The Gay Police Association has invited all Chief Constables and Commissioners of UK Police Forces to join the contingent of uniformed police officers and staff at the London Pride Parade.

The pride parade takes place on the 2 July and the GPA's participation will mark the end of ‘Celebrate’ the European gay police conference being hosted by the GPA on the 30 June and 1 July.

Officers from across Europe, who are attending the conference, will join the GPA contingent wearing the uniform of their country's police service.
 
"It is two years since the Association first marched in Pride in uniform. In that time we have shown that the participation of uniformed police officers and police staff in Pride has delivered real benefits for the police service as a whole” said
Paul M Cahill MBE, Chairman of the GPA.

“Police forces recruiting at pride events have reported a substantial increase in the numbers of gay people interested in a career with the Service. Forces have also benefited from the increased community confidence that has resulted from our very high-profile presence on the parades.
 
“We now feel that it is time to develop this initiative and have this week written to every Chief Constable in the UK, inviting them to join us on the parade.

“This year's event will see a large increase in the numbers joining the GPA as London Pride is the day after the ‘Celebrate’ conference. We are also expecting many European gay officers will join us in celebrating our 15th Anniversary by marching alongside us in their uniforms.

“We feel the presence of senior officers would send an unambiguous message that the service celebrates the valuable contribution that gay officers and staff continue to make to policing in the UK.”
 
The GPA first participated in a gay pride event in uniform at London Pride in 2003. Since then, the Association has had a uniformed presence at five pride events over the last two years; London Pride in 2003 & 2004, Manchester Pride in 2003 & 2004 and Brighton Pride in 2004.

‘Celebrate’ will bring together lesbian and gay police officers from across Europe, key decision makers in the police service and representatives of LGBT community organisations to discuss issues impacting on gay police officers and staff and the LGBT communities they serve.