LGBT+ History Month: Breaking down stereotypes about the police and fire service
Police officers and fire fighters have been renowned for being 'macho' or 'masculine', but is that really what makes them good at the job?
As LGBT+ History Month draws to a close, there is a push for more diversity across the emergency services.
Typically, police officers and fire fighters have been viewed as needing to be tall, strong and masculine because of the often physical nature of the job.
However, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are pushing for a more inclusive workforce.
Police officer Ash Toner-Maxwell said: "I am 5ft 4 and I struggle to do more than 5 press-ups in a row.
"A huge part of our work is communication, if you are able to talk to people and diffuse situations by using the right body language then you will do really well in this job."
Ash adds that she has always felt comfortable being honest about her sexuality ever since joining the police a decade ago.
Officers and colleagues in Police Scotland are also now commonly using more gender-neutral language.
"I have come out a million times over the last 10 years at work and the first time it happened it was a bit awkward because I didn't know my colleague very well and was unsure how he would react.
"In recent years, when someone has noticed my wedding rings they will ask me about my partner rather than assuming I have a husband."
"My sexuality doesn't define me"
Craig Carter works for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and claims he was worried about a lad culture before joining.
"When people think of a fire fighter they picture someone big and strong who would put themselves in danger or break down a door.
"This is part of what we do, but anyone can have good physical fitness.
"I have always been made to feel comfortable by my colleagues about who I am and my sexuality doesn't define me or the work I do."
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