If you build it they will come
OKC’s LGBT Equality Center reaches one year milestone
On their Facebook page, Cimarron Alliance has “Equality, Justice, Advocacy, Education” listed as the ‘products’ they have available. Products and services like these are items high on the list for so many in need in a region such as ours. Those ‘products’ Cimarron has made available to the “estimated 365,000 gay Oklahomans” is just one reason they are considered central Oklahoma's preeminent LGBT advocacy and education organization.
Executive Director: Scott Hamilton has been with Cimarron over four years and in the beginning,he looked over the work that Cimarron had done. In over two decades of service to the community, there was much to be proud of, however there was no office at all, no telephone, no supplies; nothing.
“I was literally sitting at my parents’ dining room table with a borrowed computer and my cell phone for the first month I was here. And then we opened our small office in Mesta Park in January, 2010 and that was a big step forward. There had never been a staff, never been an office so that was making a big commitment to our community that Cimarron was dedicated to growing efforts to be fully supportive of all the work that needs to be done in our community.”
Creating change: Hamilton discussed the many changes needed in order to build a perception welcoming to all. Additionally, partnerships beyond the LGBT community, but they are partnerships that have served them well, not just in their own efforts, but being able to lend support to other equality organizations.
“The reality is we can’t legislate change; real change has to be lived. And that is why an equality center will be needed here for a long time. Because we will have to continue to communicate with the general public in a meaningful way and to helping parents advocate for their children and to help fight for rights.”
Goals for 1 year: “When we opened the doors to our center, we had 700 people here that night – they were lined up around the block to get in. And the only thing we had on the calendar was one AA meeting! We had a few goals, but nothing in concrete.”
Hamilton said he and the board wanted to hear from the community what they wanted to have in their LGBT center, rather Cimarron taking on the role and telling them what they needed.
“It was a little scary to pass out a calendar that was not full, but we had to make sure we were meeting the needs of the folks we were here to serve. We quickly found sentiment in the term, ‘If you build it they will come.’”
Cimarron now has many meetings including youth groups, sports groups, outreach, including outreach to many various ethnic groups. It’s a place where different generations, cultures and groups can come together.
And they meet at no charge.
Funding: “Funding is always an issue in the non-profit environment; especially for an LGBT center in the reddest of red states. Maintaining comfortable levels of funding is always a challenge. Our expenses are not enormous here. That’s why we are able to turn a lot of that into services and programs.”
Hamilton said the board spends a lot of time fine-tuning operations to perform with better efficiency, but donations are always welcomed on the Cimarron website (www.equalityokc.org). Memberships to Cimarron or the Diversity Business Association also help support the efforts of the Equality Center.
Challenging days: Because of the increased visibility of LGBT issues, many people now may just walk in the door with a need. Some need immediate attention; some simply need a friend or support system, but may be at a critical time in life.
“Sometimes, it’s a situation where we have to stop and give immediate help because if you’re 16 and you have just been kicked out of your house, you need some open arms. And that’s what we commit to do. We make the appropriate referrals and we hope for the best outcome but we often don’t know the end results.”
Brothers in equality: Hamilton touts the synergy between Oklahomans for Equality (OkEq) and Cimarron today. “I am so grateful to have the relationship we have with Toby [Jenkins]. We don’t ever feel in competition with each other and we talk nearly every day on the phone. Sometimes it’s an urgent issue, sometimes it’s about what we are going to say to the media, sometimes it’s just ‘I’m thinking about you.’”
Hamilton said he and the board look at OkEq as a positive example and look at them only with admiration.
Leadership: Cimarron has a diverse group of board members who meet regularly and encourage support and engagement from the community. Immediate past chair is Randal Marsh; current co-chairs are Allyson Coffey and Kathryn Primas. Vice Chair, Dr. J. David Macey, Jr.; Treasurer, Jim Busenbark and Laurette Taylor is Secretary. Members at large include Jeff Riles, Marlo Miller, Beverly Evans, Paula Sophia Schonauer, Marquette Clay, Teresa Moinette and Andrew West Griffin.
Mission:The mission of Cimarron Alliance is to support educational efforts that validate personal identity, promote public enlightenment, and advance equality for LGBT Oklahomans.
Pivotal year: “This has truly been a pivotal year at Cimarron – I seem to say that every year, I know. I know it because I see the good things Cimarron is doing and the value Cimarron is bringing to the community and in talking to colleagues around the country.
“I think one of the most important things we do is turn on the light and just be a beacon to anyone who needs us. Just our physical presence provides hope.
“Like I said, ‘If you build it they will come.’”
For additional information, contact KJ Brown at Cimarron at 405-495-9300 for other events at the Cimarron Alliance LGBT Equality Center or visit www.equalityokc.org.
by Robin Dorner, Editor in Chief
The Gayly - March 21, 2014 @ 5pm