Proving Themselves: The Status of LGBQ Police Officers |
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Authors: | Susan L. Miller Terry G. Lilley |
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Affiliation: | 1. Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, 335 Smith Hall, University of Delaware;2. Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, 4304 Centennial Hall, University of Wisconsin‐La Crosse |
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Abstract: | The policing occupation, a bastion of hegemonic masculinity, is well known for its historical resistance to “difference,” whether among its own members or in society at large. Nowhere does this clash manifest as strongly as when LGBQ 1 police officers join the force. LGBQ individuals have made great strides in breaking down some beliefs of the traditional and rigid police occupational culture. Still, more progress remains to be made toward dismantling the barriers of heterosexism and sexism that often permeate policing. This article explores the history of these barriers, the progress made, and the structural and individual level obstacles that remain. Policy recommendations and suggestions for future research are also made. |
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