It's as simple as that.
I think it's important that you understand that we, as Serving With Pride and all of our brothers and sisters that march in solidarity are not marching because it's just 'the in thing' to do. We are marching because we've earned the right to march along each and every individual that is in that parade, marching for their own reasons. In the end, it all comes down to the PRIDE of wearing our uniforms walking hand in hand with our partners, beside our LGBTTIQQ2SA colleagues, friends and supporters.
We too have been subject to discrimination, harassment and bullying both in the work place and in real life. I personally have been sucker punched coming out of a gay bar while someone screamed "FAG!". I personally know of people who have left the policing and criminal justice professions because of the 'old boys club' mentality.
With that being said, I am aware of many more folks who have worked diligently, our very own Danielle being one of them to become agents of change not only for her Police Service, but also teaching up and coming students about the profession and diversity. Chief Hayman from Strathroy-Caradoc PS, Deputy Duraiappah from Halton PS, Chief Martin from Durham, Chief Larkin from WRPS, Chief McGuire from Niagara, Chief Jolliffe from York, Chief Saunders from Toronto, all of these services have stepped up and become leaders in training their employees in Diversity. I've left a lot of people out here because I can't even begin to list all of the contacts that I, and my executive members have dealt with who have shown tremendous interest in our cause.
We can't take back all the things that have happened to our communities, and we'd be wrong if we didn't admit there were and still are issues.
We are your brothers and sisters. We are in your work places, we are in your homes, we are your friends. Pushing Law Enforcement out of Pride completely backhands the "You can sit with us" mentality.
You can sit with us unless we say otherwise. It's not going to happen.
I urge readers to please share this status with this message, email [REDACTED] and tell them that you want Police in Pride. Post on their Facebook, tell your friends, and support SWP.
As we are a full time volunteer not-for-profit organization we can always use assistance - especially now in what is becoming a critical point in our relationship with our LGBTTIQQ2SA community. You can email us at [REDACTED].
Thanks for reading,
Brian Mitchell President, SWP