Over 150 delegates attended the National LGBT+ Conference held in the East Midlands last week.
This is the first time in three years that the conference took place due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
There was a great turnout, with representatives from almost every police force coming to support their LGBT+ colleagues and communities.
A range of empowering speakers presented at the event, including Sister Maria Renate from Merseyside Police, who was born an intersex woman, former RAF Fighter Pilot Matt Lindley, one of the first openly gay pilots in the armed forces, and conference compere and radio DJ Stephanie Hirst, who spoke about her experience as being transgender.
PC Steph Lawrence also spoke about the Casey review and how its findings are not just a Met Police issue, and what Senior Leaders can do to support LGBT+ officers and staff in their organisations.
The event ended on a high, with delegates joining the Nottingham Pride March through the city centre on Saturday morning.
DCC Paul Gibson said: “It was an absolute honour to host this year’s LGBT+ National Conference in the East Midlands.
“Delegates heard from some really inspirational speakers who all shared their experiences, advice, and learning, and were able to enjoy some time networking with colleagues and friends.
“We welcomed Chief Officers and Network Leads who were all able to provide updates on what policing is doing to support our LGBT+ colleagues.
“It was great to hear about work going on in forces and discussed the work that can still be done. As a five force regional collaboration, I am dedicated to ensuring that our LGBT+ police officers and staff are heard, respected, supported and celebrated.
“We are very fortunate to have such passionate people advocating change within our forces.”
Greater Manchester Police Chief Inspector Lee Broadstock, Co-Chair of the National LGBT+ Network added: “Events like this are so important for our network. We are able to learn from each other, find out what is happening in other forces, and take new ideas back to our own to support our LGBT+ colleagues and communities.
“The 2023 conference was a brilliant event. From the incredible speakers to the celebrations, we had a great time and learnt a lot. We’d like to thank the East Midlands Special Operations Unit and Nottinghamshire Police colleagues for all the work they put into making this such a meaningful few days.”
