Transgender officer banned from event she helped organize

San Diego (AP) — A transgender police officer who helped organize San Diego's Transgender Day of Awareness was turned away from the event when she tried to attend in her police uniform.

Delores Jacobs, CEO of the LGBT Community Center, where the event was held, called the incident a regrettable misunderstanding.

"While we need to support those that are uncomfortable and honor their reactions to valid and understandable difficult previous experiences, we also need to explain that . our LGBTQ San Diego police liaisons are a valued part of our community," she said in a statement.

Officer Christine Garcia, who transitioned last year, had helped provide security for a march that got the event underway last week, The San Diego Union-Tribune (http://bit.ly/2fWls8T) reported Wednesday.

But when she tried to attend other events at trhe center she was asked to leave. She said she was told her uniform might upset others.

Jacobs said center policy calls for inclusion while also attempting to acknowledge concerns some community members may have. She said that policy was misinterpreted by those who asked Garcia to leave.

She added that when center leaders learned what happened they apologized personally to Garcia and Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman.

The Police Department said Garcia would not be made available for comment.

Lt. Scott Wahl, a police spokesman, said Garcia has been honored by several organizations for her work with the LGBTQ community.

"The San Diego Police Department enjoys having a great relationship with the LGBTQ community," Wahl said. "We look forward to continuing our partnership in keeping our community safe."

City Commissioner Nicole Murray-Ramirez, a longtime LGBTQ activist, said he was angered by Garcia's snub.

"Any officer, be they gay or straight, should be welcomed into our community center in uniform," he said. "They protect our community and neighborhoods and make San Diego a better place."

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The Gayly – November 25, 2016 @ 11:40 a.m.