32 20 681 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/69d5cd0324e64b3b0b28ace70a0236d4.jpg e56f6261c3de91a3d53b6e2b3fb2955e https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/93cf0fb2a1c6f6bfbeb49db9e57de8be.pdf b8dbb9f6d09648599512e938330287af PDF Text Text METROSTARNEWS.COM "WE DELIVER DIVERSITY" Church Visits Oklahoma Again By Victor Gorin APRIL 1, 2009 Hi ary Clinton will[ fight for gay rights worl[dwide By Rex Wockner in Wockner , Clinton by Rex Meeting with young people at the European Parliament in Brussels on March 6, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton promised to fight for gay rights on the world stage. Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Sherwood with biker group protesting Fred Phelps demonstrators at Moore High School. Gorin photo MOORE, OK __ Spreading their ukual rants of far out homophobia, members of Fred Phelps Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas came to protest near the Oklahoma State Capitol as well as Moore High School March 2. Few in the GLBT or fair minded community are not familiar with this church, as they have been protesting with infamous "God Hates Fags" signs along with other similar sentiments nationwide and abroad for over a decade. They gained national attention in 1998 when they picketed Matthew ShepardS funeral in Laramie,Wyoming with infamous signs, some stating "Matthew is in Hell". Rarely’ missing an opportunity to present their viewpoint, they have picketed funerals of those who have died of AIDS, and staged protests against governments who have granted rights or tal~en any action they perceive as "fag enabling." More recently their skewed logic went even further when they picketed funerals of American soldiers, incredulously promoting the concept that God is punishing America with the deaths of soldiers because our nation is too tolerant of homosexuals. Understandably this has raised anger with countless patriotic Americans, especially those in the military; veterans and their families & friends. Although the Westboro group had been to Oklahoma before, they returned again to protest against the Oklahoma Legislature for permitting a gay pastor, the Reverend Scott Jones- Cathedral of Hope UCC, to lead a Prayer for the Day at the invitation of State Representative A1 McAffrey. This protest drew a small crowd with TV & press coverage coverage at N.W. 23rd and Sante Fe, before the Phelps clan moved on ........... Continued See BAPTlST Page-9 At a question-and-answer session, Clinton called on Maxim Anmeghichean, programs director for the European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay~ Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, after commenting on his "I Love Hillaw" T-shirt. Anmeghichean said: "My name is Max. I am from Moldova, and I am a gay rights activist. In seven countries in the world homosexuals are sentenced to death and many more to prison. A lot of gay men arotmd the world die because of the HIV/ AIDS policies that the Bush administration had that did not allow to spend money on prevention for men who have sex with men. How do you see the foreign policy of the United States changing in the coming years in the field of human rights mad in partictdar sexual rights and gay and lesbian rights?" ........... Continued See HILLARY Page-8 �2 April 2009 �v~v~.metrostarnews.com ~°~t~oSTAR 3 �Busy year ahead £or Sooner State Rodeo By Michael W. Sasser New membership and renewed energy and interest in the Association are keys to a successful 2009. "XWe need the community’s involvement, bars’ involvement and participants’ involvement to bring a rodeo back to Tulsa," Dickrnan said. "It’s going to be an exciting year and we invite everyone in the commun!ty to join in." E~oto: fim Grubb, 7~m Dickmann, Don George, V¢7ll Hughes, & Scou" Gouard hosting a spaghel~i dinner to benefit St. Jerome’s Church. TULSA, OK __ With a new executive board elected in February, events already under its belt and a slate of others scheduled for the remainder of the year, the Sooner State Rodeo AssociaOon has a bustling 2009 ahead. "Our overall objective is to bring a rodeo back to Tulsa and to have one on a regular basis," said Tim Dickman, newly elected president. In addition to Dickman, Kevin George, Darin Steward, Kevin Murphy, Don George and Bob "West were elected vice president, tre~asurer, recording secretary, corresponding secretary and trustee respectively in February. "We want to remind people we’re still here, we’re still active and we are starting a new campaign to get people interested. Dickanau said. A spaghetti dinner at St. Jerome’s Church and a club night at Mavericks drew the community~ attention and attracted several new members. Key events ahead are also expected to garner notice and new members. The Associatioffs next general membership meeting is slated for Sunday, April 5th at St. Jerome’s Church in Brady Heights, and the general public is invited to attend. On April 24th at 9 pm at Mavericks, the Sooner State Royalty Roundup season kicks offwith a lead-in to the f~l 2009 competition. Past ’Royalty competitors will be on hand as well as those from other Associations. "We have the whole year m get contestants, but this event and others ~ve will have throughout the year help people raise the money they need to in order to compete and to get some experience beforehand," Dickman said. The Sooner State ¯ Rodeo Association is hosting its 3rd ka~nual Spring Blowout Barrel Race on Saturday, May 2nd at a site to be determined by the end of March. 4 For more information, call (918) 577-0030 or wvo~c.soonerstaterodeo.com KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY AT PH OENIX RISING MAY 2 OKEQ art gallery opens new exhibit featuring artist Krysta Hamilton By Victor Gorin OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Looking for some after May Day fun? On Saturday May 2 Phoenix Rising will host the 3rd annual Kentuc~- Derby ParD; where you can enjoy food with friends, wet your whistle at the cash bar and enjoy the thrill of the Kentucky Derby on the big screen. Originally organized by a group of friends who love equestrian sport, the first party had around 65 people, the next about 80, and they are hoping for a bigger crowd this year to experience the fun. As one of the organizers Max Paty puts it, "Last year it vcent from dead quiet when the race started, and then they just went crazy when the horses came down the home stretch, and it was really exciting!" It’s a free event with complimentary snacks and a cash bar, and everyone is invited, including out of towners who happen to be in OKC that day. It’s a great way to celebrate that event with your friends while meeting nev¢ ones. TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Dennis Ik Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Thursday meet-the-artist reception from 6-gpm, Thursday, April 2, 2009, for the opening of the new exhibit showing the paintings of artist, g-,Tsta Hamilton. The exhibit will remain up through the month of April, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-9pm. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Tulsa. More info can be found on the web at okeq.org. 7his monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’s for EqualiO, (OkEq): OkEq seeks equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Tmnsgender (LGBT) individuals andfamilies through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill EqualiO, Cente~ April 2009 �From ~2.95 Ask About La V®nda www.metrostarnews.com ~I®t~oSTAR 5 �anna Pa ge Miss Gay Oklahoma Heartland 200 By Victor Gorin Pageant co-owner James Walke~ Adrienne Fische~ Alanna Paige, Anita Ryde~ and other co-owner Mark Christensen. Gorin photo O~IOMA CITY, OK__ On February 20 Manna Paige captured the title of Miss Gay Oklahoma Heartland for 2009, with Anita Ryder ( currently also Miss Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association) winning first alternate. As a preliminary contest for the Miss Gay Oldahoma America Pageant, they will go on to compete for that title. It was a festive evening at Angles as the current reigning Miss Gay Oklahoma Heartland Adrienne Fischer passed on that tide ( she is also the current reigning Miss Gay Oklahoma) to Miss Paige. A1 Mc rey O ahoma County Medalion Dinner. A NEW KING GETS CRO’WNED! Pictured above are pageant co-owner James VCalker, Adrienne Fischer, Manna Paige, Anita Ryder & other pageant co-owner Mark Christensen By Victor Gorin By Victor Gorin Judy Calhoun celebrates her birthday at the annual Oklahoma County Democratic Patty_ Medallion Dinn~ well wished by AI McAfl~ey and Ieshia who led herfriends in song. Gorin photo. OYA~S,HOMA CITY, OK__ State Representative A1 McAffrey was the Master of Ceremonies for the Oklahoma Count), Democratic Party February 20. This is an annual event for the Party that is not only for fellowship, but also strengthening plans and resolve for the future. Represented at this event were both the Oklahoma Stonewall Democrats and the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus. Count3; Conventions will be held April 4, Congressional House District Conventions May 2, with the State Convention May 16 in Oklahoma City. To become involved or register to vote, go to ww,v.okdemocrats. org, or call State Party Headquarters (405) 427-3366, and in Tulsa call Tulsa County Headquarters (918-742 2457). 6 @et~oSTAR 2nd alternate Amadeus Ka~nii York- Texas, IGng Richard Cranium oflndiana , and Ist alternate Owen McCord of Georgia. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Oklahoma City again hosted the National Mr.Gay US of A MI contest at Angles dates September 1115. Emceed by the vivacious Amaya Mann, the competition began with 31 qualified contestants, narrowed down to 14 finalists for the finale March 15. Passing on his tide was the reigning King from 2008 Xander Kinidy of Tennessee, whose mother was present at the event. Capturing the tides for 2009 are 2nd Alternate Amadeus Karmanii York of Texas, 1st Alternate Owen McCord of Georgia, and the new king, Richard Cranium of Indiana. April 2009 �Wockner News Service ANALYSIS: California Supremes hear Prop 8 challenge Tl~e California Supreme Court on March 5 held its hearing in the case challenging Proposition 8, the voter-passed constitutional amendment that re-banned same-sex marriage -- and the hearing was an apparent disaster t’or the gay side¯ The justices constantly interrupted the gay side’s lawyers with aggressive questions, but let pro-Prop-8 attorney Ken Starr speak mostly unimpeded. ~ae justices seemed fixated on the fact that California’s domestic-partnership law gives gay Couples the same rights as a marriage, and the), downplayed the fact that they had ruled that separate isn’t equal in their May 2008 decision that legalized same-sex marriage. The justices seemed enamored of the notion that the people can do almost whatever they want via the ballot-box amendment process -- including repealing freedom of speech, banning gay adoption and pretty much anything else. in concluding that the court is going to uphold Prop 8. ’Milk’ gays the Oscars That would leave the gay side with two options: Return to the California ballot with a proactive initiative to attempt to undo Prop 8. Or take it to,the U.S. Supreme Court, using the court s ruling in the Colorado Amendment 2 case as a precedent. In that case, the high court struck dovin a state constitutional amendment that prohibited Colorado governments from protecting gay people in anti-discrimination laws. The justices said government cannot irrationally single out~one group of people for disfavored treatment. The Academy Awards offered some gayerthan-usual moments Feb. 22 as the movie Milk snagged two Oscars. Both of these "next step" options are considered risky moves. The court must issue its ruling by early June. Dolly Parton: ’I am not gay The justices all but laughed out of the chamber state Attorney General Jerry Browffs nove! "inalienable rights" natural-law argument against Prop 8. just an amendment or instead a constitutional revision. A revision has to start in the Legislature or at a constitutional convention; it can’t start with people collecting voter signatures, as Prop 8 did. On the case’s other big question -- whether the 18,000 couples who married in California between June and November 2008 will end up un-married if the court upholds Prop 8 -- a majority of the justices seemed opposed to viewing Prop 8 as rettoactive, despite its rather plain wording: "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." At one point, the justices had a bit of Clintonian fun ruminating on "what the meaning of the word ’is’ is" in Prop 8. Kenneth Starr came across at the hearing as smart, confident, well-spoken and quick on his feet. None of the gay side’s lawyers did as well. But, in fairness, they were hardly able to get a word in edgewise because of constant interruptions from the justices. And openly gay Dustin Lance Black, accepting the trophy for original screenplay, gave a shout-out to gay kids. "When I was 13 years old, my beatitiful mother and my father moved me from a conservative Mormon home in San Antonio, Tex., to California, and I heard the story of Harvey Milk," Black said. ’~md it gave me hope. It gave me the hope to live my life. It gave me the hope one day I could live my life openly as who I am and that maybe even I could fall in love and one day get married. "If Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he’d want me to say to all of the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told that they are ’less than’ by : or by their you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value and that no matter what ~yone ~eils you, God does love you, ~d that veiT SO0n~ I promise you; ~ou ~ill have equal rights federally across this great nation "~e On that key question, the gay side appears doomed as well, because court precedent on the issue does not favor the gay side’s arguments. Only a couple of the justices appeared possibly open to the idea of expanding their notion of what constitutes a constitutional revision. Accepting the award for best actor, for his portrayal of gay icon Harvey Milk, actor Sean Penn said: "You commie, homo-loving sons of guns .... For those who saw the signs of hatred as our cars drove in tonight, I think that it is a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect, and anticipate their great shame and the shame in their grandchildren’s eyes if they continue that way of support. We’ve got to have equal rights for everyone." of ours." In Singapore, where gay sex is illegal, MediaCorp TV deleted portions of Black’s and Penn’s speeches from its rebroadcast of the awards. Country-music legend Dolly Parton is straight, she told CNN’s Larry King on Feb. 21. "I am not ga~" Parton said. "I have been accused of that. But I have been happily married for 42 years to the same man. And he’s not the least bit, you know, threatened by the fact that I may be gay. And he knows have a lot of friends. But I love everybody. It doesn’t matter to me." Part0n said gay people like her because she’s authentic. "I think the gay people have always liked me because I have always been mysel[ I’m not intimidated by ho~v people perceive me, I don’t judge nor criticize people," she said. "I think that’s another reason they at least know that I’m sympathetic. I think all people have a right to be who they are. We’re all God’s children and God should be the one to judge, not other people. So I have a lot of gay friends, lesbian friends." MediaCorp/Channel 5 censorship manager David Christie said the broadcast "would have been in serious breach of the MDA (Media Development Authority) Programme Code if such controversial content was not editorially managed." "The code explicitly disallows content that sympathizes with, promotes or normalizes such a lifestyle from being broadcast," he said. The Asian satellite TV service STAR also censored the two men’s speeches, dropping the audio each time the word "gay" or "lesbian" was uttered. Utah senator demoted for anti-gay remarks Utah state Sen. Chris Buttars was ousted from two committees by Republican leaders Feb. 20 after he made homophobic remarks to a documentary maker. Buttars spoke in January to TV reporter Reed Cowan, who is making a documentary on the ¯ Mormon church’s involvement in the passage of California’s Proposition 8. The senator’s comments included: "Homosexuality will always be a sexual perversion. And you say that around here now and everybody goes nuts. But I don’t care .... They’re mean. They want to talk about being nice, they’re the meanest buggers I’ve ever seen .... It’s just like the Moslems. Moslems are good people and their religion is anti-war. But it’s been taken over by the radical side .... What is the morals of a gay person? You can’t answer that because anything goes .... They’re probably the greatest threat to America going down I know of. ... q]aey want superiority. It’s the beginning of the end. Oh, it’s worse than that. Sure. Sodom and Gomorrah was localized. This is worldwide." According to Salt Lake City’s KTVX, ~vhich broke the story: "Buttars also talks about a certain type of reported gay sex!~al activity which he claims is taking place. But ABC 4 does not consider that appropriate for its news content Students at George Mason University in Fairfax County, Va., elected a gay drag queen as homecoming queen Feb. 14. Senior Ryan Allen, who ran for the honor as Reann Ballslee, beat out two women for the crown. "It was just for fun," Allen told the Washington Post. "In the larger scheme of things, winning says so much about the university. X~[e’re one of the most diverse campuses in the country, and... ,ve celebrate that." MORTUARY ~ERVICE,~ STAR beams into more than 50 countries to some 300 million viewers. Media and blogger analysts were unanimous www.metrostarnews.com ~et~oSTAR 7 �Gay New Yorkers protest sex-shop arrests Beau poses nude Beau Breedtove, the 21-year-old man who had sex with Portland, Ore., Mayor Sam Adams just after Breedlove turned 18, has posed nude for the May issue of the gay porn magazine Unzipped. The revelation of the aNair nearly ended Adams’ career earlier this year. Adams was 42 years old at the time of the brief relationship and, when asked about it during his mayoral campaign, had denied it happened. Nae men claim to still be ftiends. Several dozen gay N~v ~rkers protested near Mayor Mict§ael Bloomberg~ mansion Feb. 14 over what they say are bogus arrests ofg~y men in adult video arcades. Photo by Joe Jervis Several dozen gay New ¥orkers protested near Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s mansion Feb. 14 over what they say are bogus arrests of gay men in adult video arcades. The activists claim undercover police o~cers have been hitting on gay men, then, after the men agree to have sex, leading them outside, offering them money, and arresting them for prostitution, whether they accept the money or not. At least 50 men have been victims of the sting, the activists said. The motive for the arrests is to create a pretense for shutting down the shops, the activists said. ~e arrests have been condemned by openly lesbian City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and openly gay state Sen. Tom Duane, among others. Hawaii House passes civil-union bill Hawaii’s House of Representatives passed a civil-union bill Feb. 12 by a vote of 33-17. The measure now advances to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where its fate is unpredictable. Republican Gov. Linda Lingle has not taken a position on the legislation. The proposal would grant civil-union couples all the state-level benefits, protections and responsibilities of marriage. Hawaii presendy has a reciprocal-beneficiaries law that grants registered same-sex couples limited spousal rights. Similar limited laws are in place in Maine and Washington. P~etroSTAR Colorado senator in anti- gay rant Colorado state Sen. Scott Renfroe, R-Greeley, unleashed a six-minute anti-gay diatribe on the floor of the Senate Feb. 23 during debate on a bill to allow gay state employees to share health benefits ~vith their partners. He equated gay sex with murder and adultery and seemingly suggested that people ~vho engage in gay sex commit ’,detestable" acts Renfroe said: "Homosexuality is seen as a violation of this natural creative order, and it is an offense to God .... Leviticus 18:22 ’ says: ’You shall not lie witha man as one lies with a female. It is an abomination.’ Leviticus 20:13 says, ’If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a ,voman, both of them have committed a detestable act, and they shall surely be put to death.’ ... When we create laws that goes (sic)against what biblically we are supposed to stand for, I think we are agreeing, or allowing to go forward, a sin which should not be treated by government as something that is legal. ... We are taking sins and making them to be legally OK, and that is ,vrong. That is an abomination .... And I’m not saying that this is the only sin that’s out there. Obviously, we have sin. We have murder, we have all sorts of sins. We have adultery. And we don’t make laws making those leg~A .... All sin is equa!. That sin there is as equal to any other sin that’s in the Bible." Five states -- California, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, and Vermont -- and Washington, D.C., have full civil-union laws that grant all state-level spousal rights. The bill passed. Massachusetts and Connecticut let gay couples marry, and New York recognizes same-sex marriages from states and countries that permit them. arlns Tt~e other countries that let gay couples marry are Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa and Spain. 8 "Beau Breedlove was extremely professional at his first erotic photo shoot in Los Ba~geles this past weekend," Unzipped online editor Sean Carnage told Advocate.corn Feb. 18. "He came to L.A. to prove that the Portland scandal does not define his sexuality. The photos portray the real Beau -- a confident and extremely handsome young man who is openly sensual, openly sexual and has nothing to hide." Drag r?yalty stripped ofregaha be sergeant-atMr. and Miss Gay Vancouver XXIX, along with the Emperor and Empress V of Surrey, were allowed to enter the Canadian province of British Columbia’s Legislative Assembly only after removing their tiaras, crowns and sashes, The Vancouver Sun reported March 2. "We had some trouble getting them into this house because of some, what I believe to be, antiquated rules here, but they are here, minus tiaras and sashes," New Democratic Party legislator Spencer Herbert said as he introduced the foursome to fellow legislators. Legislative sergeant-at:arms Gary Lenz explained that "protocol" prohibits headgear and certain other items inside the chamber, to maintain "dignity." Larry amer: Lincoln and Washington were gay Veteran gay and MDS activist, author and playwright Larry Kramer says he has evidence that Abraham Lincoln and George Washington were gay. Speaking to the Montreal newspaper Hour on March 5, Kramer said he will reveal the details in a book he’s writing, The American People: A History. "It’s a monster book," Kramer said. "It’s an attempt to put us (gay people) back in history from the beginning. No history book ever recorded anything about us, and researching this book I found out that both Lincoln and George Washington were gay.... I have stuff that will go beyond anything that has ever .... been wntten or stud ......... Clinton responded: "Human rights is and will always be one of the pillars of our foreign policy. And in particular, the persecution and discrimination against gays and lesbians is something that we take very seriously. It is terribly unfortunate, as you just recited, that, you lmow, right now in unfortunately many places in the world violence against gays and lesbians, certainly discrimination and prejudice, are not just occurring but condoned and protected, and we would hope that over the next few years we could have some influence in trying to change those attitudes." Clinton continued: "Specifically, with respect to HIV/AIDS, we have made a very big treatment commitment, as some of you know, through our program called PEPFAR. And it is an important part of the American approach toward trying to deal with the HIV/ MDS pandemic. But we haven’t done enough on prevention, and we haven’t done enough on outreach or testing. We’re beginning to, and under our administration we will do much more. And I can only hope that we all live long enough -- certainly I hope I live long enough; I think you all will -- to see the end to this kind of discriminatory treatment, and recognition that human rights are the inalienable right of every person no matter who that person loves, and that’s what we should be trying to achieve." Apd12009 �Sonja Martinez Receives the Richard May Award May Award to Sonja Martinez. Sonja is the daughter of Jesse and ka~ita Martinez of Oldahoma City. The Richard May Award was established by the Oklahoma MDS Care Fund to honor Richard May, a founder of the organization who passed away in March, 2000. The premise of the Richard May Award is that it is to be given annually in recognition of an individual who has given, in an exceptional way, of their time and talents to promote education, research and service regarding HIV/AIDS. The recipient should exemplify quiet strength and compassion, never seeking recognition, which was the spirit of Richard May. Sofia Martinez (Center) with her niece Jessica Martinez-Brooks and her sister and artist Bernadette Martinez. Press phom OK_LAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) _ The Oklahoma MDS Care Fund celebrated its Seventeenth Bmnual "Red Tie Night" at the Cox Communications Center February 28, 2009. The "Red Tie Night" brings together man), individuals and corporations to raise as much as one million dollars in a single night through various donations, auctions and generosity of many Oklahomans. The goal of the event is to raise money tbr education, direct services and research to fight HIV/ AIDS throughout the State of Oklahoma. One of the highlights of a very eventful evening was the presentation of the Richard Sonja has an annual Christmas Benefit to raise money for those with HIV/AIDS and this next year will be her nineteenth annual benefit. The benefit is held at the COPA bev;veen Thanksgiving and Christmas every year. Sonja accepted the award by saying: "~is award is a very big honor and I thank you so much. I would like to accept this award on behalf of all the dubs and entertainers in the Gay Community who do benefits all year around. I would also like to thank: Barbara and Jackie Cooper, Rick Moses, John Beebe, Tony Sinclair and Dee Goodwin; my family vcho have supported me and loved me unconditionally. And the Red Tie, thank you for all that you do." Christian, I623 N. iVlaplewood Tulsa, OK www,mcctuls org Oklahoma City, OK No matter who you are o are on life’s journey, y~: -R®ver®.d ~r. K~hy Kansas City’s Heartland Men’s Chorus rills OKC Crowd By Victor Gorin Charles Johnson presents director Dn Joseph Nadeau with a plaque j~om the City ofthe Village thanking them for their pe,formance. Gorin photo to Moore Oklahoma for another protest at Moore High School. Although their reasoning for picking out Moore High School for a protest site was unknown, their website did promise "We will picket you hypocrites and we continue to THANK GOD for the tornados that keep kicking Oklahoma’s backside.’Moore High School dismissed classes 15 minutes early for those students wishing to avoid the protest, but many stayed to tal~e part in what ’turned out to be a major counter protest. That protest, organized by Chelsea Marlett ( daughter ofRon Marlett, ~vho ran against Sally Kern in the State Legislative race 2008) not only brought out many from the GLBT community, but also many others to form a diverse crowd of around 2000 that included civil libertarians, yeterans groups, and just plain folks young and old. Undoubtedly the most spectacular counter protesters were the bikers, xvho rode repeatedly past the Phelps clan revving their engines to the crowd’s applause. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Oklahoma City was treated to a grand performance by the Heartland Men’s Chorus March 3 when the played to a large crowd at the Village Christian Church. N~e Chorus, which began in 1986, has performed extensively in the Missouri/Kansas area, and also throughout the United States and abroad. Featuring an eclectic mix of men’s choral music encompassing several music styles, the chorus was won acclaim and respecf froma wide City has were recognized by the City ( suburban community of OKC), and this concert, which was their OKC debut, would also benefit the BritVil Food Bank. Bringing their songs to Oklahoma, they presented their concept concert, "And Justice for All." Beginning xvith a number from the musical South Pacifici "You’ve got to be Cargfully Taught/Children will Listen", which depicted racism, they ,;vent through a series of selections accompanied by readings and accompanying pictures which portrayed the struggles of blacks, women, and the more recent activism of title GLBT community. Highlights included activist classics "We Shall Overcome" & ’Tkin’t gonna let nobody Turn me Round, but also included the comic relief of"Color of Colorado," a campy classic from the off Broadway musical "When Pigs FI~’ that portrays how vital the GLBT community really is to America. Closing with "I will stand with You," they left the audience with not only a call for unity but hope for a better tomorrow. Jeannie and other Moore High School students protest Phelps group. Gorin photo As one of them put it, Kevin Sherwood stated "I fought for our country for people to be able to live their lives they way they want. I fought so they ( the Phelps group) can say what they want to say, but we get the same rights. What upset me more than anything else is that they came here to scare kids. But apparently most of them ain’t all that scared!" Living proof of that was Jeannie, a student of Moore High School,who after some colorful outbursts about her opinion of the Phelps clan, had this to say" God loves all of us, we’re all equal, gays lesbians, it doesn’t matter God loves us all." Under the direction of Dr. Joseph Nadeau, they performed the following day for the American Choral Directors National Convention which also took place in Oklahoma City. They held the distinction of being one of only 2 gay men’s choruses to be invited to perform for that conference in the group’s 50 year history. 405.525.9555 www.metrostarnews.com #~÷troSTAR 9 �10 ~oSTAR April 2009 �Wockner News Service British PM opposes Prop8 British Prime Minister Gordon Brown opposes Proposition 8, the California ballot measure that last November re-banned samesex marriage after the state Supreme Court had legalized it. "This Proposition 8, this attempt to undo the good that has been done, this attempt to create divorces among 18,000 people who were perfectly legally brought together in partnerships, this is unacceptable and shows me why we alxvays have to be vigilant, why we have alvcays got to fight homophobic behavior and any form of discrimination," Brown said March 5 at a Downing Street reception for GLBT VIPs. On March 4, the California Suprelne Court heard oral arguments in the case seeking to overturn the constitutional amendment. It is widely expected that the effort will fail, with the justices deciding, in effect, that the right of the voters to amend the constitution is more sacrosanct than the constitutional guarantee of equal protection under the law. The court must issue its decision by early June. Burundi plan to ban gay sex dies in Senate A move to ban gay sex in the Central African nati~ 6f Burundi was reiected by the Senate Feb. 16 after having passed the National Assembly unanimously in November. "Burundi’s Senate, after significant pressure and ’heated debate,’ today reiected the proposed amendment to criminalize homosexual conduct. Victory -- for the moment," said Scott Long, head of Human Rights Watclqs LGBT Rights Division. The proposal, part of a much larger bill, set a punishment of between three months and two years in prison, along with a large fine, for engaging in consensual adult gay sex. The Senate and Assembly must now form a commission to reconcile the two versions of the bill before sending it to President Pierre Nkurunziza. "Any reconciliation could, potentially, reinstate the provision criminalizing samesex conduct," said the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission. "Whatever the outcome, the fact that the majority of senators voted against the provision shows a growing recognition that all citizens are entitled to the full enjoyment of human rights irtespective of their sexual orientation." Eighty-four of the world’s 19 5 nations ban gay sex. Colombian gay leader m dered Well-lmown Colombian gay activist idvaro Miguel Rivera Linares, 41, was killed March www.rnetrostarnews.com 6 in his apartment in Call He suffered a fatal blow to the head and was found tied to his bed and gagged. The apartment had been trashed but there were no signs of forced entry and nothing was stolen. Rivera received national attention when he fought a 2001 mandate by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrillas that all residents ofa FARC-controlled sector of the eastern state of Meta take an HIV test or leave the area within a week. Thereafter, he received death threats and was followed on the streets and harassed at worlc He eventually left Meta, his home state, as a result. Leading Latino-issues blogger Andrds Duque called Rivera’s death "a tremendous loss to the international human rights movement." Argentina lifts military gay ban Argentina’s military decriminalized homosexuality and lifted its gay ban Feb. 27. Part of an overhaul of the military justice system, the change was approved by Parliament last year and took effect six months after passage. U.S.-based Latino-issues, blogger Andrds ~t}que called the m.ove ’.on.e more L.GBT nghts development in a Latin American nation that leapfrogs over current U.S. policy" Gays in the U.S. military are required to remain in the closet under the "Don’t Ask, Dofft Tell" policy signed into law by President Bill Clinton. Prior to that time, gays were not allowed in the U.S. military at all. New regulations prohibit broadcast of songs and videos that glorify arson, rape, shooting or murder, as well as depictions of sex acts. Gay activists, locally and internationally, have campaigned for years against the anti-gay alleged "murder music" of Jamaican artists such as Sizzla, Bounty Killer, Elephant Man, Vybz Kartel, Beenie Man, Buju Banton, T.O.K. and Capleton. Phelpses banned from entering UK Anti-gay Kansas pastor Fred Phelps and his daughter Shirley have been banned from entering the United Kingdom, the Telegraph reported Feb. 19. The "God hates fags" team had announced plans to picket a performance of’l-he Laramie Project on Feb. 20 at a school arts center in Basingstoke, Hampshire. A UK Border Agency spokesman said: "Both these individuals have engaged in unacceptable behavior by inciting hatred against a number of communities .... We will continue to stop those who want to spread extremism, hatred and violent messages in our communities from coming to our country." In an interview with the BBC, Shirley PhelpsRoper stated: "There are members of WBC (Westboro Baptist Church) that are not named Phelps .... Unless they intend to begin checking the bare backsides of every person coming into that country to find that tattoo that says ’Property of WBC,’ they will have no way of identifying who is from WBC." In the end, a single, unidentified demonstrator showed up and was chased offby about 50 counterprotesters, the BBC reported. HIV rate climbs in Asia 300,000 at Sydney Mardi Gras Sydney’s 31st gay Mardi Gras parade attracted 300,000 spectators, 130 floats and 9,500 participants March 7. Openly gay Olympic gold medal diver Matthew Mitcham led offthe procession. His winning dive at the Beijing Olympics was the highest-scoring dive in Olympic history. Marching units included the Federal Police, the military and New South Wales firefighters. U.S. comedian Joan Rivers also joined in, riding on top of a truck. Jamaica .bans most anti- gay music Jamaica’s Broadcasting Commission has effectively banned most anti-gay dancehall songs from being played over the airwaves. Gay and bisexual men in Asia are having risky unprotected sex, causing dramatic climbs in HIV infection rates, said officials attending a World Health Organization HIV/AIDS conference Feb. 18 in Hong Kong. The gathering heard that more than 30 percent of gay and bisexual men in Bangkok are HIV-positive, while some Chinese cities report a rate as high as 18 percent, and China as a whole has a rate of 3.8 percent among gay/bisexual men. The director of Chinas AIDS-control center, Wu Zunyou, said amphetamine use and Internet hookups are factors in the climbing infection rate. HIV now is Chinas deadliest infectious disease, according to a new report from the Ministry of Health. Singapore censors Oscars Singapore’s MediaCorp TV censored its replay of the Academy Awards Feb. 23, removing portions of Dustin Lance Black’s acceptance speech. Black won the original screenplay Oscar for Milk, and said: "When I was 13 years old, my beautiful mother and my father moved me from a conservative Mormon home in San Antonio, Tex., to California, and I heard the story of Harvey Milk. And it gave me hope. It gave me the hope to live my life. It gave me the hope one day I could live my life openly as who I am and that maybe even I could fall in love and one day get married. "If Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he’d want me to say to all of the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told that they are ’less than’ by their churches, by the government or by their families, that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value and that no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you, and that very soon, I promise you, you will have equal rights federally across this great nation of ours." Sean Penn’s acceptance speech also was truncated. He won the best actor Oscar for his portrayal of Harvey Milk. Penn said: "You commie, homo-loving sons of guns .... For those who saw the signs of hatred as our cars drove in tonight, I think that it is a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect, and anticipate their great shame and the shame in their grandchildren’s eyes if they continue that way of support. We’ve got to have equal rights for everyone." Subscribers to one of the main Singaporean gay e-mail lists were outraged at the edits. "This sort of bigoted, intolerant and ignorant action by a national broadcaster is better suited for Iran or North Korea than a nation that puts itself forward as a modern worldclass city," wrote one. MediaCorp/Channel 5 censorship,manager David Christie said the broddcast would have been in serious breach of the MDA (Media Development Authority) Programme Code if such controversial content was not editorially managed." "The code explicitly disallows content that sympathizes with, promotes or normalizes such a lifestyle from being broadcast," he said. Gay sex is illegal in Singapore. The Asian satellite TV service STAR also censored the two men’s speeches, dropping the audio each time the word "gay" or "lesbian" vcas uttered. STAR beams into more than 50 countries to some 300 million viewers. More than 8 percent of gay and bisexual men in Jakarta are HIV-positive, the conference heard, as are 7.8 percent in Cambodia. #d®troSTAR 11 �By Camper English Colder, smaller, weaker: Better martinis ~lhe diplomatic way of defining the "best martini" is as "the martini that you like the best." But, really, if you’re pulling a jug of vodka out of the freezer and pouring it into a glass, you’re not drinking a martini at all. You’re drinldng a glass of cold vodl~a. Add olives and you’ve got vodka with a snack. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. I drink cold vodka all the time, and ~vho doesn’t enjoy a string of olives for dinner? But a martini is a mixed drink, necessitating more than one ingredient to mix into it. Bar-haviora Problems Gay bar bartenders, who are not necessarily gay bartenders, are usually the most ei~cient and fair intoxicologists in tl~e drinking universe. I say "fair" because at straight establishments, hot women and rid>looking men (usually jerk~) get first priority, and the bartenders frequently take drink orders out of order. Infuriating! This is not often the case in gay ~vatering holes, where the bartenders tend to be the hottest people in the room and dofft need to impress you by serving you first (you need impress them with the size of your tips). The working theory is that the martini star~ed as a spinoff of the Martinez, a cocktail made with sweetened gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur and bitters (with a lemon twist). As tastes in cocktails shifted away from sweet drinks, the "Dry Martini" made with d~/vermouth became more popular, and eventually most everybody forgot about the bitters. Vodka didn’t become an option until later. Given the variations over time, you could rightfully order your martini made with gin or vodka, sweet or dry vermouth or none at all, bitters or not, olives or a twist - and you could find a published recipe to back it up. None are the "right" way to make a martini, but I would encourage experimentation to find the way that’s right for you. While jumbo-sized martini glasses used in many bars provide a lot of liquor for the dollar, by the time you get to the bottom half you’re drinking room-temperature alcohol. That is bad. Or worse, it’s a warm salt bath if you’ve got the extra-large-sized olives in there that help to heat it xtp. The Also, gay bar patrons Imow how to behave (toward the very dassiest of bars serve their martinis in very small, very bartender anyway) and will often line up in an orderly fashion cold glasses - with an additional quantity of the drink in an at the drink well rather than shouting and waving like the ice-chilled container on the side. That is lovely. At home, I opening scene of The Love Boat al! along the bar. I take use vintage (small) glassware and keep the remainder cooling straight friends to my favorite gay bar and they are anlazed at ofthe strained drink in the the German,like efficientT in place. They are often jealous and frdezer’ ...... determine to start coming there every night, until they hear ........... .... ...... the 14th Madonna remix in a row. I can’t say I blame them. Do not fear vermouth. Try it and you might In a nightclub or other crowded venue, or anywhere with a find you actually like it mixed crowd, all bets for orderly ordering are off. You need - but probably not the to gain the attention of tl~e bartender as well as make him or 4-year-old, mostly full her think you’re going to be a good (i.e., fast, non-annoying) bottle gathering dust in customer. Here are a few suggestions for attracting the the back of your liquor bartender and keeping his attention. cabinet. Use a fresh bottle. Vermouth spoils like wine Look available. You want to make eye contact with the after opening, so buy small bartender and have her give you the "I see you" nod. To bottles and keep them in accomplish this, face the bar, not your friends behind you. If the refrigerator to lengthen you’re turned around chatting and using the bar as a leaning their life span. post, you’re not giving the right signal. Be ready. When you are trying to get the bartender’s attention, have visible cash in your hand -but don’t ~vave it around unless there is a row of drag queens in six-inch heels blocking your line of sight. And if you’re planning to pay with a credit card, you may want to keep that hidden. It takes longer to process, so the bartender will serve the cash-holding folks first. Also, be ready with your friends’ drink orders. Don’t wait until the bartender gets there to turn around and say, "What do you guys want?" As the person standing next to you, H1 swoop in and say "~ree martinis please" when your back is turned. I’m like that. S~’ategize. Don’t shout to get the bartender’s attention. Nobody likes to be yelled at while doing their job. A friendly "Hi!" sometimes helps though. Make your first tip the most generous one to help ensure prompt service and healthy pours for the rest of the evening. And be respectful of others - if the guy next to you was waiting longer but the bartender comes to you, give him the "he was here first" point. The bartender will remember that you’re next, and you never kmow if that guy next to you wil! return the favor and pay for your drink. 12 ~et~:oSTAR Ice, too, is an ingredient in the drink. If you keep your vodka or gin in the freezer, not much water will melt into your martini. Dilution brings the drink down to a manageable level of alcoholic strength to keep you from making that too-strong scrunchy face that gives you wrinkles. A martini should be refreshing, not painful. The shaken-versus-stirred decision is not worth the ~veight given to it. Shaking adds ice chips and air bubbles that make the drink look doudy and taste fizzy, whereas stirring results in a clear and smooth cocktail from the get-go. I prefer a stirred martini when I’m at a nice cocktail lounge, but I do often shake them at home. Not because it tastes better, but because shaldng is more fun. Camper English is a cocktails and spirits writer and publisher of Alcademics. com. ’ April 2009 �~e internationally renowned cast of Woody Sez- back row from left: Helen Russell, Darci Deaville, Andy Tekstein; J~ont- David Lutken as Woody @hoto courtesy of The Scotsman Publications Ltd.) OKLAHOI~La~ CITY, OK (PR) __ Lyric ~eatre, OkAahoma’s premiere professional theatre company, will present the American Premiere of Woody Sez, the words, music, & spirit ofV[oody Guthrie as part of the 2009 "Lyric at the Plaza" season. This unique theatrical concert event celebrates the life and spirit of American folk legend Vioody Guthrie, whose music continues to inspire today’s finest storytelling songwriters including Bob DyIan, Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, the Indigo Girls, and Billy Bragg. Lyri& production will run from March 26th through April 1 lth and features the show’s original cast from its European generously underwritten by Continental Resources, one of the largest independent oil and natural gas companies in the United States. The show will play a special two-night engagement at the Enid Symphony Center on Tuesday, March 31st and g~rednesday, April 1st at 7:30pm, marking the first time in the company’s 47-year history that a full prod,uction will be performed outside of Lyric s home venue. Back in Oldahoma City, Woody Sez performances are March 26th through April 1 lth: Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 2:00pm & 8:00pro. For tickets: ,a-wvc.lyrictheatreokc.com, (405) 524-9312, or in person at 1727 NW 16th St, Oldahoma City, OK. In Oklahoma City, the renovation and opening of Plaza Theatre, located on NW 16th Street between Penn and Classen, means that audiences can look forward to an intimate world-class theatrical experience, complete ~vith free accessible parking, tdtracomfortable seating, and a full service cash bar. Drinks are even allowed inside the theatre as the audience takes in the performance. The 2009 "Lyric at the Plaza" season concludes in May with Steel Magnolias. Lyric will continue to produce its annual summer season at downtmvn Oklahoma City’s Civic Center Music Hall, beginning in June with Disney’s High School Musical 2 and continuing with The Music Man, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Producers, and Little Shop of Horrors. tour. st0ryte!l& ~na David tutken Stars in {he and actor, musici~s Darcie Deaville ,Teirstein join in ,to portray up the fabric of Guthrie’s amazing story. The four accompany themselves on over 15 different instruments, ranging from guitar and fiddle to jaw harp and dulcimer. \Voodrow Wilson "W’oody" Guthrie was born in 1912 in Okemah, Oklahoma. He is best kmown as an American singersongwriter and folk musician, whose musical legacT indudes hundreds of political, traditional and children’s songs, ballads and improvised works. Many of his recorded songs are archived in the Library of Congress. Guthrie traveled from Oklahoma to California and later New York and used his rich life experiences and observations to write traditional folk and blues songs, many of which deal with the Great Depression. Guthrie died from complications of Huntington’s disease, a progressive genetic neurological disorder. When Nick Corley accepted the position as Lyric’s new artistic director, he was thrilled with the timing and what it meant for the future of Woody Sez. With the blessing of the Guthrie estate, Corley, who has directed the show fi’om its inception, prepared Lyric for the American premiere, so that Oklahomans could be the first in ~he country to celebrate Guthrie’s life and music in this special way. Furthermore, so that the celebration of Woody’s spirit can reach even further beyond the Oklahoma City metro area, Lyric Theatre has plans to take the show on the road. A special presentation of Woody Sez, the words, music, & spirit of Woody Guthrie has been w~-w.metrostarnews.com NetroSTAR 13 �Arkansas Domestic Partnership Registry Under Attack Gay News Bureau It is, said editor Don Lee in a editorial, "demagoguery based on religious prejudice bordering on moral fascism..." ~e Carroll County (AR) News reported King "felt the bill (to ban DPRs) was needed because tourism in Eureka Springs has become identified too strongly with issues of sexuality." EUREKA SPRINGS, AR The only Domestic Partnership Registry in Arkansas-and one of the fe~v in the Mid-South region of the country--may soon be history if one right-wing state legislator has his way. Given the town’s long-standing reputation as a major wedding destination, King’s rationale is fraudulent, says Walsh. But the Eureka Springs mayor, city council and supporters of the DPR, vow to vigorously oppose a move by Republican Arkansas State Rep. Bryan King to do away with it. "What the hell does he think goes on in all those heart shaped hot tubs and honeymoon cabins," Walsh said. "King’s real aim is to impose his extremist religious and political views on our town and at the expense of gay residents, business owners and tourists. In only 22 months, 256 unmarried couples from 55 Arkansas communities and 14 other states have registered as domestic partners in Eureka Springs. At least 28 of those couples came from neighboring Oklahoma and another 32 from Missouri, says Michael Walsh, who wrote the domestic partnership law that went into effect in June 2007. Efforts to keep the resort town from officially honoring gay and straight couples is "transparent homophobia," he says. "There are six words to describe State Rep. Bryan King of Arkansas," said Walsh, "and they are, ’State Rep. Sally Kern of Oklahoma’. To know one is to know the other." DPR advocates say it is hypocritical for any state lawmaker to condemn municipal domestic partnership laws while accepting campaign contributions from I~aft Foods, Wal-Mart, FedEx and Cox Communications, companies that have domestic partner policies. King is serving his final term as state representative and may next run for the Arkansas senate. His detractors say he has nothing to lose and much to gain by assaulting the DPR at this time. King introduced his anti-DPR measure March 9. Out lesbian Arkansas State Rep. Kathy Webb, a Democrat, opposes the ban and has said it may be killed at the committee level. Arkansas Speaker of the House Robbie Wills is also on record as opposing the bill. But Eureka Springs city officials are not taking any chances. In a statement signed by the entire Eureka Springs City Council, Mayor Dani Joy strongly defended the DPR and condemned King’s intrusion into city affairs. "I vdll not stand silent any longer and allow a demographic of our citizens to be humiliated and degraded," she said. "Prejudice or bigotry have no place in our city. The gay and lesbian community are our fi’iends, neighbors and family." The editor of the tmvffs weekly newspaper, The Lovely County Citizen, characterized Y,dng’s anti-DPR bill as a "regressive, faithbased, discriminatory, venal.., and cynical act." 14 ~{et~’oSTAR "Playing the gay card is a way for cheap politicians in Arkansas to fan the fires of hate and fatten up their campaign coffers." But, on the brink of what may be a precarious tourist season, King’s bill cotfld also deprive the town of a critical revenue stream. According to city records, the DPR has generated almost $10,000 for the city in less than two years. Registration costs $35 per couple. Diversity Weekend Kicks Offin Eureka Springs FRIDAY, APRIL 3 Domestic Partner Certificates. The courthouse is dosed Saturday and Sunday. City Clerl~’s office is in the City Hall, lower level of the Western Carroll County Courthouse, 44 S. Main. Office hours are 9:30 AM - 12 Noon and 1:30 to 4:30 PM. Over150 unique shops and galleries. Be sure to stop by and say hi to Charlie at A Byrds Eye View. Weekend favorites include The Tourist Stop, Mountain Eclectic, Antique Affaire, The Inn Convenience Store, Fusion Squared and Eclectic Edge. Over 6 vendors are setting up in the old Eureka Screams Theater parking lot and lobby, located on H~W 23 South. Friday Sunday, 8 AM - 5 PM, everything from Tools to Toys. Welcome Mixer, Pizza Bar, 13 N Main, 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Come feel the warmth. Mix and mingle with locals and visitors from around the county. CITY PARKING FREE AFTER 6 PM. Rock and Roll with Tiffany Christopher, The New Delhi, 2 North Main, All ages welcome, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM-ish. Walsh puts the figure at closer to $250,000 to $500,000 when DPR-related expenditures on hotels, motels, B &Bs, restaurants, bars, caterers, ministers, florists, gift shops, photographers mad spending by friends and }’amilies are included. It’s a Hawaiian Luau Weekend. Karake, Dance, Giveaways and FUN. Friday and Saturday, Henri’s Just One More, 19 1/2 Spring, Open Noon - 2AM, Full menu served till 9 PM nightly. NO COVER CHARGE. "Precisely when the state needs all the tax revenue it can it, I~dng’s bill is exceedingly short-sighted," he said. The always popular Tiki Torch Club and their Spring Diversity Dance Par-Tee. Arrive early this place fills up fast. Midnight Teaser Drag Show with Secdackeiry. * To express your support, send a brief e-mail to Eureka Springs Mayor Dani Joy at mayor@ cityofeurekasprings.org ~ Express your outrage to Arkansas State Rep. Bryan King at: kingb@arkleg.state.ar.us * Ask your friends, co-workers, family members and neighbors to do the same. * Send this story to news outlets, LGBT organizations, web sites and blogs. * Ask your elected local and state representatives to speak out on this issue, as did the Eureka Springs mayor when Sally Kern was on the rampage last year. = Come to Eureka Springs for Diversity Weekend April 3-5 and get your own DPR. See www.eurekapride.com for events. The Spring PDA photo shoot. Just some good time amusement for the tourist and to annoy the fundies. SPRINGS PUBHC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION (PDA), 12 noon, Basin Park band shell, downtown. A G-rated opportunity to smooch your sweetie-or the perfect stranger-for posterity. Eureka Pride has free treats to pass out. The Eclectic Edge, 49 Spring, ARTIST RECEPTION drop by and meet Artist Matt Johnson and Gallery owners David and Ginny between 1 and 5 PM. Light , refreshments. Register to win a piece of Matt s artwork. Raffie to benefit the local Doggie Shelter. KARAOYdS: Jack’s Place, 37 Spring, 2 PM - 6 PM, WOW!.!! Jello Shots For a BUCK! ALL GIRLS BAND IRIS: Chelsea’s, 10 Mountain St. Better show out early, these ladies have been known to Jump Start their show as early as 7 PM and then ~vind it up Midnight. The North West Arkansas Center For Equality and UA PRIDE, are havin,,g a dance. Entire, family welcome, upstairs at The Space, located across from the U.S. Post Office in Uptown-Downtown Eureka on Spring St., DJ dance music and activities for the kids. $5 cover, FREE to children 12 and under. 8 -11 PM. For a complete list of activities and events go to www.eurekapride.com and diversitypride. com. New Owners For Joplin’s Pla-Mor Lounge. Male Illusionist. That’s right they’re all girls and they’re dressed too ’KISS’. The IgSSS Tribute Band, Lumberyard, 105 East Van Buren, 9:00 PM. Stick around for DJ TIC’S Spin Cycle and Dance Party. Ashley McBryde... the miracle gift returns for SPRING ,n Eureka. Jacks Place. 37 Spring St, 9:00 PM.- Midnight, no cover. Handsome Lee wit! be checking IDs at the door. EUREKA’S UNDERGROUND the subterranean and always gay Eureka Live, 35 North Main, Trash Disco Party, drink specials. NO COVER CHARGE! THE DIVERSITY BAND: Chelsea’s, 10 Mountain St. 9 PM - ~ Avoid those Diversity buzz-killers like getting a DUI or trying to find a parking place downtown. Eureka Springs Limousine. $5.00 point to point. Call 479-244-6320 for your PICK-UP! New owners ofJoplin’s Pla-Mor Lounge, Tim, Bonnie and Tom. Staffphoto JOPLIN, MO (PR) After more than 40 years in the bar business including several gay clubs, Dick and Billy Jack decided to retire and let longtime friends Tim, Tom and Bonnie take over their latest venture, the Pla-Mor Lounge located at 532 S. Joplin St, Joplin’s only gay club. New hours beginning in April will be Tues-Sat 5pm to 1am. Happy hour 5pro to 7pm. Phone 417-624-2722 SATURDAY, APRIL 4 Name That Tune With Sandy at the Smokehouse Card, 580 West Van Buren, 8:30 A.M to1 l:30ish, biscuits as big as your head. WIN Fabulous Prizes, like Sparlcy Sun Glasses! Saturday and Sunday Only. The Diversity Bikers "Bridges and Dam Poker Run." Planer’s Hill Parking lot on the corner of 62 and 23 (Main Street) Starting at 12:45 PM. Retiring Pla-Mor owners Dick and Billy Jack. Staffphoto April 2009 �@ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa @Club Majestic, Tulsa @ Hideaway, Tulsa @ The Ledo, Oklahoma City www.rnetrostarnews.com @ The End Up, Tulsa @ Angles, Oklahoma City @ Finishline, Oklahoma City @The Mine Shaft, Tulsa @Club 209, Tulsa #~et~oSTAR 15 �of the world. Zinfandel vines were brought to California in the 1850s and it is now that state’s second most extensively planted red grape behind cabernet sauvignon. Initially, research confirmed a relationship between Zinfandel and Primitivo (a variety grown in Italy’s Puglia region), causing speculation that Zinfandel might have originated in Italy. However, in late 200 t, DNA fingerprinting determined that Crljenak Ka~telanski (a littleknown grape from Croatia) and Zinfandel have identical DNA profiles. Beside the Zinfandel grown in California (and Italy’s Priraitivo), there are only isolated plantings of this grape, mainly in South Africa and Australia. The Zinfandel grape can produce wines ranging from light, nouveau styles to hearty, robust reds with berrylike, spicy (sometimes peppery) flavors, plenty of tannins, enough complexity and longevity to be compared to Cabernet Sauvignon. Mr. D’s V2 case I really dig California Zins. For springtime/ back yard grill time, what better red xvine than Zinfandel to go with short ribs, beef brisket, grilled veggies and brats. Here are some killer bottles I think should be considered to go with your barbeque fun. Brief histoD+ of the grape [ZIHN-fuhn-dehl] qlais is thought to be California’s most popular red-wine grape because it’s not widely grown in other parts EarthQuake Zin ’06 The Phillips brothers pride themselves on farming their vineyards with a meticulous eye on quality. Their wines regularly take top accolades in wine competitions. This Zin is really full bodied with lots zing and flavor. In addition to the Earthquake brand of reservetier wines, wine brands under the Michael David Winery umbrella include the popular 7 Deadly Zins. This wine has recently come down in price about 20% in this market and it’s a must try. FoxGlove Zin ’07 Wine critic Robert Parker says that this one of the most ,mpress~!}e in the coot, high elevations Cruz M+0~nt~sT’ ~is Zi~ 9~(s ffo~m Vasq Robles ~fi~ is a n~ addition t0 ~¢~e~akers Bob & Jim Varner~ oo~tfoli6. I was completely surpnse~ at[)~Ow gogd~h~s single vineyard wi~e is for the~money. ~’ ~, + }~’~ If you are one of those xvho beliei( better, read on. Hyse Couzins ’05, This is the first intriguingblend 39% Zinfandel and drinldng xvell right now, to decant. Wine critid sa3 for the next 5 - 7 years. This be hard to find so if you see it, wine has also come down in 20% in this market and Remember that Zinfandel are two Couzins. Edmeades Mendocino This hasgot to be one of and 20061ooks to be to 2005 has some Petite Grenache blended color. ~nere is a cherry ~ spring Cabernet. juicy fruit acid balanc~ comedian Robin this winery and great Cabernet also For this Zin, ~only Family, is also currently making. uch xvineries like Paradigm, and Past clients include Screaming Eagle },arc 29. "We brought a bdtfle for ) w’. file opt in California during ~he We hadnt fasted it before hand’and bottle, I Wished a c9uple more. This wine in oiar state and this zin is ]his writer is one of the managers a~ the Grand Vin wine shop. He also bar tends and hosts wine & food town as the Enthusiasts of Tulsa. / www.l~ineSpecta- md pepper. Turn processor onand chop f~r Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Ingredients 2 -14 oz can chic~ peas, drained 4 cloves garlic, peeled " 1/2 cup jarred, i:o~ted red’peppers. drained Zest of one lemon Juice of one lemon !/4 cup tahini (may substitute ~vith pmnut or almond butter) i/2 cup olive oil | teas kosher salt 16 v~®t;oSTAR is creamy. Serve topped with a drizzle of 01ive oil, feta cheese and cracked black pepper if desired. Provide pita wedges and fresh vegetables for spreading. April 2009 �nmen At The BOK Center Tulsa Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band .April 7, 2009 @ 7:30 Ticket Prices: $9I, $57, $4I Get tickets at LiveNation.com, all Tickets.corn Outlets, or charge by phone at 1-866-7-BOK-CTR Bruce Springsteen’s new album ’Working on a Dream’ was released today (January 27, 2009). ’~,Working on a Dream~ was recorded with the E Street Band and features twelve new Springsteen compositions plus one bonus track. It is the fourth collaboration between Springsteen and Brendan O’Brien, who produced and mixed the album. Nickelback Apr 10, 2009 at BOK Center Nickelback With Seether and Saving Abel Aprill 0, 2009 Tickets On Sale Now Prices: $75, $55, $35 Unstoppable rock powerhouse Nickelback have announced dates for their upcoming North American tour in support of their new" album Dark Horse, released on Roadrunner Records on November !8th. Nickelback are a phenomenally successful touring band whose tours have grossed in excess of $100 million thus f.ar and have sold more than 30 million albums worldwide. Dark Horse is Nickelback’s first release since the immensely popular All ~fhe Right Reasons, released in 2005. Fleetwood Mac May 3, 2009 at BOK Center "Unleashed" Tour May 3, 200~ Tickets Off Sale Now Prices: $149.50, $79.50, $49150 Wne sure to be historic "Unleashed" Tour, beginning on March 1st in Pittsburgh, is an epic cross-c0untry trek featuring 44 shows in major markets. The tour will include al!~ of the Ma& many greatest hits fi’om over the course of the band’s extraordinary career. Fleem~ood Mac, the multi-Grammy winning, multi-platinum Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees are back on the road for the first time in five years following several successful solo projects. OKC Civic Center Music Hall April Events THE LEFT HAND SINGING a drama by Barbara Lebow Date: Frida); March 20, 2009 - Saturday, April 11, 2009 Presented by Carpenter Square Theatre MF~SURE FOR MEASURE by William Shakespeare Date: Friday, March 27, 2009 - Sunday, April i9, 2009 Presented by the Oklahoma City Theatre Company Perpetual Motion "Chiaroscuro" Date: Friday, April 03, 2009 - Saturday, April 04, 2009 Time: 7:30 p.m. Perpetual Motion presents Chiaroscuro CLASSIC SERIES: SEASON FINALE presented by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic Date: Saturday, April 04, 2009 Time: 8:00 p.m. Featuring Yuja X~gang, Piano ZOMBIE PROM Date: Frida>; April 10, 2009 - Sunday, Apri! 19, 2009 Zombie Prombook and lyrics by John Dempse, music by Dana E Rowe based on a story by John Dempsey and Hugh Murphy April 10-19, 2009 in the Freede Litde Theatre DISNEY’S THE LION KING Date: Tnesday, April 21, 2009 - Saturday, May 23, 2009 Presented by Celebrity Attractions Begins April 21, 2009 Tracy Morgan and Martin Lawrence put the fun in Funeral When Romeo first reported on the proposed Chris Rock-led American version of the outrageous British farce Death at a Funeral, it was unclear as to whether the wild gay subplot would survive. But as casting begins it seems clear that the queer surprise in the black comedy’s casket is alive and well. Better yet, 30 Rock’s hilarious Tracy Morgan has signed on to star alongside Martin La~vrence in the corned); due in 2010, about a dead patriarch’s funeral interrupted by mishaps~ bizarre guests and the arrival of the deceased’s secret gay lover. As long as Lawrence ~snt contracted to play B~g Momma in this verSion, fans of the original can rest easy:. Now, which brave American actor is going to pla~ the family member who runs around the hOuSe naked for the entire length of the fihn? ...... Cherry Jones’ sister act Object lesson to any actor who believes that coming out will be career-damaging: Cherry Jones. The talented lesbian character actress never stops working, plays the President on 24, was Matt Damon’s reality-checking mother in Ocean’s 13 and won a Tony Award for her pre-Meryl Streep incarnation of Sister Aloysius on Broadway in Doubt. Now she’l! take on another nun role in the upcoming drama Mother and Child starring opposite Naomi xYc:atts, Samuel Jackson, Kerry Washington and Annette Bening. The female-centered adoption drama is currently in production and due for release this December - aka Beg For Your Oscar Month - so the filmmakers must be pretty confident about its chances. Who knows, maybe Jones will have to dear room next to her Tony for a new golden friend. Ghost musical to raise Broadway from the dead? It seems that everything on Broadway is going belly up. Shows are dosing faster than new ones can take their place, ticket sales are in the toilet and all seems hopeless. And it’s desperate times that lead to crazy/genius ideas like Ghost: The Musical taldng root and flowering. The smash 1990 Patrick Swayze/Demi Moore film (for which Whoopi Goldberg won her Color Purple Oscar) is going to sing its way onto one of London’s West End stages sometime in 2010 and, if sufficiently crowd-pleasing, will probably make a mad dash for Broadway sometime later. The writers of "Unchained Melody" are already spending their future royalty check bump, but who’s going to pen the song about Patrick Swayze’s heartbreaking inability to express love without invoking the word "ditto?" Neil Patrick Hat~s. 20th Century Fox photo Nell Patrick Harris hands out TV Land Awards If the Harold and Kumar movies, How I Met Your Mother, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, his SNL appearance and his spoonbending antics on Ellen weren’t enough to convince you that Neil Patrick Harris is a national treasure, try this: now he’s retro-nostalgia-cable-channel TV Land’s answer to Hugh Jackman. The funny, quick-witted song-and-dance man will host April’s TV Land Awards with the requisite amount of skits, mttsical numbers and awards given out to shows like Charles In Charge and Mama’s Family. Expect a lot of vintage TV personalities showing up to join Harris as he tosses out non-vintage one-liners. Romeo San Vicente could sense something was up as early as Doogie Howser, ~I.D. He can be reached care ofthis publication or at DeeplnsideHollywood@qsyndicate.com. More ENTERTAINMENT see page 20 w"ww.metrostamews.com ~etroSTAR 17 �V @[8 by Donald Pile and Ray Williams SOME LEATHER_ FUN, ANYONE ? friends from North Carolina that we met there, Paul and Dick. After all, meeting new and exciting people is what traveling is all about. By the way, did we mention that they have a leather and chain sling in every room at the Inn Leather? Seriously if you are into leather, want to be into leather or just want to look and enjoy leather, then fly, drive, take a train or bus or even hitchhike and get down to die Inn Leather resort in Ft. Laxlderdale and learn how to have some real fun "leather fun". Spirit Journeys Announces Gay Travel Adventure Rafting the Grand Canyon Spirit Journeys has a new gay vacation rafting the Grand Canyon. This journey starts July 1, 2009 and ends July 10, 2009. NEW MILFORD, NJ (PRWEB)__ Spirit Journeys is very pleased to announce its new gay travel adventure rafting through the Grand Canyon. "Going Deep" is the title of this adventure and it begins and ends in Las Vegas and includes eight days and seven nights of rafting the Colorado River some 280 miles through the Grand Canyon. On this journey the goal IS tO experience the canyon and the river at a more profound level than on an ordinary vacation. Photo: Pool atThe Inn Leather Resort Since our travel columns are in publications from coast to coast and since we have readers who are into just about everything we decided to stay in this Leather Resort. The Inn Leather Resort has been serving the leather and levi gay community in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida as well as the entire East coast and the Midwest for over 10 years and a lot of gay men from all over the country love to stay there. During our stay ~ve met guys from New York, Chicago and several other places in the Midwest as well as Floridians. The general manager Chase and his staff of Benji, Kevin and Gabe are extremely professional, friendly and know how to take care of their guests. We just can’t say enough nice things about them. Chase has the most beautiful eyes and smile that you have ever seen in your life. We know that a lot of guys stay here just so that they Can see him! Tnru his professional guidance, the Inn is in the process of being remodeled. ~ae entire staff is really very accommodating. The grounds are filled with luscious tropical plants. The pool area is very inviting. wave, TWVCR/cable tv and alarm clock. They have ample off street parking for their guests. A stay here includes a complimentary continental breakfast poolside every morning. q-here are a lot of restaurants within walking distance and a major shopping center with a supermarket just a few blo~ away. If you are into leather or appreciate leather or just curious, then call and make a reservation. Oh yeah! Did we mention that there is a leather and chain SLING in every room? For those really into leather, be SURE and stop by the Ramrod leather bar at 1508 NE 4th Avenue for the most interesting time that you can EVER have in a gay bar! They have specials going on every day including Leather Sunday; Full Moon Monday, Butt to Butt Wednesda)~ Battle of the Bulge "l-hursday and Fetish Friday. They have a daily two for one happy hour from 3 to 9 PM. Check out their website at: www.ramrodbar.com A very special thanks to Chase, general manager of the Inn Leather and to our new Contact the Inn Leather Resort at: 877.532.7729 or email them at InnLeather610@aol.com and be sure to check out their website at: www.innleather.com. By the way, did we mention that they have a leather and chain sling in every room??? .Amenities include heated swimming pool, hot tub, tree wi-fi and a SLING in every room! Yep! You read that right ............ a leather and chain SLING in every room! Never tried one? XWell this is a perfect opporttinity for you. They have about a dozen rooms and suites and are located just two miles from the beach and just about a 10 minute drive to the major bars and one mile south of do~vntown Ft. Lauderdale and t’wo miles north of the Ft. Lauderdale airport. ~ae Inn Leather is a "clothing optional" resort. Did we mention that there is a leather and chain SLING in every room? Each accommodation includes queen or king size bed, private bath, kitchenette which includes fridge, coffee maker, micro18 While you in the area, be sure and check out the greatest totally nude beach in the country, Haulover Beach! which is located about a twenty minute drive south of Ft. Lauderdale. It is the only legally nude beach in the Florida. Haulover Beach Park contains one of south Florida’s most b~autiful clothing optional beaches-a 0.4 mile stretch of beach on the northernportion that draws people from all walks of life, from other states, Canada and a variety of other countries. Nestled between the Intercoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, it has pristine white sand shores, open ocean surf, various shaded picnic facilities, beautifully landscaped sand dunes, and concession stands. The beach is ideal for surfing as well as swimming. Thousands of people go to Haulover Beach on a sunny day. Simply put, Haulover Beach is one of the best clothing-optional beaches in the world, as ranked by many online and print publications. As many as 7,000 people visit the beach in a single day. There is a snack cart situated in the clothing optional area most days, as well as chairs available to rent. Haulover Beach is quite large and is broken up into different areas for gays and straights. It is a great way to meet people. Their website is http://www.hauloverbeach. org Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! Grand Canyon Rafting The adventure into Self is enhanced by the inspiring surroundings the Canyon has to offer. Being on the Colorado River at the bottom of the Grand Canyonhas a way of making humans very humble in the presence of such majesty, major life shifts can happen. Meditation Heart Circles and group movement rituals will be used to help open the mind and heart and deepen the experience of this incredible place. The intention is to actively engage the Canyon and the River; to know them on a more intimate level. The raft stops several times each day to hike, to explore side canyons, to swim in favorite swimming holes or to stand in ~e power of waterfalls. Howie Holben is the guide for this gay vacation. Heis owner and caretaker of Spirit Journeys. He was raised in northern Arizona and has always felt a special bond to the sacred places of the Southwest The gifts he brings to this Journey are his extensive knowledge of these places and the love for the path we follow on this journey. Since early childhood, he has been drawn to indigenous peoples and their spiritual teachings, traditions and practices. This attraction has taken him on many adventures, exploring the countless ways of "being in the world". His personal journey through addiction and recovery has spavcned in him a genuine interest in assisting others on their own spiritual path and he takes great pleasure in introducing people to practices, sacred ways and cultures to help them "step outside their box". A Reiki/Karuna Ki Master and Quantum Touch Pracdoner, his desire is to help others uncover their potential and set their hearts and minds free. For additional information on this and other special gay vacations, contact Hmvie Holben or visit w~#.spiritjourneys.com. About Spirit Journeys: Spirit Journeys offers gay travel, gay vacations and gay retreats with a spiritual focus, and unique gay retreat and gay vacation options. Call (800) 754-1875 to learn more about Spirit Journeys. leather and chain sling in every room" April 2009 �~ifest2 Se~ons Hualani. materials ,.~VW. metrostamews.com ~etroSTAR 19 �April At P.A.C. Tulsa Kyk°s Bed by Greg Fox April 18 -This year TU BLGTA’s Pride Prom 2009: A BollDvood Ball will be held on Apri! 18 at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center Westby Pavilion. 3-he event is a prom targeted toward Tulsa-area youth who are not alIowed m or not comfortable with bringing the date of their choice to prom, but it is open to all people ages 15 m 25. Tickets are $10 for general admission or $5 for %lsa UniversitT students. For more information emait http:l /us.mc l O.mail. yahoo.com/mc/ compose?to=tublgta@gmail.com. March-27-29 & April 2-4 8pro Up the Down Staircase -Liddy Doenges N~eatre Anyone who’s ever started a new job will relate to this comedy about Sylvia, an idealistic young English teacher maneuvering her way through a blizzard of paperwork, contradictmT orders and indecipherable instructions. She discovers that "Keep on file in numerical order" means throw in wastebasket, "Let it be a challenge" means April 14-15 7:30pro Aspen Santa Fe Ballet John H. XXqlliams ~eatre "Aspen Santa Fe Ballet is a jewel of a company...a refreshing surprise!" declares Ba&stage.com. This dazzling contemporary dance company will perform three to four pieces from its eclectic repertoire that contains works by some of the world’s [bremost choreographers, such as TwT1a %arp, Jorma Elo and Paul Taylor. The Vertical Hour April 16-18 at 8 p.m., April 19 at 2 p.m. Lid@ Doenges ~eatre "iI~e "vertical hour" is the first hour after an injury when ~sistance has the greatest chance of being beneficial, tn this 2006 play by Englishman David Hare, an ~Mnerican former war correspondent turned Yale political science professor joins her British boyfi’iend, Philip, for a visit to his fhther, Oliver. She has a pro-Iraq viewpoint, while the father, a doctor with liberal leanings, is against not only the war but many of the beliefs she holds about a range of issues. Nadia is both offended by and attracted to Oliver. Me ro Star Classfieds 2" square for as little as $39 per issue. Email: starnews@sbcglobal.net ~gebsite- vmcw.kylecornics.com E-Mail- KylesBnB@aot.com 918.835.7887 SAVE & FILL YOUR PIGGY e~ll: bittergirl@qsyndlcate.corn 20 ~®~ro~TAN ~w,joanhilty.net ~ ~1 April 2009 �by Jack Fertig Apill 2009 "Your are everyone’s darling Aries" Mercury, Venus, and the Sun are aligning in Aries bringing together charming, witty banter and mad, impulsive flirtations. Venus is retrograde so be careful with those flirtations. They’re not likely to go anywhere you’ll want to stay! ARIES (March 20-Apri~ 19): For now, you are everybody’s darling and could get away with almost anything. Dedicate that power for good, not selfish motives. You have so much of yourself to offer; select your beneficiaries wisely to be fully appreciated. TAURUS (Apri~ 20 - May 20): Take some private time with your nearest and dearest in pursuit of pleasures that nurture your soul. No need to hide in a cloister. You can be wild, loud, and frivolous, but do get away from your usual routines and pals. GEMIN~ (May 21- June 20): Fun with your friends can easily get way out of hand, but is that necessarily a bad thing? You could talk a tiger out of his or her stripes, but then what? When you start to improvise, then the fun really begins! SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Your fascination with a new sport or hobby is probably just a passing fancy. Enjoy it, but don’t invest in new gear at this point! Same with any dates right now. Don’t confuse a great time with falling in love. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Changes are needed around your home, and will be again soon. Whatever re-arrangements or new tchatchkes you like now will become annoying later. Just think of it as a springboard - and budget accordingly. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Dahhhling! You are just too, too charming. Be careful not to ta!k your way into something you can’t get out of! Sure, you can fake sincerity for now, but that will trip you up later! Be real! No, really real! PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Brace yourself and take a close look at any financial problems. This is the not the time to be buying anything (bad impulses!) or selling (you’ll get better prices later). Just take stock, and get things into order. CANCER (~une 2t- July 22): The m65n’s not full this week, but you’re shining like it may as well be. Dazzle your way up the ladder of success. Be clear on where you want to go and with ,~hom. Or at least leave room to change partners and destination. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Sometimes it’s best to let people air out their differences or to hone their arguments in fiery debate. If your peacemaking talents aren’t really needed, give yourself an aesthetic challenge at a movie or an art show you’d normally not attend. VlRGO (August 23 - September 22): Being a love god is a better deal when you can choose your worshippers. Even then, you’re likely to make bad choices. Have your fun, but commitments should be made in the cold light of day, not in the throes of passion. L~BP.A (September 23 - October 22): This is a great time to work on a relationship, not to start one. Problems are easy to discuss now. Solutions can come later. It may feel like you’re backtracking. That’s actually good for clarifying those problems. SCORHO (October 23 - November 21): Re-evaluate your goals at the gym. How much are you motivated by pride and vanity? Oh, really? Pushing too hard for looks may be undermining your health. Prioritize health, and your looks wil! last longer! www.metrostarnews.com METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Sunday 6:00 PM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM www.socmcc.org Have a God filled and Blessed Day! ~et~oSTAR 21 �(12" size Only) KING OF MASSAGE Great Touch Man to Man Full Body Massage 2 hands or 4 hands (2437) PROTECT YOURSELF PROTECT YOUR PARTNER(~t available Community @op e iving Now Hiring Male & Female H~V/A~DS i 501 c (3) l"qon P~ofit Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ an~ or living with AiDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. VVe invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net 22 #~etroSTAR April 2009 �Suppo~ those who suppor~ us. Their ads aliow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-222! ~a~:habanainn.com KELLY KIR£Y, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant i!i,:,ili[~ !i;(i/I VALERIE WILLIFORD 625 N.W. 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 OKC MORTUARY 2415-C N. X~!ALNUT AVE. Oklahoma City, OK 800-913-1310 THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPIZESSg/AY Oklahoma Cit7, OK 405-525-0730 vavw.habanainn.com EXPRESSIONS Comm Fdlowship 6009 1"~ Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 405 -761 - 1878 ~ww.expressionsO KC.com HOPE CLINIC 3540 E.TESTING 31st Ttflsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline SPIRIT OF CHt~ST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 10 AM MCC LFNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 ~,vw.mcctulsa.org ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK va~w.anglesclub.com OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836:8700 wv,wc.bambooloungetulsa.com OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 CLUB 209 209 N. BOULDER Tulsa, OK 918-584-9944 CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3131 N. PENN, OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Ttflsa, OK 918-584-9494 w~waclubmajesfictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH ~RESS\VAY Oldahoma City, OK 405-525-2900 v~v.habanainn.com JUDY G. PHOTO’S Tulsa, OK j udygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 3627 NW EXPRESSg!AY Oklahoma Cit7, OK 73112 405-840-2106 ~vw.c21 goldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: wv,wc.gaybradyheightstulsa.com GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oldahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn www.okeq.org >> KING OF MASSAGE In or Out Calls Oldahoma City, OK 405-314-3898 HIDEAWAY LOLFNGE 11730 E. I1TH Tulsa, OK 918-437-0449 Open Sun thru Sat 2pm to 2am THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSXX~AY Ol’dahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 w~:habanainn.com THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa, OK 918-836-0915 Open 7 days a week 12noon to 2am THE MINESHAFT 424 S Memorial Di: Tulsa, OK 918-836-1250 Open Sun thru Sat 12noon to 2am TULSA EAGLE 1338 E. 31~D Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pm to 2am www.metrostarnews.com ~etroSTAR 23 �ahomans for Equality The Festival will be held on Saturday, June 6th, from 11arn to 11prn at Centennial Park at: 6th & Peoria. The Festival features a Kids Zone with inflatable water slides, a mechanical bull & a rock climbing wall for the adults, food & drinks, and all kinds of LGBT-friendly vendors, businesses, organizations & churches. Online registration still open! The 2009 Pride Parade starts on Saturday, June 6th at 7:30prn in the Brady Arts District and ends at the Diversity Festival at Centennial Park at 6th & Peoria. Shuttles and security will be provided. Online registration stilt open! Tulsa Folk-Rocker, Eric Hirnan is bringing his new band, Eric and the #.dams, to the Centennial Park Stage to headline at 9:00prn on Saturday night, June 6th. On May 30th at the historic Cain’s Ballroom, the annual Equality Gala will be held, celebrating the 2009 theme "Dreams Really Do Come True!" Visit ww~.okeq,org for tickets! The Tulsa Pride Exhibition of Fine Art, MOREcolor 2009, opens Thursday, June 4th from 5:00-9:00prn and continues Friday June 5th & Saturday June 6th from Noonennis R. Neill Equality Center. .. Turn-A-Bout Fundraiser Library Event PFLAG Spaghetti Dinner Diversi~ Day at the Zoo Pride ~nterfaith Service Gender Avengers/Trans Night ToUoLS.A. Leather Show PFLAG Movie Night OYP Fashion Show & Fundraiser Pride, Pioneers & Pancakes April 1st, 10pro May 28th, 7pro May 29th, 6:30pm May 30th, 10am May 31st, 3pro June 1st, 7pro June 2nd, 7pro June 3rd, 7pro June 5th, 7pro June 6th, 7:00am Club Maverick Tulsa Central Libra~ Fellowship Congregational Church Tulsa Zoo St. Jerome’s Parish Church OkEq Equality Center OkEq Event Center Circle Cinema Centennial Park Stage Centennial Park Building � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data magazine Text Any textual data included in the document METROSTARNEWS.COM "WE DELIVER DIVERSITY" Church Visits Oklahoma Again By Victor Gorin APRIL 1, 2009 Hi ary Clinton will[ fight for gay rights worl[dwide By Rex Wockner Mr. andMrs. Kevin Sherwood with bikergroup protesting Fred Phelps demonstrators atMoore High School. Gorin photo MOORE, OK __ Spreading their ukual rants of far out homophobia, members of Fred Phelps Westboro Baptist Church ofTopeka, Kansas came to protest near the Oklahoma State Capitol as well as Moore High School March 2. Few in the GLBT or fair minded community are not familiar with this church, as they have been protesting with infamous "God Hates Fags" signs along with other similar sentiments nationwide and abroad for over a decade. They gained national attention in 1998 when they picketed Matthew ShepardS funeral in Laramie,Wyoming with infamous signs, some stating "Matthew is in Hell". Rarely’ missing an opportunity to present their viewpoint, they have picketed funerals of those who have died ofAIDS, and staged protests against governments who have granted rights or tal~en any action they perceive as "fag enabling." More recently their skewed logic went even further when they picketed funerals of American soldiers, incredulously promoting the concept that God is punishing America with the deaths of soldiers because our nation is too tolerant of homosexuals. Understandably this has raised anger with countless patriotic Americans, especially those in the military; veterans and their families & friends. Although the Westboro group had been to Oklahoma before, they returned again to protest against the Oklahoma Legislature for permitting a gay pastor, the Reverend Scott Jones- Cathedral of Hope UCC, to lead a Prayer for the Day at the invitation of State Representative A1 McAffrey. This protest drew a small crowd with TV & press coverage coverage at N.W. 23rd and Sante Fe, before the Phelps clan moved on ........... Continued See BAPTlST Page-9 in , Clinton Wockner by Rex Meeting with young people at the European Parliament in Brussels on March 6, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton promised to fight for gay rights on the world stage. At a question-and-answer session, Clinton called on Maxim Anmeghichean, programs director for the European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay~ Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, after commenting on his "I Love Hillaw" T-shirt. Anmeghichean said: "My name is Max. I am from Moldova, and I am a gay rights activist. In seven countries in the world homosexuals are sentenced to death and many more to prison. A lot of gay men arotmd the world die because of the HIV/ AIDS policies that the Bush administration had that did not allow to spend money on prevention for men who have sex with men. How do you see the foreign policy of the United States changing in the coming years in the field of human rights mad in partictdar sexual rights and gay and lesbian rights?" ........... Continued See HILLARY Page-8 2 April 2009 v~v~.metrostarnews.com ~°~t~oSTAR 3 Busy year ahead £or Sooner State Rodeo By Michael W. Sasser E~oto: fim Grubb, 7~m Dickmann, Don George, V¢7ll Hughes, &Scou" Gouard hosting a spaghel~i dinner to benefit St. Jerome’s Church. TULSA, OK __ With a new executive board elected in February, events already under its belt and a slate of others scheduled for the remainder of the year, the Sooner State Rodeo AssociaOon has a bustling 2009 ahead. "Our overall objective is to bring a rodeo back to Tulsa and to have one on a regular basis," said Tim Dickman, newly elected president. In addition to Dickman, Kevin George, Darin Steward, Kevin Murphy, Don George and Bob "West were elected vice president, tre~asurer, recording secretary, corresponding secretary and trustee respectively in February. "We want to remind people we’re still here, we’re still active and we are starting a new campaign to get people interested. Dickanau said. A spaghetti dinner at St. Jerome’s Church and a club night at Mavericks drew the community~ attention and attracted several new members. Key events ahead are also expected to garner notice and new members. The Associatioffs next general membership meeting is slated for Sunday, April 5th at St. Jerome’s Church in Brady Heights, and the general public is invited to attend. On April 24th at 9 pm at Mavericks, the Sooner State Royalty Roundup season kicks offwith a lead-in to the f~l 2009 competition. Past ’Royalty competitors will be on hand as well as those from other Associations. "We have the whole year m get contestants, but this event and others ~ve will have throughout the year help people raise the money they need to in order to compete and to get some experience beforehand," Dickman said. The Sooner State ¯ Rodeo Association is hosting its 3rd ka~nual Spring Blowout Barrel Race on Saturday, May 2nd at a site to be determined by the end of March. New membership and renewed energy and interest in the Association are keys to a successful 2009. "XWe need the community’s involvement, bars’ involvement and participants’ involvement to bring a rodeo back to Tulsa," Dickrnan said. "It’s going to be an exciting year and we invite everyone in the commun!ty to join in." For more information, call (918) 577-0030 or wvo~c.soonerstaterodeo.com KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY AT PHOENIX RISING MAY 2 By Victor Gorin OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Looking for some after May Day fun? On Saturday May 2 Phoenix Rising will host the 3rd annual Kentuc~- Derby ParD; where you can enjoy food with friends, wet your whistle at the cash bar and enjoy the thrill of the Kentucky Derby on the big screen. Originally organized by a group of friends who love equestrian sport, the first party had around 65 people, the next about 80, and they are hoping for a bigger crowd this year to experience the fun. As one of the organizers Max Paty puts it, "Last year it vcent from dead quiet when the race started, and then they just went crazy when the horses came down the home stretch, and it was really exciting!" It’s a free event with complimentary snacks and a cash bar, and everyone is invited, including out of towners who happen to be in OKC that day. It’s a great way to celebrate that event with your friends while meeting nev¢ ones. OKEQart gallery opens new exhibit featuring artist Krysta Hamilton TULSA, OK (PR) __ The Dennis Ik Neill Equality Center art gallery will host its monthly First Thursday meet-the-artist reception from 6-gpm, Thursday, April 2, 2009, for the opening of the new exhibit showing the paintings of artist, g-,Tsta Hamilton. The exhibit will remain up through the month ofApril, and can be viewed Monday thru Saturday from 3-9pm. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is located at 621 E. 4th St., in downtown Tulsa. More info can be found on the web at okeq.org. 7his monthly event is hosted by Oklahoman’s for EqualiO, (OkEq): OkEq seeks equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Tmnsgender (LGBT) individuals andfamilies through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation ofthe Dennis R. Neill EqualiO, Cente~ 4 April 2009 From ~2.95 AskAbout LaV®nda www.metrostarnews.com ~I®t~oSTAR 5 anna Pa ge Miss Gay Oklahoma Heartland 200 By Victor Gorin Pageant co-ownerJames Walke~ Adrienne Fische~ Alanna Paige, Anita Ryde~ and other co-owner Mark Christensen. Gorin photo O~IOMA CITY, OK__ On February 20 Manna Paige captured the title of Miss Gay Oklahoma Heartland for 2009, with Anita Ryder ( currently also Miss Oklahoma Gay Rodeo Association) winning first alternate. As a preliminary contest for the Miss Gay Oldahoma America Pageant, they will go on to compete for that title. It was a festive evening at Angles as the current A1 Mc rey O ahoma County Medalion Dinner. reigning Miss Gay Oklahoma Heartland Adrienne Fischer passed on that tide ( she is also the current reigning Miss Gay Oklahoma) to Miss Paige. Pictured above are pageant co-owner James VCalker, Adrienne Fischer, Manna Paige, Anita Ryder & other pageant co-owner Mark Christensen By Victor Gorin A NEW KING GETS CRO’WNED! By Victor Gorin Judy Calhoun celebrates her birthday at the annual Oklahoma County Democratic Patty_ Medallion Dinn~ well wished by AIMcAfl~ey and Ieshia who led herfriends in song. Gorin photo. OYA~S,HOMA CITY, OK__ State Representative A1 McAffrey was the Master of Ceremonies for the Oklahoma Count), Democratic Party February 20. This is an annual event for the Party that is not only for fellowship, but also strengthening plans and resolve for the future. Represented at this event were both the Oklahoma Stonewall Democrats and the Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus. Count3; Conventions will be held April 4, Congressional House District Conventions May 2, with the State Convention May 16 in Oklahoma City. To become involved or register to vote, go to ww,v.okdemocrats. org, or call State Party Headquarters (405) 427-3366, and in Tulsa call Tulsa County Headquarters (918-742 2457). 2nd alternate Amadeus Ka~nii York- Texas, IGng Richard Cranium oflndiana , and Ist alternate Owen McCord ofGeorgia. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK__ Oklahoma City again hosted the National Mr.Gay US ofA MI contest at Angles dates September 11- 15. Emceed by the vivacious Amaya Mann, the competition began with 31 qualified contestants, narrowed down to 14 finalists for the finale March 15. Passing on his tide was the reigning King from 2008 Xander Kinidy ofTennessee, whose mother was present at the event. Capturing the tides for 2009 are 2nd Alternate Amadeus Karmanii York ofTexas, 1st Alternate Owen McCord of Georgia, and the new king, Richard Cranium of Indiana. 6 @et~oSTAR April 2009 Wockner News Service ANALYSIS: California Supremes hear Prop 8 challenge Tl~e California Supreme Court on March 5 held its hearing in the case challenging Proposition 8, the voter-passed constitutional amendment that re-banned same-sex marriage -- and the hearing was an apparent disaster t’or the gay side¯ The justices constantly interrupted the gay side’s lawyers with aggressive questions, but let pro-Prop-8 attorney Ken Starr speak mostly unimpeded. ~ae justices seemed fixated on the fact that California’s domestic-partnership law gives gay Couples the same rights as a marriage, and the), downplayed the fact that they had ruled that separate isn’t equal in their May 2008 decision that legalized same-sex marriage. The justices seemed enamored of the notion that the people can do almost whatever they want via the ballot-box amendment process -- including repealing freedom of speech, banning gay adoption and pretty much anything else. The justices all but laughed out of the chamber state Attorney General Jerry Browffs nove! "inalienable rights" natural-law argument against Prop 8. "~e just an amendment or instead a constitutional revision. A revision has to start in the Legislature or at a constitutional convention; it can’t start with people collecting voter signatures, as Prop 8 did. On that key question, the gay side appears doomed as well, because court precedent on the issue does not favor the gay side’s arguments. Only a couple of the justices appeared possibly open to the idea of expanding their notion ofwhat constitutes a constitutional revision. On the case’s other big question -- whether the 18,000 couples who married in California between June and November 2008 will end up un-married if the court upholds Prop 8 -- a majority of the justices seemed opposed to viewing Prop 8 as rettoactive, despite its rather plain wording: "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California." At one point, the justices had a bit of Clintonian fun ruminating on "what the meaning of the word ’is’ is" in Prop 8. Kenneth Starr came across at the hearing as smart, confident, well-spoken and quick on his feet. None of the gay side’s lawyers did as well. But, in fairness, they were hardly able to get a word in edgewise because of constant interruptions from the justices. Media and blogger analysts were unanimous in concluding that the court is going to uphold Prop 8. That would leave the gay side with two options: Return to the California ballot with a proactive initiative to attempt to undo Prop 8. Or take it to,the U.S. Supreme Court, using the court s ruling in the Colorado Amendment 2 case as a precedent. In that case, the high court struck dovin a state constitutional amendment that prohibited Colorado governments from protecting gay people in anti-discrimination laws. The justices said government cannot irrationally single out~one group of people for disfavored treatment. Both of these "next step" options are considered risky moves. The court must issue its ruling by early June. Dolly Parton: ’I am not gay Country-music legend Dolly Parton is straight, she told CNN’s Larry King on Feb. 21. "I am not ga~" Parton said. "I have been accused of that. But I have been happily married for 42 years to the same man. And he’s not the least bit, you know, threatened by the fact that I may be gay. And he knows have a lot of friends. But I love everybody. It doesn’t matter to me." Part0n said gay people like her because she’s authentic. "I think the gay people have always liked me because I have always been mysel[ I’m not intimidated by ho~v people perceive me, I don’t judge nor criticize people," she said. "I think that’s another reason they at least know that I’m sympathetic. I think all people have a right to be who they are. We’re all God’s children and God should be the one to judge, not other people. So I have a lot of gay friends, lesbian friends." ’Milk’ gays the Oscars The Academy Awards offered some gayerthan- usual moments Feb. 22 as the movie Milk snagged two Oscars. Accepting the award for best actor, for his portrayal of gay icon Harvey Milk, actor Sean Penn said: "You commie, homo-loving sons of guns.... For those who saw the signs of hatred as our cars drove in tonight, I think that it is a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect, and anticipate their great shame and the shame in their grandchildren’s eyes if they continue that way of support. We’ve got to have equal rights for everyone." And openly gay Dustin Lance Black, accepting the trophy for original screenplay, gave a shout-out to gay kids. "When I was 13 years old, my beatitiful mother and my father moved me from a conservative Mormon home in San Antonio, Tex., to California, and I heard the story of Harvey Milk," Black said. ’~md it gave me hope. It gave me the hope to live my life. It gave me the hope one day I could live my life openly as who I am and that maybe even I could fall in love and one day get married. "If Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he’d want me to say to all of the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told that they are ’less than’ by : or by their you are beautiful, wonderful creatures ofvalue and that no matter what ~yone ~eils you, God does love you, ~d that veiT SO0n~ I promise you; ~ou ~ill have equal rights federally across this great nation of ours." In Singapore, where gay sex is illegal, MediaCorp TV deleted portions of Black’s and Penn’s speeches from its rebroadcast of the awards. MediaCorp/Channel 5 censorship manager David Christie said the broadcast "would have been in serious breach of the MDA (Media Development Authority) Programme Code if such controversial content was not editorially managed." "The code explicitly disallows content that sympathizes with, promotes or normalizes such a lifestyle from being broadcast," he said. The Asian satellite TV service STAR also censored the two men’s speeches, dropping the audio each time the word "gay" or "lesbian" was uttered. STAR beams into more than 50 countries to some 300 million viewers. Utah senator demoted for anti-gay remarks Utah state Sen. Chris Buttars was ousted from two committees by Republican leaders Feb. 20 after he made homophobic remarks to a documentary maker. Buttars spoke in January to TV reporter Reed Cowan, who is making a documentary on the ¯ Mormon church’s involvement in the passage of California’s Proposition 8. The senator’s comments included: "Homosexuality will always be a sexual perversion. And you say that around here now and everybody goes nuts. But I don’t care.... They’re mean. They want to talk about being nice, they’re the meanest buggers I’ve ever seen.... It’s just like the Moslems. Moslems are good people and their religion is anti-war. But it’s been taken over by the radical side.... What is the morals of a gay person? You can’t answer that because anything goes.... They’re probably the greatest threat to America going down I know of. ... q]aey want superiority. It’s the beginning of the end. Oh, it’s worse than that. Sure. Sodom and Gomorrah was localized. This is worldwide." According to Salt Lake City’s KTVX, ~vhich broke the story: "Buttars also talks about a certain type of reported gay sex!~al activity which he claims is taking place. But ABC 4 does not consider that appropriate for its news content Students at George Mason University in Fairfax County, Va., elected a gay drag queen as homecoming queen Feb. 14. Senior Ryan Allen, who ran for the honor as Reann Ballslee, beat out two women for the crown. "It was just for fun," Allen told the Washington Post. "In the larger scheme of things, winning says so much about the university. X~[e’re one of the most diverse campuses in the country, and... ,ve celebrate that." MORTUARY ~ERVICE,~ www.metrostarnews.com ~et~oSTAR 7 Gay New Yorkers protest sex-shop arrests Several dozen gay N~v ~rkers protested near Mayor Mict§ael Bloomberg~ mansion Feb. 14 over what they say are bogus arrests ofg~y men in adult video arcades. Photo byJoe Jervis Several dozen gay New ¥orkers protested near Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s mansion Feb. 14 over what they say are bogus arrests of gay men in adult video arcades. The activists claim undercover police o~cers have been hitting on gay men, then, after the men agree to have sex, leading them outside, offering them money, and arresting them for prostitution, whether they accept the money or not. At least 50 men have been victims of the sting, the activists said. The motive for the arrests is to create a pretense for shutting down the shops, the activists said. ~e arrests have been condemned by openly lesbian City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and openly gay state Sen. Tom Duane, among others. Hawaii House passes civil-union bill Hawaii’s House of Representatives passed a civil-union bill Feb. 12 by a vote of 33-17. The measure now advances to the Senate Judiciary Committee, where its fate is unpredictable. Republican Gov. Linda Lingle has not taken a position on the legislation. The proposal would grant civil-union couples all the state-level benefits, protections and responsibilities of marriage. Hawaii presendy has a reciprocal-beneficiaries law that grants registered same-sex couples limited spousal rights. Similar limited laws are in place in Maine and Washington. Five states -- California, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, and Vermont -- and Washington, D.C., have full civil-union laws that grant all state-level spousal rights. Massachusetts and Connecticut let gay couples marry, and New York recognizes same-sex marriages from states and countries that permit them. Tt~e other countries that let gay couples marry are Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa and Spain. Beau poses nude Beau Breedtove, the 21-year-old man who had sex with Portland, Ore., Mayor Sam Adams just after Breedlove turned 18, has posed nude for the May issue of the gay porn magazine Unzipped. The revelation of the aNair nearly ended Adams’ career earlier this year. Adams was 42 years old at the time of the brief relationship and, when asked about it during his mayoral campaign, had denied it happened. Nae men claim to still be ftiends. "Beau Breedlove was extremely professional at his first erotic photo shoot in Los Ba~geles this past weekend," Unzipped online editor Sean Carnage told Advocate.corn Feb. 18. "He came to L.A. to prove that the Portland scandal does not define his sexuality. The photos portray the real Beau -- a confident and extremely handsome young man who is openly sensual, openly sexual and has nothing to hide." "We had some trouble getting them into this house because of some, what I believe to be, antiquated rules here, but they are here, minus tiaras and sashes," New Democratic Party legislator Spencer Herbert said as he introduced the foursome to fellow legislators. Legislative sergeant-at:arms Gary Lenz explained that "protocol" prohibits headgear and certain other items inside the chamber, to maintain "dignity." Larry amer: Lincoln and Washington were gay Veteran gay and MDS activist, author and playwright Larry Kramer says he has evidence that Abraham Lincoln and George Washington were gay. Colorado senator in antigay rant Colorado state Sen. Scott Renfroe, R-Greeley, unleashed a six-minute anti-gay diatribe on the floor of the Senate Feb. 23 during debate on a bill to allow gay state employees to share health benefits ~vith their partners. Speaking to the Montreal newspaper Hour on March 5, Kramer said he will reveal the details in a book he’s writing, The American People: A History. He equated gay sex with murder and adultery and seemingly suggested that people ~vho engage in gay sex commit ’,detestable" acts .... been wntten or stud......... "It’s a monster book," Kramer said. "It’s an attempt to put us (gay people) back in history from the beginning. No history book ever recorded anything about us, and researching this book I found out that both Lincoln and George Washington were gay.... I have stuff that will go beyond anything that has ever Renfroe said: "Homosexuality is seen as a violation of this natural creative order, and it is an offense to God.... Leviticus 18:22 ’ says: ’You shall not lie witha man as one lies with a female. It is an abomination.’ Leviticus 20:13 says, ’If there is a man who lies with a male as those who lie with a ,voman, both of them have committed a detestable act, and they shall surely be put to death.’ ... When we create laws that goes (sic)against what biblically we are supposed to stand for, I think we are agreeing, or allowing to go forward, a sin which should not be treated by government as something that is legal. ... We are taking sins and making them to be legally OK, and that is ,vrong. That is an abomination.... And I’m not saying that this is the only sin that’s out there. Obviously, we have sin. We have murder, we have all sorts of sins. We have adultery. And we don’t make laws making those leg~A.... All sin is equa!. That sin there is as equal to any other sin that’s in the Bible." The bill passed. Drag r?yalty stripped ofregaha be sergeant-atarlns Mr. and Miss Gay Vancouver XXIX, along with the Emperor and Empress V of Surrey, were allowed to enter the Canadian province of British Columbia’s Legislative Assembly only after removing their tiaras, crowns and sashes, The Vancouver Sun reported March 2. Clinton responded: "Human rights is and will always be one of the pillars of our foreign policy. And in particular, the persecution and discrimination against gays and lesbians is something that we take very seriously. It is terribly unfortunate, as you just recited, that, you lmow, right now in unfortunately many places in the world violence against gays and lesbians, certainly discrimination and prejudice, are not just occurring but condoned and protected, and we would hope that over the next few years we could have some influence in trying to change those attitudes." Clinton continued: "Specifically, with respect to HIV/AIDS, we have made a very big treatment commitment, as some of you know, through our program called PEPFAR. And it is an important part of the American approach toward trying to deal with the HIV/ MDS pandemic. But we haven’t done enough on prevention, and we haven’t done enough on outreach or testing. We’re beginning to, and under our administration we will do much more. And I can only hope that we all live long enough -- certainly I hope I live long enough; I think you all will -- to see the end to this kind of discriminatory treatment, and recognition that human rights are the inalienable right of every person no matter who that person loves, and that’s what we should be trying to achieve." 8 P~etroSTAR Apd12009 Sonja Martinez Receives the Richard May Award Sofia Martinez (Center) with her niece Jessica Martinez-Brooks and her sister and artist Bernadette Martinez. Pressphom OK_LAHOMA CITY, OK (PR) _The Oklahoma MDS Care Fund celebrated its Seventeenth Bmnual "Red Tie Night" at the Cox Communications Center February 28, 2009. The "Red Tie Night" brings together man), individuals and corporations to raise as much as one million dollars in a single night through various donations, auctions and generosity of many Oklahomans. The goal of the event is to raise money tbr education, direct services and research to fight HIV/ AIDS throughout the State of Oklahoma. One of the highlights of a very eventful evening was the presentation of the Richard May Award to Sonja Martinez. Sonja is the daughter ofJesse and ka~ita Martinez of Oldahoma City. The Richard May Award was established by the Oklahoma MDS Care Fund to honor Richard May, a founder of the organization who passed away in March, 2000. The premise of the Richard May Award is that it is to be given annually in recognition of an individual who has given, in an exceptional way, of their time and talents to promote education, research and service regarding HIV/AIDS. The recipient should exemplify quiet strength and compassion, never seeking recognition, which was the spirit of Richard May. Sonja has an annual Christmas Benefit to raise money for those with HIV/AIDS and this next year will be her nineteenth annual benefit. The benefit is held at the COPA bev;veen Thanksgiving and Christmas every year. Sonja accepted the award by saying: "~is award is a very big honor and I thank you so much. I would like to accept this award on behalf of all the dubs and entertainers in the Gay Community who do benefits all year around. I would also like to thank: Barbara and Jackie Cooper, Rick Moses, John Beebe, Tony Sinclair and Dee Goodwin; my family vcho have supported me and loved me unconditionally. And the Red Tie, thank you for all that you do." Christian, I623 N. iVlaplewood Tulsa, OK www,mcctuls org Oklahoma City, OK No matter who you are o are on life’s journey, y~: -R®ver®.d ~r. K~hy 405.525.9555 Kansas City’s Heartland Men’s Chorus rills OKC Crowd By Victor Gorin CharlesJohnson presents director Dn Joseph Nadeau with a plaquej~om the City ofthe Village thanking themfor theirpe,formance. Gorin photo OKLAHOMA CITY, OK __ Oklahoma City was treated to a grand performance by the Heartland Men’s Chorus March 3 when the played to a large crowd at the Village Christian Church. N~e Chorus, which began in 1986, has performed extensively in the Missouri/Kansas area, and also throughout the United States and abroad. Featuring an eclectic mix of men’s choral music encompassing several music styles, the chorus was won acclaim and respecf froma wide City has were recognized by the City ( suburban community of OKC), and this concert, which was their OKC debut, would also benefit the BritVil Food Bank. Bringing their songs to Oklahoma, they presented their concept concert, "And Justice for All." Beginning xvith a number from the musical South Pacifici "You’ve got to be Cargfully Taught/Children will Listen", which depicted racism, they ,;vent through a series of selections accompanied by readings and accompanying pictures which portrayed the struggles of blacks, women, and the more recent activism of title GLBT community. Highlights included activist classics "We Shall Overcome" & ’Tkin’t gonna let nobody Turn me Round, but also included the comic relief of"Color of Colorado," a campy classic from the off Broadway musical "When Pigs FI~’ that portrays how vital the GLBT community really is to America. Closing with "I will stand with You," they left the audience with not only a call for unity but hope for a better tomorrow. Under the direction of Dr. Joseph Nadeau, they performed the following day for the American Choral Directors National Convention which also took place in Oklahoma City. They held the distinction of being one of only 2 gay men’s choruses to be invited to perform for that conference in the group’s 50 year history. to Moore Oklahoma for another protest at Moore High School. Although their reasoning for picking out Moore High School for a protest site was unknown, their website did promise "We will picket you hypocrites and we continue to THANK GOD for the tornados that keep kicking Oklahoma’s backside.’Moore High School dismissed classes 15 minutes early for those students wishing to avoid the protest, but many stayed to tal~e part in what ’turned out to be a major counter protest. That protest, organized by Chelsea Marlett ( daughter ofRon Marlett, ~vho ran against Sally Kern in the State Legislative race 2008) not only brought out many from the GLBT community, but also many others to form a diverse crowd of around 2000 that included civil libertarians, yeterans groups, and just plain folks young and old. Undoubtedly the most spectacular counter protesters were the bikers, xvho rode repeatedly past the Phelps clan revving their engines to the crowd’s applause. Jeannie and other Moore High School students protest Phelps group. Gorin photo As one of them put it, Kevin Sherwood stated "I fought for our country for people to be able to live their lives they way they want. I fought so they ( the Phelps group) can say what they want to say, but we get the same rights. What upset me more than anything else is that they came here to scare kids. But apparently most of them ain’t all that scared!" Living proof of that was Jeannie, a student of Moore High School,who after some colorful outbursts about her opinion of the Phelps clan, had this to say" God loves all of us, we’re all equal, gays lesbians, it doesn’t matter God loves us all." www.metrostarnews.com #~÷troSTAR 9 10 ~oSTAR April 2009 British PM opposes Prop8 British Prime Minister Gordon Brown opposes Proposition 8, the California ballot measure that last November re-banned samesex marriage after the state Supreme Court had legalized it. "This Proposition 8, this attempt to undo the good that has been done, this attempt to create divorces among 18,000 people who were perfectly legally brought together in partnerships, this is unacceptable and shows me why we alxvays have to be vigilant, why we have alvcays got to fight homophobic behavior and any form of discrimination," Brown said March 5 at a Downing Street reception for GLBT VIPs. 6 in his apartment in Call He suffered a fatal blow to the head and was found tied to his bed and gagged. The apartment had been trashed but there were no signs of forced entry and nothing was stolen. Rivera received national attention when he fought a 2001 mandate by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrillas that all residents ofa FARC-controlled sector of the eastern state of Meta take an HIV test or leave the area within a week. Thereafter, he received death threats and was followed on the streets and harassed at worlc He eventually left Meta, his home state, as a result. On March 4, the California Suprelne Court heard oral arguments in the case seeking to overturn the constitutional amendment. It is widely expected that the effort will fail, with the justices deciding, in effect, that the right of the voters to amend the constitution is more sacrosanct than the constitutional guarantee of equal protection under the law. The court must issue its decision by early June. Burundi plan to ban gay sex dies in Senate Leading Latino-issues blogger Andrds Duque called Rivera’s death "a tremendous loss to the international human rights movement." Argentina lifts military gay ban Argentina’s military decriminalized homosexuality and lifted its gay ban Feb. 27. Part of an overhaul of the military justice system, the change was approved by Parliament last year and took effect six months after passage. A move to ban gay sex in the Central African U.S.-based Latino-issues, blogger Andrds nati~ 6f Burundi was reiected by the Senate ~t}que called the m.ove ’.on.e more L.GBT Feb. 16 after having passed the National nghts development in a Latin American Assembly unanimously in November. nation that leapfrogs over current U.S. "Burundi’s Senate, after significant pressure and ’heated debate,’ today reiected the proposed amendment to criminalize homosexual conduct. Victory -- for the moment," said Scott Long, head of Human Rights Watclqs LGBT Rights Division. The proposal, part of a much larger bill, set a punishment of between three months and two years in prison, along with a large fine, for engaging in consensual adult gay sex. The Senate and Assembly must now form a commission to reconcile the two versions of the bill before sending it to President Pierre Nkurunziza. "Any reconciliation could, potentially, reinstate the provision criminalizing samesex conduct," said the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission. "Whatever the outcome, the fact that the majority of senators voted against the provision shows a growing recognition that all citizens are entitled to the full enjoyment of human rights irtespective of their sexual orientation." policy" Gays in the U.S. military are required to remain in the closet under the "Don’t Ask, Dofft Tell" policy signed into law by President Bill Clinton. Prior to that time, gays were not allowed in the U.S. military at all. 300,000 at Sydney Mardi Gras Sydney’s 31st gay Mardi Gras parade attracted 300,000 spectators, 130 floats and 9,500 participants March 7. Openly gay Olympic gold medal diver Matthew Mitcham led offthe procession. His winning dive at the Beijing Olympics was the highest-scoring dive in Olympic history. Marching units included the Federal Police, the military and New South Wales firefighters. U.S. comedian Joan Rivers also joined in, riding on top of a truck. Eighty-four of the world’s 19 5 nations ban gay sex. Colombian gay leader m dered Well-lmown Colombian gay activist idvaro Miguel Rivera Linares, 41, was killed March Jamaica .bans most antigay music Jamaica’s Broadcasting Commission has effectively banned most anti-gay dancehall songs from being played over the airwaves. Wockner News Service New regulations prohibit broadcast of songs and videos that glorify arson, rape, shooting or murder, as well as depictions of sex acts. Gay activists, locally and internationally, have campaigned for years against the anti-gay alleged "murder music" ofJamaican artists such as Sizzla, Bounty Killer, Elephant Man, Vybz Kartel, Beenie Man, Buju Banton, T.O.K. and Capleton. Phelpses banned from entering UK Anti-gay Kansas pastor Fred Phelps and his daughter Shirley have been banned from entering the United Kingdom, the Telegraph reported Feb. 19. The "God hates fags" team had announced plans to picket a performance of’l-he Laramie Project on Feb. 20 at a school arts center in Basingstoke, Hampshire. A UK Border Agency spokesman said: "Both these individuals have engaged in unacceptable behavior by inciting hatred against a number of communities.... We will continue to stop those who want to spread extremism, hatred and violent messages in our communities from coming to our country." In an interview with the BBC, Shirley Phelps- Roper stated: "There are members ofWBC (Westboro Baptist Church) that are not named Phelps.... Unless they intend to begin checking the bare backsides of every person coming into that country to find that tattoo that says ’Property ofWBC,’ they will have no way of identifying who is from WBC." In the end, a single, unidentified demonstrator showed up and was chased offby about 50 counterprotesters, the BBC reported. HIV rate climbs in Asia Gay and bisexual men in Asia are having risky unprotected sex, causing dramatic climbs in HIV infection rates, said officials attending a World Health Organization HIV/AIDS conference Feb. 18 in Hong Kong. The gathering heard that more than 30 percent of gay and bisexual men in Bangkok are HIV-positive, while some Chinese cities report a rate as high as 18 percent, and China as a whole has a rate of 3.8 percent among gay/bisexual men. The director of Chinas AIDS-control center, Wu Zunyou, said amphetamine use and Internet hookups are factors in the climbing infection rate. HIV now is Chinas deadliest infectious disease, according to a new report from the Ministry of Health. More than 8 percent of gay and bisexual men in Jakarta are HIV-positive, the conference heard, as are 7.8 percent in Cambodia. Singapore censors Oscars Singapore’s MediaCorp TV censored its replay of the Academy Awards Feb. 23, removing portions of Dustin Lance Black’s acceptance speech. Black won the original screenplay Oscar for Milk, and said: "When I was 13 years old, my beautiful mother and my father moved me from a conservative Mormon home in San Antonio, Tex., to California, and I heard the story of Harvey Milk. And it gave me hope. It gave me the hope to live my life. It gave me the hope one day I could live my life openly as who I am and that maybe even I could fall in love and one day get married. "If Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he’d want me to say to all of the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told that they are ’less than’ by their churches, by the government or by their families, that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value and that no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you, and that very soon, I promise you, you will have equal rights federally across this great nation of ours." Sean Penn’s acceptance speech also was truncated. He won the best actor Oscar for his portrayal of Harvey Milk. Penn said: "You commie, homo-loving sons of guns.... For those who saw the signs of hatred as our cars drove in tonight, I think that it is a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect, and anticipate their great shame and the shame in their grandchildren’s eyes if they continue that way of support. We’ve got to have equal rights for everyone." Subscribers to one of the main Singaporean gay e-mail lists were outraged at the edits. "This sort of bigoted, intolerant and ignorant action by a national broadcaster is better suited for Iran or North Korea than a nation that puts itself forward as a modern worldclass city," wrote one. MediaCorp/Channel 5 censorship,manager David Christie said the broddcast would have been in serious breach of the MDA (Media Development Authority) Programme Code if such controversial content was not editorially managed." "The code explicitly disallows content that sympathizes with, promotes or normalizes such a lifestyle from being broadcast," he said. Gay sex is illegal in Singapore. The Asian satellite TV service STAR also censored the two men’s speeches, dropping the audio each time the word "gay" or "lesbian" vcas uttered. STAR beams into more than 50 countries to some 300 million viewers. www.rnetrostarnews.com #d®troSTAR 11 By Camper English Colder, smaller, weaker: Better martinis ~lhe diplomatic way of defining the "best martini" is as "the martini that you like the best." But, really, if you’re pulling a jug of vodka out of the freezer and pouring it into a glass, you’re not drinking a martini at all. You’re drinldng a glass of cold vodl~a. Add olives and you’ve got vodka with a snack. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. I drink cold vodka all the time, and ~vho doesn’t enjoy a string of olives for dinner? But a martini is a mixed drink, necessitating more than one ingredient to mix into it. Bar-haviora Problems The working theory is that the martini star~ed as a spinoff of the Martinez, a cocktail made with sweetened gin, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur and bitters (with a lemon twist). As tastes in cocktails shifted away from sweet drinks, the "Dry Martini" made with d~/vermouth became more popular, and eventually most everybody forgot about the bitters. Vodka didn’t become an option until later. Gay bar bartenders, who are not necessarily gay bartenders, are usually the most ei~cient and fair intoxicologists in tl~e drinking universe. I say "fair" because at straight establishments, hot women and rid>looking men (usually jerk~) get first priority, and the bartenders frequently take drink orders out of order. Infuriating! This is not often the case in gay ~vatering holes, where the bartenders tend to be the hottest people in the room and dofft need to impress you by serving you first (you need impress them with the size of your tips). Given the variations over time, you could rightfully order your martini made with gin or vodka, sweet or dry vermouth or none at all, bitters or not, olives or a twist - and you could find a published recipe to back it up. None are the "right" way to make a martini, but I would encourage experimentation to find the way that’s right for you. Also, gay bar patrons Imow how to behave (toward the bartender anyway) and will often line up in an orderly fashion at the drink well rather than shouting and waving like the opening scene ofThe Love Boat al! along the bar. I take straight friends to my favorite gay bar and they are anlazed at the German,like efficientT in place. They are often jealous and ofthe strained drink in the frdezer’ ...... determine to start coming there every night, until they hear ........... .... ...... the 14th Madonna remix in a row. I can’t say I blame them. In a nightclub or other crowded venue, or anywhere with a mixed crowd, all bets for orderly ordering are off. You need to gain the attention of tl~e bartender as well as make him or her think you’re going to be a good (i.e., fast, non-annoying) customer. Here are a few suggestions for attracting the bartender and keeping his attention. While jumbo-sized martini glasses used in many bars provide a lot of liquor for the dollar, by the time you get to the bottom half you’re drinking room-temperature alcohol. That is bad. Or worse, it’s a warm salt bath if you’ve got the extra-large-sized olives in there that help to heat it xtp. The very dassiest ofbars serve their martinis in very small, very cold glasses - with an additional quantity of the drink in an ice-chilled container on the side. That is lovely. At home, I use vintage (small) glassware and keep the remainder cooling Look available. You want to make eye contact with the bartender and have her give you the "I see you" nod. To accomplish this, face the bar, not your friends behind you. If you’re turned around chatting and using the bar as a leaning post, you’re not giving the right signal. Be ready. When you are trying to get the bartender’s attention, have visible cash in your hand -but don’t ~vave it around unless there is a row of drag queens in six-inch heels blocking your line of sight. And if you’re planning to pay with a credit card, you may want to keep that hidden. It takes longer to process, so the bartender will serve the cash-holding folks first. Also, be ready with your friends’ drink orders. Don’t wait until the bartender gets there to turn around and say, "What do you guys want?" As the person standing next to you, H1 swoop in and say "~ree martinis please" when your back is turned. I’m like that. S~’ategize. Don’t shout to get the bartender’s attention. Nobody likes to be yelled at while doing their job. A friendly "Hi!" sometimes helps though. Make your first tip the most generous one to help ensure prompt service and healthy pours for the rest of the evening. And be respectful of others - if the guy next to you was waiting longer but the bartender comes to you, give him the "he was here first" point. The bartender will remember that you’re next, and you never kmow if that guy next to you wil! return the favor and pay for your drink. Do not fear vermouth. Try it and you might find you actually like it - but probably not the 4-year-old, mostly full bottle gathering dust in the back of your liquor cabinet. Use a fresh bottle. Vermouth spoils like wine after opening, so buy small bottles and keep them in the refrigerator to lengthen their life span. Ice, too, is an ingredient in the drink. Ifyou keep your vodka or gin in the freezer, not much water will melt into your martini. Dilution brings the drink down to a manageable level of alcoholic strength to keep you from making that too-strong scrunchy face that gives you wrinkles. A martini should be refreshing, not painful. The shaken-versus-stirred decision is not worth the ~veight given to it. Shaking adds ice chips and air bubbles that make the drink look doudy and taste fizzy, whereas stirring results in a clear and smooth cocktail from the get-go. I prefer a stirred martini when I’m at a nice cocktail lounge, but I do often shake them at home. Not because it tastes better, but because shaldng is more fun. Camper English is a cocktails and spirits writer andpublisher of Alcademics. com. ’ 12 ~et~:oSTAR April 2009 ~e internationally renowned cast ofWoody Sez- back rowfrom left: Helen Russell, Darci Deaville, Andy Tekstein;J~ont- David Lutken as Woody @hoto courtesy of The Scotsman Publications Ltd.) OKLAHOI~La~ CITY, OK (PR) __ Lyric ~eatre, OkAahoma’s premiere professional theatre company, will present the American Premiere ofWoody Sez, the words, music, & spirit ofV[oody Guthrie as part of the 2009 "Lyric at the Plaza" season. This unique theatrical concert event celebrates the life and spirit ofAmerican folk legend Vioody Guthrie, whose music continues to inspire today’s finest storytelling songwriters including Bob DyIan, Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, the Indigo Girls, and Billy Bragg. Lyri& production will run from March 26th through April 1 lth and features the show’s original cast from its European tour. st0ryte!l& ~na David tutken Stars in {he and actor,musici~s Darcie Deaville ,Teirstein join in ,to portray up the fabric of Guthrie’s amazing story. The four accompany themselves on over 15 different instruments, ranging from guitar and fiddle to jaw harp and dulcimer. \Voodrow Wilson "W’oody" Guthrie was born in 1912 in Okemah, Oklahoma. He is best kmown as an American singersongwriter and folk musician, whose musical legacT indudes hundreds of political, traditional and children’s songs, ballads and improvised works. Many of his recorded songs are archived in the Library of Congress. Guthrie traveled from Oklahoma to California and later New York and used his rich life experiences and observations to write traditional folk and blues songs, many ofwhich deal with the Great Depression. Guthrie died from complications of Huntington’s disease, a progressive genetic neurological disorder. When Nick Corley accepted the position as Lyric’s new artistic director, he was thrilled with the timing and what it meant for the future ofWoody Sez. With the blessing of the Guthrie estate, Corley, who has directed the show fi’om its inception, prepared Lyric for the American premiere, so that Oklahomans could be the first in ~he country to celebrate Guthrie’s life and music in this special way. Furthermore, so that the celebration of Woody’s spirit can reach even further beyond the Oklahoma City metro area, Lyric Theatre has plans to take the show on the road. A special presentation ofWoody Sez, the words, music, & spirit ofWoody Guthrie has been generously underwritten by Continental Resources, one of the largest independent oil and natural gas companies in the United States. The show will play a special two-night engagement at the Enid Symphony Center on Tuesday, March 31st and g~rednesday, April 1st at 7:30pm, marking the first time in the company’s 47-year history that a full prod,uction will be performed outside of Lyric s home venue. Back in Oldahoma City, Woody Sez performances are March 26th through April 1 lth: Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 2:00pm & 8:00pro. For tickets: ,a-wvc.lyrictheatreokc.com, (405) 524-9312, or in person at 1727 NW 16th St, Oldahoma City, OK. In Oklahoma City, the renovation and opening of Plaza Theatre, located on NW 16th Street between Penn and Classen, means that audiences can look forward to an intimate world-class theatrical experience, complete ~vith free accessible parking, tdtracomfortable seating, and a full service cash bar. Drinks are even allowed inside the theatre as the audience takes in the performance. The 2009 "Lyric at the Plaza" season concludes in May with Steel Magnolias. Lyric will continue to produce its annual summer season at downtmvn Oklahoma City’s Civic Center Music Hall, beginning in June with Disney’s High School Musical 2 and continuing with The Music Man, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Producers, and Little Shop of Horrors. w~-w.metrostarnews.com NetroSTAR 13 Arkansas Domestic Partnership Registry Under Attack Gay News Bureau EUREKA SPRINGS, AR The only Domestic Partnership Registry in Arkansas-- and one of the fe~v in the Mid-South region of the country--may soon be history if one right-wing state legislator has his way. But the Eureka Springs mayor, city council and supporters of the DPR, vow to vigorously oppose a move by Republican Arkansas State Rep. Bryan King to do away with it. In only 22 months, 256 unmarried couples from 55 Arkansas communities and 14 other states have registered as domestic partners in Eureka Springs. At least 28 of those couples came from neighboring Oklahoma and another 32 from Missouri, says Michael Walsh, who wrote the domestic partnership law that went into effect in June 2007. Efforts to keep the resort town from officially honoring gay and straight couples is "transparent homophobia," he says. "There are six words to describe State Rep. Bryan King ofArkansas," said Walsh, "and they are, ’State Rep. Sally Kern of Oklahoma’. To know one is to know the other." DPR advocates say it is hypocritical for any state lawmaker to condemn municipal domestic partnership laws while accepting campaign contributions from I~aft Foods, Wal-Mart, FedEx and Cox Communications, companies that have domestic partner policies. King is serving his final term as state representative and may next run for the Arkansas senate. His detractors say he has nothing to lose and much to gain by assaulting the DPR at this time. King introduced his anti-DPR measure March 9. Out lesbian Arkansas State Rep. Kathy Webb, a Democrat, opposes the ban and has said it may be killed at the committee level. Arkansas Speaker of the House Robbie Wills is also on record as opposing the bill. But Eureka Springs city officials are not taking any chances. In a statement signed by the entire Eureka Springs City Council, Mayor Dani Joy strongly defended the DPR and condemned King’s intrusion into city affairs. "I vdll not stand silent any longer and allow a demographic of our citizens to be humiliated and degraded," she said. "Prejudice or bigotry have no place in our city. The gay and lesbian community are our fi’iends, neighbors and family." The editor of the tmvffs weekly newspaper, The Lovely County Citizen, characterized Y,dng’s anti-DPR bill as a "regressive, faithbased, discriminatory, venal.., and cynical act." It is, said editor Don Lee in a editorial, "demagoguery based on religious prejudice bordering on moral fascism..." ~e Carroll County (AR) News reported King "felt the bill (to ban DPRs) was needed because tourism in Eureka Springs has become identified too strongly with issues of sexuality." Given the town’s long-standing reputation as a major wedding destination, King’s rationale is fraudulent, says Walsh. "What the hell does he think goes on in all those heart shaped hot tubs and honeymoon cabins," Walsh said. "King’s real aim is to impose his extremist religious and political views on our town and at the expense of gay residents, business owners and tourists. "Playing the gay card is a way for cheap politicians in Arkansas to fan the fires of hate and fatten up their campaign coffers." But, on the brink of what may be a precarious tourist season, King’s bill cotfld also deprive the town of a critical revenue stream. According to city records, the DPR has generated almost $10,000 for the city in less than two years. Registration costs $35 per couple. Walsh puts the figure at closer to $250,000 to $500,000 when DPR-related expenditures on hotels, motels, B &Bs, restaurants, bars, caterers, ministers, florists, gift shops, photographers mad spending by friends and }’amilies are included. "Precisely when the state needs all the tax revenue it can it, I~dng’s bill is exceedingly short-sighted," he said. * To express your support, send a brief e-mail to Eureka Springs Mayor Dani Joy at mayor@ cityofeurekasprings.org ~ Express your outrage to Arkansas State Rep. Bryan King at: kingb@arkleg.state.ar.us * Ask your friends, co-workers, family members and neighbors to do the same. * Send this story to news outlets, LGBT organizations, web sites and blogs. * Ask your elected local and state representatives to speak out on this issue, as did the Eureka Springs mayor when Sally Kern was on the rampage last year. = Come to Eureka Springs for Diversity Weekend April 3-5 and get your own DPR. See www.eurekapride.com for events. Diversity Weekend Kicks Offin Eureka Springs FRIDAY, APRIL 3 Domestic Partner Certificates. The courthouse is dosed Saturday and Sunday. City Clerl~’s office is in the City Hall, lower level of the Western Carroll County Courthouse, 44 S. Main. Office hours are 9:30 AM - 12 Noon and 1:30 to 4:30 PM. Over150 unique shops and galleries. Be sure to stop by and say hi to Charlie at A Byrds Eye View. Weekend favorites include The Tourist Stop, Mountain Eclectic, Antique Affaire, The Inn Convenience Store, Fusion Squared and Eclectic Edge. Over 6 vendors are setting up in the old Eureka Screams Theater parking lot and lobby, located on H~W 23 South. Friday - Sunday, 8 AM - 5 PM, everything from Tools to Toys. Welcome Mixer, Pizza Bar, 13 N Main, 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Come feel the warmth. Mix and mingle with locals and visitors from around the county. CITY PARKING FREE AFTER 6 PM. Rock and Roll with Tiffany Christopher, The New Delhi, 2 North Main, All ages welcome, 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM-ish. It’s a Hawaiian Luau Weekend. Karake, Dance, Giveaways and FUN. Friday and Saturday, Henri’s Just One More, 19 1/2 Spring, Open Noon - 2AM, Full menu served till 9 PM nightly. NO COVER CHARGE. The always popular Tiki Torch Club and their Spring Diversity Dance Par-Tee. Arrive early this place fills up fast. Midnight Teaser Drag Show with Secdackeiry. Male Illusionist. That’s right they’re all girls and they’re dressed too ’KISS’. The IgSSS Tribute Band, Lumberyard, 105 East Van Buren, 9:00 PM. Stick around for DJ TIC’S Spin Cycle and Dance Party. Ashley McBryde... the miracle gift returns for SPRING ,n Eureka. Jacks Place. 37 Spring St, 9:00 PM.- Midnight, no cover. Handsome Lee wit! be checking IDs at the door. EUREKA’S UNDERGROUND the subterranean and always gay Eureka Live, 35 North Main, Trash Disco Party, drink specials. NO COVER CHARGE! THE DIVERSITY BAND: Chelsea’s, 10 Mountain St. 9 PM - ~ Avoid those Diversity buzz-killers like getting a DUI or trying to find a parking place downtown. Eureka Springs Limousine. $5.00 point to point. Call 479-244-6320 for your PICK-UP! SATURDAY, APRIL 4 Name That Tune With Sandy at the Smokehouse Card, 580 West Van Buren, 8:30 A.M to1 l:30ish, biscuits as big as your head. WIN Fabulous Prizes, like Sparlcy Sun Glasses! Saturday and Sunday Only. The Diversity Bikers "Bridges and Dam Poker Run." Planer’s Hill Parking lot on the corner of 62 and 23 (Main Street) Starting at 12:45 PM. The Spring PDA photo shoot. Just some good time amusement for the tourist and to annoy the fundies. SPRINGS PUBHC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION (PDA), 12 noon, Basin Park band shell, downtown. A G-rated opportunity to smooch your sweetie-or the perfect stranger-for posterity. Eureka Pride has free treats to pass out. The Eclectic Edge, 49 Spring, ARTIST RECEPTION drop by and meet Artist Matt Johnson and Gallery owners David and Ginny between 1 and 5 PM. Light , refreshments. Register to win a piece of Matt s artwork. Raffie to benefit the local Doggie Shelter. KARAOYdS: Jack’s Place, 37 Spring, 2 PM - 6 PM, WOW!.!! Jello Shots For a BUCK! ALL GIRLS BAND IRIS: Chelsea’s, 10 Mountain St. Better show out early, these ladies have been known to Jump Start their show as early as 7 PM and then ~vind it up Midnight. The North West Arkansas Center For Equality and UA PRIDE, are havin,,g a dance. Entire, family welcome, upstairs at The Space, located across from the U.S. Post Office in Uptown-Downtown Eureka on Spring St., DJ dance music and activities for the kids. $5 cover, FREE to children 12 and under. 8 -11 PM. For a complete list of activities and events go to www.eurekapride.com and diversitypride. com. New Owners ForJoplin’s Pla-Mor Lounge. New owners ofJoplin’s Pla-Mor Lounge, Tim, Bonnie and Tom. Staffphoto JOPLIN, MO (PR) After more than 40 years in the bar business including several gay clubs, Dick and Billy Jack decided to retire and let longtime friends Tim, Tom and Bonnie take over their latest venture, the Pla-Mor Lounge located at 532 S. Joplin St, Joplin’s only gay club. New hours beginning in April will be Tues-Sat 5pm to 1am. Happy hour 5pro to 7pm. Phone 417-624-2722 Retiring Pla-Mor owners Dick and Billy Jack. Staffphoto 14 ~{et~’oSTAR April 2009 @ The Copa, Oklahoma City @ Tulsa Eagle, Tulsa @ Hideaway, Tulsa @ Bamboo Lounge, Tulsa @Club Majestic, Tulsa @ The Ledo, Oklahoma City @ Angles, Oklahoma City @ Finishline, Oklahoma City @ The End Up, Tulsa @The Mine Shaft, Tulsa @Club 209, Tulsa www.rnetrostarnews.com #~et~oSTAR 15 I really dig California Zins. For springtime/ back yard grill time, what better red xvine than Zinfandel to go with short ribs, beef brisket, grilled veggies and brats. Here are some killer bottles I think should be considered to go with your barbeque fun. Brief histoD+ of the grape [ZIHN-fuhn-dehl] qlais is thought to be California’s most popular red-wine grape because it’s not widely grown in other parts of the world. Zinfandel vines were brought to California in the 1850s and it is now that state’s second most extensively planted red grape behind cabernet sauvignon. Initially, research confirmed a relationship between Zinfandel and Primitivo (a variety grown in Italy’s Puglia region), causing speculation that Zinfandel might have originated in Italy. However, in late 200 t, DNA fingerprinting determined that Crljenak Ka~telanski (a littleknown grape from Croatia) and Zinfandel have identical DNA profiles. Beside the Zinfandel grown in California (and Italy’s Priraitivo), there are only isolated plantings of this grape, mainly in South Africa and Australia. The Zinfandel grape can produce wines ranging from light, nouveau styles to hearty, robust reds with berrylike, spicy (sometimes peppery) flavors, plenty of tannins, enough complexity and longevity to be compared to Cabernet Sauvignon. Mr. D’s V2 case EarthQuake Zin ’06 The Phillips brothers pride themselves on farming their vineyards with a meticulous eye on quality. Their wines regularly take top accolades in wine competitions. This Zin is really full bodied with lots zing and flavor. In addition to the Earthquake brand of reservetier wines, wine brands under the Michael David Winery umbrella include the popular 7 Deadly Zins. This wine has recently come down in price about 20% in this market and it’s a must try. FoxGlove Zin ’07 Wine critic Robert Parker says that this one of the most ,mpress~!}e in the coot, high elevations Cruz M+0~nt~sT’ ~is Zi~ €9~(s ffo~m Vasq Robles ~fi~ is a n~ addition t0 ~¢~e~akers Bob & Jim Varner~ oo~tfoli6. I was completely surpnse~ at[)~Ow gogd~h~s single vineyard wi~e is for the~money. ~’ ~, + }~’~ Ifyou are one of those xvho beliei( better, read on. Cabernet. juicy fruit acid balanc~ comedian Robin this winery and great Cabernet also For this Zin, ~only Family, is also currently making. uch xvineries like Paradigm, and Past clients include Screaming Eagle },arc 29. "We brought a bdtfle for ) w’. file opt in California during ~he We hadnt fasted it before hand’and bottle, I Wished a c9uple more. This wine in oiar state and this zin is ]his writer is one of the managers a~ the Grand Vin wine shop. He also bar tends and hosts wine & food town as the Enthusiasts ofTulsa. Hyse Couzins ’05, This is the first intriguingblend 39% Zinfandel and drinldng xvell right now, to decant. Wine critid sa3 for the next 5 - 7 years. This be hard to find so if you see it, wine has also come down in 20% in this market and Remember that Zinfandel are two Couzins. Edmeades Mendocino This hasgot to be one of and 20061ooks to be to 2005 has some Petite Grenache blended color. ~nere is a cherry ~ spring / www.l~ineSpectamd pepper. Turn processor onand chop f~r Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Ingredients 2 -14 oz can chic~ peas, drained 4 cloves garlic, peeled " 1/2 cup jarred, i:o~ted red’peppers. drained Zest of one lemon Juice of one lemon !/4 cup tahini (may substitute ~vith pmnut or almond butter) i/2 cup olive oil | teas kosher salt is creamy. Serve topped with a drizzle of 01ive oil, feta cheese and cracked black pepper if desired. Provide pita wedges and fresh vegetables for spreading. 16 v~®t;oSTAR April 2009 nmen At The BOK Center Tulsa Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band .April 7, 2009 @ 7:30 Ticket Prices: $9I, $57, $4I Get tickets at LiveNation.com, all Tickets.corn Outlets, or charge by phone at 1-866-7-BOK-CTR Bruce Springsteen’s new album ’Working on a Dream’ was released today (January 27, 2009). ’~,Working on a Dream~ was recorded with the E Street Band and features twelve new Springsteen compositions plus one bonus track. It is the fourth collaboration between Springsteen and Brendan O’Brien, who produced and mixed the album. Nickelback Apr 10, 2009 at BOK Center Nickelback With Seether and Saving Abel Aprill 0, 2009 Tickets On Sale Now Prices: $75, $55, $35 Unstoppable rock powerhouse Nickelback have announced dates for their upcoming North American tour in support of their new" album Dark Horse, released on Roadrunner Records on November !8th. Nickelback are a phenomenally successful touring band whose tours have grossed in excess of $100 million thus f.ar and have sold more than 30 million albums worldwide. Dark Horse is Nickelback’s first release since the immensely popular All ~fhe Right Reasons, released in 2005. Fleetwood Mac May 3, 2009 at BOK Center "Unleashed" Tour May 3, 200~ Tickets Off Sale Now Prices: $149.50, $79.50, $49150 Wne sure to be historic "Unleashed" Tour, beginning on March 1st in Pittsburgh, is an epic cross-c0untry trek featuring 44 shows in major markets. The tour will include al!~ of the Ma& many greatest hits fi’om over the course of the band’s extraordinary career. Fleem~ood Mac, the multi-Grammy winning, multi-platinum Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees are back on the road for the first time in five years following several successful solo projects. OKC Civic Center Music Hall April Events THE LEFT HAND SINGING a drama by Barbara Lebow Date: Frida); March 20, 2009 - Saturday, April 11, 2009 Presented by Carpenter Square Theatre MF~SURE FOR MEASURE by William Shakespeare Date: Friday, March 27, 2009 - Sunday, April i9, 2009 Presented by the Oklahoma City Theatre Company Perpetual Motion "Chiaroscuro" Date: Friday, April 03, 2009 - Saturday, April 04, 2009 Time: 7:30 p.m. Perpetual Motion presents Chiaroscuro CLASSIC SERIES: SEASON FINALE presented by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic Date: Saturday, April 04, 2009 Time: 8:00 p.m. Featuring Yuja X~gang, Piano ZOMBIE PROM Date: Frida>; April 10, 2009 - Sunday, Apri! 19, 2009 Zombie Prombook and lyrics by John Dempse, music by Dana E Rowe based on a story by John Dempsey and Hugh Murphy April 10-19, 2009 in the Freede Litde Theatre DISNEY’S THE LION KING Date: Tnesday, April 21, 2009 - Saturday, May 23, 2009 Presented by Celebrity Attractions Begins April 21, 2009 Tracy Morgan and Martin Lawrence put the fun in Funeral When Romeo first reported on the proposed Chris Rock-led American version of the outrageous British farce Death at a Funeral, it was unclear as to whether the wild gay subplot would survive. But as casting begins it seems clear that the queer surprise in the black comedy’s casket is alive and well. Better yet, 30 Rock’s hilarious Tracy Morgan has signed on to star alongside Martin La~vrence in the corned); due in 2010, about a dead patriarch’s funeral interrupted by mishaps~ bizarre guests and the arrival of the deceased’s secret gay lover. As long as Lawrence ~snt contracted to play B~g Momma in this verSion, fans of the original can rest easy:. Now, which brave American actor is going to pla~ the family member who runs around the hOuSe naked for the entire length of the fihn? ...... Cherry Jones’ sister act Object lesson to any actor who believes that coming out will be career-damaging: Cherry Jones. The talented lesbian character actress never stops working, plays the President on 24, was Matt Damon’s reality-checking mother in Ocean’s 13 and won a Tony Award for her pre-Meryl Streep incarnation of Sister Aloysius on Broadway in Doubt. Now she’l! take on another nun role in the upcoming drama Mother and Child starring opposite Naomi xYc:atts, Samuel Jackson, Kerry Washington and Annette Bening. The female-centered adoption drama is currently in production and due for release this December - aka Beg For Your Oscar Month - so the filmmakers must be pretty confident about its chances. Who knows, maybe Jones will have to dear room next to her Tony for a new golden friend. Ghost musical to raise Broadway from the dead? It seems that everything on Broadway is going belly up. Shows are dosing faster than new ones can take their place, ticket sales are in the toilet and all seems hopeless. And it’s desperate times that lead to crazy/genius ideas like Ghost: The Musical taldng root and flowering. The smash 1990 Patrick Swayze/Demi Moore film (for which Whoopi Goldberg won her Color Purple Oscar) is going to sing its way onto one of London’s West End stages sometime in 2010 and, if sufficiently crowd-pleasing, will probably make a mad dash for Broadway sometime later. The writers of "Unchained Melody" are already spending their future royalty check bump, but who’s going to pen the song about Patrick Swayze’s heartbreaking inability to express love without invoking the word "ditto?" Neil Patrick Hat~s. 20th Century Foxphoto Nell Patrick Harris hands out TV Land Awards If the Harold and Kumar movies, How I Met Your Mother, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, his SNL appearance and his spoonbending antics on Ellen weren’t enough to convince you that Neil Patrick Harris is a national treasure, try this: now he’s retro-nostalgia-cable-channel TV Land’s answer to Hugh Jackman. The funny, quick-witted song-and-dance man will host April’s TV Land Awards with the requisite amount of skits, mttsical numbers and awards given out to shows like Charles In Charge and Mama’s Family. Expect a lot ofvintage TV personalities showing up to join Harris as he tosses out non-vintage one-liners. Romeo San Vicente could sense something was up as early as Doogie Howser, ~I.D. He can be reached care ofthispublication or at DeeplnsideHollywood@qsyndicate.com. More ENTERTAINMENT see page 20 w"ww.metrostamews.com ~etroSTAR 17 V @[8 by Donald Pile and Ray Williams SOME LEATHER_ FUN, ANYONE? Photo: Pool atThe Inn Leather Resort friends from North Carolina that we met there, Paul and Dick. After all, meeting new and exciting people is what traveling is all about. By the way, did we mention that they have a leather and chain sling in every room at the Inn Leather? Seriously ifyou are into leather, want to be into leather or just want to look and enjoy leather, then fly, drive, take a train or bus or even hitchhike and get down to die Inn Leather resort in Ft. Laxlderdale and learn how to have some real fun "leather fun". Since our travel columns are in publications from coast to coast and since we have readers who are into just about everything we decided to stay in this Leather Resort. The Inn Leather Resort has been serving the leather and levi gay community in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida as well as the entire East coast and the Midwest for over 10 years and a lot of gay men from all over the country love to stay there. During our stay ~ve met guys from New York, Chicago and several other places in the Midwest as well as Floridians. The general manager Chase and his staff of Benji, Kevin and Gabe are extremely professional, friendly and know how to take care of their guests. We just can’t say enough nice things about them. Chase has the most beautiful eyes and smile that you have ever seen in your life. We know that a lot of guys stay here just so that they Can see him! Tnru his professional guidance, the Inn is in the process of being remodeled. ~ae entire staff is really very accommodating. The grounds are filled with luscious tropical plants. The pool area is very inviting. .Amenities include heated swimming pool, hot tub, tree wi-fi and a SLING in every room! Yep! You read that right............ a leather and chain SLING in every room! Never tried one? XWell this is a perfect opporttinity for you. They have about a dozen rooms and suites and are located just two miles from the beach and just about a 10 minute drive to the major bars and one mile south of do~vntown Ft. Lauderdale and t’wo miles north of the Ft. Lauderdale airport. ~ae Inn Leather is a "clothing optional" resort. Did we mention that there is a leather and chain SLING in every room? Each accommodation includes queen or king size bed, private bath, kitchenette which includes fridge, coffee maker, microwave, TWVCR/cable tv and alarm clock. They have ample off street parking for their guests. A stay here includes a complimentary continental breakfast poolside every morning. q-here are a lot of restaurants within walking distance and a major shopping center with a supermarket just a few blo~ away. Ifyou are into leather or appreciate leather or just curious, then call and make a reservation. Oh yeah! Did we mention that there is a leather and chain SLING in every room? For those really into leather, be SURE and stop by the Ramrod leather bar at 1508 NE 4th Avenue for the most interesting time that you can EVER have in a gay bar! They have specials going on every day including Leather Sunday; Full Moon Monday, Butt to Butt Wednesda)~ Battle of the Bulge "l-hursday and Fetish Friday. They have a daily two for one happy hour from 3 to 9 PM. Check out their website at: www.ramrodbar.com A very special thanks to Chase, general manager of the Inn Leather and to our new leather and chain sling in every room" While you in the area, be sure and check out the greatest totally nude beach in the country, Haulover Beach! which is located about a twenty minute drive south of Ft. Lauderdale. It is the only legally nude beach in the Florida. Haulover Beach Park contains one of south Florida’s most b~autiful clothing optional beaches-a 0.4 mile stretch of beach on the northernportion that draws people from all walks of life, from other states, Canada and a variety of other countries. Nestled between the Intercoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean, it has pristine white sand shores, open ocean surf, various shaded picnic facilities, beautifully landscaped sand dunes, and concession stands. The beach is ideal for surfing as well as swimming. Thousands of people go to Haulover Beach on a sunny day. Simply put, Haulover Beach is one of the best clothing-optional beaches in the world, as ranked by many online and print publications. As many as 7,000 people visit the beach in a single day. There is a snack cart situated in the clothing optional area most days, as well as chairs available to rent. Haulover Beach is quite large and is broken up into different areas for gays and straights. It is a great way to meet people. Their website is http://www.hauloverbeach. org Contact the Inn Leather Resort at: 877.532.7729 or email them at InnLeather610@aol.com and be sure to check out their website at: www.innleather.com. By the way, did we mention that they have a leather and chain sling in every room??? Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone! Spirit Journeys Announces Gay Travel Adventure Rafting the Grand Canyon Spirit Journeys has a new gay vacation rafting the Grand Canyon. This journey starts July 1, 2009 and ends July 10, 2009. NEW MILFORD, NJ (PRWEB)__ Spirit Journeys is very pleased to announce its new gay travel adventure rafting through the Grand Canyon. "Going Deep" is the title of this adventure and it begins and ends in Las Vegas and includes eight days and seven nights of rafting the Colorado River some 280 miles through the Grand Canyon. On this journey the goal IS tO experience the canyon and the river at a more profound level than on an ordinary vacation. Grand Canyon Rafting The adventure into Self is enhanced by the inspiring surroundings the Canyon has to offer. Being on the Colorado River at the bottom of the Grand Canyonhas a way of making humans very humble in the presence of such majesty, major life shifts can happen. Meditation Heart Circles and group movement rituals will be used to help open the mind and heart and deepen the experience of this incredible place. The intention is to actively engage the Canyon and the River; to know them on a more intimate level. The raft stops several times each day to hike, to explore side canyons, to swim in favorite swimming holes or to stand in ~e power ofwaterfalls. Howie Holben is the guide for this gay vacation. Heis owner and caretaker of Spirit Journeys. He was raised in northern Arizona and has always felt a special bond to the sacred places of the Southwest The gifts he brings to this Journey are his extensive knowledge of these places and the love for the path we follow on this journey. Since early childhood, he has been drawn to indigenous peoples and their spiritual teachings, traditions and practices. This attraction has taken him on many adventures, exploring the countless ways of "being in the world". His personal journey through addiction and recovery has spavcned in him a genuine interest in assisting others on their own spiritual path and he takes great pleasure in introducing people to practices, sacred ways and cultures to help them "step outside their box". A Reiki/Karuna Ki Master and Quantum Touch Pracdoner, his desire is to help others uncover their potential and set their hearts and minds free. For additional information on this and other special gay vacations, contact Hmvie Holben or visit w~#.spiritjourneys.com. About Spirit Journeys: Spirit Journeys offers gay travel, gay vacations and gay retreats with a spiritual focus, and unique gay retreat and gay vacation options. Call (800) 754-1875 to learn more about Spirit Journeys. 18 April 2009 ~ifest2 Se~ons Hualani. ,.~VW.metrostamews.com materials ~etroSTAR 19 April At P.A.C. Tulsa April 18 -This year TU BLGTA’s Pride Prom 2009: A BollDvood Ball will be held on Apri! 18 at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center Westby Pavilion. 3-he event is a prom targeted toward Tulsa-area youth who are not alIowed m or not comfortable with bringing the date of their choice to prom, but it is open to all people ages 15 m 25. Tickets are $10 for general admission or $5 for %lsa UniversitT students. For more information emait http:l/us.mc l O.mail.yahoo.com/mc/ compose?to=tublgta@gmail.com. March-27-29 & April 2-4 8pro Up the Down Staircase -Liddy Doenges N~eatre Anyone who’s ever started a new job will relate to this comedy about Sylvia, an idealistic young English teacher maneuvering her way through a blizzard of paperwork, contradictmT orders and indecipherable instructions. She discovers that "Keep on file in numerical order" means throw in wastebasket, "Let it be a challenge" means April 14-15 7:30pro Aspen Santa Fe Ballet John H. XXqlliams ~eatre "Aspen Santa Fe Ballet is a jewel of a company...a refreshing surprise!" declares Ba&stage.com. This dazzling contemporary dance company will perform three to four pieces from its eclectic repertoire that contains works by some of the world’s [bremost choreographers, such as TwT1a %arp, Jorma Elo and Paul Taylor. The Vertical Hour April 16-18 at 8 p.m., April 19 at 2 p.m. Lid@ Doenges ~eatre "iI~e "vertical hour" is the first hour after an injury when ~sistance has the greatest chance of being beneficial, tn this 2006 play by Englishman David Hare, an ~Mnerican former war correspondent turned Yale political science professor joins her British boyfi’iend, Philip, for a visit to his fhther, Oliver. She has a pro-Iraq viewpoint, while the father, a doctor with liberal leanings, is against not only the war but many of the beliefs she holds about a range of issues. Nadia is both offended by and attracted to Oliver. Me ro Star Classfieds 2" square for as little as $39 per issue. Email: starnews@sbcglobal.net 918.835.7887 SAVE & FILL YOUR PIGGY Kyk°s Bed by Greg Fox ~gebsite- vmcw.kylecornics.com E-Mail- KylesBnB@aot.com e~ll: bittergirl@qsyndlcate.corn ~w,joanhilty.net ~~1 20 ~®~ro~TAN April 2009 by Jack Fertig Apill 2009 "Your are everyone’s darling Aries" Mercury, Venus, and the Sun are aligning in Aries bringing together charming, witty banter and mad, impulsive flirtations. Venus is retrograde so be careful with those flirtations. They’re not likely to go anywhere you’ll want to stay! ARIES (March 20-Apri~ 19): For now, you are everybody’s darling and could get away with almost anything. Dedicate that power for good, not selfish motives. You have so much of yourself to offer; select your beneficiaries wisely to be fully appreciated. TAURUS (Apri~ 20 - May 20): Take some private time with your nearest and dearest in pursuit of pleasures that nurture your soul. No need to hide in a cloister. You can be wild, loud, and frivolous, but do get away from your usual routines and pals. GEMIN~ (May 21- June 20): Fun with your friends can easily get way out of hand, but is that necessarily a bad thing? You could talk a tiger out of his or her stripes, but then what? When you start to improvise, then the fun really begins! CANCER (~une 2t- July 22): The m65n’s not full this week, but you’re shining like it may as well be. Dazzle your way up the ladder of success. Be clear on where you want to go and with ,~hom. Or at least leave room to change partners and destination. LEO (July 23 - August 22): Sometimes it’s best to let people air out their differences or to hone their arguments in fiery debate. If your peacemaking talents aren’t really needed, give yourself an aesthetic challenge at a movie or an art show you’d normally not attend. VlRGO (August 23 - September 22): Being a love god is a better deal when you can choose your worshippers. Even then, you’re likely to make bad choices. Have your fun, but commitments should be made in the cold light of day, not in the throes of passion. L~BP.A (September 23 - October 22): This is a great time to work on a relationship, not to start one. Problems are easy to discuss now. Solutions can come later. It may feel like you’re backtracking. That’s actually good for clarifying those problems. SCORHO (October 23 - November 21): Re-evaluate your goals at the gym. How much are you motivated by pride and vanity? Oh, really? Pushing too hard for looks may be undermining your health. Prioritize health, and your looks wil! last longer! SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 20): Your fascination with a new sport or hobby is probably just a passing fancy. Enjoy it, but don’t invest in new gear at this point! Same with any dates right now. Don’t confuse a great time with falling in love. CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19): Changes are needed around your home, and will be again soon. Whatever re-arrangements or new tchatchkes you like now will become annoying later. Just think of it as a springboard - and budget accordingly. AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Dahhhling! You are just too, too charming. Be careful not to ta!k your way into something you can’t get out of! Sure, you can fake sincerity for now, but that will trip you up later! Be real! No, really real! PISCES (February 19 - March 19): Brace yourself and take a close look at any financial problems. This is the not the time to be buying anything (bad impulses!) or selling (you’ll get better prices later). Just take stock, and get things into order. METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES Rev Steve T. Urie Spirit of Christ MCC 2902 E 20th Street Joplin, MO 64804 417-529-8480 Worship Sunday 6:00 PM Community Meal Wednesdays at 6:00 PM www.socmcc.org Have a God filled and Blessed Day! www.metrostarnews.com ~et~oSTAR 21 (12" size Only) (2437) PROTECT YOURSELF PROTECT YOUR PARTNER(~t Community @op e iving H~V/A~DS i 501 c (3) l"qon P~ofit Our House, Too offers a variety of activities for people who are HIV+ and or living with AIDS to help combat the social isolation that many of our people live through each and everyday. We provide a Toiletry and Household Pantry for those who are HIV+ an~ or living with AiDS who cannot afford to purchase these items for themselves. VVe invite anyone who would like to volunteer or provide financial assistance to please contact us by phone 918-585-9552 or e-mail ourhousetoo9865@sbcglobal.net KING OF MASSAGE Great Touch Man to Man Full Body Massage 2 hands or 4 hands available Now Hiring Male & Female 22 #~etroSTAR April 2009 Suppo~ those who suppor~ us. Their ads aliow us to distribute your community news FREE to you. HABANA INN 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oklahoma City, OK 405-528-222! ~a~:habanainn.com KELLY KIR£Y, CPA 4815 S. HARVARD, SUITE 424 Tulsa, OK * 918-747-5466 Certified Public Accountant i!i,:,ili[~ !i;(i/I H35O40PEE.T3E1SstTING CLINIC VALERIE WILLIFORD 625 N.W. 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 405-226-8585 OKC MORTUARY 2415-C N. X~!ALNUT AVE. Oklahoma City, OK 800-913-1310 Ttflsa, OK 800-535-2437 Oklahoma’s HIV/STD Hotline THE LEDO 2200 NW 39TH EXPIZESSg/AY Oklahoma Cit7, OK JUDY G. PHOTO’S 405-525-0730 Tulsa, OK vavw.habanainn.com judygphotos@sbcglobal.net 918-743-8636 EXPRESSIONS Comm Fdlowship CENTURY 21 GOLD CASTLE 6009 1"~ Expressway Oklahoma City, OK 3627 NW EXPRESSg!AY 405-761 - 1878 Oklahoma Cit7, OK 73112 ~ww.expressionsOKC.com 405-840-2106 ~vw.c21 goldcastle.com CHUCK BRECKENRIDGE Keller Williams Realty Tulsa, OK 918-706-1887 ANGLES 2117 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK va~w.anglesclub.com BAMBOO LOUNGE 7204 E. PINE Tulsa, OK 918-836:8700 wv,wc.bambooloungetulsa.com CLUB 209 209 N. BOULDER Tulsa, OK 918-584-9944 CLUB MAJESTIC 124 N. BOSTON Ttflsa, OK 918-584-9494 w~waclubmajesfictulsa.com FINISHLINE 2200 NW 39TH ~RESS\VAY Oldahoma City, OK 405-525-2900 v~v.habanainn.com SPIRIT OF CHt~ST MCC 2902 E. 20TH STREET, Joplin, MO * 479-529-8480 Service Saturday 10 AM MCC LFNITED 1623 N. Maplewood, Tulsa, OK 918-838-1715 ~,vw.mcctulsa.org OKLAHOMANS for EQUALITY 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK 74120 918-743-4297 www.okeq.org OUR HOUSE, TOO 203 N. Nogales Ave Tulsa, OK 74127 918-585-9552 CHURCH of the OPEN ARMS 3131 N. PENN, OKC, OK 405-525-9555 Service Sunday 10:45 AM KING OF MASSAGE In or Out Calls Oldahoma City, OK 405-314-3898 GAY BRADY HEIGHTS-Tulsa New and Historic Homes for Sale and Rent For Info: wv,wc.gaybradyheightstulsa.com GUSHER’S RESTAURANT 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSWAY Oldahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 Located inside Habana Inn >> HIDEAWAY LOLFNGE 11730 E. I1TH Tulsa, OK 918-437-0449 Open Sun thru Sat 2pm to 2am THE COPA 2200 NW 39TH EXPRESSXX~AY Ol’dahoma City, OK 405-525-0730 w~:habanainn.com THE END UP 5336 E. ADMIRAL PLACE Tulsa, OK 918-836-0915 Open 7 days a week 12noon to 2am THE MINESHAFT 424 S Memorial Di: Tulsa, OK 918-836-1250 Open Sun thru Sat 12noon to 2am TULSA EAGLE 1338 E. 31~D Tulsa, OK 918-592-1188 Open 7days week 2pm to 2am www.metrostarnews.com ~etroSTAR 23 ahomans for Equality The Festival will be held on Saturday, June 6th, from 11arn to 11prn at Centennial Park at: 6th & Peoria. The Festival features a Kids Zone with inflatable water slides, a mechanical bull & a rock climbing wall for the adults, food & drinks, and all kinds of LGBT-friendly vendors, businesses, organizations & churches. Online registration still open! The 2009 Pride Parade starts on Saturday, June 6th at 7:30prn in the Brady Arts District and ends at the Diversity Festival at Centennial Park at 6th & Peoria. Shuttles and security will be provided. Online registration stilt open! Tulsa Folk-Rocker, Eric Hirnan is bringing his new band, Eric and the #.dams, to the Centennial Park Stage to headline at 9:00prn on Saturday night, June 6th. On May 30th at the historic Cain’s Ballroom, the annual Equality Gala will be held, celebrating the 2009 theme "Dreams Really Do Come True!" Visit ww~.okeq,org for tickets! The Tulsa Pride Exhibition of Fine Art, MOREcolor 2009, opens Thursday, June 4th from 5:00-9:00prn and continues Friday June 5th & Saturday June 6th from Noonennis R. Neill Equality Center. .... Turn-A-Bout Fundraiser Library Event PFLAG Spaghetti Dinner Diversi~ Day at the Zoo Pride ~nterfaith Service Gender Avengers/Trans Night ToUoLS.A. Leather Show PFLAG Movie Night OYP Fashion Show & Fundraiser Pride, Pioneers & Pancakes April 1st, 10pro May 28th, 7pro May 29th, 6:30pm May 30th, 10am May 31st, 3pro June 1st, 7pro June 2nd, 7pro June 3rd, 7pro June 5th, 7pro June 6th, 7:00am Club Maverick Tulsa Central Libra~ Fellowship Congregational Church Tulsa Zoo St. Jerome’s Parish Church OkEq Equality Center OkEq Event Center Circle Cinema Centennial Park Stage Centennial Park Building Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2009] Metro Star Magazine, April 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 4 Subject The topic of the resource Politics, education, and social conversation over LGBTQ+ topics Description An account of the resource The Metro Star’s first issue began in August of 2008. Before this issue was Ozarks Pride (2004), The Ozark’s Star (2004), and The Star (2005). This magazine discusses topics of AIDs, education, politics, local and national civil rights of the LGBT community, and advice for relationships and places to visit. This collection is PDF searchable. Physical copies are also available to be seen at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center with permission. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Metro Star News Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Metro Star News Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource April 2009 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Greg Steele James Nimmo Jeanne Flanigan Victor Gorin Rex Wockner Susan A. Muscari Gerald Libonati Michael W. Sasser Romeio San Vicente Andrew Collins Donald Pile Ray Williams Jack Fertig Devre Jackson Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource magazine Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Southwest Missouri Western Arkansas Eastern Oklahoma Southeast Kansas The United States of America (50 states) Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/19 Relation A related resource The Metro Star Magazine, February 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 2 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/131 The Metro Star Magazine, July 1, 2009; Volume 6, Issue 7 https://history.okeq.org/items/show/133 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/128 Art Gallery Comics crossword puzzle Dolly Parton drag entertainment government Heartland Men's Choir Hillary Clinton homophobia international news Kentucky Derby Krysta Hamilton Kyle's Bed and Breakfast Miss Gay Mr. Gay National news Oklahoma News Oscars protest Richard May Award rodeo Westboro Baptist Church https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/6a3f8ba78d49f6837bbeebf1b66411e2.jpg 12697e49cabff1cd69f26756d299d6ab https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/68cdcbe698d972e5b50eb3bcf1e1fb7f.jpg 539979d5e87e11e0bbb10626b7af56e6 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 Newspaper article Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2019] Stonewall activism made its way to Tulsa Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2019 Description An account of the resource Newspaper article covering the history of Tulsa’s LGBT community, stonewall, and the evolution of Pride in Tulsa. Toby Jenkins interviewed about OKEQ’s history. Discusses Tulsa Police Department’s harassment of LGBT folk in the 70’s. Activist John M. Faires interviewed. Tulsa Tribune articles quoted disparaging homosexuals. Discusses local businesses attitudes toward homosexuality, most not wanting to hire LGBT people but most willing to have them as customers. Housing discrimination also discussed. Tom Neal discusses his history of advocacy. Article mentions creating of H.O.P.E. Neal comments on the effect of Stonewall on Tulsa 50 years after the fact, says he is shocked by current political climate. Includes AP photo of gay activists and allies protesting a speech by Anita Bryant outside the Oklahoma State Capitol on Feb. 21, 1978. Also has Tulsa World file photo of woman holding pride flag. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Ginnie Graham Tulsa World Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Tulsa World Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa World Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 30, 2019 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Ginnie Graham Tulsa World Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newspaper article 7x15' 10x7' Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper article Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Tulsa World, June 30, 2019 pp. G1, G3 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Tulsa Pride 2019, Stonewall, Toby Jenkins, Anita Bryant, John M. Faires, Gay Community Caucus, Tulsa Community Relations Committee, homophobia, Oklahomans for Human Rights, Tom Neal, Susan Savage, Tulsa Government, Tulsa World, Tulsa Tribune, H.O.P.E., HIV, AIDS, workplace protections, Oklahomans for Equality https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/9ab7b81afd063d59b9185dcb89d02670.jpg 247cc1609f0b5e3173808903f408c8ec 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 Newspaper article Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2009] Over the Rainbow: Tulsa Pride has evolved during the last 30 years, receiving much local support Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2009 Description An account of the resource Article covering Pride 2009. Discussion about the growing acceptance of LGBT rights in the United States. Focus is on resistance from within the state and support from Tulsa. Noah Blatt, 9 years old, was grand marshal of the parade after donating $11 to OKEQ. Includes picture of performer Mindy Bartlett. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Erin Fore Urban Tulsa Weekly Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Urban Tulsa Weekly Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Urban Tulsa Weekly Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource May 2009 June 2009 June 4-10, 2009 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Erin Fore Urban Tulsa Weekly Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource News clipping 6x13' Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper article Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Urban Tulsa Weekly, June 4-10, 2009 pg. 24 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, Tulsa Pride 2009, Oklahomans for Equality, Sally Kern, Toby Jenkins, Mindy Bartlett, Eric Himan and the Adams https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/ddac39db5b605163d6db17f44d13ab44.jpg ed4a8c0f834ae0d7817a3afe0ec9ba64 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 Newspaper article Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2007] Thousands celebrate pride Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2007 Description An account of the resource Newspaper article covering Tulsa Pride 2007. 2007 was the 25th anniversary of pride. Between 15,000 and 18,000 people attended the parade and festivities held at Veterans Park. Tim Williams, OKEQ public relations coordinator, is quoted about the first Tulsa pride event. Marc Acuff, event coordinator, is quoted about his plans for the coming years. Protestors are present. Kathy Hinkle, board member of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, is quoted about accepting her son’s sexuality. Toby Jenkins, community outreach coordinator for OKEQ and pastor of Emerging Church of Tulsa, is quoted about the feeling of dignity and self-worth that being involved in pride gives him. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Althea Peterson Adam Wisneski Tulsa World Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Tulsa World Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa World Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 10, 2007 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Althea Peterson Adam Wisneski Tulsa World Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newspaper clipping 6.5x4.25' 5.5x4' Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper article Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context June 10, 2007, Tulsa World, pp. A17, A25 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Tulsa Pride 2007, Oklahomans for Equality, Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, protestors https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/7d3e3d038d2b87c2ccffecae5c057d15.jpg fb499b9b429a7ae6d2d2ba210b558807 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 Newspaper article 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] Events celebrating diversity set tonight through June 11: Activities include Gay Day at the Tulsa Zoo, a film on gay survivors of the Holocaust, and a gay-pride parade Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2005 Description An account of the resource Article covering plans for the week of Tulsa Pride 2005. Events were hosted at a number of local faith communities and gathering places and sponsored by PFLAG, TOHR, and other Pride groups. Includes photo of parade goer Rick Martin helping carry a 120-foot pride flag in 2003 by Kelly Kerr. Nancy McDonald received PFLAG’s first Lifetime Achievement Award Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa World Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Tulsa World Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa World Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 3, 2005 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Tulsa World Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newspaper clipping 6.5x11' Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper article Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Tulsa World, June 3, 2005 pg. A17 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Tulsa Pride 2005, Tulsa Zoo, Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, Fellowship Congregational Church, Michael Adee, More Light Presbyterians, College Hill Presbyterian Church, Diversity Celebration Alliance, Charles Shusterman Jewish Community Center, Holocaust, Dr. Jay Geller, Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, Brady Arts District, Tulsa Central Library, Council Oak Men’s Chorale, Women of Council Oak, Tulsa City-County Library, Diversity Gala, Gilcrease Museum, Rick Martin, Tim Palmer, Nancy McDonald, Pride parade, Cherry Street, Veteran’s Park https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/5cf101e3b808733d8982f8d1adc0f528.png cc9a437e130ad3e87c0e8ef03d7a1aa4 https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/8c792f712649776475d0a4b009ab956b.pdf d73b307b359e1b6860337445af100272 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 Newspaper article 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 [2001] Gay pride week events kick off today Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2001 Description An account of the resource List of events planned for Tulsa Pride 2001: TOHR Follies 2001,Tulsa Interfaith Service, Council Oak Men's Chorale concert, Family law panel, Embracing Art exhibit and artists' reception, GLBT Film Festival, TOHR Diversity Gala, Pride parade, GLBT Festival. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource World's own Service Tulsa World Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Tulsa World Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa World Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 2, 2001 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource World's own Service Tulsa World Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Printout of digital edition of newspaper article Roughly 8.5x11' 1 page Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Newspaper article Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Tulsa World, February 10, 2004 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Tulsa Pride 2001, Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights, TOHR Follies, interfaith services, Council Oak Men’s Chorale, Diversity Gala, GLBT Festival, Pride parade, family law, Embracing Art, GLBT Film Festival https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/55742e85e407b0e1a528156c623a4d13.pdf 2fd94098d7ee46b2d8cec22e1daf5e0e PDF Text Text ���� 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 [1993] Anti-Gay Discrimination: Some Illustrative Recent Studies Subject The topic of the resource Anti-Gay Discrimination Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Terry Luce Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1993 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Terry Luce Description An account of the resource As Part of its mission, the sexual Orientation Task Force's document, in 1976, detailed prejudicial behavior against gay persons. One of the missions of the current task force (1992-93) is to examine recent literature on attitudes and behavior towards gay persons; specifically, negative attitudes and aggression. This present report, therefore, will provide an update by reviewing recent, representative studies appearing in various psychology journals. It is not meant to be a comprehensive review, but rather attempts to provide a glimpse into attitudes toward, and abusive treatment of gays, as reflected in prominent psychology research journals. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/18 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/96 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant The United States of America (50 states) 1993 Anti-Gay Discrimination Sexual Orientation Task Force Terry Luce 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/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/f261e80d36bba7d2809c6bb6777b1c1c.pdf b2a63d8c37947eabec2b4c5c14157ace PDF Text Text ‘We share it with a whole communityʼ: 5-year anniversary of same-sex…n to remember, look forward, proponents say | News | tulsaworld.com 10/6/19, 6(45 PM https://www.tulsaworld.com/news/we-share-it-with-a-whole-community--year-anniversary/article_656f2898-cadb-52a7-936f59de7c5c8f20.html TOP STORY ‘We share it with a whole community’: 5-year anniversary of samesex marriage in Oklahoma an occasion to remember, look forward, proponents say By Tim Stanley Tulsa World 17 hrs ago 1 of 4 Judge Jane Wiseman (right) of the Court of Civil Appeals officiates the wedding of Sharon Baldwin (left) and Mary Bishop as they stand with Toby Jenkins (center), executive director of Oklahomans for Equality, outside the Tulsa County Courthouse in 2014. MATT BARNARD/Tulsa World file Matt Barnard After marrying her longtime partner, Mary, in 2014, Sharon BishopBaldwin found herself adjusting to a whole new way of speaking. It wasn’t easy at first. https://www.tulsaworld.com/news/we-share-it-with-a-whole-community--year-anniversary/article_656f2898-cadb-52a7-936f-59de7c5c8f20.html Page 1 of 7 �‘We share it with a whole communityʼ: 5-year anniversary of same-sex…n to remember, look forward, proponents say | News | tulsaworld.com 10/6/19, 6(45 PM “I had trouble sometimes just saying ‘my wife,’ ” she said. “Like if I was calling to get a prescription for Mary. They’d say ‘what’s your relationship?’ And before I replied, there’d be a moment of hesitation.” NOW PLAYING ! 1 of 27 " | | # HD Don't Miss! - 10/5 Preview NEXT Don't Miss! - 10/7 Part of the problem, Bishop-Baldwin said, was her anticipation of the reaction. Too often back then, it was an awkward one. “They might respond oddly,” she said, causing a little “nervous embarrassment” for both parties. But today, five years later, all of that has changed. “Now the word ‘wife’ rolls off my tongue without a second thought,” Bishop-Baldwin said. And the reactions? For the most part, they’ve smoothed out, too, she said — “to just such a matter-of-fact transaction.” Society, Bishop-Baldwin believes, is finally getting used to its new reality. And with it, acceptance of same-sex relationships is slowly growing. This Sunday, Oct. 6, will officially mark five years since same-sex couples in Oklahoma were first legally permitted to marry. For the Bishop-Baldwins and other couples who took advantage of it that first week in 2014, it means their own five-year anniversary is at hand. And with that, an opportunity also comes to both reflect and look forward. The Bishop-Baldwins, whose lawsuit in response to a voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage in 2004 paved the way, became the first to claim a marriage license at Tulsa County Courthouse, after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the case and the judge lifted a stay. https://www.tulsaworld.com/news/we-share-it-with-a-whole-community--year-anniversary/article_656f2898-cadb-52a7-936f-59de7c5c8f20.html Page 2 of 7 �‘We share it with a whole communityʼ: 5-year anniversary of same-sex…n to remember, look forward, proponents say | News | tulsaworld.com 10/6/19, 6(45 PM The couple will commemorate the five-year milestone, they said, with some special company: They’re having dinner with Sue Barton and Gay Phillips, the other couple involved in their long 10-year legal battle. “That seemed like the appropriate thing to do,” Mary BishopBaldwin said. “They were with us every step of the way.” Barton and Phillips had been married previously elsewhere, and won the right that same day to have Oklahoma recognize their union. John David and Jason Bragg-Sutton, formerly of the Tulsa area, will celebrate their 5-year anniversary on Oct. 11. The Nowata couple had been together five years before marriage became legal, John David said. Secure in their bond, they didn’t feel like they needed marriage to affirm that. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t see the value in it, John David said: “It’s not a gay marriage certificate that I hold, it’s a marriage certificate. The ability to say that shows it doesn’t matter. I’m on the same level as others and equal to them.” The couple were married in 2014 at a park in Owasso, joined by a few friends and family. “It is a huge thing,” John David added of the anniversary. “It feels like we’ve accomplished something. It’s definitely a milestone.” Complicating any celebratory plans, he said, are the demands of parenthood. With six adopted children, “we may just be taking a nap that day,” John David laughed. “Maybe we can go out for a quiet dinner — just relax and be married for a little while rather than being parents.” Rush to the courthouse Surprised like everyone else by the unexpected news of Oct. 6, 2014, Toby Jenkins, director and CEO of Oklahomans for Equality, joined other marriage equality proponents at the Tulsa courthouse, where he made sure the Bishop-Baldwins would be first to get a license. “I said nobody gets married until Sharon and Mary do,” he said, wanting to make sure their role was properly recognized. https://www.tulsaworld.com/news/we-share-it-with-a-whole-community--year-anniversary/article_656f2898-cadb-52a7-936f-59de7c5c8f20.html Page 3 of 7 �‘We share it with a whole communityʼ: 5-year anniversary of same-sex…n to remember, look forward, proponents say | News | tulsaworld.com 10/6/19, 6(45 PM A total of 21 couples would be issued licenses that first day. From there, the surge continued, Jenkins said. Over the first year of legal same-sex marriage, around 1,200 licenses would be issued in Tulsa, and 4,200 statewide, said Jenkins, whose organization tracked the numbers. The painstaking task involved some guesswork, he cautioned, since licenses don’t identify male or female, just spouse names. Primarily concerned with making sure all counties were complying, Jenkins didn’t pursue numbers after that. But he’s happy to report that “in five years, there’s not been a court clerk who’s refused (a license) that we are aware of. It does feel like our elected officials are willing to follow the rule of law.” A few months after Oklahoma began issuing licenses in June 2015, same-sex marriage became legal nationwide thanks to a U.S. Supreme Court decision. Undoubtedly, it’s contributed to the rapid rise in the number of samesex households in which the couples are married. The rate has more than doubled over a decade, from 26.6% in 2008 to nearly 60% in 2017, according to the most recent data available, the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2017 American Community Survey. The survey estimated that in 2017 there were 935,229 same-sex households in the U.S., of which married couples made up 555,492. That growth is one reason advocates like Jenkins believe same-sex marriage is here to stay. “There are so many LGBTQ Americans who have exercised their legal right to ever strip us totally of that,” he said. In addition, Mary Bishop-Baldwin believes, there are fewer people today who would even want to take it away. “Too many straight people know gay people, and love gay people, and now see what marriage means to them,” she said. Both Bishop-Baldwins were editors at the Tulsa World when the lawsuit was filed, and Mary Bishop-Baldwin is still an assistant editor. https://www.tulsaworld.com/news/we-share-it-with-a-whole-community--year-anniversary/article_656f2898-cadb-52a7-936f-59de7c5c8f20.html Page 4 of 7 �‘We share it with a whole communityʼ: 5-year anniversary of same-sex…n to remember, look forward, proponents say | News | tulsaworld.com 10/6/19, 6(45 PM Never forget While Jenkins is grateful for marriage, the occasion of the anniversary also reminds him of its limitations. “Marriage fixed so much,” he said, “but the sad reality is there’s a lot it didn’t … employment protection, housing protection and certainly it has not stopped hate crimes. … it hasn’t changed people’s hearts.” Just this past July, a mural at the Oklahomans for Equality center was vandalized, a reminder that anti-LGBTQ sentiment still exists in the community, he said. Jenkins also can’t help feeling sad, too, for all the Oklahomans for whom Oct. 6, 2014, came too late. “There were so many people who needed those protections but who missed out on it,” he said. For Oklahoma’s LGBTQ community going forward, Jenkins said, it’s important not to forget how it got here. He thinks it’s already become too easy to take marriage for granted. “We need to remember how forever indebted we are” to the BishopBaldwins, Barton and Phillips, he said. “We are able to get married because of their work, which was courageous and at times isolating for them.” For their part, the Bishop-Baldwins say they would rather people remember the struggle, and what the situation once was for same-sex couples. A good reminder of it, they said, comes every year in the form of their original anniversary. Many years before they were allowed to marry, the Bishop-Baldwins held a commitment ceremony. “It was at a beach house in Florida — and at the time, that was all the wedding we thought we’d ever have,” said Sharon Bishop-Baldwin. As a result, that original anniversary — which they will celebrate for the 20th year next March 26 — will always have a special meaning to them. But this week, they added, the focus will be on Oct. 6. https://www.tulsaworld.com/news/we-share-it-with-a-whole-community--year-anniversary/article_656f2898-cadb-52a7-936f-59de7c5c8f20.html Page 5 of 7 �‘We share it with a whole communityʼ: 5-year anniversary of same-sex…n to remember, look forward, proponents say | News | tulsaworld.com 10/6/19, 6(45 PM “It’s not just a celebration about us,” Mary Bishop-Baldwin said. “We share it with a whole community of people — a whole community who never thought they’d have the opportunity to get married.” Featured video Mourners show up to honor World War II veteran w… Tim Stanley 918-581-8385 tim.stanley@tulsaworld.com Twitter: @timstanleyTW Tim Stanley Staff Writer Stanley is a general assignment reporter and the writer behind the award-winning "World War II Veterans Remember" series & book. 918-581-8385 https://www.tulsaworld.com/news/we-share-it-with-a-whole-community--year-anniversary/article_656f2898-cadb-52a7-936f-59de7c5c8f20.html Page 6 of 7 �‘We share it with a whole communityʼ: 5-year anniversary of same-sex…n to remember, look forward, proponents say | News | tulsaworld.com https://www.tulsaworld.com/news/we-share-it-with-a-whole-community--year-anniversary/article_656f2898-cadb-52a7-936f-59de7c5c8f20.html 10/6/19, 6(45 PM Page 7 of 7 � 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 Newspaper Article Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2019] Bishop-Baldwin Marriage 5 years Later Subject The topic of the resource First Same Sex Marriage in Oklahoma 2014 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Tulsa World Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Tim Stanley Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Tulsa World Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource October 6, 2019 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Oklahomans for Equality Judge Jane Wiseman Mary Bishop-Baldwin same-sex marriage Sharon Bishop-Baldwin Toby Jenkins https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/ad20efeb17a26adcb09dc5c8e4173cbb.pdf f114a930b5b0ca5eb8a15548a7f7df81 PDF Text Text June 6th 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM www.tulsapride.org Centennial Park - 6th and Peoria Festival Events: Pioneer Pancake Breakfast From 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM Centennial Park Community Building Presents Golden Girls 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM Centennial Park Community Building Orasi Productions Presents BBQ ANGEL 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM Centennial Park Community Building Pride Parade at 7:30 PM Begins at Boulder and Brady ends at Centennial Park Equality Fire Works Show Centennial Park Lake at Dark Centennial Park Under the Stars Experience all of OZ after the festival! Orasi Designed By Productions orasi_productions@yahoo.com oklahomans for equality No outside food, beverage or coolers Dennis R. Neill Equality Center 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK � 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 [2009] Pride Ad Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Oklahomans For Equality Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Oklahomans For Equality Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 6, 2009 Centennial Park - 6th & Peoria Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Oklahomans For Equality 2009 Pride BBQ Angel Centennial Park Eric Himan Pancake Breakfast pride Parade 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/1fa8400892345e4e029068d25f743c2a.pdf a370e598d56933fb19ad9016b1c3a9e5 PDF Text Text History of TOHR 1980 to 2003 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR) is Oklahoman’s oldest and largest GLBT organization. TOHR was founded in 1980 by a small group of people concerned about human rights and equality for GLBT persons in Tulsa, including Dennis Neill, Bob Inglish, Mike Green and Gary Durst. The Tulsa organization was originally a part of the Oklahoma City-based chapter. The organization was then known as Oklahomans for Human Rights (OHR). In 1985, as the Oklahoma City organization declined in activity, the Tulsa Chapter decided to form its own non-profit organization to be called the Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights (TOHR). During that year, TOHR was incorporated to pursue its new mission of serving the residents of Tulsa and northeastern Oklahoma. Soon after its establishment, TOHR launched the Gay Information Line, or 743GAYS, which has been in operation ever since. For the first several months, the call volume was extremely high as several religious groups worked to overwhelm the line with harassing phone calls. The volunteers, however, persevered and the harassing calls slowly declined. Since it’s beginning, the Gay Information Line has been a critical link for many people needing help and support on GLBT and health issues. During its first year, TOHR also conducted voter registration and political surveys, sponsored a softball team and tournament, and conducted health clinics (venereal diseases were rampant in the gay community before AIDS.) In the 1980s, TOHR sponsored several high-profile social events for the GLBT community; provided a speaker’s bureau to help educate the community; launched the first gay pride picnic; and operated the popular Southwest Invitational, a sports event that attracted participants from across the nation. The organization’s monthly membership meetings routinely attracted from 50 to 150 participants as the community saw TOHR as the principal source of information and support. During this time, nationally known GLBT spokespersons who came to Tulsa at TOHR’S invitation included LGTF activists Virginia Apuzzo; Valerie Torino, Mayor of West Hollywood, Calif.; Troy Perry, founder of MCC; Lt. Leonard Matlovich, and others. The organization’s work in the community was awarded with two operating grants from the Chicago Resource Center, the first time an Oklahoma GLBT organization received out-of-state funding and recognition. With the advent of HIV and AIDS in the 1980s, TOHR sent a medical professional to health conferences to advise the community on the transmission of the virus and other dangers. In addition, TOHR opened the first anonymous testing site in northeastern Oklahoma. The organization was responsible for acquiring state funding for �AIDS testing and education by establishing the Tulsa Chapter of the AIDS Support Program, or ASP. This effort was later assumed by another organization, known as HOPE (HIV Outreach, Prevention, and Education). In 1998, HOPE spun off from TOHR so both organizations could focus on their respective missions. Today, HOPE operates a testing and counseling site a 3503 East Admiral Place in Tulsa. TOHR opened Tulsa’s first Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Community Center in October 1996 at 1338 East 38th Street in the Brookside neighborhood of Tulsa. The center quickly became a popular meeting spot for community groups, support groups, and those who wished to network with other members of the GLBT community. The center began to operate a book and video library, referral service, and pride retail store. TOHR organized Tulsa’s first gay pride march in 1997 with 60 participants. In 1998, the event grew to include approximately 150 marchers. In 1998, the march grew into a parade. Tulsa’s first Diversity Parade was held in 1999 on Peoria Avenue in the Brookside neighborhood of Tulsa and featured Rep. Barney Frank, D-Massachusetts, as its first Grand Marshal. The parade culminated with the Diversity Festival at Tulsa’s Veteran’s Park. Both events drew large crowds and proved very successful, beginning a new tradition for Tulsa’s GLBT community. In 2000, TOHR received grants from the Collins Higgins Foundation and Gill Foundation of Denver, Colo., for expanding programs and operating support. Also, in 2000, TOHR was selected as a 2001 host site for the OutGiving InCommunity Project of the Gill Foundation. More than 25 local organizations (over half were non-GLBT groups) participated in the project held at the Community Center. This was considered an honor for TOHR to be selected as a national host site. Finally, in 2000, TOHR launched its first-ever capital fundraising campaign, the Pyramid Project. The goal of this major capital campaign is to raise a total of $1 million for a permanent and visible home for the Tulsa GLBT Community Center. Of the goal, $500,000 will be utilized to acquire a permanent facility for the center, and $500,000 will fund an endowment to sustain operation of the facility for future generations. In 2001, TOHR was selected to be one of three “Fast Track” programs in the nation by the Gill Foundation. Through this program, the Gill Foundation provides $40,000 of operating support over three years ($15,000 in 2001; $15,000 in 2002; and $10,000 in 2003). The intent of the operating grants is to help sustain the organization’s operating fund during the capital campaign. In addition, the Gill Foundation has provided TOHR technical assistance during the campaign. TOHR was selected by the Gill Foundation based on the quality and reputation of the organization, and the potential for Tulsa to become a more positive environment for members of its GLBT community. �Presently, TOHR is developing an annual operating plan for 2003 and a set of long-range goals to guide the organization through 2006. The organization also is preparing to move its capital campaign into the middle phase by seeking major corporate and foundation support. TOHR also has completed a major revision of its bylaws, taking the organization from an association to a corporate model. In addition, major restructuring of the organization will take TOHR to new heights in 2003 and beyond! � 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 [1980-2003] History of TOHR Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Oklahomans for Equality Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Oklahomans for Equality Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1980-2003 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Oklahomans for Equality 1980-2003 History TOHR https://www.history.okeq.org/files/original/b609d1081173d91c5fa26a601332d2b8.pdf f82144a330a82ae9441df54bac8e467f PDF Text Text Oklahomans for Equality 2009 Review Oklahomans for Equality seeks equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances, and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Serving LGBT Oklahomans and their allies since 1980, it is the oldest continuously operating LGBT advocacy organization in America’s heartland. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, our headquarters is located at the corner of 4th and Kenosha in downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma in the vibrant east village and actively involved in the revitalization of the urban core of Tulsa County. The Equality Center has been recognized by the National Preservation Historic Trust as an excellent example of repurposing a historic structure. Originally a 1920’s oil refinery office with 18,000 square feet was purchased and renovated in 2005. It now serves as the epicenter of the vibrant LGBT community in Northeastern Oklahoma. In June 2009 the Equality Center was featured on the Preservation Trust website “This Place Matters”. From the earliest days of the founding of our organization, advocacy on behalf of the gay community has been front and center. We have found that speaking up for ourselves is the most effective route in addressing discrimination. Working closely with local and state legislative bodies and familiarizing elected officials about our issues is a continuous effort. Small businesses and larger companies and corporations can benefit from our diversity in the work place workshops. Occasionally, a confrontational response is required when an individual targets our community with hate speech. Our opponents have learned we will not be silent when persecuted. Most of the time, when insensitive comments are made towards a certain segment of a community it comes from a lack of education. We offer a speaker’s bureau that in 2009 spoke on 9 college campuses and 3 high schools and even a federal agency. We maintain an exhaustive lending library that is heavily utilized by our members and visitors to the Equality Center. Archiving our story in Oklahoma is critically important so we established the history project where hundreds of memorabilia, stories, and documented events are cataloged and added monthly to the substantial collection. Throughout the calendar year we have lectures that feature some of the top experts in LGBTQ studies. Our goal for our membership is to equip them to be the best citizens in our community. Oklahomans for Equality has created 38 different weekly programs that serve the needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. Grief recovery, mental health support, legal clinics, children’s events for those raising a family, health and fitness activities to help us comply with Oklahoma’s new vision for a healthier state are just few of those programs. Each program is volunteer led by trained and certified professionals. In 2009 Oklahomans for Equality partnered with 13 area non profits in special events or projects that served Tulsans. We have turned into the anchor city for the heartland region �in LGBTQ advocacy work. Visitors from bordering states come to study how we have created an effective outreach in one of the most conservative sections of the country. In 2009 14 cities sent teams to visit the Equality 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. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2009] Review of Oklahomans for Equality Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Oklahomans for Equality Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Oklahomans for Equality Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1980-2009 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Oklahomans for Equality 2009 2009 Review History OkEq Review 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/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/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/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/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/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