Notstraight=Q – June Pride Flag Police Celebration

Toronto Police Headquarters Flies
Pride Flag For The First Time

Out, Superintendent Barb McLean said “Looking at today as a member of the Service, it shows me that my employer is proud of me, of my LGBTQ colleagues and of our allies,” she said. “They are proud of who we are and are telling us that we are welcome to bring our true selves to work. Today is as much about family as it is about policing. Family plays a huge role for LGBTQ persons, some of whom have been rejected by their own families. Today, the Pride Flag shows that our extended Police Service family has and continues to embrace us. Looking externally, I hope that people see Chief Saunders' decision to allow us to raise the Pride Flag here as an example of changing times in policing as well as within our Service and I hope that they see that today is another example of how he, and by extension our Service, has supported LGBTQ members and our communities.”

Toronto Police Headquarters
Flies Pride Flag For The First Time

“I think it's important to recognize what today is, and it's an important step forward. It's a public display of support of our LGBTQ members and our communities,”
McLean said.

“I'm very pleased to see the progress we've made, and quiet stunned to look up and see the rainbow flag at the police headquarters” Rev. Brent Hawkes said. In the early 80's, LGBT community couldn't even get a meeting with the police.

“Today's decision was made because it's the right thing to do. This is just another public display of our support for our members and our communities.”

LBGTQ Liaison Officer Const. Danielle Bottineau called the ongoing battle between Pride Toronto and TPS a “rollercoaster ride” but said Saunders' decision to withdraw from the parade was the right call.

“I've been on the job 18 years, I've been out for over 20 years and it's a very proud moment for me. Did I think it was going to happen? Had you asked me 18 years ago, I probably would have said no but I am truly appreciative and thankful for the support that we have within our service. I mean, this is a perfect example,” Bottineau said.

“Yeah, it will be a little bit different this year but this is one of those days that we're going to recognize and celebrate it.”