In recognition of this year’s Hate Crime Week, Leicestershire Police has developed an internal straight allies programme to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender police officers and police staff.
Stonewall, the lesbian, gay and bisexual charity, advocates the use of an ally programme and it has seen great success in private sector organisations that have such schemes. Leicestershire Police is one of the first forces in the country to implement a Straight Ally Programme. The Force now has over 50 police officers and police staff from across the Force in varying ranks and roles who pledged to show their support to their colleagues and to equality.
‘Straight ally’ is a term used to describe heterosexual people who believe that lesbian, gay, bisexual and Transgender people should experience full equality in the workplace. Straight allies recognise that LGBT people can perform better if they can be themselves and the allies use their position within an organisation to create a culture where this can happen.
Sergeant Laura Millward, chair of the Leicestershire Police LGBT network, said: “Being a straight ally is something that people just 'do'. The straight allies initiative is just about supporting people and sharing a positive message. Not all LGBT officers and staff are members of the LGBT Network, and most certainly not all straight allies, have officially signed up as such. Some people have just pledged to more openly promote the police as an inclusive and supportive environment.
“The reason we created the scheme was to encourage people to talk about difference – with a view to value it and not to marginalise and segregate. I have already received great feedback to show that that is already happening.”
