PCSO CONNOR FREEL, a transgender officer, told how he joined the force to “stand up for those that were prejudiced and discriminated against”.
Since becoming an officer, he has worked with countless young people in the community struggling with their sexuality and gender identity.
“I’ve lost count now of the times where I’ve spoken to people who’ve been struggling,” he said.
“I’ve often gone out to incidents where young people have been getting in trouble for certain things.
“By just taking the time to sit down with them and ask what’s going on, it turns out some of them are just struggling with their sexuality or gender identity – which is reflected in their behaviour.
“Once I’ve addressed their concerns, often, they feel more comfortable within themselves and begin to engage and support the police.
“In most cases, there has been a build-up of anxiety, anger, and frustration.
“It’s a great feeling when you’re able to help – you join the job to do that. I’ll always offer my contact details to them, and if I can help, I will.”
Following his successful work, PCSO Freel has since become North Wales Police’s LGBTQ+ staff support liaison officer – promoting developing and sustaining the LGBT+ staff support network.
He added: “We need to be challenging people’s perspective of ‘normal’.
“When I can stop talking about this is when I know we’ve won.”
Related posts
Trending Posts
-
Top ten famous Welsh people by Elfed Jones
-
Wales’ longest station name: How it got its name, and what it means by Doug Evans
-
Wrexham crowned Wales’ 7th city as part of Queen’s Platinum Jubilee by Carli Newell
-
Tryweryn – The Welsh village flooded to supply an English city with water by Doug Evans
-
In It Together Festival: First wave of event line-up announced by Luke Sinclair
-
Star Wars: Why the Millennium Falcon was built here in Wales by Doug Evans
-
The forgotten Welsh Christmas Tradition – Mari Lwyd by Cerys Lafferty
-
Premier League clubs RANKED by popularity across social media by Owen Harries