Fire Service supports Nottingham Pride event
31 July, 2007
Nottingham Pride was held on Saturday, July 28 at the Arboretum, and The Fire and Rescue Service supported the event for the second year, in a bid to show its support for people from different ethnic backgrounds, and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.
Local Organiser
Retained Firefighter Patsy Griffiths, from Beeston Fire Station, is one of the key organisers of the Fire and Rescue Service’s attendance at the event.
She is also the regional representative of the Fire Brigades’ Union’s gay and lesbian section.
She said: “There’s a myth about fire and rescue services being anti-gay, and we want people to know that whoever they are, they can have a career in the fire service.
“They should also be confident in asking for help from the fire service as a member of the public and know that it is safe to do so.
Attitudes are changing
“Attitudes and perceptions are changing in society as a whole, and we hope people will understand that the fire and rescue service is changing too and becoming more inclusive.
“Getting involved with events like Nottingham Pride helps to promote the role that we play in developing that new and growing spirit of openness and acceptance.”
By Editor.
