Out Lesbian Detroit Police Corporal Dani Woods Named to Michigan Women's Hall of Fame
Corporal Danielle “Dani” Woods, a 20-year veteran of the Detroit Police Department, was inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame at a ceremony in Detroit this week. In 2013, she was assigned to the Chief’s Neighborhood Liaison Unit as the first ever LGBTQ Liaison for the department.
Woods said she is “both humbled and honored to be recognized by Michigan Women Forward, and wholeheartedly appreciates being inducted into the Michigan Women's Hall of Fame.” The openly lesbian advocate and dedicated public servant went on to say that “it’s been a whirlwind adventure these past few years, but I appreciate the ride.”
During her time as LGBTQ Liaison, Woods has worked to repair the strained relationship between Detroit law enforcement and the queer community. She established the first LGBTQ Advisory Board to the department to “eradicate negative stereotypes that exist within and out of both entities.” Her efforts were rewarded when Detroit earned back-to-back perfect scores on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index in 2016 and 2017.
Woods also established the first LGBTQ Community Council. The council invites members of the queer community to come together to share their concerns around law enforcement. Woods previously received the Spirit of Detroit Award presented by the Detroit City Council in 2017 and also received the McAllister Award at the Equality Michigan awards dinner in 2016.
When Pride Source interviewed Woods earlier this year , she said her goal as LGBTQ Liaison is to promote “equality across the board and surety that our community is treated respectfully and with dignity as human beings, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity.”Read More
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