Police chiefs stand firm to defend LGBTQ+ community

With ongoing protests at schools in Birmingham following the ‘No Outsiders’ programme, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson’s involvement in this years Birmingham Pride parade aimed to reaffirm the commitment of West Midlands Police to supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

In a display of solidarity with the city’s LGBTQ+ community, and 50 years on since the Stonewall riots, David led the police forces within this year’s Birmingham Pride parade.

David Jamieson was joined by Dave Thompson, Chief Constable of West Midlands Police, and newly appointed West Midlands Senior Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner Ashley Bertie.

PCC David Jamieson and Senior Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner Ashley Bertie

David has played an integral role in West Midlands Police LGBT Network. The aim of this network is to create and nurture trust and confidence in the police service amongst the LGBT communities they serve. Further, a central component is to improve relationships between the police and LGBT people and community groups.

In a statement, he spoke, “I’m here at Pride today in Birmingham and we’re celebrating all the changes that have taken place to allow people to love who they like.”

The sun is out and I'm looking forward to another excellent Birmingham #Pride joining thousands in the parade. 50 years on from the Stonewall Riots I am delighted that here we have such a strong and proud police family standing side by side and supporting the LGBT+ community. https://t.co/yXxLgwdGW2

— WestMidsPCC (@WestMidsPCC) May 25, 2019

With several schools in Birmingham such as Parkfield Community School currently being under siege due to their teaching of LGBTQ+ – and other intersectional – equality, their involvement demonstrates a commitment to the protection of LGBTQ+ individuals within the region.

Dave Thompson, Chief Constable of the West Midlands, released a statement this week to explain his reasoning behind joining the march in response to the ongoing protests – a sentiment shared by David Jamieson.

“As a citizen of this city, I have observed these protests and the rhetoric around them with increasing concern. West Midlands Police values and celebrates the diversity of this area.

“We believe the strength of this city is in tolerant and diverse communities. This week I will march with LGBT staff and communities in Birmingham Pride and next week I will fast with Muslim colleagues and communities as they mark Ramadan.

“Both are possible to celebrate and respect in this amazing and diverse city”.