Coming out to end beatings.

When two heterosexual university students were brutally beaten in Missoula, Mont., in October because their attackers thought they were gay, local police officer Scott Oak decided it was time to take action. So he came out.

Oak approached his boss, Chief Rusty Wickman, and offered to establish himself as a gay police liaison in the small Western community, which has seen a string of recent antigay incidents. The chiefs response: "Make it happen."

In cooperation with the Western Montana Gay and Lesbian Community Center, Oak recently began working to increase acceptance, trust, respect, and safety for Missoula's gay and lesbian citizens. While some folks remained skeptical, WMGLCC board member and longtime Missoula resident Bobby Tollefson was encouraged. "We have never had an openly gay policeman serve as a liaison before," he said. "I am entirely hopeful and prefer to look forward, not backward."

Oak said his efforts have had a positive ripple effect across the state and the nation. "I have received inquiries from policemen in other towns who want to establish similar programs," he said. "This is long overdue, but the timing is right, and the response has been wonderful."