Workplace Experiences of Lesbian and Bisexual Female Police Officers in the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary

Abstract

Abstract Research into Canadian workplace experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) public safety personnel is scant. This exploratory ethnographic study examined reasons for lesbian and bisexual female officers joining the police, their shared workplace experiences, perceived career barriers based on sexual orientation, and perceptions of police leadership in advancing the inclusion of LGBTQ officers in the profession. Informed by intersectionality theory and thematic analysis, in-depth semistructured interviews were conducted with three active police officers in a medium-sized Canadian city. Four major themes emerged: (a) change in career paths in response to evolving life situations and desire for rewarding, nonmonotonous work; (b) latent stereotypes and biases within otherwise supportive organizational cultures; (c) sexual orientation not a barrier to career opportunities and advancement; and (d) strong support for LGBTQ diversity and inclusion at work but remaining challenges in police–LGBTQ community relations. Implications and recommendations for practice are discussed.