On June 28, 1969, New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village, treating patrons and employees with violence. The raid sparked riots and protests for the next six days and was a catalyst for the modern gay rights movement in the United States.
Throughout the month and beyond, the Metropolitan Library System is committed to highlighting LGBTQIA+ reading or listening recommendations and other resources, along with offering programs that amplify LGBTQIA+ voices and stories. For the latest LGBTQIA+ events at the Metropolitan Library System, please check our Calendar of Events.
We're celebrating 2SLGBTQIA+ artists in the month of June! Enjoy our exhibition from local artists and creators on display in Philomathea Hall.
Submit your art by May 3: tinyurl.com/LGBTQArtShowForm
PRIDE Creative Writing Chapbooks
Have you always wanted to explore creative writing but never had the chance? Pick up one of our special PRIDE creative writing chapbooks filled with creative writing exercises meant to strengthen your creative muscles!
Stop by and grab a kit to craft your own felt PRIDE button—no experience needed! Choose to make a pronoun button or a pride-themed design, with all the supplies ready to go.
Disclaimer(s)
We can only guarantee one kit per household and per registration (if required).
It is encouraged that an adult supervise children while using this Metropolitan Library System Take & Make Kit.
"Where boys and girls can all be queens every single day!" Welcome, Pink Pony Guys, Gals, and Nonbinary Pals, to the Pink Pony Club, a social group for LGBTQ+ youth and allies!
Teens aged 10-14, join us at the Almonte Library to celebrate Pride by creating your very own mini Pride Parade float! We will be creating parade floats from shoeboxes and having our parade in the library.
Disclaimer(s)
We cannot guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens. Accordingly, the Library will not be liable for such harm to any individual resulting from such allergens.
Be Advised: This program may be photographed and/or videotaped for publicity purposes.
By Attending, you consent: To the use of your voice and likeness in future publicity uses that contain content from this event. If you do not wish to be on camera, please let us know.
For more information visit our Photography & Video Disclaimer
We're celebrating 2SLGBTQIA+ artists in the month of June! Enjoy our exhibition from local artists and creators on display in Philomathea Hall.
Submit your art by May 3: tinyurl.com/LGBTQArtShowForm
Pride Books, Movies, and More
Pride for Children & Families
Supplies
- Paper or Cardstock
- 3 different colors of pipe cleaners
- Scissors
- Tape
- Stapler
Steps & Instructions
- Using card stock or regular paper cut a 1" strip to fit your head (you may have to staple two strips together!
- Cut the first color of pipe cleaners into 6" pieces, second color into 4" pieces, and last color into 3" pieces.
- Starting with the first color (6" pieces) bend into anarch shape and tape down each end onto your paper strip.
- Repeat with second color (4" pieces), taping them just inside the first color. Repeat with your third and final color.
- Use stapler to secure the ends of your band together!
- Wear your new rainbow flag crown with PRIDE.
Download Instructions
Supplies
- Markers or Colored Pencils
- Shrinky Dink Paper
- Pin Backs
- Pencil
- Hot Glue Gun & Hot Glue Sticks
Steps & Instructions
- Take shrinky dink paper and draw your design
- Cut out designs
- Place on a baking sheet in a pre-heated 325 degree oven for 1-3 minutes
- Carefully remove from oven.
- Glue on pin backs using a hot glue gun (be careful)
- Let the glue sit and chill for a few minutes
- Wear with PRIDE.
Supplies
- Glue
- Scissors
- Pens
- Piece of Cardboard
- Accents: Colorful papers, wrappers, stickers, sequins, yarn, and other fun things
Steps & Instructions
- Draw a rainbow on your piece of cardboard
- Cut your paper into small pieces
- Start gluing
- Cut out your rainbow
- Display with PRIDE.
Read
Available through hoopla Digital
- Angus All Aglow by Heather Smith
- Morris Mickelwhite and the Tangerine Dress by Christine Baldacchino
- Be You! by Peter Reynolds
- Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall
Watch
The Most Magnificent Thing: Based on the book by Ashley Spires and narrated by Whoopi Goldberg. A young girl receives a tool kit as a gift and decides to make something magnificent for her faithful dog companion but the creative process proves more challenging than expected.
Sing
I Like You from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, inspired by Mister Rogers Neighborhood
I like you, I like you, I like you
Just the way you are!
Now try singing it about yourself:
I like me, I like me, I like me,
Just the way I am!
Who You Are is Important to Me!
To the tune of London Bridge
I am me. And she is she.
He is he and they are they.
I am me and xe is xe.
Who you are is important to me!
Rainbows I See!
To Frere Jacques/Brother John
Red and orange (red and orange)
Yellow and green (yellow and green)
Blue, indigo, and violet (blue, indigo and violet)
Rainbow colors, I see! (rainbow colors, I see!)
Activity
Make a Mermaid Crown like the one in Julian is a Mermaid
Create Your Own Paper Doll
More Books
Books on Hoopla
- Spork by Kyo Maclear
- Stella Brings the Family by Miriam B Schiffer
- A Family is a Family is a Family by Sara O’Leary
- Dazzling Travis by Hannah Carmona Dias
- The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch
Books on Overdrive/Libby (note: These titles may have a waiting list.)
- Pink is for Boys by Robb Pearlman
- Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall
- Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
Keep Learning
hoopla allows you to borrow movies, music, audiobooks, eBooks, comics and TV shows to enjoy on your computer, tablet, or phone – and even your TV! With no waiting, titles can be streamed immediately, or downloaded to phones or tablets for offline enjoyment later. We have hundreds of thousands of titles to choose from, with more being added daily. hoopla is like having your public library at your fingertips. Anytime. Anywhere.
Read
Available through hoopla Digital
- Colors by Dona Herwick Rice
- Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert
- Pride Colors by Robin Stevenson
- Colors All Around by Wiley Blevins
Watch
Nature Cat: Tally Ho! A Rainbow! After a rainstorm (Nature Cat is sure glad it's over!) Daisy wants to capture a picture of a rainbow for her Granny Bunny who just loves rainbows! But finding a rainbow is easier said than done, as the four friends trek all over in search of it!
Sing
Rainbow Colors to the tune of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”
First comes red and orange too
Shiny yellow, green, and blue
Purple ends the pretty rays
Only seen on rainy days
First comes red and orange too
Shiny yellow, green, and blue
Watch Video of Song Online
One little red fish
Swimming in the water,
Swimming in the water,
Swimming in the water.
One little red fish
Swimming in the water,
Bubble, bubble, bubble, bubble...POP!
Verses: Increase the number and change the colour.
Watch Video of Song Online
And don’t forget Rainbow Connection from The Muppet Movie soundtrack!
Activity
Make Color Changing Milk
Supplies
- a baking pan or shallow bowl
- milk
- liquid food coloring
- cotton swabs
- liquid dish soap
Steps
- Pour about an inch of milk into the shallow bowl.
- Add drops of food coloring to the milk, not stirring into the milk.
- Put a dish soap on the cotton swab.
- Dip the cotton swab into a color part of the milk and watch the food coloring move away!
- If you like, you can dip a piece of paper onto the top of the milk to make your own marbled paper.
More Books
Books on Hoopla
- The Crayola Colors Series
- Curious George Discovers the Rainbow by H. A. Rey
- Color series by Marthe Johnson
- Red is Best by Kathy Stinson
- From Wax to Crayon by Robin Nelson
Books on Overdrive/Libby (note: These titles may have a waiting list.)
- Every Color Soup by Jorey Hurley
- Black is a Rainbow Color by Angela Joy
- Duck & Goose Colors by Tad Hills
- Bear Sees Colors by Karma Wilson
- The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh by Supriya Kelkar
- Red House, Tree House, Little Bitty Brown Mouse by Jane Godwin
Keep Learning
The Tumblebook Library has over a thousand always available eBooks for elementary school students. It includes animated talking picture books, chapter books, videos, non-fiction titles, and graphic novels as well as learning activities for literacy and reading comprehension such as puzzles, games, quizzes, and lesson plans.
LGBTQIA+ Library Resources
Pride looks a little different this year with most parades either being postponed or moved online, but we are still doing our part to celebrate at the Library. If you don’t know the history, on June 28, 1969 there was a clash between LGBTQ2S+ people and cops at a gay bar called the Stonewall Inn. While there is much debate as to whether this event should be called a riot, rebellion or uprising, who threw the first brick at the cops, or whether it was in fact a brick, a stone, or even a handbag; what isn’t up for debate is the lasting impact that this event had for the LGBTQ2S+ community and America. In celebration of this event, Pride now takes place every June and is a time for people that identify as LGBTQ2S+ and their allies to celebrate self-affirmation, dignity, equality, and their increased visibility in the world.
One of the topics that is always discussed around this time is representation. Representation is so important for minority populations because it gives us a way to see ourselves in the media that we consume. This not only makes us feel seen and accepted, when we so often feel othered, but it also can help increase acceptance and information exchange. The Library actively strives to create diverse and inclusive collections for this reason. So, if you are interested in reading the rainbow, you can check out these great sites for lists of different types of books that represent the LGBTQ2S+ community. Also keep an eye out on our website and social media for more resources throughout the month.
The Library is also a great way to connect with resources when you are needing help. So whether you are a member of the LGBTQ2S+ community, a family member, an ally, or are just interested in learning more about resources and issues facing the community, you can check out these sites for more information.
LGBT in OKC: A Brief History of the Oklahoma City LGBT+ Community
Ward 2 City Councilman James Cooper, the first openly LGBT member of Oklahoma City's city council, talks about the history and struggles of the LGBT+ community in OKC.
LGBT History: The Arrest of Paul Thompson
In this month's podcast we hear the story of the arrest of Oklahoma City gay rights activist Paul Thompson and his fight in court.
LGBTQ History and Pride in OKC
Freedom Oklahoma's Allie Shin and City Councilperson James Cooper talk about the history of the LGBTQ+ community in Oklahoma City and the city's Pride celebration.
Library Magazines
The Advocate
The Advocate has been the definitive news source for America’s LGBT community since 1967. Every issue, The Advocate keeps you involved and informed on everything that’s important to you in LGBT news, politics, culture and entertainment. You’ll enjoy our intriguing interviews with important gay and lesbian newsmakers, plus you'll enrich your life with our regular coverage of gay travel, finance, fitness, and style. Now available with the cool convenience of digital delivery. Now expanded with exclusive video and slide show in every issue.
OUT
Out is America's premiere general interest and style magazine for gay men. Sexy, smart, and sophisticated, it inspires readers with captivating feature stories, striking fashion layouts, and lively entertainment reviews. Out. Discover what's in. Filled with interviews, fashion, travel, celebrities and more for gay life today.
Library Database
Archives of Sexuality and Gender
The Archives of Sexuality and Gender is the largest collection available in support of the study of gender and sexuality, enables scholars to make new connections in LGBTQ history and activism, cultural studies, psychology, health, political science, policy studies, and other related areas of research.
LGBTQIA+ Resources
- Oklahomans for Equality
- Oklahomans for Equality
- The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender National Hotline: (888) 843-4564
- The GLBT National Youth Talkline (youth serving youth through age 25): (800) 246-7743
- TrevorSpace - Online trans community message boards and groups. TrevorSpace is an affirming international community for LGBTQ2S+ young people ages 13-24.
- Q Chat Space - Are you LGBTQ2S+ or questioning? Between the ages of 13 and 19?This is a place you can be yourself and be accepted wherever you are in your life & identity. Chat with like-minded peers in live chats designed for you & by you, facilitated by folks who care.
- LGBT National Help Center - Talk lines, text groups, online groups, etc.
- The Asexual Visibility & Education Network - Chat rooms & forums for the Ace community.
- LGBTQ People of Color Support Group - Currently holding Zoom meetings due to the pandemic.
- Mindout’s Online Support - Confidential instant messaging support.
- Trans Lifeline - Trans Lifeline’s Hotline is a peer support service run by trans people, for trans and questioning callers. Operators are located all over the U.S. and Canada and are all trans-identified.
- The Trevor Project - the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ2S+ young people ages 13–24.
- Crisis Text Line - Text CONNECT to 741741
| SISU Youth Services | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overnight emergency shelter, hot meals, clothing, and case management to youth experiencing homelessness. Ages 16-24 | ||
| 405-459-7478 | Website | 3131 North Pennsylvania Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 |
| The Homeless Alliance | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency shelter that provides help with immediate needs such as food, clothing, and access to other resources | |||
| 405-415-8410 | Website | 1724 NW 4th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73106 |
OKC Day Shelter: 1729 NW 3rd St. Oklahoma City, OK 73106 |
| City Rescue Mission | ||
|---|---|---|
| Provides shelter, medical care, dental care, vision assistance, GED courses, job placement services and more for youth Ages 15-24 |
||
| 405-232-2709 | Website | 800 W. California Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73106 |
| Diversity Family Health | ||
|---|---|---|
| 405-388-2258 | Website | 2242 NW 39th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73112 |
| OU Medicine & Health Equality Coordinator | |
|---|---|
| 405-271-6488 | Website |
| Revan Health | ||
|---|---|---|
| 405-896-7975 | Website | 5601 NW 72nd St. Suite 142 Warr Acres, OK 73132 |
| Trust Women Oklahoma City Clinic | ||
|---|---|---|
| 405-429-7940 | Website | 1240 SW 44th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73109 |
| Bright Eyes Family Services | ||
|---|---|---|
| LGBTQIA+ affirming provider of mental health care. | ||
| 405-810-5554 | Website | 4334 NW Expressway Suite 211 Oklahoma City, OK 73116 |
| Cedar Ridge | ||
|---|---|---|
| Community mental health agency providing services to children and adults. Telehealth options are available. | ||
| 405-271-6488 | Website | 6501 NE 50th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73141 |
| Diversity Center of Oklahoma, Inc. | ||
|---|---|---|
| Gender divers & LGBTQIA+ community resource center. | ||
| 405-605-5982 | Website | 1211 N. Shartel Suite 606 Oklahoma City, OK 73141 |
| NorthCare | ||
|---|---|---|
| Community mental health agency providing services to children, adults, and families. | ||
| 405-858-2700 | Website | 2617 General Pershing Blvd. Oklahoma City, OK 73107 |