April 2024 Update
ID: “April Monthly Update www.freedomoklahoma.org/news” with our logo and a background image of flowers from our TDOV event in OKC”
We love Two Spirit, Transgender, and Gender Nonconforming+ Oklahomans.
We know that the last few months have been heartbreaking and challenging. We also know that our communities have done what we’ve always done–leaned on one another to pick up the pieces after tragedy, cultivated our own spaces for grief and joy, and kept hope alive.
As we move into April, another month of picking up the pieces, we want to share some of the words and art from our beautiful community of people fighting for a future where all Two Spirit, Transgender, and Gender Nonconforming+ Oklahomans folks have the safety to live and thrive. We hope you’ll read and look through these and return to them whenever you need a dash of hope or solidarity or affirmation. We know we certainly will.
Important Links and updates:
April Community Groups
We are more than halfway through the '24 Legislative Session! Join us virtually on zoom for updates, check ins, and space to share our joys and concerns from one another. Freedom Oklahoma's Community Gatherings provide space for educators, caregivers, and students. These gatherings are open to teachers, school staff/administrators, mentors, community workers, parents, foster parents, resource workers, step-parents, siblings, and all ages of students; you are welcome as a 2SLGBTQ+ person, or a 2SLGBTQ+ ally. We look forward to seeing you there!
Full Schedule:
Teachers, Educators, & School Staff: Tuesday, April 16th, 4-530pm
Parents, Guardians, & Caregivers: Wednesday, April 17th, 4:30-5:30pm
Students & Youth: Thursday, April 18th, 4:30-5:30pm
Thank you for a special Trans Week of Advocacy and Action
We had a full week of events last week, including our annual People’s Hearing, Rally at the Oklahoma State Department of Education Board meeting, and Give Trans Folks Our Flowers While We’re Still Here–our TDOV events in OKC and Tulsa. A special thank you to everyone who made last week’s events happen: Freedom 2 Learn Coalition, Wes Jones, Al Phillips-Shinn, The Foundation for Liberating Minds, After Hours at Dayclub Midtown, The Wild Mother, Jessi Chapman, Fulton Street Books & Coffee, RPC, Mike Creef, Aero at Cactus Hill Flower Company, and Youth Services of Tulsa.
None of the events we organized and worked with partners to make happen would’ve been successful without everyone who participated. You filled the Capitol with 2SLGBTQ+ Oklahomans’ truths. You demanded accountability from the Board. You practiced preservation and movement sustainability by taking a moment for queer and trans joy and love. You submitted love letters to trans Oklahomans. You showed up to build a future that works for all of us.
SAVE THE DATE – The Freedom Session Presents: School Board Organizing with OEA
The Freedom Sessions is back! Save The Date - Thursday, April 18th - for a Lunch and Learn with OEA! We will be co-hosting a presentation and Q&A Panel with the Oklahoma Education Association on the importance of school boards, what they do, and how important community is to a successful school board. Find out more about OEA, school board engagement, and why 2SLGBTQ+ voices are important in school board spaces. Keep updated on a registration link for this event through our social media. We look forward to seeing you there!