Gender and sexual diversity

The gender and sexual diversity liaison works in direct partnership with the 2SLGBTQ+ community to promote two-way communication, reduce stereotypical negative images, promote education and awareness, identify and resolve crime concerns and increase police awareness of community issues.

Community involvement

A gender and sexual diversity advisory board is in place to promote effective two-way communication between the CPS and the 2SLGBTQ+ community in Calgary. The board aims to educate, advise the Service of crime and safety concerns relevant to the community, increase police awareness of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and increase the community’s awareness of police-related issues.

Through communication, collaboration and capacity-building, the board is committed to encouraging and supporting safe and inclusive communities, nurturing a positive image, and fostering trust, respect and integrity.

The Gender and Sexual Diversity liaison and advisory board members attend many community events throughout the year to show support and to develop and improve relationships within the community.

The Calgary Police Service is proud to have a good working relationship with all agencies relevant to the 2SLGBTQ+ community, including:

• SafeLink Alberta
• Centre for Sexuality
• Calgary Outlink
• Trans Equality Society of Alberta
• Apollo Friends in Sport
• Pride At Work Canada
• Government of Alberta
• Calgary Board of Education
• Skipping Stone

Gender identity or expression and/or sexual orientation are not barriers to a police career.

If you are interested in joining the board, a special project or committee, you can email the CPS Gender and Sexual Diversity liaison.

Same-sex domestic violence

According to the Domestic Violence Handbook for Police and Crown Prosecutors in Alberta, there is no difference in definition between same-sex domestic violence and opposite sex domestic violence.

It is defined as "any use of physical or sexual force, actual or threatened, in an intimate relationship. It may include a single act of violence, or a number of acts forming a pattern of abuse through the use of assaultive and controlling behaviour. The violence is used to intimidate, humiliate or frighten a partner of an intimate relationship, or to make them powerless."

It is believed 25 to 35 per cent of same-sex domestic incidents are unreported to police for various reasons, the most common being fear of victimization by the police, fear of victimization from the courts, fear of compromised privacy (being "outed"), and fear of additional victimization from the offender.

Are you a victim of same-sex domestic abuse? Contact the Domestic Conflict Unit at 403-428-8339.