In the beating heart of New York, at One Police Plaza, a special ceremony took place Monday to celebrate the transgender officers of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) on the occasion of International Transgender Visibility Day.
Conceived by Detective Connor Lang and organized by the LGBTQIA+ Outreach Unit, the event paid tribute to the courage and dedication of the department’s transgender officers, acknowledging their commitment despite the challenges exacerbated by an increasingly hostile political climate.
During the commemoration, numerous officers shared their experiences and recalled the discrimination they faced in the early 2000s, when those transitioning were even denied access to locker rooms. Today, the situation has drastically changed: the department not only welcomes transgender officers but openly celebrates them, demonstrating a significant cultural shift within the largest police force in America.
The event was attended by prominent guests, including Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, and the multifaceted artist Vivaka Westwood Mugler, who entertained attendees with a dance performance. Detective Lang emphasized that, compared to the past, there is now greater support for queer officers and highlighted the importance of living one’s identity without fear or compromise.
The initiative, which began in 2024, saw even greater participation this year. However, many speakers expressed concern over current tensions, referencing governmental decisions aimed at limiting the recognition of gender identities.
Despite the challenges, the message conveyed was one of determination and pride. Lang encouraged anyone considering a career in law enforcement not to be discouraged and reiterated that support within the department is growing. Pursuing one’s choices is a challenge, but also a necessary achievement: the more transgender officers embark on this path, the stronger awareness and acceptance will become.
The NYPD has about 36,000 officers in service. While the exact number of transgender individuals within the department is not publicly disclosed, there has been significant progress in recognizing and supporting them. In 2022, Ori Harbor became the first openly transgender officer to be promoted to detective and take on this role. The unit has also introduced guidelines to facilitate the coming-out process and ensure that preferred names and pronouns are respected.
