After posting this on my social media, it became painfully apparent that fellow Oklahomans had strong opinions regarding this topic. I realize that the Pledge of Allegiance is a true symbol of patriotism, and for good reason. Have we, however, considered the origins of our pledge and why it was originally introduced into our schooling […]
equality
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LETTERS
The 2004 vote on this issue confirmed Oklahomans’ view that a marriage should be between a man and a woman, but as much as we struggle with the idea of a gay couple being married, we must come to the realization that gay marriage will be legal in all states, maybe quicker than we think. […]
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Realizing the dream
King’s speech proposed a vision of equality for all states throughout our country, a vision that we must continue to work toward in Oklahoma. A little more than 50 years have passed since the day King shared his dream with the nation. Each year, we are reminded of that dream with a federally recognized holiday. […]
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Oklahoma gay marriage ban ruled unconstitutional
U.S. District Judge Terence Kern announced his decision Tuesday in Tulsa. The ruling has been stayed pending appeal, which means same-sex marriages will not occur immediately in Oklahoma. Ryan Kiesel, executive director and spokesman for the American Civil Liberties Union in Oklahoma, called the 68-page written decision an “historic day for all of Oklahoma.” “We […]
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A giant step toward equality
The excitement of that day culminated in an incredible celebration of justice at the Cimarron Alliance Equality Center. Nearly 500 people gathered to laugh, cry, hug one another and lift up the day as a defining moment in American history. The ruling of the court, we all realized, moved the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender […]
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The Right to Love: An American Family
Oklahoma-born, Christian director Cassie Jaye chronicles one gay couple’s struggle for such acceptance in The Right to Love: An American Family. The documentary follows two years in the life of the Leffew family: two professional parents raising two adopted children they love dearly, and who love them back. That the parents happen to be two […]
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Macklemore & Ryan Lewis — The Heist
On The Heist, the duo’s chemistry is apparent as always, as they strike a perfect balance between fun and reality. Macklemore spits thought-provoking, honest lyrics about everything from thrift shopping and Cadillacs to sobriety and marriage equality. Throughout the project, the rapper exhibits great rhymes and outstanding flow, clearly showing his strong lyrical ability. Lewis […]
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Prop 8 gets dramatic
The Oklahoma Theatre Guild is taking part in a series of nationwide productions of the landmark marriage equality play, 8. In cooperation with the Cimarron Alliance, OTG presents a one-night-only reading of 8, the 2011 play by Dustin Lance Black, the Oscar-winning screenwriter of Milk. The work chronicles the historic trial that successfully challenged California’s […]
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Hostage situation
You won’t see Connecticut pop-punk act Hostage Calm refueling at Chick-fil-A on the road between gigs. The group’s guys are some of the most vocal supporters of marriage equality touring today, playing rallies, helping assemble a documentary on the movement and even selling merchandise that benefits organizations fighting for same-sex legal unions. “For my generation, […]
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Game on
Molly Johnson Before 1972, Molly Johnson’s career would have seemed unlikely at best, and more likely, nigh impossible. In addition to her duties as assistant softball coach at the University of Kentucky, Johnson fields balls at shortstop for the USA Softball National Team. This weekend, she and her teammates take the field in Oklahoma City […]