What am I supposed to do with all of these newly identified LGBTQ+ Liaisons?

In January 2020, while working at the Broward Sheriff’s Office, I was asked to join the newly founded LGBTQ+ Liaison Committee consisting of BSO personnel from departments all around the agency including law enforcement, fire rescue, human resources, detention, training, and regional communications. The founding members worked steadily to get the Committee off the ground by writing a mission statement, establishing goals, and developing organizational structure.

In November 2020, Sheriff Gregory Tony asked the Committee to research who the other LGBTQ+ Liaisons were in agencies throughout Broward County. I volunteered for the task and send emails out to the Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, and City Officials in every municipality in Broward County. I received two emails back from the City of Wilton Manors Police Department and the City of Fort Lauderdale Government identifying their LGBTQ+ Liaison. Additionally, I received 22 emails stating the same thing, “Our department does not have a LGBTQ+ Liaison but it is about time we do. We will provide you the contact information for who this person is within 24-48 hours.” Now this is what I am thinking, “Um, I was looking to see if departments around Broward County had a liaison, what am I supposed to do with all of these newly identified people?!?”

On December 10, 2020 at 10am, the very first Broward County Multi-Jurisdictional LGBTQ+ Liaison Coalition met via Zoom. There were 16 people in attendance (that’s a picture of our smiling faces!).

When I retired from Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue in March 2022 and handed over the reins to the very capable liaisons from around Broward County, the Coalition had expanded from the original 16 to having a LGBTQ+ Liaison from almost every fire department and law enforcement agency, city government, the State Attorney’s Office, the Attorney General’s Office, and the FBI. How cool is that!?!