For decades it hasn’t been safe coming out in police. Before Stonewall and Harvey Dairy, gays were literally persecuted at their occupations to be homosexual. Just imagine how it must have been like being truly a police officer, where your job is measured about how hard you are.

Within the last decade, there has been a stream of coming-outs within the police force. Since 23 areas will have LGBT anti-discrimination occupational laws, men all over the country are feeling much more safer to come out as themselves – police officers included.

There were many officers that have claimed these were victims of homophobic discrimination once they came out. They were denied certain extra jobs, they weren’t included in certain calls, and many other officers didn’t want to ride with them alone. But when it comes to lesbians in the duty force, almost 100% of the time, there is no amnesty. Regarding to Gregory Miraglia, founder of the business DEVELOPING From Behind The Badge, in his experience lesbians have an easier time to come out in police because they represent a stereotypical idea of toughness and strength which really is a more trusting asset to have as an officer. Way more than the stereotype of the gay man, which is womanly and weak.

Lesbians have been coming out for years with almost no issue. In jobs like the authorities force, fire department and the armed service where it is predominantly men, it’s unsurprising. In the end, it doesn’t really affect them right? The paranoia that most homophobic men have is that homosexual guys will hit to them or presume sexual attraction at one point. Being truly a police officer is tasking and takes a great deal of personality. It attacks me as odd that the people who swear to provide and protect won’t even protect their own.

But it’s not merely their colleagues that discriminate, it’s also the very people they want to protect. There were reports of cops aiming to help someone in need, only having them be called a “Faggot” or “Homo” with their face, while their companions watch and do nothing at all to safeguard them.

In major cities like New York and LA, there have been many outings within the last decade. Some have finished well among others, not so much. Sgt. Ronald Crump was one particular case. Some time ago, Crump received a settlement of $1.5 million after he sued LAPD due to discrimination. Crump was employed in the press relations section until his Lieutenant transferred him to Skid Row, an area primarily known for his or her homeless populace and crime. It’s an area that many officers do not need to patrol, yet it was forcefully given to Crump, who upon retaliating was delivered derogatory remarks by his piers.

Lawsuits against law enforcement departments all over the country have been dismissed. Many declare that it’s because the city itself doesn’t want to make a bad reputation for his or her police. So instead they would rather continue the discrimination?

Here’s a fun reality for you all. Among the better police officers in recent background were gay. In fact, the most famous picture of the Boston Marathon bombings, where three officers are standing above an older man knocked off his ft. Remember that image? The officer left is Javier Pagan, a Puerto Rican native who arrived at 26 (twelve months after he joined the power). Not only that, but his partner is a retired NYPD sergeant who rescued many lives on Sept 11th.

Being gay has nothing in connection with your ability to battle and serve for justice. The thought of being the “most macho” is actually a fantasy. Actually, studies have shown that having an excessive amount of a macho attitude can result in trouble since it can often disrupt logical considering.

In the event that you or anyone is an integral part of a police agency, take a look at DEVELOPING From Behind The Badge. You might find comfort in understanding that you aren’t the only person out there.