ACT Policing is proudly flying the Rainbow Flag today (Tuesday, 17 May) in support of International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT).

IDAHOT is an internationally recognised day for people to show their support for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) community and to stand up to prejudice and intolerance.

Chief Police Officer Rudi Lammers said the Rainbow Flag will be displayed outside most police stations in the ACT to recognise sexual and gender diversity in the Canberra community.

“It is important to us, that members of the Canberra LGBTI community, like all members of the community, feel safe and supported by ACT Policing,” Rudi said.

“ACT Policing is proud to reflect the community we serve. We have members of the LGBTI community among our sworn officers, and have a very active Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officer Network.”

Only last week, the Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officer (GLLO) Network marked its 20th anniversary of serving the ACT Community. GLLO plays an important role in ACT Policing, in both internal and external support and advisory roles, positively assisting ACT Policing’s continued work with the LGBTI community.

This year’s IDAHOT theme is mental health and wellbeing. As part of this theme, ACT Policing will be focusing on the issues surrounding family violence in the LGBTI community, including the underrepresentation of the LGBTI community in reports of family violence.

“Family violence in the LGBTI community has many similarities to violence in heterosexual relationships including types of abuse and the impact on the partner, but there are also a number of aspects that are unique to an LGBTI relationship,” Rudi said.

“Regardless of gender and sexual diversities, family violence is not acceptable. ACT Policing understands the complexities of family violence in the LGBTI community and is here to help.”