Queer compromises: How homophobic violence pushed gays and lesbians to make police alliances in Toronto, 1981-2001

TL;DR

This paper explores how LGBTQ2+ activists in Toronto formed alliances with the police due to rising homophobic violence between 1981 and 2001.

Contribution

The study reveals how LGBTQ2+ communities navigated tensions to form police alliances amid violence.

Findings

Gay and lesbian activists formed police alliances due to homophobic violence and public gay bashings.

Safety concerns were central to the decision to collaborate with law enforcement.

Political compromises were made to invest in policing for community protection.

Abstract

Interactions between LGBTQ2+ communities and the police are historically fraught with violence. LGBTQ2+ activists demand equitable police relationships, legal recognition, and protection under the law. However, LGBTQ2+ groups also tend to hold more antagonistic views of the police. How have gay and lesbian activists navigated this tension? This article draws from 246 archival documents and 313 newspaper articles focusing on events from 1981 to 2001 between gay and lesbian organizations, activists, and the police in Toronto, Canada. This paper illustrates how gay and lesbian activists eventually formed police alliances as a result of homophobic police brutality and public gay bashings. Recognizing the centrality of safety in these conversations, I conclude with a discussion of political compromises LGBTQ2+ investments in policing may take.

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