Oklahomans for Equality

What Oklahomans for Equality does

Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1980 (originally as Tulsa Oklahomans for Human Rights) that serves Oklahoma's 2SLGBTQIA+ community from the 18,000-square-foot Dennis R. Neill Equality Center at 621 E 4th St in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The organization rebranded and updated its mission in 2023 to center Two Spirit identities in recognition of being located on Muscogee Nation land, and operates as an integrated community center rather than a unified software product. Core offerings span healthcare (the OKEQ Health Clinic providing hormone replacement therapy, PrEP, STI screening, and primary care for established transgender patients, credentialed with Blue Cross & Blue Shield), culture and education (the Nancy & Joe McDonald Rainbow Library with 3,500+ LGBTQ+ titles accessed via LibraryCat, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ History Project digital archive with 668+ items on Omeka), arts and venue infrastructure (Lynn Riggs Black Box Theater seating 99, Bruce Goff Event Center capacity 142, Allie Jensen Memorial Art Gallery, Burnstein Kitchen, David Bohnett CyberCenter with 10 stations), and direct community support including counseling, trans/non-binary support groups, AFFIRM cognitive behavioral therapy for LGBTQ+ youth, HIV resources, PrEP/PEP access, medication-assisted recovery referrals, the Rainbow Harvest farmers market, and legal aid clinics.

Revenue is generated through a diversified mix: individual memberships at $50/year, Equality Business Alliance subscriptions ($150 community tier, $400 business tier), tax-deductible donations, event revenue (Tulsa Pride, Equality Gala, Tulsa Fringe Festival, Pride Bingo, Thursdays in the Rainbow Room), facility rentals, health clinic billings (BCBS plus self-pay), corporate event sponsorships starting at $250, and foundation grants (David Bohnett Foundation previously funded the CyberCenter). Go-to-market is community-led, with the center serving 67,000+ Oklahomans annually via in-person programs and events supported by roughly 10 core staff plus dozens of volunteers, complemented by partnerships with H.O.P.E., Guiding Right Inc., Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma, Rightway Medical, and area arts organizations. Distribution is anchored by the physical Equality Center (open Tue-Thu 9am-9pm, Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 12pm-6pm) with self-serve online channels for donations, memberships, event registration, clinic scheduling, and library catalog browsing.

The organization is governed by a Board of Directors led by President Whitney Cipolla, with Hailey Briggs as Executive Director and Andi Gunter as Deputy Director overseeing day-to-day operations. Recent activity has centered on stabilization following a 2022 embezzlement investigation and August 2024 felony charges against former Treasurer Paul Allen; OKEQ implemented new financial controls, engaged nonprofit accounting and audit firms, contracted consultant Wendy Thomas for a 12-month leadership transition, and is executing a Strategic Plan 2025-2030. Operationally, Tulsa Pride was moved to October starting in 2024, and OKEQ co-launched the second annual Tulsa Fringe Festival with Echo Theatre Company in July 2026.

Name

Oklahomans for Equality

Legal name

Oklahomans for Equality

Website

https://okeq.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Oklahomans for Equality is a Tulsa-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating the 18,000-square-foot Dennis R. Neill Equality Center to serve Oklahoma's 2SLGBTQIA+ community through a health clinic, lending library, digital archive, arts and event venues, and community support programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

LGBTQ+ Community Center Services

NAICS

Human Rights Organizations (813311), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Community Food Services (624210)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)

akta.pro primary industry

LGBTQ+ Rights & Advocacy Organizations (BPAGAFAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Human Rights & Anti-Discrimination Organizations (BPAGAFAB), Health & Support Communities (BPAMABAL), Public Health & Health Equity Organizations (BPAGACAL)

Keywords

• LGBTQ community center
• Community health clinic
• LGBTQ advocacy programs
• Nonprofit event venues
• LGBTQ lending library

Headquarters

HQ city

Tulsa

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Individual membership at $50 per person per year provides sustainable funding and community engagement. Equality Business Alliance membership provides networking and marketing benefits for businesses at $400/year (annual) or $40/month.
2. Donations and Contributions: One-time and recurring donations accepted online, with gifts of cash or check also accepted. Tax-deductible contributions support ongoing operations and community programs.
3. Event Revenue: Annual and monthly events including Equality Gala, Tulsa Pride, Tulsa Fringe Festival, and Pride Bingo generate fundraising and community engagement. Corporate sponsorships starting at $250 for events provide marketing exposure for sponsors.
4. Facility and Space Rentals: The Bruce Goff Event Center (capacity 142), Lynn Riggs Black Box Theater (99 seats), Allie Jensen Memorial Art Gallery, Burnstein Kitchen, and other spaces are available for rental for meetings, celebrations, and community events.
5. Health Clinic Services: OKEQ Health Clinic provides medical services including Hormone Replacement Therapy, PrEP, STI screening, and primary care. Accepts Blue Cross & Blue Shield insurance and offers self-pay options.
6. Grants and Corporate Sponsorship: Foundation grants and corporate sponsorship support capital improvements, programs, and operations. David Bohnett Foundation provided funding for CyberCenter creation.
7. Strategic Plan Revenue Generation: Organization is working to stabilize financially through fundraising and grant-application pipeline to ensure continued provision of services, advocacy, community, and programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Oklahomans for Equality operates the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, an 18,000-square-foot community facility in Tulsa that serves as a hub for 2SLGBTQIA+ community programs and services. Its core offerings include an on-site health clinic providing HRT, PrEP, STI screening and primary care for trans patients; a lending library with 3,500+ LGBTQ+ titles; a digital history archive; venue rentals; signature events (Tulsa Pride, Equality Gala, Tulsa Fringe Festival); counseling and support groups; HIV resources; advocacy programs; and food access through the Rainbow Harvest farmers market.

Product overview

Oklahomans for Equality (OKEQ) operates the Dennis R. Neill Equality Center, an 18,000-square-foot community facility serving Oklahoma's 2SLGBTQIA+ population. The organization offers a portfolio of programs and services including the OKEQ Health Clinic (hormone replacement therapy, PrEP, STI testing, primary care for trans patients), the Nancy & Joe McDonald Rainbow Library (3,500+ lending titles), the David Bohnett CyberCenter (10 computer stations), and venue spaces including the Lynn Riggs Black Box Theater (99 seats), Bruce Goff Event Center (142 capacity), Allie Jensen Memorial Art Gallery, and Burnstein Kitchen. Annual events include Tulsa Pride, Equality Gala, and Tulsa Fringe Festival. Advocacy programs include the Center Action Network, Equality Business Alliance, and community support groups for transgender, seniors, youth, and recovery. The organization also maintains the 2SLGBTQIA+ History Project archive. This is a community center model offering multiple interconnected services rather than a unified software product.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• OKEQ Health Clinic Health clinic providing hormone replacement therapy, PrEP, pap smears, STI screening and testing, and primary care for established transgender patients. Accepts Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance with self-pay option available.
• Nancy & Joe McDonald Rainbow Library Full-service lending library with over 3,500 2SLGBTQIA+ titles organized by categories including Art, Biography, Coming Out, Family, Fiction, History, Health, HIV/AIDS, Humor, Poetry, Reference, Sexuality, Spirituality, Theater, and Travel.
• 2SLGBTQIA+ History Project Digital archive project containing 668+ items documenting LGBTQ+ history in Oklahoma, including collections, exhibits, oral histories, and recently added items.
• David Bohnett CyberCenter Computer center with 10 computer stations offering internet connectivity, MS Office products, and printing capabilities, configured for classes and internet access for educational and recreational purposes.
• Lynn Riggs Black Box Theater 99-seat performance space featuring professional sound and lighting equipment, adjustable seating, and full bar service. Hosts productions from partner arts organizations and monthly cabaret series.
• Bruce Goff Event Center Event venue named for Oklahoma architect Bruce Goff, featuring attached commercial kitchen, full A/V setup with projector and 12-foot screen, wireless microphones, and capacity for 142 guests.
• Allie Jensen Memorial Art Gallery Art gallery showcasing local artists each month with First Friday openings from 6PM-9PM, featuring diverse styles, mediums, and stories celebrating art, identity, and community.
• Burnstein Kitchen Full commercial kitchen for event catering needs featuring extra large service window, multiple refrigerators and freezers, commercial stove and ovens, dishwasher, and large prep areas.
• Dennis R. Neill Equality Center 18,000-square-foot owned facility serving as the primary hub for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, featuring event center, lending library, wellness center, theater, gallery, and cyber center.
• Tulsa Pride Annual Pride festival, parade, and Rainbow Run event celebrating the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, moved to October to align with LGBT History Month and National Coming Out Day.
• Equality Gala Annual fundraising gala event supporting Oklahomans for Equality operations, programming, and community services.
• Tulsa Fringe Festival Annual performing arts festival featuring bold performances, live music, comedy, spoken word, family programming, Makers' Market, and AI and the Arts panels.
• Equality Business Alliance Business networking alliance for LGBTQ+ and allied business owners, with annual ($400/year) and community ($150/year) memberships, monthly networking mixers, and merchant directory listings.
• Center Action Network Advocacy program enabling community members to take action on issues affecting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community through voter information and action resources.
• Counseling Services Mental health support services including free drop-in therapy sessions, AFFIRM cognitive behavioral therapy program for LGBTQ+ youth ages 14-19, and referral services.
• HIV Resources HIV/AIDS education, testing, and support services including partnership with Guiding Right Inc. for free HIV and Hepatitis C testing, and connections to medication assisted recovery programs.
• PrEP / PEP HIV prevention services including access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medications and education.
• Transgender Support Programs Support services for transgender and non-binary individuals including Gender Support Group, Non-binary Support Group, Trans Men's Support Group, Trans Women's Support Group, and Name & Gender Correction Clinic.
• Thursdays in the Rainbow Room Monthly cabaret series featuring Tulsa's finest musical theatre performers, held in the Lynn Riggs Theater, supporting the center through ticket sales and bar proceeds.
• Rainbow Harvest Free farmers' market providing fresh food access and community resources in a safe, welcoming, affirming space for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Quantifiable outcome

• 67,000+ Oklahomans directly served annually through programs, events, and center services
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Echo Theatre CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Echo Theatre Company co-presents the Tulsa Fringe Festival with Oklahomans for Equality. Second Annual Tulsa Fringe Festival scheduled July 23-26 featuring bold performances, live music, comedy, spoken word, family programming, and Makers' Market.
• H.O.P.E. (Health Outreach, Prevention & Education)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership with H.O.P.E., a separate nonprofit organization that evolved from Oklahomans for Equality in 1998. Continues collaborative health testing services. OKEQ and H.O.P.E. maintain partnership with health testing as a core shared mission.
• Guiding Right Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGuiding Right Inc. provides free HIV and Hepatitis-C testing and prevention services at the OKEQ Health Clinic every 1st Thursday of the month from 3:00-6:00 PM. Services include free HIV testing, free Hepatitis C testing, and prevention supplies. Testers receive $15 QT gas card if not tested within previous three months.
• Food Bank of Eastern OklahomacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma enables Rainbow Harvest, a FREE Farmers Market providing fresh food access for the LGBTQ+ community. Addresses food insecurity challenges faced by community members. Market operates at Dennis R. Neill Equality Center.
• Legal Aid Services of OklahomacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStaff Attorney Alyssa Bryant from Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma provides fair housing-related legal assistance to LGBTQ+ community members at OKEQ. Services are open to everyone regardless of income and available throughout Oklahoma for LGBTQ+ persons.
• Theatre TulsaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTheatre Tulsa uses Lynn Riggs Black Box Theater for productions including rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Partnership supports OKEQ's goal of creating partnerships with Tulsa arts organizations.
• Heller Theatre CompanyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHeller Theatre Company utilizes Lynn Riggs Black Box Theater for productions including The Heller Shorts and The Deaths of Sybil Bolton. Partnership exemplifies OKEQ's commitment to ensuring diverse voices and stories are heard.
• CREATE TulsaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCREATE Tulsa hosts AI and the Arts panel as part of the Tulsa Fringe Festival. Partnership brings technology and arts programming to the community.
• Rightway MedicalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRightway Medical provides Medication Assisted Recovery services for opioid addiction, offering methadone and suboxone treatment at their Tulsa location (445 S Sheridan RD, 918-610-3366). Partnership supports OKEQ's substance use recovery programming. Offices also in Bartlesville, McAlester, Oklahoma City, Ponca City, and Roland.
• Corporate SponsorsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate friends both locally and nationally support OKEQ through cash sponsorship or gifts-in-kind. Special events like monthly First Thursdays gallery openings, Equality Gala, and Tulsa Pride benefit from corporate sponsorship. Sponsorships start as low as $250 for many events.
• Tulsa Leather Community (TLC) OklahomaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTulsa Leather Community holds education and support meetings for those interested in the Leather lifestyle at OKEQ's Wellness Room every Wednesday 6:30-8:30pm.
• Lambda Bowling LeagueminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLambda Bowling League, an affiliate member of IGBO (International Gay Bowling Organization), holds social bowling events at AMF Sheridan Lanes. Partnership supports LGBTQ+ sports and recreation programming.
• Girl Scout Troop 7484minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGirl Scout Troop 7484 welcomes all girls, trans, and nonbinary youth. Meets every Thursday at 6:30 PM at the Equality Center. Partnership supports youth programming and inclusive scouting.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• The Trevor Project: National nonprofit providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth. Comparable to OKEQ in mission focus on LGBTQ+ youth (e.g., GenQ programs) though operating as a national digital/phone service rather than physical center.
• SAGE (Services & Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Elders): National organization providing advocacy and services for LGBTQ+ older adults. OKEQ runs a SAGE-affiliated seniors program, making SAGE both a programmatic partner and peer in serving the LGBTQ+ elder community.

Broad incumbents

• NYC LGBT Community Center: The historic Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center in New York, offering cultural events, youth and senior services, and community programming. Comparable as a community center operator, though at significantly larger scale than OKEQ.

Others

• CenterLink: Member-based coalition of over 250 LGBTQ+ community centers across the U.S. and globally. Comparable as an organizational peer and likely peer network for OKEQ, which would benefit from CenterLink's shared resources, best practices, and advocacy coordination.

Direct peers

• Center on Halsted: Chicago's LGBTQ+ community center offering health services, youth programs, senior services, and arts/cultural programming in a single facility. Closely comparable to OKEQ in service mix (clinic, library analog, senior programs, theater) and community-center operating model.
• The Montrose Center: Houston's LGBTQ+ community center providing behavioral health, primary care, HIV/STD services, youth programs, and community events. Comparable to OKEQ in combining health clinic operations with advocacy and community programming in a conservative-region context.
• SF Community Health Center (formerly SF LGBT Center): San Francisco's LGBTQ+ community center operating integrated health clinic, behavioral health, and community programming. Highly comparable to OKEQ in integrating primary care, mental health, and community services under one roof.
• Los Angeles LGBT Center: One of the largest LGBTQ+ community centers in the world, operating an 18+ acre campus with health services, housing, and cultural programming. Directly comparable to OKEQ as a multi-service LGBTQ+ community center combining health clinic, library, events, and advocacy.
• H.O.P.E. (Health Outreach, Prevention & Education): Tulsa-based nonprofit that spun off from Oklahomans for Equality in 1998 to focus on HIV testing and health outreach. Direct peer in mission, geography, and target population, with ongoing partnership for HIV services.

Regional players

• Diversity Center of Oklahoma: Oklahoma City-based LGBTQ+ community center offering support groups, resource referrals, and community programming. Regional peer serving the same Oklahoma 2SLGBTQIA+ community from the state's other major metro.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/okeq
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/oklahomans-for-equality---okeq

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Oklahomans for Equality