The O'Colly, Friday, June 16, 2023

Friday, June 16, 2023

Oklahoma to create first publicly funded religious school in the nation

for their kids, and we are committed to help provide them.”

On June 5, in a vote of three to two, the Oklahoma Statewide Virtual Charter School Board approved plans to publicly fund and create St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School.

The Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and the Diocese of Tulsa applied for funding and will create the school.

“We are elated that the board agreed with our argument and application for the nation’s first religious charter school,” said director of the Catholic Conference of Oklahoma Brett Farley, according to an article by the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. “Parents continue to demand more options

While religious schools have received some level of public funding in the past, it will be the first religious school in the nation to be fully funded by taxpayers. In the 2022 case Carson v. Makin, the Supreme Court ruled religious private schools could not be exempt from government funded programs, such as scholarships or tuition waivers. In the 2020 Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue case, the Courts ruled religious schools could not be exempt from voucher programs.

Following the decision, Gov. Kevin Stitt issued a statement applauding the board’s decision, calling it a win for religious liberty and educational freedom.

“Oklahomans support religious liberty for all and support an increasingly innovative educational system that expands choice,” Stitt said. “Today, with the nation watching, our state showed that we will not stand for religious discrimination.”

Attorney General Gentner Drum-

Ranking Big 12 football nonconference schedules

Mountaineers just like to play teams residing in Pittsburgh.

2. Texas – Rice, @ Alabama, Wyoming

mond disagreed with the board’s decision in an official press release.

“The approval of any publicly funded religious school is contrary to Oklahoma law and not in the best interest of taxpayers,” Drummond said. “It’s extremely disappointing that board

members violated their oath in order to fund religious schools with our tax dollars. In doing so, these members have exposed themselves and the State to potential legal action that could be costly.”

See School on 5

It’s never too early to look ahead to college football, and breaking down nonconference schedules is a good place to start.

Here’s a ranking and breakdown of nonconference slates in the Big 12 –but first, let’s look at a few interesting notes.

• Only West Virginia scheduled more than one Power Five school.

• Houston, OU and UCF play no Power Five programs.

• Texas Tech and West Virginia are the only schools to open the year on the road.

• Wyoming plays more Big 12 Texas schools than OSU.

• UCF has the longest nonconference road trip – a 37-hour drive.

Now, time for the rankings.

1. West Virginia - @ Penn State, Duquesne, Pittsburgh

The Mountaineers have to be at the top simply because they were the only Big 12 team to schedule two Power Five schools. Not to mention they’re two good Power Five teams. Opening the season at Penn State in one of the nation’s best environments is no joke. A rivalry game against Pittsburgh is another quality matchup, even if Pitt may not be a nine-win or 11-win team like the past two seasons. Duquesne, well… it’s forgivable with the rest of the nonconference slate. Maybe the

Forget everything else. If you walk into Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa for a football game, your nonconference schedule gets a gold star. The Longhorns nearly upset the Crimson Tide in a 20-19 loss in Austin last season. Could UT keep it close again? This is the 97th meeting between the Longhorns and Owls – with Rice’s last two wins coming in 1994 and 1965. Wyoming is a nice opponent to round things out.

3. Texas Tech – @ Wyoming, Oregon, Tarleton State Wyoming plays more games against Big 12 Texas schools (two) than OSU (one). Weird. Oregon is a great test for the Red Raiders. Tech took a jump in Year 1 under coach Joey McGuire, and many are high on them in 2023. Playing the Ducks in Lubbock will be a good gauge to see where TTU stands. Everyone is entitled to a gimme. Tech is keeping theirs in West Texas with Tarleton State.

4. Iowa State – Northern Iowa, Iowa, @ Ohio

The Cyclones like to keep it in state, but neither the Hawkeyes nor Panthers are slouches. Iowa has controlled the Cy-Hawk trophy, winning seven of the past nine, though ISU squeaked out a 10-7 win last year. UNI has played in Ames twice in the last four years – both tight games. The Cyclones survived a 16-10 slugfest in 2021 and a 29-23 triple overtime thriller in 2019. Also, Ohio quietly had a 10-4 season a year ago. A sneaky good, Midwest schedule for ISU.

See Big 12 on 3

Oklahoma bans gender-affirming care

required deadline.

Anti-trans laws won’t push Moss Lavender Abla out of Oklahoma. Rather than move away as his parents offered, the 16-year-old trans-youth said he will fight the GOP’s legislative efforts to outlaw genderaffirming care for teens and others.

“I’m most scared for the other kids,” said Abla of Moore. “I have only two years until I’m 18 and can get a lot of this stuff. You know the suicide rates for trans youth goes up a lot when these type of things pass.”

Oklahoma Republican legislators filed 40 bills this session targeting the LGBTQ+ community. Similar bills have been filed in 48 other states.

In Oklahoma, Senate Bill 129 would have created the Millstone Act, which would have cut state funding for health care providers offering gender-affirming care to anyone under age 26. Both private and public insurances also would have been barred from covering gender-transition procedures.

SB 129 is dead for this legislative session.

The Senate Appropriations Committee passed an amended version of the bill by a vote of 14-6 on March 1. It was not heard on the Senate floor by the

But in late April, legislators passed SB 613 banning gender-transition surgeries and hormone therapies for children under age 18. Gov. Kevin Stitt signed it into law on May 1. The statute take effect Nov. 1.

The new law prohibits gender-transition procedures, including surgery and “pubertyblocking drugs, cross-sex hormones, or other drugs to suppress or delay normal puberty or to promote the development of feminizing or masculinizing features consistent with the opposite biological sex,” for minors.

Children already taking puberty-blocking drugs or cross-sex hormones may continue the treatment until June 1, 2024, solely for the purpose of gradually decreasing and discontinuing use of the drugs or hormones.

Under the new law, providing gendertransition procedures to children is a felony. Health care providers can be prosecuted until the minor turns age 45. They also can have their licenses revoked for “unprofessional conduct.”

The Senate sponsors were Republicans Julie Daniels, David Bullard, Shane Jett, George Burns, Michael Bergstrom, Warren Hamilton, Tom Woods, Cody Rogers, Blake Stephens, Nathan Dahm and Rob Standridge. In the House, Republicans Toni Hasenbeck, David Hardin,

Kevin West, Tom Gann and Denise Crosswhite Hader sponsored the bill.

Jett of Shawnee, who also co-sponsored SB 129, said children need protection from health care providers wanting to make money off them by providing expensive gender-transition surgeries.

As introduced, the Millstone Act would have made it a felony for health care professionals to refer someone under age 26 for gender-transition procedures or to provide the procedure. They could have been prosecuted up to 40 years afterward.

“Child abuse is a felony in our state and mutilating a young person’s genitalia should be viewed no differently,” the bill’s original author, Republican Sen. David Bullard of Durant, said in a press release. “The Millstone Act will hold those who perform child mutilation accountable by making such activity a felony. ”

The criminal penalty was removed from the amended version, but SB 613’s penalties for a violation include felony charges, license revocation and civil actions.

Democratic Sen. Julia Kirt of Oklahoma City, who voted against SB 613, said bills remove the option for parents and their children to get advice from health care professionals.

Courtesy of Alex Wong

Following the decision, Gov. Kevin Stitt, right, issued a statement applauding the board’s decision, calling it a win for religious liberty and educational freedom.

Courtesy of Gavin Pendergraff, Daniel Mutai and Emmett McKeel Trans Activist, Ramona Diaz, was asked to speak in front of hundreds of people at the capitol on Feb. 26, 2023, regarding trans rights.

Stephanie Landaverde News and Lifestyle Editor

Braden Bush

Sports Editor

Gavin Pendergraff, Daniel Mutai and Emmett McKeel O’Colly Contributors

New-look OSU basketball roster presents intriguing lineup combos

G - Jarius Hicklen

The 2023-24 college basketball season is five months away, and there have been quite a few tweaks to OSU’s roster.

With the upcoming campaign still distant, here are three way-too-early starting lineups coach Mike Boynton and the Cowboys could roll out this season and what each one would look like should they take the court.

Lineup 1

G - John-Michael Wright

G - Javon Small

F - Bryce Thompson

F - Brandon Garrison

C - Isaiah Miranda

This group of five could be the early favorite to start Game 1. Wright

Monday - Wednesday: 10:00am - 10:00pm

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128 N Main St.

Stillwater, OK 74075

and Thompson would bring familiarity to Small – who has college experience but is entering his first season with OSU after a career year at East Carolina –and a young frontcourt that includes a McDonald’s All-American in Garrison and 7-footer in Miranda.

Wright would likely serve as the primary ball handler, while Small and Thompson maneuver off-ball, with Garrison and Miranda looking to shut down the paint. Like many lineups the Cowboys could use, this one would allow OSU to play fast and get out in transition, something it wanted to do last year.

Lineup 2

G - John-Michael Wright

G - Javon Small

F - Bryce Thompson

F - Eric Dailey Jr.

C - Brandon Garrison

If Boynton aims for the highest ceiling possible, pairing his two highly

touted freshmen in the frontcourt could check that box.

As for what this lineup would look like, 6-foot-10 Garrison would serve as the defensive anchor, and the Cowboys would instantly become more versatile on offense by adding Dailey Jr., a fourstar recruit out of IMG Academy, and his unique point-forward style of play alongside Wright, Small, Thompson and Garrison.

Dailey Jr.’s 3-point shot will be an interesting part of his game to watch, especially if he were to play alongside these four. With a perimeter shot not yet part of Garrison’s game, and Wright, Small and Thompson all being capable shooters, Dailey Jr. could unlock just about everything for Boynton and OSU or create spacing problems based on how productive he is from downtown.

Lineup 3

G - John-Michael Wright

F - Bryce Thompson

F - Brandon Garrison

C - Isaiah Miranda

Hicklen is a wildcard at this point, but he’d immediately provide perimeter shooting help to a squad that desperately needs it. In 2022-23 he shot 36.1% from 3 and 40.1% in 2021-22, a mark that ranked 33rd in the nation.

If Boynton does insert Hicklen into the starting lineup and use him off-ball, Thompson would see more on-ball shot creation opportunities, an area that’s been a big part of his scoring output. And by running Hicklen with the starters, there’s a world where Small could be better utilized as the primary ball handler with second-unit lineups instead.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Chase Davis

Bryce Thompson (left) and John-Michael Wright (right) are the only starters returning from last season.

Parker Gerl Staff Reporter

5. BYU – Sam Houston State, Southern Utah, @ Arkansas

Sam Houston State wasn’t great a year ago, but they’re still dangerous. The Bearkats are making the jump to FBS this season after winning the FCS National Championship in 2020-21. A trip to Arkansas is never easy. That would be a big win for a BYU team that began last year at 4-5, including a 17-point loss to the Razorbacks.

6. Baylor – Texas State, Utah, Long Island

The Bears like playing Utah teams in September. They played BYU in Provo last season and will host Utah this season. The Utes have become a machine, winning back-toback Pac 12 titles, and playing in two consecutive Rose Bowls. Baylor is behind BYU only because the Bears don’t play a road game. Long Island has a football team? Seriously, the Long Island Sharks is a great name, though.

7. Oklahoma State Central Arkansas, @ Arizona State, South Alabama

Taking a glance past Central Arkansas, a trip to Arizona State is an OK game on the road at a Power Five school. Who knows how good the Sun Devils will be. Probably not very good. They begin their first year after coach Herm Edwards was fired, and they lost quarterback Emory Jones in the transfer portal but gained Notre Dame QB Drew Pyne. And don’t overlook South Alabama. The Jaguars went 10-3 last year with a one-point loss at UCLA.

8. Kansas State – Southeast Missouri State, Troy, @ Missouri SEMO is a dud of a game, but Troy is another sneaky good Sun Belt Conference team, similar to South Alabama. The Trojans went 12-2 last year and are projected as an eight-win team by oddsmakers, according to Vegas Insider. Also, who doesn’t like a good throwback Big Eight game? A trip to Columbia is a nice way to round out the nonconference.

9. TCU – Colorado, Nicholls State, SMU TCU gets to open the Deion Sanders era at Colorado. Will the Buffaloes be any good? It’s anybody’s guess with last year’s one-win campaign and the roster turnover in the offseason. But it’s an intriguing game. The Horned Frogs don’t play away from home this nonconference slate, with SMU crossing the DFW Metroplex. The Mustangs lost QB Tanner Mordecai but still look to be a solid team. And it’s a rivalry game, so props for keeping rivalries alive.

10. Cincinnati – Eastern Kentucky, @ Pitt, Miami (Ohio)

The Pittsburgh game really saves this schedule. Pitt isn’t the toughest place to play but give the Bearcats credit for scheduling an ACC team on the road. Miami – not the Florida kind – isn’t a flashy game, but the RedHawks are a decent

team, capable of making a bowl game.

11. Kansas – Missouri State, Illinois, @ Nevada Illinois had a good season last year, going 8-5, but the Illini lost four of their final five games. It could have just been a shiny rock in the pan rather than gold. Nevada isn’t anything special, but it’s a road game at a historically respectable Group of Five program. All in all, it’s a solid schedule on paper for Kansas that has recognizable names who are just beatable enough to possibly help the Jayhawks reach their

second-straight bowl game.

12. Oklahoma – Arkansas State, SMU, @ Tulsa Give the Sooners a break for this nonconference schedule. They were supposed to play defending national champion Georgia in Norman this season, but it was axed as OU couldn’t make a return trip to Georgia to complete the homeand-home series before the Sooners join the Bulldogs in the SEC – whereas the TexasAlabama series did make the cut. SMU was a nice last-minute grab for the Sooners. Still, Tulsa and Arkansas State isn’t a

great one-two punch. Sidenote: SMU has been left out of Big 12 expansion, but that hasn’t stopped it from scheduling two Big 12 teams.

13. UCF – Kent State, @ Boise State, Villanova This is a pretty gross schedule. Kent State could be one of the worst teams in FBS this season, and Villanova was a six-win team in the FCS, with losses to the likes of Towson and Monmouth. Boise State makes the schedule a little better but talk about a road trip. There’s 2,623 miles separating Orlando, Florida, and Boise,

Idaho. But they’re entering a conference with BYU, so chalk it up as good practice.

14. Houston – UTSA, @ Rice, Sam Houston State Come on, Cougs. A pretty bad schedule. This schedule sounds like a team that is used to playing in the American Athletic Conference. Houston isn’t leaving the state of Texas for a nonconference game and doesn’t play a Power Five school. UTSA went 11-3 last season, but they’re bound to drop off.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

File Photo

The Cowboys have two sneaky opportunities to drop a nonconference game: on the road at Arizona State and at home against South Alabama.

3 players OSU football needs a breakout from in 2023

OSU can return to Big 12 contention, such as Garret Rangel, Ollie Gordon and Jaden Bray, here are three underthe-radar picks for potential breakout seasons in 2023.

Cole Birmingham

any position depending on injuries.

Anthony Goodlow

After a dismal end of OSU’s 2022 season full of blowout losses, injuries, bad luck and flat-out bad football at times, the Cowboys’ new-look team in 2023 will be looking for risers to come out of their role-player shells and become stars. While there are some obvious picks on who will need to improve so

After missing the entire 2022 season with a torn ACL, Birmingham will return for his fifth season and will likely start at left guard for the Cowboys. He started all 14 games in 2021, but only one at guard. He played well on an overall mediocre offensive line, and his presence was missed last year.

With presumed starting left tackle Dalton Cooper returning from a lower body injury that kept him out of spring practices, Birmingham will have to be a reliable blocker on the left side of the line, with the ability to move to

With only 10 starts in his college career before transferring to OSU, Goodlow is likely to see the field more than he ever has in 2023. At 6-foot-5, 280 pounds, Goodlow has prototypical size to play defensive end in a 3-3-5 defense.

He found success last season defending the rush — totaling seven tackles for loss in five starts — but needs to find more consistency attacking the quarterback. The Cowboys only sacked opposing quarterbacks 10 times in the last eight games of the season, and with Collin Oliver switching to offball linebacker, they will need to find more production in their pass rush.

Kendal Daniels

Some may say Daniels broke out in 2022 after being named the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year. And while he had a solid season, his ceiling is much higher.

Defensive coordinator Bryan Nardo said most of the secondary will run through Daniels. As a single-high safety in a 3-3-5, he will be entrusted with most of the back end of the defense and will need to recognize opposing pass offenses and quickly get to defend deep passes.

Daniel was a four-star with major offers for a reason, and if he shows his athleticism and high-level of decision making in 2023, he could be one of the best players not just at OSU, but in the country.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

File Photo

OSU’s Cole Birmingham missed the entire 2022 season with a torn ACL after starting all 14 games for the Cowboys in 2021’s Fiesta Bowl winning season.

Gabriel Trevino Staff Reporter

Continued from 1

The first clause in the Bill of Rights states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.”

Brian O’Brien, a pastor at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, said this new school does not violate the Constitution.

“It’s a new idea but one that I firmly support, so I was glad to see it get initial approval knowing that there is likely a legal case coming before the school opens to serve students and families around Oklahoma,” O’Brien said.

O’Brien said parents, especially of low-income families, will be the main beneficiaries of this new school.

A publicly funded religious school gives parents another educational option. He also said the consequences are more choices for parents.

“The Constitution of the United States of America allows for reasonable cooperation between religious entities and the government,” O’Brien said. “This happens with hospitals, social service agencies and universities. Various religions work with secular governments everyday. When a religious institution partners with a government (local, state, or federal), the religious institution is still religious (if they want to be).”

Jaime Gutierrez, a secondary education senior, said learning about the new school was both interesting and unsurprising. He believes publicly funding a religious school is a violation of the Constitution.

“I think one concern with this type of educational institution is that there may be debates about whether public funds should be allocated to religious institutions, and it can potentially raise questions of equity, fairness and the separation of church and state,” Gutierrez said.

As someone who attended a private Catholic

school and a future educator, Gutierrez thinks incorporating religion within a school setting has negative societal connotations. However, the private

schools he’s attended and worked with have set standards to include and welcome everyone, he said.

“Although Oklahoma

might potentially be the first state to have a publicly funded religious school in the USA, I think some Oklahomans may choose to challenge the vote of

approving this type of school,” Gutierrez said.

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Courtesy of Rev. Brian O’Brien/ St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church

Brian O’Brien, a pastor at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, said the plans to publicly fund and create St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School do not violate the Constitution.

“A dad came over to talk to me a couple weeks ago,” she said. “They’re looking at moving. They haven’t sought any surgical care but just advice, expertise, trying to understand implications. There was a discussion around possible treatment, but they hadn’t even sought medicine, yet.”

Bullard said the Millstone Act’s name referred to “Matthew 18:6, ‘but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it is better for him that a heavy millstone be hung around his neck, and that he be drowned in the depths of the sea.”

But one reverend said it’s “very easy for people to cherry pick Bible verses to back up their beliefs.”

“It is my understanding as a minister that the Bible doesn’t say anything. We interpret it,” said Rev. Lori Walke of Mayflower Congregational United Church of Christ in Oklahoma City.

Walke, who opposed the Millstone Act, said she does not believe religion should be used politically to “harass an enemy.”

“We have to very, very careful to use Scripture wisely and with discernment, and we certainly have to use love to interpret Scripture and not Scripture to interpret love,” she said.

“The Gospel is political,” she said. “Politics are those things which organize us into community and how the community is shaped. That can be into a society that is homophobic, sexist, racist, xenophobic, or not.

“People of any faith … should be engaged in politics, should be engaged in a shaping of our community,” Walke said. “From a Christian perspective, I believe that we should be shaping our commu-

nities into a reflection of God’s justice and God’s peace and God’s mercy.”

Walke preaches inclusivity and progressive values to her congregation. She has seen transgender people join her church and has members serving as deacons.

“It is of utmost importance,” Walke said. “We believe that we should only reject the people that Jesus rejected, which turns out is no one.”

A Stillwater church leader who supported the Millstone Act said he preaches politics from his pulpit.

“I’ve lost some people in the church because of that,” said Pastor Rusty Rhoads of Calvary Assembly of God.

“Where are you going to hear the biblical perspective if it’s not preached in the pulpit?”

Rhoads said he supports banning gender-affirming care that, in his opinion, causes spiritual and physical harm. He said the ban is needed to protect Christian values in Oklahoma. His opposition to gender reassignment comes from his love for Jesus Christ and his concern for the souls of others, he said.

“This stuff you’re talking about is not worth missing eternity, because it’s forever,” Rhoads said. “You don’t get a second chance. That’s why I am in business, because if I didn’t care, I would shut my Bible, get off the pulpit, tell people to go to hell and go play golf.”

He said allowing people to identify as a different gender would open the door for people to identify as anything they want.

“First of all, you can’t just identify as something and get it.” Rhoads said. “If that was the case, I would be an Indian and get Indian hospitalization and money. There’s a lot of things, I can say I’m an NBA player, am I going to get on their payroll? If I’m going to say I’m a cat, are you going to get me some litter boxes?”

SB 613 defines gender

transition as “medical or surgical services performed for the purpose of attempting to affirm the minor’s perception of his or her gender or biological sex, if that perception is inconsistent with the minor’s biological sex.”

Moss Abla’s mother has been with him through the transition process. Both are aware of the risks after talking with the doctors providing the treatment.

“There’s a whole sitdown talking about the risks and the things that are reversible and the things that are not,” Leslie Abla said. “It’s called informed consent, and it’s important within the medical community. I think our legislators forget that we have that.”

Moss Abla recently started testosterone treatment. Prior to the treatments, he and his mother had met with the doctors on a Zoom call.

“We talked about my goals,” Moss Abla said. “What I wanted my body to look like and what I wanted my voice to sound like.”

He said gender-affirming care gives him a sense of peace knowing he socially presents exactly how he feels.

But Rhoads contended that allowing gender-affirming care increases suicide rates

HIMALAYAN GROCERY STORE

because of regret.

“Have you seen the suicide rates of those who actually went through the surgery and not just cowardly said they’re something they’re not,” Rhoads said. “The highest is in this category, [trans youth and adults] and that’s a shame.”

But studies suggest the vast majority of those who undergo gender-transition surgeries don’t experience regret and having access to genderaffirming care results in lower suicide rates.

Of 7,928 people who underwent gender transition surgeries, only 1% experienced regret, according to a 2021 study published in the International Open Access Journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

A 2022 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that teenagers who received either puberty blockers or genderaffirming hormones had 60% lower odds of depression and 73% lower odds of suicidal thoughts or self-harm.

Leslie Abla finds it hard to believe that the state legislators who proposed these laws did so because they care about transgender people.

“It’s hard to truly believe that,” she said. “Especially after talking to some of them,

sharing our feelings and also actual research. Their response has been, ‘Well, we’ll just agree to disagree.’”

Moss Abla wants to see more non-LGBTQ+ people at rallies to advocate for his right to continue the care that gives him peace.

“It’s not enough to say it’s OK to be queer or trans,” he said. “You have to be actively fighting for them.

Abla said Republican legislators are “definitely targeting trans kids the most.

“You know, they come for us first and they come for everyone else later,” he said.

Abla agreed that some legislators should sit down with a transgender person and have a genuine conversation before writing bills such as the Millstone Act and SB 613.

“I hear so much misinformation,” he said. “It’s like, did you even look at the science? You don’t even have to talk to a trans person, at least just do research.

Through discussion, they may be able to see the person’s humanity apart from their gender identity, he said.

“Just care about people,” Abla said. “That’s really all there is to it. If you’re a kind person, then you’re sticking up for trans people.”

Courtesy of Gavin Pendergraff, Daniel Mutai and Emmett McKeel Moss Alba (right) wants to see more non-LGBTQ+ people at rallies to advocate for his right to continue the care that gives him peace.

In addition to being Pride month for the LGBTQ+ community, June is also widely recognized as Men’s Mental Health Month.

Organizations such as Mental Health America take the month to spread awareness toward the realities of the hardships many men face and to encourage those who are struggling to seek help from loved ones and medical professionals.

Suicide remains one of the most prominent causes of death among college students across the globe. One in three college students “experience significant depression and anxiety,” according to an article published by the Mayo Clinic.

In the same article, it’s noted that up to 75% of students who struggle with

these symptoms are reluctant to seek help.

Suicide is the 9th leading cause of death in Oklahoma, making the state rank 6th highest in deaths per capita in the U.S., according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

In early April of this year, a presentation by the AFSP called Talk Saves Lives, was intended to bring awareness to the reality of suicide and to inform the audience on suicide prevention.

Megan Baker, who is in the clinical Ph.D. program for psychology at OSU, is the former grief outreach intern at University Counseling Services and gave the presentation for Talk Saves Lives.

The presentation was held over zoom to an audience of only two people. Over the course of an hour, Baker went over details about the realities behind suicidal behavior in people and the most effective forms of prevention,

according to the AFSP.

“One of the biggest challenges in fighting suicide is getting people to address their mental health the same way that [they] would [their] physical health,” Baker said.

At University Counseling Services, students have access to a free, walk-in clinic, where they can meet with a counselor without making an appointment.

OSU also offers access to the Reboot Center, which is a facility designated to give students a place to destress and unwind. However, the Reboot Center is currently closed during the summer.

When it comes to supporting someone who appears to be struggling, the presentation advised to “trust your gut,” and assume nobody else is reaching out to the person.

“As a rule of thumb, if you’re wondering if someone is having a hard time, that is a sign to reach out,” Baker

said. While suicidal behavior is an important topic when discussing mental health, it is not the only one of significance. For men, especially those in college, substance abuse, depression and anxiety are also prevalent in deteriorating mental health.

Both the state of Oklahoma and OSU provide a number of free resources to seek when struggling with a mental health crisis.

The Oklahoma State Department of Wellness page includes details on accessing these resources, including the Student Counseling Center and Alcohol & Substance Abuse Center, among others.

The Wellness page encourages those who are in an immediate crisis to dial 911 or 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

designated to give students a place to destress and unwind. However, the Reboot Center is currently closed during the summer.

Jacob Sellers Staff Reporter

LGBTQ+ artists to listen to

Jaycee Hampton Assistant News & Lifestyle Editor

There are thousands of artists who create music every day, for themselves and the audience they want to reach.

As Pride Month continues, many mainstream artists such as Lady Gaga and Lil Nas X have been able to create music for everyone to enjoy and are constantly raising awareness for the LGBTQ+ community. Their pride in the community is refreshing to see, and many upcoming artists have followed in their lead.

Outside of the mainstream music industry, there is a plethora of LGBTQ+ artists to discover, enjoy and support this Pride Month.

Fletcher is a queer artist who has recently gained more popularity. From being no. 1 in 2015 on Spotify’s Viral Chart in the U.S. to performing with Miley Cyrus at Miley’s Rockin’ Eve this past year. Some of her popular songs include “Becky’s So Hot,” “Undrunk” and “girls girls girls.”

Miki Ratsula is a transnon-binary artist whose goal is to be an artist for youth they needed growing up. Many mainstream artists use heteronormative pronouns in their music, but Ratsula wants other gender-nonconforming people to feel seen in popular songs. Using inclusive pronouns is imperative to Ratsula, so their music reflects in that. Their most popular songs include “Wicked,” “Missing June” and “The Daughter That My Mother Wanted” (feat. Jules Paymer).

Janelle Monáe famously

worked with Prince in 2013 and still showcases similar music to the late artist, holding his advice close to heart. After identifying as pansexual in 2018 and later as non-binary (using they/them and she/her pronouns) in 2020, Monáe released their album “Dirty Computer.” A book soon followed by the name of “The Memory Librarian: And Other Stories of Dirty Computer,” which dives into and addresses queer themes. The five stories were co-written by a different collaborating author.

During an interview with The Los Angles Times, Monáe took time to explain the motive behind the science-fiction

collection, “We wanted that to be clear we were celebrating queerness, celebrating being trans and nonbinary. We wanted to make sure we spoke about how beautiful it is to be able to embrace the spectrum of gender. And how beautiful it is for people to stand up for you even if they don’t identify the same way as you.”

Some of Monáe’s most popular songs include “Make Me Feel,” “Electric Lady” (feat. Solange) and “I Like That.” Orville Peck has been welcomed with open arms by the LGBTQ+ community following his recent stardom. Peck is a country artist, and

there are not many members of the community in that genre of music. He has described that being an openly gay man in the country music industry is not easy. Despite being a proud gay man, his face has never been revealed due to a leather mask with strips of dangling bordello fringe. He chooses to not go into depth on why he wears the mask, leaving it up to our own interpretation. His strength is admirable and his music is loved dearly for good reason. One of his songs, “Dead of Night” was featured on season 2 of “Euphoria,” which brought well-deserved attention to the artist. Other popular songs of his include “Roses Are Fall-

ing” and “C’mon Baby, Cry.” Hayley Kiyoko is a lesbian artist that people might be familiar with. With a start on Disney Channel, Kiyoko has starred in multiple shows and movies such as “Lemonade Mouth” and “Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins.” Known as Lesbian Jesus by her adoring fans, Kiyoko has been a light for young girls in the community. Her popular song “Girls Like Girls” has been a lesbian anthem for many years in the community, and in 2023 Kiyoko released a book by the same name. “Demons” and “for the girls” are fan favorites from the artist.

entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Erin Hooley

Janelle Monáe started her music career in 2003.

Come check out the wide variety of elegant clothing at Formal Fantasy!

Located on 121 E. 9th Ave, Downtown Stillwater

The best selection of beer, wine and liquor that Stillwater has to offer! Perfect for all your game day needs, come to Brown’s Bottle Shop located on 128 N. Main

“The Original Hideaway, located on the corner of Knoblock and University. Serving quality pizza and more since 1957.”

Murphy’s Department Store

815 S Main, Downtown Open 10-6

Monday thru Saturday

Houses for rent

Spacious 1100 sq. ft

2 bedroom home. Recently remodeled, CH/A, wood

floors, nice yard. 2214 E. 6th Ave., Scarlett Bus Route. 405-372-7107.

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle

Edited by Patti Varol and Joyce Lewis

Daily Horoscope

Nancy Black

Tribune Content Agency

Linda Black Horoscopes

Today’s Birthday (06/16/23). Sort possibilities this year. Dedicate yourself to your professional practice for growth. Slow for tricky sections this summer, before sharing autumn sweetness with family. Winter inspiration feeds your plans. Redirect a passion project, before springtime fun with friends. Imagine incredible results and then invent how.

To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is a 9 — You’re especially clever, witty and charming over the next phase. Align words and actions for wonderful results. Play the ace you’ve been holding.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 9 — Things could seem chaotic as demand for your work rises. Strengthen basic structures. The next two-week New Moon phase can get especially lucrative.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 9 — Shine like a star. You’re especially charming and attractive, with the New Moon and Mercury in your sign. Express and create. Share your heart.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is a 6 — Find a private nest to sit and plan. Get quiet enough to listen to your own heart. What’s next? Envision an inspiring possibility.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is an 8 — Focus on practical priorities with a team project. Discuss common passions while handling logistical details. Coordinate and prepare for ease and efficiency.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 9 — An exciting professional phase develops. Put love into your work and it flowers. You might make a mess... clean later. Your passion energizes action.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is an 8 — Explore the wider world. Expand your own boundaries. Investigate and study. Learn through direct experience. Try new flavors, ideas and viewpoints. Discover renewed passion.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 9 — Put together lucrative deals and bargains. Buy, sell and trade. Negotiate for mutual benefit. Focus on practical needs. Clever and profitable solutions arise in conversation.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — You and your partner are on the same wavelength. Advance a shared passion. Talk about impossible dreams or wild ideas. Indulge in fantastical speculation.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Physical action gets satisfying results. Get your heart pumping. Extra effort can earn a bonus. Don’t overdo things. Balance action with rest and good food.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 9 — Invent possibilities with someone you love. Indulge a spontaneous idea for fun or romance. Develop a mutual enchantment in conversation. Weave your magic.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is an 8 — Home, sweet home invites comfort. Savor domestic and creative arts. Cook, clean and decorate. Share laughter, good food and conversation with family and friends.

ACROSS

1 “Lord above!”

6 Mork’s planet

9 Pacific resort, popularly

13 Burning

15 Mammal also called a scaly anteater

17 Seek refuge from

18 Electrify

19 Victory that has a real shine to it?

21 Unknowns

22 Knee surgery target, for short 23 Hula or hora 27 “Ten __ Commandments”: “Hamilton” song 29 Environmental law that targets hair ties? 33 Like a big sister 35 Yarn spinner 36 “Is there more to this story?” 37 Fish that’s only on an unofficial menu? 41 Boho-chic boot brand 44 Wash and dice veggies, e.g.

Josh Kaufmann

Katie Hale

Solution to Thursday’s puzzle

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk