Local firefighters back LGBT campaign
West Yorkshire fire service has put itself at the forefront of a campaign challenging stereotypes and celebrating diversity.
West Yorkshire fire service has put itself at the forefront of a campaign challenging stereotypes and celebrating diversity.
The service is supporting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans (LGBT) History Month, aimed at combatting prejudice and raising awareness.
Anthony Devine, 26, joined the fire service in 2008 and is now watch manager at Leeds Fire Station.
He told Radio Aire he was worried his sexuality might mean he wasn't accepted, but attitudes have changed a lot: "Joining the fire service there were quite a lot of questions in my family about whether I would be accepted, and they were just generally a bit cautious.
"But I was just treated like anybody else and accepted for who I am.
"We've got an Equality and Diversity department. We regularly attend the Pride events that happen annually. I've slowly become a part of that process and I've helped to steer the view of the West Yorkshire fire service and the policies, and the way that we support LGBT people within the workplace."
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Dave Walton said: “The history month is an opportunity for us to reflect on how far we have come as a society in promoting equality and diversity, but also how far we still have to go.
“As the leader of an organisation that may historically have had a stereotypical image of a firefighter, I am keen that we should be at the forefront of challenging clichés and celebrating the differences that makes us all unique.
“I am so proud of my own staff for putting themselves forward as role-models to promote LGBT awareness – I think we could all learn a little something from their stories.”