Gay San Francisco Police Officer Sues City in Discrimination and Harassment Lawsuit

Brendan Mannix, an openly gay San Francisco police officer, has filed a lawsuit against the city for numerous acts of sexual discrimination and harassment.

Sergeants at Central Station frequently made comments about his sexual orientation, including calling him a "queen," "too dramatic," and insulting his masculinity, Mannix's attorney Lawrence Organ wrote.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported:

"The bulk of Mannix's accusations focus on two sergeants. One suggested Mannix was in a sexual relationship with the other gay officer at the station, and when Mannix did or said something the sergeant believed was stereotypically gay, he would say "ugh, you gays!" or "God, you gays!" Organ said.

The sergeant, Organ said, would also mock Mannix's hair style and physical appearance, making comments like, "Is that hair big enough?!" and "How much do you weigh? One hundred pounds soaking wet?"

In one instance, when they discovered a dead body in the water at night, the sergeant told him, "don't be such a queen," when Mannix said he was cold, Organ said."

When the officer attempted to solve the problem on his own, speaking directly with the sergeants, one of the sergeants got into his face, saying, "If you think I am a bully, file a f--ing complaint."

So he did. The 28 year-old officer went to the proper authorities and filed a formal complaint. The sergeant who took the report was "dismissive" and omitted many of the incidents he reported, and the complaint was later closed.

Mannix believes that the station is now retaliating against him, giving him unfavorable assignments.

In what's the most disconcerting, his entire unit seems to be leaving him high in dry when he calls in for backup while pursuing a dangerous suspect.

"In April 2017, he chased a robbery suspect down Market Street and radioed for backup. No one from his station immediately showed up to help and Mannix apprehended the suspect himself, Organ said. Officers from a neighboring station eventually arrived on the scene to assist, he said."

The Police Department said it could not comment on the lawsuit. However, it takes "allegations of discrimination and officer misconduct seriously and will thoroughly investigate all complaints."

"The San Francisco Police Department is committed to diversity, tolerance and respect for the public and all of our members," said David Stevenson, a police spokesman. "Department members are sworn to hold each other accountable and required to act swiftly to report any misconduct."