The Stewards of Gay Washington
A really interesting look at a squad that targets outreach to the gay community. Aside: I think it would make a great TV show!
Wasn't it The Post that ran the story about Gay in Rural America? Excellent coverage.
[Post modified for hyperlink. - Outsports moderator]
[ April 05, 2005, 01:57 PM: Message edited by: m1 ]
Full Version: Gay Policemen
I just finished reading that article and boy is it a great read! Kudos to the Washington Post. The author covered the topic with much sensitivity and depth. It would be interesting to see more articles on cops in similar positions in other cities around the United States (if not the world).
RanchHand
RanchHand
Be sure to check out some of the Post's video footage of Sgt. Parsons on the job.
see Sarge in action here
Great coverage of the community by the Post.
see Sarge in action here
Great coverage of the community by the Post.
Wonder if he's ever "accused" of being "straight-acting" by his gay brothers and sisters.
Love the way he says "One of mine." when talking about the DC gay community.
When "typically gay" cops can do the kind of job he does and not raise eyebrows, then we will have arrived. For now, it's fantastic having guys like Brett Parson plowing a path for everyone to be judged on merits, not stereotypes.
Love the way he says "One of mine." when talking about the DC gay community.
When "typically gay" cops can do the kind of job he does and not raise eyebrows, then we will have arrived. For now, it's fantastic having guys like Brett Parson plowing a path for everyone to be judged on merits, not stereotypes.
The gay community is often critisized for having heroes that are "too out there", or not being acceptable to middle America.
My opinion on that is nuts, as every group chooses their own heroes, based on the needs of that group, BUT, if we were every going to have an "everyday heroe", this guy should be on the front cover.
He's a good example to everyone. Yes, the fundies would hate him, but pretty well everyone else would be in awe of him.
My opinion on that is nuts, as every group chooses their own heroes, based on the needs of that group, BUT, if we were every going to have an "everyday heroe", this guy should be on the front cover.
He's a good example to everyone. Yes, the fundies would hate him, but pretty well everyone else would be in awe of him.
Perhaps predictably, the religious right has found a way to characterize this article as just part of the "gay agenda" - from today's "headlines" by agape press:
It is so incredibly sad that an article simply describing a gay person (in this case Brett Parsons) as part of the everday world must be attacked in order to maintain the "religious" right's fixation on the superiority of hetersexuality, and the total amorality of all gays.
QUOTE
The influence of homosexuals in the nation's capital is growing as more advocates of that lifestyle have relocated within the District of Columbia. The Washington Post recently ran a three-page article on the growing influence of homosexuals in Washington, DC -- and in particular, the rise of homosexual police officers. Bob Knight of the Culture and Family Institute says he is well aware of the huge effect being exerted by the homosexual population of DC. \"I myself have talked to people who have been in the 'gay lifestyle' and in Washington and have since left it -- and they said that it's a lot bigger than people realize,\" Knight says. \"Homosexuals are drawn to Washington [because] it's a power center and it's also a large urban center where there are lots of bars and clubs. But I think the influence they wield is way out of proportion to their numbers.\" He explains that the number of homosexuals in DC law enforcement has grown in recent years. \"They have four full-time officers, they have eight auxiliary officers, and they've even got a transgender officer -- a retired U.S. Capitol Police sergeant,\" he says. According to the Post, that element of the force is specially trained to deal with the violence that permeates the homosexual lifestyle. In addition, says Knight, homosexuals dominant the hospitality industry in Washington and are in position to keep tabs on the sexual liaisons of many members of Congress. He explains that that can provide information that is very valuable in getting an agenda through Congress.
So, we need gay policeman because we're always beating each other up (never because we're the target of hate crimes) and we slime our way around the "hospitality industry" (does that include "Jeff Gannon's" old career?) in order to get dirt on Congressmen. Yeah, that's what's happening. It is so incredibly sad that an article simply describing a gay person (in this case Brett Parsons) as part of the everday world must be attacked in order to maintain the "religious" right's fixation on the superiority of hetersexuality, and the total amorality of all gays.
I know Brett from various community functions. He's a great guy and an incredible cop.
This...
QUOTE
In addition, says Knight, homosexuals dominant the hospitality industry in Washington and are in position to keep tabs on the sexual liaisons of many members of Congress. He explains that that can provide information that is very valuable in getting an agenda through Congress.
...is hysterically funny. So our entire "gay agenda" would fall apart if heterosexuals in power could keep it in their pants?!? Seems like that would be an easy way to shut us down...or maybe not!
QUOTE
William1865:
Another article...
Love the end of that article: Another article...
QUOTE
I carry a f**king gun and I know how to use it. Everybody else? Be fearful. Goose bumps are a good thing. An adrenaline rush is a good thing. Your ass**** puckering up to the size of a pinhole is a good thing. That's God's gift to you of human instinct.
I think I just laughed until my "pinhole" nearly gave up. You know he's real.
Great Article. Once again we break the mold of expectations by our actions, our service, our willingness to go the extra mile, and doing it better than any straight could.
The incidents of police misconduct in Minneapolis are quite disproportionate for a town it's size. There is no accountability or serious penalty for misconduct really. So I really doubt a persons sexual preference would have much impact on what has been called "America's Official Gang".
It is always good to find out that some police officers actually do protect and serve us, not just the rich.
I am told there are lots of good police in Minneapolis. I would like to believe it. But I do not see the good officers holding the bad ones to a higher standard of conduct. I would love to be proven wrong here. Not just beaten up for riding my bike on the sidewalk.
It is always good to find out that some police officers actually do protect and serve us, not just the rich.
I am told there are lots of good police in Minneapolis. I would like to believe it. But I do not see the good officers holding the bad ones to a higher standard of conduct. I would love to be proven wrong here. Not just beaten up for riding my bike on the sidewalk.
Sgt. Parsons seems to be an amazing cop and person. I saw the video earlier and was moved by the depth of his passion for the job and life. I sent him a note of condolence, and he responded. Here is a man in the middle of a murder investigation of a close friend, busy with running a small unit of officers, and he took time out to respond to a stranger, from a far away city.
This man is my new hero!!
This man is my new hero!!
Amazing guy. Completly in awe of him. great article. The video's are great to. Seems like a very very genuine person.
I heard from Sgt. Parsons (I sent him the link to the Board). He sent this reply:
"Wow! Who knew I had such a following? Send my regards to the list and thank them for their support. In response to some of the postings, I am available to assist other jurisdiction in starting GLLU-type units. Just get the leadership of the agency/city to contact me and we will do the rest. All the best!
BRETT"
"Wow! Who knew I had such a following? Send my regards to the list and thank them for their support. In response to some of the postings, I am available to assist other jurisdiction in starting GLLU-type units. Just get the leadership of the agency/city to contact me and we will do the rest. All the best!
BRETT"
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