The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting LGBTQIA+ communities at a flag raising and Brisbane Pride March this weekend, acknowledging the diversity of the Queensland community it serves.
The Pride flag was raised outside Police Headquarters on Friday 6 November at the same time the QPS debuted its new Pride polo shirts, which serve as a strong and ongoing visual reminder of the organisation’s continued commitment to support and celebrate Queensland’s LGBTGIA+ community.
The QPS Pride Network then joined Brisbane’s LGBTQIA+ community at the Brisbane Pride march the next day on 7 November, walking shoulder to shoulder from Fortitude Valley to New Farm Park as a visible reminder of the Service’s commitment to foster an inclusive environment where the community feel valued, supported and comfortable talking to police.
The Pride rally and march represented an important moment of celebration and reflection and by flying the rainbow flag and marching alongside the group, officers not only showed support for LGBTQIA+ communities and took a stand against discrimination, but importantly acknowledged opportunities where we can continue to improve.
Similarly, the launch of the new Pride polos reaffirms the QPS’s ongoing commitment to create a safe, supportive and welcoming environment for the LGBTQIA+ community, where they know they will be seen, heard and treated with dignity and respect.
Acting Sergeant Marti Winkworth, a Project Officer within the Operational Equipment and Armoury, Assets Division and one of the leading officers behind the development of the new polos, emphasised the importance of highly visible support for the community.
“Serving the community is at the core of policing, and high visibility support like the flag raising, march and polos demonstrates that we are here to serve all members of the community, regardless of gender, sexuality or identity,” Sergeant Winkworth said.
“Raising the flag and marching alongside our LGBTQIA+ community, proudly in the QPS Pride polo shirts, we hope to show the community that we welcome them, support them, and stand among them.
Sergeant Mick Gardiner, a Senior Bomb Technician with the Explosive Ordnance Response Team (EORT) and founding coordinator of the QPS Pride Network, joined the QPS at a time when same sex relationships were deemed illegal in Queensland.
Displays like this are of particular significance to Sergeant Gardiner as the visual display of police in and amongst the LGBTQIA+ community has broader, tangible impacts on members in the community.
“Ten years ago, in support of International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), the QPS raised the flag for the first time, and a young gender diverse constable was pictured in the media and made history,” Sergeant Gardiner said.
“A week later, he attended a domestic violence call for help from another gender diverse victim, someone who had been afraid of the police prior, but after seeing this constable raising the rainbow flag on the news, found the courage to trust the police and get the help they needed.
“I have always held this story as a positive example and reminder that a simple visible display, such as police support of the Pride march, can have such a measurable impact for the QPS and the community.
“All members of the community have the right to feel safe and protected and to be their true selves, and this includes the rainbow community.”
Whether you are part of the LGBTQIA+ community or you are an ally – we stand together.
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If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic and family violence, report it to police at www.police.qld.gov.au/domestic-violence and reach out to support services.
If domestic violence is occurring now and someone is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).
For all other DFV-related matters, phone police on 131 444, 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Support and counselling is available from the following agencies:
- DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811
- DVConnect Mensline: 1800 600 636
- 1800 RESPECT: 1800 737 732
- 13YARN: 13 92 76
- Diverse Voices: 1800 184 527
- Elder Abuse Helpline: 1300 651 192
Further information and local support service contact details are available at www.qld.gov.au/need-to-know.
