24 20 669 https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/386e661746689c370ed2778f6c708546.jpg b118be5a890bb797e17cb3d63abb3540 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource {ND] Photo of Drag Performer and Patron Description An account of the resource A photo of a drag performer leaning down to a patron. Undated. Subjects currently unidentified. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Unknown photographer Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource N/D https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/e0d9822a3b0c3fe642a7bd1370cfd359.mp4 23c5fb4ac876f8aa1f3cd6c4f2150900 https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/bf801acb870eabb3456af5bad0e8a015.pdf 60b339d8fd9b78d08a569347020151b2 PDF Text Text Oklahomans for Equality About the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt with Val Bode and Doug Hartson Interview Conducted by Dennis Neill and Toby Jenkins Date: February 12, 2026 Edited By: Dennis Neill using Riverside Studio AI, March 28th, 2026 Restrictions: N/A Oklahomans for Equality History Project 621 E. 4th Street Tulsa, OK. 74120 918.743.4297 historyproject@okeq.org 1 �About the Names Project: The NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, conceived in 1985 by activist Cleve Jones in San Francisco, is a massive community art project honoring those lost to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Officially founded in 1987, it features over 50,000 handmade panels, serving as a powerful memorial and educational tool against stigma. Key Historical Moments:  1985 Concept: During a candlelight march for Harvey Milk, Cleve Jones learned over 1,000 San Franciscans had died of AIDS. He had marchers write names on placards and tape them to the Federal Building, creating a patchwork look.  1987 Formation: The NAMES Project Foundation was established to create a lasting, traveling memorial, as many victims had no funerals.  1987 Debut: The Quilt was first displayed on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., during the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights, featuring 1,920 panels.  1988 Tour: A 20-city national tour added thousands of new panels, highlighting the nationwide impact of the epidemic.  Growth and Legacy: By 2012, it was too large to be displayed in one place, with over 48,000 panels.  2019 Homecoming: The Quilt was moved from Atlanta back to San Francisco to be managed by the National AIDS Memorial, ensuring its preservation. The Quilt has served as a critical tool in fighting the stigma, ignorance, and bigotry surrounding the AIDS epidemic. Tulsa Involvement: With the leadership of Jack Francis, Val Bode, Doug Hartson and other volunteers, portions of the Names Project Quilts were displayed on four occasions. For their excellent organization and community outreach, the National Names Project awarded the Tulsa Names Project the Chapter of the Year in 1995. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center was one of the few centers in the country to be designated as a permanent location for portions of the Quilt. However, in 2018, the Names Project requested all panels be returned to San Francisco. Hundreds of people came to the Equality Center for a final farewell. Tulsa was able to make large silk screen copies of the panels for permanent display in the Center before the Quilts were returned. 2 �Ginnie Graham with the Tulsa World wrote an article on November 28, 2018 about the farewell. Below is an extract from the article: In 1990, about 800 of the panels came to the Maxwell Convention Center, where at least 50 new ones were added. “This is not a screaming protest. It is a beautiful, gentle way to show the enormity of the problem,” Tulsa display chairman Jack Francis told the Tulsa World. In 1993, the AIDS Quilt returned with about 1,000 panels, and about 60 more from northeastern Oklahoma were added. Those included a tranquil scene of flowers with a yellow sun for Zac Sweeney, who died at age 29; a theatrical mask and ballet shoes against a fuchsia background covered in sequins for 31-year-old Chris Monnet, who choreographed two Miss Oklahoma pageants; and a bouquet of balloons made of felt for David Wayne Robinson. In 1995, the Tulsa Fairgrounds Pavilion hosted enough panels to fill the lengths of two football fields. Among new Quilt panels was one for 32-year-old Wesley Townsley. A gold hook in a picture of a large fishing rod was made of a purse chain from his grandmother, who died six months before he did. ____________________________________________________ 3 �On February 12, 2026, Dennis Neill and Toby Jenkins interviewed Val Bode and Doug Hartson about their involvement with the Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt. The interview took place in the Nancy and Joe McDonald Library located in the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Keywords NAMES Project, AIDS Memorial Quilt, Tulsa community, Doug Hartson, Val Bode, personal stories, community support, fundraising, legacy, healing Summary This conversation explores the profound impact of the NAMES Project and the AIDS Memorial Quilt on the Tulsa community, featuring personal stories from Doug Hartson and Val Bode. They share their experiences of loss, healing, and community support while discussing the importance of remembrance and advocacy in the face of the AIDS epidemic. The dialogue highlights the Quilt's role in changing perceptions, fostering understanding, and providing a therapeutic outlet for those affected by the disease. The speakers also reflect on the challenges faced in promoting the project and the legacy it leaves for future generations. Takeaways  Doug Hartson became involved with the NAMES Project to connect with the community.  Val Bode's brother's illness with AIDS motivated her to create a Quilt panel.  The Quilt serves as a therapeutic outlet for remembering lost friends.  Community support was crucial for the success of the NAMES Project in Tulsa.  The Quilt changed people's perspectives on AIDS and its victims.  Personal stories shared through the Quilt fostered healing and understanding.  Fundraising events like 'Feast with Friends' were vital for sustaining the project.  The NAMES Project had a significant national impact, culminating in displays on the National Mall.  Challenges included societal stigma and resistance to discussing AIDS openly.  The legacy of the NAMES Project continues through education and remembrance efforts. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the NAMES Project and Personal Stories 02:52 Doug Hartson's Journey with the NAMES Project 4 �05:59 Val Bode's Personal Connection to the Quilt 09:02 The Impact of the Quilt on the Community 12:14 Family Stories and Healing Through the Quilt 15:02 Remembering Friends Lost to AIDS 17:58 The Role of Community in the NAMES Project 20:55 Fundraising and Community Engagement 24:05 The Importance of Local Support 26:54 The Final Display of the Quilt in 1996 30:14 Reflections on the NAMES Project's Legacy 39:59 The Emotional Impact of the Quilt 42:31 Community Support and Resistance 45:35 Fundraising and Financial Support 50:51 Counseling and Emotional Support 52:13 Personal Stories and Connections 53:59 Panel Submission and Documentation 57:46 Jack's Legacy and Personal Connections 01:06:01 The Quilt as a Tool for Advocacy 01:12:03 Medical Advances and Their Impact 01:15:20 Preserving the Legacy of the Quilt Dennis Neill: My name is Dennis Neill, and we also have present Amanda Thompson, the archivist, and Toby Jenkins, and we'll have the opportunity to interview Doug Hartson and Val Bode. And the purpose of this interview, on February, the 12th, 2026, in the Nancy and Joe McDonald Library at the Equality Center, is to review the history of the NAMES Project as it impacted the Tulsa community and the great involvement of both Doug and Val in the Tulsa chapter, as well as their work with the national organization. Doug, would you introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your first engagement, one with the organization of OHR and TOHR and then the NAMES Project? Doug Hartson: Well, I'm Doug Hartson and I got involved, gosh, near the very, very beginning, when we were meeting in homes, and then we finally moved our monthly meetings to the Aronson auditorium in the downtown library, Central Library, and I basically became involved because I wasn't necessarily the little barfly that went out 5 �every night or every weekend, so I wanted more of a communal contact with others and wanted to really get involved in the community and helping in any way I could to have another outlet in lieu of going to some of the clubs. And gosh, that was in 80,, what was that? 80?, 81?, anyway. So and then, having done that for quite a while and unfortunately starting to lose friends to AIDS, I got in touch, I guess, with Val or with the organization and became very involved in the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt chapter here and was involved in several displays in Tulsa and then the March in Washington in 93, and then also the final full display in DC in 1996, October of 96. I made quite a few panels for friends that I had lost and just felt the need to let them not be forgotten, and it was also therapeutic and healing to do a Quilt and remember special little things that you put on the Quilt that reminded you of them and our friendship. Dennis Neill: Thank you, Doug. Val, could you kind of introduce your work initially with the NAMES Project and how long that carried on for you? Val Bode: I'm Val Bode and I first became involved with the Quilt when my brother was ill with AIDS. It was very early in the epidemic in 1988, and we had moved him from Houston back to my parents' home in Broken Arrow so the family could care for him and one day we received a phone call. We had many phone calls from friends of his in Houston checking on him, but we received a phone call from a friend, and I answered the phone and visited with the friend who said to me I plan to make a Quilt panel for Kenny when he's gone. And I said I'm not sure I know what that is. And he described the NAMES Project Quilt to me and that stayed with me in the following weeks and after my brother died I wanted to know more about it. And this was back in the days before we had the internet and all of our information at our fingertips. And, as luck would have it, there appeared in the newspaper, the Tulsa World, an article about the NAMES project Quilt coming to Oklahoma City and there was a phone number to call for information. I called the number and received this man with a deep, deep, resonant voice who explained to me all about the Quilt and its visit to Oklahoma City. And by the time I finished the phone call I had volunteered to help with the display and my sister and I both volunteered at that display in Oklahoma City. And that was in early- I think it was early 89, and Kenny had been gone less than a year. And we went to see the Quilt and, sure enough, the panel that his friend in Houston had made was within the sections that were on display, and while it was beautiful, I felt a great sadness because I hadn't taken part in making it, but by the end of the day, I learned that many people had more than one panel and that it was perfectly fine for myself and or my family to make a panel for him, and so we- my sister and my parents- left that day planning to do so and we made his panel. We spelled out his name in Legos. I don't know if that shows very well Dennis, but he was somewhat of a Lego maniac and that was one of the things that he enjoyed in his last months was drawing a building on paper and then reproducing it in Legos, and so we felt like we had to include the Legos, and I was, I was telling earlier about my dad's reluctance to participate in making the Quilt. He thought that was something that mom and the girls should do, and when we talked about the Legos, we were 6 �trying to figure out how to get them on the fabric in a way that they would stay, and we were at my parents’ house. My dad was watching a baseball game, and I took some Legos to him and I said: ”Daddy, we want to spell out Kenny's name in Legos, but we have to sew them on the Quilt. Can you make holes in these so we can sew them on like buttons?”. And he said, “Well, let me see what I can do”. And he took them into the garage. My dad took them into the garage and he came back and each Lego had eight holes around the side and from that moment on he was totally involved with the making of the panel. We sent the panel to Washington, to actually to San Francisco, where the Quilt was at home at the time, and from that day on I was involved with the Quilt. Jack Francis was determined that we have a chapter in Tulsa and so he and I really went forward with that plan and tried to get a chapter in Tulsa, which we did successfully, I think in 90, about 90, and it took a lot of hard work but we did it and we subsequently had, I believe, four major displays in Tulsa, countless small displays, outreach efforts in Tulsa and the surrounding area. Many, many of our panels went to rural areas and I have felt over these years what important work that we did with the Quilt. We saw people who became humbled and changed when they visited the Quilt. We showed the Quilt either in the Maxwell Convention Center, the Pavilion at the fairgrounds… Doug Hartson: I displayed it at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church and other churches through other organizations. It got out there and it did change people's perspective; that it wasn't just a quote-unquote gay disease, that somebody knew someone, that six degrees of separation that had died from AIDS as the pandemic grew, unfortunately, and we lost more friends. But it was also important to get the Quilt out so people understood what it meant and the information behind it and that we just never would forget our friends. Dennis Neill: Speaking of friends and family, Val, could you explain a little bit more about your brother, and I believe his last name was Valentine. Val Bode: Correct. Dennis Neill: Could you share a little bit more about your brother? Val Bode: Kenny Valentine was a forever student. He was, he was eager to learn and he was a student at Oklahoma State for many number of years and I, in recollection, I don't think he ever actually got a degree, but he was interested in so many things: languages, foreign languages. He learned Biblical Hebrew, he learned Russian, he learned German, French. He just had a zeal for learning things. And he had an innate talent drawing and creating things out of Legos. I have in my bedroom a picture that was drawn on a piece of typing paper with a pencil when my daughter, who is now 60, was a little bit of a girl, probably five years old, went to Uncle Kenny and said, Uncle Kenny, will you draw me a lighthouse? And he drew this lovely picture of a lighthouse and the rocky shore and the turbulent water coming in. And I've tried to preserve that. We have a lot of memories of him. He had a great sense of humor and was reluctant to move to Tulsa when he was ill, but he needed help and we pretty much insisted that he come to Tulsa. My parents were alive at the time and in good health. So I remember saying to him, Kenny, I 7 �think you should live with me. And he said, no, that's not a good idea because I'm going to get worse and you're going to have to still go to work and at least Mom and Dad are at home. And I said to him, but you know what's going to happen. Mom's going to think if she feeds you enough homemade soup, you're going to get well. Enough chicken noodle soup and keeps you out of drafts. And he said, yeah, I know, but I'll deal with it. And so we brought him to Tulsa, to my parents' home, and my sister and I were there as much as we could. And he actually died in a hospital. And that was tough. I was with him and I didn't have any experience with death. I didn't know what I know now. Having had both my parents die at home with hospice, I wish I had had that experience with him. But at least I was there. Val Bode in front of the panel her family made following her brother’s death from AIDS. Dennis Neill: Did you have any support like Shanti or any of the other organizations? Val Bode: We really didn't. My parents were pretty closed in about the AIDS issue, as was not unusual, especially for that generation at that time. And so we pretty much did it on our own with some help from their minister and family friends. And we had people dropping in, bringing food, as they do, and being supportive. It was a very, very difficult time for all of us. We knew so little about AIDS that I had very young grandchildren at the time, whom my brother just adored. And I was frightened for them to be with him in a closed situation. Because we didn't know. We didn't know. But I do remember, it was 8 �Christmas time, and my granddaughter, Christina, who was, I think, three at the time, helped decorate the tree. And Kenny wanted to use some of his ornaments that he had. And one of the things he had were strands of pearls, and feet and feet and feet of them. And so they got all those out, and she helped. And we got those all on the tree. And she came to me and she said, “Nan, look, Uncle Kenny got necklaces on his tree”. And so we had good times with him, too. My dad always took photographs with a 35mm camera and had countless number of slides. Yeah, your folks do, right? And so a couple of times we got out the screen and the projector and showed different family vacations and celebrations and so on. There was a picture one year of me and Kenny, and it must have been Easter because we were both dressed to the nines. And he said, “well, that must have been a good year. Those look like store-bought clothes”. So his sense of humor was still there till the very end. We treasure the time that we were able to spend with him. Dennis Neill: Val, you're sharing is so important because it really brings the personal aspect of your family, the impact on your family, and then your motivation to be with the NAMES Project. And so, Doug, is there somebody that you were really close to that really impacted you that's a part of the NAMES Project? Doug Hartson: There were several friends, but John Thomeyer, he was on the TOHR board with me for several years. And unfortunately, he passed away on Christmas, alone. Dennis Neill: You know what year? Doug Hartson: Ninety, I'll have to go back and look at his panel because John Gartland and I… Dennis Neill: You said he was alone, he died at home alone? Doug Harston: From my understanding, his mom, he was supposed to go over to his mom's for the day, for the holiday. And when he didn't show, she went over and found him. And so that was my first panel. And just the camaraderie stemming from TOHR and being on the board and being amongst friends and being able to be yourself and then having to deal with this, which was a totally different aspect than what any of us expected. And we didn't know a lot about it. Val Bode: No, we didn't. Doug Hartson: Which made it even more challenging. There were several, I don't want to go over the long list, but I just felt the need to get involved because it was a way of keeping them remembered. And again, it was therapy for me to do it. Dennis Neill: And as I recall, Doug, on John's panel, it was John on a stage in the spotlight. As I recall, do you know? Doug Hartson: The Empty Stage, yeah. We entitled it The Empty Stage because he was very involved in theater here in Tulsa. And we did the TOHR Follies every year. I was in it a couple of times. But anyway, John was always in it. And so we just felt 9 �that that was very apropos since he was so active in the community in that regard. In fact, his name was Heidi Ho. Here comes Heidi Ho. Toby Jenkins: For our viewers, I want to make sure they understand. Val, how old was your brother Kenny when he died? Val Bode: He was 37. Toby Jenkins: So a young man. Val Bode: A young man. Toby Jenkins: Doug, do you remember the ages of these folks? Doug Hartson: They were all in their mid-30s. Toby Jenkins: Thank you. Val Bode: Very, very early and way too young to be lost. I will share with you the impact that making Kenny's Panel had on my family. My parents were very reluctant to talk about AIDS, to even admit that their son had died of AIDS. And I understood that. That was typical of that generation in those times. And when we were making the Panel, as I mentioned, prior to Kenny's death, there was involvement from my parents' minister at the church they attended in Sapulpa. And he knew that we were involved, that we were making this Quilt Panel, and was quite interested to learn more about it. And he approached my sister and asked her if we would share the Quilt Panel with the congregation when it was complete. And my parents said no, they did not want to do that. And so my sister Jayne and I understood, and we said, okay, that's all right. But as time got close to the completion of the Panel, they seemed to change their minds. My mother came to me and she said, “if you took the Panel to church and you spoke, would you tell people that babies die of this disease too?” And I said, yes, of course I will. And so they agreed for us to do this. And so we had the Quilt Panel after it was completed on a table at the back of the congregation and at the back of the sanctuary. And my sister and I both spoke. We told about Kenny's illness. We told about the family's involvement. We spoke about the NAMES Project and about the making of the Panel. The plan was, at the benediction, for the family to go to the back and be at the table where the Quilt was, which we did. And as soon as the amens were said, people came to my parents and surrounded them with love and acceptance and acknowledgement and comfort. And I, today, feel like that changed them forever. It told them that this was not a death to be fearful of, that it was acknowledged how much we loved Kenny and how much we wanted to remember him and speak his name. And I think that that activity, that whole arrangement, brought them, all of us, more healing than we could have gotten any other way, any other way. And from that day on, they were involved with our displays that we had after we formed a chapter, our local displays, and they always volunteered, dressed in all whites, and did whatever 10 �we needed them to do. So that became an incredible healing tool for us, and we saw it again with so many people as we worked with the Quilt. Dennis Neill: So Val, when you talk about in all white, is this an example of what you all wore? Val Bode: Well, this was not official. Doug Hartson: Pretty close, though. Val Bode: Well, we all wore mini buttons that we collected over the years at different NAMES Project displays. I found this vest, gosh, this was before Amazon, I found it somewhere in a store and had it imprinted with Tulsa area chapter and just put my buttons on it and wore it over. Everybody wore white. The volunteers at the Quilt were requested to wear all white, and that included NAMES Project t-shirts, or just plain white. And that was so that we could be readily, oh, thank you, Doug, thank you, Doug, that was so that we could be readily identifiable to visitors. Dennis Neill: So was that part of the national program? Val Bode: That was. That was the national NAMES Project organization in organizing local displays and regional exhibitions. That was one of the requests that they made, was to see that all volunteers knew they should wear all white, if at all possible. And so it was a good way for us to stand out, to be ready to answer questions. Toby Jenkins: So I noticed on the vest that you had the buttons. So you would have bought those in advance, and I suppose there was a fee for you to purchase the button, and then did that fund that chapter's project? Val Bode: Absolutely, yes, funded either the chapter's project or the national organization. And so all the merchandise sales, which there was a lot of merchandise available, you know, t-shirts, sweatshirts, buttons, bracelets, all kinds of things. And so all of that income from that merchandise went to either local organizations or the national NAMES Project. Dennis Neill: That's very helpful. So let's spend a little more time talking about the local community and the support for the NAMES Project, and then we'd like to visit a little bit about your national involvement and your ideas about the national involvement. So when I think about the NAMES Project in Tulsa, I think of the two of you plus Jack Francis. I imagine there were others that were involved, but can you... Doug Hartson: It's just Jack. Dennis Neill: Can you describe a little bit about Jack's role, why he got involved, was he the main cheerleader for a while? Doug Hartson: He definitely was, but Val's going to be better at talking about Jack than I am. Val Bode: Jack and I spoke together after the Oklahoma City display and were determined that we would start a chapter in Tulsa. And that was an arduous process. We had a lot of work ahead of us, but we had great support. 11 �We were very involved with other organizations here in town- TOHR, Shanti- Help Me Doug, RAIN- many other organizations- and not only support for forming our chapter and putting on these displays, but also becoming involved as volunteers at displays. I mean, every single AIDS HIV organization in town fed volunteers to us because it took a lot of people to put on a major display, as we did four times, and so we had hundreds of volunteers literally. I mean, you had to unload the Quilt from the truck at the beginning and then you had to unpack everything, organize it the way it had to be organized in order for the list of names to match with the panels, and it was a big undertaking. It also cost a lot of money, and we were able to raise enough money through our Feast With Friends, which was our major fundraiser Feast With Friends, October 2000. Oh, my goodness, 26 years ago, Feast With Friends was a great time. Dennis Neill: Was that a local concept or was that a national concept? Val Bode: That was a local concept that we- oh, it was a, I think it was a group effort. We just got together as a board, including Jack and Doug and a number of other people, and we just came up with names. Doug Hartson: It was always and it still is, and it's from any organization that they do benefit dinner and auction. You do the dinner and then you have items live and silent auction, and we wanted to do something a little different, I think. We did the dinner part, but it wasn't in some hotel ballroom. That was the dessert finale and the awards, the presentations, but we encouraged friends to do dinner parties and pick a theme, and that turned out to be a lot of fun because there were some really cute, if you will, themes that came up. One of the ones that I hosted was called “Meals on Heels” and it was a hit. Val Bode: It was a hit, great fun. Doug Hartson: We raised the most money, I must say. I'm proud of that. So yeah, but no, it was a hoot. We did a… I had a roast pig. We did a big pig with the apple in its mouth in my backyard and everybody was to wear heels and coming through the gate we had a big, giant red pump and it turned out to be quite the talk of the town and I remember Rob Hill, who was blind, came with the ends of a loaf of bread taped to... heels. So yeah, so he won the most original at our party. But anyway, no, it was that. And then, oh gosh, I'm trying to think of some of the other names of the parties. Val Bode: Well, that same year- was it Betty and Peggy, or no, it was Kay and Maryhad a party “Women in Comfortable Shoes”. But the way it worked was individuals would host parties in their home in exchange for a donation to the Names Project and so, and it could be anything from hot dogs and beer to a five-course sit-down dinner, and then we all gathered at a location that we had obtained to eat dessert, and the desserts were all donated. We had teams of people who spent the day acquiring, picking up donations, and that was great fun too, because there were a couple of incidents where, you know, cobbler got spilled in the back of someone's truck or whatever. But it was a lot of fun and it was very successful. And the Names Project nationally recognized that when they awarded us Chapter of the Year in 95, that they, I believe, expressed that we 12 �created a very original and successful fundraiser which was part of the reason we won that award. Dennis Neill: You know, that brings up such an interesting thought in that the Names Project, being a national organization, brought down to the local community. It impacts so many aspects, right the grieving process, the messaging process but you also have to have a camaraderie to raise the funds that you're talking about and it can be a fun event even though we're recognizing something that's extremely serious. So talk about the emotion between grieving, messaging, having a community that supports it. It all kind of has to work together, doesn't it? Val Bode: It does. Doug Hartson: Yeah. Val Bode: And it absolutely did. Doug Hartson: It did. And again, knowledge is power and I think a lot of people became interested and were wanting to know more about the Quilt because whether they knew someone who had died from AIDS or not, it's a way for them to realize that we are all in this together and everyone is affected one way or another. And when we did the Feast with Friends dinner parties and then we had the dessert and then we actually showed the Quilt four times here, more and more people came out and again I think they appreciated the fact that it was a healing process for everyone, not just those of us who had made a Quilt, but for those in the community who wanted to know more about it and then have a deeper understanding of what it really was meant for. Dennis Neill: Did you ever know anybody that actually helped create their own Quilt? Val Bode: You know, I had heard of some people who had done that through connections with people from the national organization. I did not know anyone personally who did that. Doug Hartson: I didn't either, personally, but no. And I think it would probably be very therapeutic for them, knowing, because then they get to put their own, obviously, very personal spin on it, on the things that they wanted to be remembered by. Like Kenny with his Legos. Val Bode: Yeah, you know, that was important that we include those. Doug Hartson: So, but the national, the final display of the entire Quilt in 96, we were the central region and that was a tremendous undertaking and a lot of work, but so worth it, because that was the first year that the president acknowledged the Quilt. They actually came down and toured the Quilt. Toby Jenkins: And what year was that and who was the president, the sitting president? Doug Hartson: That was October of 96, yeah, October 11th through the 13th of 96, and, oh, sorry, the one thing I, one of the things I saved from the... 13 �Val Bode: This was one of my favorite slogans that came out of national, “Not all battles are fought with a sword”. Toby Jenkins: And so was this, Val, was this the very first time it was on display on the National Mall? Val Bode: No, this was the last time it was on display on the National Mall. The first time was 89, and I was, I was there for that display. I was there for the subsequent displays. Toby Jenkins: And in 89, who would have been president at the White House? Val Bode: Reagan, I think. Doug Hartson: Yeah. Val Bode: Was it Reagan? Doug Hartson: And he did not... Val Bode: Did not, did not... Dennis Neill: Bush. Yeah, it was Bush. Was it Bush? Yeah. Val Bode: Okay. Dennis Neill: But I noticed in the 1996, the final showing, that the honorary co-chairs were the president and Mrs. Clinton. Val Bode: Yes. Dennis Neill: I noticed Barney Frank was on there as well, and several other wellknown individuals. And I'm thinking, Doug, was that the year that you were the captain of Column 71? Doug Hartson: Yes. Val Bode: Yes. Dennis Neill: Tell us a little bit about that. Doug Hartson: Well, that was, first, very rewarding. But we were in charge, and again, it takes a village, and it takes a good team, from organizing the teams that were going to unfold the panels, who were going to read names. And in case of inclement weather, I missed the Senate dinner that night because it was going to rain, and we didn't have enough volunteers that were still around that, to get the Quilt back under cover. So, but it was… Challenging, to say the least, but it was something I'll never forget. Val Bode: It was a tremendous success. That was the year that the previous display had a lot of problems that came about, and the NAMES Project organization, national organization, as a result of those problems, recognized that their expertise did not lay with displays, that it was the chapters who were so good at displays 14 �because we did these major displays in our communities- not just us but probably a hundred other chapters- and so they decided that that knowledge should be put to use, that experience, and so the Quilt was divided into segments, virtual segments, where each chapter would have the responsibility for that segment, and as a result, I think it was a tremendously successful display. I really do. Doug Hartson: Not just because it was the last one, unfortunately, but it really went very well. Val Bode: It really did, from the steps of the Capitol Building to the pool of the Washington Monument, and when you see that area in its entirety and with the Quilt laid out, it's an incredibly impressive site. Toby Jenkins: Val and Doug, I want to ask you about a question that may just be urban legend, but it's kind of what I've heard for decades and I'm not real sure if it was Reagan or Bush, but I think when the first display Air Force One, not Air Force One- the helicopter had left the White House and it flew over and it hovered over it to take all of it in for the first time, and that that whoever was in the White House at that time, that began to be a door where there began to be a more national discussion about funding. Is that an urban legend? Val Bode: I saw the helicopter go over and I never saw it hover, did you? Doug Hartson: No. Val Bode: No, the helicopter flew over… Doug Hartson: And left the White House because they didn't want to. Val Bode: They didn't, yeah, they left the White House. Doug Hartson: In my opinion. Val Bode: - Well, in pretty much our opinion, they did not want to visit the Quilt, and I remember clearly we yelled shame, shame. Toby Jenkins: I think that was Reagan, Val Bode: I think it was Reagan. I remember it was Reagan. Toby Jenkins: You said the first display was in 80…. Val Bode: 89. Toby Jenkins: Yes, and I did check and it was Reagan. Val Bode: Yeah, I remember that clearly and I did see the helicopter, but I did not see it hover. Dennis Neill: So, with regard to the panels, do you recall, Doug, at that final display on the mall, how many Quilts were displayed for the final? Doug Hartson: How many individual panels? Val Bode: Oh, my goodness, I don't remember. 15 �Dennis Neill: Or do you know how many you were responsible for as the captain. Doug Hartson: Oh, I don't even remember that but a lot. I don't remember that either. Val Bode: It was kind of numbered, I think, by 12 by 12s, wasn't it 12 by 12s? Doug Hartson: Yeah, and it wasn't just the individual panels, because all the panels were made into a 12 by 12 section which is unfolded. So, as far as the individual panels- and I don't even know how many 12 by 12s there were- yeah… Dennis Neill: t was an impressive, incredible number. Val Bode: Absolutely, absolutely. Dennis Neill: And how about the local displays? How many would be the maximum that you think were on display in Tulsa? Doug Hartson: Well, the first one that we had at the Pavilion, we had it on the inner circle of the floor- oh, it's oval shape- and then the outer upper and then all on the floor. Val Bode: We hung panels around the bleachers. and I don't remember a number. It was a lot, it was a lot. And one of the things that I failed to mention about our local displays is we were, it was important to us to include school kids, and so the first day of the Quilt being open to the public was actually open to public schools, and we arranged with the schools in advance so they would have transportation and they brought high school kids- I think it was primarily high school kids- in by the bus load to see the Quilt and that was a really great success. One of my favorite stories came from Sharon Thoele and she spoke of a young man entering the display, and we were at the Pavilion that year- I don't know what year it was, but she spoke of him entering the Pavilion wearing his cowboy hat and his cowboy boots and strutting into the vicinity of the Quilt and she thought, oh, this is gonna be interesting. And she kind of kept an eye on him and as he walked around, she watched him and eventually she saw him on one knee with his hat in his hand and tears coming from his eyes as he viewed a panel. And that to me says it all about what the Quilt was about. It brought so much healing to people. I helped a number of people make panels for their loved ones. We had sewing bees. We had individual meetings to help people get started. Doug Hartson: Because they wanted to make one, they just didn't know the first thing to do. Val Bode: Didn't know what to do, how to get started. You know, the panel, individual panels are three feet by six feet and that's a sizable piece of fabric to work with. And so you have to kind of use your imagination to decide what, how you're going to fill that space. And I think what we did or what I did with people I met with was I arranged to meet with them in person and show them pictures and explain what these panels meant, even in regard to my own for Kenny, so that they would get an idea of how to express their love or their remembrance of the individual. And we had a lot of new panels come in at every display. They ultimately went to the National to be sewn into sections and are still there today. 16 �Toby Jenkins: So the question for our viewers earlier was how many Quilts were a part of the display in 1996 on the National Mall in Washington, DC? And I've looked this up, 42,000 individual Quilts. Val Bode: Thank you, Toby. Yes, 42,000. And so, and you think of that as such a tremendous number that's represented there, yet it was only a fraction of those who died, a small fraction. Dennis Neill: So you mentioned how emotional the experience could be for many people, and I'm sure there's many stories you could share about that. How about, and everything I've seen, the media coverage was very good in the Tulsa community. How about any pushback? Did you come up with any resistance or people that saying that we need to quit recognizing this AIDS situation? Doug Hartson: Personally, I didn't. It was quite the opposite. I had people from other organizations I was involved in at the time, not just TOHR, but my church, and they, like I said, knowledge is power. They really, I spoke in Sunday school classes about it, I took panels, and they were very open to learning more about the Quilt. So I personally never had any bad situations come up from it, fortunately. Dennis Neill: And I noticed at the National, lots of corporate sponsors, and we had a lot of corporate sponsors locally, as I recall. Doug Hartson: Yes. Val Bode: Yes we did. I'm having trouble remembering, but we did. And even unrecognized sponsors, for instance, at the time I worked for Oneok, and at the time I was involved with the displays, my management was very supportive of anything that I needed to do during the day involving the Quilt. And in addition to that, we had a wonderful graphic arts department that did just everything, and they would make my, you know, 500 copies of something and punch holes in it, or whatever I needed, publish our newsletter for us. They just did a tremendous amount that we would otherwise have had to pay for, and that was incredibly helpful. I don't remember any pushback from the public. We had tremendous support. It seemed everywhere we turned, you know, not everybody was able to help financially, but everyone seemed supportive. Dennis Neill: And you recall in 1996 there was also evidently a musical that was put on that was a benefit for the Names Project. Do you all recall that, and who helped pull that event together? Val Bode: Oh, who did that? Friends of Broken Arrow Community Playhouse, okay. Yeah, and I don't, I just don't remember a lot about that. Doug Hartson: I don't either, unfortunately. Dennis Neill: And other than Feast for Friends, do you recall any other kind of grassroots fundraisers that helped you all? Val Bode: Oh, hmm. Doug Hartson: That was, again, our main fundraiser of the year I don't recall any other... 17 �Toby Jenkins: So, I have two questions. Val Bode: Sure. Toby Jenkins: So, you would have been a part of the organizing group, maybe you know the answer to this. I know you've talked about it was on display at the Maxwell Convention Center, which today is Arvest, the Arvest Convention Civic Center, and it was on display at the fairgrounds at the Pavilion. Did your chapter have to pay a rental fee? No public dollars were used for that, so you didn't... Val Bode: We did pay a rental fee. That all came out of our fundraising efforts, yes. Toby Jenkins: Second question, do you have a guess? Like, were there 5,000 people that came through and viewed it? Weren't there 10,000? Do you remember? Val Bode: Yeah, we used to have numbers. Doug Hartson: We used to have the clicker at the door and keep track of how many did come. Val Bode: I cannot remember numbers. Doug Hartson: It was thousands, though. Val Bode: Yes, it was... Toby Jenkins So, this part of it, I remember it would have been in the early... What was the last time it was at the convention center? Val Bode: It would have been... Doug Hartson: Ninety... Val Bode: Ninety-six... Toby Jenkins: No, this would have been later. Dennis Neill: So, there was one in 1996. Val Bode: 1997,... yeah. I think it was 97, yeah. Toby Jenkins: So, I can remember when it was at the Maxwell Convention Center. I was recently out, and I had my children on the weekends, and I asked their mother if it would be all right if I took them to that, and they were both pre-adolescent, or I think my son was already 12 or 13. And I can remember this. We had to stand in line to get in the building for about 40 minutes. I mean, there was a long line. You parked, and then you had to stand in line to get in the building. So, I remember that part, and I can remember there being large crowds of us walking in between, so I remember that part of it. Dennis Neill: I think one quote Jack had was he expected 10,000. Val Bode: And I think we surpassed that at one point, yeah. The attendance was phenomenal. 18 �Dennis Neill: And Toby mentioned about paying rent and probably paying for security and so forth. Did you actually have to pay national, too, as part of... Val Bode: Yes. Dennis Neill: And kind of, how did that work out? Did you pay for just the transportation, or were there other fees associated? Val Bode: Actually, yes and no. Doug Hartson: For the Quilts to come from San Francisco… Val Bode: There was a fee, just a display fee. And we actually had transportation donated by a trucking company. I cannot remember their name, I'm sorry. We also had all of our stanchions that we used for display and divisions and so on and so forth. All of that was donated by a local company with whom Jack had a connection, and he arranged that every display. They were wonderful. We had most of our printing was donated, mostly by Oneok. And we listed them as a donor. I'm trying to remember, there were so many things. But it was costly to have a major display, because the fee to the national organization was significant. It was a significant fee, and so that was the starting point. And then you had all these other things. You had to rent the facility, you had to have security, you had to display materials, the printing, just so much that you wouldn't think of just off the top of your head. Dennis Neill: It seemed like you had volunteer counselors too. Val Bode: We did, we did, and many of those came from other organizations in town, but we reached out to RAIN and TOHR and all of the AIDS and HIV organizations for help from their counseling professionals so that when there was someone who was really in trouble, really having a tough time, we could get, hone in, the volunteer involved could hone in on a counselor and get them together and if necessary take them to a back room or whatever was required in order to help them get through it because some people became very emotional. It was really tough. Doug Hartson: We went through a lot of boxes of these [tissues]. Val Bode: We bought a lot of tissues. Doug Hartson: One of... each 12x12 because just like Sharon's story of the student with the cowboy hat, upon entering it was just like, oh yeah, there's another field trip and then by the time they were ready to leave it had touched his heart and did a lot of people. Whether you knew a person on that panel or not, it's just the emotion of realizing what that represents. Val Bode: And we saw that over and over and over again. Doug Hartson: Which made it, not sounding tacky, but it made it rewarding and knowing that we were reaching the community and that's why we were doing it. Val Bode: Well, and in retrospect, it was incredibly important work that we did. We, I don't think, fully realized at the time what we were doing as far as its impact, but we recognized it in little pieces like with the kid with the cowboy hat. The mother, there 19 �was a mother down near Muskogee who called me and wanted to make a panel for her son, but her husband, who was a stepdad, was objecting. He did not want her to be involved. And we talked, I don't know how many times, on the phone. And I did everything I knew to do to try and help her along with this process. And as our next display became closer and I had talked to her about bringing her panel to that display, she's always said, “I just don't think I'll be able to do it. My husband doesn't want me to do it. I don't know that I can do it”. And I remember at that display, someone who was working at the table where you checked in new panels came and found me and said, there's a lady here who wants to see you. And I would not have recognized, I'd never met her in person, but it was her. And that touched my heart because somehow, she was able to do that and to bring us her son's panel and she shared it with me and told me all about it and how she was so glad that she was finally able to do that and to bring it to us there at the Quilt display. And it had a tremendous impact on me that I was a little part of that and that somehow, she did what she wanted to do. Dennis Neill: So you mentioned this was a new panel. Was each display a mix of panels from National and then the local panels? And would you talk through a little bit about how that was accomplished, how you let new panels in, and then what was the process of returning those new panels to the NAMES Project? Val Bode: Okay. Doug Hartson: It was a combination of previous or older panels and then the new ones, like Val was saying, the mother from Muskogee, unfortunately there were always new panels. So there was a table at the display where you could bring your panel and check it in and then of course, we would include it in the current display. And then, I don't remember how long after the fact that we had to send it back to San Francisco, but again, we kept several here and several had been on display here at the Equality Center. Val Bode: We documented every new panel that came in with, you know, details of its content, details of the panel maker or panel makers, all of the information that the National Project would want to archive along with this panel. I believe we sent most of the new panels back with the remainder of the Quilt and along with the documentation. We may have kept a few for local displays. The national organization made every effort to send us 12 by 12 sections that included names that originated in Tulsa, whether it was a Tulsa person who lived here or a family or panel maker who lived here. And so they did a really good job of that. We also requested specifically individual 12 by 12s. Every 12 by 12 has a number and so we were able to look for names in the list that we wanted to have included and request that 12 by 12. And they were very accommodating about making that happen. It didn't happen always because there were other displays going on simultaneously all over the country, but they did a really good job of getting us the panels that we wanted to see. Dennis Neill: I believe the Names Project website, which is still a searchable website, does it have all that detail that you were to collect on each panel or is it just a summary like name and date of birth? 20 �Val Bode: Yeah, it's basically a summary. They have archival photos of every individual panel that are absolutely wonderful. My brother-in-law ordered for me and my sister a framed photo of Kenny's panel and then it has an inset at the bottom that says the Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt. And they really have done a good job of archiving and protecting the Quilts. Dennis Neill: So Val, when you bring that up, I believe this must be an example of one from the National with Philip Bray? Val Bode: Absolutely, absolutely. Philip Bray, yes. Dennis Neill: Philip was very active with us with TOHR for a number of years. Val Bode: So you can see by this photo, it's a high-quality photo of the panel. You get that, Dennis? Dennis Neill: Thank you very much. Val Bode: Yeah, those are wonderful. Dennis Neill: So we're very blessed, Val and Doug, to have a nice collection of material that you all helped create. And one, I'd like for you to talk a little bit more, Val, about how Jack got involved, what was his emotional connection, and then talk to us a little bit about the material you have and then, Doug, you can talk a little bit about the material that you have. So Val, why don't you start? Val Bode: Well, Jack had a very close friend who died from AIDS, and I believe he had moved to Dallas. I think so. And that was the first panel that Jack made. I think Jack made several over the years, because he lost other friends as well. Jack was a man who was dedicated to things that he believed in. He was an officer in the Navy. He was a successful employee of Social Security after his retirement from the Navy, and he was a force with which to be reckoned. And so Jack, I think, was one of the first people in Tulsa to recognize that this entity, the Quilt, had tremendous power, that it had the power to heal, the power to teach, the power to change minds. And he was dedicated to the Quilt. His dedication had no bounds. He was there every minute of every day of every display. He never missed a moment of it. And his ability to impact the rest of us was very strong, wasn't it, Doug? He was a strong personality who could be a gentle giant and a delightful man. And I was honored one time he referred to me as the daughter he never had. And that touched me very deeply because he was a sweetheart to me. I remember, he could be difficult to deal with at moments, he had his times. Doug Hartson: This is true. Yeah. Val Bode: But when he decided to retire from the active board of the NAMES Project Tulsa, Sharon Thoele and I took over, and Jack had trouble letting go, and I remember Sharon saying, well, we've just got to talk to him. And we agreed, and she said, well, you're going to have to do it because he likes you better. Dennis Neill: Do you remember what year that was? 21 �Val Bode: It was late in the 90s, yeah. Dennis Neill: So was he involved with you for all four? Val Bode: Yes. Every single one. Toby Jenkins: So Val has talked about Jack Francis, who his picture, and he is on our military veterans wall of honor, and you talked about his being a very direct and forceful person. That was because he was a lieutenant commander of an Air Force carrier in World War II. So he served our country, and so he was used to people doing what he said. Doug Hartson: And we did. Val Bode: I have to share a story with you. Jack died peacefully in his sleep, and his dear friend Don Barnum and I found him in his home, in his apartment, because we became concerned, we couldn't reach him. And so we were there into the wee hours of the night waiting for the medical examiner or someone. And I remember one of the police officers who first responded to our 911 call and seemed to be in charge, noticed a framed picture of Jack with some medals and his title. And he came to me and he said, I see your friend was a lieutenant commander in the Navy. And I said, yes, he was. And he said, that's a pretty high rank. And I said, yes, I know that. And if he could sit up right now, he would tell you to get this show on the road. Toby Jenkins: So let me interject this. In 2011, when the ban was lifted on allowing gays to serve openly in the military, and we had military recruiters come from the Pentagon, Jack was in the lobby when they arrived. And when the U.S. Navy military recruiter walked through, Jack stood out of his chair. By then he was pretty feeble and he stood out of his chair and he saluted him. And then he sat down and just wept and wept. That military recruiter kind of hugged him and it was a very emotional thing that he had lived long enough to see gay people be able to serve openly in the military. This is so our viewers will know who Jack Francis was. Val Bode: Thank you. Yes. He was very proud of his military service. And that meant a great deal to him that he did live to see that happen. Toby Jenkins: Well, that explained why he was forced to be... Doug Hartson: Yes, Jack, whatever you say, Jack. Val Bode: Yes. Dennis Neill: So Val, talk a little bit more about your collection of information. Val Bode: Well, just over the years, I saved everything I could think of that came along. So many photographs from not only the national displays, but our regional displays. And those were really important that I was able to share them. It was great that I had someone to share them with. My concern was, what is going to happen to these when I'm gone from this earth? My grandchildren, they probably don't want them. And although some of my grandchildren are in those books as little children and they're grown adults now, but to having the Equality Center be willing to take these things from me and... 22 �Dennis Neill: We are honored. Val Bode: Thank you. Thank you. I am so happy to know that they will be cared for and that they'll be available to other people because everything that's in here was important to me. Doug Hartson: It's history. Val Bode: It's part of my history and I feel it's some of the most important work I've ever done. Dennis Neill: Amanda, you promise to take good care of her materials? Amanda Thompson: Absolutely! Val Bode: Thank you, Amanda. Amanda Thompson: It's a big honor. Dennis Neill: And Doug, do you want to talk a little bit about what you have? Doug Hartson: Basically the same stuff. Anyone who knows me knows that I keep a lot of paperwork and save everything, like Jack did. So, no, I feel just like Val does that...My nephews don't want it and I, going through things at home, I was just like this is such a big part of my life and I want others to have the privilege to seeing this. It is part of our history and those who weren't even born yet to have the opportunity to look and and hopefully also be touched and know that it's unfortunately not over, that it's an important part of all of our lives, and so I'm. As I come across more goodies, I will definitely bring them down to you, but I'm very grateful that OkEq is going to take care of it. Dennis Neill: Thank you very much. Toby, why don't you talk a little bit more with them about the involvement of the center and how the Quilts came here and then your story about when we send them back and anything else you want to cover. Toby Jenkins: So, Dennis is wanting us to highlight how, as y'all were on the front end of how the Quilts came into being, this was the way for families and friends to be able to express their love and remember their loved ones, and it also then became an advocacy tool that you were able to display it to the public, and it changed the heart of a nation. It changed our country. It appealed to something that everybody in our country had a connection: the loss of a loved one and family- and these are not outsiders. This is my family member, and I love them. So the Quilts were, when we opened the Equality Center, when we purchased this permanent space, we became one of the few LGBT organizations in the country that owned its own building. Now I know that that's not profound, but it was at the time. We had our own building and it belonged to us. It wasn't a leased space, and so that's how we were able to approach- at that time I think the Names Project was in AtlantaDoug Hartson: Yes. Val Bode: Yes Toby Jenkins: So we were able to approach them. And they allowed us… we have the documents they allowed us to have on permanent display, the panels we 23 �specifically had on the permanent display, the panels of individuals from Oklahoma, not just necessarily Tulsa, but from Oklahoma. Yeah, so, more than once, more than once, I would say dozens and dozens of times- we would have family members and friends, coworkers, people who went to church, college. They would come to the center and see the panel, see a Quilt panel, and had no idea it would be here and would see it for the first time, and it would be a very emotional, moving time. So when individuals would tour the Equality Center, we had university groups, corporations, faith communities who would tour- we always made sure we brought special attention and explained the AIDS panels and the stories. Always in those tours there would be individuals who would recognize the names of those Tulsans or those Oklahomans. And then when they moved, when they built the new AIDS Museum in San Francisco, the national organization wanted to bring all the Quilts in, and so they asked that our Quilts return. And well, there was, you know, kind of some confusion over that and we decided at the moment I mean, I was willing to fight- these are our Quilts, these are Oklahoma Quilts. You told us we can have them on display. And when we finally our board, decided, you know, we need, we need to let them be a part of the national thing. And so we, Jeremy Stevens and his partner, Alan Mueggenborg, I think as I pronounce it. They approached us. Jeremy Stevens was serving on the board at the time and he said we could make replicas of those. And so what we did is we pulled in our photographers and our staff and it was a very detailed process and we had, if you remember Council Oak, we had the Quilt is going to be leaving, you come see it, and we had thousands of people come to see it for the last weekend and then we took those pictures and we created silk screen panels that are there's such high quality definition photography that when you look at them you think you're looking at a three-dimensional image, because the Quilts you could- I mean it had people's personal effects, their letter jackets, their baptismal gowns, their legos, so we made sure we did it. Now, the reason that became significant, CenterLink- the International Network of LGBT centers- when they heard that we had done that, they asked for us to do a little tutorial on how we did that and then other centers then would request the panels from their area and they would bring them in and have them digitally reproduced. And so it became a way that centers across the country could have facsimiles is what they are. The other part that I want to talk about is the way it was able to change people's lives. It made it personal instead of this being a report you heard on the news about right wing fundamentalist people who wanted to use this as this is God's judgment on the country and they brought them up, you know, when we were in this, Americans have lots of opinions and so there were people who ostracized them, there were people who felt like they got what they deserved, but the AIDS Quilts shut that down. It brought that to silence and it made them be ashamed of them being so cruel and the majority of the American people began to say these are our people, these are our families, these are our siblings and our children and our spouses and our coworkers and this is them and it really changed the hearts of the country. The other significant part, I wish I had the medical technology for this, but the AIDS epidemic 24 �was so frightening because we didn't know and then there wasn't a treatment. You were diagnosed, you got sick and you could be gone quickly. Doug, do you happen to remember the first friend you had die of AIDS? Do you remember? Val, do you remember any details like that? Val Bode. Kenny was the first person I actually knew who had AIDS. If there was anybody earlier, I was not aware of it. Doug Hartson: John Thomeyer was probably mine and then there's the list, but I'm happy to say that I have quite a few friends who are living with HIV and AIDS, fortunately with the cocktails and other medications that have come along, which I think is all part of it. That circle is that okay, this is the problem, this is part of acknowledging and remembering the problem and then you come up with hopefully a solution and again, knowledge is power. Toby Jenkins: So this is the point I want to make about that. The researchers, the medical professionals who were trying to find a treatment for those who had been infected and those who were living with AIDS, that took over a decade for them to finally find…that discovery, that medical discovery, that treatment plan, 30 years later is what saved this world from the pandemic destroying the world. The deaths were horrific, but they were small compared to what they could have been because the medical discoveries and treatment plans, those same treatment plans that saved individuals' lives, then began the treatment plan for us to have our vaccines and for us to be able to save people's lives. So for me, I remember when the news began to report this and Fauci was our, I forget what his role was… Dennis Neill: Pretty much head of CDC. Toby Jenkins: So I can remember at the time when the news broke that they found something and it was the people who had worked on the AIDS vaccines. I remember thinking to myself, they did not die in vain. We didn't lose them in vain. Their lives will live on, their legacies will live on. They saved the world from a greater pandemic. Doug Hartson: Decades later, I mean, who would have ever thought? Val Bode: Yes. Dennis Neill: So what else would you all like to share about the NAMES Project, your personal involvement, the impact, and how you see a living legacy of the NAMES Project going forward? Val Bode: I think it's something that we can continue to share, that even though we don't have active panels, active chapter in Tulsa, we can continue to share with friends, acquaintances, family, our stories as we're doing here today. And as we have spoken and gone on, I think of my, I have five grandchildren, mostly grown, all of them, and five great-grandchildren at varying stages of their lives. And for my great-grandchildren, you know, I raised three of my grandchildren, and they were with me all the time at NAMES Project meetings and displays and everything, and so they remember all this very clearly, and they still talk about it. But my great- 25 �grandchildren have no exposure to this, and I plan to give them some. It is my desire in being here and hearing our own stories to share some of this with those little ones. They need to know that this happened, that their uncle was one of the names on this Quilt, and that we remember his name. Dennis Neill: Hopefully, once we have the video ready for you, they'll be willing to sit down and see it. Val Bode: Absolutely. Dennis Neill: And Doug, how about for you? Doug Hartson: Basically, never forget. We don't have any displays currently. I think it's wonderful that everything is housed in San Francisco, so it's not lost. There's not a panel that someone made that's going to be forgotten. But it doesn't need to be forgotten here. We need to keep it current. We need to keep the people who were not even born yet aware of what major part of our history this is or was and still is. And so just never forget, and may it live on. Dennis Neill: I think it's particularly important that we do keep the focus, because we know the current administration is downplaying World AIDS Day and the other important steps that had been taken previously. But we're still going to be there, and we're still going to be telling these stories, aren't we? Val Bode: Yes, we are. Dennis Neill: Toby, anything else you think we should cover in this interview. Toby Jenkins: Well, I just want you to know what an honor. Thank you so much. That must have taken hours and money out of your own pockets, and you had to miss lots of other stuff, and you probably, you were so busy. And I know that probably at the time, you may have had people who criticized or complained, why didn't you do it this way? But thank you so much that you did it, and that both of you have faithfully kept materials that can become a part of the official archives. Val Bode: Well, and I think a great deal of the honor is ours as well. I'm certainly honored that you would invite us here to do this, and that you are willing to take our souvenirs and take care of them. Doug Hartson: Our cherished possessions. Toby Jenkins: And I would say this. I don't know that Val, I've ever knew this part about Kenny, that his panel had Legos on it. And I'm telling you, this could be taken out to schools. Because right now, Legos is everybody. Val Bode: It's big, yes. Toby Jenkins: And people would really connect with it. Val Bode: I think you're right, yeah. And in fact, my grandchildren, who were little at the time when we did this, they were always intrigued with Uncle Kenny's panel because it had Legos on it. You know, that was a big draw for them. Dennis Neill: So can you retrieve the panels for a showing any more? 26 �Toby Jenkins: Yeah, you can. Doug and Val: You can. Dennis Neill: We need to think about that for the next World AIDS Day. Dennis Neill: Any final comments that you all would like to share? Doug Hatson: Just thank you for having us. Val Bode: Oh, thank you for this opportunity. It's been delightful. Dennis Neill: Like Toby said, it is our honor. Val Bode: Well, ours as well. Dennis Neill: We will protect it. Val Bode: Thank you. Doug Hartson: Thank you. Val Bode: All of you. 27 � 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] HIV & AIDS > NAMES Project Description An account of the resource <strong>Physical Media:</strong> <br />Box 3, Folder 5 - NAMES Project<br /><br /><strong>Digital Media:</strong> Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2026] Val Bode and Doug Hartson Interview Description An account of the resource Deed of gifts and informed consents available in person at the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center. Subject The topic of the resource Val Bode and Doug Hartson Names Project Interview from February 12, 2026 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Val Bode, Doug Hartson, Dennis Neill Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource February 12, 2026 2026 AIDS AIDS deaths AIDS Quilt AIDS/HIV AIDS/HIV discrimination AIDS/HIV education Dennis Neill Dennis R. Neill Dennis R. 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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://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/aaf293be36366382f7b6470177d20839.JPG acb391b8611ffb651db817fc284e1ddf 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 Photograph Physical Dimensions The actual physical size of the original image 2592x1728 pixels Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2006] All Souls Unitarian Float Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2006 Description An account of the resource Photo of All Souls Unitarian Church's float in Tulsa's 2006 Pride parade. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2006 Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource Dennis Neal Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource JPG file 2592x1728 pixels Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Photograph 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 Oklahomans for Human Rights All Souls Unitarian Church Tulsa, Oklahoma https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/4b509a5e5c96b66515bd3f4e7d5ee481.png 1b05abc708a4a80f87885238c4126ea0 https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/9561ed775cc4c3157b61bfde4673943f.mp4 488bb5a1256b6dd5cacb20c65ea00927 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.) 18 minutes 30 seconds Compression Type/rate of compression for moving image file (i.e. MPEG-4) MPEG-4 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2008] Gala Lifetime Achievement Award 2008, Charles Faudree Subject The topic of the resource Lifetime Achievement Award 2008 2008 Gala Charles Faudree Francie Faudree Lifetime Achievement Award https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/603a4df54dc858f3d372549522cfea42.png 6ac167f4f345e0970d139fbe0c931f48 https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/d7ed3a5c4f55fd6d78a952d447288344.mp4 d014f718aa2ced01611f3abd26e4f86a https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/6d4a76c28a29dca0b979f21c1c45fb55.mp4 d014f718aa2ced01611f3abd26e4f86a Moving Image A series of visual representations imparting an impression of motion when shown in succession. Examples include animations, movies, television programs, videos, zoetropes, or visual output from a simulation. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data MP4 Duration Length of time involved (seconds, minutes, hours, days, class periods, etc.) 3 minutes 21 seconds Compression Type/rate of compression for moving image file (i.e. MPEG-4) MP4 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2019] Gala Rev. Russell Bennett Spiritual Inclusion Award Subject The topic of the resource Aliye Shimi Description An account of the resource Aliye Shimi is the Executive Director of Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry and one of the founders of Muslims for Mercy, a progressive charitable organization where Tulsa Muslims serve the community including providing turkey for the Equality Center's annual Thanksgiving Dinner. Aliye helped organize a vigil after the Pulse Nightclub Shootings and invited the LGBTQ community to the Mosque for dinner. 2019 Gala Aliye Shimi Rev. Russell Bennett Spiritual Inclusion Award https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/85e50f644e51a5f46d7dc4479d14013a.MP4 1067c1d530df7cc54d354520a077e72c https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/90c66d6627dcb3a0b2fccd7c1b7c5b6a.png 59226535c7f2c83bf65bd2eb42dab09b 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. 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] Pride promotional video Subject The topic of the resource 2019 Pride https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/172474dc98cbdec88415f9a6611d8534.png 59226535c7f2c83bf65bd2eb42dab09b https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/76eb8c49fc2e7240c6ef0cf72a40ab75.MP4 1067c1d530df7cc54d354520a077e72c 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 iPhone8 Duration Length of time involved (seconds, minutes, hours, days, class periods, etc.) 2 minutes 2 seconds Compression Type/rate of compression for moving image file (i.e. MPEG-4) MP4 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2019] Pride Promotional Video https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/9853bef43bb6b482ff400a5faf7d3e4f.png 118e8c6cdb5a4626a32b730142f291b4 https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/075bf100c12ced7bc8ebc500ef0f4ccd.mp4 1e6f4d172a49b3b885182a94da187fb6 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 > Events > Follies Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2000] TOHR Follies Time Worp with the Cast of Helga's Horribles Description An account of the resource Fundraiser for Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights 2000 TOHR Follies Fundraiser https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/82c9bde7fc1405437f839caf5fe15330.jpg f159bc7815b49e677f69f2980326b23c https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/f59e3ec865be443e9998aa87e67e2a10.pdf 7b404330d41ba274da7953374520d6b9 PDF Text Text Helping Donors Assist Tulsa Area Nonprofits That Are Committed to Diversity Every day, the LGBT community and its allies support causes and organizations in Tulsa that affect everyone's quality of life. Because there has been no way of identifying money coming from these committed community members, this philanthropy has been, to some extent, "invisible." In 2003, a group of Tulsa, Oklahoma citizens formed the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Tulsa as a donor-advised fund of the Tulsa Community Foundation. The Gay & Lesbian Fund for Tulsa is committed to making visible the philanthropic contributions of the LGBT and allied community to Tulsa. The Gay & Lesbian Fund for Tulsa will consolidate and brand money given locally by the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) community and their allies. These funds and certain matching funds from the Gill Foundation will provide an important source of grants to issues we all care about; helping children and the aged, eliminating disease, feeding the homeless and promoting equal opportunity for everyone. It will also provide incentive for organizations to examine and update their employment practices to ensure that they provide equal opportunity to all, regardless of their sexual orientation. Organizations that receive grants from the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Tulsa must have an employment nondiscrimination policy that includes sexual orientation and must recognize the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Tulsa as the grant source. This effort is modeled after the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado, a fund of the Gill Foundation, which since 1996 has given millions of dollars to nonprofits on behalf of the gay and lesbian community in Colorado. We are proud to be an affiliated program with the Gill Foundation and very much appreciate their willingness to provide matching dollars, which will increase the giving ability of the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Tulsa. If you are interested in making a tax-deductible contribution to the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Tulsa, please see our website at www.gayandlesbianfund.org (click on Gay & Lesbian Fund for Tulsa or contact the Tulsa Community Foundation, (918) 494-8823. If your nonprofit is interested in applying for funds or wishes to have assistance on revising your policies and procedures to include sexual orientation in order to be eligible to receive funding, please contact us at tulsa@gayandlesbianfund.org. You may also call the Tulsa Community Foundation at (918) 494-8823 and they can help direct you to more information. The mission of the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Tulsa is to support effective Tulsa nonprofits which practice diversity in their policies and workplace while building public awareness of the contributions that the LGBT community and their friends, family and other allies make to improve the quality of life in the Tulsa area. �How can you make a positive impact through the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Tulsa? • Create Positive Visibility Are the words “gay & lesbian” being heard openly in Tulsa? Having members of our community hear the words “gay and lesbian” in a positive and non-politicized context can be an effective means of normalizing and building awareness. To create positive visibility consider… ü Sponsorship of highly visible events, particularly ones that provide donor recognition visibility to moderate and conservative members of the community. ü Underwriting of public television or radio programs. This is the #1 source of name recognition for the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado. • Increase Equitable Employment Policies By requiring that nonprofits have an employment non-discrimination policy that includes sexual orientation, funding provides an incentive for Tulsa nonprofits to adopt more equitable and inclusive policies. It is also important education, as many mistakenly think that current laws protect gay men and lesbians from employment discrimination. To increase equitable employment policies consider… ü Support for key Tulsa area nonprofits that do not currently have equitable employment policies ü Support for large Tulsa nonprofit organizations with a significant number of employees. ü Support for local chapters of national nonprofit organizations that can contribute to momentum for national policy change. ü Support for nonprofits whose boards of directors include prominent business owners and leaders. • Build Social Justice Alliances The Tulsa LGBT community shares social justice concerns with other marginalized groups. What a great way to support and remind those communities of our shared challenges and to build those relationships. It is easier to ask for support of LGBT families and civil rights when we are reaching out to support other communities and their civil rights. And, as we promote justice for other populations, we raise the commitment of the whole community to equality for everyone. To build social justice alliances consider… ü Support for nonprofits serving People of Color, women, and the disabled. ü Support for programs advancing social justice and civic participation for allied constituents. • Challenge Public Perceptions and Stereotypes What do gay men and lesbians care about? By visibly supporting valued mainstream nonprofits, the community is challenged to recognize that we all care about the same things. Particularly when those contributions go to organizations that clash with negative stereotypes, it can provide a “learning moment”. To challenge public perceptions and stereotypes consider… ü Support for nonprofits or issues that are considered moderate or conservative. ü Support that directly contradicts negative stereotypes, such as supporting organizations serving children, families and the faith community. �• Leverage Community Allies Seeing well-known and well-respected Tulsa nonprofits and their leaders modeling comfort and appreciation for their gay and lesbian donors can be very influential. Community partners give a “seal of approval” with their acknowledgment of support from the Gay & Lesbian Fund. There is a sense that “If the American Red Cross and Boys & Girls Club feel comfortable accepting and acknowledging contributions from the gay and lesbian community, it must be OK.” To leverage community allies consider… ü Support for nonprofits that are influential and well respected in the Tulsa community. ü Support for nonprofits that are considered “mainstream” and not typically associated with gay issues. ü Support that provides donor recognition opportunities linking your Gay & Lesbian Fund with influential allies and leaders, such as an on-stage “thanks” from organizational leaders where they will model their comfort and support in front of community members. • Influence Specific Issues When specific gay and lesbian issues are in the news and before the Tulsa public, Gay & Lesbian Fund support can focus attention and influence attitudes on these issues. Positive exposure to LGBT contributions can influence public perception, opinion and support. To influence specific issues consider… ü Support for Tulsa nonprofits strengthening marriage and families ü Support for Tulsa nonprofits promoting employment equality. ü Support for organizations or events that expose policy makers to LGBT support. ü Support for issues of concern and debate in Tulsa. • Build a Sense of Reciprocity While LGBT donors give up to 50% of their charitable dollars to non-LGBT programs that benefit the whole community, few straight donors contribute to LGBT organizations. Are there significant and influential donors in your community who might be influenced to contribute to LGBT causes if the contributions of the LGBT community to their causes were made visible? Would organizations like your local United Way include LGBT organizations or programs if they were aware of the valuable contributions LGBT donors are making to their fundraising? To build a sense of reciprocity consider… ü Support for causes and nonprofits valued by Tulsa donors who might reciprocate by supporting LGBT causes and organizations. ü Support for Tulsa events or organizations that contribute to multiple causes, when LGBT organizations or causes are included. • Enhance the quality of life in your community Underlying all the work of the Gay & Lesbian Fund is the commitment of LGBT donors to making a positive contribution for everyone in their community. These strategies should compliment sound philanthropic decision-making and considerations regarding the financial and administrative stability of nonprofits and their ability to achieve concrete positive results on issues of importance. �� https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/b278a1996d6bfedcc1b37101a80f4644.pdf a8c82c073e001794f5d9fde0e0210c7d PDF Text Text GnL Brochure 2006 11/8/06 10:24 AM Page 1 Make your contributions count twice Our goals Making a difference in Tulsa while highlighting the important contributions of the Gay, Lesbian and Allied Communities • Create positive visibility • Increase equitable employment policies • Build social justice alliances • Challenge public perceptions • Leverage community allies • Influence specific issues • Build a sense of reciprocity • Enhance our quality of life For more information: www.gayandlesbianfundfortulsa.org Email: info@gayandlesbianfundfortulsa.org Or call the Tulsa Community Foundation 918-494-8823 © Copyright 2006. Gay & Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 10.04 Making a difference in Tulsa while highlighting the important contributions of the Gay, Lesbian and Allied Communities �GnL Brochure 2006 11/8/06 10:24 AM Page 2 Support Tulsa non-profit organizations while promoting equality and inclusiveness The gay, lesbian and allied communities, along with their family and friends, are generous contributors to and supporters of the Tulsa community. Their efforts to improve the quality of life for Tulsa’s citizens include supporting non-profit organizations that are focused on eliminating diseases, helping our youth and our seniors citizens, feeding the homeless, and improving the arts. However, these significant contributions are often overlooked or go unrecognized. The Gay & Lesbian Fund for Tulsa (GLFT) was formed to increase the visibility of gay and lesbian philanthropy and promote equality and inclusiveness in the Tulsa community. By consolidating and branding tax-deductible contributions we can leverage and direct them to Tulsa non-profit organizations that embrace diversity through their outreach programs and promote equality in the workplace. Organizations receiving grants through the GLFT are required to have a non-discrimination policy which includes sexual orientation and credit the GLFT as the grant source. If you support quality non-profits in the Tulsa area, consider giving your tax-deductible contri-butions through the GLFT. You will be able to specifically direct your funds to any of the pre-screened Tulsa Area Non-Profits, ensuring that your contributions are going to agencies which support diversity in their policies and outreach. Your donation may be matched at a certain level by other financial sources which means a larger contribution to your designated agency. Make donation payable to: Tulsa Community Foundation/ Gay & Lesbian Fund for Tulsa. ❑ Enclosed check for $ ❑ Pledge amount for $ ❑ Monthly ❑ Quarterly ❑ Annually ❑ Please designate my gift to benefit non-profit non-profit ❑ I understand contributions are given in the name of the “Gay & Lesbian Fund for Tulsa.” I would like individual recognition. ❑ Please send me more information. Name Street Address A good number of non-profit organizations in the Tulsa Area have added Sexual Orientation to their non-discrimination policies. Please support these progressive organizations with tax-deductible contributions in the name of the GLFT. Just clip and fill out the donation slip on the next panel. Thank you for helping us make Tulsa a better place for everyone! City State Zip Phone eMail Send completed form with donation to: Gay & Lesbian Fund for Tulsa c/o Tulsa Community Foundation 7020 S. Yale, Suite 220 Tulsa, OK 74136 � https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/9b29596622803181e7245397f33f1529.pdf 107b76759bbe709024fb2c018d913e29 PDF Text Text Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 2004 by Dennis Neill ��������� https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/7c3d3d3305927e2260f16bac30efcbf8.pdf 521c4cfab4a6a350d4da8f5df412086a PDF Text Text Gay & Lesbian Fund for Tulsa – Grants Funded 2004-2009 Last Updated: November 3, 2009 All Souls Unitarian Church Community Outreach Programs Alzheimer’s Association of OK and AR American Red Cross – Tulsa Chapter Arthritis Foundation Arts & Humanities Council Big Brothers & Sisters of Green Country, Inc. Campfire USA, Green Country Council Child Abuse Network Clarehouse College Hill Presbyterian Church Community Action Project Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma Community Service Council Diversity Arts Association Domestic Violence Intervention Service Emergency Infant Services, Inc. Family & Children's Services Fellowship Congregational Church Gilcrease Museum Association Girl Scouts of Magic Empire Council Greenwood Jazz and Blues Festival HOPE Testing Clinic Iron Gate at Trinity Komen Foundation - Race for the Cure League of Women Voters LIFE Senior Services Light Opera of Oklahoma Maple Ridge Park Endowment Fund Mental Health Association of Tulsa Midwestern Theater (Nightingale Theater) National Conference of Community and Justice Oklahoma Center for Community & Justice Oklahoma State University Foundation Oklahomans for Equality Open Arms Youth Project Parent Child Center of Tulsa Parents, Family, Friends of Lesbians and Gays Philbrook Museum of Art Planned Parenthood of Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma Preservation Oklahoma Regional AIDS Intercommunity Network Resonance, Center for Women Route 66 Marathon Retired Senior Volunteer Program 12 & 12 Tulsa AIDS Walk Tulsa Area United Way Tulsa CARES Tulsa Community AIDS Partnership Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless �Tulsa Foundation for Architecture Tulsa Global Alliance Tulsa Historical Society Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Tulsa Opera Tulsa Reaches Out Tulsa Street School Tulsa University – BLGTA Student Organization Tulsa Symphony Orchestra Visiting Nurse Association of Tulsa Vocal Pride Foundation YWCA Youth Services of Tulsa � https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/7bd1861a55870d4fc14ae88937aa5f82.pdf 1fcd4e36807c42c14ae5dd48ba6259d1 PDF Text Text Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa Employment Non-Discrimination Policy Requirements and Samples Nonprofits eligible to receive funding through the Gay and Lesbian fund for Tulsa must provide a copy of their official employment non-discrimination policy that includes “sexual orientation” (required) and “gender identity and expression” (recommended). The required wording may be inserted into your existing employment non-discrimination policy, or a sample policy is provided below. Sample Employment Non-Discrimination Policy [Organization’s name] provides equal employment opportunity. [Organization’s name] does not discriminate against any individual in the terms or conditions of employment on the basis of race, color, nation or ethnic origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, physical or mental disability, marital or family status, military or veterans status, or any other basis made unlawful by applicable federal, state, or local laws or regulations. This policy applies to all aspects of the application process and employment relationships, including recruitment, application, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, job assignments, transfers, performance evaluation, promotions, layoffs and terminations. This policy also applies to relationships with outside vendors and customers, use of contractors and consultants, volunteers and clients, and in dealing with the general public. The following examples are sufficient to document the official employment non-discrimination policy of your organization. 1. Copy of policy text is in organization's by-laws, employee manual, or other official source. Please include copy of relevant page(s), highlight the policy text and reference the source and date of passage. 2. Policy text on organization's letterhead, signed and dated by Chair of the Board of Directors 3. Policy text on organization’s letterhead with statement of approval, such as "unanimously approved by Board of Directors on month, day, 20xx." 4. Minutes of Board of Directors meeting during which the policy was approved. (Be sure the complete text of the policy is included in minutes, or attach complete policy.) � https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/efefbe23be9a2a2c50cd31ebfb458d6b.pdf a5537980804d9ec41253ffbab37708a5 PDF Text Text Frequently Asked Questions - Non-Discrimination Policy Requirement The Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa requires organizations to have an employment nondiscrimination policy that specifically includes “sexual orientation” (required) and “gender identity and expression” (recommended) in order to be eligible for funding. This will help to explain why we have such a requirement and why it is necessary to include this specific language. Q: Why does the Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa require an employment nondiscrimination policy? A: The founders and donors of the Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa include gay men, lesbians, their families and allies. We have made the decision not to provide funds to organizations who do not extend employment protection to their gay and lesbian employees. It also allows us to educate local nonprofits and the public on the need and importance of employment protection for this group of employees. Q: Why do we need a formal policy? Isn’t it enough that we don’t practice discrimination based on sexual orientation? Q: Why does our non-discrimination policy need to specifically list “sexual orientation” and “gender identity and expression”? A: Many people are surprised to learn that gay men and lesbians are not protected by current federal employment non-discrimination laws. While a few states have passed their own employment protections, in 36 states including Oklahoma, it is legal to deny employment or to fire an employee based only on their sexual orientation. Only 9 states provide employment protection based on gender identity and expression. The Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1968 established nine protected classes: race, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, and familial status. The 1990 Americans with Disability Act extended protection to persons with physical or mental disabilities and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 added age to the list of protected classes. The only legal protection available to gay, lesbian and transgender employees is for employers to specifically list “sexual orientation” and “gender identity and expression” in their employment non-discrimination policies. Q: Can’t we just pass a policy stating that we don’t discriminate against anyone? Do we have to include a long list of all the groups that the non-discrimination policy applies to? A: Although this is an appealing notion, a general policy stating that you do not discriminate has no legal significance. �The term “discrimination” is often misunderstood. A dictionary defines “discrimination” as “to draw distinctions, distinguish from or between.” In this ordinary sense, all organizations discriminate, because all organizations need to draw important and valid distinctions between current and potential employees based on their qualifications, skills and performance. We all might agree that it is appropriate for a child-serving organization to discriminate, i.e.: draw valid distinctions in hiring, against persons with substance abuse or criminal histories. In a legal sense, discrimination has a different meaning. “Discrimination” in law refers to drawing invalid distinctions based on established legal classes. The case above, in which the organization might refuse to hire, or fire an employee, based on substance abuse is not “discrimination” in the legal sense, because substance abuse is an appropriate distinction for purposes of employment. In the same way, under current law, employment decisions based on sexual orientation or gender identity and expression are not legally “discrimination” because these are not established by law as protected classes. It is perfectly legal to fire an individual based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Only by specifying “sexual orientation” and “gender identity and expression” in the employment policy, can organizations extend legal protection to all their employees. Over 3,000 organizations, including 88% of Fortune 500 companies have taken this step to ensure equal employment opportunities for all their employees. � https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/2d6757b03dfa71c15e256fbf70ce3904.pdf 6a78f2698efa7daa39e01b827db549f5 PDF Text Text March 20, 2004 Dear Tulsa Community Donor Recently, four of us in Tulsa (Nancy McDonald, Mona Pittenger, Doug Campbell, and Dennis Neill) established the Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa with the Tulsa Community Foundation. As more fully explained in the attached copy of our Web site (www.gayandlesbianfund.org/tulsa), our mission is “to support effective Tulsa area nonprofits which practice diversity in their policies and workplace while building public awareness of the contributions that the LGBT community and their friends, family and other allies make to improve the quality of life in the Tulsa area.” Our goal is not to ask you to contribute more to Tulsa area non-profits, but to consider directing some of your charitable giving thru the Fund, with the following benefits: • • • Branding dollars as coming from the LGBT community and their allies Encouraging non-profits to include sexual orientation in their non-discrimination policies and procedures. Enhancing the level of local giving with the possibility of matching some of our giving with dollars from the Gill Foundation of Colorado. The Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa has been working to encourage non-profits to add Sexual Orientation to their non-discrimination policies. To date, some 35 Tulsa area non-profits have indicated that they have such policies or are working to do so. We have already sponsored events with 5 non-profits. The Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa has been recognized in their programs and other appropriate publicity. We hope to support many other non-profits through grants for events, programs and capital campaigns. To do so, we need you to consider re-channeling some of your giving through the Fund. This will allow us to encourage non-profits to recognize diversity and maximize the dollars available through the Gill Foundation matching program. To learn more about the purpose of this Fund and the benefits to the local non-profit community and you, we would like to invite you to a casual continental breakfast on March 31st. Our special guest will be Jan Brennan, Executive Director of the Gay and Lesbian Fund for Colorado which is affiliated with the Gill Foundation. She will explain the enormous success of this fund over the last 5 years in the Colorado nonprofit funding area and we will discuss the local Fund and answer questions. Date: Wednesday, March 31 Time: 8 am Place: 2nd Floor of the Ambassador Hotel, 14th and Main, Tulsa – Continental Breakfast To RSVP: Please call Dennis Neill, 743-4354, email dneill@cox.net or Tulsa@gayandlesbianfund.org We hope you can join us on March 31. Also, if you know of others who may be interested in this program, please feel free to contact us and we will make sure and extend an invitation. Sincerely, Nancy McDonald, Mona Pittenger, Doug Campbell, Dennis Neill � https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/2395228fb9640a3506e2e8e51357e210.pdf fdc3c3759eff1b688118986b9745c8b4 PDF Text Text The Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa Cordially invites you for Wine and Cheese Thursday, October 28, 2004 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Harwelden 2210 South Main Hosts: Joe and Nancy McDonald, Dennis Neill, Mona Pittenger, Doug Campbell, Kelly Kirby and Charles Johnston. Please join us to thank the individuals who have made taxdeductible contributions through the Fund this first year. With the additional support of the Gill Foundation, we have provided grants totaling nearly $100,000 to twenty-four non-profits in the Tulsa community that support diversity in their workplace. If you have not yet contributed to your favorite non-profits through the Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa, come learn how the Fund is making a difference in the Tulsa Community and how YOU can be a part of this exciting partnership with the Gill Foundation and the Tulsa Community Foundation. Regrets: Nancy McDonald - 742-8565 � https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/63648a70c80ef2093a0e680af10c418f.pdf 9e0af04c3ffa788b79b30b19372a2b34 PDF Text Text �������� https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/15214bdb678ddf47535e0abf37fd1054.pdf 0c354ea76e62488b4c9578b75076eca2 PDF Text Text GNL.OperaAD.F 10/16/07 3:59 PM Page 1 Congratulations toTulsa Opera for 60Years of World-Class Entertainment. The Gay & Lesbian Fund for Tulsa provides grants to support the efforts of nonprofits in our community which embrace diversity in their workplace and outreach. With tax-deductible contributions provided by a cross-section of our donor community, the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Tulsa highlights the contributions made by gay men, lesbians, their family and friends to the Tulsa Community. Making a Difference in Tulsa while highlighting the important contributions of the Gay, Lesbian and Allied Communities. For more information: www.gayandlesbianfundfortulsa.org Email: info@gayandlesbianfundfortulsa.org Or call the Tulsa Community Foundation, 918-494-8823. � https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/aa887d7687c425f17a524064a46cab7a.pdf 06ff5f0527299d789e143e0ab3a5032d PDF Text Text �� https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/57eea6019f4e2becce8ce53f2bdc0b18.pdf da4490c00d6974a7234d1c75a6a212f5 PDF Text Text Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa Grants/Payments By Year Year 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Scheduled 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 Year Number of Grants Total Grant Amounts 2004 38 $69,125.00 2005 41 $87,550.00 2006 33 $43,000.00 2007 29 $36,900.00 2008 26 $31,200.00 2009 18 $40,100.00 185 $307,875.00 Scheduled Amount $500.00 $500.00 Paid 38 40 32 28 26 17 181 Paid Amount $69,125.00 $87,550.00 $43,000.00 $36,900.00 $31,200.00 $39,600.00 $307,375.00 Void 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Void Amount Grant Number Recipient Fund Grant Date Grant Am 2362:LJ-7 Tulsa CARES Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 2/12/2004 $2, 2641:LJ-7 All Souls Unitarian Church Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 2/23/2004 $ 2686:LJ-7 LIFE Senior Services Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 3/10/2004 $1, 2747:LJ-7 Mental Health Association in Tulsa Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 3/24/2004 $1, 2748:LJ-7 National Conference on Community & Justi Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 3/24/2004 $1, 2805:LJ-7 Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 4/21/2004 $1, 2818:LJ-7 Youth Services of Tulsa, Inc. Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 4/28/2004 $2, 2971:LJ-7 League of Women Voters of Metro Tulsa Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 5/13/2004 $1, 2972:LJ-7 DVIS Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 5/13/2004 $1, 2973:LJ-7 Light Opera Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 5/13/2004 $3, 2974:LJ-7 Mental Health Association in Tulsa Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 5/13/2004 $ 3002:LJ-7 All Souls Unitarian Church Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 6/2/2004 $10, 3018:LJ-7 National Conference for Community/Justice Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 6/7/2004 $2, 3082:LJ-7 Family & Children's Services Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 6/17/2004 $2, 3093:LJ-7 Community Action Project of Tulsa Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 6/21/2004 $1, 3181:LJ-7 Planned Parenthood Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 7/23/2004 $5, 3185:LJ-7 Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Fdn., Inc. Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 7/23/2004 $5, 3275:LJ-7 RAIN Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 9/22/2004 $ 3276:LJ-7 Tulsa Community Aids Partnership Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 9/22/2004 $ 3277:LJ-7 Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Fdn., Inc. Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 9/22/2004 $5, 3278:LJ-7 Child Abuse Network Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 9/22/2004 $ 3279:LJ-7 Mental Health Association in Tulsa Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 9/22/2004 $1, �Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 3285:LJ-7 Arts & Humanities Council Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 9/24/2004 $1, 3355:LJ-7 Tulsa Global Alliance Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 10/18/2004 $1, 3370:LJ-7 Harwelden Arts & Humanities Council Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 10/27/2004 $ 3371:LJ-7 Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 10/27/2004 $2, 3372:LJ-7 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 10/27/2004 $ 3395:LJ-7 Council Oak Men's Chorale Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 11/15/2004 $1, 3396:LJ-7 Philbrook Museum of Art Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 11/15/2004 $3, 3424:LJ-7 LIFE Senior Services Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 12/13/2004 $1, 3425:LJ-7 Open Arms Youth Project Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 12/13/2004 $ 3474:LJ-7 Camp Fire USA Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 12/17/2004 $ 3492:LJ-7 Midwestern Theater/Nightingale Theater Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 12/28/2004 $ 3501:LJ-7 12 & 12, Inc. Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 12/28/2004 $1, 3502:LJ-7 Arthritis Foundation Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 12/28/2004 $1, 3503:LJ-7 Community Service Council Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 12/28/2004 $2, 3504:LJ-7 League of Women Voters Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 12/28/2004 $1, 3505:LJ-7 Preservation Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 12/28/2004 $ 3596:LJ-7 All Souls Unitarian Church Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 1/19/2005 $3, 3597:LJ-7 Parent Child Center of Tulsa Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 1/19/2005 3604:LJ-7 Parent Child Center of Tulsa Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 1/24/2005 $10, 3607:LJ-7 Youth Services of Tulsa Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 1/24/2005 $2, 3630:LJ-7 PFLAG, Tulsa Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 2/4/2005 3631:LJ-7 ORCAR Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 2/4/2005 3632:LJ-7 Mental Health Association in Tulsa Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 2/4/2005 3920:LJ-7 Community Service Council - Greater Tulsa Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 2/16/2005 3934:LJ-7 Tulsa CARES Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 2/23/2005 3966:LJ-7 Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 3/9/2005 $1, 3967:LJ-7 Tulsa Opera, Inc. Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 3/9/2005 $10, 3995:LJ-7 Tulsa Foundation for Architecture Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 3/14/2005 $1, 4012:LJ-7 DVIS Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 3/23/2005 $1, 4192:LJ-7 Oklahoma State University Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 4/25/2005 $ 4193:LJ-7 Community Service Council Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 4/25/2005 $ 4194:LJ-7 Mental Health Association in Tulsa Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 4/25/2005 $1, 4195:LJ-7 Mental Health Association in Tulsa Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 4/25/2005 $ 4258:LJ-7 Arts & Humanities Council Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 5/9/2005 $2, 4259:LJ-7 PFLAG, Tulsa Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 5/9/2005 $1, 4260:LJ-7 Tulsa Opera, Inc. Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 5/9/2005 $5, 4292:LJ-7 Light Opera Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 5/16/2005 $3, 4302:LJ-7 All Souls Unitarian Church Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 5/18/2005 $5, 4303:LJ-7 Family & Children's Services Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 5/18/2005 $2, 4331:LJ-7 Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Fdn., Inc. Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 6/1/2005 $10, 4408:LJ-7 Tulsa Opera, Inc. Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 6/20/2005 $ 4522:LJ-7 HOPE Testing Clinic Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 7/25/2005 $1, 4523:LJ-7 Big Brothers & Sisters of Green Country Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 7/25/2005 4524:LJ-7 Planned Parenthood of Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma, Inc. Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 7/25/2005 $2, 4525:LJ-7 Greenwood Chamber of Commerce Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 7/25/2005 $5, 4526:LJ-7 Tulsa Opera, Inc. Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 7/25/2005 $ 4635:LJ-7 Philbrook Museum of Art Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 8/16/2005 $2, 4671:LJ-7 Regional AIDS Intercommunity Network (RAI Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 9/7/2005 $1, 4684:LJ-7 American Red Cross Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 9/7/2005 $ $1, $2, �Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 4685:LJ-7 Gilcrease Museum Association Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 9/7/2005 $1, 4686:LJ-7 Tulsa Aids Walk 4797:LJ-7 Tulsa Area United Way Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 9/7/2005 $ Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 10/5/2005 4798:LJ-7 $ YWCA Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 10/5/2005 $1, 4987:LJ-7 College Hill Presbyterian Church Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 10/25/2005 $2, 5047:LJ-7 Arthritis Foundation Eastern Oklahoma Chapter Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 11/2/2005 $1, 5283:LJ-7 Community Service Council - Greater Tulsa Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 12/13/2005 $2, 5453:LJ-7 Council Oak Chorale Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 12/28/2005 $1, 5689:LJ-7 Youth Services of Tulsa Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 1/30/2006 $2, 5696:LJ-7 YWCA Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 1/30/2006 $ 5903:LJ-7 Tulsa Opera, Inc. Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 3/8/2006 $10, 5904:LJ-7 Mental Health Association in Tulsa Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 3/8/2006 $1, 5905:LJ-7 Tulsa CARES Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 3/8/2006 $2, 6251:LJ-7 Planned Parenthood of Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma, Inc. Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 4/14/2006 $1, 6252:LJ-7 All Souls Unitarian Church Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 4/14/2006 $5, 6253:LJ-7 Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 4/14/2006 $1, 6513:LJ-7 Rizley Opera Education Endowment Fund Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 4/28/2006 6514:LJ-7 Light Opera Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 4/28/2006 6586:LJ-7 University of Tulsa Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 5/15/2006 $ 6589:LJ-7 HOPE Testing Clinic Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 5/15/2006 $1, 6607:LJ-7 Camp Fire USA Green Country Council Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 5/15/2006 $ 6608:LJ-7 Mental Health Association in Tulsa Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 5/15/2006 $ 6609:LJ-7 Mental Health Association in Tulsa Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 5/15/2006 $ 6610:LJ-7 Planned Parenthood of Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma, Inc. Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 5/15/2006 $ 6611:LJ-7 RSVP Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 5/15/2006 $ 6612:LJ-7 Tulsa Aids Walk Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 5/15/2006 $ 6799:LJ-7 Family & Children's Services Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 6/28/2006 $2, 6800:LJ-7 PFLAG, Tulsa Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 6/28/2006 $ 7236:LJ-7 Arthritis Foundation Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 10/3/2006 $1, 7237:LJ-7 Fellowship Congregational Church UCC Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 10/3/2006 $ 7238:LJ-7 Gilcrease Museum Foundation Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 10/3/2006 $1, 7239:LJ-7 PFLAG, Tulsa Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 10/3/2006 $ 7240:LJ-7 Tulsa Area United Way Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 10/3/2006 $ 7241:LJ-7 YWCA Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 10/3/2006 $ 7464:LJ-7 Regional AIDS Intercommunity Network (RAI Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 11/2/2006 $1, 7469:LJ-7 OCCJ Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 11/7/2006 $2, 7470:LJ-7 OCCJ Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 11/7/2006 $ 7477:LJ-7 Route 66 Marathon, Inc. Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 11/9/2006 $1, 7478:LJ-7 Girl Scouts, Mid-Columbia Council Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 11/9/2006 $1, 7488:LJ-7 Route 66 Marathon, Inc. Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 11/9/2006 7648:LJ-7 YWCA Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 12/6/2006 $1, 8118:LJ-7 Youth Services of Tulsa, Inc. Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 2/12/2007 $2, 8119:LJ-7 Community Service Council Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 2/12/2007 $3, 8167:LJ-7 Tulsa CARES Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 2/21/2007 $2, 8255:LJ-7 Association for Women in Communication Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 3/7/2007 $ 8256:LJ-7 Mental Health Association in Tulsa Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 3/7/2007 $ 8257:LJ-7 Route 66 Marathon, Inc. Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 3/7/2007 $2, 8258:LJ-7 Family & Children's Services Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 3/7/2007 $2, 8330:LJ-7 Resonance Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 3/12/2007 $1, $ �Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 8331:LJ-7 Retired Senior Volunteers Program Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 3/12/2007 $ 8452:LJ-7 Alzheimer's Association, Oklahoma/Arkansas Chapter Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 3/29/2007 $ 8740:LJ-7 Association for Women in Communication Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 4/11/2007 8741:LJ-7 Multiple Sclerosis Society Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 4/11/2007 $ 8765:LJ-7 Street School Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 4/11/2007 $1, 9162:LJ-7 Camp Fire USA Green Country Council Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 5/29/2007 $1, 9383:LJ-7 Tulsa CARES Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 7/12/2007 $ 9384:LJ-7 HOPE Testing Clinic Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 7/12/2007 $1, 9626:LJ-7 Tulsa Symphony Orchestra Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 8/24/2007 $1, 9818:LJ-7 Community Service Council - Greater Tulsa Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 10/3/2007 $ 9819:LJ-7 Youth Services of Tulsa, Inc. Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 10/3/2007 $ 9920:LJ-7 OCCJ Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 10/18/2007 $5, 9921:LJ-7 Tulsa Opera, Inc. Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 10/18/2007 $2, 10139:LJ-7 All Souls Unitarian Church Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 11/20/2007 $1, 10140:LJ-7 Planned Parenthood of Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma, Inc. Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 11/20/2007 $ 10141:LJ-7 LIFE Senior Services Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 11/20/2007 $ 10150:LJ-7 Community Service Council - Greater Tulsa Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 11/20/2007 $1, 10151:LJ-7 Tulsa Area United Way Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 11/20/2007 $ 10152:LJ-7 YWCA of Tulsa Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 11/20/2007 $1, 10153:LJ-7 Vocal Pride Foundation Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 11/20/2007 $1, 10213:LJ-7 Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 11/30/2007 $ 10792:LJ-7 Thomas Gilcrease Museum Association Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 1/21/2008 $1, 11023:LJ-7 YWCA of Tulsa Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 2/14/2008 $ 11172:LJ-7 LIFE Senior Services Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 3/6/2008 $ 11173:LJ-7 Tulsa CARES Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 3/6/2008 $1, 11174:LJ-7 Resonance Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 3/6/2008 $1, 11175:LJ-7 Retired Senior Volunteers Program Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 3/6/2008 $1, 11176:LJ-7 Alzheimer's Association, Oklahoma/Arkansas Chapter Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 3/6/2008 $1, 11177:LJ-7 Family & Children's Services Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 3/6/2008 $2, 11178:LJ-7 Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 3/6/2008 $ 12066:LJ-7 Street School Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 5/6/2008 $1, 12067:LJ-7 Girl Scouts Magic Empire Council Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 5/6/2008 $1, 12068:LJ-7 Mental Health Association in Tulsa Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 5/6/2008 $3, 12069:LJ-7 Mental Health Association in Tulsa Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 5/6/2008 $ 12070:LJ-7 Camp Fire USA Green Country Council Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 5/6/2008 $1, 12541:LJ-7 Oklahoma State University Foundation Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 7/14/2008 $2, 12775:LJ-7 HOPE Testing Clinic Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 8/14/2008 $1, 13322:LJ-7 Community Service Council - Greater Tulsa Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 10/9/2008 $1, 13323:LJ-7 Planned Parenthood of Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma, Inc. Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 10/9/2008 $1, 13324:LJ-7 Community Service Council - Greater Tulsa Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 10/9/2008 $ 13325:LJ-7 Tulsa Area United Way Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 10/9/2008 $ 13326:LJ-7 Vocal Pride Foundation Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 10/9/2008 $1, 13327:LJ-7 Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 10/9/2008 $2, 13550:LJ-7 YWCA of Tulsa Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 10/23/2008 $1, 13551:LJ-7 Clarehouse, Inc. Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 10/23/2008 $1, DA-13613 Tulsa Historical Society Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 11/13/2008 $ DA-14401 Youth Services of Tulsa, Inc. Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 12/23/2008 $3, DA-14654 Diversity Arts Association of Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 1/20/2009 $ DA-14724 LIFE Senior Services Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 2/3/2009 $ �Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa DA-14725 Alzheimer's Association, Oklahoma/Arkansas Chapter Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 2/3/2009 $1, DA-14726 Family & Children's Services Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 2/3/2009 $1, DA-14727 Tulsa Opera, Inc. Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 2/3/2009 $1, DA-14728 Street School, Inc. Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 2/3/2009 $1, DA-14729 Tulsa Symphony Orchestra Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 2/3/2009 $1, DA-15006 Resonance Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 3/2/2009 $1, DA-15007 Tulsa CARES Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 3/2/2009 $2, DA-15076 Oklahomans for Equality Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 3/13/2009 $2, A-15142 Mental Health Association in Tulsa Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 3/23/2009 $ A-15640 Iron Gate at Trinity, Inc. Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 4/20/2009 $10, A-15641 Emergency Infant Services, Inc. Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 4/20/2009 $10, DA-15711 Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 4/30/2009 $ DA-15712 Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 4/30/2009 $1, DA-15713 Philbrook Museum of Art Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 4/30/2009 $5, DA-15714 Open Arms Youth Project Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 4/30/2009 $ DA-15853 Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa 5/19/2009 $ $307,87 �Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa Refunds $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 Grant Amount $2,500.00 $500.00 $1,000.00 $1,500.00 $1,500.00 $1,000.00 $2,500.00 $1,000.00 $1,500.00 $3,000.00 $500.00 $10,000.00 $2,500.00 $2,500.00 $1,000.00 $5,000.00 $5,000.00 $750.00 $250.00 $5,000.00 $525.00 $1,000.00 �Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa $1,750.00 $1,000.00 $350.00 $2,500.00 $750.00 $1,500.00 $3,000.00 $1,000.00 $250.00 $500.00 $500.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $2,500.00 $1,000.00 $500.00 $3,000.00 $0.00 $10,000.00 $2,500.00 $50.00 $50.00 $1,500.00 $50.00 $2,500.00 $1,000.00 $10,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,500.00 $250.00 $450.00 $1,000.00 $500.00 $2,000.00 $1,000.00 $5,000.00 $3,000.00 $5,000.00 $2,500.00 $10,000.00 $500.00 $1,000.00 $0.00 $2,500.00 $5,000.00 $200.00 $2,500.00 $1,000.00 $250.00 �Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa $1,500.00 $250.00 $500.00 $1,000.00 $2,500.00 $1,000.00 $2,500.00 $1,500.00 $2,500.00 $500.00 $10,000.00 $1,500.00 $2,500.00 $1,000.00 $5,000.00 $1,000.00 $0.00 $500.00 $200.00 $1,000.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $600.00 $500.00 $2,500.00 $500.00 $1,000.00 $250.00 $1,500.00 $250.00 $500.00 $500.00 $1,000.00 $2,500.00 $200.00 $1,500.00 $1,000.00 $0.00 $1,000.00 $2,500.00 $3,000.00 $2,500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $2,000.00 $2,500.00 $1,000.00 �Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa $650.00 $750.00 $0.00 $500.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $750.00 $1,000.00 $1,500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $5,000.00 $2,500.00 $1,500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $1,500.00 $500.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $250.00 $1,500.00 $500.00 $500.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $2,500.00 $500.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $3,000.00 $500.00 $1,000.00 $2,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,500.00 $1,000.00 $500.00 $500.00 $1,000.00 $2,500.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $200.00 $3,000.00 $500.00 $500.00 �Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $2,500.00 $2,500.00 $500.00 $10,000.00 $10,000.00 $600.00 $1,000.00 $5,000.00 $500.00 $500.00 $307,875.00 � https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/890ca6a6df17db9d63306edd2474cdec.pdf e8419727d3c83ced4986fbcd2f9984c0 PDF Text Text The Gay & Lesbian Fund for Tulsa provides grants to support the efforts of nonprofits in our community which embrace diversity in their workplace and outreach. With tax-deductible contributions provided by a cross-section of our donor community, the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Tulsa highlights the contributions made by gay men, lesbians, their family and friends to the Tulsa Community. As a donor wishing to support a progressive and diverse community, consider giving some of your charitable contributions through the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Tulsa, a donor advised fund established with the Tulsa Community Foundation. Making a Difference in Tulsa while highlighting the important contributions of the Gay, Lesbian and Allied Communities. For more information: www.gayandlesbianfundfortulsa.org Email: info@gayandlesbianfundfortulsa.org Or call the Tulsa Community Foundation, 918-494-8823. � https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/a0e9282686547586b605cb605e7f6ad2.jpg ed836dbaad8f3701d025ed9a5643a11e 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 [2003] Gay and Lesbian Fund For Tulsa Description An account of the resource In 2003, Dennis Neill attended the Gill Foundation's Outgiving Program. At the meeting Gill explained the use of a donor fund, the Colorado Gay & Lesbian Fund, to bring awareness to LGBTQ giving and ensure non-profits have appropriate non-discrimination policies. In 2004, Nancy and Joe McDonald, Mona Pittenger, Doug Campbell, and Dennis Neill established the Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa with the Tulsa Community Foundation. The mission is “to support effective Tulsa area nonprofits which practice diversity in their policies and workplace while building public awareness of the contributions that the LGBT community and their friends, family and other allies make to improve the quality of life in the Tulsa area.” Leveraging off of a matching grant from the Gill Foundation, the organizers contributed funds and reached out to others to consider directing some of their charitable giving thru the Fund, with the following benefits: • Branding dollars as coming from the LGBT community and their allies • Encouraging non-profits to include sexual orientation in their non-discrimination policies and procedures. • Enhancing the level of local giving with the possibility of matching some of our giving with dollars from the Gill Foundation of Colorado. The Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa has been working to encourage non-profits to add Sexual Orientation to their non-discrimination policies. To date, some 35 Tulsa area non-profits have indicated that they have such policies or are working to do so. We have already sponsored events with 5 non-profits. The Gay and Lesbian Fund for Tulsa has been recognized in their programs and other appropriate publicity. We hope to support many other non-profits through grants for events, programs and capital campaigns. To do so, we need you to consider re-channeling some of your giving through the Fund. This will allow us to encourage non-profits to recognize diversity and maximize the dollars available through the Gill Foundation matching program. Dennis Neill Doug Campbell Gay & Lesbian Fund Gay and Lesbian Fund Mona Pittenger Nancy and Joe McDonald https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/038cb18c43eb249d44fbe5b3f10ee212.jpeg 5ad18d8052bc96b96df473d0fda123a6 https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/fcdaa5c7f217b645c599e95b69270044.pdf 7added536cc48d16adc1e5567435c58c PDF Text Text Early Home for LGBTQ Movement in Tulsa From Vernon Jones on Facebook 10/4/19From Vernon Jones on Facebook 10/4/19 The home base of Tulsa's gay equal rights activist organizations was crushed into rubble and the rubble removed during the 50th Anniversary Year of Stonewall. I owned the structure during the 1970s. Tulsa Gay Alliance(TGA) was one of the many gay activist organizations that sprang up from coast to coast within a year after the Stonewall Riots in New York City June 28,1969. The house was the home base for all the gay activists' organizations for most of the decade of the 1970s including TGA,Tulsa's Gay Awareness Program (GAP), GAP's newsletter GAP RAP, and the Tulsa Caucus. Initial meetings of Tulsa Metropolitan Church (MCC)were also held there to provide those who needed a more friendly Christian faith church. Gay activism was out-of-the-question for most Tulsa gay men In 1969. They feared being outed and facing life-changing outcomes of total rejection by family,friends and employers. But five gay men gathered secretly for the first time in a small meeting room on the 3rd floor of the Tulsa City-County Main Library. Names, identification, or phone numbers were not exchanged for fear that Tulsa police might learn who the activists were. Meetings then moved to 1629 South Cincinnati.. The address of the building that police eventually labeled "a nest of queers". The rich gay rights history associated with the house is as interesting as some of the activists themselves were. One of Tulsa's activists had been a homeless teenager who was thrown out by his parents for being gay. He survived as a dishwasher and go-go boy at Stonewall Inn when the riots broke out. Two of the activists had been committed to mental institutions by their families because they were gay. One activist had been an emergency room nurse. Another was an honorably discharged veteran after serving In a highly classified career field. One was a black activist who singularly dared to publicly raise the issue of being gay to Tulsa's African American community. One had a law enforcement background. Another later became an ordained Priest-Pastor at Tulsa's St. Jeromes Angelican Church. President Herbert Walker Bush appointed one of the activists to be 28th recipient of the President's "1,000 Points of Light" award and medallion. Another activist received a Letter of Commendation from President Bill Clinton for his previous activism for equal gay rights Most of the activists had been abandoned by their families and churches. All the activists were as common as any except all were deeply committed to securing equal rights for themselves and others. 1 �The first activist group of TGA failed to enlist less than a dozen Tulsa gays and lesbians to join the effort to seek their equal rights. Being outed was too dangerous In the "City of Churches" and living in such anti-gay political and law enforcement environment. Dallas gays were not as shy as Tulsans were in 1972.They asked me and my companion as TGA organizers to lead Dallas' first and only gay "March" through the main downtown streets of the city. In 1974 the GAP RAP newsletter broke a story that Associated Press picked up. Newspapers around the country published their own articles about the Tulsa story. Tulsa local government recoiled from all the bad press. But, GAP and its GAP RAP had finally managed to get the attention and concern the group sought about the need for local government to address the abuse and discrimination Tulsa gays were experiencing from police and others. GAP's sister activist group of the Tulsa Caucus followed through with their part. Their appeals to Tulsa Human Rights Commission secured that Commission's attention. A Special Task Force was created by the Commission that included gay activists. Assertions of the Special Task Force eventually resulted in the Mayor declaring an Executive Order(EO). The EO prohibited discrimination of gays by businesses that had any relationship with the City such as licensing, approvals, agreements, etc. The EO was rescinded by the next Mayor James Inhofe after encouraged by the "Orange Juice Lady" Tulsa native Anita Bryant. Tulsa law enforcement's retaliation toward gay activists was harsh. The house of gay activists might have accurately been labeled a "nest of queers". The queer activist's certainly 'hatched' their plans there. I was the activists who was falsely labeled as being associated with "organized crime" and targeted by the RICO Act(racketeering). But, the accusations were debunked by an IRS investigation. The entire contents of the Tulsa Caucus were striped by unknown persons. I and my partner experienced relentless police harassment likely Intended to intimidate or drive us out of the city. We were stopped, detained, and harassed repeatedly for no valid reason. The stops were so numerous they became was a subject of jokes to police dispatchers. The black activist(my partner) was the easiest target by police He was arrested 3 times. One arrest resulted in a ten day work assignment. Another bogus charge was dismissed in court. The third was ruled as "Unconstitutional" by the Oklahoma Supreme Court and dismissed. My employer attempted to fire me due to my sexual orientation and activism. My partner and I began to receive frequent threats of violence. A night-time brick enclosed in a sack of burning substance crashed through one of the house's windows seriously jeopardizing the lives of the sleeping residents. The house that became the home base of gay activists in the historic Maplewood District had been built in the early 1900s during the oil boom. Due to the dryness and flammability of the near 70 year old wooden structure, the terrorist's act would have 2 �burned to the ground within minutes. It would have likely trapped residents on the second story if the fire had not been detected immediately. I vacated all the activists "nesters" and renters. I then sold the property at a loss to end Its being a serious endangerment to residents because it was the home base of the activist's groups. The "nest of queers" had its own interesting history that preceded the struggle for gay equal rights. There was a weird, weird, sense of strange quality about the house. Residents and visitors alike believed "spirits" were present. Others claimed they witnessed unexplained and unnerving sights. There were suspicions expressed by persons who were not in a position to know things that proved accurate after being investigated. There was evidence that a murder may have occurred on the property years previously. Two persons who were known to have been present in the house multiple times before they were In fact actually murdered elsewhere. Gay Tulsans had valid reasons for not wanting to be outed in the 1970s. But significant advances associated with the house at 1629 South Cincinnati Avenue in Tulsa began making a difference. Gay Tulsans began to regain their courage. The new decade presented new challenges. Gays began to revel -- RECKLESSLY -- in their new sense of emerging freedoms. The 1980's decade was the one of HIV and AIDS. But new and effective support organizations in Tulsa were created and dealt with It. The "nest of queers" Is now gone. But the details of its rich history, secrets, and personal knowledge of the details of events and activists who contributed so much to help secure equal rights for Tulsa's LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS communities still resides In the hundreds and hundreds of hours of notes, audio, video, and printed records I preserved over the years and written about in my book. The home base of Tulsa's gay equal rights activist organizations was crushed into rubble and the rubble removed during the 50th Anniversary Year of Stonewall. I owned the structure during the 1970s. Tulsa Gay Alliance(TGA) was one of the many gay activist organizations that sprang up from coast to coast within a year after the Stonewall Riots in New York City June 28,1969. The house was the home base for all the gay activists' organizations for most of the decade of the 1970s including TGA,Tulsa's Gay Awareness Program (GAP), GAP's newsletter GAP RAP, and the Tulsa Caucus. Initial meetings of Tulsa Metropolitan Church(MCC)were also held there to provide those who needed a more friendly Christian faith church. Gay activism was out-of-the-question for most Tulsa gay men in 1969. They feared being outed and facing life-changing outcomes of total rejection by family,friends and employers. But five gay men gathered secretly for the first time in a small meeting room on the 3rd floor of the Tulsa City-County Main Library. Names, identification, or phone numbers were not exchanged for fear that Tulsa police might learn who the activists were. Meetings then moved to 1629 South Cincinnati.. The address of the building that police eventually labeled "a nest of queers". The rich gay rights history associated with the house is as interesting as some of the activists themselves were. 3 �One of Tulsa's activists had been a homeless teenager who was thrown out by his parents for being gay. He survived as a dishwasher and go-go boy at Stonewall Inn when the riots broke out. Two of the activists had been committed to mental Institutions by their families because they were gay. One activist had been an emergency room nurse. Another was an honorably discharged veteran after serving in a highly classified career field. One was a black activist who singularly dared to publicly raise the issue of being gay to Tulsa's African American community. One had a law enforcement background. Another later became an ordained Priest-Pastor at Tulsa's St. Jeromes Angelican Church. President Herbert Walker Bush appointed one of the activists to be 28th recipient of the President's "1,000 Points of Light" award and medallion. Another activist received a Letter of Commendation from President Bill Clinton for his previous activism for equal gay rights Most of the activists had been abandoned by their families and churches. All the activists were as common as any except all were deeply committed to securing equal rights for themselves and others. The first activist group of TGA failed to enlist less than a dozen Tulsa gays and lesbians to join the effort to seek their equal rights. Being outed was too dangerous in the "City of Churches" and living In such anti-gay political and law enforcement environment. Dallas gays were not as shy as Tulsans were In 1972.They asked me and my companion as TGA organizers to lead Dallas' first and only gay "March" through the main downtown streets of the city. In 1974 the GAP RAP newsletter broke a story that Associated Press picked up. Newspapers around the country published their own articles about the Tulsa story. Tulsa local government recoiled from all the bad press. But, GAP and Its GAP RAP had finally managed to get the attention and concern the group sought about the need for local government to address the abuse and discrimination Tulsa gays were experiencing from police and others. GAP's sister activist group of the Tulsa Caucus followed through with their part. Their appeals to Tulsa Human Rights Commission secured that Commission's attention. A Special Task Force was created by the Commission that included gay activists. Assertions of the Special Task Force eventually resulted In the Mayor declaring an Executive Order (EO). The EO prohibited discrimination of gays by businesses that had any relationship with the City such as licensing, approvals, agreements, etc. The EO was rescinded by the next Mayor James Inhofe after encouraged by the "Orange Juice Lady" Tulsa native Anita Bryant. Tulsa law enforcement's retaliation toward gay activists was harsh. 4 �The house of gay activists might have accurately been labeled a "nest of queers". The queer activist's certainly 'hatched' their plans there. I was the activists who was falsely labeled as being associated with "organized crime" and targeted by the RICO Act (racketeering). But, the accusations were debunked by an IRS investigation. The entire contents of the Tulsa Caucus were striped by unknown persons. I and my partner experienced relentless police harassment likely intended to intimidate or drive us out of the city. We were stopped, detained, and harassed repeatedly for no valid reason. The stops were so numerous they became was a subject of jokes to police dispatchers. The black activist(my partner) was the easiest target by police He was arrested 3 times. One arrest resulted in a ten day work assignment. Another bogus charge was dismissed In court. The third was ruled as "Unconstitutional" by the Oklahoma Supreme Court and dismissed. My employer attempted to fire me due to my sexual orientation and activism. My partner and I began to receive frequent threats of violence. A night-time brick enclosed in a sack of burning substance crashed through one of the house's windows seriously jeopardizing the lives of the sleeping residents. The house that became the home base of gay activists in the historic Maplewood District had been built in the early 1900s during the oil boom. Due to the dryness and flammability of the near 70 year old wooden structure, the terrorist's act would have burned to the ground within minutes. It would have likely trapped residents on the second story if the fire had not been detected immediately. I vacated all the activists "nesters" and renters. I then sold the property at a loss to end its being a serious endangerment to residents because it was the home base of the activist's groups. The "nest of queers" had its own interesting history that preceded the struggle for gay equal rights. There was a weird, weird, sense of strange quality about the house. Residents and visitors alike believed "spirits" were present. Others claimed they witnessed unexplained and unnerving sights. There were suspicions expressed by persons who were not in a position to know things that proved accurate after being investigated. There was evidence that a murder may have occurred on the property years previously. Two persons who were known to have been present in the house multiple times before they were in fact actually murdered elsewhere. Gay Tulsans had valid reasons for not wanting to be outed in the 1970s. But significant advances associated with the house at 1629 South Cincinnati Avenue in Tulsa began making a difference. Gay Tulsans began to regain their courage. The new decade presented new challenges. Gays began to revel - RECKLESSLY - in their new sense of emerging freedoms. The 1980's decade was the one of HIV and AIDS. But new and effective support organizations in Tulsa were created and dealt with it. 5 �The "nest of queers" is now gone. But the details of its rich history, secrets, and personal knowledge of the details of events and activists who contributed so much to help secure equal rights for Tulsa's LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS communities still resides in the hundreds and hundreds of hours of notes, audio, video, and printed records I preserved,over the years and written about in my book. f .» t A V \ txi.k 1. : J • A 6 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [Collection] Oklahoma LGBT+ History Description An account of the resource <strong>Physical Media:</strong> <br /><br /><br /><strong>Digital Media:</strong> 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 [2019] Home of Early LGBTQ Movement in Tulsa Description An account of the resource Posted by Vernon Jones on Facebook November 4, 2019 Tulsa Gay Alliance Tulsa Gay Awareness Program Tulsa Gay Caucus Vernon Jones https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/9773fb1b2835fc9ff30d324e23a4ffc6.png b62633556df3f5cf42416a1026460e7b https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/960db8b9a3d263f9b1ec07b7604ea6a0.pdf 5fd0e9f357d737194768bcc569f3ab57 PDF Text Text �� Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2004] "Stories from the War on Homosexuality" promotional flier Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2004 Description An account of the resource Promotional flier for "Stories from the War on Homosexuality", film series by producer Arthur Dong. Includes films "Coming Out Under Fire", "Family Fundamentals", and "Licensed to Kill." Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2004 Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Pride 2004 Homophobia Violence Don't ask, don't tell Faith https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/ac4e7155c96d82f88dc23478fed298fa.jpg 9f8a4ca1f8b24e719670bc52c00384a6 Physical Object An inanimate, three-dimensional object or substance. Note that digital representations of, or surrogates for, these objects should use Moving Image, Still Image, Text or one of the other types. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2004] Diversity Celebration Pin Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2004 Description An account of the resource Pin from 2004's Diversity Celebration Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 4-12, 2004 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Pin Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Pride 2004 Diversity Celebration 2004 https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/053aed28888defcd37c9ddaaa6443882.jpg 15cd6958befd6ef5d13043ed41062330 https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/8dbbb33fe9d546552ee7cc8b4b2d6b57.pdf 4fff70c1bab4245d3f1e590230feb801 PDF Text Text ���� Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2003] Diversity Celebration Interfaith Service Program Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2003 Description An account of the resource Program from 2003's Diversity Celebration Interfaith Service Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 8, 2003 Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Program Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Pride 2003 Interfaith Service 2003 Diversity Celebration 2003 https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/083ed3a6732d5b32d9fc719ed2c57f99.png 32214df36ce3b62b334b63e7dc9bfd29 https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/1a2dedcd1216513a309c744e12bbb19b.pdf 8f48c6452bc46f57bd62e7141c5d021d PDF Text Text � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2003] Pride Parade Street Closure Map Subject The topic of the resource Pride 2003 Description An account of the resource Map of street closures for 2003's Pride Parade. Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Pride 2003 Diversity Celebration 2003 Pride Parade 2003 https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/b12d5f3163e878a6f30d880cdcf01819.png da9090b1df5721c693b32e28727dcf5e https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/aeea6b9306e6a5a5efb955a11cc1407c.pdf 66d246c9981c9d5bc32886315ad7a1eb PDF Text Text � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2003] Diversity Celebration Sponsor Ad Subject The topic of the resource Diversity Celebration 2003 Description An account of the resource Advertisement featuring some of Diversity Celebration 2003's sponsors. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 14, 2003 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Advertisement 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 Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights The Tulsa Bus Plant TW's AFAB Council Oak Men's Chorale 106.9 KHITS PFLAG Outline Magazine Tim Scott Online Bud Light Coors Light Miller Lite Parish Church of St. Jerome https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/6c3bed2765806f00d6ac0eb093f090e8.png e965a4094ddff1eb93c6f3c0aa410d33 https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/6003c7767a31aec9f7a711f3ddfaafce.pdf e712b7038d9e604c832f7233ab51975f PDF Text Text � Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2002] Jason Warner Promotional Poster Subject The topic of the resource Diversity Celebration 2002 Description An account of the resource Poster advertising an appearance by Christian Singer Jason Warner. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource June 9, 2002 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Poster advertisement Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Jason Warner Pride 2002 Diversity Celebration 2002 https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/fe3f820bfbad632f070d89de93586e8d.png ba64b62372dbb1d8e32ab40b92b0c6e2 https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/6800e951773a3f2f914cbd17ab406a21.pdf 505b54c9c9c65161725a91c52a673aa9 PDF Text Text � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2000] Pride Logo Subject The topic of the resource Diversity Celebration 2000 Description An account of the resource Logo for 2000's Pride celebrations. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2000 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource PDF Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Pride 2000 Diversity Celebration 2000 https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/b82a70f1ad7f70addb5662c1f51dc527.pdf 766a04e3b19ec41ee154eb9cd49f4557 PDF Text Text Tina Ann Pendola April 22, 1949 - August 4, 2016 Tina A. Pendola, 67, of Tulsa, Oklahoma died on Thursday, August 4, 2016. She was born on April 22, 1949, in Peoria, Illinois, the daughter of Joseph and Lorene (Aupperle) Pendola. Tina proudly served our country in the United States Army from 1973-1976, then worked Civil Service and at the Denver VA Hospital before coming to Tulsa in 1981. She worked at the Tulsa County Courthouse in Administrative Services for eight years, and then as a Veterans Employment Representative for the Oklahoma Employment Commission in the Broken Arrow office until 1995 when she had to quit due to health issues. She continued to be an advocate for veterans issues, and helped start the first group for women veterans in Tulsa. Helping and supporting all veterans became her primary mission in life. She is survived by her partner of thirty years, Sharon Segler, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, niece, Tammy Schaefer, of Edelstein, Illinois, sister in law, Karen Pendola, and nephew, Tony Pendola, both of Apex, North Carolina, sister in law, Pat Richardt, and nieces, Vicki Geffery, and Debbi Kessler, all of Oceanside, California, and numerous other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Mike Pendola, Tony Pendola, sister, Marilyn Pendola, and half brother, Charles “Bud” Richardt. A celebration of Tina’s life will be held at 9:00 AM, on August 10, 2016 at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens, 6500 S, 129th E. Ave., Broken Arrow, OK 74012, which will include The Patriot Guard of Tulsa as well “Taps” and presentation of the Flag by the United States Army Honor Guard. Tina requested, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made in her name to WIMSA (Women In Military Service for America) memorial foundation, Inc., by visiting womensmemorial.org or donate in her name to the DAV, Tulsa Chapter 32, 3131 E. Pine Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74110. �Comments “ I worked with Tina at Tulsa County in Administration Services. She was fun to be around and always made me laugh. She always cared about others and was a good friend. I think of her from time to time and and have fond memories of her. I just discovered her passing and am very sorry to hear about it. I will always remember her. Robert Brown - September 28, 2019 at 12:44 PM “ I just discovered that Tina had died. We were out of town when it happened and missed hearing the news. We both enjoyed working with her when Floral Haven did their salute to Women in Military Service. She was an amazing lady! Steve and Cheryl Moeller Steve and Cheryl Moeller - May 27, 2017 at 09:48 PM “ Sent a gift in memory of Tina Ann Pendola Larry & Lana Hurt (Patriot Guard Riders) - August 09, 2016 at 03:12 PM “ If it wasn't for Tina's compassion I would not be alive. She literally saved my life by introducing me to the benefits available to female Veterans. Tina and I became life long friends and will be lovingly missed. Her friend, Peggy Mantin Peggy Mantin - August 08, 2016 at 06:43 PM � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [Series] Oklahoma LGBT+ History > In Memoriam Description An account of the resource <strong>Physical Media:</strong> <br /><br /><br /><strong>Digital Media:</strong> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document Tina Ann Pendola April 22, 1949 - August 4, 2016 Tina A. Pendola, 67, of Tulsa, Oklahoma died on Thursday, August 4, 2016. She was born on April 22, 1949, in Peoria, Illinois, the daughter of Joseph and Lorene (Aupperle) Pendola. Tina proudly served our country in the United States Army from 1973-1976, then worked Civil Service and at the Denver VA Hospital before coming to Tulsa in 1981. She worked at the Tulsa County Courthouse in Administrative Services for eight years, and then as a Veterans Employment Representative for the Oklahoma Employment Commission in the Broken Arrow office until 1995 when she had to quit due to health issues. She continued to be an advocate for veterans issues, and helped start the first group for women veterans in Tulsa. Helping and supporting all veterans became her primary mission in life. She is survived by her partner of thirty years, Sharon Segler, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, niece, Tammy Schaefer, of Edelstein, Illinois, sister in law, Karen Pendola, and nephew, Tony Pendola, both of Apex, North Carolina, sister in law, Pat Richardt, and nieces, Vicki Geffery, and Debbi Kessler, all of Oceanside, California, and numerous other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Mike Pendola, Tony Pendola, sister, Marilyn Pendola, and half brother, Charles “Bud” Richardt. A celebration of Tina’s life will be held at 9:00 AM, on August 10, 2016 at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens, 6500 S, 129th E. Ave., Broken Arrow, OK 74012, which will include The Patriot Guard of Tulsa as well “Taps” and presentation of the Flag by the United States Army Honor Guard. Tina requested, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made in her name to WIMSA (Women In Military Service for America) memorial foundation, Inc., by visiting womensmemorial.org or donate in her name to the DAV, Tulsa Chapter 32, 3131 E. Pine Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74110. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Obituary 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 [2016] Tina Ann Pendola, April 22, 1949-August 4, 2016 Subject The topic of the resource Obituaries of important figures associated with Oklahomans for Equality and /or the LGBTQ+ community. Description An account of the resource An early member of Oklahomans for Human Rights and co-organizer of several Southwest Regional Softball Tournaments Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/20 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource August 4, 2016 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image Online text PDF Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource Obituary Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/373 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Peoria---Illinois Tulsa---Oklahoma Denver---Colorado The United States of America (50 states) Oklahomans for Human Rights Southwest Regional Softwball Tournament Tina Pendola https://history-okeq-org-red5.dev.unicomm.me/files/original/2a368d15ce83bf09297095ffc8853057.pdf 783006d54e8780a291d404d613479e0d PDF Text Text a:57 AM Sun Feb 9 < Netflix Facebook m AA Vanguard berlin in october i tulsawc Fidelity TulsaCorp KWGS Tulsa Opera Announces 202... Control4 RV Trip 0 Page A12 IT, Tulsa World, February 9, 2020, Page A12 Richard Alan Koenig < Th.is world lost a tn,e Opera, a position he held genlleman of substance and until his death. style \\ith the pass ng of Richard was committed Richard Koenig, 55,i of Tulsa to the organization's special heritage, vision and cul• on January 2, 2020 sur• rounded by family. ture by continuing to bring Richard was born July 11, world-class opera produc­ 1964 in Alton, Illinois, to par­ tions to the Tulsa stage. He ents, Helene Marie Koenig was excited for the future of and Harry Danvin Koenig. Tulsa Opem and instrumen­ He was reared throughout tal in planning for increased Illinois during his child· growth and achievement. Richard believed new and hood before moving \\ith his family to Plano, Texas, in his teenage increasingly larger audiences should years. He graduated from Plano High have the opportunity to appreciate and School in 1982. enjoy opera just as he did. After college in Texas, Richard The path for this in his ,iew was relocated with his parents to Owasso, Tulsa Opera introducing and offering Oklahoma, in the mid-80s. He eventu• opera and talented performers in as ally ended up in "!\Ilsa where his love many different forms and venues as of retail fashion landed him employ­ possible. lb accomplish this, Richard ment at Lochmann's at the Plaza and led Tulsa Opera's introduction of many Renbergs Department Store i.n Utica innovative vocal music education and Square. outreach programs benefiting 1>eople In October or 1988, Richard began at all age levels throughout the co m ­ what would become a 25-year tenure munity. These programs compliment• at Saks Fifth Avenue in Utica Square. ed and increased the organization's He was most notably known as the de­ unique cultural value, producing the partment manager of fine and fashion very best of time-tested and exciting jewelry during his years at Saks. opera for Tulsa. Richard forged a lifelong relation­ Richard provided enlightened, ship not only ,vith many of his clien­ vigorous and inspiring leadership for Tulsa Opera at a most opportune time tele but \\ith an array of nationally known jewelry designers during his for the organization. Every day, for time at Saks. He had a keen eye and all involved, Richard Koenig was and the knowledge to recognize the quality always will be the best of 1\ilsa Opera. and craftsmanship it took to make a ln the fall of 2013, Richard was custom piece of jewelry. diagnosed ,vith pulmonary fibrosis. He always had a very successful Despite medical therapY, he ultimately jewelry department at Saks because of undenvent a bilateral lung transplant his high standards and expectations at St. Josephs Hospital in Phoenix in in customer semce. He had an innate December of 2018. sense of what his clients' tastes in jew­ Unfortunately after making his one elry were in the 'l\llsa market on his year anniversary, complications from many buying trips to New York for fine an infection took his life much sooner and estatejewelry. than expected. A cause very close to Richard's heart Besides Tulsa Opera, Richard sat on during his time at Saks was Fashion• numerous boards and generously con­ A-Cure, a Pink Ribbon event benefit• tributed to many local organizations ing Oklahoma Project \Voman and over the years. women's breast health. Richard allvays had a sense of fash­ For over 10 years, New York fashion ion and style and was kno"�1 for being designer Carmen Marc Valvo and Saks an impeccable dresser. He loved col­ Fifth Avenue partnered to bring his lecting antiques, going to estate sales latest collection to 1\ilsa to support and enjoying a matinee at the Circle Project \Voman. Richard and Carmen Cinema. He always loved a good book, became lifelong friends through Pink especially historical reads about the Ribbon. British monarchy and Q.ueen Victoria. Richard was co-chairman of the New York City held a special place in highly. successful 2010 Fashion-A-Cure his heart. He relished the energy and event He was t.he recipient in 2012 of vibe of the city and the opportunity the prestigious Hope Award given for to see old friends in the jewelry and his outstanding efforts and dedication fashion industry. in fighting breast cancer. Richard was preceded in death by his father, Harry Darwin Koenig. He \Vhile at Saks as jewelry manager, Richard began his collaboration with is sumved by his partner of 30 years, Tod Neumann of Tulsa; his mother, Tulsa Opera. His contributions to special events, that Richard created, Helene Harper Koenig of Broken greatly benefited Tulsa Opera and the Arrow; brothers, Roger Koenig of community. A highlight was when Broken Arrow and Michael Koenig or Richard brought in famed jewelry de­ Houston, Texas; sister, Janet Koenig of signer, David Yum1an who participated Fort Smith, Arkansas and their fami­ in events for 1\1lsa Opera. lies; broU1ers-in-law, Steve Neumann Richard quickly became one of the of Basking Ridge, New Jersey and most productive board members of Scott Neumann of Brooklyn, New York Tulsa Opera and led many success· and their families; as well as numer• ful special events. He reenergized the ous cousins, nieces and nephews. organization's signature event, the A Celebration of Life Semce will be held at 11 :00 am, 111ursday, March 19, annual Opera Ball. Richard's love of opem took him 2020, at ninity Episcopal Church. In on a new career path in April of 2013, lieu of flowers, donations may be made when he became the Director of Oe1•e l ­ to 1\ilsa Opera. opment and Donor Relations for Tulsa • � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [Series] Oklahoma LGBT+ History > In Memoriam Description An account of the resource <strong>Physical Media:</strong> <br /><br /><br /><strong>Digital Media:</strong> 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 Obituary newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource [2020] Richard Alan Koenig, July 11, 1964-January 2, 2020 Subject The topic of the resource Obituaries of important figures associated with Oklahomans for Equality Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived https://history.okeq.org/collections/show/20 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 Date of passing: January 2, 2020 Published on the Tulsa World February 9, 2020 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Image PDF Online text Language A language of the resource English Type The nature or genre of the resource newspaper Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context https://history.okeq.org/items/show/429 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Tulsa---Oklahoma Oklahoma---Tulsa Alton---Illinois Illinois---Alton Plano---Texas Owasso---Oklahoma United States Oklahoma Tulsa United States Illinois Alton Description An account of the resource In the fall of 2013, Richard Koenig was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. He recieved a bilateral lung transplant in 2018. One year later complications from an infection caused his passing. His friends and family will always remember him for his style, love for antiques, and his passion for the Opera. Richard Koenig Tulsa Opera