When was this published?

This article was first published on July 24, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.

Who reported this story?

This story was reported by Alex Bollinger at LGBTQ Nation.

Where can I find related coverage?

See more rights coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs.

rights

Police captain accused of using anti-gay slur in front of over 50 fellow officers

Summary by LGBTQ News Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Alex Bollinger, LGBTQ Nation · July 24, 2026 · 2 min read

A police captain in Connecticut is accused of using an anti-gay slur earlier this month in front of his colleagues. Captain Lonnie Blackwell of Bridgeport is accusing fellow Captain Kevin Gilleran of using a curse word and then calling Captain John Cummings an anti-gay slur on July 12, according to

Why this matters

The accusation against Captain Kevin Gilleran highlights the ongoing issue of anti-LGBTQ language and behavior within law enforcement agencies. This incident, witnessed by over 50 fellow officers, raises concerns about the culture and tolerance within the Bridgeport Police Department. The fact that City Attorney Tyisha Toms referred the matter to department heads for employee discipline suggests that the city may be taking a internal approach to addressing the issue. However, the response from Thomas Gaudett, the mayor's chief administrative officer, who is gay, underscores the complexity of the situation, as he acknowledges the alleged slur while also defending Gilleran's character. The pending investigation, led by the police union, will be crucial in determining the outcome and potential consequences for Gilleran. The National LGBTQ Task Force may be a valuable resource for the city as it navigates this situation and works to ensure a more inclusive and respectful environment for all officers and community members.

About this story

Original reporting by LGBTQ Nation. LGBTQ News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page.

For the complete original report, visit LGBTQ Nation. Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom.

Category: rights · Published: July 24, 2026 · Source: LGBTQ Nation · Reading time: 2 min

Summary created by	LGBTQ News Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed
Original reporting	Alex Bollinger, LGBTQ Nation
Original story	Read at the source
Source published	Jul 24, 2026
Indexed here	Jul 24, 2026
AI assistance	Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text
Prepublication human review	No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples

Police captain accused of using anti-gay slur in front of over 50 fellow officers

More stories

"Already weak brain turned to mush": Trump humiliated for forgetting Peewee Herman's name

Police captain accused of using anti-gay slur in front of over 50 fellow officers

Recall when a man was arrested for walking with chalk on his shoes in Ron DeSantis’ Florida?

The Senate should reject Republicans' latest attempt to censor education

Trans director at progressive think tank says Dems should adopt this party line on trans athletes

France's new defender of rights marched in anti-marriage equality protests

Judge questions why Pete Hegseth can give testosterone to cis men but not trans men

Remember when a Trump relative said the first “domino” has fallen that will topple his presidency?

2026 International AIDS Conference to take place in Rio

Nancy Mace rages about "Drag Race" queens in House hearing: They'll make kids get raped!

Educator who displayed Matt Walsh's anti-trans book & got fired loses appeal in free speech case

Sarah McBride says not "one f**king more dime" for Iran war as Americans suffer its consequences

Get the briefing.