APD's First Transgender Police Officer To Be Honored

DOWNTOWN AUSTIN-UT, TX -The city’s first transgender police officer will be honored Saturday during a gala staged by the nation’s largest civil rights organization promoting equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans.

Austin Police Department officer Gregory Abbink will receive the Bettie Naylor Visibility Award during the 21st annual gala of the Human Rights Campaign Austin advocacy organization. The black-tie event is scheduled at the downtown J.W. Marriott hotel.

At least 700 people are expected to attend, the APD said in a statement.

A senior police officer working in the department’s Training Academy, Abbink joined the local force in 2004 as a patrol officer and district representative. Before launching his law enforcement career, Abbink served four years in a U.S. Army military intelligence unit.

The event’s organizers said the theme of the gala, “On the Shoulders of Giants,” is intended to recognize a banner year last year for LGBT equality.

In an APD statement, Abbink came out as a transgendered individual in April 2014 as he began his transition. Since then, his personal narrative has been featured in such publications as the New York Times, Christian Science Monitor and the Austin Chronicle.

Abbink also figured prominently in the book “Out to Protect,” by Greg Miraglia. In past interviews, the police officer attributed making his personal journey public toward the goal of inspiring others and raising awareness to the struggles and challenges faced by transgendered individuals, the APD noted.

Austin Mayor Steve Adler is scheduled to speak at the gala, APD officials said. Other dignitaries and celebrities scheduled to attend include KVUE-TV anchor Tyler Sieswerda, who will act as master of ceremonies; HRC President Chad Griffin; Texas’ first legally married lesbian couple Suzanne Bryan and Sarah Goodfriend; comedian Dana Goldberg; and Proposition 8 plaintiffs Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo.

Prop. 8 was a California initiative that sought to ban marriage between same-sex couples. Its defeat led to the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision making such unions legal.

Gala entertainment will be provided by singer Crystal Waters, known for her hits “Gypsy Woman” and “100 Pure Love.”

While the gala quickly sells out each year, a few tickets are still available. Gala admission is $300 and can be purchased at hrcaustin.org.

In the APD press release, HRC officials describe their organization as the the largest LGBT civil rights group with 1.5 million members. Founded in 1980, the group advocates on behalf of the LGBT community by mobilizing actions, promoting supportive elected officials and educating the public on related issues, according to its mission statement.