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Toronto hosts World LGBTQ Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals • VIDEO

Blue Line stopped by the Toronto Sheraton Centre Hotel on Friday to take in the last day of the 2nd World LGBTQ Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals.

Danielle Bottineau, the LGBT Liaison Officer for Toronto Police Service and conference planning committee member, said 175 delegates from 14 countries attended the event to network, share stories and discuss crucial topics. Workshops looked at issues such as creating an inclusive work environment and examining domestic violence in the LGBTQ community, among other things.

“I am inspired by the police attendance here and the amount of knowledge being shared,” said Const. Catlin Chiasson of the Edmonton Police Service. “So much information was shared from all the different countries on what is working and what is not.”

Visibility is a journey, said RCMP member Brendan Harkness, during a morning panel discussion.

“My job is policing, that’s what I joined this organization to do, and me showing up visibly as an openly out LGBTQ member has shown my integrity in my job and in me wanting to show up for the people I work with,” he added. “It’s about holding the space… doing that confidently so others know they can do that too.”