Queensland police are flying the flag for the lesbian, gay and trans-gender community. A service today celebrated International Day Against Homophobia, highlighting one of its own officers.

Adriana Mageros reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Raising a flag to raise an important issue.

Transgender constable, Mairead Devlin, hoisted the LGBTI flag at police headquarters this morning as the service honoured inclusion and diversity.

Constable Mairead Devlin, Qld Police: “From the day I came out management have been very supportive, sort of yet to come across someone who has expressed a negative opinion of what I’m doing.”

Mike Condon, Acting Deputy Commissioner: “First of all we’re a workplace of choice and secondly we represent the diverse community we serve. If we don’t understand that diversity within our organisation, how can we better serve our people?”

The officer in charge of the service’s LGBTI Support Network says it shows how far police have come.

Sergeant Mick Gardiner, Coordinator QPS LGBTI Support Network: “If you think back about ten years ago, you know, we’d probably definitely never see an LGBTI pride in front of Police Headquarters, well here we are today.”

Marking the issue, May the 17th started 12 years ago to raise awareness for the LGBTI community.

It is now celebrated in over 130 countries around the world.

Constable Mairead Devlin, Qld Police: “I felt humbled and proud. I didn’t drop it so that was a concern, but I’m very glad to be given the opportunity to raise it today.”

He’s hoping it becomes an annual event.

Adriana Mageros, QUT News.