Freedom Oklahoma Announces Change In Leadership
Dark blue text over a photograph of people marching in a Pride parade. The text reads: Over the last two years, we’ve dreamed bigger, asked for more, and taken giant steps toward building the world that we need. I cannot wait to see what world-changing things you all will do next. Allie Shinn, Executive Director
On March 25th, I celebrated my two-year work anniversary with Freedom Oklahoma. Today, I’m writing to tell you that my two-year anniversary will be my last. I’ll be ending my time with Freedom Oklahoma on May 25, 2021.
The last two years have been two of the most incredible of my life. I, like so many of us, spent the first 22 years of my time on this earth hiding a key part of who I am. When I did come out as a lesbian, LGBTQ2S+ Oklahomans offered me the most beautiful, honest, and heartfelt homecoming I have ever known. Having the opportunity to work with and on behalf of this beautiful family has been the most gratifying, healing experience of my life. Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for holding me accountable. Thank you for showing me what it means to love more fully. I am better today because of each of you.
Over the last two years, we’ve accomplished so much together. We’ve passed pro-equality measures in municipalities across Oklahoma. We’ve blocked dozens of attacks on our communities at the Legislature. We’ve changed cultures and challenged schools and organizations to be better. We’ve launched a name and gender marker legal clinic and programs to support young people. We’ve organized, we’ve marched, we’ve built partnerships, we’ve worked to live more fully into our values. We’ve mourned and we’ve celebrated. We’ve dreamed bigger, asked for more, and taken giant steps toward building the world that we need. And of course, through it all, we’ve loved each other really, really well.
I’m proud of our work at Freedom Oklahoma, though I know there is so much more to do. Not a single bit of what we’ve accomplished would be possible without you. Freedom Oklahoma does not belong to the people who work there, but to each of us who hold space in our hearts for this beautiful, vibrant, flourishing community. I cannot wait to see what world-changing things you all will do next.
Be on the lookout for a posting to fill the Executive Director position soon—and if you’re wondering if you should apply, you should. There’s no better work in the world.
To the world’s smartest, scrappiest, most courageous staff, the gracious and dedicated Board of Directors, our community partners, those who so generously fund our work, the policymakers who have prioritized fighting for us, the allies who stand in the breach with us every day, and to each one of you, thank you is not enough. It has been the absolute honor of a lifetime to do this work with you. I know more fully than ever before that with you I am safe, and with you, I am home.
With love and unending gratitude,
Allie Shinn, Executive Director
she | her | hers
STATEMENT FROM THE EXECUTIVE BOARD ON ALLIE’S TIME WITH FREEDOM OKLAHOMA:
The Board of Directors at Freedom Oklahoma are beyond grateful for Allie's leadership over the last two years and are sad to see her leave. Allie has dramatically transformed the organization and we are so excited to see where we go next. Freedom Oklahoma is stronger than it has ever been because of the ways Allie and the staff have tirelessly poured themselves into this work. We know that our new Executive Director will continue to build upon the work Allie has led and that the organization will continue to soar. Thank you, Allie, for everything. You will always have a place in our hearts at Freedom Oklahoma. We wish you nothing but the best and brightest future.