Lawton/Ft. Sill Pride: eager for LGBT education and activism in 2014

Lawton/Ft. Sill Pride is eager to continue serving the LGBT community in southwest Oklahoma as the calendar changes to 2014. While the organization continues to plan for annual events such as the Rainbow Ball – an alternative prom for area youth – and participation in the OKC Pride celebration, the Board of Directors is also working on improvements throughout the year.

“A recurring issue I have heard from several members is the regular meeting time being inconvenient,” President Taylor Brunwald said. “We plan on taking a poll of the membership to determine when would be most convenient for the greatest amount of people.”

Other priorities for the organization include continuing the process of becoming an official non-profit organization, providing more opportunities for LGBT education and activism, and fostering inclusion of all members across the LGBT spectrum in Lawton and Ft. Sill.

“I feel that the gay community isn’t equally represented in the media when it comes to diversity, and I don’t want anyone here feeling excluded because of that,” Brunwald said. “I’m determined to ensure everyone feels included and welcomed by the group representing our entire community, not just a certain part of it.”

Following the resignation of Director Lindsey Colmer, a special election will be held in January to fill her vacated seat on the Board. Colmer will remain the chair of the Youth Committee.

Continuing projects for the Board include commissioning a graphic designer for branding needs, reforming membership qualifications, and having more fun during the monthly meetings.

Lawton/Ft. Sill Pride currently meets on the third Sunday of each month. The next meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Sunday, January 19 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Lawton. Meetings are open to the public and everyone is encouraged to attend. The group is also on Facebook at facebook.com/lawtonprideoklahoma.

The Gayly – January 14, 2014 @ 12:30pm