"We begin with equality...that's justice"

by Robin Dorner
Editor in Chief

From the words of Daniel Day Lewis in the Award-Winning movie Lincoln, "We begin with equality. That's the origin, isn't it? That's justice.”

Through the generous support of LGBT and allied individuals, Cimarron Alliance - Central Oklahoma’s LGBT advocacy and education organization - has opened the doors to a place welcoming to all people concerned about true equality and justice.

Last month’s grand opening for the Cimarron Alliance LGBT Equality Center in Oklahoma City drew in upwards of 500 guests from around the state who attended the celebration.

“Equality for LGBT Oklahomans remains a critical issue,” said Scott Hamilton, Executive Director of Cimarron Alliance. “With same-gender marriage making national headlines, central Oklahoma’s LGBT community needs a home-base for education, advocacy, cultural and other events. This has been a collective dream for many decades.

“I cannot think of a better place for young people and older people to come together and work together than what exists right here,” adds Hamilton. “We are here for you for the long haul. It’s not just marriage equality; it’s non-discrimination against any person for any reason at any place in this state and until that happens, Cimarron Alliance will be here.”

The Center will offer meeting space for organizations, youth groups, and anyone needing to meet in the name of equality. It will also house DBA, the Diversity Business Associates, LGBT-owned and LGBT-allied businesses working together to support a fair and just business environment, advance equality, and improve economic opportunities.

“I was talking with some folks that have been around for a long time  and who have been fighting for equality for generations and they were commenting to me that it’s amazing how fast this is all happening,” said Jeff Riles, board member of Cimarron Alliance. “Being someone who hasn’t been around as long as they have, I’m learning to appreciate the breadth of the sacrifices that the people before me have made. I think that’s what this night, for me, really represents. It represents the generations of Oklahomans who have been brave enough to make the case for equality in a state that has traditionally been one that has not accepted.”

The new Center is located in the Bank of America Building, 5613 N. May Ave, (NW entrance) in Oklahoma City. This highly-visible location will demonstrate the worthiness of LGBT Oklahomans and will send a powerful message that Oklahoma’s LGBT citizens are integral to life in the state.

For more information, visit www.cimarronalliance.org or call (405) 495-9300.