Herland Sister Resources

In Barbara Rick’s acclaimed documentary, In Good Conscience, a most unlikely and very funny rebel — an American nun — finds herself at the center of a human rights storm with leaders of one of the world’s most revered institutions, the Roman Catholic Church.
 
The film chronicles the true story of Sister Jeannine Gramick, who is defying a Vatican edict that she shut down her compassionate ministry to gay and lesbian Catholics, and silence herself permanently on the subject of homosexuality. Her battle takes her all the way to Rome where she attempts an audience with her key adversary over the years — none other than Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger — the Inquisitor who would become Pope Benedict XVI.
 
Sister Jeannine has worked within the church for more than thirty years on behalf of the LGBT community and its fight for acceptance, recognition, and equality. When issued this ultimatum from Cardinal Ratzinger and Pope John Paul II — denounce homosexuality or lose everything — she quietly and respectfully refused. 

August 1, 1944 - December 15, 2007
Theila Ralphine Elliott, known by the many who loved her as Tre, slipped away in her sleep on Saturday, December 15, 2007, at her home in Oklahoma City, following a lengthy illness.  Tre was born August 1, 1944, in Vinita, Oklahoma; the daughter of Lucille and Ralph Elliott.  She graduated from Vinita High School and Oklahoma State University, with a degree in Physical Education.
Tre was a fabulous athlete, highly skilled in sports as varied as fencing, field hockey and swimming.  In the days before women received scholarships, Tre was a scholar/athlete. She also was a musician, playing the guitar, bongos, harmonica, kazoo, and on more than one occasion, the comb.  She also wrote music and loved to dance. She was also a master jewelry maker, selling her work at festivals like the Paseo, and sharing with friends.  She collected antiques, especially antique games.  There was nothing she was not interested in.
Tre loved children, and taught in the Ponca City and Oklahoma City School systems for 27 years, teaching almost all sports, including modern dance and track & field.  She took her students to State in swimming, and was Camp Director for Campfire Girls.  Tre was an enrolled Cherokee, and greatly proud of it; it helped define her identity.
Tre believed passionately in equality for all, and when the fight for the Equal Rights Amendment came to Oklahoma, she threw herself into the fray, volunteering her time, efforts and even her house.  Tre was a most faithful and loving friend, and herself, loved to dance and bring laughter into the lives of others.
She is survived by her best friend and partner, Marilyn Best of the home; and a sister, brother, and aunt.  Tre was one of the founding mothers of Herland and was an early promoter of womyn’s music in Oklahoma.  She and Marilyn hosted an annual New Year’s Eve party for many years for Herlanders.  A Celebration of her life was held on New Year’s Eve at her home in Oklahoma City.

Saturday February 2nd Louise & Mary Full Circle 7-9 pm
Tuesday Feb 5 PFLAG OKC  Church of the Open Arms 7 pm
Saturday February 9 Herland Supper Club at Belle Isle Brewery, 50 Penn Place, 5:30 pm, followed by Games at Herland, 7:30 pm
Monday Feb 11 OGLPC  Meeting at Neighborhood Alliance  7:00 pm
Thursday Feb 14  PFLAG Norman St Stephen’s Church 7 pm
Saturday February 16 Herland Scrabble Day 2 pm
Saturday February 16 Peggy Johnson Red Cup 8 pm
Sunday February 17 Herland Board Meeting 4 pm everyone welcome (eat at Gushers afterward)
Saturday February 23 Herland Winter Coffeehouse  7 pm
Tuesday Feb 26 Louise & Mary Galileo Bar & Grill 8:30 pm no cover
Friday February 29 Louise & Mary  Full Circle Bookstore

Sexuality Identity & Spirituality Conference in March  A coalition of six OKC area churches are planning a Sexual Identity and Spirituality Conference to be held on Friday & Saturday, March 7 & 8, 2008.  Watch for more details in next month’s Voice.
2nd Cimarron Summit Coming in April  Cimarron Alliance Foundation and its community partners are planning a second LGBT Summit to be held on Saturday, April 5, 2008.  Watch for details for this exciting gathering to move LGBT advocacy forward in Oklahoma.
Eureka Springs Diversity Weekend in April  IRIS, the band, will be playing the spring show at Chelsea’s on Diversity Weekend  Spring 2008, so mark your calendar.  It is the first weekend in April.

Join us on Saturday, February 9, at 5:30 pm for the Herland Supper Club at Belle Isle Brewery, located in 50 Penn Place, NW 50th and Penn.  Belle Isle Brewery is one of our most popular restaurants for Supper Club because of their good food, varied menu, reasonable prices, and excellent service.  After Supper Club, we will head back to Herland for card games, board games, and who knows what?