Oklahoma's GLBT Digital Video Briefs
OK GLBT NEWS NET
OK GLBT NEWS NET
This is the untold story about gay activism in Tulsa during the 1970's.
Tulsa Gay Alliance’s first meeting had been called by word-of-mouth in 1971. It was held in a 3rd floor conference room at the downtown library.Five people showed up. I recall at least three others besides Phil Wiley and myself. Two of the others were male street-hustlers. They were interested in stopping some of the police harassment targeted them. Other gay Tulsans were understandably too afraid to participate. Phil was the only person present who would share his contact information. The others feared that police might find out. I didn’t identify myself either. I knew they would scatter like jack-rabbits if they became aware of my affiliation with local law enforcement. A Tulsa lesbian joined the organization later before moving to San Francisco.There, Sue Davis functioned as Parade Chairperson five years for San Francisco’s annual Pride Parade. (Vernon Jones, OKGNN)
Tulsa Gay Alliance’s first meeting had been called by word-of-mouth in 1971. It was held in a 3rd floor conference room at the downtown library.Five people showed up. I recall at least three others besides Phil Wiley and myself. Two of the others were male street-hustlers. They were interested in stopping some of the police harassment targeted them. Other gay Tulsans were understandably too afraid to participate. Phil was the only person present who would share his contact information. The others feared that police might find out. I didn’t identify myself either. I knew they would scatter like jack-rabbits if they became aware of my affiliation with local law enforcement. A Tulsa lesbian joined the organization later before moving to San Francisco.There, Sue Davis functioned as Parade Chairperson five years for San Francisco’s annual Pride Parade. (Vernon Jones, OKGNN)
ERROR CORRECTION
During video-taping, Jones was telling about one of Tulsa's most famous landmarks -- 'the Meadow Gold sign'.
Every gay American whomever traveled the 'Mother Road' of Route 66 knew about the hugh neon sign atop the center of gay club activity in Tulsa during the 1950's. The sign was removed in 2006, but before, gays and many straights knew that "for a good time, go down under the Meadow Gold sign."
The sign and clubs were located at Lewis Street rather than Utica as was mistakenly stated in the video.
During video-taping, Jones was telling about one of Tulsa's most famous landmarks -- 'the Meadow Gold sign'.
Every gay American whomever traveled the 'Mother Road' of Route 66 knew about the hugh neon sign atop the center of gay club activity in Tulsa during the 1950's. The sign was removed in 2006, but before, gays and many straights knew that "for a good time, go down under the Meadow Gold sign."
The sign and clubs were located at Lewis Street rather than Utica as was mistakenly stated in the video.
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