People in the community decided that cops will not be a part of the Seattle Pride Parade. Officers were on hand to provide security during the 49th annual parade that took place Sunday in downtown Seattle. The Seattle Chief of Police seems to be disapointed about it. Chief Adrian Diaz called the event one of the more fun events Seattle police officers provide security for. He said officers can’t march in the annual Pride Parade while wearing their uniforms.
This is not new. It is the second Pride Parade in as many years that officers will not be allowed to march in their uniform. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community expressed their concern. The decision was made “based on feedback from a community survey. But, it is also concerns still held as the result of the queer community’s long history of distrust of law enforcement.
There is a hurtful history of the criminalization of LGBTQIA+ people. In addition, there is awareness of police violence against marginalized groups such as African American. Those aware of the decades ago Castro Street violence look at police issues as the beginning of the Pride movement. Pride Parades sprung up around the country and are held on the last Sunday in June in remembrance of the Stonewall rebellion.
At the same time, neighboring Tacoma police are investigating a series of Pride flag thefts. Stealing these flags are considered a hate crime. Some say this might be a national trend. In Pride Month this year, while LGBTQIA+ rights are supposed to be positively recognized, these issues are what has sadly become the focus.
Based on Seattle Pride’s website, Sunday was the 49th annual Pride parade. The cite stated, “Achieving equal rights for LGBTQIA+ persons require more than throwing parades and hosting picnics. (Although, let’s be honest: We’re fabulous at both). Seattle Pride coordinates advocacy and allyship efforts year-round to promote diversity and inclusivity—and to call our community to action.”
