More on TahlEquality's first ever Pride in Tahlequah

Members of Tahlequah’s newest nonprofit organization, TahlEquality, say they want to support and educate the community, and they’re getting started with a picnic in the park Sunday, June 1 at 2pm.

Carden Crow and wife Shronn Schuelke wanted to attend the Tulsa Pride Celebration this year, but they are going to be out of state. So, to celebrate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month, they invited friends and family to join them for a picnic in Norris Park. The event is now on Facebook, with more 2,300 people invited, and more than 417 saying they’ll attend.

“When I posted the original picnic invite, I had no idea how big this would become,” said Crow. “This has really taken on a life of its own, and I am flattered and inspired by the support it has received.”

What is being dubbed as Tahlequah’s First Gay Pride Picnic will feature what most events in Norris Park include: live music, vendors, children’s activities, information booths, T-shirt sales, and the hopes of a family-friendly time. The only difference is this one will honor the LGBTQ2 – Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual, Queer/Questioning, Two-Spirited – community, and there will be drag queens.

TahlEquality also wants to educate the public. Members say not everyone involved in the event planning are part of the LGBTQ2 community.

“A lot of straight allies are showing support,” said Jimmie Fite, a lifelong Tahlequah resident and one of the organizers. “That’s what allies do, give support for equality across the board.”

Fite said this is the first such event in Tahlequah that she’s aware of.

“Years ago, I helped start an organization called YAG (Young Allied Group) at NSU,” said Crow. “Those days, there wasn’t too many places in town that wanted to be public about their support.”

Joan Williams, associate professor of Hospitality and Management at Northeastern State University, used to be an adviser for YAG and is now a member of NSU’s Safe Zone. Williams said there has been a change in attitudes on campus and in Tahlequah.

“I’ve seen an evolution in terms of the university recognizing the change in students’ needs,” said Williams. “This event is an important first step for the community in general. I hope it will bring about quality discussions about equality.”

Various nonprofit groups have called Crow and asked to be part of the Gay Pride Picnic. Licensed professional counselors will be available for those who have questions, and the HEART Coalition will offer information about safe sex and condom use. An Episcopalian church is bringing a volleyball net, and the Gay/Straight Alliance Club from Tahlequah High School will do face-painting.

TahlEquality was formed just this week, and according to its Facebook event page, members hope the picnic will serve as a “beginning to a tradition that our evolving little town will get used to,” and a collaborative bridge with other local organizations.

by Sheri Gourd, Staff Writer, Tahlequah Daily Press

Copyright 2014 – Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc. Shared by the Associated Press.

The Gayly – May 30, 2014 @ 10:50am