Philadelphia Police Academy Graduates First Openly Transgender Recruit
Among the recruits from the Philadelphia Police Academy's latest class to graduate and become sworn officers was an individual who is openly transgender.
Officer Benson Churgai explained that he felt that if he continued to live his life as a female "it was not going to work out."
Screen grab of news report.
Among the recruits from the Philadelphia Police Academy's latest class to graduate and become sworn officers is an individual who is openly transgender.
According to CBS News, Officer Benson Churgai was sworn in alongside more than 40 other academy cadets on Friday.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said during the ceremony that she wants to "ensure that our ranks are diverse, inclusive, and reflective of the communities we serve."
Churgai said from the podium, "I struggled for a long time with who I was." He explained that he felt that if he continued to live his life as a female "it was not going to work out." When Churgai was finished with his remarks, the class gave a rousing standing ovation.
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