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.
Serving LGBT Oklahomans and their allies since 1980, Oklahomans for Equality is home to a diverse, vibrant, and engaged community of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons, knowledgeable staff, and dedicated volunteers.
Serving LGBT Oklahomans and their allies since 1980, Oklahomans for Equality is home to a diverse, vibrant, and engaged community of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons, knowledgeable staff, and dedicated volunteers.
Our Story
Oklahomans for Equality / OkEq (formerly Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights / TOHR) was founded in 1980 by a small group of people concerned about human rights and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals.
In the 1980s, OkEq sponsored several high-profile social events for the LGBT and allied community, operated a speakers bureau, launched the first gay pride picnic and sponsored the nationally known Southwest Invitational softball tournament. With the advent of HIV/AIDS, OkEq sent medical professionals to health conferences to return and advise the community on the transmission of the virus. OkEq then opened Northeast Oklahoma’s first anonymous HIV testing clinic, becoming a state leader in HIV/AIDS testing and education. In 1998, H.O.P.E. (Health Outreach, Prevention & Education) became a separate nonprofit organization. Today, OkEq and H.O.P.E. continue their partnership with health testing.
OkEq opened Oklahoma’s first LGBT Community Center in October 1996. The Center quickly became the focal point for the community and subsequently moved to two larger locations over the years. In October 2005, thanks to the success of the Pyramid Project capital campaign, OkEq purchased an 18,000-square-foot facility to house the permanent home for the community. After a year of renovations and the help of 275 volunteers contributing over 7,000 hours of labor, the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center opened on Jan. 23, 2007.
Thank you for supporting the mission of equality with your resources, time and talent.
Dennis R. Neill Equality Center
Owned and operated by Oklahomans for Equality, the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center serves the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) and allied community. It is a visible reminder to all Oklahomans of the important role LGBT individuals, families and friends play in our state. Established in 1995, the Equality Center (formerly the Tulsa GLBT Community Center) is now one of the largest LGBT Centers in the region.
Purchased in October 2005 after an eight-year capital campaign, the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center underwent a complete overhaul through over 7,000 hours of volunteer-led renovations, opening in February 2007. Our beautiful 18,000-square-foot facility now represents the design work of a team of professional designers. Featuring an event center, a full-service lending library, a wellness center and more, the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center is a visible presence of LGBT equality in Oklahoma.