For the first time ever, Freedom Oklahoma lobbied at the capitol in support of a bill with momentum that would protect LGBTQ+ individuals. Historically, the nonprofit organization has had to play defense and oppose a slew of bills that would discriminate against the community. The Youth Mental Health Protection Act (House Bill 3872) passed out […]
Freedom Oklahoma
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News briefs
CITY Resolutions approved Oklahoma City Council approved several resolutions during last week’s meeting. The council unanimously approved an ordinance to be introduced and set for two additional hearings. Jason Ferbrache, director of Central Oklahoma Transportation & Parking Authority (COTPA), presented the ordinance that essentially proposed an increase in fines for cars that obstruct the Streetcar’s […]
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Final actions
Councilmembers set a date on a new sales tax vote, amended policies and approved more spending, among other actions at Oklahoma City Council’s final meeting of the year. Park tax Three weeks ago, former councilman Ed Shadid submitted a petition with enough signatures to allow residents to decide whether or not they want to implement […]
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Cover: 2019 review
To the ballot Oklahomans have filed four statewide initiative petitions and one referendum in 2019. The referendum, filed in August, was to let voters decide whether or not they wanted “permitless carry,” the first bill signed by Gov. Kevin Stitt to go into effect. The referendum did not gain enough signatures. Ultimately, the law, which […]
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Cities’ equality
Norman earned Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s distinction as an “All Star” city for advancing LGBTQ+ equality without relying on state law. Human Rights Campaign (HRC) annually ranks cities across the country in various categories from 0 to 100 through its Municipal Equality Index. Norman more than doubled its ranking from 41 in 2018 to 92 […]
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Freedom fighters
Freedom Oklahoma aims to build off a successful year for Oklahoma’s LGBTQ+ community by focusing more on diverse sects of the community and advocating for more issues. With October being LGBT History Month, Allie Shinn, Freedom Oklahoma executive director, said the organization is reflecting on recent history to inform what is next to come. The […]
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Extending rights
Norman City Council voted 8-1 to amend its civil rights ordinance to add protections on the basis of sexuality, gender identity or expression and same-sex marriage. The protections are now in place and affect employment, housing and public accommodations. Norman United, an interfaith group formed to support the LGBTQ+ community, spearheaded the efforts and played […]
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OKG Lifestyle: Allie Shinn
Around OKC EAT: sushi burrito at Poké Loco WATCH: Making It (NBC) LISTEN: Okie Geek Podcast READ: The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty LOVE: Word Cookies! app EXPERIENCE: Angry Scotsman Brewing’s patio Outside OKC EAT: Cazadorez Restaurant & Grill in Seminole WATCH: Killing Eve (BBC America) LISTEN: Ologies with Alie Ward (podcast) READ: Good Omens: The […]
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PRIDE Legends & Rebels
Oklahoma City Pride Alliance made history with its opening ceremonies Monday. Mayor David Holt officially declared the third week in June “Pride Week,” Rep. Kendra Horn’s deputy chief of staff Amanda McLain-Snipes presented a congressional citation and eight individuals were recognized for their contributions to OKC’s LGBTQ+ community, along with two grand marshals. For the […]
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Plaza Pride
Pride on the Plaza 6-10 p.m. June 14 16th Street Plaza District NW 16th Street, between Classen Boulevard and Pennsylvania Avenue plazadistrict.org 405-578-5718 Free 16th Street Plaza District’s monthly Live! on the Plaza art walk is hosting its first Pride-themed event in the series June 14, which organizers hope serves as a kickoff for the […]