LGBTQIA+ communities

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for all members of LGBTQIA+ communities. This webpage has been created to provide information, resources and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals ensuring everyone feels confident and supported when engaging with the Queensland Police.

Our LGBTQIA+ liaison program is designed to strengthen relationships between QPS and LGBTQIA+ communities across Queensland. At the heart of this program are our dedicated LGBTQIA+ Liaison Officers who are specially trained to provide support, guidance and advocacy. These officers work closely with community members to address concerns, provide assistance and ensure policing services are delivered with understanding and respect. On this webpage, you will find information on how to contact an LGBTQIA+ Liaison Officer, report incidents such as sexual assault, hate crimes and serious vilification and update your personal details with QPS. 

QPS is committed to ensuring all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender, identity or expression, feel safe and supported. We encourage you to explore the resources available here and reach out to us if you need assistance. Together, we can build stronger safer communities. 

About the LGBTQIA+ Liaison Program

• Overview
  The QPS LGBTQIA+ Liaison Program was established in 1997 to provide professional, non-discriminatory, and accessible policing services to LGBTQIA+ communities.
• Commitment to Inclusion
  The QPS is committed to ensuring policing services are accessible to all members of the community, including tailored services for LGBTQIA+ people.
• Acknowledging the Past
  The QPS recognises that its relationship with LGBTQIA+ communities has not always met professional and community expectations. The program aims to rebuild trust and ensure fair, equitable, and respectful interactions.
• Community Engagement
  The QPS actively participates in LGBTQIA+ events such as Pride Festivals, Wear It Purple Day, and IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia).

What is an LGBTQIA+ Liaison Officer?

• Role and Responsibilities
  LGBTQIA+ liaison officers promote trust and understanding between the QPS and LGBTQIA+ communities. They provide discreet, non-judgemental advice, assistance, or referrals for police-related matters.
• Specialised Training
  Liaison officers receive specific LGBTQIA+ training to sensitively address issues such as prejudice-motivated crime, domestic and family violence, and criminal matters.
• Statewide Presence
  There are over 150 LGBTQIA+ liaison officers working in police stations across Queensland.

Contacting an LGBTQIA+ Liaison Officer

• How to Reach Out
  LGBTQIA+ people can report police-related matters to their local police station or via Policelink (131 444). If preferred, you can request to speak with an LGBTQIA+ liaison officer. To contact a local LGBTQIA+ Liaison Officer in your area, please refer to our LGBTQIA+ Liaison Officer contact list.
• Availability
  Please note that liaison officers undertake this role in addition to their usual duties and may not always be available.

Policing for LGBTQIA+ Communities

• Guidelines for Engagement
  The QPS released the Policing for People from LGBTQIA+ Communities Guidelines in 2023 to ensure respectful, ethical, and equitable interactions. Topics covered include:
  • Effective engagement strategies
  • Domestic and family violence
  • Sexual assault
  • Searching and custody procedures
  • Vilification
  • Assistance and referrals
  • Education and training

Reporting Sexual Assault

• Support and Reporting Options:
  LGBTQIA+ people who have been sexually assaulted can access support through:
  • Sexual Assault Helpline: 1800 010 120
  • LGBTQIA+ Legal Service: (07) 3124 7160
  • Reporting to police in person, online, or via the Alternative Reporting Option (ARO).
• QPS Alternative Reporting Option (ARO):
  ARO allows victims of sexual assault to provide police with the full circumstances of their assault while remaining anonymous if they choose. Access the ARO information and the online ARO - Sexual Assault Form. 

Hate Crimes and Serious Vilification

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) takes hate crimes and vilification seriously and encourages anyone affected or who witnesses such incidents to report them.

Hate Crimes
Hate crimes are criminal acts motivated by prejudice or bias against an individual or group based on protected characteristics of race, religion, sexuality, sex characteristics, or gender identity. Examples of hate crimes include:

• Threats of violence
• Assault
• Stalking, harassment, or abuse
• Wilful damage
• Public nuisance.

When motivated by hate, these offences may be treated as aggravated, resulting in tougher penalties.

Where to report?

It is important to understand the distinction between unlawful vilification and serious vilification, as they are handled by different authorities.

1. Unlawful vilification is a civil matter that involves public acts inciting hatred, serious contempt, or severe ridicule of a person or group based on protected characteristics of race, religion, sexuality, sex characteristics or gender identity.
   • Example: Racist slurs posted on social media.
   • Where to Report: Unlawful vilification is handled by the Queensland Human Rights Commission (QHRC).
2. Serious vilification is a criminal offence that involves threats of harm or incitement to violence against a person or group based on protected characteristics of race, religion, sexuality, sex characteristics or gender identity.
   • Example: Threatening a same-sex couple with violence in a public setting.
   • Where to Report: Serious vilification should be reported to the Queensland Police Service (QPS).  

Updating Personal Details with QPS

• Change of Name or Sex
  If you have legally changed your name or sex, you can update your details in the Queensland Police System – QPRIME, by completing the Change of Personal Details Notification form. This ensures accurate records for future police engagement.

External LGBTQIA+ Support Services

• Access Support
  The QPS provides a list of external LGBTQIA+ support organisations for:
  • Health and welfare
  • Youth
  • Intersex people
  • Domestic and family violence
  • Transgender and gender-diverse people
  • Older people
  • Legal services
  • First Nations peoples
  • Culturally and linguistically diverse people

Safety Tips for LGBTQIA+ Communities

• Online Safety:
  • Verify identities through video or voice calls before meeting in person.
  • Avoid sharing personal details or linking social media profiles to dating apps.
  • Be cautious of pressure tactics and scams.
• Meeting in Person:
  • Meet in public spaces first and share your location with a trusted friend.
  • Use safety features like doorbell cameras and note licence plates if applicable.
• Consent and Boundaries:
  • Be mindful of consent in all interactions. Avoid situations where you feel pressured or unsafe.

Contacting Queensland Police Service

• Reporting Crime:
  • For emergencies, call Triple Zero (000).
  • For non-urgent matters, report online to Policelink or call Policelink on 131 444.
  • To report a crime anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a Crime Stoppers Qld online form.