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Post by mt863 on Oct 8, 2012 14:56:56 GMT -5
I just joined and wanted to say hi to everyone. Currently, I am in the academy and I graduate December 3rd. After graduation I will be moving back to Highlands county and hopefully get hired to the sheriff's office or a department nearby. I have always wanted to be in law enforcement. My father retired after 29 years and I hope to do the same. Not really sure what else I should say except I have been with my boyfriend for over 4 years and he is also excited to see me become an officer. We have been together since we were 22 and I am happy to have him. If anybody has any advice about getting hired I would greatly appreciate it. Dad suggested I do not mention my personal life since some officers do not accept that and may cause me not to get hired. Other people have said to be open about it. Not sure what to do so any advice will be appreciated. Thanks for reading!!
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Post by TheBear on Oct 8, 2012 20:20:12 GMT -5
WELCOME, MT863! We are Proud and Happy to have you here in our BluePride forum! ... and THANK YOU for posting your introduction. There are others who join then never participate. I am kinda the self-appointed Welcome Wagon to BluePride (with the approval of our awesome "Almighty Ruler" leader Tommy, of course! ;D) I'm also OLD, uh, Chronologically Gifted and, I admit, a bit of a character. You will find there is a running theme mentioning the BluePride break room... and that I am the official MasterBaker ( ;D) who keeps the break room cookie jar FULL and milk in the fridge . The advantage of participation by posting as you did is WE CAN HELP YOU! Being that you are in Florida, I'm sure that somebody from Florida LEGAL will reach out to you. Carroll... you got your ears on? FL LEGAL (Law Enforcement Gays and Lesbians) is an awesome group. Even though I live in California, I am a member. FL LEGAL sponsored the Annual Conference of LEGAL International last September in Orlando. Once you get your bearings, you will be interested in possibly joining us in Las Vegas for the Annual Conference in September, 2013. ANYway, a whole new world is available to you, MT863. You are young and have an exciting life adventure ahead of you. In the mean time, I hope several other BluePride members in Florida will join you for cookies too! Dale, you got your ears on? Charles? Happy Paw Waves, Bear _____________________.
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Post by blu06 on Oct 8, 2012 23:04:00 GMT -5
Welcome Mt863. Ahhhh the academy, those were the days! I met my intended at the academy. Oh, here he goes again! OK,Ok, so my intended had his own intentions to MARRY A WOMAN! I wish I could give you some good advice on how "out" to be. I am not out with my department and it's not discussed among my fellow officers. As a police officer, you may already be a cautious individual and may want to check the work environment before you sing Hello Dolly, or Hurray For Hollywood in the squad room. What? It could happen Even if you are able to be out, always remember discretion is the better part of valor. And really, does everyone really need to know about my fondness for sweaty jockstraps and OH OK I'll be good With the work by many of the gallant men and women, some who are members of this community, who've done the hard work in days gone by, hopefully one day, who you love will not be an issue. I do however feel, my fondness for sweaty jockstraps.... OH OK! Welcome Mt863... Good Luck to you Always Remember, It is To Protect and Serve To this always stay true Always Blue Mac
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Post by Deleted on Oct 9, 2012 11:12:51 GMT -5
Welcome MT863. You have come to the right place !!!! Blue Pride is a great place to exchange information, find some support, and to be around a group of great LGBT Criminal Justice Professionals. Here in Florida, there are some police agencies that have evolved to the point where they have no problem with having gay officerss. These agencies include Orlando Police Dept, Orange County Sheriffs Dept, Fort Lauderdale Police Dept, Key West Police Dept, Monroe County Sheriffs Dept and several others. The gains we have made in finding acceptance in these agencies are due to the direct activism by organizations like Florida Law Enforcement Gays and Lesbians and other out members of the LGBT law enforcement community. In my oppinion, when you get hired, the first thing you should do is establish yourself as a good cop before you come out. Always be professional in everything you do. Always look sharp and wear clean uniforms. Always have your reports and paperwork in on time. Always be eager to help fellow officers. Always be respectful to everyone including those you arrrest. Always be a shining example of what a good cop should be. Once you have established that, come on out and they will leave you alone. Here's another tip. Cops talk, chatter and gossip like old women. Before you do come out remember that they might just figure out that you may be gay. If somebody has the balls to ask you, tell them it's none of their business and change the subject. What ever you do, DON'T DENY IT, just don't respond. if they think you're hiding in a closet, they will make your life miserable. Just make sure they see you as a good professional cop that they can rely on to have their backs and when you come out, you should be alright. In the meantime, after you get hired you must join Florida Law Enforcement Gays and Lesbians. It's the professional organization that represents LGBT criminal justice professionals all over the state of Florida. I just stepped down as their vice president a few months ago. you might also want to make plans to join others in our profession at the Seventeenth annual Legal International LGBT Criminal Justice Conference which will be held next October in Las Vegas Welcome to Blue Pride. We're delighted to have you with us.
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Post by cuffnstuff on Oct 9, 2012 15:17:42 GMT -5
Hello and welcome to Blue Pride!
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Post by hcsodale on Oct 9, 2012 18:04:27 GMT -5
Hey MT863, Glad to see the Florida contingency on the board is growing (I hear the big NY contingency is slowly making their way down here also. I think we get points towards a toaster oven for converting them!) I'm in Tampa and work with Hillsborough County S.O. I wasn't out when I started, but after I established a good respect level, my "outness" just kind of evolved. I would talk about everyday things and include my partners name like anyone else who talked about their spouse/significant other. Most were quick enough to pick up on what I was referring to and the ones that would ask "who is that?", I would just reply "my partner." I have had very few negative comments. Obviously not everyone was OK with it, but they tended to just leave me alone. I heard of comments that were made behind my back, but they never failed to work professionally with or around me and I never felt that anything was deliberately done to endanger my wellbeing. I proved myself first and then I do my best to maintain that level of professional respect. One person in particular, who was NOT accepting of my status back then, has over the years surprised me and has even come to me for professional advice, stating that he valued my input. I didn't show it, but it really shook me to the core, since I NEVER would have expected that from this person. Whichever way you feel the most comfortable with, that is the best way. Only you can make that final decision, but I think it is great that you are asking for input from those that have been or are there! My agency does not have any benefits for same sex couples, but that is going to be the case with any County Agency in the State of Florida. Some of the Municipal (City) Agencies do. Tampa Police Dept. does and their Chief is openly Lesbian. I'm not sure what the gay climate is like for Highlands County. Wishing you the best in the Academy and in getting on with an Agency soon! Dale
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Post by mt863 on Oct 9, 2012 21:45:34 GMT -5
Thanks everyone for the advice and for welcoming me. Its always nice to meet people who are friendly and willing to help a (hopefully) soon to be officer. I would like to be out in whatever department someday. I have a great relationship with somebody I would never want to be without and would like to not have to hide that from anyone. My current job knows about us and has always welcomed my partner. I plan to wait awhile before saying anything about it. Especially in the area I am moving back to. Thanks again everyone and be safe!
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Post by bluepride on Oct 10, 2012 11:14:56 GMT -5
A big Blue Pride Welcome to mt863! I'm glad you finally got onto the site And as you've already seen, we have members who are all willing to be of assistance to you in terms of advice and knowledge and experience! I hope you become an integral member here and keep us posted on your ongoing progress towards becoming a full fledged Police Officer!
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Post by hoosiercop on Oct 18, 2012 5:12:04 GMT -5
Welcome to Blue Pride! FL LEGAL is a great resource for you. As for whether to be out or not, or how out to be...that's something that you will have to figure out. No one can tell you what is right for you. Take people's opinions into account, but apply them in a way that fits you. I think that if a department knows you are gay when you are applying, your chances of getting hired are significantly less. Even when applying to depatments that you'd think would be o.k. with it. But I also feel it's important to not lie. So it's kind of a delicate balance to find. But again, the path you choose is your choice, and only you can know what is right for you. I hope that eventually you can have the career you dream of and can completely be yourself without any editing of any sort. Good luck, and know that you have a ton of people here that will support you regardless of the path you choose.
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Post by mt863 on Dec 7, 2012 12:02:40 GMT -5
I haven't been online in awhile but wanted to mention that I graduated the academy on December 3rd. My dad presented me my certificate at the ceremony. I almost skipped the ceremony because we now live 3 hours away from the school but I'm glad I didn't. Unfortunatley my family couldn't make it but my boyfriend got off work early and was able to go. Now I just need to find a job.
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Post by Youn0469 on Dec 7, 2012 13:27:15 GMT -5
MT863, GREAT JOB!!! Congratulations on your graduation.
By now you've seen how awesome these guys and gals all are on the forum. In my experience being a part of the forum and knowing a couple of the members well enough I can say that they are all stand up guys.
I've been in the same kind of position you are in now. I'm 23, gay and actively looking for LEO employment. I live in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The agencies around my parts vary in size and demographics. I've found that the closer the agency is to diverse populations that they are more likely to be open minded towards LGBT officers. Minneapolis police just swore in its first female chief who is also lesbian. YAY! I also have a couple other good friends with that agency who have no complaints about being open.
My advice to you is use caution. First prove yourself a trustworthy and reliable person. Gauge the latitude of acceptance for LGBT officers in your department. Then come out if you want. Like coming out for the first time, it is on your own time. Don't be pressured to come out. You're in control.
Good luck and keep us posted. Remember, we are all in this together!
Feel free to message me back channels if you wish!
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Post by TheBear on Dec 7, 2012 15:50:11 GMT -5
I haven't been online in awhile but wanted to mention that I graduated the academy on December 3rd. My dad presented me my certificate at the ceremony. I almost skipped the ceremony because we now live 3 hours away from the school but I'm glad I didn't. Unfortunatley my family couldn't make it but my boyfriend got off work early and was able to go. Now I just need to find a job. Congrats, MT863! As far as getting a job, have you contacted Florida LEGAL? We're an awesome group. Can't promise a job, of course, but it's helpful to have connected professionals in your corner! Join us! Bear ________________.
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Post by blu06 on Dec 9, 2012 1:24:58 GMT -5
Congrats! mt863.
Now the real fund begins. Hope your search for a commission is short. All my best to you and your bf. Keep your positive attitude and strive for excellence in your performance. But don't fret if and when you fall short, because you will recommit and refocus, and go forward.
To Protect and To Serve To this Always be True Forever Blue...
Blu06 aka Mac.
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Post by hoosiercop on Dec 11, 2012 17:21:20 GMT -5
Congrats on your graduation! I hope you can get hired somewhere that will work out for you.
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