NEW PRIDE BANNER DESIGN SELECTED

On March 30, 2007 the Cimarron Alliance Foundation unveiled a new design for LGBT Pride banners that will line Classen Avenue during the month of June.  Through the community banner contest, the foundation received numerous designs from members of the community, and the work submitted by Tay Duran was selected as the new official banner design.  In addition to receiving recognition at 2007 Pride activities, Tay Duran was awarded $500 cash prize from the Cimarron Alliance Foundation.

“I am honored that my design was selected for the new Pride banners,” said Tay Duran, “I appreciate the award from the foundation and its willingness to continue hanging banners to celebrate Pride.”

In order to fund the printing of new banners, the Cimarron Alliance Foundation requests support from the community.  For a cash donation of $125, individuals, businesses and organizations names will be listed on each sponsored banners. Doing so will allow the foundation to debut the new design throughout Oklahoma City, rather than printing smaller quantities each year. When the sponsorship program was announced on April 3rd, two individuals immediately stepped forward to contribute funds for 10 banners each. “We are excited to introduce a new design in 2007 and expect a tremendous response to the banner sponsorship program,” explained Josh Hammers who serves as the LGBT Community Outreach chairperson on the CAF board. “Whether it is a donation for one banner, two banners, or more, every dollar counts as we display our Pride by hanging banners in Oklahoma City.”

As many people remember, Oklahoma City Mayor Kirk Humphries ordered that the Cimarron Pride Banners be taken down from the parade route on Classen Boulevard during the weeks leading to LGBT Pride festivities in 2001. Not willing to stand by and let our first amendment rights be denied by our hometown, the Cimarron Alliance Foundation filed a case against the city in federal court. After costly litigation, the court ruled in support of the Cimarron Alliance Foundation and the First Amendment, ordering Oklahoma City to offer its LGBT citizens the constitutional rights to freedom of speech and expression. “We are proud to continue this outstanding tradition in 2007,” stated Hammers.

What’s up with the contest?

The Cimarron Alliance Foundation displays banners throughout Oklahoma City during the month of June to celebrate LGBT Pride. Due to normal wear and tear, some of the existing banners need to be upgraded. So, we are hosting a banner competition to design new banners to fly during pride this year and beyond. Anyone in Oklahoma’s LGBT community is encouraged to submit a proposed design.

What do I get if I win?

The winner will receive $500, recognition at a Pride week banquet and will be able to ride on the Cimarron Alliance Pride Parade float.

What are the design requirements?

Check out the banners pictured on this website to see what they have looked like in the past. You can do what you want, but that will give you an idea of what we have chosen in the past. The banner design must include the Cimarron Alliance Foundation logo shown at the top of this page, the words “Cimarron Alliance Foundation” and “A Fair and Just Oklahoma”. Otherwise, we will be selecting the design that best illuminates the character of the Oklahoma LGBT community in our Centennial year of statehood. The final banner will be 30” by 72”.  Entries must be the correct ratio, but do not have to be the same scale. We will work with the winner to create a print ready version of the design.

When and where do I submit my design?

Designs are must be postmarked on or before March 1st and should be mailed to the following address:

Cimarron Alliance Foundation
ATTN: Banner Contest
P.O. Box 18432
Oklahoma City, OK 73154

What’s the cool historical significance?

During the weeks leading to LGBT Pride festivities in 2001, Oklahoma City Mayor Kirk Humphries ordered that the Cimarron Pride Banners be taken down from the parade route on Classen Boulevard. Not willing to stand by and let our first amendment rights be denied by our hometown, the Cimarron Alliance Foundation filed a case against the city in federal court.  After costly litigation, the court ruled in support of the Cimarron Alliance Foundation and the First Amendment, ordering Oklahoma City to offer its LGBT citizens the constitutional rights to freedom of speech and expression.

What else do I need to know?

We are excited to highlight the work of an Oklahoma LGBT artist. But, in order to meet the requirements of the city and to best represent the LGBT community of Oklahoma, Cimarron Alliance reserves the right to make any modifications and/or adjustments to the winning design without approval from the winning artist(s).

Still have questions?

Please email or call Josh Hammers - jhammers@ou.edu,
(405) 570-0082. He’s the Cimarron Alliance board member driving this train and will happily give you the info you need to join in the contest.