Trans police officer comes out

News Item

Trans police officer comes out

By Timothy Cwiek

PGN Contributing Writer

A transgender Philadelphia police officer has come out publicly, and officials say they will protect her rights to the fullest extent of the law.

Maria Gonzalez, 57, a pistol instructor at the Police Academy in Northeast Philadelphia, disclosed her transgender status last week during an interview broadcast on WCAU-TV Channel 10.

"We will do everything possible to protect the rights of this officer," Chief Inspector James Tiano, a liaison to sexual and gender minorities, told PGN Jan. 13.

"She will be afforded all the rights she´s entitled to."

Gonzalez is believed to be the first openly transgender police officer in the department´s history. She could not be reached for comment.

Tiano said Gonzalez will have access to venues normally reserved for female officers, such as women´s restrooms and women´s locker rooms. She also will be permitted to wear earrings and makeup - rights not granted to men on the force, he said.

Gonzalez is a 36-year veteran of the force. Her annual salary is $49,827, according to city records.

Police Commissioner Sylvester M. Johnson, in a statement, expressed support for Gonzalez.

"The commissioner makes it clear that a person has a right to practice the lifestyle that they feel comfortable with," Johnson stated. "The commissioner sets the tone for the entire department, and we will be supportive in this officer´s lifestyle decision."

Kristine W. Holt, a transgender attorney, applauded police officials for backing Gonzalez.

"The official department line appears to be accommodating," Holt told PGN. "But they need to back it up with discipline, if individual officers can´t tow the official line."

Some discipline may be in order, judging from messages posted in an Internet chat room for Philadelphia police officers.

Some of the messages posted on Web site www.domelights.com questioned Gonzalez´s fitness to serve, and faulted authorities for not firing her. One message predicted violence against her. Others were laced with racism, sexism and transphobia.

"This guy is a sick man and needs to be 302´d [held for observation]," wrote one message. "But the top brass has decided to be politically correct because they are scared of gay and lesbian activist groups, not to mention a huge lawsuit ... He [Gonzalez] wants to come to work wearing make-up and painted nails and be called Maria, all the while expecting his co-workers to act like nothing is going on?"

But other expressed support for Gonzalez.

"We [police] back each other anywhere, any time, no matter what," wrote another message. "I have known him [Gonzalez] for years, and he´s a hell of a person. I don´t think his gender will change that fact."

Tiano said the Web site is not affiliated with the department, and people corresponding in the chat room might not be police officers.

Stacey Sobel, executive director of the Center for Lesbian and Gay Civil Rights, praised Gonzalez´s bravery.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for the police department to demonstrate how they can work with all members of the force," she said. "The police department should be a reflection of the larger community."

Some of Gonzalez´s colleagues - at the training academy and in the department´s public-affairs office - continued to refer to her using male-oriented pronouns when speaking with a PGN reporter.

But Tiano said Gonzalez´s wishes are to be respected, and he´s advising members of the department to refer to her in female-oriented terminology.

Holt said resistance to change on behalf of transgender employees is common in most professions.

"You´re going to have that, unfortunately, whether it´s the cops or any organization ...," she continued. "It´s obstinacy, and trying to keep a person from doing something that you don´t necessarily approve of."

Irene Benedetti, chair of the Police Liaison Committee, plans to ask Gonzalez to attend a committee meeting. She said Gonzalez may be able to help with trans-related sensitivity training at the Police Academy.

"I do believe the police department is making a good-faith effort to make sure her rights are protected," Benedetti said. "They´ve been holding meeting with top brass to ensure that she gets the respect the deserves as a police officer."

Benedetti said she faxed a copy of the city´s transgender-rights ordinance to Tiano, at his request.

"They [police authorities] are respecting her change," she continued. "They´re trying to find out the right thing to do. She´s even been offered the use of a captain´s private bathroom."

The city´s health-insurance program does not cover gender-reassignment surgeries, and Gonzalez reportedly wishes to undergo the surgery at some point.

Holt said most candidates for gender-reassignment surgery use their own money for the surgery.

"It would be wonderful for the insurance company to pay for it, but that doesn´t happen," she said. "The police department is under no obligation to pay for it. I don´t think the camaraderie extends that far."