‘TahlEquality’ pride weekend draws hundreds to city

Staff Report

TahlEquality has gained local support and worldwide coverage in the past year because of a 2014 event that garnered attention via Facebook.

Carden Crow and his wife, Shronn Schuelke, planned a picnic during Gay Pride Weekend last year, which grew, with the help of social media, to an event attended by hundreds of people. This year, after having formed TahlEquality – a chapter of Oklahomans for Equality – a weekend celebrating gay pride was developed.

The events began Saturday night at The Branch when hundreds of locals and out-of-town guests showed up in downtown Tahlequah for the red carpet event with an outside bar, stage and vendors set up.

“Our organization spent months planning this year’s Pride, and I walked into the weekend confident in this plan and went to work accordingly. When the rain came at an incredibly pivotal moment, I was a bit shaken because I wasn’t sure what we were going to do with nearly 300 guests we had at The Branch on Saturday evening,” said Crow. “I finally took cover only to be surrounded by a room full of total joy and excitement. In that moment, I realized it didn’t matter where we put this show, everyone there was sticking around no matter what.”

Carter Sampson and DocFell & Co. provided the live music before the main draw of the drag show. It was standing room only inside The Branch as various performers lip synced and danced to recorded music.

The party reassembled Saturday morning at Norris Park. Franke Lee played live music from the gazebo. Various vendors and nonprofit organizations had set up tents and tables, and groups of attendees laid out blankets and popped up umbrellas. People of all ages attended. The weather fluctuated between rain showers and sunshine.

Sheri Odom and her husband volunteered for the TahlEquality Gay Pride Picnic as a way of showing support for their daughter.

“It was great seeing our small town being so accepting and gracious,” said Odom. “It was hot, but lots of fun and people were great. We like to make new friends”

A large stage draped in rainbow flags and balloons had been set up for guest speakers and another drag show. Featured performers included Josie Lee Turrelle, Secdackeiry Taylor, Sara De La Hoya, Iman Scott, and Miss TahlEquality 2014 Inertia Dior.

“The vibe was completely harmonious from moment one. Everyone was helping each other set up, and folks were sharing food, water and sunscreen. I knew it was going to be a great day,” said Crow. “The entertainers took to the stage and the crowd was overwhelmingly welcoming. I want to thank this community for the support they continue to give us. TahlEquality is just getting started.”

TahlEquality is a 501(c)3 organization and accepts donations via www.okeq.org. More information can be found at www.facebook.com/Tahlequalitylgbt.