Facts every LGBT person should know

 about life in Tulsa

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Are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) individuals, couples and families discriminated against in Oklahoma?

Yes. Most LGBT Tulsans and Oklahomans have experienced various forms of discrimination during their lives – from the implicit (schoolyard bullying, derogatory remarks by co-workers) to the explicit (loss of job, physical assault). Some LGBT persons are “in the closet.” They are afraid to be open and honest about their sexual orientation for fear of losing their jobs and/or becoming estranged from their family and friends.

Can LGBT persons in Tulsa be legally fired from their job?

Yes – and it does occur in Tulsa. Some cities and states protect LGBT persons from being fired solely on the basis of their sexual orientation. But Tulsa does not. Presently, the City of Tulsa requires all businesses and organizations that wish to be considered for contracts to perform work for the City practice non-discriminatory employment practices in regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age or disability (Section 110, Title 5 of the City of Tulsa’s Human Rights Ordinances). By amending this ordinance to include sexual orientation and gender identity, the City of Tulsa could help end discrimination in employment based on sexual orientation among its contractors. Federal legislation that would make employment discrimination against LGBT persons illegal, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, or ENDA, is under consideration by Congress.

Can LGBT persons in Tulsa legally be evicted from their apartments?

Yes. In Tulsa, it is illegal to to deny housing (leasing an apartment) to a person based on their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, age or disability (Section 104, Title 5 of the City of Tulsa’s Human Rights Ordinance). However, it is legal to evict someone from their apartment or deny them a lease based on their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Can LGBT persons in Tulsa legally be asked to leave a restaurant or hotel?

Yes.  In Tulsa, it is illegal to deny access to a restaurant, hotel, movie theatre, concert hall, sports arena, bowling alley, amusement park, bar, retail establishment, bank, barber shop or other place of public accommodation based on a person’s race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, age or disability (Section 105, Title 5 of the City of Tulsa’s Human Rights Ordinance).  However, it is legal to deny access to these public places to a person based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity (Note: churches and private clubs are exempt from this ordinance).

Can LGBT persons in Tulsa legally be refused a home mortgage loan solely because they are LGBT?

Yes. In Tulsa, it is illegal to deny a mortgage loan to a person based on a person’s race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, or familial status (Section 104, Title 5 of the City of Tulsa’s Human Rights Ordinance). It is legal to deny a loan to a person based on their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.