TPS unveils commitment to LGBTQ2S community through mural

TPS unveils commitment to LGBTQ2S community through mural

Friday, June 24, 2016 - 7:55 PM
Divisional Policing Support Unit: 416-808-7100

On June 24, 2016, as part of Pride 2016 celebrations, the Toronto Police Service unveiled a mural at 425 Church Street, which represents the Service’s past, present and future relationship with the city’s LGBTQ2S communities.

Created in partnership between the Service’s Divisional Policing Support Unit and the City of Toronto’s StreetARToronto Program, the mural includes components that recognize the history between the community and the Toronto Police Service as well as highlights the Service’s present and future commitment to the LGBTQ2S community.

The mural, which took almost a year to complete, follows the historic apology by Chief Mark Saunders to the community for the 1981 bath house raids. 

“This mural is a spot of permanent reflection for the TPS and for the community,” said Chief Saunders. “We will only be successful in our relationships of today if we acknowledge and learn from our past”.

The project would not have been possible if not for the involvement of the City’s StreetARToronto Program and the skills and talent of graffiti artist, SPUD1. 

"With Toronto being such a diverse and multicultural community, we are looking forward to this celebration and to be part of the progressive movement towards equality, fairness, recognition and dignity in promoting and cultivating who we are as an inclusive and welcoming society," said Councillor Cesar Palacio, chair of the City's Licensing and Standards Committee.

StreetARToronto is an innovative partnership program developed by the City of Toronto's Transportation Services Division. Since the program's inception in 2012, StART has become a leader in developing partnerships that result in award-winning street-art installations.

As part of this award-winning initiative, the StreetARToronto Toronto Police Partnership program was created to assist City staff and the police reduce graffiti vandalism, beautify Toronto streetscapes and celebrate communities, support street artists and help property owners who are victims of tagging.

The Toronto Police Service would like to thank the many organizations and individuals who took the time to consult with the Service on this project. It would not have been possible without their involvement.

For information about the mural’s components, please visit the website or call Constable Retsinas at 416-808-0126.

Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications, for Constable Patty Retsinas, Divisional Policing Support Command