Greater Manchester Police policy on policing LGBT people

GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE
Police policy

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION
2. UNDERSTANDING LESBIAN, GAY AND TRANS COMMUNITIES
   • Terminology
   • The Lesbian and Gay ’Scene’
   • The Manchester Lesbian and Gay Village
   • Community Liaison
3. OPERATIONAL POLICING ISSUES
   • Exercise of Legal Powers and Authorities
   • Homophobia and Transphobia
   • Homophobic and Transphobic Incidents
   • Identifying and Recording Homophobic and Transphobic Incidents
   • Homophobic and Transphobic Incident Reporting Procedure
   • Self Referral Reporting by Victims
   • Legislation
   • Rape and Serious Sexual Assault
   • Sexual Activities by Males in Public Places
   • Saunas
   • Arrest and Reporting of Offenders
   • Dealing with Domestic Violence Involving Lesbians Gay Men and Trans People
   • Complaints Procedure
4. GENERAL ISSUES AND INFORMATION
   • Young Peoples Issues
     • Criminalisation
     • Homophobic and Transphobic Bullying
     • Schools Liaison Officers
     • Youth Offending Team Officers
     • Youth Development Officers
   • Training
   • Equal Opportunities
   • Lesbian and Gay Focus Group
   • Lesbian and Gay Police Association
   • Special Issues involving Trans People
5. CONCLUSION
6. REFERENCES
7. APPENDIX A
   • Advice/Support Agencies and Organisations
8. APPENDIX B
   • Glossary of Terms

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INTRODUCTION

This document is a practical guide to help officers understand the issues involved in dealing sensitively with lesbian, gay and trans communities. Its compilation involved consultation with local and national lesbian, gay and trans community groups and organisations. The document is accessible to the public via the Greater Manchester Police web site and on request (for details see appendix ’A’). It will be reviewed on an annual basis and is Human Rights compatible.

The service provision mentioned encompasses people of all sexual and gender orientation who may be victims of homophobia or transphobia (refer to ’General Issues and Information’ for details regarding specific issues concerning transsexual and transvestite people).

The document recognises the differences between the lesbian and gay community and other communities, e.g. trans community and the need to consult separately on the policing of these communities. However, there are clear similarities in terms of experience of dealing with prejudice and discrimination which mean that many policing procedures and guidelines will be similar.

It consists of three sections:

• Understanding lesbian, gay and trans communities
• Operational policing issues
• General issues and information

Information is drawn from a variety of sources, in particular:

• Greater Manchester Police policy and strategies
• Association of Chief Police Officers (A.C.P.O.) guidelines
• National policing good practice
• National research

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UNDERSTANDING LESBIAN, GAY AND TRANS COMMUNITIES

The provision of a professional policing service to lesbian, gay and trans communities requires an understanding of their needs and fears as potential victims of homophobia or transphobia and subsequent contact with the police.

It must be appreciated that each group within these communities, even individuals within each group, may have distinct, individualistic needs. For example, research shows that lesbians experience of crime and harassment differ from those of heterosexual women and gay men, highlighting the extensive experience of harassment in many aspects of lesbians lives, particularly when in their residential neighbourhoods and workplaces. (Greater Manchester Lesbian and Gay Policing Initiative, 1999)

Common concerns of the lesbian, gay and trans communities are:

• A general fear of violence, ridicule and discrimination by society.
• A fear of reporting incidents to the police because of:
  • ridicule, discrimination, harassment and inaction by officers
  • accidental exposure of sexuality or trans status and lack of confidentiality
  • criminalisation, i.e. victims being prosecuted for their actions
  • enforcement and entrapment (National Advisory Group, 1999)

Such fears mean that some lesbians and gay men are not open about their sexuality. Many trans people try to keep their status private. As a result it is difficult to monitor the extent of problems encountered.

A large proportion of research respondents state they were subjected to homophobic or transphobic attacks or harassment from an early age. (Trenchard and Warren, 1984, Douglas et al, 1997, Rivers, 1998)

Terminology

The use of inappropriate terminology can lead to unintended assumptions about the level of expertise and understanding possessed by officers in investigations.

When dealing with lesbians and gay men, it is important to understand that using appropriate words to do with sexuality is an issue.

Using words such as ’poof’, ’faggot’, ’dyke’, ’lezzie’, ’queer’ is, needless to say, entirely inappropriate in all cases.

The word ’homosexual’ itself, which most people would consider to be fairly innocuous, can be considered offensive, because it was coined by a heterosexual man to name a perceived psychiatric condition.

It is always best to use the terms ’lesbian’ or ’gay man’ where appropriate, if you are unsure of what other terms to use.

When dealing with trans people, to refer to someone presenting as female as ’he’ or vice versa, and using other inappropriate gender specific language, can cause great offence, and words such as ’trannie’ are inappropriate as are those mentioned above. The term ’transsexual’ whilst in common use, could offend some people, whilst ’transgendered’ will offend others.

It is best to use the terms ’transsexual (or trans) man’ or ’transsexual (or trans) woman’, if you are unsure of what other terms to use.

If you are dealing with lesbians, gay men or trans people, ask them what words they would prefer you to use.

(Appendix ’B’ contains a glossary of terms.)

The Lesbian and Gay ’Scene’

Many gay men have a distinctive social and sexual culture. Most British cities contain a number of pubs, bars, clubs, discos, parks, streets and public toilets where gay men can make contact and in some cases have sex. Lesbians have less of a sexual culture but their social culture can be just as distinctive.

Recognition should be given to the ’invisible’ social and sexual scene. Many lesbians and gay men do not openly socialise or use the commercial scene which is only the ’tip of the iceberg’.

All cities have areas where gay men ’cruise’ to find partners. Some men who ’cruise’ and ’cottage’ do not identify as gay or bisexual. There is usually a tension about cruising, not only because of fear of homophobic attacks, but also fear of police prosecution.

Areas of most concern in the public’s mind are public toilets, known as cottages, which are meeting places where gay men may have sex. It must be remembered that not all gay men ’cottage’.

The Manchester Lesbian and Gay Village

Manchester has a vibrant lesbian and gay community, probably the largest and certainly the most visible outside London.

It centres around Canal Street in central Manchester where lesbian and gay pubs and venues have existed since the 1950s. Since the early 1990’s numerous pubs, clubs and cafes have opened in the ’village’ which now attracts visitors from all over the United Kingdom and overseas.

The lesbian and gay ’scene’ is not confined to Manchester City Centre. Most areas within Greater Manchester have similar venues and meeting places.

Community Liaison

It should be recognised that lesbians, gay men and trans people may also be black and/or disabled and experience increased oppression as a result. Lesbians, gay men and trans people from minority ethnic groups may need encouragement that they will be treated fairly because of their cultural background and sexual/gender orientation (see Appendix ’A’ for appropriate advice/support agencies). In Greater Manchester, policing the lesbian, gay and trans communities should not be viewed as a city centre issue.

Divisional Community Affairs Inspectors in their capacity as divisional lesbian and gay liaison officers have contact with local community groups (see Appendix ’A’ for contact telephone numbers).   

Section 96 of the Police Act 1996 requires arrangements to be made for obtaining the views of the community about the policing they experience.

G.M.P. Policing Plans are prepared after consultation with community groups, including those from the lesbian and gay community.

The Crime And Disorder Act 1998, placed a duty on local authorities, the police and other agencies to work together to address local issues. There is a requirement for those agencies to implement three years strategies to reduce crime and disorder.

The Home Office recommended that Crime and Disorder Partnerships pay attention to ’hard to reach’ groups including the lesbian and gay community. In particular:

"Seeking the involvement of the lesbian and gay community must be an active process not a passive one. This community is not always visible, and may for historical reasons not find it easy to engage in a dialogue with some of the groups involved in the partnerships. It will not be enough just to write to the local pressure group inviting it to send a representative to a meeting and then thinking that your obligation to this sector of the community is discharged. You must develop creative and flexible ways to break down any barriers which may exist locally, and to encourage full and active engagement in the work by local gay and lesbian people".

Greater Manchester Police has a history of commitment to liaison with local lesbian and gay groups.

The Greater Manchester Lesbian and Gay Policing Initiative is a formal consultation mechanism led by the lesbian and gay community which works constructively with Greater Manchester Police, the police authority, local authorities, local businesses and community groups, to improve policing for lesbians and gay men. The group holds regular meetings, campaigns against ’hate crime’ and works with Greater Manchester Police to provide a sounding board for policing issues, advice and access to the lesbian and gay community and facilitation of lesbian and gay awareness training.

Regular police ’surgeries’ are held within the Manchester City Centre lesbian and gay village, offering a forum for confidential advice and information.

Greater Manchester Police have established links with a range of community groups and health promotion agencies. They can provide information and advice promoting health and personal safety issues e.g. safe cruising, H.I.V. and A.I.D.S. Outreach workers can attend locations where lesbians and gay men meet, to promote health and safety issues.

For more information contact the Community Affairs Branch (YC), Headquarters.

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OPERATIONAL POLICING ISSUES

Exercise of Legal Powers and Authorities

This section contains operational issues requiring decisions which unless adhering to the principles of legality, necessity and proportionality, could infringe an individuals human rights.

The following factors should therefore be considered when exercising all legal powers and authorities.

• There should be a clear legal basis for the exercise of the power or authority e.g. S1 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act for stop and search powers.
• Operational decisions should be:
  • based on a legitimate aim e.g. prevention of disorder or crime
    necessary in a democratic society proportionate to the problem faced; and
    documented.
• The quality and results of decisions should be evaluated and documented.

Homophobia and Transphobia

The term homophobia is commonly defined as:

An irrational fear and dislike for individuals who identify or appear to identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual.

The term transphobia is commonly defined as:

An irrational fear and dislike for individuals who are or appear to be transsexual or transgendered or to be cross-dressed.

This fear usually results in judgmental, discriminatory, and aggressive acts of hatred.

Homophobia and transphobia may lead to a form of hate crime which is defined as:

Hate Crime is any criminal offence committed against the person or property that is motivated by the offenders hate against people because of their sex, race, religion, disability or sexual orientation. A victim of hate crime does not have to be either a member of a minority or someone who is generally considered to be vulnerable.

Greater Manchester Police are developing a hate crime strategy which aims to:

• Encourage greater reporting of hate incidents.
• Improve the quality of investigations into hate incidents
• Provide victims with services appropriate to their needs
• Introduce a problem solving approach to hate incidents.

Additions to the Crime Recording System and Computerised Incident Handling System will facilitate the analysis, interrogation and dissemination of detailed information regarding homophobic and transphobic incidents.

The strategy will be incorporated into the roll-out programme for Operational Policing Units.
Further details will be published in Chief Constables Orders.

Lesbians, gay men and trans people do not seek preferential treatment from any other group having dealings with the police. Sexual orientation or gender identity should not be an issue when someone is involved with the police in whatever context. However, attacks and other incidents associated with homophobia or transphobia need to be regarded in a different light to other incidents reported to the police, as they involve a specific hatred against this section of the community.

Homophobic and Transphobic Incidents

Lack of trust in the police has resulted in serious underreporting of violence and abuse by members of lesbian and gay communities. The National Advisory Group Survey, (1999), states that only 18% of respondents had reported the homophobic incident they described to the police. Only 10% of homophobic incidents committed against respondents who were not ’out’, were reported. It is important, therefore, that we make clear to that community that homophobic and transphobic violence and abuse are totally unacceptable.

Homophobic and transphobic incidents include all types of crime. Victims need not be lesbian, gay or trans but perceived to be by the perpetrators.

A homophobic or transphobic incident is defined as:

Any incident which is perceived to be homophobic or transphobic by the victim or any other person (that is an incident motivated by animosity towards lesbians, gay men or trans people).

This includes:

• Verbal abuse, assaults accompanied by abuse, damage to property outside a gay pub (e.g. cars) or to the pub itself, burglary accompanied by graffiti.
• Homophobic or transphobic motivation or justification for attacks mentioned in statements or interviews. For example, "he/she made an approach to me", "these people deserve it", "he/she was only a queer", or "queers are easy to rob".
• Incidents where heterosexual people were mistaken as being gay and attacked.
• Domestic violence in a heterosexual setting, e.g. a partner beating their partner when discovering they were lesbian, gay or trans. (refer to ’Dealing with Domestic Violence, page 14).

It would not include:

• Incidents where both the victim and the perpetrator are lesbian or gay e.g. domestic violence involving a lesbian or gay couple.

Greater Manchester Police’s Response

Officers from G.M.P. will adopt a positive and professional approach when dealing with homophobic and transphobic incidents. The commitment, attitude and response of individual officers is crucial. Officers from G.M.P. will endeavour to:

• deal effectively with homophobic and transphobic incidents.
• increase awareness throughout the force to the problems and fears created by homophobia and transphobia.
• reduce the incidence of homophobic and transphobic incidents.
• reassure the lesbian, gay and trans communities of the Force’s commitment to achieving these aims.

Identifying and Recording Homophobic and Transphobic Incidents

Incidents should be recorded as homophobic or transphobic if any party involved states it is homophobic or transphobic in nature. Sometimes, though, it may be necessary to ask questions in order to elicit information which may lead to recording an incident as homophobic or transphobic. This should be done in a sensitive manner. Officers should bear in mind:

• To create an environment whereby a person will be willing to identify themselves as subject to homophobic or transphobic violence and abuse.
• The interview should take place in an appropriate part of a police station or other premises which is private.
• Officers should use a suitable style of communication and demonstrate an adequate level of understanding of lesbian, gay and trans issues.
• Officers should give a clear explanation of police procedure e.g. the reporting procedure, the purpose and consequences of providing a witness statement, support agencies etc.
• If an officer asks the outright question "are you gay?" or "are you transsexual?", it may be unlikely that an accurate reply will be given unless the officer has built up a considerable amount of trust. However, other approaches may work effectively. For example, "can you think of any reason why you were attacked?".
• Officers should not make assumptions about a persons sexuality or gender identity. The perception by an offender that their target is lesbian, gay or trans should not be the basis for classifying the victims sexuality or gender.
• It is essential to maintain confidentiality throughout. Victims and witnesses need assurance that this information will go nowhere else e.g. to employers, family or friends.

Homophobic and Transphobic Incident Reporting Procedure

Homophobic and transphobic incidents can be reported in three ways:

• To police officers, to be recorded via the Hate Crime Report Form, (730D).
• By victims self referral via the ’Action on Hate Crime Incident Self Report Form’.
• Third party reporting.

Reporting Officers Responsibilities

• Completing ’hate crime report’ form 730D.
• Complete the form indicating the incident motive as sexual orientation and:
  • give the top (green) copy to the victim or the person reporting on his or her behalf;
  • complete section 9 of the first white copy and hand it to your supervision no later than the end of your tour of duty ( do not retain the form until completion ).

Supervising officer

When you receive a hate crime report form you should:

• check and sign it; and
• send it immediately to your subdivisional commander.

Subdivisional commander

You should:

• check and sign the report;
• decide on the direction of the investigation and allocate it;
• stipulate times for progress; and
• send the form intact to the divisional community affairs inspector.

Divisional community affairs inspector

You should:

• send the pink copy of the report to the Community Relations Section [Y] within 7 days.
• keep the yellow copy in the divisional community affairs unit; and
• send the rest of the form (white initial report, blue prosecution file copy and white completion report) to the investigating officer allocated to the case.

Investigating officer

You should investigate the case sensitively, keeping the victim and any relevant agencies informed.

At the end of the case:

• fill in the completion report;
• tell the victim and relevant agencies the result; and
• give the remainder of the form (the white initial report and completion report) to your supervision.

Supervising officer

Check the report and send it to your subdivisional commander.

Subdivisional commander

Check the report and:

• endorse it as complete; and
• send it to your divisional community affairs inspector for information

Divisional community affairs inspector

Check the report and send the remaining copies to the Community Affairs Branch [YC].

Disclosure officer

The form 730D will be disclosable as unused material. You should normally enter it on the ’non-sensitive unused material schedule’ (form MG6C). If you believe the form contains sensitive information, enter it on the ’sensitive material schedule’ (form MG6D).

Self Referral Reporting by Victims

Self Reporting Form

The Action on Hate Crime Incident Self Reporting Form is an established initiative promoted by the Greater Manchester Police Authority, the Greater Manchester Lesbian and Gay Policing Initiative and Greater Manchester Police.

Forms are available in gay bars, clubs and public places such as libraries, police station enquiry counters, local hospitals, throughout Greater Manchester or via third party arrangements, (see below).

Victims can complete the forms without the need to identify themselves.

The form incorporates a freepost address, (Community Affairs Branch (YC), Headquarters).

Victims can request a requirement for further police involvement or supply details for information purposes only.

There are a number of leaflets and posters to support the initiative.

E-mail reporting

A web site providing information on lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans policing issues is being developed and will be integrated with G.M.Ps web site (Appendix ’A’). E-mail self reporting of homophobic hate incidents will be available. Information will be treated in confidence by the relevant lesbian and gay liaison officer (Appendix ’A’).

See Chief Constables Orders for further details.

Third Party Reporting

Victims can report homophobic and transphobic incidents in confidence by telephone or in person to numerous agencies and organisations including the following:

Manchester Lesbian and Gay switchboard
Healthy Gay Manchester
Both of the above have amalgamated to form The Lesbian and Gay Foundation.
Peer Support Project’s ’Youthline’
(Details of the above organisations at Appendix ’A’).

A hate crime report form 730D will be completed and forwarded to the relevant division on behalf of the victim.

Legislation

There are legislative measures which can be used to protect lesbian, gay and trans communities.

• For example the Public Order Act 1986:
  • Section 4 deals with fear or threat of violence.
  • Section 4(A) deals with intentional harassment.
  • Section 5 covers disorderly behaviour.
    
• The Protection from Harassment Act 1997 is designed to tackle a wide variety of forms of harassment. In particular:
  • Section 4. Putting people in fear of violence which applies if a person pursues a course of conduct which they know or ought to have known causes another to fear that violence will be used against them.
  • Section 2. A lower level offence where a person pursues a course of conduct which they know or ought to have known causes another harassment.
  • Section 5. Restraining Orders available from the criminal courts which prohibit further harassment or conduct which causes fear of violence. A breach of this order is a criminal offence.

When considering the need to enforce the law, ensure your decisions are based on the guidance given in the ’Exercise of Legal Powers and Authorities’ section (page 4).

Rape and Serious Sexual Assault

The National Advisory Group Survey (1999), shows the highest dissatisfaction levels of police service amongst lesbians, gay, bisexual and trans people surveyed, relates to the reporting of rape and sexual assault.

Confidentiality and sensitive handling of persons reporting such incidents is essential.

The Greater Manchester Police procedure for dealing with reports of rape and serious sexual assault applies to people of all sexual orientation.

From the moment a sexual assault is reported it is important that the victim is treated with tact, sympathy and understanding. Initial questioning will need to find out what has happened. However, it should be restricted to getting details of:

• the offender, if known;
• the offence; and
• the place of the offence.

It is important that a medical examination takes place as soon as possible, before any detailed questioning. Try to prevent the victim from having a drink or using the toilet until the medical examination has taken place.

Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre

The Sexual Assault Referral Centre is at Saint Mary’s Hospital, Hathersage, Manchester. It is not exclusively for rape and serious sexual assault by heterosexual males on females. It is for adults and young people of both sexes including same sex incidents of sexual assault.

The aims of the centre are to:

• provide medical care and advice, including screening for sexually transmitted disease and HIV counselling;
• counsel the victim and family;
• encourage the victim to report the assault;
• get forensic evidence; and
• keep confidentiality with the victim.

Action

When an offence of rape or other serious sexual assault is reported, you should:

• preserve the scene and anything that could be used as evidence;
• avoid all cross-contamination;
• tell the most senior detective available;
• offer the counselling services of the Saint Mary’s Centre even if the victim doesn’t wish to complain;
• ask the Force Duty Officer, area operations rooms [S], to contact the centre and tell them when the victim will arrive;
• give details of the incident and say whether the victim needs a male or female doctor;
• take the victim to the centre in police transport, with an officer of the same sex;
• tell the staff at the centre the circumstances to help them to counsel and examine the victim;
• arrange for an officer of the same sex as the victim, preferably a detective or a specially trained officer to get a statement from the victim after the examination;
• allow the counsellor to be present at the interview unless the victim objects.

Direct referral to Saint Mary’s by the victim

If a victim reports direct to the centre, the staff will encourage him or her to report the assault to the police. No pressure will be put on the victim. It will be stressed that information will be dealt with in the strictest of confidence. If the victim agrees, the centre will contact the Area Operations Room, Chester House.

If the victim doesn’t wish to complain but agrees to the police being told, the centre will tell the Area Operations Room, Chester House of the incident without identifying the victim. The divisional Operational Policing Unit will record this information.

Medical kit

There are special medical kits at police stations for medical officers to use after someone has been sexually attacked. The Forensic Science Service (FSS) supply the kits ready made up and sealed. They have to remain sealed until they are used.

You should not open a kit just to use a single item, for example, a syringe, a medical wipe or a samples tube. A doctor cannot use a kit that has been partly used because the remaining items are no longer sterile. The FSS will not replace missing items from a kit for the same reason.

Sexual Activities by Males in Public Places

If the police are perceived to take lesbian, gay and trans issues seriously only as far as prosecuting men for gross indecency and buggery, it will be much more difficult to persuade lesbians, gay men and trans people to report offences committed against them. It is often the high profile media reporting of police encounters with gay men that causes distrust amongst the lesbian gay and trans communities.

It is imperative that our response to complaints from the public about the activities of gay men is founded on the reasonable concerns and interests of local people and not motivated by homophobia.

Persistent and blatant unlawful activity will not be tolerated, however the response must not be out of proportion with the levels of response we give to inappropriate sexual behaviour by heterosexuals in similar circumstances.

Police Action

Identifying the problem

When receiving complaints of sexual activity by gay men in a public place there should be an investigation to determine the extent of the alleged problem so that genuine complaints can be dealt with in an appropriate and sensitive manner.

Complainants should be visited to ensure authenticity and receive advice regarding police action.

Identification of the problem should highlight the involvement of any obviously vulnerable people, e.g young persons.

Senior officers should consider appropriate action based on the circumstances.

Multi-agency consideration of the causes of the problem may include:

Local Authorities placing warning notices at the location
Attendants provided for public conveniences
Lighting and other structural alterations
New ’superloos’ to replace old style toilets

Lesbian and gay community groups can be approached for co-operation and advice. For example, members of the Greater Manchester Lesbian and Gay Policing Initiative and Healthy Gay Manchester, (The Lesbian and Gay Foundation), have used their contacts and experience to alleviate previous incidents.

A multi-agency approach should always be the initial method of alleviating and resolving problems.

Community Relations Headquarters staff can utilise their contacts in the lesbian and gay community to facilitate mediation.

Uniform Patrolling

Once the problem has been identified and multi-agency resolutions have failed to alleviate the problem, ’low key’, discreet policing by officers in uniform should be the next option. This can prove effective in warning individuals about their conduct, especially if combined with warning notices in toilets. If this method fails to resolve the problem the uniform presence may be progressively stepped up where appropriate.

The Community Affairs Branch should always be consulted where the first uniform policing response to a complaint has not resolved the problem.

Pre-planned Operations

If uniform patrolling fails to remedy the problem, then a pre-planned operation may be necessary, i.e. a plan of action using positive policing methods to resolve the problem with a view to collating evidence to prosecute offenders.

This must be viewed as a last resort, only when problem solving and uniform patrolling approaches have failed, including the involvement of representatives of local lesbian and gay groups.

Any such action should be authorised by an officer of A.C.P.O. rank in order to maintain consistency across the force (A.C.P.O. Guidelines, 1998).

Divisional Commanders should be able to demonstrate in their report that all the preliminary steps have been taken and all avenues to resolve the problem have been taken. Proposals for pre-planned operations should be included in the report.

Details will also be submitted to the Community Affairs Branch, Headquarters.

Guidelines for Covert Observations

The following guidelines, (developed from A.C.P.O. Guidelines, 1998), do not compromise existing force policy regarding authorities for covert operations.

The following points should be observed at all times when an officer is conducting observations on public toilets in respect of indecency offences alleged to be committed by males:

All complaints of sexual misconduct by males in public toilets and other public places should be properly documented and where necessary witness statements taken.

Officers should always work in pairs, one of whom should have had operational experiences of covert observations of this nature. At no time will an officer engage in such observations unaccompanied. All officers involved will remain within sight of each other.

An officer must not by any action or words, incite or encourage anyone upon a course of action which will later render that person liable to prosecution for importuning or soliciting the officer for immoral purposes.

Officers may place themselves in such a position that should a suspect so desire, he can solicit, but must not do anything to invite solicitation

If an officer is solicited by way of the suspect smiling, nodding his head etc. the officer must remain passive and not respond in any way which would encourage the suspect to continue in his actions.

Officers must not speak to suspects unless spoken to. Replies to anything said must not invite or encourage any sexual advance. Anything said will be included in evidence.

In order to substantiate a charge of soliciting or importuning, evidence of persistence should be obtained. This may be shown by the duration of his visit or a combination of actions on the part of the suspect.

Officers should try to obtain independent corroborative evidence from people importuned. If they decline to give their names and addresses the facts should be noted.

Officers should not dress or behave in any way which might be implied to be an inducement to solicitation or place themselves in situations where accusations could be made that they have acted as agents provocateurs.

Where any offence disclosed related to an attempted solicitation of a police officer, clear evidence of attempts at soliciting other persons is desirable.

At the commencement of the officer’s statement the officer should mention the fact that the observations were as a result of public complaint.

Saunas

Greater Manchester Police do not routinely patrol cruising areas, cottaging areas and other places frequented by gay men, for the purpose of prosecuting people for their sexual behaviour. This applies to saunas and their vicinity.

There are a number of sauna baths in Greater Manchester exclusively for gay men and men who have sex with men. They are often used as a meeting place for sex. Levels of complaints from the public and police response may be similar to incidents of sexual activities by males in public places.

Where complaints are made about activities in saunas, each should be dealt with on its own merit.

The policy and principles mentioned previously regarding ’sexual activities by males in public places’ should be adhered to. Problem solving methods involving agencies and representatives from the lesbian and gay community should always be the initial consideration.

Healthy Gay Manchester, endorsed by local Health Authorities, actively promotes safe sex by providing condoms and lubricants to male saunas. The presence of unused condoms in saunas should be disregarded when gathering evidence to prosecute individuals or proprietors.

Arrest and Reporting of Offenders

Where it is necessary to arrest or report an individual for sexual offences, it is important to treat that person sensitively, since their lifestyle may include a degree of secrecy.

Individuals should be given details of counselling/advice agencies and organisations (Appendix ’A’).

Address Verification

Prior to the release of an offender it may be necessary to verify their address. Extreme sensitivity, in particular if a home address is required to be visited, will need to be applied.

Cautioning

Serious consideration should be given to the use of cautions/reprimands for first time offenders.

During the caution and for the personal safety of the individual, advice should include the danger of homophobic attacks in these areas.

Individuals should be given details of counselling/advice agencies and organisations (Appendix ’A’).

Dealing with Domestic Violence Involving Lesbians Gay Men and Trans People

Domestic violence does not only occur in the heterosexual community. It can also happen in lesbian or gay couples, or in heterosexual couples where sexual orientation or transexuality is an issue, for example where one partner is involved in a lesbian or gay relationship or where one partner is considering gender reassignment. You should deal with such incidents in accordance with our domestic violence policy which allows for a variety of remedial actions based on the circumstances of each case. Special consideration must be given to some of the unique issues which may arise.

Officer in the case

You may find that some people are reluctant to assist you with enquiries as they fear that their sexual orientation or transexuality will be held against them. For example, a lesbian or trans person in a heterosexual relationship may not wish to pursue a complaint against an offending partner because of fears over the custody of children. When you are dealing with partners who are not open about their sexuality, you should reassure them that you are simply seeking to resolve the disturbance and that you will not investigate their lifestyle more than is necessary for that purpose.

As with heterosexual domestic violence you should be careful not to make assumptions about responsibility for violence on the basis of physical size, involvement in certain sexual practices, or apparent masculinity or femininity.

If you suggest referral to a women’s refuge you should, with the consent of the person involved, check that they provide a service for lesbians or trans people.

For further information contact the Family Support Unit (V).

Complaints Procedure

Individuals in contact with the police have the right to raise issues about their treatment, including making a formal complaint. The following public information provided by the Police Complaints Authority answers common questions.

Should I make a complaint?

If you think that a police officer has behaved incorrectly or unfairly, then you have the right to make a complaint.

First, decided what you think the police officer or officers did wrong. For example, were they rude to you? Did they use excessive force? Were you unlawfully arrested? Were your rights abused? In these or other circumstances, you are entitled to complain. Unless there are exceptional circumstances you should make your complaints 12 months of the alleged incident.

How do I make a complaint?

• go into any police station where you will be seen by the senior officer on duty, probably an inspector or sergeant; or
• visit your local Citizens Advice Bureau who can advise whether you have grounds for your complaint; or
• you can contact your solicitor or your Member of Parliament; or
• get someone else to put forward your complaint, e.g. Citizens Advice Bureau, Law Centre, friend or neighbour, as long as they have a letter from you authorising them to do so; or
• write a full account to the Chief Constable, Greater Manchester Police HQ, Chester House, Boyer Street, Manchester, M16 ORE.
• write directly to the Police Complaints Authority, 10 Great George Street, London, SW1P 3AE, who will forward your complaint to the correct police force.

What will happen to my complaint?

The police force whose officers have been complained about must decided whether to record a complaint.

Less serious complaints

If you would be satisfied with an explanation or an apology where appropriate the police may be able to resolve your complaint informally.

Serious complaints

If an informal approach is not acceptable to you, or if the complaint raises certain more serious allegations, it must be fully investigate by a senior police officer. Police forces must notify the most serious complaints to the Police Complaints Authority as soon as they are recorded. The Authority must, by law, supervise certain investigations and in others they may choose to do so.

Supervised cases

The Authority approves the appointment of the Investigating Officer, decides how the inquiry should be carried out, reads all the statements and sees all the evidence. The final report comes to the Authority which states whether it was satisfied or not with the way the investigation was carried out.

Unsupervised cases

Where the PCA does not supervise, the police force will appoint an officer to investigate the complaint.

What will happen after the investigation?

The Crown Prosecution Service must decide whether any criminal charges will be brought against police officers.

The Police Complaints Authority then decides whether or not any police officers should face misconduct proceedings. Action can only be taken if it can be proved that an officer has breached the Code of Conduct.

If there is a misconduct hearing you will be told by the police. You may be asked to attend; indeed you are likely to be an important witness.

It may be that no action is to be taken or the officer is to receive a formal warning or ’advice’.

What if there is no action?

If no action can be taken you will receive a personal letter from a Member of the Authority explaining the outcome of your complaint.

Can I take civil action?

Making a complaint does not affect your right to take the police to court and sue for damages. For advice on such civil actions you should contact a solicitor.

What if I don’t co-operate later?

You should remember that a failure to co-operate, such as by refusing or give a statement, may mean your complaint will not be fully investigated.

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GENERAL ISSUES AND INFORMATION

Young Peoples Issues

Criminalisation

Reporting a homophobic or transphobic incident also requires the victim ’to come out’. Research indicates the group least likely to report incidents are young men under 18 years. Coming out for young gay men and lesbians means dealing with their families, their schools and their peers. The age of consent laws also means that young gay men who have sex before they are 18 are themselves committing a criminal offence.

When investigating homophobic or transphobic incidents involving juveniles there may be a requirement to inform parents or family members. It should be explained to the victim that whilst this is the case their sexuality or gender presentation need not be disclosed. Each incident should be dealt with on its own merit. Details of actions taken should be recorded e.g via a pocket note book entry.

Care and sensitivity are paramount in such cases.

Officers can offer information about local youth support groups and services e.g. Peer Support Project, Lesbian and Gay Youth Manchester (details in Appendix ’A’).

Contact the divisional Family Support Unit for advice.

Homophobic and Transphobic Bullying

Many lesbians and gay men and trans people report encounters of misunderstanding and prejudice during their youth. Homophobic and transphobic bullying is a significant factor in forming such perceptions.

Bullying includes both physical and psychological intimidation. Homophobic or transphobic bullying takes place where such general bullying behaviours are accompanied by or consists of the use of terms such as ’gay’, ’lesbian’, ’queers’ or ’lezzie’ by the perpetrators or when a trans person is deliberately referred to as belonging to the opposite sex.

Homophobic and transphobic incidents can occur in schools. When dealing with incidents, officers should consider the sensitive issue of the families lack of knowledge of the young persons sexuality or gender identity.

Advice on school policy and contact with staff is available from divisional schools liaison officers.

Schools Liaison Officers

The Greater Manchester Police schools liaison programme reflects the needs of young people growing up in a changing, diverse society. The force recognises the value of early intervention and its structured schools programme is delivered by dedicated trained police officers.

The implication of bullying and discrimination in general are discussed in the ’Citizenship/Anti-Social Behaviour’ package. Homophobic and transphobic bullying forms part of this package and can be used in schools or areas where problems are identified with the permission of schools involved.

Youth Offending Team Officers

Alliances embracing the statutory and voluntary sector groups in relation to youth offending and hate crime are extremely important. The Y.O.T. officer as a member of the Y.O.T. team, comprising of representatives from Social Services, Education, Health, and the Probation Service will play an integral role in screening young offenders to identify underlying homophobic, transphobic or other group hate motivation and devising interventions to challenge it.

Youth Development Officers

Divisional Youth Development Officers play a vital role in developing and delivering G.M.P’s work with young people. The ’youth matters programme’, consisting of five annual events, has the following aims:

• To divert potential and young offenders up to the age of 25 years from crime.
• To promote a positive image of young people in the community.
• To increase young peoples awareness of their rights and responsibilities in the community.
• To make a difference to local communities through positive action.
• Y.D.O’s will endeavour to promote the programme amongst the lesbian, gay and trans communities throughout Greater Manchester.

Training

Training on sexual orientation and gender variance is central to the achievement of equality of opportunity. It assists officers to understand their own prejudices and provide knowledge and understanding of issues essential to deliver a quality service to the public and other colleagues.

Greater Manchester Police has several forums for sexual orientation training :

Diversity Training: A two day course facilitated by The Diversity Training Unit deals with equal opportunities and community relations issues, placing lesbian and gay issues in the wider context of general discrimination. The programme involves all G.M.P. police and support staff.

Diversity training inputs are to be included within a variety of police and support staff courses.

Lesbian and Gay Awareness Days: Facilitated by The Diversity Training Unit and the Lesbian and Gay Policing Initiative The initial training phase involved 100 front line officers. The second phase targets specific police roles.

Probationary Training: A half day input incorporated into stage 6B. All probationers receive lesbian and gay awareness training facilitated by a police trainer and members of the Lesbian and Gay Policing Initiative.

Equal Opportunities

G.M.P. lesbian and gay men equality statement

We recognise that same - sex relationships can be a common characteristic in all cultures and that lesbians and gay men experience disadvantage and discrimination.

We endeavour to ensure that our lesbian and gay staff are treated equally and that our employment procedures and practices for delivering our service are not based on the assumption that all users of it are heterosexual.

Where possible, we make sure our conditions of service offer the same benefits to people in same - sex relationships that are available to all other staff.  This includes allowing special leave and parental leave.

We respect the right of individuals to choose whether or not they are open about being gay or lesbian.  We support the right of any staff member to do this without fear of bullying, discrimination or harassment and for him or her to be confident that he or she will get fair and equal treatment.

Harassment of people on the grounds of their sexual orientation is unlawful and we do not tolerate it.  We investigate fully any reported incidents in line with our procedures, the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 and relevant equal opportunities legislation, and take disciplinary action where necessary.

Lesbian and Gay Focus Group

G.M.P. have recently established a focus group for lesbian and gay police officers and support staff as part of the forces Equality Issues Group which is chaired by the Assistant Chief Constable, personnel and training. The objectives of the group are as follows:

• to address broad issues facing people from this minority group.
• to give individuals the confidence to articulate issues which they face without compromising their confidentiality.
• to provide an opportunity to discuss positive mechanisms and ways forwards to address problems within the workplace.
• to provide guidance on how best the organisation can demonstrate its commitment to equality and fairness.
• to ultimately promote GMP as a good employer to members of all minority and majority groups.

The group will adhere to the following principles:

• the group will observe the rules of confidentiality at all times
• the group will provide an opportunity to discuss issues without being forced into taking action
• the rank or grade of participants is irrelevant to their value within the group
• the group will ensure that all voices from within it are heard
• the group will encourage the participation of all members

The focus group does not detract from the work of the Police Federation, Unison, Equal Opportunities Advisors, mentors or line managers, who all give support to individuals in GMP.

The focus group has a confidential voicemail, telephone number (85) 62430

For more information contact the Equal Opportunities Unit, (U).

Lesbian and Gay Police Association

The Lesbian and Gay Police Association has three main aims:

• to work towards equal opportunities for lesbian and gay police service employees
• to offer advice and support to lesbian and gay police service employees
• to work towards better relations between the police service and the gay community.

Membership is open to any serving police officer, special constable, or civilian support staff of any rank or grade employed by any recognised UK police service.

The Association takes very strict precautions to prevent members being ’outed’ and as well as providing social functions and newsletters it supports and encourages members who are being subjected to harassment at work

Special Issues involving Trans People

(Transsexual, Transgender and Transvestite People and other people who cross-dress)

Transsexualism and transvestitism are complex subjects. All transsexual and transvestite people are individuals, each with differing backgrounds, circumstances and needs.

Cross Dressers

Cross dressers may be any age, race or social group. People cross dress for different reasons. Some ’drag queens’ and ’drag kings’ dress theatrically and do not attempt to ’pass’ for the opposite sex. Others may cross dress for relaxation, to express an alternative aspect of their personality, or for sexual gratification.

Transvestite Person (terminology)

• A person who feels a strong compulsion to dress in the clothes of the opposite sex.
• They may be lesbian, gay, bi-sexual or straight male or female, but are mostly heterosexual.

Transsexual Person (terminology)

• A person who seeks medical and/or surgical alterations to their body with a view to living as a member of the sex opposite to that recorded at birth.

Many trans people feel an overwhelming need to live and function in the gender role ’opposite’ to their biological gender, and these are commonly referred to as ’transsexual’. Many undergo a range of medical and surgical treatment, which can be a long process, thus there is a wide variation in the stage of change from one apparent sex to the other. At one extreme a person may present clearly as a man but is physically completely female and vice versa. Both could self define as transsexual.

There is also a small minority of people who identify as neither men nor women, who may be physically and/or psychologically intersex.

The word transsexual can be confusing since the issue relates to gender not sex. The term ’trans’ is often used to describe people who in expressing their sense of identity, come into conflict with contemporary gender behaviour.

Transsexual people often change their name by Statutory Declaration. They can obtain a passport and driving licence in their new identity, but cannot change their birth certificate.

A transsexual persons former identity or sexuality should not be an issue unless in doubt for criminal investigation purposes. Similarly, a record of a persons transsexual status, if discovered, should not be kept or passed to a third party without consent.

Dealing with Trans people

Officer dealing with a trans person

An officer may well be unaware that the person is a trans person unless he or she discloses this fact or some discrepancy in identity documents comes to light. Whilst some people may present an ambivalent appearance, many transsexual people are indistinguishable in every respect from non-trans people. In the case of someone presenting as of ambivalent sex, no assumptions should be made as to which sex the person is. In general (see exceptions below) a person should be treated as a member of the sex he or she presents as, and in most cases this can readily be established by asking for the person’s name.

Person states that he or she is a transvestite

If the person states that he or she is a transvestite, you should treat him or her as being of the gender shown on his or her identity documents. You should do this sensitively to avoid offending him or her.

Person states that he or she is a transsexual

If the person states that he or she is a transsexual, you should:

• establish his or her preferred gender and whether this corresponds with his or her current identity records; this should be done sensitively preferably avoiding the direct question "are you a man or woman";
• if his or her preferred gender does not correspond with the current identity documents, to account for the wishes of the individual, ask him or her to sign the custody record or other document, for example your pocket notebook for a search in the street, indicating his or her preference.

Person of ambiguous sex refuses to say if he or she is transsexual or transvestite

If the person is unwilling to tell you whether or not he or she is transsexual or transvestite you should decide which gender to treat him or her as from his or her predominant lifestyle. For example, treat him or her as a woman if that is how he or she appears to mainly live. If you are still in doubt, you should deal with the person according to his or her current documented identity.

Telling other officers

Once a choice has been made about what gender a trans person or a person of doubtful gender is to be treated as, you should make sure that any other officer having further contact with the person knows the gender he or she is to be dealt with as. This is to maintain the dignity of the person and the officer.

Custody Officer

You must keep a transsexual person, a transvestite person or a person of doubtful gender in a cell or detention room on his or her own.

Search

There are special sensitivities around searching transsexual people. Even the removal of outer clothing could prove extremely embarrassing to some transsexual people, for example, a trans man may still have breasts which become apparent when a jacket is removed. Additional privacy should be afforded if at all possible, and officers should be aware that a transsexual person may have an understandable reason for being reluctant to co-operate with a search.

The following only applies to a transsexual person. You should record any search and whether the person being searched gave a preferred gender to the searching officer.

Searching should be in accordance with P.A.C.E. A technical breach of P.A.C.E. could occur in that an officer of the opposite sex could be present if the person searched is being dealt with as their preferred sex and not as the sex shown on their birth certificate. If such an action is shown to have taken into account the sensitivity of the subject to reduce the embarrassment of those present, it is believed that such a breach can be justified.

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CONCLUSION

Mr Wilmot, Chief Constable, Greater Manchester Police, stated in his forward to the G.M.P. Community and Race Relations Strategy:

It is vital that the relationship between Greater Manchester Police and the community is healthy, constructive and built upon mutual trust. Unless the public have trust and confidence in us, victims will not report crimes, witnesses will not come forward and provide evidence and communities will not work in partnership with us to solve problems. We simply could not operate without the active support of the community.

Adherence to policy and advice in this document will contribute towards achieving these aims amongst the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities.

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REFERENCES

A.C.P.O. (1998) ’Sexual Orientation: A Reference Document for the Police Service’, London, HMSO.

Douglas, Nicola et al, (1997), ’Playing it Safe: Responses of Secondary School Teachers to Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Pupils, HIV and AIDS Education and Section 28’ University of London Institute of Education.

Greater Manchester Lesbian and Gay Policing Initiative, (1999), ’Lesbians Experiences of Violence and Harassment’, Manchester.

Health Education Authority, (1996), ’ Health update : Sexual Health’, London, HEA.

Rivers, Ian, (1998), ’Researching Bullying and Education Systems: It’s Not Just About Bullying, It’s About Survival’, paper presented at 42nd Street Conference, ’Inside Out’ Manchester, 27th March.

The National Advisory Group, (1999), ’Breaking The Chain of Hate: A National Survey Examining Levels of Homophobic Crime and Community Confidence Towards the Police Service’, Manchester.

Trenchard, Lorraine and Warren, Hugh, (1984). ’Something To Tell You: The Experiences and Needs of Young Lesbians and Young Gay Men in London’, London Gay Teenage Group

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APPENDIX A

ADVICE / SUPPORT AGENCIES AND ORGANISATIONS

Detailed below are the main help line, advisory organisations and drop-in centres in the region.

There are a variety of other services available. They can be contacted via the Manchester Lesbian and Gay switchboard or Healthy Gay Manchester (The Lesbian and Gay Foundation)

Greater Manchester Lesbian & Gay Policing Initiative
PO Box
100 Manchester
M22 4GZ

National Advisory Group/Policing Lesbian and Gay Communities (NAGS)
PO Box 100 Manchester
M22 4GZ
Email: www.nags.org.uk

Manchester Lesbian & Gay Helpline (The Lesbian and Gay Foundation)
PO Box 153
Manchester M60 1LP
0161 274 3999.
Provides support and advice. Open 4pm-7pm, 7 days a week.

TV/TS Helpline (The Lesbian and Gay Foundation)
0161 274 3705.
Provides help and advice to transvestite and transsexual persons.

Lesbian & Gay Centre
Sydney Street
Manchester
0161 274 3990
The centre is a meeting place for a variety of community groups and home to the switchboard.

Healthy Gay Manchester (The Lesbian and Gay Foundation)
Ducie House
37 Ducie Street
Manchester M1 2JW
0161 236 7600

Albert Kennedy Trust
23 New Mount Street
Manchester
0161 953 4059
A charity providing supported lodgings for homeless young lesbians and gay men

Peer Support Project
PO Box 153
Manchester M60 1LP
0161 274 4664
Advice and counselling for young lesbians and gay men.

’Youthline’ - support and information
Tuesday 6.30pm - 9.00pm Saturday, 12.30pm.
Tel: 0161 273 7190.
Peer Support by Post - information and support at the above address and email: penpals@peer-support.demon.co.uk

City Boyz 52
Oldham Street
Manchester M4 1LE
0161 228 7654
City centre project for young gay men and bisexuals.

Lesbian & Gay Youth Manchester
PO Box
153 Manchester M60 1LP
Meets Tuesday 7.30pm to 10.00pm. Saturday, 3.00pm to 7.00pm 49-51 Sydney Street, All Saints, Manchester.

The Home Project for Gay and Bisexual Men in Bolton
PO Box 145
Bolton BLI IFS
01204 370008 (24 hour answer phone)

Bury Pride Group
0161 798 6754
Social activities for lesbians and gay men in the Bury area.

Queer Up North
48 Princess Street
Manchester M1 6HR
0161 228 1998
Organisers of lesbian and gay International Arts Festival.

George House Trust
75 Ardwick Green North
Manchester M12 6FX
0161 839 4340
HIV support/advice.    

Black HIV and Aids Forum
Zion Community Centre
Royce Street Hulme
Manchester M15 5FQ
0161 226 9145

Body Positive North West
Fourways House (3rd Floor)
18 Tariff Street
Manchester M1 2EP
0161 873 8100

42nd Street Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Group
4th Floor Swan Buildings
20 Swan Street
Manchester M14 5JW
Drop-in centre and advice for young people.

Fflags - Manchester Parents
Group PO Box
153 Manchester M60 1LP
0161 748 3452
Support group for parents of lesbians and gay men.

Lesbian and Gay Police Association
London WC1N 3XX
07020 911 922
email: info@lagpa.dircon.co.uk   

The St Mary’s Centre Sexual Assault Referral Centre
St Mary’s Hospital Hathersage Road
Manchester
0161 276 6515

City of Manchester Victim Support
Terry Dowling Centre
260 Brownley Road
Manchester M22 5HB
0161 490 8330
Offers practical advice and emotional support to all victims of crime. Surgeries are held in the lesbian and gay village between 6pm and 8pm every Monday. Their services are confidential.

Beaumont Trust Trustline
7pm-11pm Tuesday and Thursday 017173017453 Can refer for counselling etc for gender issues.

Stockport Young Gay and Bisexual Mens/Womens Group
0161 477 4096
Advice and meeting place for young people

Wigan Young Persons Lesbian Gay Bisexual Group
01942 203363
Advice and meeting place for young people    

Greater Manchester Police Lesbian and Gay Liaison Officers

Details of all Lesbian and Gay Liaison Officers are available on the Greater Manchester Police Web Site, www.gmp.police.uk

Copies of this document are available from the Force-wide Liaison Officer.

Force-wide Liaison Officer
(Community Relations Inspector)

Community Affairs Branch
Force Headquarters
Chester House
Boyer Street
Manchester M16 ORE
0161 856 2212

Divisional Liaison Officers
(Community Affairs Inspectors)

North Manchester Division
0161 856 3678

South Manchester Division
0161 856 4153

’F’ (Salford) Division
0161 856 5451

’G’ (Tameside) Division
0161 856 9250

’J’ (Stockport) Division
0161 856 9651

’K’ (Bolton) Division
0161 856 5765

’L’ (Wigan) Division
0161 856 7050

’M’ (Trafford) Division
0161 856 7751

’N’ (Bury) Division
0161 856 8051

’P’ (Rochdale) Division
0161 856 8450

’Q’ (Oldham) Division
0161 856 9067

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APPENDIX B

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Bisexual

someone who is attracted to both sexes, emotionally and or physically.

Closet

not being openly gay or lesbian.

Cottage

a public toilet where sex takes place; ’to cottage’ means to have sex in a public toilet.

Coming out

to tell other people that one is gay or lesbian.

Cross dresser

a person who wears the clothes of the opposite sex temporarily.

Cruise

look for a partner/sex.

Gay

a gay man is someone who is primarily attracted, emotionally and/or physically to other men.

G.S.L.

gay sign language, similar in style to British Sign Language, but with extra signs used by deaf lesbians and gay men.

Hate crime

generic term for crime motivated by prejudice towards a particular group of people.

Heterosexism

the assumption of presumption of heterosexuality.

Heterosexist

not to be confused with heterosexual. A belief that any sexual orientation other than heterosexual is inferior and may also be morally wrong, unnatural and socially disruptive.

Heterosexual

some one who is attracted to persons of the opposite sex, emotionally and physically.

Homosexual

a word coined by a nineteenth century sexologist to describe people who were attracted to the same sex. Its use is in decline because it tends to concentrate on the sexual side of relationships.

Homophobia

an irrational hatred or fear of individuals who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual

Khush

Hindi or Urdu word for gay used in India and increasingly in Britain by South Asian lesbians and gay men.

Lesbian

a woman who is principally attracted to other women, emotionally and/or physically.

MESMAC

acronym for ’men who have sex with men: action in the community’ a group working to promote sexual health for men who have sex with men and who may not identify as gay or bisexual.

Paedophile

males who are attracted to prepubescent boys and girls; wrongly equated with gay men despite Home Office statistics showing most abusers to be heterosexual.

Pederast

males over eighteen who are attracted to post-pubescent boys up to the age of sixteen. Not gay as such and unlikely to form gay relationships with men of their own age.

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