The Thin Blue Line and/or the Rainbow Flag: An Exploration of Role Conflict Among LGBTQ Police Officers

• In Event: Queering Policing

Abstract

Extant literature regarding LGBTQ police officers in the U.S. highlights the challenges they face. It is recognized that in many departments harassment and discrimination still occurs, and not all LGBTQ officers are able to be out at work. It has also been noted that even in departments which are open and affirming of diversity in their ranks, LGBTQ officers may face tokenism and limited assignment opportunities. Many of these challenges arise from police culture and the profession’s reticence to change. What research has not yet determined, however, is how police culture and tokenism impact LGBTQ officers’ connections to their local queer communities, and how that relationship may affect the success of community-policing efforts. This qualitative study includes interviews with self-identified LGBTQ officers and will provide preliminary data on the role conflict LGBTQ officers face as members of both law enforcement and an increasingly visible minority social group.

Authors

• Jace Valcore, University of Houston - Downtown

• Rebecca Pfeffer, University of Houston - Downtown