Can a security force be an engine of social change? The association Gaylespol, made up of LGTBIQ+ police officers, shows us that yes. With the launch of the Gaylespol Awards, we seek to recognize and promote initiatives at the state level that promote inclusion, security and respect for the LGTBIQ+ community within security institutions, both public and private. It is a clear commitment to strengthening the relationship between those who protect and the diversity that makes up our society.
Who can join this transformative initiative?
The call for the Gaylespol Awards is broad and seeks to involve various entities:
- Units or teams of the national police, civil guard, regional or local police.
- Private security companies.
- Penitentiary institutions and rural agents.
The most interesting thing is that the project is not required to be completed. Initiatives already implemented this year can be presented, those that have demonstrated results in the last two years, or even projects in the design phase, as long as they have a clear and measurable action plan. Here, the size of the unit is secondary; What really matters is the impact generated. Can you imagine the potential for change this represents?
Steps to participate: Your project, an agent of change
If you have an initiative that you believe deserves to be recognized, the requirements to submit a candidacy are simple:
- Registration form: The first step to make your work visible.
- Description of the project (maximum 5 pages): Here you can detail your objectives, the methodology used, the resources used and the impact achieved.
- Complementary material: If you have photos, videos or reports that enrich your proposal, do not hesitate to include them!
The submission period is continuous throughout the year, although the annual evaluation closes on December 31. It is a constant opportunity for innovation and commitment to come to light.
Focus areas: Projects that make a difference
The Gaylespol Awards focus on five key lines of action, designed to address the most pressing challenges and foster a safer and more inclusive environment for the LGTBIQ+ community:
- Reduction of hate crimes: Projects that seek to reduce attacks or discrimination against LGTBIQ+ people.
- Collaboration with associations: Initiatives that build bridges and improve the connection between security forces and LGTBIQ+ groups.
- Awareness and training: Programs that provide internal or external training on emotional-sexual and gender diversity.
- Internal well-being: Proposals to protect LGTBIQ+ members within the security forces themselves.
- Inclusive innovation: New and creative ideas that promote safety and inclusion in original ways.
The call values both the immediate social impact and the creativity and long-term sustainability of each project. What new forms of inclusion can we imagine?
The evaluation process: Transparency and commitment
An expert jury, made up of representatives of Gaylespol, specialists in LGTBIQ+ rights and professionals from the security forces, will be in charge of selecting the winning projects. The evaluation criteria are clear and seek to recognize excellence in the commitment to diversity: impact, innovation, sustainability and relevance for inclusion and safety.
An Annual Gaylespol Award will be awarded, along with special mentions for thematic areas. The delivery will take place at an official event during Gaylespol’s anniversary, a space for public recognition and to give a voice to those who are transforming police culture from within.
Beyond the prize: A network that multiplies change
What is truly inspiring about this initiative is that its scope goes beyond the mere presentation of an award. Gaylespol has devised a strategy to multiply the impact of recognized projects:
- Good practices network: An accessible platform to inspire other units and replicate success.
- Mentoring program: A space for the exchange of knowledge and experiences between teams.
- Training days: Events based on the selected projects, to disseminate best practices and generate collective learning.
In a country where attacks due to gender orientation, identity or expression still persist, the Gaylespol Awards invite us to reflect on the crucial role of public security. It’s not just about patrolling streets, but ensuring that we can all walk without fear for who we are. This initiative reminds us that social change can be born in the least expected places, even in offices and police stations. Are we ready to be part of this transformation?
