For the first time in Queensland Police Service history the, LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex) pride flag will be flown outside its Brisbane Police Headquarters today as part of International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT) celebrations.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Mike Condon said the flag-raising ceremony would be a public display of the Service’s strong support for inclusion and diversity within the Queensland community.

“We are extremely proud to support IDAHOT and fly the rainbow flag outside our Roma Street Police headquarters. The flag itself will be raised by transgender officer, Constable Mairead Devlin,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Condon said.

“As an organisation and as a state, we have come a long way over the past few decades. It is important to ensure people have both the confidence to be themselves and the confidence that their police will look out for them.”

Acting Deputy Commissioner Condon said today’s flag-raising ceremony builds upon the strong suite of LGBTI-friendly initiatives already implemented by the QPS.

“Last year Queensland saw LGBTI QPS members march proudly in their uniforms in the Brisbane Pride Festival parade for the very first time,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Condon said.

“As well, we established the LGBTI Support Network which comprises of a dedicated group of officers who work with others in the organisation to support diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace and the wider community.

“The QPS has also officially engaged Relationships Australia to be our dedicated referral partner. RA is a leading provider of relationship support services for individuals, families and communities who aim to support all Queenslanders to achieve positive and respectful relationships.

“In addition, the QPS was represented at the main IDAHOT event in Brisbane’s Queens Park on Sunday.

“We are strongly committed to ensuring that, as a Service, we reflect the diversity of the people we protect”