Pre-1990, people were encouraged to bash and harass LGBTQIA+ people, including those in the police service. No one was immune from harassment. So, in 2002, a Police Liaison Committee was formed to improve the relationship between both groups. PFLAG, as the only parent support group, was asked to be part of the committee, which was great. This meant we had close contact with the police, and parents could let them know what we expected from them.
Additionally, we were always asked to go along to training days of police cadets, talk with them, and give them the other side of the story – we could humanise our children.
The presentation below was given at the academy when training police liaison officers, and from memory, I would have given many before this particular one, but this was given within about 15 years from the encouraged brutality pre-1990.
“How the Police can Improve and Enhance Service Delivery”
“Today I get the chance to speak to you about how to improve service from a parent’s perspective and for that I say thank you.
I receive many calls from LGBTQIA+ people about how they called for assistance or support only to find it was more of a hindrance than a help. Even at times I have called the Liaison Officer only to be told they are on days off, or they’re too busy and worse still don’t show any initiative about how to make things happen. To me if you can’t go to the person, ask the person to come to you or at least make a call.
I understand that policing is a stressful job and generally you aren’t dealing with people from the warm and fuzzy end of town.
Even some LGBTQIA+ are not always the desirables. But my concern is when police are called to disturbances that involve pushing and shoving and verbal abuse as a police officer I ask that you tread carefully.
LGBTQIA+ generally are not the group to start a fight or disturbance against heterosexual men.
LGBTQIA+ people are not the group who usually start verbal abuse but very often they do get loud or become aggressive when pushed or goaded enough. The average person may be able to walk away, but if you have been insulted and trivialised enough, rejected by family and made to feel second rate or bullied enough in your life because of your diverse sexual or gender identity you will flare and react. Then add possible mental health issues because of the bullying and then perhaps throw in alcohol and/or illegal substances to numb low self-esteem and it can look very bad for the LGBTQIA+ person.
I know of a trans woman who has CCTV but no sound, neighbours began to shout obscenities at her, and one night tried to goad her into a physical fight. The film showed her push someone, they called the police even though they were the initial aggressors, but she was arrested and they walked away. Then what was worse, police deliberately used what she called her dead name. I have known this woman for 20 years always as a female. She is obviously a trans woman and there was no need to be insulting. I would suggest in such circumstances, you ask what the person likes to be called.
Another issue is so many are fearful of police, and I understand that many police are doing their best to break the negative image from the bad old days. And I know it isn’t always easy. But it isn’t hard to smile or say hello as you walk past people. Show your nice side. I really feel that people will begin to relax when they see you coming and eventually, it will make your job easier.
If your partner is beginning to behave badly, ask him to step back before things escalate.
Make sure if an LGBTQIA+ person is arrested they are not left vulnerable in the cell at the watch house. Especially trans women, you can be pretty sure if you put them into the men’s cell they will be in danger.
I would encourage police officers to wear a badge or something that identifies them as LGBTQIA+ friendly. This will make the person know they can approach you without fear.
Many parents and LGBTQIA+ youth have the opinion that police will automatically assume the LGBTQIA+ youth is guilty or provoked the assault by his/her manner or behaviour.
We ask that police don’t stereotype. Unfortunately, many in the community, not just police, believe gay men are just hysterical and inclined to exaggerate.
We ask that police don’t discriminate or make assumptions just because of the style of dress.
We ask that police recognise homophobia and transphobia for what it is.
We ask that our sons and daughters be treated equally to heterosexuals regarding the law.
Treat LGBTQIA+ domestic violence issues the same as heterosexual incidents. I was once told of an incident by a couple, who had a gay son and whose occupation was to manage apartments at Newstead. A gay couple in the complex had a DV incident and later when talking to the police, the parents told me one officer said, “well what would you expect from the likes of them!!” That was not a good start for the relationship between police and parents.
Police like many in the community need to understand LGBTQIA+ people are not potential predators or perverts. Some of the best police in Qld are LGBTQIA+ and they are just as worthy of respect as anyone else, others are professionals, tradies, or labourers, while some are in the Defence Force and Police Services. But regardless of what they do or don’t do they all deserve the same respect as you and anyone else you meet in negative circumstances regardless of the alleged crime or misdemeanor.
Not only the police but also the community in general need to understand our sons and daughters don’t choose to be sexually or gender diverse. And they don’t wear opposite sex clothing just to gain attention.”
