What is it like to be a young woman living in Oklahoma?

Honestly — not great.

Most of my friends have moved away, and few plan to return. The reasons vary, but one answer keeps coming up: Oklahoma’s abortion ban, and the way our state leaders treat and view women like them — like me.

Even as a little girl, I never pictured myself living here after high school. I left in 2018, thinking Oklahoma would always be “home” in name only. Six years later, a job brought me back to Tulsa. Living in Tulsa as a young adult has given me a deeper appreciation for this city and state.

My biggest lesson? Meeting people where they are.

In today’s climate, everything feels black and white — but life isn’t. Disagreement is part of democracy, but so is the ability to have meaningful, respectful dialogue.

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