EXPLANATION OF TERMS LESBIAN > A woman whose sexual attraction is towards other women. GAY > A person whose emotional and sexual attraction is towards people of the same sex. The term is most commonly applied to men, although some women also use it. BISEXUAL > A person who is sexually and emotionally attracted to people of both sexes. TRANSGENDER > A person who does not identify with their gender of upbringing. The terms male-to-female and female-to-male are used to refer to individuals who are undergoing or have undergone a process of gender affirmation. INTERSEX > A biological condition where a person is born with reproductive organs and/or sex chromosomes that are not exclusively male or female. HOMOPHOBIA > The fear and hatred of lesbians and gay men and of their sexual desires and practices.
WORKING TOGETHER .01 Ldg Sen Const Tyacke, Victorian AIDS Council's Budi Sudarto, Adam Adams and Sen Const De Leon work together for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgenderand intersex communities.
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“This helps to increase trust for LGBTI Victorians so they feel safe to approach us for assistance when the need arises.” Senior Constable Gerard De Leon is currently a GLLO covering the CBD. “It really is a proactive role. I’m a guest speaker at a number of meetings and events for the LGBTI community where I can offer advice and hand out referrals and support,” Sen Const De Leon said. “Over time various groups have become aware of the role of the GLLOs and now they will contact us.” Sen Const De Leon has seen the LGBTI community’s attitude toward police change for the better.
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“Under reporting is still an issue with this community, especially with same sex family violence and sexual assault incidents, but we are working hard on that. “I feel like the younger generation seem more willing to come forward and report crimes or issues against themselves. They are more confident, resilient and have greater acceptance from their friends and family.” Leading Senior Constable Gabrielle Tyacke has been a full-time GLLO in the North West Metro Region since 2008. “Back when I first started I never got phone calls from anyone. It took proactive work, getting out there and getting to know the communities and building up their trust in me.
“Now LGBTI community members will ring me directly if they have an issue or need some advice or assistance. I even get phone calls from other police asking for help if they come across a crime against someone from the LGBTI community.” GLLOs liaise with many support services and agencies across Victoria. One of those is the Victorian AIDS Council (VAC). VAC Peer education coordinator Budi Sudarto said he was proud of the work the GLLOs had done. “They come and speak to our groups that meet here, they have a consultation role and participate in reference groups,” Mr Sudarto said. “They also organise for a representative from VAC to speak to recruits at the Victoria Police Academy as part of the Community Encounters Program. “I think there is a benefit for the mainstream public to see the police working so closely with and supporting the LGBTI community.” While GLLOs do a lot of work in metropolitan Melbourne, they are also placed in rural locations. Shepparton Police Station’s GLLO Senior Constable Deryn Boote said being gay in a small community had its challenges.
“In the city there are many services, support groups and events, but in a rural setting people from this community can feel alone, different and unsupported. It is important, especially for our young people to know they are supported and valued.” Like all GLLOs, Sen Const Boote gets out and about with her local LGBTI community. “I do talks, I attend events in uniform, it is all about being seen and getting to know the community so they feel comfortable with me.” Sen Const Boote has been involved in the Out in the Open festival in Shepparton for the past two years. “This festival encourages diversity and is a place for the LGBTI community to come along and be themselves and feel comfortable and safe. It has been bigger and better every year,” she said. Sen Const Boote believes the key to being a successful GLLO is to treat everyone the same and to offer the LGBTI community someone to talk to who will listen without judgement.
POLICELIFE WINTER 2014
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