Gay Cop's 25-Year Battle With LAPD Rages On

A 2007 decision siding with the LAPD was tossed.

Neal Broverman

Neal Broverman is the Editorial Director, Print of Pride Media, publishers of The Advocate, Out, Out Traveler, and Plus, spending more than 20 years in journalism. He indulges his interest in transportation and urban planning with regular contributions to Los Angeles magazine, and his work has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times and USA Today. He lives in the City of Angels with his husband, children, and their chiweenie.

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Neal Broverman

February 22 2013 3:41 PM EST

November 17 2015 5:28 AM EST

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Mitchell Grobeson, who joined the Los Angeles Police Department in 1988, is still battling with the department over alleged gay discrimination.

Grobeson, thought to be one of the LAPD's first out officers, will be going to trial against LAPD again, after battling his superiors for years. Decades ago, Grobeson resigned from the department and accused his bosses and work peers of discrimination and creating a hostile work environment. Grobeson would return to the LAPD in the mid-'90s, but said he was punished for bringing the original suit. He also claims he was not allowed to be part of training programs aimed to deter homophobia within the LAPD. A settlement was reached over many of Grobeson's accusations, but not over his back pay, leading to a trial in 2007.

A jury ruled in the LAPD's favor, but a juror who sided with the department later admitted being prejudiced. A new jury will soon hear the case. Grobeson, by the way, is now 53.