LGBT Awareness Training FAQs
Questions Applicable To Law Enforcement In Every State
Who should complete LGBT awareness training?
Every employee of every law enforcement agency should be provided with LGBT awareness training. This training supports LGBTQ+ law enforcement co-workers and members of the community. Check out some of the progressive agencies across the United States that have already participated in our training.
Is this training still necessary for law enforcement today?
LGBT awareness training continues to be critical for law enforcement. According to the 2025 California Racial Identity Profiling Advisory Board report, LGBTQ+ people, and in particular, LGBTQ+ youth, suffer significant disparate treatment by law enforcement. One of the recommendations in the 2022 report from California’s Racial Identity Profiling Advisory Board states: “Require multiple hours of LGBT-specific training for all personnel and include LGBT advocacy organizations in training development and facilitation.”
Would this training benefit background investigators?
Yes. If your agency uses private contractors or retirees to complete background investigations, we have a course specifically to educate these individuals. It is critical training to reduce agency liability related to discrimination in the hiring process. Learn more about our LGBT Awareness for Background Investigators course.
Does the course instructor have to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community?
No. Anyone with knowledge about sexual orientation and gender identity as well as some basic history related to the LGBTQ community can successfully provide this training.
If I'm a straight ally and don't know anything about LGBTQ+ people, how can I prepare myself to teach this class?
We recommend our books as a great source of information necessary to successfully provide LGBT awareness training. The second edition of “Coming Out From Behind The Badge” covers all of the topics necessary for this training. Our LGBT Awareness Training For Trainers course will provide you with the foundational knowledge you need and includes a complete curriculum package with the textbook above.
Does course material already exist that I can use to provide this training?
Yes. We have an instructor guide that includes course outlines, lesson plans, and learning activities as well as a corresponding student workbook. Our books can be used as a text to support all levels of this training. All of this content is available as part of our training for trainers course. Click Here To Learn More.
Should I involve my local LGBTQ community in presenting this training?
Maybe. Depending on how much time you are allowed to present this training and what you intend to accomplish, it may be very advantageous team-up with a member of the local LGBTQ+ community. Involving the community can build trust. We highly recommend seeking out and using LGBTQ+ members of law enforcement to be the lead instructor.
Who profits from providing this training?
No individual person receives compensation from the training we provide. All of the proceeds collected from the purchase of certificates and collection of course fees go to our scholarship and grant fund. Out To Protect does not have any paid employees.
Can we bring training onsite to our agency, organization, or conference?
Yes we can present the LGBT Awareness Basic Course or Training For Trainers course onsite at your agency, organization or conference. For locations in California, the training will include California P.O.S.T. certification. Costs depend on travel time and location. Click here to get a price quote.
Questions Applicable To California
Under section 13519.41PC, who is required to complete LGBT awareness training?
All law enforcement officers and 9-1-1 dispatchers are required to complete this training.
What topics must be included in this training?
The law specifies five areas that must be included in the training. These topics include:
A. The difference between sexual orientation and gender identity and how these two aspects of identity relate to each other and to race, culture, and religion.
B. The terminology used to identify and describe sexual orientation and gender identity.
C. How to create an inclusive workplace within law enforcement for sexual orientation and gender identity minorities.
D. Important moments in history related to sexual orientation and gender identity minorities and law enforcement.
E. How law enforcement can respond effectively to domestic violence and hate crimes involving sexual orientation and gender identity minorities.
How many hours of this training is required and how long should it be?
The law does not specify a minimum or maximum number of hours for training. California P.O.S.T. will not certify a course less than 2 hours in length. Our model course requires 4 hours to deliver. We recommend 4 hours as a minimum.
What are the requirements to teach this course?
Anyone with the required knowledge can teach this course. You do not need to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community. It is recommended that instructors have completed basic instructional skills training and our LGBT Awareness Training For Trainers course.
When is the content going to be required for the basic law enforcement academy?
California P.O.S.T. has already completed the curriculum development for the basic law enforcement course. It is required for all basic law enforcement academies effective October 1, 2020. Instructors should consult the learning domain 25 and 42 training and testing specifications and student workbooks.
How do I get a course California P.O.S.T. certified?
You should contact your agency training manager. The area consultant from California P.O.S.T. will work with your department to secure course certification.
Is there a training for trainers course available?
Yes. We offer an online training for trainers course that includes everything an instructor needs to plan and deliver an LGBT awareness course. This course is certified by California P.O.S.T. and provide 8 hours of CPT credit for California law enforcement personnel.
Three Reasons To Provide LGBT Awareness Training And Avoid Liabilities