Is Palm Springs Police Chief David Dominguez a Homophobe? A different question and one easier to answer would be to ask whether he hates Homosexuals? Most who've had contacts with the chief would probably answer the question with a No. What about the Homophobe question?

The ReligiousTolerance.org website discusses the meanings of Homophobe and Homophobia. It notes that unlike Racism, Sexism and Xenophobia, terms which involve feelings and attitudes related to hate, Homophobe and Homophobia lack similar precision. What's missing from the English language are words to describe each of the following negative reactions to homosexuality.

 One word to describe feelings of fear and loathing;
 Another to describe actions to oppress gays and lesbians;

 Another to describe moral and religious disapproval, etc.

Police Chief David Dominguez is a Hispanic, a Catholic, a family man, a law enforcement professional, and a traditionalist. His background is not one that's noted as accepting of homosexuality. It's probably safe to conclude his personal moral and religious beliefs have left him with negative views about homosexuals and what some refer to as the "homosexual lifestyle". It doesn't automatically follow that he hates homosexuals, will treat them unfairly, or engage in overt discrimination and bigotry. As a law enforcement professional he surely realizes and accepts that he is required to be fair in his dealings with others.

In 2009 Chief Dominguez was involved in his department's "Warm Sands Public Sex Sting Operation". Although not immediately known it's since been learned he made profane comments - a slur - about LGBT community members. He's also reported as having said to his police officer subordinates participating in the Sting operation, "you guys should get paid extra for this". That expression of encouragement clearly conveys disapproval of the targeted individuals or community and implies negative pre-judgment on his part. His words of encouragement represent a borderline case of support for oppression and there may be an element of loathing present.

Police Chief David Dominguez has apologized for what he refers to as "inappropriate" language on his part and failure to "display the utmost professional conduct". It's clear he feels remorse over the public airing of the negative aspects of his involvement in the Sting operation. It's also clear he'd like to keep his job, put questions about his conduct behind him, and move on. What's not clear is whether future deeds will prove him worthy of trust from the LGBT community. Has he really faced his moral and religious disapproval leanings and his feelings of loathing towards elements of the LGBT community?

I'm old enough to remember when sexual relations between members of the same sex were a crime for which many ended up in prison; when the American Psychiatric Association classified homosexuality as a mental disorder; when being homosexual put employment in jeopardy; and when a serious state-wide effort was mounted to remove homosexuals from the teaching profession. Yes, I've seen many LGBT civil rights advances and more understanding and support of the gay community that I ever expected. Nevertheless, I am aware that continued LGBT social progress and full civil rights equality remain an uphill climb.

Palm Springs has a gay city manager and an LGBT majority on the city council. All appear to have agreed that David Dominguez will keep his job as Chief of Police. In a better world I'd hope for a different more honest and understanding individual serving as head of our police department. The reality we face is that police departments are among the last anti-gay public bastions in America. Finding a police chief truly accepting and understanding of LGBT individuals and the community is probably like trying to find the proverbial needle in a haystack. Until then I expect to live in a community served by a police chief whose values are less than completely accepting. But I'm confident the day will come when police department negative attitudes towards homosexuality will have gone the way of Racism, Sexism and Xenophobia.

I don't think of David Dominguez as a Homophobe and instead assume he's personally and privately un-accepting of Homosexuality. As for his role in the police department, I'm a pragmatist and that's why I reluctantly support the City Manager's decision to retain him as Chief of Police.

Bond Shands
Palm Springs