In August of 2016, the Dutch National Police held the 1st World LGBTQ Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals. The conference was well attended by members of police organizations, public prosecution services and departments of justice from 26 countries and six continents. 

The Toronto Police Service hosted the 2nd World LGBTQ Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals in 2019 which built upon the success created by the Dutch. 

At the 2019 conference, Victoria Police (Melbourne, Australia) was announced as the host of the 2023, 3rd World LGBTQ Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals. Victoria Police continued to elevate the conference.

During the 2023 conference, the Austin Police Department was unveiled to host the 4th World LGBTQ Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals. The Austin Police Department, in conjunction with the Lesbian & Gay Peace Officers Association, is honored to host the conference for the first time in the United States and looks forward to welcoming you to Texas!

For nearly a decade, international LGBTQI+ criminal justice professionals have come together to learn promising practices on how to decrease sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination. This groundbreaking conference, hosted by the City of Austin, the Austin Police Department, and the LGPOA, marks the first time this global event has come to the United States. It brings together law enforcement, educators, human rights advocates, and allied partners to identify promising practices on how to decrease sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination within the criminal justice system.

 

“Bridging the Gap” is the theme of the 2025 conference with the goal of creating positive, meaningful, and sustainable relationships between the LGBTQI+ community and criminal justice organizations. Official conference activity will commence August 5, 2025, and continue through August 8, 2025. The conference website is Welcome to Proud To Be Your Friend where you can find out more details and register.