GLBT

According to estimates, up to 10% of the population of Saskatoon is gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered (GLBT). GLBT people still face discrimination in many sectors of society although that discrimination is lessening as society comes to realize that GLBT people are really no different than the rest of the population. They are family members, neighbours, co-workers, the nurses or doctors taking care of our health, our teachers, the clerk at the grocery store or the police officer walking the beat.  GLBT people make significant positive contributions to the quality of life in Saskatoon.

Unfortunately, GLBT people still experience a higher rate of hate crimes directed at them than do the average citizen. Because of the fear of stigmatization, these crimes are generally under-reported. The Saskatoon Police Service is working to develop mechanisms to record and track hate and bias crimes, and is working to encourage GLBT people to file a report when they have been the victim of a hate or bias crime.

The GLBT members of the Saskatoon Police Advisory Committee On Diversity work to build understanding, trust and communication between the GLBT community and the police. They provide education to the police on the facts of being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered as well as on the numerous issues that GLBT people face in the community. Officers from the Saskatoon Police Service have participated in events occurring in the GLBT community. These actions are helping to improve communications and strengthen relationships between the GLBT community and the police.

GLBT people can also be the victims of domestic violence by being physically, verbally, financially, emotionally or sexually assaulted, threatened, harassed or stalked by a partner or ex-partner. Police in Saskatoon have been educated on same-sex domestic abuse and GLBT people are encouraged to report such incidences. If you feel you have been discriminated against or mistreated because of your sexual orientation or gender identity, please call 975-2278.