Profile | Tracy O’Hara | Lesbian Day of Visibility

Today is Lesbian Day of Visibility. A day where we celebrate and acknowledge the lives and contributions of members of the lesbian community. This year, we are proud to profile some of our members and share what Lesbian Day of Visibility means to them.

 

Detective Constable Tracy O’Hara QPM – Merseyside Police

I feel it is important for LGBT+ youth to see a reflection of themselves in the Police service. This is why I am happy to share my story on Lesbian visibility day 2021. It has been a tough year for our communities and not having LGBT+ spaces, events and Pride has made it even more difficult to feel a part of things. So to take part in this and to feel connected is wonderful.

I have been out since I was 21 when I first truly became aware that I am a Lesbian. I joined the Police in 1996 and back then, I didn’t come out due to the environment in which I worked. Very soon though with the help of our Police LGBT+ network, I was out and proud. I can be myself. It is vital for my own mental health, for my managers as I perform better when I am not hiding myself.

I am proud of who I am. I have achieved my childhood dream to be a Detective, I live with my girlfriend and our dog, I recently passed the sergeants exam and I have even been recognised by Her Majesty the Queen for my services to policing. It is vital I am visible, I am proud and I am me. Being a Lesbian, I feel, is something to celebrate not to hide. It makes me who I am.