Promoting Safe Space for 2SLGBTQI+ Communities
While Pride is a time to celebrate the courage of the 2SLGBTQI+ communities and Service members, the global and local increase in hate crimes in the last year is a stark reminder that much work remains in advocating for a world where everyone can live authentically and without fear, says Toronto Police Service Chief Myron Demkiw.
“Our Service has been public about the increase in reported hate crimes since October 7, including that the rise in hateful acts has also affected our 2SLGBTQI+communities,” he said at this year’s TPS and Toronto Police Service Board (TPSB) Pride reception at the Metropolitan Community Church on June 20.
For the first quarter of 2024, 2SLGBTQI+ hate crime occurrences increased by 140 percent.
“This is unacceptable and you need to know that your police service stands with you in the fight against hate,” Demkiw said. “We are doing everything we can to combat all forms of hate, including homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.”
In response to the increase in hate crimes, TPS deployed its Pride vehicle to the pop-up space in The Village to operate as a command post customized for 2SLGBTQI+ communities.
“This format will be revisited as needed,” said the Chief. “Additionally, our 2SLGBTQI+ Liaison officers continue sharing that people can report hate crime graffiti through our online portal.
Demkiw announced that the Service’s 2SLGBTQI+ team will be enhanced with the addition of Auxiliary member Viviana Santibanez.
She joins 2SLGBTQI+ Liaison officers Sergeant Rob Chevalier and Constable Cheryl Taylor of the Community Partnerships & Engagement Unit and Sergeant Henry Dyck of 51 Division.
“Viviana is looking forward to using her voice as a member of the Trans community to advocate for others who are Trans or gender diverse,” said Demkiw. “We are grateful to have her as a volunteer member and for her commitment to helping us build bridges.”
Santibanez, a Trans woman, runs a newcomer settlement program for immigrants refugees from the LGBTQI+ Latinx community.
“I want to help them to not fear the police and to report anything that has happened to them in Canada,” Santibanez said. “I have to be working with TPS so the community can trust them. So far it has worked, we’ve already had information sessions and I can tell you people in my community felt much safer to report.”
Demkiw also celebrated that Serving With Pride, a non-profit that encourages and promotes an inclusive environment for 2SLGBTQ+ policing, corrections and criminal justice professionals, will be hosting their annual gala in Toronto this year, on November 2.
“As we celebrate Pride Month with you, I want to assure you that we remain committed to both strengthening relationships with our 2SLGBTQI+ communities and repairing trust.” Demkiw added. “I remain committed. I know we have work to do, but I will keep listening and seeking to understand because I am deeply committed to listening to, learning from and connecting with community members.”
Reverend Deana Dudley welcomed the reception for a second year in a row.
“The relationship between the Queer community and the police has been challenging at times and MCC Toronto has for decades been at the forefront of trying to foster good relationships between the community and the police,” said Dudley, who considers Chief Demkiw a friend and has worked together with the Toronto Police 2SLGBTQI+ Community Consultative Committee.
“We can and do have those frank discussions and at times they’re difficult. But we treat each other with respect, we assume good intent, and we make progress. I’m really impressed by the progress.”
TPSB Chair Ann Morgan said Pride Month is an important and powerful occasion.
“It is a celebration of love and harmony, of authenticity, partnership and unity,” she said. “And it is a celebration of the acceptance of all people, of diversity and of our paramount commitment to the fundamental principles of democracy, equality, inclusivity and non-discrimination. We must never forget that Pride Month, while a time of celebration, is also an important commemoration of all of the struggles that have come before to bring us to this place.”
Morgan said it is also necessary to pay tribute to those who participated in rallies, protests and the marches of the past that made real change.
Over the years, the TPSB has financially supported the event and demonstrated its commitment to policies that enshrine the importance of equality, equity and fair treatment for all.
“Our commitment is also evidenced in the continued implementation of the recommendations for the Honourable Gloria Epstein’s Missing and Missed Report,” Morgan pointed out. “In embracing this formative report, we have committed not only to a better way of moving forward, but to a renewed approach to working in true partnership with communities, including those who have traditionally not enjoyed a positive relationship with the police, including many members of the 2SLGBTQI+ communities.
“This work also necessitates an acknowledgment of and the establishment of a comprehensive plan to address systemic discrimination in its many manifestations. The entire process surrounding the implementation of the Missing and Missed recommendation is founded on inclusivity and collaboration. It requires regular communication and engagement with members of our community, particularly through the Missing and Missed Implementation Team (MMIT).”
Morgan thanked the MMIT for their genuine dedication to formulating the report.
“I know that as a group, you bring lived experiences, unique expertise and a true passion for making positive change to this endeavor,” she noted. “I know that it is effecting a significant and powerful shift in how we investigate missing persons cases and how we interact with our communities generally. You play an essential role in this sustained and real transformation. Making these changes in partnership with the community brings incredible power to this work.”
Bursaries were presented to two students, including York University student Tara Fulad.
Fulad plans to pursue a law degree and become a criminal defence attorney, said that she values the bursary coming from the Toronto Police Service.
“Police are the major law enforcement officials and they are able to enforce law progressively. If they have awareness that systemic barriers can cause criminalization than they can avoid that,” Fulad said.