Herland Voice : v.32: no.1(2014)
- Title
- Herland Voice : v.32: no.1(2014)
- Description
- The Herland Voice is the monthly publication of Herland Sister Resources, a womanist organization with a strong lesbian focus based in Oklahoma City.
- Date Issued
- 2014-02
- Rights
- All rights reserved by Herland Sister Resources. Contact UCO Archives & Special Collections for the permission policy on the use, reproduction or distribution of these materials.
- Is Part Of
- Herland Voice
- Creator
- Herland Sister Resources
- Date
- 2022-01-26T18:25:57Z
- Date Available
- 2022-01-26T18:25:57Z
- Subject
- Oklahoma
- Type
- application/pdf
- extracted text
-
Serving the womyn's
community
since 1983
Her/and Voice
volume thirty-two number one
February 2014
www.herlandsisters.org
cf/'l"ilf/ Re tl"e at
Roman Nose State Park, Watonga, OK, May 16-18, 2014
Save this date! Just in time to cure your case of Spring Fever, ~er land's Spring Retreat will be May 16th_18th,
at Roman Nose State Park, in Watonga, OK. A registration form and details will be in the next Voice issue. If you
have an idea for a workshop, please call (405) 550-2312, and we'll get it going! Also now is a GREAT time to
start gathering items to donate for the silent auction, which helps with the costs of the retreat. Herland needs your
support. We hope to see you all in May!~
1VI<>~e
6ENUIN£
N'igh.1'
F"uiidx-a,iseI'
OKLAHOMA HEROES
by Sandy Ingraham, J.D., M.S. W
Oklahoma heroes, Mary Bishop, Sharon Baldwin,
Susan Barton, Gay Phillips, and their attorney Don
Holladay, forever changed Oklahoma law for the better
in Bishop, et al. v. USA, 04-CV-848-TCK-TLW (hereinafter
Bishop). The parties, through attorney Holladay and his
Oklahoma City law firm, Holladay and Chilton, PLLC .
(along with co-counsels James Warner and Joseph Thai),
litigated Bishop in order to strike down Oklahoma's
conservative constitutional provision denying same-sex
couples the right to legally marry in Oklahoma and have
legal same-sex marriages performed in other states
recognized in Oklahoma. Bishop and Baldwin, from Tulsa,
have been together for more than seventeen ( 17) years and
were denied a marriage license by the Tulsa Court Clerk.
Oklahoma did not recognize the legal marriage of Phillips
and Barton. At stake were many legal and marital rights,
along with more than a thousand financial benefits for
qualified Oklahomans.
Bishop was optimistically filed in 2004, immediately
after Oklahoma voters overwhelmingly approved the state
constitutional amendment defining marriage as a union
between one man and one woman and prohibiting the
recognition of same-sex marriages legally performed in
other locations. In approving the
Continued on page 7.
On Saturday, Mhrch 15th at 6:30 p.m., we hope you'll join
us for a night of entertainment, supporting Herland! We'll
be showing the 2013 movie Cloudburst. "This hilarious foul
-mouthed ro~d movie co-stars Oscar®-winning actresses
Brenda Fricl&r and Olympia Dukakis as Dot and Stella, a
crackerjack i6bian couple on the run from a nursing home
heading to Canada to be legally married" This CanadianAmerican adventure comedy-drama film won 30 Best
Picture Awards all around the world. At 6:30, we will have
pizza & soda for donations, and at 7:30, we'll start the
movie.
For this event, we will be across the street from Herland,
at the Expressions Community Center, 2245 NW 39th Street.
There is plenty of parking and plenty of room! Come early
for dinner and plan on having a fun and relaxing evening!~
1----------------1 ~ Herland Days Change
:
1
I ~ Beginning in February, our building hours will
I r_- - change. Herland will now be open on the
second and fourth Saturdays of the month. In addition,
I be sure to check Herland's Facebook page for
I additional events, such as games and crafts. We would
I like the bu ilding to serve as both a great place for
women's literature and as a place just to hang out on a
I lazy Saturday afternoon. Hope to see you there!ii
1
L______
-
The Herland Voice is a publication of Herland Sister Resources, 2312 NW 39th Street, OKC, OK 73112. Our bookstore/lending
library is open the second and fourth Saturdays from 1-5 p.m., but please call before you come by just to be sure we are open.
Call us at (405) 521-9696 or e-mail us at herland@herlandsisters.org. Visit us on the web at www.herlandsisters.org.
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
SUPPER CLUB DATES
: EVENTS AT A GLANCE- :
•
: Febtwarg
:
•
:
•
Saturday 8th HSR open 1-5 p.m./Supper Club at Caper's
Saturday 15th Susan B Anthony's Birthday
Sunday 16th 4 p.m. HSR Board Meeting
Saturday 23rd HSR open 1-5 p.m.
•
March 8-B.J.'s, 2425 W Memorial Rd, #4, OKC@
: 5:30 p.m.
. April 12-Lido's, 2518 N Military Ave, Ste 101,
: OKC, @ 5:30 p.m.
• May 10-Cattlemen's 1309 S Agnew Ave, OKC@
: HSR 5:30 p.m.
•
June 14-tentative date
If you have a restaurant to suggest for a future Herland
Supper Club, please e-mail us at hertand@
herlandsisters.org. We welcome your ideas.fl
•
: JJfarch-Wbmen~ History .;Vonth :
•
:
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Tuesday 4th Special Elections in some areas
Saturday 8th International Women's Day
Saturday 8th HSR open 1-5 p.m./Supper Club at B.J.'s
Sunday 9th Daylight Savings Time Begins
Sunday 16th 4 p.m. HSR Board Meeting
Monday 17th St. Patrick's Day
Thursday 20th First Day of Spring
Saturday 22nd HSR open 1-5 p.m.
: .!lpri1
•• Saturday 12th HSR open 1-5 p.m.
• Sunday 20th Easter/4 p.m. HSR Board Meeting
: Tuesday 22nd Earth Day
• Saturday 26th HSR open 1-5 p.m.
•
: Mag
:
•
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•
:
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Monday 5th Cinco de Mayo
Saturday 10th HSR open 1-5 p.m.
Sunday 11th Mother's Day
.
Fnday-Sunday 16-18th Retreat at Roman Nose State Park
Saturday 24th HSR open 1-5 p.m.
Monday 26th observed Memorial Day
•
: Upcoming Events:
•
•
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•
2nd Annual
AMAZON Music Festival
•
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•
Saturday, April 12, 2014,2-11 p.m.
•
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Guesthouse International
1-540 & MLK Jr. Blvd., Fayetteville, AR
The 2nd Annual Amazon Music Festival will feature
6 nationally-touring all-female Acts: Holly Near
(headliner), Emma's Revolution, Big Bad Gina, Ginger
Doss, SJ Tucker, and Summer Osborne. In addition,
Drum Elder, Wahru Cleveland "Drum Mother" at
National Women's Music Festival, will lead an Afrocentric hand drum workshop for all skill levels.
This all day liner up makes a powerfully, energetic
well-rounded event which will include political and
environmental activism, humor, spirituality, imagination
and muse: A ,true collaboration of sounds, styles, and
community! poors open at 1:30 p.m. All are welcome.
Kids under 10\ are free. Tickets on sale now at:
.
www.bigbadgina.com/amazon-fest!~
•
•
•
• Fall Retreat 2014-0ctober or November
•
•
• • • • • • • • •• • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • ••
Are you affected by someone's drinking?
Al-Anon or Alateen may be able to help; information at
http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/ or locally in OKC
(405) 767-9071 and http://okcalanon.org/~
~~!!Tl!~!!!~~--------------'
2
Who We Are
The YWCA is the oldest and largest multicultural
women's organization in the world. Across the globe,
we have more than 25 million members in 106
countries, including 2.6 million members and
participants in 300 local associations in the United
States. More important than the numbers, is our
mission to eliminate racism and empower women.
We provide safe places for women and girls, build
strong women leaders, and advocate for women's rights
and civil rights in Congress. Women come to us in
times of crisis, as survivors of rape or domestic
Continued on page 6.
Get ready for OKC Pride 2014!
Creative Peacemaking
Symposium
Hosted by OCU
Oklahoma City University will explore systemic approaches to
peacemaking in education, networking, and advocacy during the Creative
Peacemaking Symposium March 7 and 8 in the Kramer School of
Nursing, located at N.W. 27th St. and Blackwelder Ave. Focusing on the
challenges and opportunities facing students, community leaders and
social and cultural organizations, the symposium will explore effective
ways for creating community-based programs and partnerships to
address issues related to peace. Speakers include Robertson Work,
adjunction professor of public administration at New York University;
Ernesto Cortes, founding organizer of the Industrial Areas Foundation;
Neal Christie, assistant general secretary of the United Methodist Board
of Church and Society for Education and Leadership Formation; and
Nathaniel Batchelder, director of Peace House Oklahoma City. The
symposium is sponsored by Oklahoma City University; Oikos Scholars
Program, the Social and Ecological Responsibility Initiative at Oklahoma
City University, VOICE Oklahoma City, and the Institute of Cultural
Affairs in the USA Registration is $75 in advance or $80 at the door
and includes lunch on Friday and Saturday. Friday banquet dinner only
registration is $25. For more information or to register, contact Joseph
Meinhart at (405) 208-5704 or jmeinhart@okcu.edu or visit
www.okcu.edu/creativepeace.8
on April 5th
Every spring, over 5,000
students, faculty, and staff from the
University of Oklahoma go out
across the Norman and the Greater
Oklahoma City metro area for one
day of service. For the past thirteen
years, students have participated in
this event to show their
appreciation to the surrounding
community by completing service
projects such as painting, yard
work, and visiting with the elderly.
This event is a completely studentrun service project and allows them
to do their part for the community.
This year Herland hopes to be a
part of The Big Event and get
student help to put up a chain link
fence, replace deteriorated fascia
boards, re-deck the ramp, paint
trim, clear out brush, and plant
flowers. While we haven't yet
received confirmation that we've
been selected, we're making plans
that can be carried out by students
or our own volunteers. Do you
have a few hours to donate on
April 5th? If so, we really need
you! Please join us any time after
10 a.m. to help with our Big Event!
And bring any paint brushes,
trimmers, hammers, or other tools
you think might be needed for these
projects. Thank you !8
3
2014 Pride Week festivities will
be held June 20-22. Pride Week
will kick off with a block party on
Friday, June 201h, with live
performances and events on the strip
at 39th & Penn. In addition, there
will be an Arts Festival on Saturday,
the 21st, and the Herland Pride Picnic
on Saturday evening with live
entertainment. The Pride Parade will
be on Sunday the 22nd.
As always, the Herland Pride
Picnic is a family-friendly event.
We serve burgers and dogs starting
at 5:30 p.m, and the music kicks off
at 6 p.m. Bring lawn chairs or
blankets to sit on, and a
side dish for the picnic
is always welcome.
We ask $7 donation per
person.8
DIA member1hip
The Diversity Business
Association is a collective of LG BT.owned and allied businesses.
Together they are supporting
business and advancing equality.
The Diversity Business
Association began in 2005 as a
professional networking group of
Metropolitan Oklahoma City
business professionals and
community members. As a program
of Cimarron Alliance, the Diversity
Business Association has a mission
to support educational efforts that
validate personal identity, promote
public enlightenment, and advance
equality for LGBT Oklahomans.
The Diversity Business
Association is working to achieve
fairness in economic opportunities,
while working to create a just work
environment for all Oklahomans.
Herland is proud to be a new
member of DBA.
Watch for our
events on the
DBA calendar!~
Breaking through Barrif..s1
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
.
Women and Girls
2013 HSR Income and Expenses
1/1/2013 through 12/31/2013
Income
General Donations
Retreat Income
Events
Pride Weekend Income
Newsletter Sponsors
Interest Earned
Total Income
Expenses
Insurance
Utilities
Retreat Expense
Telephone
Newsletter
Postage
Bldg Repairs
Event
Membership
Total Expenses
Income less Expenses
$7,218
$3,512
$ 414
$ 322
$ 120
$ 0
$11,586
$2,451
$1,457
$1,360
$ 963
$ 339
$ 190
$ 175
$ 118
$ 100
$7,153
$4,433
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
--------
'
AAUW Empowers Women
AAUW has been empowering women as individuals and as a
community since 1881. For more than 130 years, we have worked
together as a national grassroots organization to improve the lives
of millions of women and their families. For information, contact
Jessica Martinez-Brooks, OKC Branch President@ Oklahoma City
Community College; Office: (405) 682-7859; Fax: (405) 6827848 or through the website: www.occc.edu/coe.~
YWCA . . . Continued from page 2.
violence. They come for job training
and career counseling. They come for
childcare. They come for health and
fitness. They come for a variety of
reasons. But they come. And they
leave with a renewed spirit, new skills,
and stronger lives.
What We Do
The history of the YWCA is the
history of progress in America. Established in 1858 as a voice for
women's issues, we opened the first employment bureau for
women several years later. That was only the beginning of more
than 150 years of active advocacy and programming for women's
rights and civil rights.
'
We continue to evolve to ~eet today's challenges in eliminating
racism and empowering women. We've shifted to a bottoms-up,
grassroots structure. ~e've launched a revitalized brand that
reaffirms the mission o1fworking aggressively for women and
people of color. And we're engaging women 18- to 34-years old to
carry on the YWCA mission for years to come. The YWCA
advocacy issues reflect our mission and the values of our
organization. We promote solutions to improve the lives of
women, girls and people of color across the
country.
The YWCA Oklahoma City office is open
Monday
through Friday 8 a.m to 6 p.m. Please
ODD
DOD
call 405-948-1770 for more information or see
DOD
http://www.ywcaokc.org.
DOD
Berland continues to support YWCA
programs and publishes needs on their wishlists. The items listed
are needed for their Sexual Assault Programs:
New underwear (Size 5 &6 only)
New sports bras (Sizes 34-40 only)
New or gently used yoga pants (S, M, or L only)
New or gently used sweat pants
Travel size shampoo and conditioner
Travel size body wash
Travel size face wash
Travel size soap
Space saver bags~
~
D
4
The Welcoming Project will
commemorate its 3rd Anniversary on
May 3, 2014, from 2-4 p.m. at St.
Stephen's United Methodist Church
in Norman, OK. We will party and
celebrate our past achievements, look
ahead to the future, and award our
two scholarships! [We're excited to
announce that The Welcoming
Project will again offer a $500
scholarship to an undergraduate
student and a $500 scholarship to a
graduate student who make
outstanding contributions to LGBTQ
activism! The application and
information can be found on The
Welcoming Project website: http://
www.thewelcomingproject.org!
Applications are due March 1, 2014]
Featured party music will be from
The Flaming Tassel Pipes and
Drums! The Welcoming Project
began in 2011 to encourage local
businesses, health care/service
providers, organizations, and
congregations in Norman, OK, to
display welcoming signs for the
purpose of making LGBTQ (lesbian,
gay, bisexual, transgender, and
queer) individuals and allies feel
welcomed as patrons. The
Welcoming Project is available to
communities throughout the United
States. Donations and inquiries for
more information are always
welcome to our mailing address:
The Welcoming Project, 780 Van
Vleet Oval KH 331, Norman, OK
73019 . ~
Girl Scouts Alumnae
Annual Meeting
Greetings sisters! As you
know, our monthly supper club is a perfect place for
old friends to reconnect and also is a perfect
opportunity to welcome new members. This spring we
will enjoy some c~assic American cuisine and brick
oven pizza courtesy ofB.J. 'son Memorial Road on
March sth/.On April 10th, our gathering will be at
Lido's on .rfiilitary A venue near NW 23rd and Classen.
The Lido specializes in Chinese and Vietnamese
cuisine. Rounding out the spring on May 12th will be
a date at Cattlemen's on SW 15 1h and Agnew, this
"most famous" steakhouse. If you have ideas for other
restaurants, please let one of the board members know.
We are always looking for new places to try!~
Since 1912, millions of women's lives have been
positively influencedsometimes even transformedby their Girl Scout experience.
Whether you are one of the
millions of women who were
Girl Scouts, including Brownie
Girl Scouts, or you were a
volunteer or staff member who
worked at the national or local
level to help Girl Scouts reach
their full potential, you are
forever connected to a rich and vibrant movement.
Evidence of the positive and life-changing experience
Girl Scouting has had on women can be found long after
their days of selling cookies has passed. Whether
they've grown to become a doctor, teacher, mother or
judge, we all share a common influence-the lessons we
learned at an impressionable young age, as taught by
Girl Scout role models.
Western Oklahoma Girl Scouts Alumnae Association
will have the annual meeting and luncheon on March
8th from 11 :30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (catered meal so
reservations needed by 3/3/ 14) at the Mary Nichols
Family Center, 6100 N Robinson, OKC, OK. Besides
the fun and social time during the luncheon, awards will
be presented as needed. Anyone interested in the
alumnae group or luncheon may contact the current
chairperson at p.wimberley@cox.net or visit the
website: http: //www.gswestok.org/alumnae/.~
5
Dear friends of Radical Women,
January 22 marked 41 years since the
historic federal Supreme Court decision on Roe
v. Wade that legalized abortion throughout the
United States. The ruling was a tremendous
victory. Yet the fight over women's ability to control their own lives
continues to get hotter and hotter.
More abortion restrictions were enacted 2011-2013 than in the entire
previous decade. Twenty-three states essentially banned abortion from
plans offered through the new health insurance marketplaces, according to
the pro-choice Guttmacher Institute. Debates also rage over access to
birth control like Plan B. Lack of reproductive care has a devastating
impact on the poor, who don't have resources to buy "extra" health services
or navigate all the roadblocks to obtaining an abortion.
The rightwing continues to push an agenda that defines women's value
primarily as baby-makers, while slashing desperately needed social
services including food stamps, childcare, and housing. Frankly, it is both
Republican and Democratic Party politicians who pass these abhorrent
funding measures.
Nevertheless, resistance continues. Feminists took action, like the
women and men in Albuquerque who defeated an anti-abortion initiative
and those in Texas who took over their state capitol to protest anti-abortion
legislation. In another case, the ACLU is tackling the issue of Catholic
facilities that refuse to provide women legal, safe, and simple medical
procedures.
Winning that lawsuit, and the rainbow of needs required for full
reproductive justice, will take bold, visible, multi-racial, radical organizing in
legislatures, courtrooms, and the streets. Hope we'll see you in this
struggle! In solidarity,
Anne Slater,
National Organizer
Radical WomeM
Herstory: Marilyn A. Sebek, 1945-2013
was great being around such a
supportive group of lesbians. I felt
With the passing of Marilyn Sebek,
. Marilyn was an Okie, born in
honored to be included. Although I was
Herland has lost a piece of the herstory. Mooreland, graduating from Capitol Hill never a very good musician, I joined the
Marilyn was an eager participant in
High School and working at Tinker Air 'Banned in Oklahoma' band, and I
activities during the early days of
always felt supported and loved by the
Force Base until her retirement. She
group and Marilyn. I will never forget
Herland. She was passionate about the
loved her "Green Acres" at 105th and
Marilyn Sebek as she was a very fun and
rights of women and the well-being of
Choctaw Road, where she 'raised
caring person to be around."
our community and lent her support both chickens, took in stray dogs, and grew
physically and financially.
more vegetables than she could use or
Another tribute came from Barbara
As an example while serving on the give away. In 2004,
OKC Pride committee in the 90s,
Marilyn sold her property
Marilyn asked why we should pay the
and moved to Houston,
Oak Lawn Band to come up from Dallas TX; then in 2006, she
to play in our parade. Surely, she
moved to Deville, LA, a
offered, "We have enough musical talent little town where she last
to form our own band." The group that lived and died.
met at Marilyn's house to form the
For the many friends
"Banned in Oklahoma" band was
of this gregarious woman,
composed of a few musicians and many the memories are deep and indelible.
"Wahru" Cleveland, who wrote," ... so
enthusiasts who had scarcely touched
They remember her laugh and wide
much of what I say has to do with how .
their instruments since high school.
smile, besides her loves-parties, food, Marilyn helped me before Herland
With hard work and practice, the
cards, gambling, White Russians, travel, which led to many of my successes with
"Banned" not only marched in OKC
Herland. Marilyn introduced me to the
and her gold Honda. They remember
Pride parades but also affiliated with the that she was the champion of the
Women's Music industry by having
Lesbian and Gay Bands of America.
underdog and a helpmate for the
parties and then slowly changing the
This umbrella group received an
friendless and disadvantaged, as well as music to women's music. When asked
invitation to play for President Bill
being politically savvy and wellwhat was playing, she would pull out the
Clinton's second inauguration in
informed. Not everyone knew that she
record and tape store, acting as a
January of 1997, and "Banned in
was also artistic, making small objects
distributor in Oklahoma. She let me
Oklahoma" was there on Peiinsylvania
d'art from titanium.
have music parties at her place in the
A venue, freezing, but
One tribute came
country, supplying the party eats and
playing "Hail to the
from Joni Darnell,
drinks. When I took on Herland
Chief' as President
who wrote, "Marilyn Bookstore [its name then], she
Clinton stopped his
'._:=:::;;=:;;::z:~~~r!~-i would have these
connected me to the music distribution
limousine to listen and
great parties at her
company and even convinced them to
give the group a big
give me business discount credit until I
house when I first
smile and thumbs up.
could pay. They picked a selection of
met her in 1979. I
That was a memory that
was in the process of records and tapes and shipped them to
Marilyn cherished.
coming out, and it
me in time for
Continued on page 7.
by JR
6
heard along with Utah's similar case, Kitchen v. Herbert, No.
2:13-ev-217, 2013 WL 6697874 (D. Utah Dec. 20, 2013).
The Denver Court has agreed to expedite their review of
the Oklahoma and Utah rulings. The Utah matter is set for
oral argument before a panel of three appeal judges in Denver
on April 10, 2014; the Oklahoma matter is set for oral
argument before the same panel of three appeal judges in
Denver on April 17, 2014. The identity of the three judges
on the panel hearing for these two appeals has not been
announced.
Legal marriage for same-sex couples is now recognized in
fifteen countries (Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada,
Denmark, France, Iceland, Netherlands, New Zealand,
Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Uruguay)
and parts of two countries (Mexico & the United States). The
United Kingdom (England & Wales) will allow same-sex
marriage beginning on March 29, 2014. Scotland will allow
same-Se?' marriage in October 2014. Legal marriage for
same-sex couples is recognized in sixteen US states (CA, CT,
DE, HI, IA, MA, MD, ME, MN, NJ, NH, NM, NY, RI, VT,
WA) and the District of Columbia. Illinois (IL) will allow
same-sex marriage beginning on June 1, 2014. Oklahoma
(OK) and Utah (UT) must complete their appeals prior to
granting same-sex marriage licenses.
At least eight tribal jurisdictions recognize same-sex
marriage: the Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes (OK), the
Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (a group of
12 tribes in WA), the Coquille Indian Tribe (OR), the Leech
Lake Band of OjibW,e (MN), the Suquamish Tribe (WA), the
Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians (MI), the
Pokagon Band of Potawatomie Indians (MI), and the lipay
Nation of Santa Ysabel (CA). Several tribes specifically
deny recognit~n to same-sex marriages (Cherokee,
Chippewa, Cl;rickasaw, Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma, Muscogee
Creek Nation~ Navajo Nation). This list may change after the
Oklahoma and Utah appeals are complete since tribes
typically adopt the position of the state in which they reside.
Several states have domestic partnerships, civil unions, or
some type of limited recognition. Many states have nothing .
or anti-same-sex marriage provisions in law or their state
constitutions. Courts, agencies and legislatures in state and
federal governments are rapidly changing this picture, and the
information written in this or any article may only be
accurate the day it was written.
GENUINE. OKLAHOMA HE.RO£S
Continued from page 1.
Oklahoma Constitutional
amendment, three-quarters (76%)
of voting Oklahomans denied
Bishop, Baldwin, Barton, Phillips
and hundreds of other same-sex
Oklahoma couples the right to marry and receive state and
federal marriage benefits.
Without a relationship recognized by Oklahoma law
(biological parenthood, adoption, or legal marriage), at least
one of the partners in a same-sex relationship is often treated
as a virtual stranger by the law. Questions involving property
division, inheritance, child custody, child support, and child
visitation were answered by looking at strict legal
entitlement, birth certificates, marriage licenses, divorce
documents, and adoption papers. The emotions of sadness
and betrayal were heightened as families have been forced to
navigate the nightmares of death and divorce without legal
process. Without legal marriage, Oklahoma same-sex
couples, like any unmarried couple, must rely on private legal
agreements and documents which are often not recognized by
the Courts.
Since Bishop was filed almost a decade before the United
States Supreme Court struck down the heart of the Defense of
Marriage Act (DOMA), many Oklahomans (including me)
thought these advocates were going down the wrong path.
Not so. I am happy and proud to say that I was wrong. More
than nine years after it was filed, in a January 14, 2014, 68page ruling in Bishop, US District Judge Terrence C. Kern
(Tulsa) struck down Oklahoma's prohibition against samesex marriage as a violation of the Federal Constitutional 14th
Amendment, the equal protection clause. In the ruling, Kern
wrote "Equal Protection is at the very heart of our legal
system and central to our consent to be governed. It is not a
scarce commodity to be meted out begrudgingly or in short
portions. Therefore, the majority view in Oklahoma must
give way to individual constitutional rights." Kern described
Oklahoma's ban on same-sex marriage as "an arbitrary,
irrational exclusion of just one class of Oklahoma citizens
from a government benefit."
Laws are in the process of improving to better support
same-sex families in Oklahoma. On the 26 1h day of June,
2013, the heart of the federal Defense of Marriage Act
(DOMA) was invalidated by the US Supreme Court. The
impact of Kern's ruling allowing same-sex marriages to be
performed in Oklahoma and to have same-sex marriages
legally performed elsewhere recognized in Oklahoma will be
delayed pending an appeal to be heard before the 1oth Circuit
Federal Appeals Court in Denver, Colorado, where it will be
Sebek . . . Continued from page 6.
Herland's opening. Marilyn provided a
discount on wine to help with two
concerts; the concerts were called "Wine
and Cheese and an evening with Gayle
Marie." She supported Herland
Nothing in this article creates an attorney-client relationship or
constitutes legal advice for any particular family or partnership.
For such advice, consult with an attorney licensed to practice in
Oklahoma about your specific situation.
Sandy Ingraham, J.D., M.S. W. may be reached at Ingraham &
Associates, P.L.L. C., 333 629 E Kickapoo Valley Rd, McLoud, OK
74851; Tel (405) 964-2072; Fax (405) 964-2058; e-mail
sandyjoingraham@gmail.com ~
financially even through the transition
from bookstore to women's resource
center. She bailed me out from time to
time with loans, etc., especially when I
needed up front money to do a concert.
She was a business woman, and I was a
7
dreamer. I sought advice from her
often. She was/is my friend [edited]."
Creating a myriad of marvelous
memories, Marilyn Sebek was a Herland
friend and supporter for many years.
She is missed.~
Herland Sister Resources, Inc.
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
2312 Northwest 39th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
PAID
Oklahoma City, OK
Permit No. 861
Return Service Requested
hlERLAND!
i
Sandy Ingraham, J.D., M.S.W.
Attorney-at-Law
Ingraham & Associates, PLLC
L
.',
Sa nda !wood S· Sage
322 East Main Street
Norman, OK 73069
Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts, Probate, Adoption, Contracts
+ 05-) 66-SAGE
333629 E Kickapoo Valley Rd Ofc(405)964-2072
Mcloud, OK 74851 sandyjoingraham@gmail.com
s.1nd3lwoodandsase@att,net
8
-
Serving the womyn's
community
since 1983
Her/and Voice
volume thirty-two number one
February 2014
www.herlandsisters.org
cf/'l"ilf/ Re tl"e at
Roman Nose State Park, Watonga, OK, May 16-18, 2014
Save this date! Just in time to cure your case of Spring Fever, ~er land's Spring Retreat will be May 16th_18th,
at Roman Nose State Park, in Watonga, OK. A registration form and details will be in the next Voice issue. If you
have an idea for a workshop, please call (405) 550-2312, and we'll get it going! Also now is a GREAT time to
start gathering items to donate for the silent auction, which helps with the costs of the retreat. Herland needs your
support. We hope to see you all in May!~
1VI<>~e
6ENUIN£
N'igh.1'
F"uiidx-a,iseI'
OKLAHOMA HEROES
by Sandy Ingraham, J.D., M.S. W
Oklahoma heroes, Mary Bishop, Sharon Baldwin,
Susan Barton, Gay Phillips, and their attorney Don
Holladay, forever changed Oklahoma law for the better
in Bishop, et al. v. USA, 04-CV-848-TCK-TLW (hereinafter
Bishop). The parties, through attorney Holladay and his
Oklahoma City law firm, Holladay and Chilton, PLLC .
(along with co-counsels James Warner and Joseph Thai),
litigated Bishop in order to strike down Oklahoma's
conservative constitutional provision denying same-sex
couples the right to legally marry in Oklahoma and have
legal same-sex marriages performed in other states
recognized in Oklahoma. Bishop and Baldwin, from Tulsa,
have been together for more than seventeen ( 17) years and
were denied a marriage license by the Tulsa Court Clerk.
Oklahoma did not recognize the legal marriage of Phillips
and Barton. At stake were many legal and marital rights,
along with more than a thousand financial benefits for
qualified Oklahomans.
Bishop was optimistically filed in 2004, immediately
after Oklahoma voters overwhelmingly approved the state
constitutional amendment defining marriage as a union
between one man and one woman and prohibiting the
recognition of same-sex marriages legally performed in
other locations. In approving the
Continued on page 7.
On Saturday, Mhrch 15th at 6:30 p.m., we hope you'll join
us for a night of entertainment, supporting Herland! We'll
be showing the 2013 movie Cloudburst. "This hilarious foul
-mouthed ro~d movie co-stars Oscar®-winning actresses
Brenda Fricl&r and Olympia Dukakis as Dot and Stella, a
crackerjack i6bian couple on the run from a nursing home
heading to Canada to be legally married" This CanadianAmerican adventure comedy-drama film won 30 Best
Picture Awards all around the world. At 6:30, we will have
pizza & soda for donations, and at 7:30, we'll start the
movie.
For this event, we will be across the street from Herland,
at the Expressions Community Center, 2245 NW 39th Street.
There is plenty of parking and plenty of room! Come early
for dinner and plan on having a fun and relaxing evening!~
1----------------1 ~ Herland Days Change
:
1
I ~ Beginning in February, our building hours will
I r_- - change. Herland will now be open on the
second and fourth Saturdays of the month. In addition,
I be sure to check Herland's Facebook page for
I additional events, such as games and crafts. We would
I like the bu ilding to serve as both a great place for
women's literature and as a place just to hang out on a
I lazy Saturday afternoon. Hope to see you there!ii
1
L______
-
The Herland Voice is a publication of Herland Sister Resources, 2312 NW 39th Street, OKC, OK 73112. Our bookstore/lending
library is open the second and fourth Saturdays from 1-5 p.m., but please call before you come by just to be sure we are open.
Call us at (405) 521-9696 or e-mail us at herland@herlandsisters.org. Visit us on the web at www.herlandsisters.org.
I
I
I
I
I
I
J
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
SUPPER CLUB DATES
: EVENTS AT A GLANCE- :
•
: Febtwarg
:
•
:
•
Saturday 8th HSR open 1-5 p.m./Supper Club at Caper's
Saturday 15th Susan B Anthony's Birthday
Sunday 16th 4 p.m. HSR Board Meeting
Saturday 23rd HSR open 1-5 p.m.
•
March 8-B.J.'s, 2425 W Memorial Rd, #4, OKC@
: 5:30 p.m.
. April 12-Lido's, 2518 N Military Ave, Ste 101,
: OKC, @ 5:30 p.m.
• May 10-Cattlemen's 1309 S Agnew Ave, OKC@
: HSR 5:30 p.m.
•
June 14-tentative date
If you have a restaurant to suggest for a future Herland
Supper Club, please e-mail us at hertand@
herlandsisters.org. We welcome your ideas.fl
•
: JJfarch-Wbmen~ History .;Vonth :
•
:
•
:
•
•
:
•
•
Tuesday 4th Special Elections in some areas
Saturday 8th International Women's Day
Saturday 8th HSR open 1-5 p.m./Supper Club at B.J.'s
Sunday 9th Daylight Savings Time Begins
Sunday 16th 4 p.m. HSR Board Meeting
Monday 17th St. Patrick's Day
Thursday 20th First Day of Spring
Saturday 22nd HSR open 1-5 p.m.
: .!lpri1
•• Saturday 12th HSR open 1-5 p.m.
• Sunday 20th Easter/4 p.m. HSR Board Meeting
: Tuesday 22nd Earth Day
• Saturday 26th HSR open 1-5 p.m.
•
: Mag
:
•
•
•
•
:
.
Monday 5th Cinco de Mayo
Saturday 10th HSR open 1-5 p.m.
Sunday 11th Mother's Day
.
Fnday-Sunday 16-18th Retreat at Roman Nose State Park
Saturday 24th HSR open 1-5 p.m.
Monday 26th observed Memorial Day
•
: Upcoming Events:
•
•
•
•
•
2nd Annual
AMAZON Music Festival
•
•
•
Saturday, April 12, 2014,2-11 p.m.
•
•
•
•
•
••
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
:
•
•
•
Guesthouse International
1-540 & MLK Jr. Blvd., Fayetteville, AR
The 2nd Annual Amazon Music Festival will feature
6 nationally-touring all-female Acts: Holly Near
(headliner), Emma's Revolution, Big Bad Gina, Ginger
Doss, SJ Tucker, and Summer Osborne. In addition,
Drum Elder, Wahru Cleveland "Drum Mother" at
National Women's Music Festival, will lead an Afrocentric hand drum workshop for all skill levels.
This all day liner up makes a powerfully, energetic
well-rounded event which will include political and
environmental activism, humor, spirituality, imagination
and muse: A ,true collaboration of sounds, styles, and
community! poors open at 1:30 p.m. All are welcome.
Kids under 10\ are free. Tickets on sale now at:
.
www.bigbadgina.com/amazon-fest!~
•
•
•
• Fall Retreat 2014-0ctober or November
•
•
• • • • • • • • •• • • • • •• • • • • • • • • • • • • ••
Are you affected by someone's drinking?
Al-Anon or Alateen may be able to help; information at
http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/ or locally in OKC
(405) 767-9071 and http://okcalanon.org/~
~~!!Tl!~!!!~~--------------'
2
Who We Are
The YWCA is the oldest and largest multicultural
women's organization in the world. Across the globe,
we have more than 25 million members in 106
countries, including 2.6 million members and
participants in 300 local associations in the United
States. More important than the numbers, is our
mission to eliminate racism and empower women.
We provide safe places for women and girls, build
strong women leaders, and advocate for women's rights
and civil rights in Congress. Women come to us in
times of crisis, as survivors of rape or domestic
Continued on page 6.
Get ready for OKC Pride 2014!
Creative Peacemaking
Symposium
Hosted by OCU
Oklahoma City University will explore systemic approaches to
peacemaking in education, networking, and advocacy during the Creative
Peacemaking Symposium March 7 and 8 in the Kramer School of
Nursing, located at N.W. 27th St. and Blackwelder Ave. Focusing on the
challenges and opportunities facing students, community leaders and
social and cultural organizations, the symposium will explore effective
ways for creating community-based programs and partnerships to
address issues related to peace. Speakers include Robertson Work,
adjunction professor of public administration at New York University;
Ernesto Cortes, founding organizer of the Industrial Areas Foundation;
Neal Christie, assistant general secretary of the United Methodist Board
of Church and Society for Education and Leadership Formation; and
Nathaniel Batchelder, director of Peace House Oklahoma City. The
symposium is sponsored by Oklahoma City University; Oikos Scholars
Program, the Social and Ecological Responsibility Initiative at Oklahoma
City University, VOICE Oklahoma City, and the Institute of Cultural
Affairs in the USA Registration is $75 in advance or $80 at the door
and includes lunch on Friday and Saturday. Friday banquet dinner only
registration is $25. For more information or to register, contact Joseph
Meinhart at (405) 208-5704 or jmeinhart@okcu.edu or visit
www.okcu.edu/creativepeace.8
on April 5th
Every spring, over 5,000
students, faculty, and staff from the
University of Oklahoma go out
across the Norman and the Greater
Oklahoma City metro area for one
day of service. For the past thirteen
years, students have participated in
this event to show their
appreciation to the surrounding
community by completing service
projects such as painting, yard
work, and visiting with the elderly.
This event is a completely studentrun service project and allows them
to do their part for the community.
This year Herland hopes to be a
part of The Big Event and get
student help to put up a chain link
fence, replace deteriorated fascia
boards, re-deck the ramp, paint
trim, clear out brush, and plant
flowers. While we haven't yet
received confirmation that we've
been selected, we're making plans
that can be carried out by students
or our own volunteers. Do you
have a few hours to donate on
April 5th? If so, we really need
you! Please join us any time after
10 a.m. to help with our Big Event!
And bring any paint brushes,
trimmers, hammers, or other tools
you think might be needed for these
projects. Thank you !8
3
2014 Pride Week festivities will
be held June 20-22. Pride Week
will kick off with a block party on
Friday, June 201h, with live
performances and events on the strip
at 39th & Penn. In addition, there
will be an Arts Festival on Saturday,
the 21st, and the Herland Pride Picnic
on Saturday evening with live
entertainment. The Pride Parade will
be on Sunday the 22nd.
As always, the Herland Pride
Picnic is a family-friendly event.
We serve burgers and dogs starting
at 5:30 p.m, and the music kicks off
at 6 p.m. Bring lawn chairs or
blankets to sit on, and a
side dish for the picnic
is always welcome.
We ask $7 donation per
person.8
DIA member1hip
The Diversity Business
Association is a collective of LG BT.owned and allied businesses.
Together they are supporting
business and advancing equality.
The Diversity Business
Association began in 2005 as a
professional networking group of
Metropolitan Oklahoma City
business professionals and
community members. As a program
of Cimarron Alliance, the Diversity
Business Association has a mission
to support educational efforts that
validate personal identity, promote
public enlightenment, and advance
equality for LGBT Oklahomans.
The Diversity Business
Association is working to achieve
fairness in economic opportunities,
while working to create a just work
environment for all Oklahomans.
Herland is proud to be a new
member of DBA.
Watch for our
events on the
DBA calendar!~
Breaking through Barrif..s1
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
.
Women and Girls
2013 HSR Income and Expenses
1/1/2013 through 12/31/2013
Income
General Donations
Retreat Income
Events
Pride Weekend Income
Newsletter Sponsors
Interest Earned
Total Income
Expenses
Insurance
Utilities
Retreat Expense
Telephone
Newsletter
Postage
Bldg Repairs
Event
Membership
Total Expenses
Income less Expenses
$7,218
$3,512
$ 414
$ 322
$ 120
$ 0
$11,586
$2,451
$1,457
$1,360
$ 963
$ 339
$ 190
$ 175
$ 118
$ 100
$7,153
$4,433
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
--------
'
AAUW Empowers Women
AAUW has been empowering women as individuals and as a
community since 1881. For more than 130 years, we have worked
together as a national grassroots organization to improve the lives
of millions of women and their families. For information, contact
Jessica Martinez-Brooks, OKC Branch President@ Oklahoma City
Community College; Office: (405) 682-7859; Fax: (405) 6827848 or through the website: www.occc.edu/coe.~
YWCA . . . Continued from page 2.
violence. They come for job training
and career counseling. They come for
childcare. They come for health and
fitness. They come for a variety of
reasons. But they come. And they
leave with a renewed spirit, new skills,
and stronger lives.
What We Do
The history of the YWCA is the
history of progress in America. Established in 1858 as a voice for
women's issues, we opened the first employment bureau for
women several years later. That was only the beginning of more
than 150 years of active advocacy and programming for women's
rights and civil rights.
'
We continue to evolve to ~eet today's challenges in eliminating
racism and empowering women. We've shifted to a bottoms-up,
grassroots structure. ~e've launched a revitalized brand that
reaffirms the mission o1fworking aggressively for women and
people of color. And we're engaging women 18- to 34-years old to
carry on the YWCA mission for years to come. The YWCA
advocacy issues reflect our mission and the values of our
organization. We promote solutions to improve the lives of
women, girls and people of color across the
country.
The YWCA Oklahoma City office is open
Monday
through Friday 8 a.m to 6 p.m. Please
ODD
DOD
call 405-948-1770 for more information or see
DOD
http://www.ywcaokc.org.
DOD
Berland continues to support YWCA
programs and publishes needs on their wishlists. The items listed
are needed for their Sexual Assault Programs:
New underwear (Size 5 &6 only)
New sports bras (Sizes 34-40 only)
New or gently used yoga pants (S, M, or L only)
New or gently used sweat pants
Travel size shampoo and conditioner
Travel size body wash
Travel size face wash
Travel size soap
Space saver bags~
~
D
4
The Welcoming Project will
commemorate its 3rd Anniversary on
May 3, 2014, from 2-4 p.m. at St.
Stephen's United Methodist Church
in Norman, OK. We will party and
celebrate our past achievements, look
ahead to the future, and award our
two scholarships! [We're excited to
announce that The Welcoming
Project will again offer a $500
scholarship to an undergraduate
student and a $500 scholarship to a
graduate student who make
outstanding contributions to LGBTQ
activism! The application and
information can be found on The
Welcoming Project website: http://
www.thewelcomingproject.org!
Applications are due March 1, 2014]
Featured party music will be from
The Flaming Tassel Pipes and
Drums! The Welcoming Project
began in 2011 to encourage local
businesses, health care/service
providers, organizations, and
congregations in Norman, OK, to
display welcoming signs for the
purpose of making LGBTQ (lesbian,
gay, bisexual, transgender, and
queer) individuals and allies feel
welcomed as patrons. The
Welcoming Project is available to
communities throughout the United
States. Donations and inquiries for
more information are always
welcome to our mailing address:
The Welcoming Project, 780 Van
Vleet Oval KH 331, Norman, OK
73019 . ~
Girl Scouts Alumnae
Annual Meeting
Greetings sisters! As you
know, our monthly supper club is a perfect place for
old friends to reconnect and also is a perfect
opportunity to welcome new members. This spring we
will enjoy some c~assic American cuisine and brick
oven pizza courtesy ofB.J. 'son Memorial Road on
March sth/.On April 10th, our gathering will be at
Lido's on .rfiilitary A venue near NW 23rd and Classen.
The Lido specializes in Chinese and Vietnamese
cuisine. Rounding out the spring on May 12th will be
a date at Cattlemen's on SW 15 1h and Agnew, this
"most famous" steakhouse. If you have ideas for other
restaurants, please let one of the board members know.
We are always looking for new places to try!~
Since 1912, millions of women's lives have been
positively influencedsometimes even transformedby their Girl Scout experience.
Whether you are one of the
millions of women who were
Girl Scouts, including Brownie
Girl Scouts, or you were a
volunteer or staff member who
worked at the national or local
level to help Girl Scouts reach
their full potential, you are
forever connected to a rich and vibrant movement.
Evidence of the positive and life-changing experience
Girl Scouting has had on women can be found long after
their days of selling cookies has passed. Whether
they've grown to become a doctor, teacher, mother or
judge, we all share a common influence-the lessons we
learned at an impressionable young age, as taught by
Girl Scout role models.
Western Oklahoma Girl Scouts Alumnae Association
will have the annual meeting and luncheon on March
8th from 11 :30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (catered meal so
reservations needed by 3/3/ 14) at the Mary Nichols
Family Center, 6100 N Robinson, OKC, OK. Besides
the fun and social time during the luncheon, awards will
be presented as needed. Anyone interested in the
alumnae group or luncheon may contact the current
chairperson at p.wimberley@cox.net or visit the
website: http: //www.gswestok.org/alumnae/.~
5
Dear friends of Radical Women,
January 22 marked 41 years since the
historic federal Supreme Court decision on Roe
v. Wade that legalized abortion throughout the
United States. The ruling was a tremendous
victory. Yet the fight over women's ability to control their own lives
continues to get hotter and hotter.
More abortion restrictions were enacted 2011-2013 than in the entire
previous decade. Twenty-three states essentially banned abortion from
plans offered through the new health insurance marketplaces, according to
the pro-choice Guttmacher Institute. Debates also rage over access to
birth control like Plan B. Lack of reproductive care has a devastating
impact on the poor, who don't have resources to buy "extra" health services
or navigate all the roadblocks to obtaining an abortion.
The rightwing continues to push an agenda that defines women's value
primarily as baby-makers, while slashing desperately needed social
services including food stamps, childcare, and housing. Frankly, it is both
Republican and Democratic Party politicians who pass these abhorrent
funding measures.
Nevertheless, resistance continues. Feminists took action, like the
women and men in Albuquerque who defeated an anti-abortion initiative
and those in Texas who took over their state capitol to protest anti-abortion
legislation. In another case, the ACLU is tackling the issue of Catholic
facilities that refuse to provide women legal, safe, and simple medical
procedures.
Winning that lawsuit, and the rainbow of needs required for full
reproductive justice, will take bold, visible, multi-racial, radical organizing in
legislatures, courtrooms, and the streets. Hope we'll see you in this
struggle! In solidarity,
Anne Slater,
National Organizer
Radical WomeM
Herstory: Marilyn A. Sebek, 1945-2013
was great being around such a
supportive group of lesbians. I felt
With the passing of Marilyn Sebek,
. Marilyn was an Okie, born in
honored to be included. Although I was
Herland has lost a piece of the herstory. Mooreland, graduating from Capitol Hill never a very good musician, I joined the
Marilyn was an eager participant in
High School and working at Tinker Air 'Banned in Oklahoma' band, and I
activities during the early days of
always felt supported and loved by the
Force Base until her retirement. She
group and Marilyn. I will never forget
Herland. She was passionate about the
loved her "Green Acres" at 105th and
Marilyn Sebek as she was a very fun and
rights of women and the well-being of
Choctaw Road, where she 'raised
caring person to be around."
our community and lent her support both chickens, took in stray dogs, and grew
physically and financially.
more vegetables than she could use or
Another tribute came from Barbara
As an example while serving on the give away. In 2004,
OKC Pride committee in the 90s,
Marilyn sold her property
Marilyn asked why we should pay the
and moved to Houston,
Oak Lawn Band to come up from Dallas TX; then in 2006, she
to play in our parade. Surely, she
moved to Deville, LA, a
offered, "We have enough musical talent little town where she last
to form our own band." The group that lived and died.
met at Marilyn's house to form the
For the many friends
"Banned in Oklahoma" band was
of this gregarious woman,
composed of a few musicians and many the memories are deep and indelible.
"Wahru" Cleveland, who wrote," ... so
enthusiasts who had scarcely touched
They remember her laugh and wide
much of what I say has to do with how .
their instruments since high school.
smile, besides her loves-parties, food, Marilyn helped me before Herland
With hard work and practice, the
cards, gambling, White Russians, travel, which led to many of my successes with
"Banned" not only marched in OKC
Herland. Marilyn introduced me to the
and her gold Honda. They remember
Pride parades but also affiliated with the that she was the champion of the
Women's Music industry by having
Lesbian and Gay Bands of America.
underdog and a helpmate for the
parties and then slowly changing the
This umbrella group received an
friendless and disadvantaged, as well as music to women's music. When asked
invitation to play for President Bill
being politically savvy and wellwhat was playing, she would pull out the
Clinton's second inauguration in
informed. Not everyone knew that she
record and tape store, acting as a
January of 1997, and "Banned in
was also artistic, making small objects
distributor in Oklahoma. She let me
Oklahoma" was there on Peiinsylvania
d'art from titanium.
have music parties at her place in the
A venue, freezing, but
One tribute came
country, supplying the party eats and
playing "Hail to the
from Joni Darnell,
drinks. When I took on Herland
Chief' as President
who wrote, "Marilyn Bookstore [its name then], she
Clinton stopped his
'._:=:::;;=:;;::z:~~~r!~-i would have these
connected me to the music distribution
limousine to listen and
great parties at her
company and even convinced them to
give the group a big
give me business discount credit until I
house when I first
smile and thumbs up.
could pay. They picked a selection of
met her in 1979. I
That was a memory that
was in the process of records and tapes and shipped them to
Marilyn cherished.
coming out, and it
me in time for
Continued on page 7.
by JR
6
heard along with Utah's similar case, Kitchen v. Herbert, No.
2:13-ev-217, 2013 WL 6697874 (D. Utah Dec. 20, 2013).
The Denver Court has agreed to expedite their review of
the Oklahoma and Utah rulings. The Utah matter is set for
oral argument before a panel of three appeal judges in Denver
on April 10, 2014; the Oklahoma matter is set for oral
argument before the same panel of three appeal judges in
Denver on April 17, 2014. The identity of the three judges
on the panel hearing for these two appeals has not been
announced.
Legal marriage for same-sex couples is now recognized in
fifteen countries (Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada,
Denmark, France, Iceland, Netherlands, New Zealand,
Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Uruguay)
and parts of two countries (Mexico & the United States). The
United Kingdom (England & Wales) will allow same-sex
marriage beginning on March 29, 2014. Scotland will allow
same-Se?' marriage in October 2014. Legal marriage for
same-sex couples is recognized in sixteen US states (CA, CT,
DE, HI, IA, MA, MD, ME, MN, NJ, NH, NM, NY, RI, VT,
WA) and the District of Columbia. Illinois (IL) will allow
same-sex marriage beginning on June 1, 2014. Oklahoma
(OK) and Utah (UT) must complete their appeals prior to
granting same-sex marriage licenses.
At least eight tribal jurisdictions recognize same-sex
marriage: the Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes (OK), the
Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (a group of
12 tribes in WA), the Coquille Indian Tribe (OR), the Leech
Lake Band of OjibW,e (MN), the Suquamish Tribe (WA), the
Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians (MI), the
Pokagon Band of Potawatomie Indians (MI), and the lipay
Nation of Santa Ysabel (CA). Several tribes specifically
deny recognit~n to same-sex marriages (Cherokee,
Chippewa, Cl;rickasaw, Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma, Muscogee
Creek Nation~ Navajo Nation). This list may change after the
Oklahoma and Utah appeals are complete since tribes
typically adopt the position of the state in which they reside.
Several states have domestic partnerships, civil unions, or
some type of limited recognition. Many states have nothing .
or anti-same-sex marriage provisions in law or their state
constitutions. Courts, agencies and legislatures in state and
federal governments are rapidly changing this picture, and the
information written in this or any article may only be
accurate the day it was written.
GENUINE. OKLAHOMA HE.RO£S
Continued from page 1.
Oklahoma Constitutional
amendment, three-quarters (76%)
of voting Oklahomans denied
Bishop, Baldwin, Barton, Phillips
and hundreds of other same-sex
Oklahoma couples the right to marry and receive state and
federal marriage benefits.
Without a relationship recognized by Oklahoma law
(biological parenthood, adoption, or legal marriage), at least
one of the partners in a same-sex relationship is often treated
as a virtual stranger by the law. Questions involving property
division, inheritance, child custody, child support, and child
visitation were answered by looking at strict legal
entitlement, birth certificates, marriage licenses, divorce
documents, and adoption papers. The emotions of sadness
and betrayal were heightened as families have been forced to
navigate the nightmares of death and divorce without legal
process. Without legal marriage, Oklahoma same-sex
couples, like any unmarried couple, must rely on private legal
agreements and documents which are often not recognized by
the Courts.
Since Bishop was filed almost a decade before the United
States Supreme Court struck down the heart of the Defense of
Marriage Act (DOMA), many Oklahomans (including me)
thought these advocates were going down the wrong path.
Not so. I am happy and proud to say that I was wrong. More
than nine years after it was filed, in a January 14, 2014, 68page ruling in Bishop, US District Judge Terrence C. Kern
(Tulsa) struck down Oklahoma's prohibition against samesex marriage as a violation of the Federal Constitutional 14th
Amendment, the equal protection clause. In the ruling, Kern
wrote "Equal Protection is at the very heart of our legal
system and central to our consent to be governed. It is not a
scarce commodity to be meted out begrudgingly or in short
portions. Therefore, the majority view in Oklahoma must
give way to individual constitutional rights." Kern described
Oklahoma's ban on same-sex marriage as "an arbitrary,
irrational exclusion of just one class of Oklahoma citizens
from a government benefit."
Laws are in the process of improving to better support
same-sex families in Oklahoma. On the 26 1h day of June,
2013, the heart of the federal Defense of Marriage Act
(DOMA) was invalidated by the US Supreme Court. The
impact of Kern's ruling allowing same-sex marriages to be
performed in Oklahoma and to have same-sex marriages
legally performed elsewhere recognized in Oklahoma will be
delayed pending an appeal to be heard before the 1oth Circuit
Federal Appeals Court in Denver, Colorado, where it will be
Sebek . . . Continued from page 6.
Herland's opening. Marilyn provided a
discount on wine to help with two
concerts; the concerts were called "Wine
and Cheese and an evening with Gayle
Marie." She supported Herland
Nothing in this article creates an attorney-client relationship or
constitutes legal advice for any particular family or partnership.
For such advice, consult with an attorney licensed to practice in
Oklahoma about your specific situation.
Sandy Ingraham, J.D., M.S. W. may be reached at Ingraham &
Associates, P.L.L. C., 333 629 E Kickapoo Valley Rd, McLoud, OK
74851; Tel (405) 964-2072; Fax (405) 964-2058; e-mail
sandyjoingraham@gmail.com ~
financially even through the transition
from bookstore to women's resource
center. She bailed me out from time to
time with loans, etc., especially when I
needed up front money to do a concert.
She was a business woman, and I was a
7
dreamer. I sought advice from her
often. She was/is my friend [edited]."
Creating a myriad of marvelous
memories, Marilyn Sebek was a Herland
friend and supporter for many years.
She is missed.~
Herland Sister Resources, Inc.
Non-Profit Org.
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2312 Northwest 39th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
PAID
Oklahoma City, OK
Permit No. 861
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hlERLAND!
i
Sandy Ingraham, J.D., M.S.W.
Attorney-at-Law
Ingraham & Associates, PLLC
L
.',
Sa nda !wood S· Sage
322 East Main Street
Norman, OK 73069
Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts, Probate, Adoption, Contracts
+ 05-) 66-SAGE
333629 E Kickapoo Valley Rd Ofc(405)964-2072
Mcloud, OK 74851 sandyjoingraham@gmail.com
s.1nd3lwoodandsase@att,net
8
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