Home Tour was a great success and enjoyed by many! The tour benefited Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) capital campaign, the Pyramid Project. The public tour was held on Sunday, May 15th. The evening Patrons’ party before the tour was hosted by Charles Faudree. Patrons were treated to a private tour of Mr. Faudree’s home and a dinner of paella. Thank you Patrons for your support! Over 350 people toured four homes on Sunday and $17,000 was raised. The event ended at the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center, 5545 E 41st Street, with a live auction topped off by champagne and chocolate. Jim Ritchey served as our professional auctioneer extraordinaire. ~ew ~ce ~d ~onda Rudd, two co~uNty-suppo~ive candidates, are ~g to replace State Senator Bernest Cain in ON~oma City’s Senate District 46. Cain, who has also been suppo~ive of civil fights issues, is te~-li~ted and ca~ot mn for reelection. Rudd was raised as a Southern Baptist and married to a Southern Baptist ~Nster for eleven years ~d believes tNs helps her understand the broad range of O~ahomans: "Cow, cation is one key to being a successN1 legislator." She is also ~ e~olled member of the CNckasaw Nation. "I’m really just a re~lar person," Rudd said. "But I thi~ I may be just what the legislate needs. We are a nation of the people. I am dete~ned to represent o~ people’s needs. I have been there. I’ve worked hard, been to school and raised my cNl&en. I have done all of this so that all of us can have a be~er life. I believe I will be elected to the Winner of auction items included Andy Kinslow & Robert Coffey, Heather Harp Howland, Carol Lambert, Marcy Smith & Sue Welch, Janet Gearin, Doug Hartson & Don Wilkes, Loy Payne, Diane Morehead, David Nelson, Sallye Phillips Mann, Linda & Bob Reis, Fred & Myma Burki and Julia Latham. Auction items were generously donated by: Charles Faudree, Solomon’s Seal Garden Design, Paul Harrison, Talmadge Powell Concepts, Burnett’s Flowers & Gifts, Petal Pushers, Thyme American Bistro, TW’s Catering, The Living Kitchen, Loy’s Photography and Sue Welch & Marcy Smith. Many thanks to the homeowners for opening their beautiful homes and gardens to us: Mitchell Savage & Michael Smith, Andy Kinslow and Robert Coffey, Bob & Linda Reis, Paul Harrison & Talion Nelson and Charles Faudree. Thank you also to Russ White of Molly’s Landing & Chocolate Fountains of Tulsa, Andrew Hicks of AndrewHicksOnline.com, Tim Bridges at QuikPrint on Admiral, Harvard Liquor and the numerous volunteers for all their help. For more information on TOHR’s capital campaign, the Pyramid Project, the next home tour or upcoming events for the Pyramid Project, go to TOHR.ORG or email Sue Welch at sue1523@swbell.net. Sue Welch Senate because people want real representation. That’s what I plan to give them." To volunteer or contribute to Rudd’s campaign you may contact her at campaign headquarters 2722 NW 23rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73108. The campaign email address is ruddforsenate@cox.net. Andrew Rice majored in Religious Studies at Colby College, Maine. He was accepted to Harvard University Divinity School but deferred his ad- mission for a year to work and travel in Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand. In Sri Lanka he worked with the largest Buddhist Grassroots NGO in Asia, helping with rural development. In Thailand, Rice worked for the country’s largest private AIDS Hospice. In India, Rice studied local (continued on page 9) �Mike Redman is Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) Director of Advocacy. TORCH." Where did you grow up? Where is home for you? MR: I grew up primarily in Oklahoma City; however, as an Air Force brat, I also lived in California and Georgia. I have lived in Tulsa since 1988 and currently live there with my partner. TORCH." How did you first become involved with Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR)? MR: I first became involved with TOHR last year. I had been speaking on the social and legal implications of gay marriage when TOHR representa- tives approached me about serving on its Board. Being an election year, my emotions were running high on gay rights and I accepted the invitation. As a newly elected member of the Board, I am still learning so much about the history and goals of the organization. One thing is clear: I enjoy public speaking on gay rights issues! TORCH." As TOHR’s Director of Advocacy, can you tell us of some ongoing projects? MR: Unfortunately, so many organizations and political leaders are unwilling even to have an open dialogue because of fear of retribution. The number one goal of the advocacy committee should OUT OK Summer Film Series OUT OK returns with its sizzling hot Summer Film SeFollowing on the heels of "Diversity Celebration 2005 - Tulsa PRIDE", OUT OK will screen Bruce LaBruce’s controversial RASPBERRY REICH "Heterosexuality is the Opiate of the Raspberry Reich follows the comiMasses." cal aspirations of would-be terrorists in modem Germany. LaBruce blends sexual politics and homosexual radicalism into a new revolution of camp, glamour, and raw sex. Sensory overload! Best Film at the Melbourne Underground Film Festival. Due to graphic content, all movie patrons must pre-register. Date: Thursday, June 16, 2005; 7:00pm. Location: University of Tulsa, Chapman Hal!. Reservation: pau@out-ok.com; 981-682-4654, ext. 2. Cost: $10 or free with valid OUT OK Pass. The Summer Film Series continues June 30 and concludes July 21 (movies to be announced). OUT OK 4 pre-film festival screening will open August 25 (movie to be announced). This Fa!l, OUT OK 4, The Oklahoma International Film Festival, will run October 13-23. OUT OK 4 premieres October 1 with a Big Bang! He’s huge, he’s massive and he’s starring in the ABSOLUT Cocktail Party. Stay tuned for a wet and delicious evening with an erotic film star. Look for the OUT OK booth at the Tulsa PRIDE Festival, June 1 lth at Veterans Park. The OUT OK 4 VIP PASS will be on sale. Philip A u be to educate our members, and the public at large, of the social and legal implications of issues we currently face. We should strive to educate persons who draw conclusions about us before considering the underlying facts or long-term implications of those conclusions. TORCH." And what more needs to be done? MR." I believe that we need to identify those organizations that support our entitlement to equal rights and those who do not. We need to stand beside and do business with those organizations that work with us in our pursuit of equal human rights. addiction problems and treatment. He returned to Harvard Divinity School and received a Masters Degree in Theology in 1999, Rice later moved to New York City to work as a freelance documentary producer and editor. In his public advocacy work, Rice repeatedly bumped up against stubborn limits impeding efforts to hold representatives accountable to our nation’s core principles. He decided, therefore, to run for office himself. He says, "I am running for Senate to represent my district in a manner that has all of our resident’s interests in mind, to counter the trends in local government that disrespect the guidance of our constitution, and to represent values that are more broadly defined and inclusive than the often closed-minded and self-righteous values we see and hear so much about these days from certain sectors of our society." Voters can learn more of Rice’s positions and offer support by visiting his website www.andrewforoklahoma.com. �EQUAL RIGHTS...NO MORE, NO.LESS! info oklahomans for human rights PO Box 2687 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74101 � Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Microsoft Publisher Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] TOHR Torch, May-June 2005; Volume 4, Issue 5 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource May - June 2005 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/9371c1d056423c7fac818c0084146a94.jpg 30058c71246fbc726d5d6e2ab40ed5c9 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/7f546c1efadd6953d3d0a6095393aa66.pdf 5fec54a5923f739ac369fce8bf4985d9 PDF Text Text t~n Nickels For The Community C~nter Now through March 2006 you can take advantage of Wild Oats Market’s Wi)oden Nickel program; h~lp the environment, and suppod, the new TUlsa GLBT Community Center. Witd Oats Market {On 41at St. near Peoda Ave,) gives a "wooden nk~kel" to cuetomers who bring their owb canvas shopping bags Or who reuse shopping bags 0r bulk containers, This program is designed to rodUca our impeet on the environment while SUP patting local nonprofit groups, Until next March~ customers who choose to take the Wooderi Nick¯ ovate five cent refund can deposit the woody into TOHR’S "Wooden Nickel Bank" located near the exit of the store. Wild Oats Markets will issue a check th TOHR for the total amoont ralsod by environmenta!4rlendly cuetontero, St0p by ~ld Oets Netural Marketplese with your canvas or eacoodhaod shopping bags/ containe~ and "support TOHR~s new Corornun~ Centert ’ °T RCH Tulsa Oklahomans For Human RiQhts welcome home A dream has finally come true for TOHR, On Monday October 31st at 4:30 PM, documents were signed finalizing the purchase of our new and located at 4th and Kenosha, In just a few short months we will open the doors to the new site for the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender (GLB’r) Community Center, The Pyramid Project comm~tea spent five years searching for the perfect spot for the future home of Tulsa’s GLBT community a center, What they found is a facility that will be the second largest in the Midwest second only to Chicago. The committee selected this building after reviewing over 22 other properties. This site was head and shoulders above the rest, in its size, location, cleanliness and the restoration that had already been done to it. In addition to a good building in a great location we are also getting 4000square foot of retail space that we can use to sustain the building and ultimately the organization. The new GLBT Center is located In a pad of town that city planners refer to as the =East Village." According to a developing city plan the =East Village" is slated to evolve into a strolling neighbothood, which will include both housing and retail locations. While there are no definite plans for use of the space, a coffee shop or bookstore are possibilities. There are several changes that will need to be made to the building to transform it from the warehouse that it currently is to the a functional community center. We hope to have the buJlding ready by Spdng of 2006, which is when the lease at the current center located at 5545 E 41 st Street in Highland Plaza, is to expire. new partnerships with tulsa community foundations TOHR and its members thank Tulsa-based Zarrow Foundations and the Hille Foundation both of which have recently agreed to suppod TOHR’s programs that serve the GLBT community of northeast Oklahoma. Hille contributions of $5000 will augment services provided by the David Bohnett CyberCenter and enhance youth outreach by funding computer training classes and the purchase of additional equipment and software of interest to youth. The Zarmw Foundations’ $7500 support will also boost CyberCenter services, will allow TOHR to automate our GLBT Information Line database (call 743-GAYS), and will improve administrative productivity and accountability. WO much appreciate this collaboration and assistance. Thank you! �a time to be proud As I stood outside of our marvelous new building, that in the Sp[ing will house the GLBT Community Center, glancing at GLBT Tulsans of all ages and colors watching a canopy of rainbow balloons ascending as the haunting strains of a bagpipe played, I thought, "We do know how to put on a show, don’t we?" But that levity then gave way to a wave of great pride and humility at everything that we have achieved in Tulsa, Oklahoma It is so easy to lose sight of these achievements when w~ still fece so many obatacl~ to GLBT equality But consider the fellowing: We now own the second biggest GLBT center in the Midwest Only Chicago’s is larger. Their capital campaign took baenty years, Ours, TOHR’s Pyramid Project, took five. In early November, when Greg Gatewood and I attended the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s Creating Change Conference in Oakland, our fellow activists were stunned--~nd datighte~---to learn that TO HR will be running the sixth largest GLBT center in the United States. TOHR is betterfunded, older, and more professionalEed than most other GLBT dghts groups, Just blocks away from our new building, in the not-so~listant past, patrons of bars like The Taj Mahal, The 8~ Day, and Tim’s Playroom routinely endured pstice harassment, physical assault, and fear of public exposure. We don’t live in that city anymore. There is an infectious eathusiasm spreading through our commun~b/. TOHR is capitalizing on this spirit and worl~ng to improve life for all of Tulsa’s GLBT people. I am pleased to report that ethers are responding to the call for cooperation that I made in my last letter. Building on the success of Diversity Celebration 2005, TOHR, P-FLAG, and OYP will again parfeer for Divers~ Celebration 2006, Pride Week will be longer and will include more participants than ever We are also heading in new directions. In October, TOHR, P-FLAG, Families First, and COLAGE created a quarterly programming council, We will be working together to bring nationatly known speakers to Tulsa and to host community-wide educational events. Some possibilities for 2006 include lectures by Amity BL~ton (founder of the Straight Spouse Nebaork and author of The Other Side of the Closet) and John D’Emitio (founder of NGLTF’s Policy Institute and a noted histodan of sexuality in the United States) and a conference on spirituality and homosexuality. Finally, TOHR has joined forces with P-FLAG, Families First, and OYP in creating an Advocacy Team. With city elections looming next Apdl, we need all the help we can get to elect pul~ic ofticla~ who take our issues senously--and who know that we will hold them accountable if they don’t. So, between shopping trip~ and holiday merriment, take a moment and drive to 4~ and Kenosha and look up at the rainbow flag flying over the new Center. I guarantee you’ll feel proud. Sincerely, President, TOHR The Pyramid project Sue Welch �andy smith TORCH: Where did you grow up? Where is home for you? Andy Smith: I grew up in Tulsa. I’ve lived here my entire life. I went to high school here, and I am currently going to college at The University of Tulsa. My extended family lives in Tulsa as does my girlfriend and her family. Tulsa is and always wil~ be home. TORCH: How did you become involved with TOHR? AS: I became involved in TOHR by volunteering at the yearly fundraisers for the Pyramid Project, The Wild Hearts Ball and The Women’s Tea Dance. I have also volunteered for the OUTOK International Independer~ GLBT Film Festival. I was then asked the represent the transgendered community as Me Gender Outreach Director on the Board of Directors and here I am. TORCH: You’ve been a leader with the University of Tulsa’s BLGTA organization What are some of that group’s goals and TORCH: What are your plans for the future? AS: I intend to go to graduate school, hopefully TU Law School. I am looking forward to undertaking my transitioning process in the ne~’t few years from my biological female identity to my male gender ipentity with hormones and gender reassignment surgery. So, I’ll be around for awhile TORCH: Could you tell us, as TOHR’s Director of Gender Outreach, about new programs at the center? AS: Gender Outreach is currently undergoing restructuring to serve the needs of tranogenffered falks in the community. We now meet once a w~ek and have a monthly calendar where something different happens every meeting. The flrst~ third, and fifth weeks are Break Out Sessions for the guys and girls to separate and discuss more focused topics par~isular to their separate issues; the second week speakers eddress the entire group; and the fat~r~h week the group has a joint social activity, often outside ofthe Center. In order to attend a Breakout Session meeting, you must have attended a speaker meeting or the night of t he social activr~y. Our next speaker meeting is December 14t. Call the TOHR Community Center for information. Kelly Kirby, CPA, PC Ceded Put~ ~counl~t "For A//Your Acc0unting Needs" Gay ~en and lesl~ans face ~ether single or as c0W~. Were prod to sere tl~s ~=n~dty. 4815 S~1Har~d, Suite 4,?.4 Tulsa, Oklahoma 7413,~3066 �On Saturday Nov. 19th T~hefla.,q was raised over our b~ center if you weren’t there here is what you missed TOHR’s new Community Center is part of Tulsa’s oil patch hentage--the city’s once proud claim to be Oil Capital of the Wodd. Refinery Supply Company, which built the building io t930, did business hero on the comer of 4th St. and Kenosha Ave until 1960. Founded in 1923. Reffeery Supply Company continues to produce and market a range of equipment for Oklahoma’s oil and gas industry, including hydrometers, weight testers, centrifuges, refractometers, vacuum pumps, microscopes, and lab supplies. "It’s a bird! No, just our new building." When Refinery Supply moved south to its present Iocetion on 4sth St., the Planet Sales Co. moved in to operate a wholesale sporting goods business at the site between 1964 and 1970. After 1972, Kee-Lox Panama Manufactu~ng usedthe space to manufaclure carbon paper. In thelate 1970s, the building reverted to its oil industry routs. Cities Service (CITGO) fumed 621 E. 4th St. into a warohouse, and in 1985 MAPCO (Mid-American Pipeline Co.) moved in, also using the building as a warehouse. rab a balloon and line up! i;; ,,i "LOOKAT ME!! I HAVE THE MICI!" In the 1990s, Oklahoma’s oil economy faded and telecommunications boomed. Voice Systems Technology occupied the building in 2000-this company a component of Boston Communications Group Inc. (whose logo stilidecoratesthestroet front awning). BCGIwas founded in 1988andis headquartered in Massachusetts. It specializes in providing billtng, payment, enhanced voice and data sePAces to approximately 70 cell phone companies including Vedzon Wiroless, Cingular, AT&T, and Spdnt. If you made a cell phone cell, chances are that BCGI’s computers calculated how much you owed to whom. The company also offers propaid wiroless service and arranges roaming deals between wiroless companies. In addition to the computers that counted up callers’ remaining minutes on their propaid celt phone accounts, 621 E. 4th St. atso housed some of BCGI’s account and produut management functions. Telecommunications, too, has its ups and downs and BCGI pulled out of Tulsa in 2004. But now, flora oil and telecommunications to human dghts. TOHR is proud tO own this sturdy building that has sun~ved the past 75 tumultuous years of Tt~l~als economic history. No longer accommodating oil production or cell phone conversations, 621 ~:. 4th St. will soon serve our GLBT community of ~ Oklahoma. �Before we move into our new center, there is a little work we have to do to get it ready. Work requiring city permits w~ until permit drawings am complete end 3 bids for each job are obtained. KJnslow, Keith & Todd Architects are working on permit drs~wings new. V~ hope to obtain bids on permit work. dudng the first weeks of December. The architectural firm of Kinstow K~ith and Todd have specific guidelines for the process of handling projects. We are relying heavily on them to guide this process. All of the associates and pailnere them have been extremely generous and gracious. Kinstow, Keith & Todd are providing all of these services to TOHR on a pro bono basis. The timing of the start of the projects depends on a number of things including permits, bids and schedules of contractors. The list of moce-in projects ciude: conversion of 2 bathrooms to ADA: addition of 2 bsthrooms to comply with occupancy requiremedts; doorway remp/stairway work in 3 areas for ADA; d0ol swing reverse on 3 doo~vays for fire code; madirk~fion of second story itre escape; inatstlatlon of sprinkling system for fire cede; passenger use; street access for s use; catedng kitchen, some wall and close repair, and manual labor has begun. Intent last on the list and will be done ,Just as for all other major work. t the paint project as well. Volunteer help, lowed, will be ex~emely helpful. The Facilities Board of Trustees will oversee these projects. Dendi ney of Trustees. Laura Beknonte, Sue Welch, Pyremld Project Chair will Facilities Board. There will be UF Mark Bonney is worldng on recommended procedures by which thLs groul have those completed soon. Until that time; ~ items not already disoJssad and ~ Pyramid Project committee, t~ TOHR Board Kinslow are maldng ommendations. pro bono leadership of a task force of ~T area to ascertain our ment and IT infrastructure in the building. �FAIRY TREE The community is coming together to make this holiday season a little brighter with the "Fairy Tree ¯ The =Fairy Tree," gives you an opportunity to help those wth HIV/ AIDS In cooperation with Tulsa CARES, RAIN & Our House Too, TuLsa Oklabemans for Human Rights (TOHR) has put up the tree in the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center, 5545 E 41st Street in Highland Plaza. To pecome a fairy, stop by the Tulsa GLBT Community Center and pick an ornament off the tree. The ornament will reveal the wishes of an individual or family living wtth HIV/AIDS. You then can make some holiday wishes come true and bring your purchase(s) beck to the center by Decemeber 15th. The gifts will then be distributed in the community, You can pick up your ornament from the ’Fairy Tree" at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center dudng regular houm: Monday-Saturday: 3:00-9:00 PM beginning Saturday, December 3rd. NL:~ HOURS The L-Word Parties are back! The new season of the popular Showtime sepe~, the L-Word, signals the beginning of the popular L-Word parties at the Tulsa Gay, LesbMn, Bi & Tranngeeder (GLBT) Community Center. Beginning Sunday, January 8, 2C06, the perties begin at 8:00 PM with the L-Word on the big screen at th00 PM. As always, it’s free with surprises and give-a-ways planned throughout the year. The new year also brings expanded hours of operation, in this case - day~, for the TUls~ GLBT Community Center. Beginning January 8th, the Center will be open 7 days a week for the community - Monday through Saturday: 3:00-9:00 PM and Sunday: 6:00-10:00 PM. VCatch the Center’s page on ww~tchr.org for new updates on this and other programs of Tulsa OMahomans for Human Rights. ,OUT ON THE TOWN OUT on the Town" will be all over Tulsa during the coming year. The monthly ever~ will highlight various restaurants in the c~y and expedence some of Tulsa’s dk verse entertainment venues. If you’ve ever wanted, and who hasn’t, to meet others in the community or get your friends together and have a great time, or simply to improve society with visibility, "OUT on the Town" will do just that. "OUT on the Town" begins Saturday, January 14, 2006, Evenings will begin at the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Si & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center at 6:C0 PM followed by dinner and entertainment in and around Tulsa. Watch ~tww.toh[ org and future enews for more information. WHY WEIGHT? FOR THE HOLIDAYS The holiday~ are here. Why Weight? for the lasting effects of those peiiday feasts? At the Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi 8, Transgender (GLBT) Community Center, you can start prepapeg for a healthy hctiday season with "Why Weight." A casual gathering focusing on nutrition and exercise, the group meets on Sundays at 2:00 PM at the Center, 5545 E 41st Street in Highland P~aza. Everyone is welcome. f0rthe The Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgend~r (GLBT) Community Center h~s experiencing a 63% increase in traffic during the past 6 months while the Tulsa GLBT lnformati~m Line cMls have d~ubledin the same time frame. The number of visitors to �m~ e~f~ WHAT’S GOING ON IN TULSA AND AROUN_D THE WORLD? ~’-~ ~/~ okt~’nans f~ ~um~n ~t~ LOCAL, STATE & N IONAL N~S EMAILED DIRECTLY TO YOU sign up at tohr.org FREE GLBT-then,~d movies every Friday evening a~ 7:00 PM in the Commuhity RooI~. Up~oml~ film~ at C~eiCinema include: The Tulsa GLBT Histo~ Project uncovers, preserves and presents the rich contribuflons of GLBT people within the state of Oklahoma. Tim Tulsa GLBT History Project seeks to understand the contributions, sacrifice and dedication of our GLBT con~aunlty and its mzny sut~ porters by creating a pemm~t and accessible archive. A display is in the Tulsa GLBT Cmmm~mi~y center, 5545 E 41st Stxeet in Highland Plaza. (be~nning SOO). Rainbow Library Ready to curl up wilh a good book by the fire? One of~he largest GLBT-f~cused libraries in the Midwest, the Nancy McDonald Rainbow Library has nearly 3,000 rifles ~md over 300 movies available for FP~E public use. Bldllging~qua[i~y for human rights ~a �� Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Microsoft Publisher Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2005] TOHR Torch, Winter 2005; Volume 5, Issue 2 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource Winter 2005 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights TOHR Torch Winter 2005 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/5def031c0de17566796f005756d651ef.jpg 15f093733bbed629fbc74174a69efdae https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/80cb5265f347f0dcd59ae4932e377022.pdf 5a2863b74d69e5ea9b5ff866d325cf85 PDF Text Text �Recruit, Recruit, Recruit! for human rights About I5 years ago. I went to my first PRIDE march in Washington, DC. 1 was ver~ amused by the classic chant "10% is not enough, recruit, recruit, recruit!" Although Alfi’ed Kinsey’s eadmato that 10% of the population is exclusively homosexual is now I. is undeniable that as far as the future of TOILIR www,tohr.org of Uncle Sam attire (flannel? leather? you pick[) and let me explain why "l Want You" to .join us in bringing TOIIR and the Tulsa GLBT community to new levels of visibility | and organization. We are experiencing a tremendous amount of growth and change in the world of TOHR these days. Following a 300% increase in traffic at the Tulsa GLB1 Community Centor last year, this year we are on track to triple that. We expect 10,000 visitors by year’s end. II1 a mere two years, our annual Diversity Gala has outgrown the Oilcrease Museum, a venue which seats over 300. Steve Eberle, our Gala organizer, persuaded both Danna Sue Walker and Jason Ashley Wright to feature the Gala in their Tulsa Worm columns. That exposure not only shows Tulsa that we have a large and vibrant communily, but also inspires our many sttaight allies to support us the way that most of us support them in social justice causes, health advocacy, and the aFts. We need more straight fi’iends in forging organizational partnerships, expanding our donor base, and making it c~Nstal-clem to the powers that be that gay rights do not matter only to gay people. There are so many iadividuals working to make Tulsa an economically and culturally dynamic place that ce[ebrales diversity. The more voices in the chorus propagating that message, the better for us all. Occupancy-related work at our new buildiag is proceeding well. So ~ar~ over 100 people have volunteered at our workdays. Volunteered, I might add, for physically arduous, di~, and hot work. We are seeing old friends and making new ones. We have been warmly greeted by our neighbors. We are eager to become a vital part of the renaissance of the East Village. We are blessed with so much talent in this community, One great example is the amazing team of architects and interior designers that will be help us to plan Phase 2 of the building. We will have the 6~ largest GLBT center in America - and it wi[! be one of which we can all be incredibly proud. But we can - and will - do much more. Two things will be critical to ensuring that: People and resoumes. In early July, we will begin plotfing a strategy for the next 2-4 years. We are preparing budget projections and fundraising needs, laying out a plan for hMng more staff, puRing in place policies for our impending responsibilities in running the Events Center and leasing a portion of our space, and assessing the best ways for our Board and committees to serve our complex community. We are determined not to squander this once-in-a-lifetime opportanity to catapult TOHR to new levels of professionalism and efficacy. continued on page 3 At this exciting time, we need you more than ever, Consider becoming one of the 50 volunteers we will need each lnonth in running the new building. Isn’t it worth 3 ho~rs a month of your time to be connected to your GLBT brothers and sisters, to help others in need. to make new friends, and to show TOHR’s CaBital Camoaion The Pyramid Project Sue Welch �I The Gilcrease Musuem was the place to be on Friday, Jtme 9th for the annual Diversity Gala. 320 individuals supporting equality packed tbe museum, eqioying the even ing to support the programs of Tulsa Oklabomans fbr Human Rights (TOHR). Tbank you to all who attended and made tbis special evening possible. Don’t miss next year’s "night of the year." cowering in f~ar? Consider devoting 3 hours a month to skills in accotmting or finance, media and pubIic relations, strategic planning, building management, events planuing, grant writing, or grass-roots advocacy? We need all of tbose and Are you interested in starting a new program or bringing your current program to our new Facility? I cammt emphasize enougb that flais building is for the community. We welcome your ideas, we welcome your energy. If you bave an idea and some volunteers to build a program, let me know lab~elmonte~hotmail.com). Are you willing to d~vote your expertise toward our planned Wellness Center? We want to offer mental bealtb services, yoga, meditation, smoking cessation, I2-steps programs, a running/walking group, and more, but we need trained professionals to help us makes these goals a reality. Sue Welch receives TOHR’s Communii~ Hero A ward Senator Bernest H Cain receives TOHR’s L(fetime Achievement Award Kirk Holt accepts TOHR ’s CommuniO" Hero Awardfi)r Cisar-Holt Inc Charles Faudree accepts TOHR’s Community Hero Award from Laura Belmonte We ~vant to share our space and to help you publicize programs not only for tbose ill crisis, but those of a purely social nature. We have a community comprised of people of all ages, races, interests, physical abilities, and income levets~belp us bring as many people as possible into the TOHR family. Finally, if you have not coutributed financially to TOHR or are not a current member, we would be bonored if you would invest a portion of your hat&earned cash in the furore of Oklahoma’s oldest GLBT organization. Here’s to our next 26 years. In Solidarity, Laura A. Belmonte, Ph.D. President, TOHR Win up to $10,000 with the GREAT DIVIDE! $20 / ticket Drawing to be held this Fall GET YOUR TICKETS AT THE TULSA GLBTCOMMUNITY CENTER, 5545 E 41st Street in Highland Plaza �bullying. When asked if she would author a bullying bill, she responded that she would, but will not include langtmge specific to homosexuals. As expected, the did say homosexuNity is against the bible. TOHR Members Lobby in OKC Representative Lucky Lamons welcomed a group from Tulsa into his office and a discussion followed about former Tulsa Police Major Lynn Jones who chaired the TOHR Gala this year. Tulsa Police Department talk continued and Lucky thanked the Tulsa group for their visit. Stephen Eber~ Early risiug on Tuesday, May 9th began the lobby effort fbr many Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Trangender (GLBT) individuals and their friends and families. The soon-to-be lobbyists left from Stillwater, Norman, and Tulsa to an-ire at the OK State Capitol by 10:00 AM. TW’s Catering provided a continental breakfast in the rotanda for us as well as House and Senate staffers and legislators. Lobbyist Keith Smith presented a brief training on "Lobby I01", providing sound bites on AIDS Prescription Drug Assistance Program funding cuts, and possible future bullying and hate crimes bills. Armed with the legislative picture book and an information packet about TOHR, PFLAG and OYP, plus timely articles on GLBT issues for each of the legislators, our constituents divided the floors of the Capitol and began a morning of lobbying. With many legislators in committee, in many offices we lefl these packets witb the secretary along with an explanation of why we were at the Capitol. We were, however, able to meet directly with several legislators. Representative Jeannie McDanie! was her typical warm, understanding self, giving us the lowdown on how things operate at the Capitol, wishing us well and asking if she could call us wben she hears conflicting information on GLBT issues. Senator Judy Eason-Mclntyl~ was equally welcoming. Representative Brian Bingman was able to make time before a committee meeting and remarked that he has financially supported RAIN - a discussion of RAIN’s programs fo!lowed. Wbile breaking for luuch in the rottmda, John Sawyer of Tulsa sang his famous rendition of the National Anthem. Dr. Laura Belmonte, TOHR President spoke about why we had come to the Capitol that day. The GLBT Lobby Day is a yearly event to strenglhen our presence at the Capitol and let our legislators know about our issues, that we care and are here, and that we vote. Please join us next year at the Capitol. Some of us we~ able to quiz Representative Sally Kern on her library bill. Her response was while naturally little girls play with little girls and little boys play with little boys, they should not be exposed to books that say this is okay to do as an adult. When asked about bullying, Kern responded dmt, as a former teacher, she has zero tolerance for Oklahoma’s Antigay Adoption Invalidation Law Stricken A federal court in May struck down an Oklahoma law that would have had the potential to make children adopted by same-sex couples in other states legal orphans should the families move to Oklahoma. The Adoption Invalidation Law, bastily passed at the end of the 2004 Oklahoma legislative session, had said that Oklahoma "shall not recognize an adoption by more than one individual of the same sex from any other state or foreign jurisdiction." The federal courts ruled that this statute violates the U.S. Constitution by singling out a specific group for discrimination. U.S. district.judge R. Cauthron wrote in her opinion, "The very fact that the adoptions have occurred is evidence that a court of law has tbund the adoptions to be in the best interests of the children." Lambda Legal brought the case against the state of Oklahoma, and Ken Upton, Lambda Legal senior staff attorney stated: "Gay and lesbian parents in Oklahoma can now breathe a collective sigh of relief because their relationships witb their children are no longer threatened by the state of Oklahoma. We’re gratified that justice has been handed down in our case and that the court saw to it tbat Oklahoma h~s to treat the children of gay and lesbian parents the same as all other kids." �Tulsa GLBT Community Center Weekly Schedule SUNDAY l0 AM Ekklesia* the Gathering 2 PM Why Weight? MONDAY 3-9 PM Tulsa GLBT Communi~ Center Open 7 PM Twentysolnetbing 3rd Monday of month TUESDAY_ 3-9 PM Tulsa GLBT CommtmilT Center Open FREE HIV Testing 6-8 PM Take Me OUT to the Ballgame! 6-8 PM Volunteer Workdays Continue @ New Center FREE Syphilis Testing 1st Tuesday of month 6 PM Tulsa Area Primetimers 1st Tuesday of month WEDNESDAY 3-9 PM Tulsa GLBT Community Center Open 6:30 PM Tulsa Two=Spirit Society 1st Wednesday ofm0ntb 7:30 PM Gender Ou~xeach Trans/Intersex group THURSDAY 3-gPM Tulsa GLBT Community Center Open 6:30 PM Pyramid Project Comm. 3rd Thursday of month TOHR Board Meeting 7 PM Last Thursday of month 7 PM Lesbians of Tulsa Social group for women FRIDAY 3-9 PM Tulsa GLBT Community Center Open 7 PM Center Cinema FREE GLBT Movie SATURDAY 3-9 PM Tulsa GLBT Communiiy Center Open 4-7 PM FREE H1V Testing 4 PM 5 PM 6 PM T.U.L,S.A. Board Mtg. 1st Saturday of month T.U.L.S,A. Member Mtg. 1 st Saturday o}’month DeafGLBT Social Group Quarterly PM OHP Meetings/Events Quarterly The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) & allied community is headed to the ballpark with "OUT oil the Town," Saturday, July 22nd. Yon and your family and fi’iends can eujoy tbe evening game (7:05 PM) of the Tulsa Drillers vs. the Arkansas Travelers followed by a Fireworks Extravaganza, have tile opportunity to see "TuIsa Oklahonam]s for Human Rights" up in lights on the video scoreboard and get a 10% discount on pre-game souveuir merchandise - all for only $5.00 / person! 25 seats have been reserved witb more available. Please reselwe all the seats you’ll need by, calling 918.743.4297 by July, 14th. Renovation and improvements continue ~t the new Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center iu downtown Tulsa. Tbank you to the 100+ community volunteers wbo have given countless hours to improve the communities home. Volunteer workdays at the facility continue on Saturday and Sund~y July Ist & 2nd, July 15tb & 16th, July 22rid & 23rd and July 29th and 30th - from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM each day. Drinks, lunch and good times are benefits for each volunteer in appreciation of your time and talent. Please call Sue at 918.810.8156 for more information on how you can be a part of the excitement. TOHR PARTNERS WITH THE VIERSEN FAMILY FOUNDATION TOHR thanks the Sam Viersen Family Foundation of Tulsa and Okmulgee jbr its generous grant of $5,000 in support of TOHR ’s efforts to secure equal rights for the GLBT Community in NE OK. �OUT.OK Summer Film Series WOMEN IN LOVE is a wild story of love and friendship set within the sexually WOMEN IN LOVE Thursday, July 20, 2006 7:00 PM Chapman Hall, University of Tulsa East 5th Street & S Delaware Ave The Diversi~ Council is made up of Open Arms Youth Project, PFLAG and Tulsa Oklahomans for H!man Rigltts (TOHR). These three organizations have spent months working out erect detail in order to make the nine-day Diversity Celebration a reality. As one of the representatives for TOHR on the Diversity Council. I would like to say "Thank You" to the council for their support mid leadership over the past months. Together we have strengthened the foundation of the Diversity Cdebrabon and have guided it toward a better futm~. Also, I would like to say "Thank You" to the faith communities for your participation in one of "The Best" Interfaith Services ever. "Thaak you" to New Age Renegades, Club Majestic and Club Maverick for your sponsorsldps and all of your volunteers in the pmade. "Thaok you" to Mary T. for heading !p GayDay at the Zoo. "Thank yo!" to Steve Eberle for the magnificent Gala. "Thank you" to the Prirnetimers for the wonderf!l balloon arch. "Thank you" to Zach B for his strong leadership over the pride parade. "Thank you" to Brian B for the hard work on the entertainment. "Thank you" to the men and women who kept it flowing in the Condom Sense Beer Garden. "Thank you" to Norman, Terrie G., Marcia and Neal for being a big help to me the morning of the festival. And finally, a "HUGE THANK YOU" to Greg Gatewood for dealing with the good and the bad with me 24/7. (Literally) charged, politically active, and artistically involved lesbian communiU of San Francisco. Filmmaker Karen Everett (I Shall Not Be Removed: The Life of Marion Riggs; Framing Lesbian Fashion) turns the camera on her love life and a remarkable community of culturally significant, sex radicals in San Francisco. This riveting documentary explores one woman’s journey through fifteen years of friendship and love. Through home videos, candid interviews and video diaries, Everett poses universal questions about the nature of relationships through monogamy and polyamory. Looking at ways of loving that range from friendship to marriage to brief encounters of the passionate kind, WOMEN 1N LOVE is a video autobiography that dares much and bares all. Featuring Jackie Strano and Shar Rednour, leading directors of lesbian pornography and Phyllis Christopher, one of North America’s leading photographers of lesbian erotica this is a film not to be missed! ALSO CHECK OUT TWO OUT-OK 5 PRE-FESTIVAL SCREENTNGS: Last but never least; I want to say "THANK YOU" to the Tulsa Comnluni~ for your support, encouragement, and especially your commitment to our community. Diversity Celebration - Tulsa Pride is for you and about you. We have tried to have a wide range of events so we can reach tile inasses. Please continue to share your ideas and your thoughts so we can keep the celebration growing for years to come. WHOLE NEW THING: August 3t, 7:00pm. Join us as the planning begins tbr Diversity Celebration - Tulsa Pl’ide 2007! We will be celebrating the 25tu Anniversary of the Tulsa GLBT Pride Festival along with the OkIahoma Centennial. Come and bea part of the magic! OUT OK 5~ The Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival: October 11-15 (Tulsa) and October 19-21 Oklahoma City). For more information, please contact Philip Au at 918.682-4654, ext. 3 or pau6a~out-ok.com Kelly Rechelle Carter Director of Special events Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights C.R.A.Z.Y.: August 24, 7:00pro. �tul a oklahomans for human rights Tulsa Oklahomans f’or Human Rights (TOHR) works for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender (GLBT) equalily. Working for GLBT equality since 1980, TOHR is entering a new phase of its 26year history. Tiffs summer, the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, TOHR’s largest community program, will move into the permanent Center at 621 E 4th Street in the East Village of downtown Tulsa. The 20+ - and growing - list of community-oriented programs reach and directly affect over 25,000 individuals annually in Oklahoma and the surrounding areas. With the move to the permanent Center and with your continued support, TOHR’s commun0y programs will reach thousands more - making strides toward the goal, the mission, of GLBT equality. Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bi & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center TOHR’s largest program, the Tulsa GLBT Community (’e~ter is the fbcal point of the community. The Center will welcome over I0,000 visitors in 2006 ÷ the I 0th Anniversao, of the Tulsa GLBT Community Center. Advocacy Coalition Working in a united front, I’OHR and other like-minded organizations, have come together to educate the public on GLBT truths & issues to obtain equality. A priority of tbe Adw)cacy Coalition is working with city leaders and officials to add sexual orientation and gender identity to Tulsa’s non-discrimination policies. Advocacy Flash Utilizing today’s electronic world, TOHR issues an Advocacy Flash on issues of the day. In parlnership with the Advocacy Coalition, the flashes reach over 3.000 individuals instantly. Thanks to this, recent state decisions and local elections have been positive for the GLBT & allied community. Community Resource Kiosk The Community Resource Kiosk offers Community. Health, Faith and Business inIbrmation of the GLBT & allied community. FREE copies of the Torch, the Advocote, the Gayly Oklahoman, the Star, Gay Parent. and other publications are also available at the kiosk. David Bohnett CyberCenter Open just over a year, the David Bolmett CyberCent~r (DBC), gives the public free access to the world with 10 DSL computer stations. Over 30% (and growing) of the nearly 250 monthly users of the DBC are under the age of 25. Nancy McDonald Rainbow Library Since opening in ! 999. the Nan~V McDonald Rainbow Library (NMRL) has expanded in size and scope in for the community. Now with over 4,000 GLBT titles, the NMRL is a major TOHR educational program for the community. The PRIDE Store If it’s bumper stickers, flags, jewelry or novelty items you’re looking fbr, the PRIDE Store has Ttdsa’s largest selection of pride and rainbow merchandise. In the Tulsa GLBT Community Center\ the store is open during regular Center hours of Monday - Saturday: 3-9 PM. Tulsa GkBT Information Line - 743GAYS TOHR’s oldest, continually operating program, the Tulsa GLBT Informc~tion Lbze averages nearly 300 calls / month requesting community & health information, professional refel~als, etc. & is often the first place individuals contact the GLBT & allied community. Tulsa GLBT History Proiect The rich history of Oklahoma’s GLBT community is being collected, filmed, documented and preserved for thture generations with the Tulsa GLBT History Project. The Dennis Nei[l & John Southm’d History Project Room and display area in the new Center will highlight rotating shows of the prqject. Health & Wellness Partnerships TOHR began NE Oklahoma’s first anonymous HIV testing site and years later, continues Health & Wellness Partnerships for the GLBT & allied community. Working in partnership with local agencies, free HIV tests, including the 20- minute result test, are provided twice a week. The Pyramid Proiect- TOHR’s Capital Campaictn The goal of the Pyramid Projec! - to purchase a permanent home for the Tulsa GLBT Community Center was met TOHR pul~hased a building. The project will continue to raise funds to sustain the new Center and pay offthe mortgage. �Diversity Celebration - Tulsa PRIDE A true community event, Tulsa’s annual celebration of GLBT Pride and diversity is now in its 24th year[ As founding members of the Tulsa Diversity Council, TOHR, Tulsa PFLAG and OYP work together to plan and execute Diversity Celebration-Tulsa Pride! - one of the Midwest’s largest celebrations of its kind. Center Cinema Feature & short fihns, comedy & drama, documentafies and classics ~ they’re all featured at Center Cinema on a 65" high definition TV. The Tulsa GLBT Community Center hosts the free fihns every Friday evening at 7:00 PM in the Commons to kick-off your weekend. Check tohr.org for a list of upcoming films. TURBO -Tulsa Rainbow Business Orqanization GLBT & fi’iendly business owners & managers demonstrate the importance of a diverse economy. The Tulsa Rainbow Business Organization, TURBO, helps GLBT & friendly business owners through shared marketing opportunities, net working & community building. Gender Outreach Concentrating on the "T" in GLBT, Gender Outreach is a social and support group for Transgender and ln/ersex individuals in the community. Meeting every Wednesday evening at 7:30 PM in the Tulsa GLBT Community Center. the group is planning increased involvement in the community during 2006. OUTlife Coming Out is not a once-in-a-lifetime happening - it’s a lifelong experience, OutL~e, a peerqed discussion group for individuals beginning or in the li[blong process of coming out, meets on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM in the Tulsa GLBT Community Center. OUT on the Town Girls - and guys ~ just want to have fun! Oz~t on the Town is your chance for yo~ and all your friends and family to enjoy an evening together. Out on the Town, on the 2nd Saturday of the month, gives you a chance to get to know others in the community while enjoying the tastes, sights and sounds of Tulsa. KidsCorner Toys, videos and games are all in KidsCorner in the Tulsa GLBT Community Center. Educational books like The Sissy Duckling, King & King, Heather Hctr Two Mommies and The Boy Who Cried Fabu]ous, mnong others, are available. Parents Niqht Out Parents sometimes need a break - and GLBT parents are no exception. Parents Night Out provides childcare in a safe environment, allowing parents to enjoy a night on the town or a quiet evening at home. Parents Night Out is held during special events and during the holiday season. the Torah - TOHR’s newsletter TOHR’s newsletter, the Torch, provides donors and members an in-depth look at the community-oriented programs, events and advocacy efforts of TOHR. The Torch is sent electronically, througb mail delivery and is also available on the Fairy Tree The holiday season is marked with giviug through the Fairy Tree. The Fairy Tree, annually set up in the Tulsa GLBT Community Center benefits individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS. Thank You Thank you to all who helped make "Diversity Celebration - Tulsa Pride 2006!" a huge success. THANK YOU Presenting Partners: TOHR, Tulsa PFLAG, OYP aud Club Majestic. Unity Partaers: Camille Quinn, PC, Parish Church of St. Jerome & Vocal Pride Foundation. Communi~ Partners: Blockbuster Video, College Hill Presb~erian Church, Ekklesia - the Garhering, New Age Renegades, Sooner State Rodeo Association, U.S. Cellular & Wild Oats Natural Marketplace. Media Partners: the Gayly Oklahoman and the Star. Event / Activity Sponsors: All Souls Pride Shuttle, American Red Cross First Aid Station, Condom Sense Beer Garden, Diversity Christian Fellowship Diniug Tent, Eastern Oklaboma Communi~ Food Bank Drive, Families First Fun Zone, Jackie Cooper hnports Display & Tulsa Eagle Dunk Tank �Thank You to the 2006 Diversity Gala Patrons Platinum Patron~ Kimb~rly Lorhlg Anita Randza Dan Bumstein - Martin Martinez Trey Abrabamson. Denise Abrams. 1,ynelle Acebo. Roger Aeebo, Ernie AIcala, Steve Alken. Brooke Andrews. Alison Anthony, Peter A~hens Phillip Au. Craig Baker. Rex Bal!. Eric Ballou. 7old Patrons 818 Martini Bar Silver Patrons KinsIow, Keith & Todd Williams Companies Bronze Patrons Nm~cy & Joe McDonald BetDe & Jim Knight Dennis Neill - John Southard Kirk Holt Parish Church of St. Jerome Monty & Dave Duncan Tracey & Joel Norvell - VtDOOP Lynn Jones - James Madill Rhodes, Hiemonymous, Jones, Tucker & Gable US Cellular Sue Welch - Marcy Smith Tulsa Man-iott Southena Hills JeffZumwalt Tulsa Opera Dr, Greg Gray 5 T Construction Tim Williams -- Jonathan Brown Williams - Biffle Family Mar~ Newman Neff Zink ~pecial Thanks Class Act Starbuck Petal Pushers John D. Cutright, MSW, LCSW Counselor & Psychotherapist 4870 S. Lewis Avenue Suite 190 Tulsa, OK 74105 918-284-0123 Children~ Adolescents+ Adult~ Couples �CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS! Gay OKC History No Longer an Oxymoron Aaron Bae/thctfer, Ph.D Traditionally, scholars who produced Gay, Lesbain, Bisexual & Transgender (GLBT) community studies focused solely on subcultures in coastal cities or huge metropolitan areas, m~d too often their histories became the history of of ~actors~the end of state-mandated prohibition, public outcries over vice, and the election of a homophobic county attorney--allowed authorities to pursue vice more fervently, and it forced many ga~ and bisexual men back into the closet. Although Oklahoma City did not bare a "Stonewall" moment, political activism was not absent in the 1970s and 1980s. Serious grass-roots politicization occurred in response to the Oklahoma leg- The Tulsa GLBT Community Center ig looking for a few go~ peop! tb jhin the ranks Of Tulsa’s finest volun~ reefs. Centar volunteers respond tO the GLBT InfoLiiae, talking with people who need every imaginable kihd of information. Voluhteers operate the Pride Store as well as help people with the CyberCenter. We provide tcalning, a wonderful environment with Direct TV on our Big Screen TV, f~ee pool table, ~d great coffees and teas. Most of all, it s a great place to meet Up With ~iends, old and new: You can vMum teer your time and talent Once a month to once a week..al’ternoon and evening shills are available. Just send an omail to eommunity~tobr.org with your contact information or just stop by the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, E 41st Street ka Highland Plaza. 743-GAYS GLBT Americans. My dissertation, completed in May of 2006 at OSU under Laura Belmonte, challenged that notion. It reconstructs the social and sexual lives of gay and bisexual Oklahoma City residents, 1889-2005, and tests many cherished assumptions regarding the roles played by geography, urbanization, World War lI, and Civil Rights-era protests on the growth of queer s~bcultures. My research indicated that a diverse gay and bisexual male world existed in Oklahoma City with roots that extended back before World War II, something normally associated only with cities like New York. That subculture included well-’known spots for sex and socialization, openly-gay residents and it operated rather smoothly until the late 1950s. At that juncture, a sunthT islature’s aRempt to deny homosexuals the right to teach in public schools, to combat police brutality, and to fight AIDS. Although recent setbacks, such as Oklahoma’s prohibition against samesex marriage and adoptions, seem to overshadow that tradition of activism, they do not diminish the decades-old community spirit established by queer pioneers. Oklahoma City’s story reminds scholars that GLBT subcultures existed in the Western regiol~ of the United States, and that their narratives, although different, also enrich our understanding of the history of American sexuality. Dr. Bachh(?fer can aibach@attg.net be contacted at �Steve Eberle TORCH: Where is home Jor you? Where did you grow up? SE: I was born and raised in Albany, NY and lived there until I attended Texas A&M University. Upon graduation in 1977, 1 moved to Tulsa for a horticulture sales position. TORCH: How did you first become involved with TOHR? SE: My first involvement was in the early nineties organizing the first formal benefit auction for TOHR. The Mid Continent Tower’s 15th Floor was the venue in October 1993. That was our 7th annual auction. TORCH: What other organizations" have you been involved with? SE: I have been either on the Board or fund-raised for probably 25 Oklahoma charities ~mce moving to Tulsa. I prefer direct care social service organizations, ranging from HIV/AIDS, incarcerated women, education, international relations, to animal protection: animal protection is what I have the greatest passion for. TORCH: Based on your experience in the community, how is Tulsa changing? SE: I have always found Tulsa to be gay-friendly and an easy town to be out, both in sexual orientation and HIV stares. Tulsa continues to rank high in philanthropy, both individual and corporate giving. I think that is a sign of a caring community. TORCH: TOHR just hosted the fantastic 2006 Diversity Gala. Do you have anyfinal words’ on this? SE: We had 320 guests fill the Gilcrease Museum’s Vista Room and we were able to celebrate our achievements of the past 26 years. I was especially pleased that we were able to honor Senator Bemest Cain with our Lifetime Achievement Award for his years of assistance defending the GLBT community on the floor of the State Senate. �Domestic Partner Benefits Domestic partner benefits~ offered to an employee’s unmarried partner, are essential for an employer that wishes to harness the thll polential of all employees. As of 2004, the average benefits plan constituted nearly one-fifth of total compensafion packages for employees, with rougbly half of that devoted to bealth insurance. For most gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender employees, the poMon of those benefit plans that covers an employee’s dependents traditionally the employee’s spouse and children--is unavailable, creating significant disparity in compensation and the interred value of that employee’s contribufions tothe colnpany. Employers increasingly [ookto domestic partner benefits as a means to promote a diverse workforce and ensure maximum elnployee productivity. A study by Hewitt Associates in 2005 concluded that the prevailing reason most companies currently offer domestic partner benefits is to attract and retain employees. The History of Domestic Partner Benefits The Village Voice, a New York City weekly, became the first employer to offer domestic partner benefits to its lesbian and gay employees in 1982. By 1990, there were fewer than two dozen U.S. employers that offered "spousal equivalent" benefits to their gay employees’ partners. In 1992, Lotus Development Corp,, now a division of IBM, became the first publicly traded company to offer such benefits. The real impetus began in 1996 when San Francisco enacted its Domestic Partner Ordinance. The Ordinance was tbe first law in the country to legally mandate employer provided domestic partner benefits. The Ordinance prohibits the Ci~ or County of San Francisco fi’om entering into contracts or agreements with parties who discriminate in the provision of benefits to domestic pm’tners, Since I996, more jurisdictions have passed similar laws. Tbese laws have led mol~ than 8,000 employers to provide equal benefits to employees’ unmarried partners. Most sigmificantly, the State of California passed a law that requires any entiW that does more than $50,000 of business with the state to offer domestic partner benefits. Who now offers domestic partner benefits? As of March 1, 2006, 49% of the Fortune 500 and 78% of the Fortune 100 largest corporations offered health benefits to employee’s domestic partners, compared to just 25% of the Fortune 500 in 2000. In total, approximately 8,281 employers offer beafih benefits to domestic partners. What is a "Domestic Partner"? There is no single definition. Because federal non-discrimination laws do not inclnde "sexual orientation" or "gender identity" or expression," a consistent definition of"domestic pal~er" is not required. Generally, domestic partners are two individuals who are in a long-term comm0ted relationship and are responsible for each other’s financial and emotional well~being. Employers usually set their own definitions of domestic pm~tner when they decide who is eligible for domestic partner benefits. Many employers require a domestic pal~.ner to meet some or all of the following : * Must be at least 18 years of age; * Must have an exclusive and committed relationship; * Must share the same residence and be financially interdependent; * Must not be married; and * Must have been eacb other’s sole domestic partner for the past twelve months, Tax Implications of Domestic Partner Benefits The Internal Revenue Se~wice has ruled that domestic partners cannot be considered spouses for tax purposes. Thus, employers ~re obligated to report the fair market value of the domestic partner coverage as income to the employee. The employee must pay income tax and social security taxes on tbat money and the employer must pay its share of taxes as well. There is a bill pending to amend the Internal Revenue Code to exclude domestic partner benefits from being taxed. Domestic partner benefits may be considered non-taxable only if the domestic partner meets the IRS definition of a "dependent." Internal Revenue Code Section 152 defines a dependent as someone who resides in the employee’s household and who receives at least half of his or her support from the employee. Issues to Consider When Signing Up for Domestic Partner Benefits inadvertently "Outing" Your Partner �Some employers are obligated to provide insurance to all of its employees, unless the employee is covered under another plan, If your partner’s employer requires employees to disclose the source of their illsurance coverage, your partner’s use of your domestic partnership plan could ’out" your partner, ~hich may be a concern if he or she has an unfriendly workplace. This is especially true if your partner is in the milita0~. What if the Partner is a Foreign National in the Country on a Temporary Visa? Foreign nationals in the country on temporary visas should be aware that signing a domestic partnership afi7davit could constitute evidence of an intent to stay in the count~7 indefinitely, in violation of the visa requirements. Consult an immigration altomey if this concern applies to yot~. Employers Offering Domestic Par~er Benefits N a~io r~,’id e Could the Domestic Partner Affidavit Be Used In Future Court Proceedings? In some jurisdictions, the law creates obligations~uch as providing financial support or dividing property~n couples who break up. Whether a domestic partnership affidavit could be used in a suit f~r support or propel~y division would depend on the jurisdiction you are in. Some states have super-DefEnse of Mmriage Act laws that would most likely prevent the courts from recognizing any kind of relationship between you and your pal’tner. Even in states without super-DOMA laws, alimony a~vards are increasingly rare; however, if there was complete economic dependence by one partner on the other partner, it is possible that a domestic partnership affidavit might be used as some evidence that palimony would be appropriate. Healthcare Savings Accounts and Domestic Partners A Healthcare Savings Account is a federally defined, tax-fi-ee account used to pay for medical expenses, such as eyeglasses and prescriptions. At present, the federal tax code does not permit employees to use these accounts for a domestic partner’s medical expense, even if the partner is enrolled in an employer-sponsored insurance program. Unfortunately, this is something that can only be changed through a change in federal law your employer cannot fix the situation fl~rough a change in its benefits plan. Retirement Plan Issues Under the San Francisco Ordinance, retirement pimps must treat domestic partners the same as spouses for purposes of qualified joint sulwivor annuities. Additionally, Internal Revenue regulations affect the employee’s ability to take loans out against the retirement plan--you must obtain the consent and signature of the domestic partner before a loan against the retirement money is permitted. for humsn rights do you get them? sign up @ tohr.org �membership Name (as it should appear on mail addressed to you): I (we) want to join TOHR! __ Student, Senior or Americorps Volunteer $15 __ Individual $30 __ Family / Household $50 __ Patron $100 Mailing Address Method of Donation Check enclosed, payable to TOHR My company offers a matching gift pro- Telephone gram. or will follow. The proper forms are enclosed Please bill (our) credit card: Visa IMPORTANT - Emaf/ Address Card # __ MC __ AMEX � Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Microsoft Publisher 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] TOHR Torch, July-August 2006; Volume 5, Issue 5 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2006 July-August Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights August 2006 July 2006 TOHR Torch https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/1942dd3c5201efb8e5f299605646519c.jpg ea6c8080dd95c23cfb5a340aae51a7f4 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/bbc4b8e233008cb882bbabd2b41f6239.pdf f692c6d7dd3e7bd8077d1324cd757b27 PDF Text Text September/October 2006 the volume five/issue six CH ~omans for human rights �Thinking Globally, Acting Locally As [ sit at my desk amazed at the quick passage of this blistering summer, I am staring at the rainbow and U.S, flags 1 keep in a clip before me. Both symbolize two personaI traits that illuminate the very core of my bei~g. for human rights Oklahomans for Human Right~ (TOHR) Tulsa, OK 74~01 The first embodies my pride in being openly gay, especially in a place like Tulsa where tha~ is not exactly easy. www.tohr,or8 The second reflects my even greater pride in being an American. As a historian, [ have devoted nay career to teaching about and studying our nation’s glorious, complicated past. 1 have a deep and abiding love for our count.2/and its ideals of"life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" for all. Although gay and lesbian people in the United States still do not enjoy full pebtical equality, we have far more freedoms and rights tban our brothers and sisters in many other countries a fact made horribly apparent all over the globe in recent weeks.. In July, thanks to local activist extraordinaire Toby Jenkins, Tulsa joined dozens of cities nationwide that held vigils commemorating the first annNersary of the vicious, public executions of two banian boys, Mabmoud Asgari and Ayaz Marboni. The boys, aged 14 and 17, were accused of aggravated sodomy by the Iranian government. The reality is that the boys were killed for being gay. Their tragic stol2/ highlights the oppression millions of gay and lesbian people face worldwide. While the violence between Hezbollah and Israel provided a frigbtening illustration of the hatreds that divide the Middle East, it is very striking that, in Jerusalem, Christian, Jewish. and Muslim leaders joined forces in opposing an international gay rights parade. Indeed, a flyer circulated in ultraorthodox Jewish neighborhoods offered $4,400 to anyone who would assassinate a marcher. Earlier this year. the State Department’s annual report on human rights painted an equally harsh picture of homophobic violence and hostili~ elsewhere. In Nigeria, bomosexualily is a federal offense punishable by prison sentences of up to 14 years. In Jamaica, Steve Harvey, a leading AIDS activist, and Brian Williamson. a wellknown advocate Ibr gay rights, were both brutally murdered. In Poland, Latvia, and Russia, peaceful gay rights demonstrators were subjected to physical assaults, and pelted with rocks, bottles, and rotten eggs. In Uganda, consensual homosexual sex can be punished by life in prison, In Saudi Arabia, gay men have received up to 2,000 lashes and have been bebeaded in public squares. TOHR stands in solidarity with thousands of others across the world in decrying these horrible abuses. Take a moment and send a sileat wish that we may someday live in a world where every gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender person is accorded peace, dignib’, and freedom. II1 Solidari~, Laura A Belmonte, PhD President, TOHR TOHR’s CaPital CamPaign The Pyramid Project Sue Welch �10th Anniversary Celebration of the Tulsa GLBT Community Center If l Had a Hammer ... or some fringe Renovations are progressing well at the new building which will permanently house the Tulsa GLBT Community Center. Plans are to move into the facility in late October - only a few weeks away. Consequently, if you would like to help with renovations, come on down! Any skill level is appreciated and there is still much to do. If you have a ladder, drill, paint supplies, bring them. If you would like to help but do not have any of the above tools, come anyway and we will gladly assign you a task. Volunteer weekend workdays for September are at 10:00 AM on the following dates: 9th, 10th, 23rd, 24th and 30th. Lunch and a good time with friends are provided. Over 125 volunteers, a design group of local professionals and TOHR representatives, have been working hard to make this a place we can be proud oP. Members of the design group are: Kirk Holt, Amanda Daily, Steven Edwards, Charles Faudree, Brett Logan, Rick Phillips, Carson Smith from Kinslow Keith & Todd, Larry Synar, Shannon Walker, Laura Belmonte, Mark Bonney, Greg Gatewood and Sue Welch. Please come lend a hand and be one of the first to see the progress! For more info, call Sue Welch at 918-810-8156. The Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center (the Center), will celebrate its first decade of serving the GLBT & allied community during Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) Annual Meeting on Thursday, September 28, 2006 at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 5545 E 41st Street in Highland Plaza. The evening kicks off at 6:00 PM with the Center’s 10th Anniversary Reception. Celebratory drinks, individualized cakes and exhibits highlighting the first 10 years of the Center will mark the occasion. The TOHR Annual Meeting, with Awards & Recognitions, the State of the Organization, a Year in Review and Board of Director elections (see "Preparing for the Future," page 11, for nominees), follows the reception at 7:00 PM. The evening will also mark the last official TOHR function in a leased space, as the Tulsa GLBT Community Center will be moving to its permanent home, 621 E 4th Street in the East End of downtown Tulsa, this October. It’s been an exciting and busy year for Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR). TOHR has partnered with Tulsa PFLAG (Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays) and OYP (OpenArms Youth Project) to plan and make "Diversity Celebration--Tulsa PPdDE!" bigger and better. Your input and ideas can help take it to the next level. We’re also implementing a strategic plan and a marketing initiative that will help change Tulsa and Oklahoma for the better. You can help make it all happen with your support and by attending the TOHR Annual Meeting on September 28th at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 5545 E 41st Street in Highland Plaza. See you at the Center. Win up to $10,000! the GREAT DIVIDE! $20/ticket Drawing in February 2007 GET YOUR TICKETS AT THE TULSA GLBTCOMMUNITY CENTER 5545 E 41st Street in Highland Plaza 3:00-9:00 PM Monday-Saturday �The 2006 Elections can change things for the better - or the worse - for the Oklahoma Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) & allied community. With your help, it’ll be for the better. Now is the time to register to vote if you’re not already registered or update your registration. It’s simple and fast. Just stop by the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 5545 E 41st Street, Monday through Saturday from 3:00-9:00 PM. The Voter Registration Form takes just about 5 minutes to complete. We’ll then send your completed form to the Tulsa County Election Board and you’ll be ready to help change Oklahoma for the better with your vote. Democrat Sue Barton, who won her party’s nomination last month, will face incumbent Frank Lucas in Oklahoma’s 3rd District. The 3rd District is Oklahoma’s largest and includes Osage, Pawnee, and parts of Creek counties. Barton has worked as an advocate for more than 20 years on behalf of children, youth and families, including working with Youth Services of Oklahoma. She is co-owner and director of barton.phillips and associates, a consulting company providing training and technical assistance to agencies that provide care for children and youth. A progressive Democrat, Barton’s campaign is focusing on affordable health care, a livable wage, preserving social security and fiscal accountability, among other issues. Frank Lucas, the Republican Incumbent who is running for his seventh term in Congress, operates a cattle ranch and farm in Roger Mills County. His website currently features his votes in Congress to keep the phrase "under God" in the pledge of allegiance, to forbid the use of federal money to print ballots in languages other than English, and against possible electric rate increases in rural areas. thank you Thanks to the dedication and hard work from volunteers and auction donors, Diversity Gala 2006 at the Gilcrease Museum achieved 35% over our goal! Thanks to all below who did so much to ensure a successful evening. Laura Belmonte Brent Be~Otolino Andrew Carter Stephen Eberle Greg Gatewood Janet Gearin Richard Hurtig Devre Jackson Lynn Jones Meagan Kauffman Dwight Kealiher Norman Kopp Lamont Lindstrom John Madigan Nancy & Joe McDonald Dennis Neill Tracey Norvell David Parsons Don Rush Andy Smith Keith Smith John Southard Linda Stevens A1 Triggs Michael Villafuerte Wendy Whysel Justice Waidner Ken Youngblood 818 Martini Bar Aberson’s Ernie Acala Christina Applegate Jimmy Black Brook Restaurant Burnett’s Flowers Cynthia Brumbaugh Can’abba’s Italian Grill Chalkboard Charleston’s Cisar-Holt Class Act Party Rental Council Oak Men’s Chorale Dr. Sean Costello, DDS Sarah Diggdon Dog Dish Amanda Earl Charles Faudree Flemings Garden Diva Garlic Rose Mitchell Garrett Gilcrease Museum Dale Gillman’s Antique Warehouse Lou & Jack Hodgson Kirk Holt Home Collection Ihloff Salon and Day Spa LaDonna’s on 15th Street Mark Lackey Loring Winery McGills McNellie’s Irish Pub Miss Jackson’s Salon Nielson’s Fine Gifts Margos PF Changs Prive Samson, et AI. Sheri-Mayer Designs Blane Snodgrass, OD Snow Goose Starbucks TA Lorton Julie Trainum Candance Trombka Thyme Bistro Tulsa Opera University of Tulsa Golf Bob VanFleet White Lion The Yoga Room Zeigler’s Framing �is tulsa moving forward? Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor Responds to TOHR The Advocacy Committee of Tulsa Oklahonmns tbr Human Rights (TOHR) works with allied organizations to monitor and defend the rights of’lulsa’s Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual & Transgender (GLBF) community. One of our major goals is to persuade the City of Tulsa to add "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" as listed categories on the City’s stataments of non discrimination. TOHR President Laura Behnonta, who also chairs TOHR’s Advocacy Comnfi/tee, recently contacted newly elected Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor requesting that City policy apply equally ta alI Tulsa citizens: Dear Mayor Taylor: [ am writing in regard to your call for ] ulsans to extol the virtues of our city in au effort to generate national interest in our amenities and oppo~lunities. While I agree entirely with your faith in Tulsa, I would also like to discuss a much-deserved negative aspect of Tulsa’s reputation. Many thoughtful citizens think our city is doomed if it does not take steps to protect and celebrate it’s diversity. This is particularly true in the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) comlnunity. By some indices, Oklahol~aa ranks 45~h in the nation in terms of inclusion and civil rights protections for gay people. While Manford and Oklahoma County have amended their non-discrimination ordinances to encompass sexual orientation, Tulsa has not taken this vital step despite the fact that the city’s Human Rights Comnlission first began recommending such a change in 1975. As you undoubtedly know, GLBT people are an integral element of this city. We own dozens of businesses and employ thousands of people. We are doctors, lawyers, teachers, firefighters, police officers, m~d every other occupation under the sun. Eighty-six percent of Fortune 500 companies now explicitly protect their GLBT employees. Despite widespread and legitimate concern fbr the city’s economic futm~, Tulsa has refused to join over 300 cites across the United States including Cincinnati and Salt Lake City who have expanded their non-discrimination policies to ensure that sexual minorities are judged solely on their merits as employees, tenants, alld customers. In my capacity as a professor at Oklahoma State University. 1 have seen dozens of extremely promising ga~ people flee our state or refi~se job offers mainly because of the region’s reputation as a stronghold of intolerance. These individuals include a Rhodes Scholar nominee, t~vo Goldwater Fellows, and Ph.D.s from universities including Ha~ward. Yale, and Stanford. These are precisely tile type of professionals we must keep in and draw to Tulsa if we are to build tbe city to ,,~hich we aspire. You have broad support in tile GLBT community and we very much hope you wilI recti~ this glaring flaw in the fabric of our city. Sincerely, Laura A. Belmonte, Ph.D. Laura A. Belmonte, Ph.D. President, TOHR Chair, Say No to Hate Coalition June 8, 2006 Dear Dr. Belmonte: Thank you so much for raking the time to share your views regarding the City of Tulsa’s non-diseriinination policies. Please know tbat your input is impo~ant to me as I work through the mm~y issues facing our city. As you know, Tulsa is borne to a wonderful gathering of diverse and talented individuals and families. It is indeed one of our greatest strengtbs as a city and an asset that I recognize. As I have stated before; I am committed to making sure my appoinUnents on our many boards, commissions and trust authorities reflect the face of Tulsa. I am also committed to making sure our hiring policies are fair and nondiscriminatory. I am copying your le~er to the chairman of the Human Rights Commission for review and recommendations. Again, thank you for your letter and for keeping the best interests of Tulsa in mind. Sincerely, Kathy Taylor Mayor Tulsa Oklahomans for Htunan Rights (TOHR) will continue to work with Mayor Taylor, members of Tulsa’s City Council and ~ith the City of Tuls~’s Human Rights Commission to ensure that all Tulsans enjoy equal employntent, housing, and other rights. You cm~ coutact the mayor at hrcp:// www.cityofl~lsa.org/Reporting/ General.asp mad Tulsa City Council members at hltp:/ www.tulsacoun¢il.org/aboutcc.php �THERE WOULO BE NO WITHOUT LYNN RIGG3 Oklahoma’s has one of the best state songs around thanks to Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma.~ (1943), a musical adaptation of Lynn Rigg’s play Green Grow the Lilacs (1931). Riggs was born in 1899 on a farm near Claremore. He escaped Oklahoma when he turned I8, surviving on odd jobs in Chicago and New York. He returned to Tulsa a year later and worked briefly as a reporter fbr the Oil and Gas Journal. Par~-Chemkee, Riggs used income from leasing his Claremore land allotment to attend the University of Oklahoma where he studied English and started to write poetry. Stress and illness (probably connected with a growing awareness of his homosexuality), however, prevented Riggs from graduating. Instead, in 1923. he left Norman and moved to Santa Fe at the invitation of gay poet Witter (Hal) Bynner (1881-1968) who had briefly taught at OU in 1922. Bynner, who edited the literary ~oumal the Laughing Horse, published a few of Rigg’s early poems. Bynner’s own Santa Fe home is now a gay-friendly Bed and Breakfast, the Inn of the Turquoise Bear. In Santa Fe, Riggs joined m~ literary and artistic circle that partly rotated around the wealthy Taos socialite Mabel Dodge Luhan who had talked bisexuaI British author D. H. Lawrence into moving to New Mexico. Along with Bynner, Rigg’s New Mexico friends included gay artist Cady Wells and gay novelist Myron Brinig. Bet~een 1935 and 1940, Riggs owned a home in Santa Fe located at 770 Acequia Madre. He also had an apartment in New York, at J Christophe~ St and also lived, for a few years, in France and Los Angeles working on Holly~vood movie screenplays These included 77~e Garden of Allah (1936), fe~taring Marlene Dietrich and Charles Boyer, Cecil B. DeMille’s The Ploinsman (1936) starring Gary Cooper and Jean Arthur, and also two early Basil Rathbone features, gT~erlock Homes and the Voice of Terror and Sherlock Holmes h! Washington. In Hollywood, Joan Crawford was a fgvorite beard. She gave Riggs a Scottish Terrier named Baron. Riggs only returned to Oklahoma for brief visits. One of these was to attend the History Project Memories John. D. Cutright, MSW, LCSW Counselor 8, Psychotherapist 4870 E Lewis Ave Suite 190 Tulsa, OK 74105 918.284.0123 Providing Mental Health Services for Children, Adolescents, Adults and Couples. �up DBAT ~tulsa oklahomans for human rights Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) seeks equal rights for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender (GLBT) individuals and families tkrough advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Tulsa GLBT Conmaunity Center. Working for GLBT equality since 1980, TOHR is entering a new phase of its 26- year history. This Foil, the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, TOFIR’s largest cotrmaunity program, will move into its permanent home in dovcntown Tulsa. The 20+, and growing~ list of community-oriented programs directly affect over 25,000 individuals annually in Oklahoma and the surrounding areas. With the move to the permanent Center, and with your continued support, TOHR programs will reach thousands more - malting strides toward our mission of GLBT equality for Oklahoma. We invite you to visit the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 5545 E 41st Street to learn more of how you can be involved. We look forward to working with you to achieve the mission of equality for GLBT Oklahoma. New Association for GLBT Owners & Professionals Forms in Tulsa Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) is offering a new program for the Gay, Lesbian. Bisexual, Transgel~der (GLB~I) and allied community - Diversity Business Association Tulsa (DBAT), DBAT provides a forum Io the GLBT buslaess and professional comnmngy and its allies for tbe purpose of net,~orking, professiona! development, increasing visibility and strengthening reIationships among business and communb3, members. The new group is working with DBA in OKC to enhance statewide cooperation. The next DBAT session is Thursday, October 5th. 6:30-8:00 PM at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 5545 E 41st Street in Highland Plaza. At this meeting, we’ll explain the structure of the new group, sign up members, and discuss volunteer needs/opportunities. This session will also have a networking segment in which pm’dcipants can give a short presentation on their business. Our first official meeting will be held in the NEW Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 621 E 4tb Street in downtown Tulsa, on November 14th. Our program for this meeting will be on healthcare insurance and the new Oklahoma Healthcare Premium Assistance program for small businesses. For more information, please contact Su- for the record The new Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center in downtown Tulsa will open its doors none too soon as we’ll welcome 10.000 visitors (for the year) before the end of the December. During the first 8 months of this year, 7.631 visitors (a 305% increase in traffic compmed to last year) have helped make the Center a hotspot for community activities, meetings and special events. The David Bohnett CyberCenter is one of the fastest growing community programs. Teenagers to seniors, 2,029 in the past 8 months, utilize the I0 stateof-the-art computer stations for web access, research, chatting, homework, etc. on a daily basis. The oldest, continually operating community program of TOHR is the Tulsa GLBT Information Llae. In existence since 1982, the line averages nearly 10 calls per day, providing business/professional referrals, nightclub into/ locations and community event information to over 300 people per month. community resource kiosk hivtesting 20’something david bohnett cybementer the pride store nancy mcdonald rainbow library tulsa, .... ~-"communib! center Monday-Saturday 3to9PM o~,~o ~. ~/~t /~.o,~to tulsa glbtinfo line twe-spiritsociety tulsa area primetimers gender outreach t.u,l,s,a, ekklesia-the gathering much more �OUT,OK in Tulsa & OKC OUT OK, tbe longest-running GLBT film festival in Oklaboma. returns tbr another outrageous year of celluloid fun this October llth-22nd. OUT OK 5 is unleashing first-run, independent. gay movies in Tulsa and Oklahoma Cit2 . In addition to tbe vein popular ABSOLUT Cocktail Parties, OUT OK is proud to announce "In Concert with FUNNY KINDA GUY", following the screening of the riveting Scottish documentary of the same name. Direct from Scotland, Simon, a postop transperson will serenade us with his jazz-inspired tunes which have captured the Glasgow music and club Arguably the first gay sequel, writ- Right to Serve - 09.12.06 Tbe Soulforce "Right to Serve" Campaign is confi’ontiug tbe government-sanctioned discrimination of the military policy "Do~Et Ask, Don’t Tell." The U.S. House of Representatives is currently considering a repeal, however the legislation lacks support and needs public awareness to move it along. Direct actions began August 23rd witb genuine intentions to serve openly in the mititmy. Tbe next step is tbe "Right to Setwe" sit-in and demonstration on Tuesday, September 12 at I1:00 AM at the U.S. Army Recruitment Center, 6401 NW Expressway, OKC. For more in~brmatiou, please contact Michael E. Cich at michael.cich@okstate.edu. Walls - 09.21-23/28-30.06 An original production Walls aims to break down walls of fear through showing tbat wbetber black or wbite or gay or straigbt.., we are really not all that different. Walls tells tile story of two individuals - wbo bappeued to be women - that fall in love. Friends since they were 5, the story follows their lives showing that the journey of life is not that different for may of us. Written by a ~oup from Commmaity of Hope UCC, Walls hits tbe stage on SeNember 2Ist-23rd and September 28th-30th at Fellowship Congregational Churcb UCC. 29th & Harvard. Tickets range from $20 to $50 and are available by calling Community of Hope at 918.747.6300. McPride - 09.23.06 You’l! want to bead to Southeast Oklahoma on Saturday, September 23rd for tbe 2nd Annual McPride Family Picnic in McAlester. Chadick Park, near downtown McAlester, is the site of entertainment, information, games & more from 1 !:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Oklaboma’s Cowboy Crooner Matthew Heath-Fitzgerald, former MGO Kris Kobl of Tulsa, 100 Ways lead vocalist Susan Lea, OKC entertainer Stephanie DeBarge, Phillip Parker aud Michael Camfield beadline the entertaimnent for the day. Booths from across the state, including TOHR, the Ttdsa GLBT Community Center and the Pride Store, along with guest speakers, volleyball, and music will fill the park all day. TOHR Annual Meeting - 09.28.06 eNdirector Q.Allan Brocka returns with EATING OUT 2: SLOPPY SECONDS. Director Phillip J. Bartell re-introduces the cast of hot sex kittens, Gwen and Tiffani, man-whore Marc, awkward gay boy Kyle (Jim Verraros of American ldol 1), and a hot bubbling menu of All-American beef (see photo). Fine-dining at its dirtiestbest! Actors will in atl.endance. For more information, contact Philip Au at 918-682-4654, ex~ 3 or pau@out-ok.com The TOHR Annual Meeting, ~vith Awards & Recognitions, the State of the Organization, a Year in Review and Board of Director elections (please see page 4 for nominees), is Thursday, September 28th. The evening kicks off with the Tulsa GLBT Community, Center 10th Anuiversary Receptiou at 6:00 PM with celebratory drinks and refreshments. The evening also marks the last oft5cial TOHR function in a leased space, as the Center will be moving to its permanent home at 621 E 4th Street in the East End of downtown Tulsa later this year. See page 3 for more information on how you can help tbe move happen during voluuteer Weekend Workdays, and more information on the TOHR Annual Meeting. DBAT - 10.05.06 Diversity Busiuess Association Tulsa (DBAT), a new association program of TOHR tbr GLBT business owners aud professionals, has fanned in Tulsa. The uext meeting of DBAT is October 5th, 6:30-8:00 PM at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center, 5545 E 41st Street. The session features the structure of the new group, member sign-ups and a discussion for opportunities. There’ll also be a networking segment in which participants can give a sbort presentation on their business. For more information, please contact Susan Hartman ar slhartman@cox.net or 918.274.1699. AIDS Walk Tulsa 2006 - 10.07.06 All in Oklahoma wbo want to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS and help meet the needs for HIV prevention and care, are encouraged to participate in AIDS Walk Tulsa 2006 on Satmday, October 7th. The Ibstivities begin at 9:00 AM at Veterans Park, 1875 S Boulder, with refreshments and awards presented to the top individuals and teams Ibllowing the 2-mile walk. Tulsa’s 14th annual walk raises I~nds to support direct HIV/AIDS ser- �vices in Tulsa and reealves matching funds ~om a National AIDS Challenge Grant. The Tulsa AIDS Walk is a project of the Community Se~Mce Council of Greater Tulsa. Silver sponsors are the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Tulsa and Starbucks Coffee. Bronze sponsors are Ciao, Baby!, Evan Taylor Photography, MAC AIDS Fund, Miss Jackson’s Network-I.T.. Tulsa PFLAG and Tnlsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR). OUT OK - 10.11-21.06 OUT OK has more days, more movies, and more beautiful actors m~d talented flhmnakers than ever. OUT OK 5 opens with Stewart Wade’s delightfully romantic comedy of errors, COFFEE DATE. As a practical joke, gorgeous straight man, Todd, is sent on a blind date with hot gay man. Kelly. With hilarious performances from Wilson Cruz (My So-Called Life, Noah’s Arc), Oscar-nominated Sally Kirkland (Anna, Bruce Almighty), Jonathan Silvermm~ (Weekend at Bernie’s, Death Becomes Her), ninety’s teen singing sensation Deborah Gibson, and Jonathan Bray (King of Queens, The Practice), dating will never be the same. Director and actors will be in attendance. See page 8 for more information on more films and how to get one of the hottest tickets in town - OUT OK. Masterpieces of Hope- 10.14.06 It’s time for runaway fun on the runway for RAIN (Regional AIDS intercommunity Network)! Join RAIN and local fashion designers on Saturday, October 14th at the Tulsa Marrio~ Southern Hills at 1902 E 71st Street. The event benefits people living with H1V/AIDS. Enjoy dinner, dancing, and the auction of designer denim jackets, including a jacket designed by Todd Oldham. For more information, please call 918.834.4195 or visit the RAIN webahe at www.rainoklahommorg. OML 2007 - 10.20-22.06 T.U.L.S.A. (Tulsa Uniform & Leather Seekers Association) is proud to present the Oklahoma Mr. Leather 2007 weekend October 20-22, 2006. The weekend kicks off with a meet and greet, followed by a tour of niglatclubs on Friday evening. Saturday, October 21st is the big day with NLA-OKC Educational Classes during the day and the OML 2007 contest at Phoenix Rising in OKC at 10:00 PM. A Victory Brunch closes out the weekend. Visit w~vw.tulsaleather.com for more information. TestFest 2006 - 10.28.06 H.O.P.E. (Health Outreach. Prevention & Education) is gearing up for TestFest 2006 on Saturday, October 28, 2006. FREE 20-minute result HIV tests and additional STD testing will take place at the new Tulsa GLBT Communit3~ Center. 621 E 4th Street, from 11 AM to 7 PM. Log onto w~vw.hopetesting.org or vrvvw.tohr.org for more information. Harvest Festival - 10.28/29.06 The ne~v Tulsa GLBT Community Center will be the site of the Harvest Festival on SaParday & Sunday, October 28th & 29th. The FREE Festival features an array of booths and information with palm readings, card readings and much more from 11 AM to 8 PM. The Witches Ball on Saturday night from 8 PM ’til midnight is something you don’t want to miss. See www.witchesballtolsa.com for more information. �Julie Trainum TORCH: Where did you grow up? Where is home for you? JT: I grew up mostly in Ankeny, Iowa. I am a proud lowan. I came to Tulsa to attend TU back in the early 80’s. I have to say that I call Ttdsa my home. I’ve left several times but 1 keep moving back to Tulsa. I’ve got the "Take Me Back to Tulsa" disease...some may think that this qualifies as a mental health disorder ready for the DSM V! TORCH: When and wt~v did you get involved with TOHR? JT: I became involved in Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) because of three big reasons. First, in 1998, I had been working for a national organization to assist churches in becoming open and affimaing and I was motivated and interested in advocacy and education and the connecfion to TOHR was a good fit for my interests. Second, when 1 got involved in TOHR in 1999, I needed contact with the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender (GLBT) community in Tulsa because I hadn’t been out for very long. I didn’t know very many people and it seemed a belter way to meet people for me than bars. Third, I began working with GLBT youth at Youth Services of Tulsa tions of TOHR would be of great assistance to youth who were struggling with their identities, family issues, and the need for healthy "out" role models. TORCH: Working fi)r Youth S~rvices of Tulsa, what are some oj the biggest challenges that young GLBT people face? JT: After working with youth over the past seven years, l think some of their challenges and issues have changed and yet some have not. Youth continue to need support and a safe environment to understand their sexuality. Media attention that GLBT persons have received over the past five years has produced a false sense of safety that says, in the genera! public’s eye, that "It’s okay to be gay." Unfortunately, this leaves off the second half of the point which is, "unless it is in MY family." At home and at school, youth continue to deal with a barrage of re]igious abuse and alienation. Schools are coming around to assisting these youth in allowing (under Title IX) Gay Straight Alliances. However, these youth face a lot of bureaucracy when establishing a group, and they still need advocacy and assistance from the community. And, of course, school bullying of selfidentified GLBT youth and their straight allies continues to be quite accepted locally and does not stop in school hallways, lunchrooms, and even classrooms. TORCI~’ Can you give us a preview of TOHR’s new programming fl~r young adults? JT: I am excited to see the 20Something goup getting offthe ground with TOHR. 1 have ce~ainly met many youth who couldn’t wait to be 21 and hit the bar scene only to be soon disappointed. And so many leave Tulsa for points more a~epting and open on the east coast or in ~e noghwest. This group w~nts to have a social connection and also one that wil! make a difference, whether they commit to working on a Habi~t House or in the AIDS Walk. We need these young adults in our communi~. We don’t have to wait for them to become the leaders of tomo~ow, because they are leaders today, mad we are behind them. TORCH: How can the new Tulsa GLBT Commu~li~y Center better se~we Tulsa area young adults? JT: The new Tulsa GLBT Community Center can be a place where youth and adults will learn froth each other and work together in a partnership. Yes, thel~ will be computers in the David Bohnett CyberCenter and other things like the Pride store, but there can be so much more! Career mentoring? Employment resources? Drama groups? Art shows? TOHR wishes to be a resource for advocacy and supporting GSAs, education, and other adult mentors. The Tulsa GLBT History Project alone is one of all youth’s greatest resources in understanding where the GLBT communi~ has been in Oklahoma, what it h~s accomplished, and how it has dealt with adversity. �TOHR Welcomes New StaffDkloho_ minis for Human Rights (TOHR) welcomes Sue Arrth~on 0z our part-time Office Manager. Sue has recently relocated to Oklahoma from Mhmeapoils, Mitmesota. Sue will be working with community volunteers at lhe Tulsa GLBT Community Center and assisting in the operational management of TOHR. Stop by the Tulsa GLBT Community Center soon to welcome Sue to the GLBT & allied community of Tulsa and Oklahoma. JOHN EDWARD ERICKSON Seeking any information about John Edward Erickson who was a student at the University of Tulsa during the summer of 1967, before moving back home to the Chicago Area. If anyone has information about John, please contact Phyllis Algeo at phyllisalgeo@yahoo.com. Phyllis is married to an old friend of John who would much like to reestablish ties. Tulsa Oklahomans tbr Human Rights (TOHR) will be celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Tulsa GLBT Commtmity Center and charting a course for the filture with elections of a new Board of Directors during the TOHR Ammal Meeting on Thursday, September 28, 2006. The new and continuing slate of Board of Directors with their positions, and short bio’s are listed below: Paul Allen Laura Belmonte, Ph.D. President Brian K. Bertolino i! Chair of Special Events Steve W. Eberle Secretary, Co-chair Grants Committee Janet Gearin Chair of Event Colnmittee Lamont Lindstrom Co-chair Grants Committee Mike Mills 2nd Vice-President, Chab- of Board Jeremy Simmons Chair of Advocacy Andy Smith 1st Vice-President, (’hair of Facilities Commiltee, Capital Fund Trustee AI Triggs Co-Chair of Membership Julie A. Trainum Chair of Programming Tim Williams Chair of Public Relations - Marketing Kristopher Wilmes Co-Chair of Membership Paul Allen A [ifeloug resident of Bixby, Oklahoma, Paul holds a BS from Oklahoma State University and a MS from Northeastern State UniversilT. Fol~lerly employed as the Director of Business Services for a large medical group, he currently works as a Senior Consultant for GE Healthcare. Active in Council Oak Men’s Chorale for over six years, Paul currently serves on the Vocal Pride Foundation Board. Paui also has served as the Minister of Worship at MCC United iu Tulsa. He is finishing up serving on the Pyramid Prqiect Con]mittee and the Field of Dreams Committee for TOHR. Paul is the fnther of t~o children and enjoys participating in their many activities. Laura A. Belmonte, Ph.D. Raised in New York and Atlauta, Laura has lived in Tulsa since 1997. After graduating from the Universi~ of Georgia, she earned a doctorate at the University, of Virginia. She is currently an associate professor of American histo~T at OSU. She has served on the TOHR board since 2003 and is also the chair of the city’s Say No to Hate coalition. Her interests include Buddlfism. meditation, yoga, running, working out, golf, and film. Brian K. Bertolino II Brian was born and raised iu Hollywood, FL where he graduated from South Broward High. He has lived in Ttdsa for six years and has become active in onr commtmity believing that the younger generation needs to take an active role in the decisions that will affect them tomorrow. He has been a volunteer at the Community Center, and this year was the Entertainment Chair for Diversity Celebration - Tulsa Pride 2006! He plans to return to college this spring to pursue a career in event coordination for non-profit organizations. Stephen W. Eberle Steve ~vas born and raised in Albany, NY. Steve graduated from Texas A&M University in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture, the family business. Following a 16-year sales career with the Vaughan Seed Company of Chicago, Steve moved to Tulsa and sold to greenhouse and garden center accounts in Kansas and Oklahoma. His career then shifted to animal protection, a life-long passion, serving as Executive Director of the Washington County SPCA in Bartlesville for two years. That led to vohmteer work in animal protectiou legislation and successful campaigns to outlaw cockfighting, bear wrestling and horse tripping in Oklaho(Continued on page i 2) �opening of Oklahoma! in Tulsa’s Convention Hall (Brady Theater) in April 1947. Riggs had mixed memories of his boyhood state, describing Oklahomarts as "a suspect fraterniW, as fearful of being recognized by others as they were by themselves. Gamblers, traders, vagabonds, daredevils, fools. Men with a sickness, men with a distemper. Men disdainful of the set~led, the admired, the regular ways of life... Pioneers, eaten people." On the other hm~d, he wrote his play Green Grow the Lilacs featuring Oklahomans "who were not parsimonious of speech and ordinarily, not parched in flieir fruity enjoyment of life. These people were few and far between indeed; but they existed, uneaten, undisturbed, hearty, fertile~ and gay." Riggs had complicated relations with friends and lovers. He had only two longer-term partners, both younger: the Mexican artist Emdque GasqueMolina (who painted and wrote as Ramon Naya) and Gui Machado, a performer in Jos~ Limon’s New York dance company. With profits from Oklahoma!, Riggs bougbt a home on Shelter Island, off Long Island, where he died fi’om stomach cancer in 1958. Besides Green Grow the Lilacs, Riggs lel~ behind a legacy of poems and plays (including the experimental Cherokee Night). And who can ignore Oklahoma!’s lyrical plea? The farmer and the cowman should befriends, Oh, the farmer and the cowman Association of Oklahoma fbr three years, traiued as an Enviromnental Consultant and now provides environmental consulting and education to homes, schools and business through the University of Tulsa and Oklahoma State University. Steve has worked for the past 28 years with nearIy 50 different not-for-profits in Tulsa. priularily in fundraising and Board se~wice. Steve resides near downtown Tulsa, attends Iloly Family Cathedral and has a strong group of Iongtimc friends with a commol~ goal of serving those in need. Janet Gearln Oklahoma born and bred. Janet left Oklahoma to pursue degrees that would lead her into a career as a Psychiatric Clinical Specialist. Her first stop was in Denver where she speut 3 years getting her BS in Nursing. As a University of Colorado graduate, Janet then had to make a decisiou of where to go for her Masters degree. She chose the great city San Francisco and spent 2 years there getting that Clinical Specialist certification from the University of Califbrnia-San Francisco. Janet chose to return to her home state to be close to family aud to be the first Clinical Specialist to practice in the state of Oklaboma. She is now well into her 31st year with the Department of Veterm~s AB;airs. In the 1980’s, she began helping those with HIV and AIDS. She was among those who established the TOHR helpline. She was with Shanti for several years, served on its first Board of Directors, and worked as a facilitator for mauy support groups for friends, t:amily and persons with H1V/AIDS. Janet remembers the early d~ys of RAIN, PFLAG, and interfaith AIDS Ministries as organizations that led the way. She worked with the Community Service Council for a number of years to expand, build and organize community services. She spoke to many different groups-.from secretaries to Dental hygienists to other nurses during those years trying to build bridges oF support and assistance tbr the Gay community as well as those living with HIV/AIDS. In 1989, with the founding of Follies Revue, Inc., she Found her real passion. She served as President several years and helped Follies raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for HIV/AIDS sttpport and service organizations over a 10-year period of time. Since 2003, Janet has served on the TOHR board and she also works as a Center voluuteer on Friday evenings. Larnont Lindstrom Lamout currently serves as the 2nd Vice President of TOHR. Lamont received his Ph.D. from the Uuiversity of California at Berkeley and is a Professor of Anthrognlogy at the Univel’sity of Tulsa. Lamont is active in the Society of Gay and Lesbian Anthropologists and the advisor of the Unive~3ity of Tulsa’s BLGTA (Bi, Lesbian, Gay & Transgender Association). Michael Mills Michael has approximately twenty-five years of diverse experience in private industry and higher education. For the past eighteen years, he has held a variety of administrative management positions at The University of Tulsa, encomgnssing the areas of academic support services and student services administratiou. Currently, he holds the position of Associate Dean of Students and Director of Career Services and University and Community Setwice. Mr. Mills received his undergraduate degree from Oklahoma State University and his master’s degree from The University of Oklahoma. Mr. Mills has presented workshops on a variety of topics, including Resume Writing, Interview Techniques, Dress-for-Success, Business Etiquet*e, The Successful Job Search, and Effective Communication. He currently serves as VicePresident for Community Outreach on the Board of Directors for Youth Services of Tulsa. �(Cont#Tuedfrom page 12) Jeremy Simmons Jeremy grew up in Ramona, OK, lived in Stillwater for a few years, then moved to Tulsa in 1994. He began volunteering with TOHR’s HIV Testing Clinic at the beginning of 1996 and ~vas hired for outreach work that summer. He worked on various outreach contracts for the first several years that focused on HIV prevention for gay and bisexual men. This included testing and distributing condoms at the bars and facilitatiug groups like the weekly Coming Out Suppo~ Group. In 2001, he became the HOPE Testing Clinic Coordinator, which entails training new employees on HIV testing and makin gsure that everything runs smooth in the cliuic. He has also been active locally with the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and was President of the BLGTA at TU. He is an HIV Instructor Trainer with the American Red Cross and helps out the OSU Prevention for Positives program. Andy Smith 22 years old, is a recent graduate of the University of Tulsa with a degree in Engineering Physics and works for the United States Department of Energy - Southwestern Power Administration. Andy is a transgender female-to-male individual who is diversely involved in the community. He currently serves as First Vice-President of TOHR, directs the Gender Outreach program for TOHR, is involved with the Community of Hope UCC, the musical group - The Key of Q, the leather comlnunity, OUTOK, and the Tulsa School of Metaphysics. Andy just recently celebrated his three-year anniversary with girlfriend Carrie Whitmarsh. A! Triggs AI is a graphic designer in the Tulsa area, is active in the Green Country Marketing Association and currently serves on the TOHR Board of Directors. He and his partnet live in mid-town Tulsa and are involved with the GLBT & allied community in numerous endeavors and avid supporters of community organizations. Juiie A. Trainum Julie holds a BS in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Tulsa and an MDiv from Phillips Theological Seminary. She is the Health Education and Prevention Coordinator for Youth Se~wices of Tulsa. She works within the community building referral sources for youth to receive sexual health services. Julie provides educational seminars and classes to youth and parents on sexual health issues and healthy relationships. Julie also provides HIV testing and counseling in collaboration with H.O.P.E. Testing Clinic. She also trains medical staff and community leaders working with young adults in issues for GLBT youth and other hard to reach youth. At Youth Services, Julie co-facilitates "Out and Loud" a GLBT educational support group for youth. Tim Williams Born in Pawhuska, Oklahoma - the heart of the Osage Indian Nation, Tim and his family moved from there to Ardmore, Oklahoma and finally to Tulsa in 1970. Tim graduated from Union High School and began working in the food service indust~2 . Currently he is a caterer by trade; for the last 20+ years he has owned and operated his own company in Tulsa: TW’s-Anything for a Buck Catering. Specializing in Corporate Jet Catering, TW’s-AFAB Catering also has a faithful clientele in the corporate field as well as private and non-profit customers. The Company has a great reputation for donating their services to the community. His lifelong passion has been Historic Preservation and to that end, he currently serves on the City of Tulsa’s COA Committee of the Tulsa Historic Preservation Commission. Personally active in preservation, Tim has restored 12 houses in the Brady Heights Historic District (Continued on page 14) �where he currently resides in a 1909 Folk Victoriau SVIe home with his partner of 4 years. Jonathan Brown and their 120-pound adorable (log h’mnan. Tim served on the Pyramid Project Committee for TOHR and participates in the myriad of events and fnndraisers created fbr the benefit of the new Tnlsa GLBT Community Center. Kristopher Wilmes Born in Missouri. Kfistopher reIocated to TuIsa at a ve~ young age. lle loves enterraining Ills friends and ~amily at his mid-town borne with partner of 3 yeats, Dustin Gross and their 80 lb. Akita. His interests aIso include going to the theatre, walking Riverside Park with the dog, traveling and socializing with friends around town. Kris has a marketing degree from Northeastern State University. but was drawn to the profession of Human Resonrces right out of college. He has 10 years of HR experience at various companies in the Tulsa area, including: Olsten Staffing. MCI/ Worldco~n, and for the last two years at U.S. Cellular as an Associate Relations Manager, Itis professional focus is on leadership training, diversity and inclusion m~d employee relations. thank you The TOHR Board of Directors is a working board as menlbers govern the organization and perform many hands-on duties for the benefit of the organization and the community. Our deepest appreciation goes to several long-time members of the TOHR Board who are retiring this year. Thank you to Mark Bonney, Andrew Carter, Kelly Carter, Dwight Kealiher, John Madigan, Mike Redman, Linda Reis. Kaye Smith. Marcia Telukevich. Mike Villafuerte, and Ken Yonngblood for your years of service and dedication to tbe Gak, Lesbian. Bisexual, Transgender (GLBT) & allied community of Tulsa and all of Oklahoma. Your expertise, time and talents have benefited the community greatly - thank you. TOHR PARTNERS WITH OKLAHOMA COMPANIES & FOUNDATIONS Tulsa Oklahonums fi~r Human Rights (TOHR) thank~ the Tulsa-based Wil/iam~ Companies fi~r it~ recent generous grant oJ $ 7,146 to support technoloyy ~rowth in TOHR ’~ qf/orts to secure GLBT equality f~r Oklahoma, Grant funds ~ ill enhance the David Bohnett CyberCenter. A new ~erver and color lmerjet will greatly TOHR also thanks the Hille Foundation for it,s recent suppor¢ and ongoing ~artnership to ensure the Tulsa & Oklahoma GLBT & allied community are served through the various community-oriented pro~’ams qf TOHR. Thank you. ,flash what’s going on that affects you? know the issues with tohr’s advocacy flashes sign up for free at tohr.org what’s happening in Tulsa? special events, community info, national news & entertainment keep up on your community with the tohr enews sign up for free at tohr.org �membership ~tulsa oklahomans for human rights Name (as it should appear on mail addressed to you): I (we) want to join TOHR/ __ Student, Senior or Americorps Volunteer $15 IndividuaJ $30 Family / Household $50 __Patron $100 Mailing Address Method of Donation Check enclosed, payable to TOHR My company offers a matching gift pro Telephone gram. The proper forms are enclosed or will follow Please bill (our) credit card: [MPORTANT __Visa Email Address Card # __MC __AMEX �m~a oklahomans for human rights PO Box 2687 Tulsa, Oklahoma 74101 Www’toh r.org your online GLB.T community � Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Microsoft Publisher 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] TOHR Torch, September - October 2006; Volume 5, Issue 6 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2006 September-October Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights October 2006 September 2006 TOHR Torch https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/04503bbe6e30c9565b29c16f466293ff.png d30f2c67237b7f3fd588527ebfce42c3 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/12e6a6cfc6303c59bc2919ef3b518315.pdf d75ed591b9fc4d9f7b94c6793095daab PDF Text Text TULSA OKLAHOMANS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS The TORCH OVERVIEW �Index • Torch Committee • Resource Examples • Monthly Publication Matrix • Publication Flow • Article Suggestions, April Issue • Advertising �Torch Committee • Writers – Devon Retherford – Lamont Lindstrom • Copy Editor – Ellen Averill • Editor & Layout – Tim Scott • Advertising Sales – TOHR Board of Directors �Copy Resource Examples • • TORCH Writers TOHR Committees – – – – – • • • • • Pyramid Project Advocacy Committee Events Programs & Facilities History Project Board Members Executive Director Volunteers The GLBT community Other Organizations – PFLAG – HOPE – Soulforce �Monthly Publications MONTH JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN Distribution Members Members Community Members Members Community Pages 6 6 6 6 6 8 3.1 Spring Issue 3.2 3.3 3.4 Summer Issue Issue Special Coverage Pride Guide 2004 Spring Issue (4 pages) 3.1 MONTH JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Distribution Members Members Community Members Members Community Pages 6 6 6 6 6 8 Issue 3.5 3.6 3.7 Fall Issue 3.8 3.9 3.10 Winter Issue Special Coverage Year in Review �Publication Flow Total cycle: 30 days Writer’s submit articles for consideration Article is reviewed for content by Director Ok? Yes Article is sent to Editor for review and editing. No No Yes Board Approval Ok? Yes Ok? Final Edit Director Layout Prep for Mailing •Direct Mail •Clubs •Pride Center •Web site No Print Fold & Stuff Distribute �Publishing Schedule April Issue Feb 29, ’04 Planning Mar 7, ’04 3/6 – 3/13 Advertisements 3/6 – 3/13 Layout Mar 28, ‘04 3/8 – 3/16 Editing of Articles Final Layout Edit 3/10 – 3/16 3/17 – 3/18 Approval, Board of Directors Adjustments & Edit Prep for Mailing Mar 21, ’04 3/1 – 3/6 Gather/Write Articles/Interviews Printing Mar 14, ’04 3/19 – 3/20 3/20 – 3/22 3/22 – 3/23 3/24 – 3/25 Mail 3/26 – 3/31 Article and advertising deadline is March 13 �Article Suggestions April Issue • • • • • • • • • Interview Karen Welden and her spouse about getting married in SFO, assigned to Lamont Lindstrom (Lead story) Interview with a Board Member, assigned to Lamont Lindstrom. New GLBT Center, with a new list of things needed for the center, assigned to Devon Retherford Executive Director update, assigned to Laura Belmonte Diversity Celebration information, assigned to Tim Scott State of anti-gay legislation in Oklahoma, assigned to Brent Ortolani The vision of TOHR, assigned to Mark Bonney Programs, assigned to Ken Youngblood Other suggestions? �Advertising • TORCH distribution is monthly. • Ad sizes are based on a 3 column newsletter. • Ad prices are per column inch, per issue. • Provided copy should be in high resolution .jpg, .bmp, .png, .tif, or .gif formats, as close to actual ad size as possible. • Submittal deadline is the 12th of the month. • TORCH is printed in black ink on white paper. The printable web file (pdf) is in full color. �Advertising Rates Distribution Rate per Column Inch Standard Monthly Issue (Membership Distribution) $7.50 Discounts apply on all ads 5 column inches and over. Special Quarterly Issue (Community Distribution) $ 9.00 Discounts apply on all ads 5 column inches and over. Reserve advertising space in 12 issues (including the 4 Quarterly issues) and pay only $7.00 per column inch. Per ad discounts apply. Discount per Ad Ad Copy Size % Discount Up to 4 column inches 0% 5-10 column inches 15% 11-15 column inches 25% 16-20 column inches 35% 20-30 column inches 40% �Example 5 ruler inches tall 1 column inch wide Single Ad, member distribution •1x5 ad =5 col inches x 7.50 per col inch = $37.50. •Discount on a 5 col inch ad is 15%. Total cost for 1 issue after discount is $31.88. Single Ad, community distribution •1x5 ad =5 col inches x 9.00 per col inch = $45.00 •Discount on a 5 col inch ad is 15%. Total cost for 1 issue after discount is $38.25. Pre-paid for 12 issues: •1x5 ad = 5 col inches x 7.00 per col inch = $35.00 per ad x12 issues=$420.00 •Discount on a 5 col inch ad is 15%. Total cost for 12 issues after discount is $357.00. •Each ad cost $29.75 �What’s Next • Begin Submitting Articles. • Watch the schedule. • Help sell advertising. • Help recruit volunteers to print, fold, collate, stuff, address, and stamp. • Begin thinking about the May issue. � https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/f09b700a6e5578b62245a2d2d6251772.pdf d75ed591b9fc4d9f7b94c6793095daab PDF Text Text TULSA OKLAHOMANS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS The TORCH OVERVIEW �Index • Torch Committee • Resource Examples • Monthly Publication Matrix • Publication Flow • Article Suggestions, April Issue • Advertising �Torch Committee • Writers – Devon Retherford – Lamont Lindstrom • Copy Editor – Ellen Averill • Editor & Layout – Tim Scott • Advertising Sales – TOHR Board of Directors �Copy Resource Examples • • TORCH Writers TOHR Committees – – – – – • • • • • Pyramid Project Advocacy Committee Events Programs & Facilities History Project Board Members Executive Director Volunteers The GLBT community Other Organizations – PFLAG – HOPE – Soulforce �Monthly Publications MONTH JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN Distribution Members Members Community Members Members Community Pages 6 6 6 6 6 8 3.1 Spring Issue 3.2 3.3 3.4 Summer Issue Issue Special Coverage Pride Guide 2004 Spring Issue (4 pages) 3.1 MONTH JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Distribution Members Members Community Members Members Community Pages 6 6 6 6 6 8 Issue 3.5 3.6 3.7 Fall Issue 3.8 3.9 3.10 Winter Issue Special Coverage Year in Review �Publication Flow Total cycle: 30 days Writer’s submit articles for consideration Article is reviewed for content by Director Ok? Yes Article is sent to Editor for review and editing. No No Yes Board Approval Ok? Yes Ok? Final Edit Director Layout Prep for Mailing •Direct Mail •Clubs •Pride Center •Web site No Print Fold & Stuff Distribute �Publishing Schedule April Issue Feb 29, ’04 Planning Mar 7, ’04 3/6 – 3/13 Advertisements 3/6 – 3/13 Layout Mar 28, ‘04 3/8 – 3/16 Editing of Articles Final Layout Edit 3/10 – 3/16 3/17 – 3/18 Approval, Board of Directors Adjustments & Edit Prep for Mailing Mar 21, ’04 3/1 – 3/6 Gather/Write Articles/Interviews Printing Mar 14, ’04 3/19 – 3/20 3/20 – 3/22 3/22 – 3/23 3/24 – 3/25 Mail 3/26 – 3/31 Article and advertising deadline is March 13 �Article Suggestions April Issue • • • • • • • • • Interview Karen Welden and her spouse about getting married in SFO, assigned to Lamont Lindstrom (Lead story) Interview with a Board Member, assigned to Lamont Lindstrom. New GLBT Center, with a new list of things needed for the center, assigned to Devon Retherford Executive Director update, assigned to Laura Belmonte Diversity Celebration information, assigned to Tim Scott State of anti-gay legislation in Oklahoma, assigned to Brent Ortolani The vision of TOHR, assigned to Mark Bonney Programs, assigned to Ken Youngblood Other suggestions? �Advertising • TORCH distribution is monthly. • Ad sizes are based on a 3 column newsletter. • Ad prices are per column inch, per issue. • Provided copy should be in high resolution .jpg, .bmp, .png, .tif, or .gif formats, as close to actual ad size as possible. • Submittal deadline is the 12th of the month. • TORCH is printed in black ink on white paper. The printable web file (pdf) is in full color. �Advertising Rates Distribution Rate per Column Inch Standard Monthly Issue (Membership Distribution) $7.50 Discounts apply on all ads 5 column inches and over. Special Quarterly Issue (Community Distribution) $ 9.00 Discounts apply on all ads 5 column inches and over. Reserve advertising space in 12 issues (including the 4 Quarterly issues) and pay only $7.00 per column inch. Per ad discounts apply. Discount per Ad Ad Copy Size % Discount Up to 4 column inches 0% 5-10 column inches 15% 11-15 column inches 25% 16-20 column inches 35% 20-30 column inches 40% �Example 5 ruler inches tall 1 column inch wide Single Ad, member distribution •1x5 ad =5 col inches x 7.50 per col inch = $37.50. •Discount on a 5 col inch ad is 15%. Total cost for 1 issue after discount is $31.88. Single Ad, community distribution •1x5 ad =5 col inches x 9.00 per col inch = $45.00 •Discount on a 5 col inch ad is 15%. Total cost for 1 issue after discount is $38.25. Pre-paid for 12 issues: •1x5 ad = 5 col inches x 7.00 per col inch = $35.00 per ad x12 issues=$420.00 •Discount on a 5 col inch ad is 15%. Total cost for 12 issues after discount is $357.00. •Each ad cost $29.75 �What’s Next • Begin Submitting Articles. • Watch the schedule. • Help sell advertising. • Help recruit volunteers to print, fold, collate, stuff, address, and stamp. • Begin thinking about the May issue. � https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/7f66dce210491820db548b0621c376ba.gif f380104af572abdce0fd5dd84ff019e8 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/d562f1959f3723713224ca93695c2617.png 9f152bfeebb7a1971618eb6d71f60971 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] TOHR Torch Guidelines, Style Guide, Logos Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights 25th Anniversary Logo Pyramid Project Logo Torch Guidelines Torch Layout Torch Logo https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/9770fc02a35bf20e8a7ab58f539a5213.png 9f152bfeebb7a1971618eb6d71f60971 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] The Pyramid Project > Strategic Planning & Leadership Description An account of the resource <strong>Physical Media:</strong> <br />Box 5, Folder 5 - Meeting Materials<br />Box 5, Folder 8 - Strategic Planning &amp; Leadership<br /><br /><strong>Digital Media:</strong> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2002] Pyramid Project Logo Subject The topic of the resource Pyramid Project Description An account of the resource Logo for TOHR's Pyramid Project Capital Campaign Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2002 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PNG Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Logo Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Pyramid Project Capital Campaign Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/d1a228b7d28755dc049a0b9a4f533bbf.png 0a0b3d576a86e4c498257d6fa3f2fe43 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/195c7b9f4bd452d230c0832a6a3ac1be.mp4 3918179526aad18a34e98c6397b36510 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 Video Duration Length of time involved (seconds, minutes, hours, days, class periods, etc.) 02:43:19 Compression Type/rate of compression for moving image file (i.e. MPEG-4) MP4 Producer Name (or names) of the person who produced the video Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Director Name (or names) of the person who produced the video Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights 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 [2002] Diversity Gala and Pride Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2002 Diversity Dinner and Pride Festival Description An account of the resource Footage of 2002 Pride events and Diversity Gala. Contains footage of Diversity Gala emcee Heather Harp and event speakers. Also features performances by Rachael Sage and Jason Warner. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2002 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource MP4 02:43:19 1.41 GB Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Video 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 2002 Diversity Gala 2002 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Shelton Baker - Pride Director https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/8d31d075fd2152b402fbb494b9cab19d.pdf 4d9df71a4e1805b014401082c36656b0 PDF Text Text Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) Tulsa Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender (GLBT) Community Center 2006 Year in Review October 2005 • October 31, 2005 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) purchases the permanent Tulsa GLBT Community Center at 621 E 4th Street in the East End of downtown Tulsa. November 2005 • Raise the Flag • The 1st public event at the permanent Tulsa GLBT Community Center is held as the U.S., Oklahoma & Rainbow flags raised are raised over the building. An inter-denominational blessing of building, COMC & WCO performances and over 200 in attendance filled out the day. Creating Change – Oakland, CA Center Director Greg and TOHR Presdent Laura Belmonte attend the 4-day conference, attending the Community Center Institute, Advocacy Workshops, Coalition-Building, etc. and touring the SF GLBT Community Center. Greg also gave a presentation at the David Bohnett CyberCenter Reception during the opening night of the conference. December 2005 • The Fairy Tree Working in conjunction with RAIN, Tulsa CARES and Our House, Too, TOHR volunteers and donors presented nearly 50 gifts to individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS through the 4th Annual Fairy Tree. • Parent’s Night Out Providing a night out on the town or an evening of shopping, parents were able to drop off their children for a safe and fun evening at the Center. The permanent Tulsa GLBT Community Center features an improved KidsCorner for similar activities and a safe space for children while parents attend classes, meeting or social events. • Holiday Dinner A holiday tradition with PFLAG, nearly 200 people enjoyed a meal, entertainment and the presentation of the Tulsa PFLAG Swan Awards at Fellowship Congregational Church UCC • Christmas Day Dinner The Tulsa GLBT Community Center hosted a catered Christmas Day Dinner with nearly 30 people attending and enjoying the day with “family.” January 2006 • BrokeBackQ Dinner Over 80 people enjoyed a free BBQ meal at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center prior to the premiere of the blockbuster Brokeback Mountain at AMC Southroads 20. February • Out on the Town �Approximately 30 people enjoyed an evening Out on the Town with dinner at the Metro Diner, followed by the play The Laramie Project at the University of Tulsa. • Field of Dreams Over 80 Oklahomans enjoyed the first formal event in the Great Hall of the permanent Tulsa GLBT Community Center with dinner by Thyme – An American Bistro and wines from Wildhurst Vineyards of CA, while raising over $160,000 for renovations and improvements for the permanent Tulsa GLBT Community Center. • Wild Hearts Ball V The Field of Dreams continued into the night with the 5th Annual signature event of the Pyramid Project, TOHR’s Capital Campaign. Nearly 250 individuals enjoyed thumping music, dugout dancers and special drinks and surprises in the Event Center of the permanent Tulsa GLBT Community Center. March • April • A Triple Hit The one-year anniversary of one the most popular TOHR programs in the Tulsa GLBT Community Center was recognized by the community with appreciation, as traffic to the Tulsa GLBT Community Center tripled in the inaugural year of the David Bohnett CyberCenter (DBC). May • National Center for Lesbian Rights Seminar Local attorneys Camille Quinn and Tim Studebaker, joined National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) attorneys and representatives to present a legal workshop at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center covering the legalities of GLBT parenthood in Oklahoma. June • Diversity Celebration – Tulsa Pride 2006 Tulsa’s 24th annual celebration of GLBT pride and diversity continued to grow as the Diversity Coalition of TOHR, PFLAG & OYP presented the week of special events, featuring the Tulsa GLBT Pride Parade & Festival on the second Saturday of June. Tulsa police estimated a crowd of 15,000 at the Festival with an estimate of nearly 20,000 enjoyed all 11 events in 8 days. The 2006 celebration also featured the largest number of corporate sponsorships with Blockbuster Video, Wild Oats Natural Marketplace & U.S. Cellular, among others, signing on to support GLBT equality. • East Village Art Show The permanent Tulsa GLBT Community Center hosted its inaugural art show with the East Village Art Show during Diversity Celebration – Tulsa Pride 2006! Over 80 works of art in the Event Center, hors d’oeuvres by TW’s Catering, wines by Wildhurst Vineyards and 250 in attendance made the evening a success. • Imagine – Diversity Gala 2006 TOHR’s largest fundraiser of the year broke the record books in all categories as 325 patrons and guests filled the galleries and Vista Room at Tulsa’s Gilcrease Musueum. The dinner, by Thyme – An American Bistro, wines by Loring Wines of California, presentation of the Community Hero Awards and Volunteer of the Year and fantastic silent and live auctions combined to make the evening the “night of the year.” �• OKC Pride TOHR, the Tulsa GLBT Community Center and the Pride Store spent two days at the OKC Pride Festival. The Pride Store proved very popular, while thousands were reached with TOHR’s newsletter the Torch and free copies of the Advocate. July • Out on the Town A small but enthusiastic crowd enjoyed a perfect summer evening game of baseball at Drillers Stadium. The permanent Center is located across the street from a relocated Drillers Stadium planned for the East End of downtown Tulsa. August • Pagan Pride The permanent Tulsa GLBT Community Center hosted its first non-TOHR related event with Pagan Pride 2006. Approximately 500 people enjoyed the sights and sounds of a variety of cultures during the 2-day event. September • Out on the Town Dinner & DIVA’s were the feature of the fall Out on the Town. The DIVA concert benefited H.O.P.E. (Health Outreach, Prevention & Education). H.O.P.E. also provides HIV testing at the Tulsa GLBT Community Center twice per week. • TDS September Event Nearly 125 people enjoyed educational workshops and an evening party during the September Event of TDS at the permanent Tulsa GLBT Community Center. • McPride TOHR, the Tulsa GLBT Community Center and the Pride Store visited the 2nd annual McPride Family Picnic in McAlester, OK to help bring the rainbow to SE Oklahoma. A crowd of nearly 200 enjoyed the day in Chadick Park. • Zarrow Mental Health Symposium � 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 [Sub-Series] OKEQ > Organizational History > TOHR, OHR Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. 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] TOHR History in Review Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2006 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights 2006 History in Reveiw TOHR https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/31a961000fd22d8e63602246ed538d58.png d089dfce83ce02f356ddfdcb36745e5b https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/e218e7fba9d3693a2dd6a40ad6d74b3c.mp4 e151730eb28917c1a70b220dd26d275a 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 Video Duration Length of time involved (seconds, minutes, hours, days, class periods, etc.) 01:42:17 Compression Type/rate of compression for moving image file (i.e. MPEG-4) MP4 Producer Name (or names) of the person who produced the video Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights 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] TOHR Diversity Workshop Subject The topic of the resource Pride Celebrations Description An account of the resource Footage of workshop intended to prepare volunteers for 2003's Diversity Celebration. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2003 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource MP4 01:42:17 720x480p 1.36GB Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Video 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 2003 Diversity Celebration 2003 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/6ae87a6469f428de456cc1c31e803d63.png e147016fda4004d10b658c22e18df7a0 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/0e62bb1df455e799d83aa8f52de6f43b.pdf 5252ad2dfe17959cd494929e2f25d162 PDF Text Text ���������������� 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 Guide 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] Pride Guide Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2004 Description An account of the resource Guide to 2004's Pride celebrations. Contains list of Pride officials, ads for gay-friendly businesses, and schedule of events. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 4-12, 2004 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Booklet 16 pages Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Guide 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 2004 Pride officials Gay-friendly businesses https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/d76cb3901e02671fb9a455422793acb2.jpg 4ce9a15e33b0de88463c28c80f978bd0 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 Card 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] Diversity Gala RSVP Card and Envelope Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2004 Description An account of the resource RSVP card and envelope for 2004's Diversity Gala event. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2004 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Postcard and envelope Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Card 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 2004 Diversity Celebration 2004 Diversity Gala 2004 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/3f272d8e7b043d011a446372e6f322b7.jpg 1bf43b7b0ce56320cbeaa68569d47d89 Still Image A static visual representation. Examples include paintings, drawings, graphic designs, plans and maps. Recommended best practice is to assign the type Text to images of textual materials. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Printed flier Physical Dimensions The actual physical size of the original image 7x7' 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] Pride Parade Flier Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2004 Description An account of the resource Flier for 2004's Pride parade and festival. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 12, 2004 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Flier Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Flier 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 2004 Pride Parade 2004 Pride Festival 2004 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/120228246d3bda192ca36b2069b2dab9.jpg 60e8d9114cae6720a1a115a18e45b6d0 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/af6582c1af22ff4f4dc6d987891bd893.pdf 3f676e1560f250f1268ac8a85f42bd6b PDF Text Text ���� 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 Paper flier 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] Gala Program Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2004 Description An account of the resource Program from 2004's Gala event. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 5, 2004 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Paper handout 4 pages Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Event Program Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Diversity Gala 2004 Pride 2004 Gay-friendly business https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/ac22952f66dfa29e546c221c743e3bc0.png 13173734917845adae168997778b8d8d https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/33c191be03365433b00054f2c06fa2a1.pdf 785354e298074f8ef7baeb5e2174b6e6 PDF Text Text ���������������� Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2004] Diversity Celebration Budget Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2004 Description An account of the resource Budget for Pride 2004. Includes expenses and income for all 2004 pride events. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource April 10, 2004 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Budget 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 2004 Internal Documents