~ Pictured above, – (left) Lance with Chris Kattan on the set of “Just Crazy Enough.” Kattan played both twins in the movie.
Lance with the rest of the, “Just Crazy Enough” cast, (l-r) Eleanor Threatt, Jonathan Beck Reed, Desmond Mason, Judith Midyett, Josh Norman, Nikhil Bhoplay and Don Taylor. ~

Lance McDaniel is the Executive Director of the deadCENTER Film Festival, Oklahoma’s largest film festival, and an independent filmmaker who has worked on 13 feature films. This past summer, Lance co-wrote and directed the family comedy, Just Crazy Enough, starring Chris Kattan, and produced a documentary about the first female Governor of Oklahoma, First & Female. Lance’s feature length documentary, Widowbago, won Best Oklahoma film in 2007. And, his short, The Gymnast, won a Best Actress award at the Los Angeles International Film Festival. Lance is also a DGA 1st AD, working on four features for Oscar winning producer Gray Frederickson, the Chickasaw Nation’s first feature film, Pearl, and the Brooks Douglass story Heaven’s Rain. Lance served as on-set dresser and props for Michael Winterbottom’s The Killer Inside Me. In Los Angeles, Lance worked as Producers Assistant for Oscar winner Al Ruddy on Million Dollar Baby and Cloud 9.
Lance has a Masters in Film from Oklahoma City University and an undergraduate degree from Stanford University, where he currently serves as Event Chair for his 20 year reunion.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself.

I grew up in Alva, went to college at Stanford University and worked as an internet consultant in San Francisco, London, & New York before quitting my job and moving to Los Angeles to make movies. I retuned back home to Oklahoma 7 years ago to make independent films and be closer to my family.

2. How did your career in film begin?

After completing a film program at NYU, OCU’s Fritz Keirsch got me an interview with Gray Frederickson, who hired me to be his assistant on Cloud 9, a beach volleyball comedy filming in Malibu. The other producer on the film, Al Ruddy, then hired me to be his assistant on Million Dollar Baby, and both he and the film won the Oscar. After that, Gray asked me to move back to Oklahoma and help produce a series of low budget horror films. I’ve been here ever since.

3. How would you best describe your style?

I typically dress in suit and tie if I am speaking for work or fundraising. Otherwise, I am very casual and tend to dress to amuse myself.

4. What prompted you to begin writing?

I knew I wanted to write my own film scripts from the beginning. Both feature films I have directed were based on scripts I co-wrote with my producing partner, Sean Lynch. I have also been writing a weekly column on independent film for the Friday Paper for the past two years.

5. What is the most embarrassing thing in your career?

I do not embarrass very easily. But, I have certainly worked on some films that were embarrassing.

6. If you could work with one other writer or director, who would it be?

Gus Van Sant’s “My Own Private Idaho” is the film that made me want to make my own films. His career is filled with huge risks like “Elephant” and wild successes like “Good Will Hunting” and “Milk.” I would love to work with him at some point.

7. Any hobbies?

I go to church at St. Luke’s United Methodist, read a lot of fiction, watch a lot of movies, go to live concerts and see as many OKC Thunder games as possible.

8. Goals for the future both personally and professionally.

My goal is to grow deadCENTER into a huge local event that draws national attention to Oklahoma City as a creative destination. And, I’d like to continue writing and directing really fun feature films.

9. How has being the Executive Director of the deadCenter Film Festival added your already fabulous career?

Working at deadCENTER has been awesome. I volunteered for 5 years before being hired. So, I knew it would allow me to meet great filmmakers and watch lots of movies. But, the best part about being Executive Director is that I get to go around the state teaching high school kids about the different film opportunities for them here in Oklahoma. And, I now sit on the board for several creative organizations.

10. What is the most exciting part of your career?

The most exciting part of my career is getting to create something from nothing. I just finished a feature film, Just Crazy Enough, which took me two months to write, three years to raise money, one month to film and a year to finish editing and adding music. And, now that it is done, I get to start the whole process over again.

11. What keeps you motivated and passionate about what you do?

I am motivated by being around other people that are constantly working to improve their own life and the lives of those around them. Oklahoma City is filled with great artists, musicians, athletes and business people that leverage their success to improve the city and help those that need it most.

12. Tell us about where you grew up and about your parents.

I grew up in Alva, Oklahoma. My parents met working in the local Methodist Church and then had three boys, of which I am the youngest.

13. Final thoughts.

I am excited that the Gayly is back in action. And, I am really looking forward to Pride this year.

Pictured above is Dorsey Glazener who says personal service and a quality repair is their main goal at Dorsey’s Auto Body Shop. The repair shop has been located on or near 39th & Youngs for over 60 years. Photo by Robin Dorner.

Located on or near the 39th street strip since 1948, Dorsey’s Auto Collision is a full service auto body repair shop with a staff well trained in appraising damages including all repairing and painting.  Over the years, body shop owner Dorsey Glazener has seen many changes in this neighborhood.

“My father opened a shop at 2205 NW 39th in 1948,” said Glazener.  “We have been in this neighborhood helping our friends and neighbors ever since.  This is such a wonderful and diverse neighborhood.”

Dorsey’s moved to 3933 N Youngs Blvd. in 1981 (just south of 39th, before you get to Ingrids!). Glazener said the wonderful families they have served for generations have also become friends. “They are a big part of our service and success.”

At times, these long-time customers of Dorsey’s have been concerned that they may not be able to have their vehicle repaired at Dorsey’s and have it paid for by the insurance company.

“Insurance companies will tell you to go to their repair shop for many reasons. You don’t have to go where they want you to go; you have the right to have your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice,” said Glazener. “Directing repairs is not right and it disrupts relationships that we have worked at developing for years.”

Brant T. Cale, Communications Officer Oklahoma Insurance Department told the Gayly that Title 36 §1250.8 Section D prohibits insurance companies from making a consumer have their vehicle repaired at a specific repair shop.

“Insured’s or 3rd party claimants are free to have their vehicle repaired at any facility they choose, because the contract for repairs is between the body shop and the vehicle owner,” said Cale.  “Insurance companies can, however, ask an insured or claimant to take the vehicle to a specific body shop or repair facility to have the initial estimate written.”  Here is the link to the exact language: http://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/DeliverDocument.asp?CiteID=437234.

“While it is typical for insurance companies to have contracts or agreements with repair facilities, these are usually based on setting standard repair prices and using the personnel to write the estimates,” adds Cale. “The company will usually guarantee the work of that particular facility as well.”

Always remember, the company (or adjuster) can make a suggestion that a vehicle owner use one of their preferred facilities, but they cannot force you to.
Glazener concluded by saying, “Personal service and a quality repair is our main goal. We work for you not the insurance companies.”

Dorsey also has an experienced mechanic and will help facilitate customers with renting a car if needed. Call (405) 521-1286 to make an appointment.

“You are cordially invited…” We love getting these notes! We get to go to a wedding, a graduation or just a party; big fun. There’s always plenty of food and drinks. We know that we will be accepted, since we got invited. So we go to the event and have a great time.

I’d like to invite you to something a little different. “You are cordially invited…to church.” Please join us Sundays at 6pm for worship and fellowship. Cathedral of Hope meets at Mayflower UCC, located at 3901 63rd St. NW in Oklahoma City. We are an intentionally gay-friendly congregation, gladly serving the LGBTQIA community for over 11 years.

So, come join us this Easter season. Come as you are. Come and worship. Be a part of a faith community that loves you and accepts you. You are always welcome here. I came to this church back in November and found them to be warm and loving. They continue to accommodate me and my family each week. I came from a small town in Iowa, where I served a small congregation, and have been in ministry with The United Church of Christ for over 20 years. I enjoy being in the OKC metro area, and continue to discover new things about the area.

One thing I’m finding in the last few years is how many people have just given up on church, especially among the LGBTQIA community. Don’t give up. Claim a new faith, a gay faith, and a Christian faith. Come to Cathedral of Hope OKC. You are cordially invited.

All four concerts will be performed in St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, the finest acoustical facility for chamber music in Oklahoma City. The three evening concerts will be performed at 7:30 pm, and the Sunday afternoon concert will be performed at 4 pm.

Works of Bach include pieces for piano, cello, organ and a piano trio. Brahms works include a sextet, two quintets, a piano trio and two-instrument sonatas. The Festival will even feature a Brahms arrangement of a Bach composition.

Staff Report

The 11th annual Respect Diversity Symbol Exhibit is scheduled for March 9 – May 9, 2012 at the Science Museum Oklahoma. Young people throughout Oklahoma are celebrating diversity in creative ways as they explore issues of cultural diversity, human rights, and global peace through the arts. The exhibit will feature approximately one hundred collaborative works of art and poetry by students of all ages.

One of the displays, “We Stand for the Weak, the Injured, the Silent and the Oppressed,” is a three dimensional hanging art entry inspired by an art integration diversity lesson and created by all kindergartners at Ranchwood Elementary School in Yukon. Science Museum visitors will have an opportunity to read a framed information card about the motivational factors behind this and all other contest entries on display at the Respect Diversity Symbol Exhibit. Teachers throughout Oklahoma who register to attend the exhibit’s gala will receive Multicultural Professional Development Points.

The gala for this exhibit will be on Tuesday, March 27, at the Science Museum Oklahoma, located at 2100 NE 52nd Street, OKC, OK. The event begins at 5pm with a program in the Eleanor Maurer Theatre. Lyn Adams, Director of the OKC Children’s Theatre and Jean Hendrickson, Executive Director of Oklahoma A+ Schools, will present awards to winning schools. Musicians from Westminster School, Seeworth Academy and Ranchwood Elementary School will perform.

Sponsored in part by Science Museum OK, Alhambre Designs, the Gayly, The Oklahoman, Cimarron Alliance, Loves, MetroFamily Magazine, Oklahoma Natural Gas, , Christian Mohamed Goldberg, Walmart Stores, the Jewish Foundation, ICelebrateDiversity.com and the Respect Diversity Foundation.
To learn about projects of the Respect Diversity Foundation call (405) 359-0369 or visit www.respectdiversity.org.

Pam Justice, a key volunteer for Other Options stands in the main shopping area of the Friends Food Pantry. Justice is the manager of, “Pam’s Closet,” the household and clothing donation department of the organization.) Photo by Robin Dorner.

By Robin Dorner
Editor in Chief

Other Options and Friends Food Pantry is making plans for the organizations largest annual fundraising event of the year …and it’s all about fashion; well, and raising money, of course.

Each spring, the organization raises funds at this event to continue providing services for the hundreds of clients and families they serve.

“I have attended a fashion show with Frank Christian. He is a Fashion Producer originally from Oklahoma,” said Juliet Hutton who will help plan the event.

“It was really well produced and I enjoyed his work. He is on board and will volunteer his time.” According to Hutton, Christian has produced nine shows in the fashion industry.

“I have produced fashion shoots for years and his help on the fashion show side of it will help,” said Hutton who also said she has produced more than 2,000 fashion shoots.

In Oklahoma, Friends Food Pantry at Other Options is the only free food source in the 405 and 580 area codes for the HIV population. To qualify for services, at least one member of the family lives with HIV or AIDS and must be referred by a Case Manager.

The purpose of Other Options, Inc. is to provide food, resources, services, and education to at-risk individuals and families with a focus on those affected by HIV and AIDS. Their mission is focused on non-discriminating, compassionate services to those in need.

Since 1989, Other Options in Oklahoma City has provided professional, consistent services to PLWA’s (persons living with AIDS) and disabled individuals, focusing on the impact HIV/AIDS has had in the lives of those they serve.

For information, if you wish to donate or volunteer please contact OOI at (405) 605-8020 or visit www.otheroptions.org.

Taking approximately 70% of the vote, Al McAffrey makes a clean sweep against his Republican opponent in the special election held on Valentine’s Day for Oklahoma State Senate seat in District 46. McAffrey is Oklahoma’s first openly gay Legislator serving at the state’s capitol.

“Thanks to all my supporters; those who supported me financially, who volunteered and those who voted for me,” said McAffrey in a statement to the Gayly. “I plan to represent this Senate District the same way I spoke for those in my House District and my Open Door Policy remains in effect.” McAffrey also paid a special thanks to David Stinson for, “putting up with me,” for his added support and, in particular, putting together his victory party.

McAffrey is a strong supporter of all Civil Rights and his voting record shows he has consistently voted for the benefit of seniors, the preservation of human rights and the middle class.

“Tonight, the people of Senate District 46 have put their faith in me to represent them. I do not take their faith in me lightly or for granted,” McAffrey Added in a statement sent to his supporters. “I am committed to fighting for the values that define our district: fairness, equality and moving Oklahoma forward.”

At the victory party for newly elected Senator Al McAffrey, pictured above are McAffrey (c) and Richard Ogden (l) and Steve Cortes (r).

LGBT activist Margaret Cox shows her disapproval of the Supreme Court decision regarding corporations as people on the second anniversary of this decision.

Frustrated and angry citizens attended a rally Friday, January 19th in front of the Federal Courthouse in downtown Oklahoma City. This same protest was staged in about 80 cities nationwide marking the 2nd anniversary of the January 20, 2010 Supreme Court decision of Citizens United vs. the Federal Election Commission. Largely referred to as the “corporations are people” decision it struck down spending limits by corporations and unions in political campaigns. This decision has sparked a fierce and polarizing debate over the issue of corporate money’s influence on political outcomes and at least one congressional member is proposing a constitutional amendment to overturn this decision. The only other legitimate method of overturning a previous Supreme Court ruling is to nullify it with a contradictory ruling on a current case.

The Oklahoma City rally drew approximately 50 people from Stillwater, Norman, and elsewhere in the Oklahoma City metro area. Speakers at the rally included Dr. Ed Shadid, Oklahoma City councilman, ward 2.

Demonstrators attend a “corporations are not people” rally Friday, January 19th in front of the Federal Courthouse in downtown Oklahoma City.

Senator Andrew Rice was presented with a “Certificate of Grateful Appreciation” from the board of Cimarron Alliance for, among many things, his ongoing fight for the rights of LGBT citizens.

On February 14th, Oklahoma City voters will go to the polls to choose a replacement for Senator Andrew Rice (D) OKC. Rice announced last year that he would resign his state senate district 46 seat effective January 15, 2012 in support for his wife, Dr. Apple Rice who is pursuing an out-of-state career opportunity.

Rice has held this seat since 2006 and has been a great supporter of LGBT issues in Oklahoma.  This election is extremely important because it is vital to replace Senator Rice with someone who is sympathetic to the issues affecting gays and lesbians in Oklahoma. Some republican extremists are already moving to erase decades of civil rights advancements in this state and only one candidate can help stop those efforts. That candidate is Al McAffrey.

Currently representing HD 85 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, McAffrey is the first and only openly gay member of the Oklahoma legislature. He has also been endorsed by Senator Rice.

District 46 covers much of the mid-town Oklahoma City area and the area just south of I-40.  This election will be held in the new district area which was recently reapportioned by the Oklahoma legislature. A map of the new district is available on the Oklahoma State Election Board website:  www.ok.gov/elections/. New voter registration cards have been mailed to all registered voters with the location of the new polling places. These polling places may also be found on the election board website at http://www.ok.gov/elections/ppl/index.php.

In order to vote you must bring a government issued photo I.D., your voter registration card, or be prepared to fill out a provisional ballot form as explained on the election board website. Remember to VOTE on Tuesday, February 14th.

Hosting a farewell podcast for Cimarron Alliance Oklahoma: Inside Out podcast is (l) Scott Hamilton with Senator Andrew Rice (r). In an election on February 14th, Al McAffrey is hoping to win the race to fill Rice’s vacated seat.