Some of Queensland’s police officers have let down their guard to reveal how they told their families or friends they were homosexual.
Policelink Commander and Programs Group Superintendent David Tucker said when he hit 40 years old he decided "gay life might be the way to go".
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LGBTI officers say it gets better
Officers from the QPS LGBTI Liaison Program each have messages of advice and encouragement for the LGBTI community on Wear It Purple Day.
“It sometimes did feel like there was a great big dark hole waiting to actually open up and swallow you and take you away,” he said.
“My eldest daughter rang me up one day and said 'Dad, I have a question to ask you,' and I said 'Oh yeah, OK'.
“She said, 'Are you gay?' To which I then burst into tears.”
Superintendent Tucker was one of 13 QPS employees to share their messages of advice and encouragement for Wear it Purple Day, a day of raising awareness about the need to eradicate bullying based on sexuality and gender diversity.
North Queensland Child Protection Investigation Unit plain clothes Constable Michelle Harris said she originally feared she would be considered less of a person for being gay.
Through tears, Constable Harris said she struggled for years, and at one point considered the best option was to take her own life, before things started to get better.
“I started to be more comfortable within myself and also with the concept that your sexual orientation and/or your gender identity doesn’t define you,” she said.
“I am a proud lesbian woman, but that alone doesn’t define who I am.”
Fear of retribution held back Gold Coast Senior Constable Lorianna Blaylock from being honest about her sexuality.
“I was born into a very religious family,” she said.
“I used to go to church every Sunday, Youth every Friday and bible studies every Wednesday and for me, being gay was definitely not an option.”
Senior Constable Blaylock said when she did tell her mum she was devastated that her mother told her her father would be disappointed.
“I think it was quite devastating for her and it took a few years for her to come right but she’s absolutely amazing now, everything is perfect,” she said.
“Be who you are, because there’s nothing wrong with it, you should be proud of who you are.”
All 13 officers agreed that although they may have experienced hard times, things improved.
For LGBTIQ support, QLife is available on 1800 184 527 (3pm-12am).The Lifeline Australia hotline is 13 11 14..
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