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Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) seeks equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances and the operation of the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.
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State's Oldest LGBT Organizations Seal Partnership
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July 31st, 2010
Ponca City, OK-July 31, 2010-Today, leaders from Oklahoma City based Cimarron Alliance Foundation and Tulsa based Oklahomans for Equality met in Ponca City for the purpose of signing a Memorandum of Understanding that creates a statewide partnership. These two organizations are the state's oldest advocacy and education groups for Oklahoma's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Combined, they have nearly a half-century of advocating for this population.
According to Toby Jenkins, President of the Oklahomans for Equality Board of Directors, the organizations have had a cordial relationship for years. "We have always had the highest regard for Cimarron Alliance and they have been very supportive of
Oklahomans for Equality as well. This past year our organizations have had a very intentional approach in working together. The time is right to formalize our partnership."
Scott J. Hamilton, Executive Director of Cimarron Alliance, concurs with Jenkins. "For the past six months our organizations have developed an amazing working relationship. Our missions are very complementary and we hold OkEq's leadership in very high esteem. We believe that we can accomplish far more together than either of us can on
our own."
Jenkins and Hamilton believe that this initiative will have far-reaching benefits for Oklahoma's gay community. It forms the framework for more cohesive program development, legislative work, and ultimately they believe, serving as a powerful voice for LGBT Oklahomans throughout the state.
"We are not merging our organizations," said Hamilton. "Instead, we are capitalizing on each other's strengths and experience to serve more people than ever before."
The choice of Ponca City as the location for the MOU signing was, according to Jenkins, very intentional.
"We chose Ponca City because it is a neutral site, rich with Oklahoma nationally recognized landmarks and history. On September 16, 1893, the greatest land run in the history of the state began right here in Ponca City. More than 100,000 eager land- seekers raced for claims. Their stories are of endurance, hope, pride and determination, and are all of the things our organizations represent," said Jenkins.
Hamilton echoed Jenkins' sentiments and noted that Ponca City is representative of many Oklahoma towns and cities. "We love the history and symbolism here in
Ponca City. We could, though, have chosen any place from here to Ardmore, from the Oklahoma Panhandle to the hills of Southeastern Oklahoma. Our goal today is to demonstrate that Oklahomans for Equality and Cimarron Alliance Foundation are dedicated to addressing the needs of every LGBT adolescent, adult, and senior as well as their families, friends and loved ones in Oklahoma" he said.
As important as this MOU is to both organizations, Hamilton and Jenkins indicated this is only the first step of a broader plan to include other organizations. "This creates a statewide partnership that will broaden our reach immediately," said Jenkins. "But as
we move forward, we envision inviting many other organizations to join with us," he
continued.
"In time we will welcome LGBT groups and other allied organizations to partner with us," said Hamilton. "This way we gain strength and provide even greater empowerment and support for individuals and groups. Working together, there is no limit to the advances we can make toward equality for all Oklahomans," he concluded.
Oklahomans for Equality, originally called Oklahomans for Human Rights, began in 1980. The organization seeks equal rights for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender individuals and families through advocacy, education, programs, alliances and the operation of the Dennis R Neill Equality Center.
The mission of the Cimarron Alliance Foundation, founded in 1995, is to support educational efforts that validate personal identity, promote public enlightenment, and advance equality for LGBT Oklahomans.
The full Memorandum of Understanding can be viewed at the organizations' respective websites: okeq.org and cimarronalliance.org.
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Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
Hours: Monday - Saturday 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Closed Sunday except for special events.
Oklahomans for Equality | 621 E. 4th Street | Tulsa, OK 74120 | 918.743.4297
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