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Gay policewoman's bid to break down homophobia barriers
A GAY policewoman has bravely spoken out about her own sexuality in a bid stamp out homophobia in Hartlepool.
Inspector Anne-Marie Salwey, of Hartlepool Police, is supporting a gay night launched on Sundays in the town.
Insp Salwey says the weekly Forbidden Fruits night at Busby's, in Church Street, shows how Hartlepool is becoming more diverse.
The 34-year-old says that while working in Hartlepool she has not had any problems because of her sexuality. She also hopes people feel comfortable reporting any problems they have to police.
But there have been homophobic incidents in the town. The Mail reported in April how yob Christopher Small was jailed for seven weeks after shouting gay slurs at a Hartlepool councillor.
Coun Christopher Akers-Belcher was labelled a "poofter" and a "gay boy" during the sickening abuse by Small, 30, of Dent Street.
But Insp Salwey, who hopes incidents of that nature are isolated, said: "There isn't a particular problem in Hartlepool, which I think is a fairly tolerant place to live and it is always improving.
"I think it's excellent that this night is coming to Hartlepool and I would encourage people to get involved as things like this help break down barriers further.
"Hartlepool needs a night like this for the gay community and the police are happy to put their support behind it, as we do any other event."
Insp Salwey, who lives in Stockton, but is originally from Staffordshire, has worked on and off in Hartlepool for the past nine years after starting her police career in the town.
She said: "We have many officers like myself in the force, and as far as I know they have never had any problems with being gay.
"I've never felt like I have to force it on people, it's just who I am and people accept that.
"From a police point of view I have never had any problems with my sexuality. In the same way I hope the public feel they can come to the police if they are gay and have any problems."
Shaun Carter, an events organiser for Forbidden Fruits, said both gay and gay-friendly people are invited on the night, which he hopes will eventually have entertainment such as dancers and singers.
He said: "People are crying out for a night specifically for gay people in this town.
"There is a big gay community here but we want people coming from all over to enjoy the night.
"Places like Sunderland and Middlesbrough already have gay scenes, but there just isn't one in Hartlepool. We want to change that and bring Hartlepool up to date."
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays will stay the same at the club. Linda Baker, Busby's manager, hopes the new Sunday event will add more flavour to the Hartlepool night scene.
Linda said: "We are delighted to be holding this night and are delighted to have the police's support."
She added that there will be doormen on the night with a strict anti-drugs policy. Anyone who looks 21 or younger will be asked to provide identification.
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Weather for Hartlepool
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Heavy sleet
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -0 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
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