Pictured at Side by Side in Hayward (l to r): BART Police Deputy Alan Love, Crisis Intervention Specialist Yolanda Barbosa, Side by Side Program Director Myeeka Calhoun, Side by Side Regional Director Larry Woodland, BART Police Officer Shanna Holmes, BART Police Chief Kevin Franklin, and Crisis Intervention Specialist Stephine Barnes.

In June, you may have noticed a new patch on the shoulders of BART Police officers and staff.

For Pride Month, Officer Shanna Holmes designed a special patch for staff to wear in acknowledgement of the department's commitment to support, celebrate, and safeguard the LGBTQ+ community. The patch wasn't just about showing support; all the proceeds were donated to the Hayward chapter of Side by Side, a nonprofit serving LGBTQ+ young people in Alameda County. In all, BART Police officers and staff purchased about 150 patches, culminating in a donation of $1,100.

On Monday, July 6, Officer Holmes, Police Chief Kevin Franklin, Deputy Chief Alan Love, members of BART's Progressive Policing Bureau, and staff visited Side by Side's Hayward location to drop off the donation and tour the youth space.

Side by Side's Our Space program is a free drop-in center for LGBTQ+ youth ages 13 to 24. It's a warm, inviting space, full of free resources, activities, games, books, and places to hang out with peers and support staff. The organization, which has locations in Alameda, Marin, Sonoma, and Napa counties, also provides behavioral and mental health services, independent living skills training, transitional housing, and individualized care coordination for LGBTQ+ young people, who face disproportionate rates of bullying, housing instability, and involvement in the child welfare system.

Officer Holmes and Chief Franklin show off their BART Police Pride Month patches in front of Side by Side.

For Officer Holmes, the visit had personal meaning.

"I grew up in a youth LGBTQ center in the Bay Area; that was my safe space," she said. "Getting to be here, with full support of our command staff and department, is a full circle moment for me."

Holmes, who identifies as lesbian, said she has felt that support throughout her career at BART Police.

"I've always felt safe and supported by this department," she said.

Chief Franklin said the partnership reflects a larger mission for BART Police.

"Our goal is to make transit safe for everyone," he said. "To partner with Side by Side helps us bridge the gaps between this community and law enforcement and lets riders know we are here to keep them safe. Everyone is welcome on BART."

Program Director Myeeka Calhoun takes BART Police on a tour of Side by Side.

Program Director Myeeka Calhoun noted that her staff regularly take youth on BART as part of their programming, giving young people firsthand experience navigating the system. The connection feels especially fitting this time of year: for many young people, the BART ride to a Pride event is itself a formative experience, and having visible allies on board matters.

"This isn't just a donation. People don't realize how much programs like this rely on community partnerships and word of mouth," she said.

Side by Side Regional Director Larry Woodland added: "To build community is to build purpose, and partnering with you all is about finding shared purpose."

The Pride patch fundraiser is just the beginning. Officer Holmes has already been invited back to speak at the organization's next career day.