Our History in Austin

IT ALL STARTED WHEN…

In 2009, Sergeant Bruce Friar, Sergeant Mary Hesalroad, then Officers Eric Cleveland and Steven McCormick (both sergeants now), formed the LGPOA at a table in a Panera restaurant after Sergeant Hesalroad was denied a transfer to the police academy on the basis of her sexual orientation.

Although the person responsible for the act quickly retired, the discrimination demonstrated the need for such an organization to represent the LGBTQ+ members of the department and to educate, advocate, provide support and service within the department and in the community we serve.

From slow and humble beginnings, the organization grew in membership and we were able to provide the service, education, and protection that we were founded to create. From our It Gets Better video, to wildfire assistance, attending the 1st and 2nd World LGBTQ Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals, our endeavors in the community—locally and worldwide—have made positive impacts in the LGBTQ+ community. We sincerely thank you to all who have reached out to tell us how you have been impacted by us in some way and in some very emotional cases, that you are still with us today. We are are all human. You are all loved. We share this world together.