It’s hard to imagine exactly what you’d do in a situation similar to the events that unfolded at yesterday’s Boston Marathon. But first-hand accounts detailing the quick reactions of first responders and compassionate passers-by have proven what media outlets across the globe have assured us since yesterday: Boston is a tough city, and Bostonions will prevail.
We may never know exactly how many of yesterday’s first responders were members of the LGBT community, but according to Boston Pride, one of the police officers appearing in the iconic photo taken by The Boston Globe‘s John Tlumacki, isn’t just openly gay, he’s the Boston Police Department’s liaison to the LGBT community.
Javier Pagan (far right), was patrolling the finish line where the first bomb went off. The Dallas Voice reports Officer Pagan came out at 26 just one year after joining the force. His husband, Pedro, is a retired NYPD sergeant who also helped rescue victims from the World Trade Center in the weeks following the September 11th attacks.
Dakotahgeo
Heroic GLBT and straight people are on the forefront of all people-caring professions. Congratulations on a selfless job well done!
MuscleModelBlog.com
Very interesting detail. This shows once again that gays and lesbians are everywhere, contributing to society in every way.
Kieran
I wonder how many national newspapers will point this out?
kevininbuffalo
That’s the type of PR we need. Keep up the good work Officer Pagan!
Caleb in SC
Daddy!
Caleb in SC
@Kieran: CNN already has so take your ass off your shoulders.
kennetho9322
Seriously??!! A bomb goes off and the first thing you think about is somebody’s sexuality??!! I’m hoping it won’t make it into any national papers… because IT’S NOT A STORY!!!
James
Kenneth, what do you mean it’s not a story? One of the most recognized shots of the tragedy includes a first responder who is married to one of the first responders at WTC on 9/11? Sounds like a story to me. The fact that he’s married to a man adds an element to the story that is timely, and also might make a homophobic person pause. Visibility is important, especially when the image is heroic.
Niko
I can´t believe this “story”.
First of all, it is sad that we talk about if anybody is gay or not in a photo like that, after so much fear, death and terror.
Second, because of reading some comments on that, what does mean “heroic act”? Just because you are a police officer in a terror place it doesn´t make you a hero, straight, gay, man or woman!
Please, don´t trivialize, frivolize and play down things like that. “Shame”…
Fidelio
I think this is a story worth telling. Until gay people are accepted as equals in every facet of American life without prompting, LGBT visibility remains an important tool for equality. Interestingly, this tragedy has also shown the contributions made by Latinos, which is just as important, visibility-wise. This all makes me so proud to be 1. American, 2. Latino, and 3. Gay. This tragedy can teach us so much about humanity and the unwavering American spirit and legacy.
Dionte
I love his last name.
DOFEK
As a single HOMO dad to six (2 girls 4 boys) my heart is for you Boston, men and women who do everything you can to save life. Even you don`t think much of it IT IS everything to all of us. AdamHomo
BJ McFrisky
@kennetho9322: Agreed. I’m surprised Queerty didn’t also include pictures of the wounded, wondering who it is those people find sexually attractive (or maybe they’re working on that article now).
tdx3fan
@Niko: Niko, when you put your life on the line daily and risk getting killed every day of your job… then you can say that being a police officer does not make you a hero. Until then, shove it!
tdx3fan
@Fidelio: Not a lot that I love more than a proud gay Latino American! Yum!