Gay cop gets historic promotion
Orlando Police Officer Jim Young is the first openly-gay officer to be promoted in the Department’s history. Chief Val Demings promoted Young to the rank of Sergeant on Sept. 1. Young has been the OPD Liaison Officer to Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan since 2006. He will be transferred to a new assignment supervising 12 officers, making him ineligible to continue to serve with Sheehan. “He will truly be missed,” Sheehan said.
Forum for black gay men set for Oct.
The Ujima Men’s Collective will host a conference for black, gay men at the Hilton Airport Hotel Oct. 8-10. This year’s theme is Dare 2B A.W.A.R.E., which stands for “Authentic-Whole-Accountable-Responsible-Enlightened.” The forum will cover HIV/AIDS, racism, homophobia and other issues important to the attendees through speakers, workshops and roundtable discussions. More information at Ujimamen@aol.com.
