A RAINBOW flag is flying outside Wisbech fire station for the first time, to mark Lesbian ,Gay, Bisexual and Transgender History Month.
The flag will fly throughout February, to celebrate the lives and achievements of the LGBT community, and local fire crews are also promoting an
educational campaign called “Some people are gay – get over it!”
Geoff Quince, Station Commander at Wisbech, said: “We live in a society that has only quite recently challenged homophobic behaviours ranging from
verbal abuse to physical violence, and supported education and awareness about sexual orientation.
“Because of past homophobia and discrimination, many LGBT people have not wanted to draw attention to themselves – let alone their talents, gifts and
achievements. Many older people have faced discrimination from public services - particularly health and social care – and may be disinclined to
accept services like a home fire safety check or smoke alarm fitting in their own homes.
“Even younger LGBT people still face discrimination in the form of homophobic language and bullying in schools and colleges.
“So doing something simple but significant – like displaying a rainbow banner, stickers or pennants on appliances or at workplaces during February –
hopefully goes some way to tell the community that Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service supports LGBT History Month and provides a professional
service that meets the needs of everyone in the community.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here