The relationship between the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and the LGBTQ community has a troubling past, including allegations of sexual misconduct by an officer toward a transgender woman. However, the city was also the setting for numerous polarizing moments in the history of LGBTQ rights. For example, Chicago's Henry Gerber formed the Society for Human Rights, the nation's first gay rights organization, in 1924.

The CPD wants to mend its relations with the LGBTQ community. The department recently introduced a team of liaisons to help improve trust between the two groups. One officer who is a liaison explained her new role as a bridge between the police department and the LGBTQ community.

What are the liaisons' responsibilities?

According to CPD Superintendent David Brown, the police want better and more authentic relationships with the LGBTQ population. There are six liaisons within the department — one for each area and one for the entire city. A few of the roles these liaisons will fill include:

Co-parenting after divorce can be a challenge. That said, when parents continue to be active participants in their child's life and are respectful of each other, the arrangement can benefit everyone. To make the situation easier, parents can set some healthy boundaries.

If you are unsure how to do this or where to start when it comes to co-parenting boundaries, you are not alone. Many parents struggle with this transition. However, focusing on a few areas can help you get started.

Setting rules for custody exchanges

Exchanging custody can be the most common situation where parents will want to set boundaries. Some ways to do this include:

“Diferencias irreconciliables” es la famosa frase citada como motivo de divorcios. Sin embargo, esas “diferencias” pueden manifestarse de muchísimas formas. Las razones para pedir un divorcio son infinitas y personales y es primordial tener bien seguro si estos motivos tienen suficiente peso como para poner punto final al matrimonio.

Estas son algunas de las variables a considerar (enlace en inglés) antes de solicitar un divorcio:

Su situación emocional y necesidades, ¿son responsabilidad suya o de su esposo/a?

Es importante entender que ciertas responsabilidades son suyas y no de su cónyuge. A veces, las relaciones no están a la altura de las expectativas, pero es vital diferenciar en qué áreas está el descontento: Pregúntese, ¿mi éxito financiero depende del trabajo de mi cónyuge?, ¿mi autoestima depende de que mi cónyuge me de cumplidos?. La realización personal no debe basarse solamente de la relación romántica.

Deciding how you will share time with your children after divorce is never easy. Aside from the financial and logistical aspects at play, there are considerable emotional factors involved.

One thing you may consider is asking your child where they want to live. Yet, this might not always be best.

At what age can children decide where they want to live after divorce?

There is no set age at which an Illinois judge will allow a child a say in which parent has custody of them. State code says that when considering physical custody, a court must consider: “The wishes of the child, taking into account the child's maturity and ability to express reasoned and independent preferences as to decision making.”

The previous administration took several actions to reduce the LGBTQ community's rights. The current administration has taken several steps to reverse those decisions and return rights to equality that were taken away. The latest change came earlier this month and concerns health care.

The 2010 Affordable Care Act outlawed health care discrimination. It made clear discriminating against someone based on "race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability" was not acceptable.

As with many laws, people look for ways to interpret words to suit themselves and their goals. Last year, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) decided to define "sex" to mean only male or female. Thus they gave the go-ahead for insurers and health care providers to refuse essential treatments to many members of the LGBTQ community.