Longest-Running LGBT Pride Festival In Oklahoma Returns To Tulsa

Oklahomans gathered downtown this weekend for the state’s longest-running LGBT Pride festival. The Dennis R. Neill Equality Center said this year’s festival is the biggest it has ever held. 

"Families come in all shapes and sizes. All genders and ethnicities. Everything,” Comfort Keidel said.  

Keidel is pansexual and believes you do not have to look alike to love alike. 

"I see you. There's a difference with you,” Keidel said. “Guess what? There's a difference with me and in that there's connection and there's community.”

The Family Equality Council said research shows 63% of LGBTQ people planning families expect to use assisted reproductive technology, foster care or adoption to become parents. 

That is how Keidel became a mom, when she adopted her two daughters almost 11 years ago. She also recently adopted her son. 

"While it may be unusual or different, it works for us and I wouldn't have it any other way,” Keidel said. “They're the biggest blessing I've ever had." 

Sisters Harper and Joplin Keidel are proud to be part of an inclusive family. 

"It's been eye-opening for us as children to, like, be around it more than a lot of other kids," Harper Keidel said.  

"It's important to be unique and stand out in your own way," Joplin Keidel said.  

The world is full of labels. Joplin said only good labels can describe her mom. 

"She's great. She's fun. She's happy. She's supportive. She's amazing. She means everything to me," Joplin Keidel said.  

Oklahomans For Equality held a picnic in the park at Guthrie Green Sunday in downtown Tulsa. The Keidels and several other families joined in on the fun.

Keidel’s children said it’s an educational opportunity for them.

"She really is making us into great people because of how much she exposes us to," Harper Keidel said.  

Keidel said Tulsa Pride is more than a weekend: It is about recognizing your worth and letting love lead your life. 

"They are strong allies and developing their own path, as well,” Keidel said. “Figuring out who they are.”