IMPD unveils rainbow-themed patrol car for Pride Month

Rainbows are popping up everywhere across Indianapolis for Pride Month — on flags, clothing, storefronts and more recently, a police car.

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department unveiled its "Policing with Pride" vehicle Friday, a patrol car wrapped in a rainbow and bearing the LGBTQ progress flag.

While Pride Month has its origins in the 1969 Stonewall riots, in which gay and transgendered activists actively fought back against New York City police, many law enforcement agencies now adopt rainbow colors each June in a gesture of solidarity with the LGBTQ community.

More: What is the history behind Pride Month? How the LGBTQ celebration came to be

"IMPD remains committed to being a department of inclusion and we proudly celebrate the diversity of our city, residents and officers," a spokesperson Tweeted earlier Friday, adding Hoosier residents could expect to see the patrol car at Indy's Pride Parade on Saturday, as well throughout the month of June.

In addition to its "Policing with Pride" vehicle, IMPD changed the profile images on both its Facebook and Twitter accounts to a badge with a rainbow background. It's the third year in a row IMPD has done so.

Not everyone appears happy with the department's decision to be more inclusive.

"Unbelievable!! What a embarrassment to the men and women that wear this badge," said one Facebook commenter last week. "They deserve better than this. This should represent our great police officers job and loyalty to all people, not a platform! Shame on you whomever is responsible for this post!"

Others echoed the same remarks, saying "Our forefathers are turning in their graves to see what this country has become."

The negative comments come as a slew of anti-LGBTQ laws are making their way across the Hoosier state and the country at large — from policies critics fear might "out" transgender children at school to challenging library books with LGBTQ themes.

More: Hamilton East library has moved nearly 1,000 teen books so far. Here are 5 of them

In response to the naysayers about its rainbow badge, Alexa Boylan, chief IMPD communications officer, said the department would continue to support the LGBTQ+ community by protecting and serving everyone, "no matter who they love."

"The IMPD celebrates Pride Month and the contributions of our LGBTQ+ colleagues within our department, community, and our city," Boylan said in a message to IndyStar.

Many social media users thanked IMPD for its position, some pointing out not all law enforcement officers who wear a badge are straight.

"All these people laughing and complaining should be ashamed of themselves. Gay and Lesbian officers put their lives in danger to protect us every day," on commenter said on IMPD's Facebook page.

"I think this is pretty cool," wrote another. "Thanks IMPD for all that you do for everyone. Kindness is free, folks."

Joining IMPD in its support was the Marion County Sheriff's Office, which said its department was committed to being allies for the community in a tweet Thursday.

Why is Pride celebrated in June?

The month of June is considered "Pride Month" by LGBTQ+ Americans in honor of the Stonewall riots, a watershed moment on June 28, 1969, that galvanized demonstrations across the nation seeking equal rights.

Parades, festivals, picnics and dozens of other events have been planned across Indiana this month as a way of promoting visibility within the community.

In Indianapolis, the Indy Pride Festival happens from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday in Military Park (West New York St. Indianapolis, IN 46202). A parade with floats, vehicles and walking groups will take place at Mass Avenue (748 Massachusetts Ave. Indianapolis, IN 46204) and is free to attend.

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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IMPD unveils rainbow-themed patrol car for Pride Month