The title of this report, The Prism Project, is meant to convey two things:

First, this report is the product of extensive input from members of the Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) community in the Tulsa region. Like a prism, its purpose is to shine a light on the issues and project a variety of solutions on the other side.

Second, we chose the word “project” because it implies the work is not done. Rather, this serves as one more step forward in contributing to an ongoing conversation that will lead to better results for members of our SGM community.

A data-based understanding of a group within our society allows service providers, policy makers, businesses, faith communities and others to make informed decisions in addressing the needs and challenges of the group and the individuals within the group.

Key Findings

Youth Experiences

Many SGM youth reported experiencing teasing, bullying, or intimidation.

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Family & Community Experiences

Adults are reporting high levels of hope and civic engagement.
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Mental Health

Participants reported significantly higher exposure to childhood trauma than the national population.
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Workplace Experiences

The majority of adult participants reported full-time, part-time, or self-employment.
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Health & Healthcare Access

Most participants reported at least a decent quality of health and have health insurance.
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Recommendations

We’ve highlighted the most important services needed for SGM youth and adults, as well as some key training resources.

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Sample Characteristics

Final sample consisted of 818 participants:

  • Mean age was 38.2 years old
  • Majority (71.9%) identified as
    white-only as their race or
    ethnicity

Age Of Participants

82.1% live within the Tulsa Metropolitan Statistical Area (TMSA)

  • Mean number of others living in the household was 1.7
  • Nearly all (97.9%) respondents reported English being spoken in the home, whether English alone or in addition to another language

The most important services needed for SGM individuals

Youth respondents indicated preferences for:

  • Mental health and counseling services
  • Public awareness about LGBTQ+ issues
  • Programs for LGBTQ+ youth
  • Sexual health education.

Adult respondents indicated preferences for:

  • Mental health and counseling services
  • Advocacy at the state legislature
  • Physical and medical health services
  • Public awareness about LGBTQ+ issues