PSA Inclusion Representative for LGBTQ+ Members, Supt Ed Haywood-Noble has written a blog as part of National Inclusion Week 2025
As Pride season draws to a close, I have been reflecting on the deep meaning that Pride carries for LGBTQ+ communities and individuals, including our colleagues. In recent times, Pride has been a time of celebration — of progress, of community, of visibility. Historically, Pride’s origins lie in protest, against prejudice and injustice experienced by LGBTQ+ communities. For many, Pride is a reminder of the journey still to be travelled, and the injustices that remain.
Many LGBTQ+ people feel that, in society, inequalities, hostility and hate crime are rising again, and that the freedoms and safety they should be able to take for granted are not always there. At the same time, the Judicial Review of police participation in Pride means that, at this moment, it is not appropriate for police to march in parades in the way we once did. It can feel as though we have lost our voice, at the time it is needed most.
I know how difficult this has been. There is a palpable sense of loss. For those who have marched in uniform, Pride was more than just a parade — it was an expression of identity, of belonging, and of solidarity with communities we are proud to serve. Losing that opportunity has left many colleagues feeling disappointed, hurt, and even more distanced from a part of their own identity. It is important we don’t overlook that impact.
While we may not have been able to march in Pride parades, our commitment has not disappeared. Pride may look and feel different, but the values of inclusion, safety and dignity are still ones we must live every day.
As leaders, we each have a role in making sure that message comes through loud and clear.
So, I am asking every leader in policing to focus on three things:
- Check in with your LGBTQ+ colleagues and team members. A simple, genuine conversation can go a long way. Listen to how they’re feeling, acknowledge their experiences, and show that you are there for them. Small acts of allyship can have a powerful impact.
- Make sure your teams redouble efforts to engage with LGBTQ+ communities. Conversations must continue, so we understand how communities are feeling and can offer reassurance that police are committed to dealing with discrimination and prejudice. Whether through community meetings, Independent Advisory Groups, or social media, we need to keep listening, building relationships, and showing that we care.
- Focus on hate crime. We know how damaging it is, and how deeply it affects confidence in policing. Share successes, highlight good outcomes, and make sure victims know that their reports matter. Every time we demonstrate that hate crime is taken seriously, we help rebuild trust.
This is an opportunity for us to show that allyship is more than marching in a parade — it is about the everyday leadership we show in our workplaces and communities.