London cops support their Toronto colleagues at Pride parade in New York City

Five members of the London Police Association joined about 100 Toronto police and union representatives who travelled to New York City over the weekend to participate in the city's Pride parade.

Toronto officers were there because they had been banned from marching in uniform in their city's Pride parade at the request of the groupBlack Lives Matter last year. Black Lives Matter argued that the presence of police officers can make marginalized groups uncomfortable.

When organizers of the New York Pride parade heard about the controversy, they invited Toronto officers to march in their event. Toronto officers accepted the invitation and invited other police associations in Ontario, including London's, to come along.

Police diversity officer Theresa Allott was among the London contingent whomarched in the Big Apple.

"New York City is the place to be and it's a wonderful place for us to show our support for the diversity there is in the world, " she said.

Wowed by the crowds

Allott said she was overwhelmed by the experience.

"There were people like 20 deep in lots of locations. Everybody also cheered. It's wonderful as a police officer to get cheers when you're walking down the road."

Allott said she was "disappointed" that Toronto's Pride parade organizers prohibited members of the local police force from marching in uniform.

"But I think we have to look at all the things we are able to do. And we were able to come to New York to be a part of their Pride parade."

London cops will march at local Pride parade

London's Pride parade will be held on Sunday, July 30. Allott said she's looking forward to being a part of it.

"And our fellow Toronto brothers and sisters have been invited to participate with us, since we participated with them here."

This year, London Police created a diversity ambassador team officers who, while on duty, will make an effort to participate in various cultural events, LGBTQ events and religious events in the community, said Allott.

It not only allows police to support the community but also gives people the opportunity to observe officers performing different roles, she added.