LGBTQ+ POLICE NETWORK


SUPPORT AND ADVOCACY


Since its inception in 2015, the National LGBTQ+ Network has provided invaluable support to officers and helped the force take great steps forward in diversity and inclusion


The National LGBTQ+ Police Network, the successor to the Gay Police Association, represents gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and gender non-conforming officers across all forces. It consults with the Federation and NPCC on equality and inclusion, and encompasses PSNI, Police Scotland, NCA, MOD, CNC, BTP, Channel Islands and links with the European LGBTQ+ network. Al Smith, who is non-binary, joined


West Midlands Police in 1998, partly because it mentioned sexual orientation in its equality statement, after feeling the impact of Section 28 when growing up. Tracy O’Hara joined Merseyside Police in 1996 and felt she couldn’t be an out gay woman officer – she hid that part of her identity until later in her career.


network is always there for me,” said Tracy. The network consults on issues around sexuality, equality, gender identity and intersectionality. Tracy said: “People tend


to assume that one gay person knows everything about all identities and orientations, so national networks are so important. For example, bisexual colleagues face different issues than I do as a lesbian. It’s all about sensible conversations and asking questions of each other.”


Tracy O’Hara


“National networks are so important. It’s all about sensible conversations and asking questions of each other”


In 2001, she was at a crossroads: “Did I want to stay in the current policing culture as a gay woman?” She had come out to her trainer early in her career. In 2001, the trainer told her to stay with the force, change it from within – and find the gay and lesbian support network. “The network was underground – very secret and not as inclusive. But I realised I wasn’t the only gay person in the police and found more people like me. I became more active and got a seat at the table,” Tracy recalled.


Both officers found acceptance,


support and scope for helping colleagues after joining the National LGBTQ+ Police Network.


“It’s the reason I’m still in the police.


From marching at Pride to support through bereavements and injury, the


14 | POLICE | FEBRUARY 2022


Al, the network’s trans lead, said: “Gender identity is separate from your sexual orientation. There’s huge diversity among the LGBTQ+ community.” Al suggested that the National Trans


Police Association joined the LGBTQ+ Network to help transgender officers and offer “greater resilience and more advocates”, especially in difficult times. “Sometimes post-transition, trans people get that huge boost then go on with their lives,” said Al. “This puts a time limit on the advocacy some are willing to do. There’s a high burnout rate as there’s been an increase in hostility towards transgender people, causing some activists to step away.” Al is helping create an inclusive


stop-and-search policy for trans and non-binary colleagues, working with the National Police Chief’s Council LGBT


lead, DCC Vanessa Jardine of West Midlands Police, so legislation such as the Equality Act and the Human Rights Act’s Article 8 right to privacy is considered. The network advises the Federation on increasing visibility for members and representing everyone, so people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are in national level roles and represented in Federation messaging. Tracy said: “It’s


important that we never stop pushing for change. A colleague who did a


huge amount of work in this area told me to never take my eye off the ball. As an out and proud gay woman in the police service, if I can’t be that role model, what’s the point?” Al’s message is simple: “For those who need someone to talk to, please get that support, whether it’s contacting the national or local LGBTQ+ network or trans group, or the national LGBTQ mental health charity. For those who are considering coming out, be positive and honest – there is protection in the workplace for you.”


For more on The National LGBTQ+ Police Network, please visit The National LGBT+ Police Network – Representative body for LGBT+ Police groups: www.lgbt.police.uk


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