Bridging The Gap Between The Community & The Police

    Two groups—members of the Philadelphia Police and a group of individuals currently residing at a LGBT shelter—came together yesterday afternoon in what one could easily describe as a real watershed moment for the community. Members of the newly formed Greater Philadelphia G.O.A.L. (Gay Officer Action League), a LGBT law enforcement organization, delivered a host of toiletries, towels, and other donations to Divine Light, a North Philadelphia residency for LGBT homeless.   “A lot of us have had bad experiences with the police, especially in the trans community.” “I just hope that from here, you can help other officers that aren’t … Continue reading Bridging The Gap Between The Community & The Police

“Police Used to Raid Gay Bars. Now They March in Pride Parades.”

“Police used to raid gay bars. Now they march in Pride parades.” An excerpt from an article by German Lopez “The modern LGBTQ Pride movement first began as a result of police abuses. Through the late 1960s, it was common for police to raid gay establishments simply to destroy LGBTQ-friendly spaces. At New York’s Stonewall Inn on June 28, 1969, patrons were fed up. In an uprising that included everyone from gay men to trans women of color, they rioted for four nights. The next year, the first Pride march commemorated the LGBTQ activists who fought back. Things have changed. … Continue reading “Police Used to Raid Gay Bars. Now They March in Pride Parades.”

Gay Officer’s Action League

“Being a cop is tough, being a gay cop is tougher; being a gay cop having to remain hidden for fear of losing the profession they have chosen is not comprehendible to me” – Chief David O’Malley, Retired, Laramie, Wyoming Police Department What is GOAL? The Gay Officers Action League (GOAL) was formed in 1982 in New York to address the needs, issues, and concerns of gay and lesbian law enforcement personnel. Since it’s beginning GOAL New York has advocated for the rights of its members and has assisted them on matters of discrimination, harassment, and disparate treatment in the … Continue reading Gay Officer’s Action League

Blog 2: Identity

Who am I? When it comes to identity, people tend to identify as a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or any other distinctiveness within the LGBT spectrum first to themselves and then may “come out” and reveal it to others. Now, imagine figuring out who you were and working in a job you always dreamed of having, a career that excites and fulfills you in every way.  Consider what it would be like to be highly successful at this job, admired by your peers, but always fearful that if anyone you work with discovered your secret, it could all be over. This … Continue reading Blog 2: Identity