LGBTQ community reacts to how trans activist arrested in London, Ont., was treated
Clara Sorrenti, known as Keffals on Twitch, was arrested at gunpoint, prompting review of police conduct
Some people in London, Ont.'s LGBTQ community have reacted strongly to how a popular trans activist was treated by London Police Services earlier this month.
Clara Sorrenti, 28, known as Keffals on the online platform Twitch, was confronted by police at gunpoint in her home on Aug. 5, when they referred to her by the incorrect gender and used her birth name, despite Sorrenti having changed it legally. Police were called after someone sent death threats to politicians in the southwestern Ontario city. Sorrenti said she was in police custody for 11 hours before her release.
The incident has prompted London's police chief to announce a review of how officers treated her.
"I'm really disappointed in London Police Services," said Christa Duvall, director of PFLAG London, an organization that offers supports to the LGBT community.
"You know, not even two weeks after our local Pride parade where London Police Services marched and has acted as allies — or say they are acting as allies — something like this happens."
Duvall's partner, Elliot Duvall, co-ordinator at TRANS* London, found it difficult to speak about the incident.
"I've never had that experience with the London Police Services," Elliot said. "However, in daily life, it just happened this past weekend, and so it's really hard. It's really tough, and I feel for her."
'Hard pill to swallow'
"Interestingly enough, London Police Services all received training with working with the queer community several years ago," said Christa.
CBC News has asked London police about the sort of training they receive in dealing with the transgender community, and when the training began, but didn't hear back by the time of publication.
"I guess that that's what makes this an especially hard pill to swallow, is that even with this training, that these incidents are still happening," Christa added. "I think there's always room for more education and there's always room for improvement for everyone."
London police Chief Steve Williams acknowledged the incident with Sorrenti in a statement released Wednesday, and said police "will be reviewing the occurrence to understand how that might have happened."
"The London Police Service is committed to bias-free policing and treating all individuals with respect and dignity," Williams said in the statement. "We work closely with LGBT2QSIA community partners in London to ensure we are responsive to the needs of the community, and to address any concerns they may have.
"We acknowledge that despite our best efforts we may fall short at times, and in those situations, we learn, we educate, and we do better."
Christa said that "ally is a verb."
"It's not showing up for a Pride parade. It is walking the walk as well as talking the talk."
