April 2023 Update

ID: “April Monthly Update” www.freedomoklahoma.org/news and the FOK logo. The background is a picture from a trans rally at the Oklahoma Capitol with a light blue overlay with orange and blue lines and dots

We love trans Oklahomans.

We dig deep for the words to move us forward, to celebrate our community, to call you to action, all year long. But, as we kick off April, we wanted to share some of the words from our beautiful community of folks fighting for a future where all Two Spirit, trans, and gender nonconforming folks have the safety to thrive. 

These are our love letters to trans Oklahomans. We hope you’ll read through these, and return to them whenever you need a dash of hope or solidarity or affirmation. We know we certainly will. 

WORDS OF SUPPORT:

Love Letters to Trans Oklahomans

"Love Letters to Trans Oklahomans March 31 #TDoV" on a pink graphic with a piece of torn paper, pieces of tape, a paper airplane, a Polaroid picture with an image of a TDOV event outside The Diversity Center of Oklahoma, and a cartoon mailbox that is open and has a letter inside. There is an arrow at the bottom pointing right to suggest swiping through the images.

Similar pink graphic but with the text for 2 love letters. #1: "Happy Trans Day of Visibility! Things may seem scary in the world right now, especially in Oklahoma, but you are strong and have allies. We will keep fighting. I will always support you. I wish this world wasn’t so cruel. I’m glad you’re here." - Much love, your cis sister, Alyssa." and #2: "Thank you for everything you are, you wonderful human soul. Your light is what keeps me going. I hope to use my own to help light up the rest of my community as much as I possibly can, and I partly have you to thank. I love you, I am fighting for you, I am you." - Bailey Rodfield

Similar pink graphic with the text for 2 loves letters. #1: "Happy Trans Day of Visibility! To all my trans people, I will always fight for and stand by you guys. I love you all so much and will fight for what you want and need" and #2: "Happy Trans Day of Visibility! You are seen, you are loved and we will keep fighting for you! Coming from a cisgender, social worker, I will do my part to further your voices and needs. We celebrate you!"

Similar pink graphic with one love letter: "Happy trans day of visibility! As a trans person myself I know how much we need love and encouragement right now. Things are rough, like really really rough right now, but I know we can build something beautiful out of this. We have each other and we have a community that is larger than us. This legislation affects every single working Oklahoman directly or indirectly, we just need to create a coalition that accounts for this and is bigger than just us trans people. We got this. In the meantime we have our love and support for each other"

Similar pink graphic with one love letter: "Dear Trans community, On this Trans Appreciation Day, I want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the strength, resilience, and courage of each and every one of you. You have faced immense challenges and adversity, yet continue to stand tall and live your lives authentically and bravely. I want you to know that you are seen, heard, and valued. Your existence and your contributions to society are important and have made the world a better place. Your bravery in living your truth has inspired countless others to do the same. I am committed to being an ally and advocate for the Trans community and to fighting for your rights and equality. Together, we can create a world where everyone is celebrated for who they are, regardless of their gender identity. Thank you for being you and for all that you bring to the world." With admiration and respect, Cameron Glen" 

Similar pink graphic with 3 love letters. #1: "We love and support you. You are the epitome of kindness and love. " #2: "Happy Trans day of visibility!! You are a beautiful human and I am so happy that you are still here despite all the things life and the government has thrown at you. You are important, you’re valid, you are loved! Thank you for existing!" and #3: "Your presence makes our state a better place. I will always fight for you to have a life free of persecution and full of support and love."

Similar pink graphic with one love letter: "Dear Trans, Non-binary, and Gender Expansive youth of Oklahoma. All I want is for each and every single one of you to have the biggest, most beautiful, free and boundless life you can imagine. I want to go further, I want your life to be bigger and freer than your imagination allows. Know in your heart that Trans adults are fighting for you, that we are cheering you on and trying to make your dreams more possible. You may not always see it up close, but we're here, fighting and moving and shaking things up so that you get what you need. To parents - we are cheering on every protective, loving, and affirming step you take to help your child be fully and safely themselves. We are working for you, too.

FROM THE ALBERRY FAMILY:

"Love Letters to Trans Oklahomans From: The Alberry Family" on a black, pink, blue, and beige graphic. In the center is an image of a child and an adult holding hands in the street. You can only see their backs--they're wearing the non-binary pride flag and trans pride flag and rainbow hats. There are cartoon envelopes and hearts on the graphic. A blue arrow points to the right to suggest swiping through the images.

Similar black, pink, and beige graphic with two images: A table with the pieces of art shown before sitting on them. There is a sign taped to the table that reads "Our Queer Joy takes Nothing from you" done in rainbow markers with a rainbow at the bottom. The other image shows 3 signs on the ground with someone's feed wearing silver shoes nearby. One sign reads "Our Queer Joy takes Nothing from you" done in rainbow markers with a rainbow at the bottom. The other "Joy to you & me" in blue, red, pink, and green marker and a smiley face in the "O" of "Joy." The 3rd sign reads "Do what makes you happy!" in rainbow markers with dots and a sticker in the left-hand corner. 

Black background with "Love Letters to Trans Oklahomans" at the bottom and in the center is the piece titled "Transgender rights, sweet like cotton candy" by Aubs Alberry. Abstract painting that looks similar to a beach shore. Blue is on the left and pink is on the right with white mixed in between. The paint looks wavy and bubbly.

Black background with "Love Letters to Trans Oklahomans" at the bottom and in the center is the piece titled "Pushing Boundaries" by Kiren Alberry. Abstract painting that looks like waves with equal parts pink and blue as the main focus.

Black background with "Love Letters to Trans Oklahomans" at the bottom and in the center is the piece titled "Trans resistance" by Courtney Alberry. Abstract painting that looks like the trans pride flag but wavy--colors are more blocked than the other pieces. A thick strip of white is in the center.

Black background with "Love Letters to Trans Oklahomans" at the bottom and in the center is the piece titled "Dripping with pride" by Aubs Alberry. Abstract painting that looks like wavy with equal parts dark pink/red and blue as the main focus with white mixed in. Most of the blue is on the left and red on the right.

Black background with "Love Letters to Trans Oklahomans" at the bottom and in the center is the piece titled "AFAB-ulous" by Kiren Alberry. Abstract painting that looks bubbly with a dark pink/red blotch as the main focus, surrounded by blue.

Black background with "Love Letters to Trans Oklahomans" at the bottom and in the center is the piece titled "Non-binary bliss" by Courtney Alberry. Abstract painting that looks wavy with blue, white, and pink.

FROM Oklahoma:

"Love Letters to Trans Oklahomans From Oklahoma #TDoV23" on a black background with abstract shapes and a cartoon envelope in pink, blue, and white. There's a polaroid picture with an image from a trans rally at the Capitol. An arrow points to the right to suggest swiping through the photos.

Similar black graphic with a white blob with text: Happy Trans Day of Visibility- you deserve to be seen, heard, loved, and protected. I am so proud of who you are and who you are becoming. People may try to make you feel less because of who they are, and that’s a shame for them. Be you and know that you’re not alone, I am proud to stand beside you. - G, Midwest City, OK  

Similar black graphic with a white blob with text: We want you to know how much you are loved. We believe you when you tell us who you are. It is never too late to discover your true self. We are fighting for you every step of the way!  

- Cammeron Kaiser, Free Mom Hugs OK" and  A photo of Cammeron Kaiser smiling and standing on a porch holding a sign that reads "Trans people are valid" with the Free Mom Hugs logo, a big star, and a rainbow border.

Similar black graphic with a white blob with text: "Happy Trans Day of Visibility to my sparkly Son who is my best friend and my person and to all of the special trans two-spirit individuals out there. This is for all of you. Don't let the haters get you down! Hang on. Keep fighting. We see you. We are here with you. We love you!' 

- From a Mom in Oilton, OK

Similar black graphic with a white blob with text: Happy Trans Day of Visibility! You are loved, heard, and beautiful. Sometimes it is important to just know that you belong. The world can be a harsh unwelcoming place, but I will always be a sanctuary for my trans family. No matter what the voices of adversity shout and legislate, I will be a rock in the storm at any cost. You are such a benefit to a healthy, creative, and beautiful society. Love you always. - E, Tuttle OK" and an image of their submission: A cake with the trans pride flag on the outside. The same colors are used to decoratively ice the cake. The top is all white and has a stick with a small piece of paper that reads "You are beautiful and you are loved for who you are."

Similar black graphic with a white blob with text: "Happy Trans Day of Visibility! Know that this ninth grade teacher sees you and loves you. You are worthy, you are special, and you are an absolute delight. Remember that you’re never alone and that there’s a whole family out there that’s got your back." - K, Tulsa/OK

Similar black graphic with a white blob with text: “YOU are seen YOU are valued YOU are enough YOU are irreplaceable YOU ARE LOVED! - @ashleyjstarks” with blue, pink, and white heart emojis. To the left is their submission: "March 31st Transgender Day of Visibility" on a graphic with 3 shots of a young child smiling and wearing trans pride colors, a shirt that reads "Trans rights are human rights." The background is the trans pride flag and symbol.

Similar black graphic with a white blob with text: To my beautiful children Label makers weren't made for use on humans. We gave you names, and called you our little man and our sweet princess. You have grown in your bodies and have chosen your own names. The love I have had since I learned of your existence has not faltered. It continues to grow deeper as you teach me about life. Thank you, my little, sweet beings in a world obsessed with labels. ~ Sheri Gourd Tahlequah  

FROM JOY Mennonite church:

Pink background with a piece of paper in the center with text: Love Letters to Trans Oklahomans FROM: Joy Mennonite Church." There is a blue cartoon envelope, random designs, and an arrow pointing right.

Similar pink graphic with artwork in the center: Piece titled "Be True to Yourself." A scanned image of a multimedia collage. The main piece of paper has pink clouds. "Be True to Yourself" is written in pink and blue bubble letters in the middle. There are 2 stickers that read "Beauty is truth, truth beauty" and "Love" with flowers around the text. 

Similar pink graphic with artwork in the center: Piece titled "Beautiful Spring Morning." A hand-written cursive letter on a piece of white paper. "On this beautiful spring morning, it's good to think of beautiful things. Out the window, I see a greening birch tree, A brave redbird that doesn't fear Oklahoma frost. Some bright flowers poling up from the grass. In my mind's eye, I see some people I love: Mate of 56 years, six grown children, Long-ago students, Respected leaders, A rich mix of culture in my community. And today, I see you too...value you...hope for your welfare...and seek justice for you in our state.

Similar pink graphic with artwork in the center: A handwritten letter on purple paper that reads "From Church to Everyone. God created every single human being / Human differences are the spice of life / Trans - Persons should have the same rights as any other person / One sign of intelligence is the ability to accept people quite different from us / Acceptance is next to Godliness / I am how I was born, which is the same for everyone / How boring people would be if we were all alike"

Similar pink graphic with artwork in the center: Piece titled "Be Your Truth." A piece of orange paper with a green outline. "Be You're" is written with red and green marker and a sticker that reads "Truth" with flowers around it finishes the sentence. There are 2 additional flower stickers.

Similar pink graphic with artwork in the center: Piece titled "Hug from an Old Lady." Green piece of paper with a white notecard glued to the left that reads "This is a hug from an old lady. Not so good with words, but my hugs say:"  

On the right, the green paper is cut and you can see the same green paper underneath but with a floral stamp. Throughout the design, there is more written text that finishes the previous sentence "You are loved, you are valuable, you deserve justice. Will you receive my hug?"

Similar pink graphic with artwork in the center: Piece titled "Living in a Rainbowland." Scanned mixed media collage. The background paper is a world map with a butterfly stamped on the bottom right. There are 2 pieces of paper glued to the larger piece, one is a rainbow spiral and the other is red with written text: "Living in Rainbowland...Wouldn't it be nice to live in paradise / Where we're free to be exactly who we are. Dolly Parton"

Similar pink graphic with artwork in the center: Piece titled "Only One You." Piece of paper with a rainbow spiral with text written in marker: In all the universe, there's ONLY ONE YOU! - Anna Wenner"

Similar pink graphic with artwork in the center: Scanned image of a mixed media collage. A piece of purple paper is folded at each corner. In the center is "Pride" spelled out with tape and there are scraps of random paper glued around the text.

Similar pink graphic with artwork in the center: Painting of a red, pink, and yellow rainbow with a blue strop lining the bottom with written text: Solidarity & love"

Similar pink graphic with artwork in the center: Scanned multimedia collage. On orange paper background, there are drawings, pasted paper, and stickers with imagery including flowers, jewels, hearts, and stars. Stickers on white paper background in the center spell out "You Are Enough"

Similar pink graphic with artwork in the center: Drawing of a Trans Pride flag done in marker. 

Similar pink graphic with artwork in the center: Painting of the Trans Pride flag colors with a yellow/orange peace sign in the center outlined with black marker.

Similar pink graphic with artwork in the center: "We rainbow heart Trans Oklahomans - OU Students" written on an orange piece of paper.

Similar pink graphic with artwork in the center: Piece titled "We're Rooting for You." Green paper with plant leaves printed on. In the center is a cut out piece of white paper with "2SLGBTQ+ Friends We're rooting For you!" written with various colored pencil colors.

Similar pink graphic with artwork in the center: scanned paper collage with a white paper background. Several sheets of multicolored paper with polka dots, terrazzo print, maps, and grids decorated the left side and bottom half of the paper. Writing in the top right "By Finn C. Age 8 You Are Loved"

Similar pink graphic with artwork in the center: scanned paper collage. A white paper background decorated with drawn wavy lines, dots, and starts. Stickers decorate the center with flowers and fruit and text "You Are Loved"

Similar pink graphic with artwork in the center: scanned paper collage with blue paper on top of white paper and 3 right triangles. Written on the blue paper "You are welco-me by Finn C. Age 8"

Similar pink graphic with artwork in the center: a scanned image on yellow paper with multicolored stripes at the top and bottom with writing "you are loved! you belong!" In the center in red and green marker are the words "community change growth working together curiosity love moving forward open-minded open acceptance inclusivity beautiful diversity lifelong learning"

FROM okc:

"Love Letters to Trans Oklahomans from OKC" on a pink background. In the center is a Polaroid of the OKC Skydance Bridge lit up with blue and pink lights. A blue arrow points to the right to suggest swiping right.

"Love Letters to Trans Oklahomans" and the text of 2 love letters on a pink background. #1: "Sweet human!! Thank you for being authentically you!!! I hope you are able to see that you are loved!!! I hope that you are able to get some positive vibes and have a great day!! You are loved sweet friend!!" - Em (OKC, OK)" and #2: "I will always support and advocate for any and all trans, non-binary, 2 spirit Oklahomans. I support you living your true self. I always will be a safe place for my students, friends, and family." With all the love - NM (OKC, OK)

"Love Letters to Trans Oklahomans" and the text of a love letter on a pink background. "Happy Trans Day of Visibility! May you have more and more moments of profound euphoria, deep relief, and uninterrupted joy. Your life is sacred and beautiful to me. You are worth fighting for, and protecting." - A (Oklahoma City, OK)

"Love Letters to Trans Oklahomans" and the text of a love letter on a pink background. ""Hello beautiful human!!! Happy Trans Day of Visibility. Your light and aura abounds. It lights up our entire world with your beauty. What a joy it is to catch a glimmer of your light. And what an honor it is to fight to ensure you can sparkle your brightest self. I will be here. I will never stop fighting for you. I will lift you up and celebrate all that you are, always. In ALL WAYS. I love you now and always. Sending giant waves of comfort, calm and protection. Wrapping you up in a giant queer hug." - Fancy (OKC, OK)" A white arrow points to the right to help connect this love letter to the next image.

"There is no greater gift or joy than loving trans people." on a blue and pink gradient background. This art is a part of Fancy's submission.

FROM BEYOND OKLAHOMA:

"Love Letters to Trans Oklahomans from Beyond Oklahoma" on a white background. In the center are cartoon stamps--one is pink with a cartoon of a person with dark skin and blue hair smiling while wearing a trans pride flag. The other is a blue stamp that reads "Made with love" with a heart, the FOK logo, and a stamp with a blue background and 2 pink and white hearts. A dotted arrow is on the graphic to suggest swiping through the images.

"Love Letters to Trans Oklahomans" and "You are truly not alone. We love you, we are here for you, and above all else, we want to see all of us thrive." - Ketch Wehr, NY" with their art submission. ID for the art: Original art by @ketchwehr. There is text "If we are beyond your comprehension | Understand this: Doing us no harm costs you absolutely nothing" with their username at the bottom. In the center is a digital drawing of 2 hands holding a flower that is colored in with the trans pride flag colors. The background is a gradient of blues, greens, pinks, and white. 

"Love Letters to Trans Oklahomans" on a white background. A graphic of a beige stamp takes up most of the graphic with the text of 2 love letters. #1: "Happy Trans Day of Visibility! You deserve to feel welcomed and to take up space. You’re more loved and valued than you will ever know. Keep up the good fight, you’re doing amazing." - J, Charleston WV and #2: "Happy Trans Day of Visibility!! We are sending you love and support from across the country. Today is all about you! Continue to have the courage to embrace who you are, because that person is a beautiful and powerful individual. Smile big, laugh loud, and love lots. You are amazing!!" -Meg in Mass 

"Love Letters to Trans Oklahomans" and "Please know you are so loved and so essential to this world. - Maggie K-B, NYC" on a white graphic. In the center is an image of their art submission: A heart with strips of blue, pink, and white made out of Legos.

"Love Letters to Trans Oklahomans" on a white background. A graphic of a beige stamp takes up most of the graphic with the text of 3 love letters. #1: "Happy Trans Day of Visibility! I so admire your strength and courage to be your true self. I support you and celebrate you!" -Sarah G, MA" and #2: "Happy Trans Day of Visibility! You are LOVED, SEEN, and AWESOME!"-Jill MA" and #3: "Happy Trans Day of Visibility! Thank you for the brightness you bring to this world, simply by being you. So much love on this day of visibility, and I hope you feel it each and every other day of the year as well!" -K, Boston, MA 

"Love Letters to Trans Oklahomans" and "First Unitarian Universalist Society of Syracuse knows that trans people are beautiful. All of them. Even you." on a white background with their art submission in the center: "Transgender people are beautiful" on a poster board. The letters are either drawn on or made out of scrap pieces of blue, pink, and rainbow-colored paper glued together to form letters. Paper hearts are at the bottom.

"Love Letters to Trans Oklahomans" on a white background. A graphic of a beige stamp takes up most of the graphic with the text of a love letter: Dear Friends, Happy Trans Day of Visibility!!! I am writing from Boston to send you all my support, allyship, and love. I recognize that there are many challenges the trans community faces, and I want you to know there are so many of us here to support and love you! I am dedicated to stand by all of you and stand up against discrimination today and for eternity. My heart goes out to every single one of you - children, adolescents, adults, and beyond - and my hope is that your journey in life can align with your values and allow yourself permission to be you most authentic self! With all my love and support always, Elle 

"Love Letters to Trans Oklahomans" and "'With love, from Michigan' from Jillian Baker" on a white background. Their art submission is in the center: Text written in various markers and pens: “A love letter from MI to Trans Oklahomans…especially one in particular *wink emoticon.* My house might be in Michigan, but my heart is in Oklahoma. No amount of distance changes the fact that your struggles are my struggles, your joy is my joy. I stand beside you figuratively until I can stand beside you literally. You are seen, you are valued, you are heard, you are loved, you are all things beautiful. Let’s fight this fight together. *drawing of a heart* from Michigan.”

FROM POETS:

"Love Letters to Trans Oklahomans Poetry Collection" on a white background with a graphic of a cartoon envelope with a heart and a feather pen.

The poem On Becoming A Man by Debbie Chappell: My baby girl, my first born child of dawn She leapt into my life, a star so bright She laughed, so full of joy like a new born fawn She brought to me a love with new insight Alive with talent, drawing every day With paper, pencil, crayon, paint, and chalk A witty writer, knowing what to say For heroes, villains, witches, and warlocks Now that she's grown into a sweet young lass Oh no! She finds she's born to be a man. His future joy depends on changing fast His body changing round like dunes in sand My star is still my child so sweetly won My first born child, my light, my life, my son" with an image of a pink, yellow, and blue sunset

The poem If Only People Viewed Themselves Like Flowers by Juliette Burley: I wish people watched themselves grow like flowers seeds they planted in the garden seeds they had to water, give sunshine, nourish everyday and everyday they go out to the garden in hopes the seed has grown as the flower grows bigger and bigger it begins to blossom blossom from the love that was given and as the seasons change so do the plants the flower may shrink and wither away in the winter only to bloom anew in the spring if we looked at our bodies like flowers people would see that everyday they blossom we’d celebrate how big they’d get and honor the changes it goes through each season  

we’d love them everyday in hopes of them blooming

A poem by Jude from Norman, OK: To my trans siblings, I see you, I sit with you, I'll fight for you When it's dark and imposters close in Remember my voice and know that the sun will rise again We grow and change together no matter the weather we make each other better I'll hold your hand in the face of danger Let's not be strangers Because chosen family can be so profound Let's raise our voices loud I've never been more proud of us than I am now Let's stay alive, Our existence is not a crime I've got your back and I know you've got mine 

- Jude, Norman OK

The poem Invisible Boy by Lars Massey: He tucks his brothers shorts in Hidden beneath a skirt Outside he rides his skateboard and digs tunnels in the dirt Slipping and falling again and again Acting like it doesn't hurt Deep inside the scab is ripped open Time and time again "You'll burn in hell for that sin" "What are you, a lesbian?" Many scars have formed over what was and what could have been Stranded on an unforgiving and hostile planet Otherworldly alien They said they've met someone like him before He asks them how and when With the same cold look his father gave him each time he held a pen 

"You can be anything you want to be, but you will never be a man."

Sonnet for Oli by Alison Buxton: I see you, son, you precious boy of mine your Betty Davis eyes and ravish smile Your soul of stardust, Love, and joy divine Completely free of hate and fear and guile And from Breath One your life has been a light your laugh the soundtrack of my life's best part So never doubt that you deserve the right To be yourself and follow free your heart. And when it's dark and hope seems far away Your mom and dad will hold a space for you Come home or call or text and we will say "We love our Boy; together we'll get through." My sweet, sweet son, life up that precious chin; You live, you love, you thrive: that's how we win." - Mom xoxoxo 

Sonnet for Oli by Alison Buxton: I see you, son, you precious boy of mine your Betty Davis eyes and ravish smile Your soul of stardust, Love, and joy divine Completely free of hate and fear and guile And from Breath One your life has been a light your laugh the soundtrack of my life's best part So never doubt that you deserve the right To be yourself and follow free your heart. And when it's dark and hope seems far away Your mom and dad will hold a space for you Come home or call or text and we will say "We love our Boy; together we'll get through." My sweet, sweet son, life up that precious chin; You live, you love, you thrive: that's how we win." - Mom xoxoxo 

FROM ARTISTS:

Pink background with blue and white gradient orbs throughout the image. Text: "Love Letters to Trans Oklahomans 31 March 2023 #TDOV" and an image of a trans rally at the Capitol. Someone is holding a trans pride flag in the air.

White background with "Love Letters to Trans Oklahomans" in the bottom left. Most of the image is an art submission: “Trans Okies Belong” Cross Stitch Pattern by Emily Masters. A cross stitch pattern of "Trans Okies Belong" on an outline of the state of Oklahoma with trans pride colors. 

White background with "Love Letters to Trans Oklahomans" in the bottom left. Most of the image is text and an art submission: “Visibility brings vulnerability, but also strength. Because if they can see us, it’s easier to aim hate campaigns, but if the world can see us, it also puts a human face to the misconceptions they try to spread. Trans people are worth of protection. Trans people are worthy of dignity. Trans people deserve respect. Trans people deserve joy!” - @eye.wax. Original art description: A diverse group of people are standing and sitting together-- some embracing each other or putting their hands on someone else. 2 people are holding signs. Surrounding them is an abstract blob with text "You belong." repeated around the shape. Another abstract blob is above the group with text "Trans day of visibility." Most of the colors are pink, purple, blue, and mint green.

White background with "Love Letters to Trans Oklahomans" in the bottom left. Most of the image is an art submission: Original art by @renee_jay_creates  Shades of pink, purple, and blue done in watercolor. An original black block print stamp of a mug with a rainbow on it and hearts surrounding the mug is in the middle. At the top and bottom of the image is cursive text, written in what looks like to be marker: "from sister to brother i'll always love ya"

White background with "Love Letters to Trans Oklahomans" in the bottom left. Most of the image is an art submission: “Your dreams are important to me. Your future is important to me. Your life is important to me. You are loved.” - Melodie Lunday An image of a purple and blue sky with tree branches in the frame. "You are. . .valued, worthy, special, needed, important, treasured, loved." is written on the image.

White background with "Love Letters to Trans Oklahomans" in the bottom left. Most of the image is an art submission: Original art by Lars Massey. A group of angry people done in black & white are pointing and yelling at a figure in the center of a room. The figure looks to be wearing a jumpsuit with a skeleton on it, including the face being a skull. The figure also has giant moth wings that have white wavy lines dripping from them. Red blotches are shown throughout the image. Behind the figure is an "Exit" sign with Pride flag colors behind it. The doorway shows a blue and orange sky with butterflies.

White background with "Love Letters to Trans Oklahomans" in the bottom left. Most of the image is an art submission: "Happy Trans Day of Visibility! I see you, I appreciate you. I'm here with Mom Hugs if you need them. I'm proud of you. I love you. " Love, Momma Jorje. Original digital art that reads "I love you. I'm proud of you. Love, Momma Jorje" with blue, white, and pink hearts, the trans pride flag stripes in the center and the trans symbol in the shape of a heart.

Thank you to everyone who shared something as part of this project. 

To all of our Two Spirit, transgender, and gender nonconforming family: we see you. We love you. We celebrate you, all year long. We won’t stop fighting for the future where you have access to best-practice medical care without obstacles, the ability to access facilities that match your gender without harassment, and the safety to thrive, in and beyond Oklahoma.

In solidarity,

Freedom Oklahoma

*If you’re on desktop, you can hover over images for full image descriptions. You can also find them under each post on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

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Important Links and updates:

Thank you for a special day!

YAM 2023 is moving into March:

Wow! What a turnout for our Community People’s Hearing! For those of you who submitted artwork, written pieces, spoken word, and other forms of political art, today was the day they were on display for the public and Oklahoma legislators to see. What an amazing moment to fill the Capitol with 2SLGBTQ+ Oklahomans’ truths. For the young Oklahomans who were willing to make their work public, we thank you. We understand that being seen in a state like Oklahoma can be dangerous. For those of you who are doing the work and working for change in your communities but could not participate in such a public platform, we thank you. Without you showing up for yourselves, we wouldn’t have made the progress we have in this state. We are so grateful for all of our 2SLGBTQ+ Oklahomans no matter where you are in your ability to be out. Hopefully, today has brought you some comfort, some camaraderie, and some strength to continue this good work together. Thank you, again, to all of our participants today. What a beautiful day in community!

A picture of red, blue, and green printed copies of  “Dear Oklahoma From: A Trans Girl,” a zine by Mia-Jo on a table with pronoun pins. The YAM 2023 logo is in the bottom corner.

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March Community Groups

Join us April 11 - 13 at our virtual 2SLGBTQ+ Community Groups for Educators, Parents/Guardians, and Students! We hold this space for you and your needs, so we’ll chat through legislative updates, YAM, and anything else you need. 

Schedule:

Teachers/School Staff: Tuesday, 4/11 from 4-6 pm

Parents/Guardians: Wednesday, 4/12 from 4:30-6 pm

Students: Thursday, 4/13 from 5-6 pm

SIGN UP!

ID: "virtual 2SLGBTQ+ Community Groups Teachers/School Staff: Tuesday, 4/11 Parents/Guardians: Wednesday, 4/12 Students: Thursday, 4/13 on a dark blue background with a circle photo of someone speaking at a podium during a school board meeting with text "2SLGBTQ+ youth organizing & GSA support" around it. There are random circles, dots, and the FOK logo.

Join Dream Action Oklahoma’s Team

Dream Action Oklahoma is looking for a visionary and compassionate Executive Director to drive its mission forward. Think that’s you? Then they want to hear from you! Join them in empowering and advocating for our local immigrant community in Oklahoma! APPLY NOW at DAOK.org/jobs

apply here

“Apply now to be our new Executive Director. DAOK/org/jobs Questions? Get in touch at: EDjob@DAOK.org” on an image of DAOK at a Pride march with a blue overlay.

April 15th - Name Change & Gender Marker Correction Clinic

Sign up for the next Name & Gender Marker Correction Clinic that is happening on Saturday,  April 15th!

Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis due to capacity. Prior registrants will get 1st priority. Register now!

register!

Pink and blue gradient background. In the center of the image is a rendering of a pop-up computer window. Text "Name and Gender Marker Correction Clinic Saturday 4/15 RSVP today!" In the lower right, the arrow from a computer mouse hovers just under a Freedom Oklahoma logo.

need help with quitting smoking?

Are you thinking about quitting smoking? We’re here to help!  OUHSC is conducting a research study to assess the feasibility and acceptability of an empowerment approach to tobacco cessation assistance with the aim to improve the lives of 2SLGBTQ+ Oklahomans. Participants will be compensated for their time and will get to volunteer with Freedom Oklahoma during the process!

Interested in joining the study?

learn more here

"Are you thinking about quitting smoking? You don't have to do it alone! Smoking cessation study for 2SLGBTQ+ Oklahomans" on a blue background with a graphic of two people in bubbles to show them connecting from afar. The OU Health Sciences Center and FOK logos are at the bottom.