The Rainbow Laces campaign is today (Wednesday 9 December) and aims to tackle homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in sport and encourages an inclusive sport environment. 

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service strives to create an inclusive work environment and be an inclusive service provider, and will be promoting the use of rainbow laces to its staff early next year to communicate its commitment to LGBT Equality.

Though we are aware of the need to progress LGBT equality in wider society, campaigns such as Rainbow Laces helps to achieve this. Following sport and taking part can give a sense of community, energy and belonging to many people. To read more about the rainbow laces campaign please click here or see tips for LGBT inclusion in sport.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has worked hard to promote LGBT equality in employment and the way it delivers its services to the public: through the training it delivers to its staff, the inclusive communications placed within targeted LGBT media, its support for International day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), its sponsorship and attendance of Nottingham and Worksop Pride and in addition to its internal LGBT allies program. 

Additionally as part of LGBT history month, Firefighter Chris Jones recorded a short film about his experience of working in the Service.

Crew Manager and LGBT network group member, Carina Peel, said: "We are all different, but we are all equal. We need to embrace change, move forward and let’s keep sport inclusive and not let it become intrusive.”

Watch Manager and Secretary of the Service’s sports and social association, Steven Smith, said: "We are proud to support the rainbow laces campaign. There is no place for homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in any sporting capacity within an organised league or less formal settings."

As a member of Stonewall, the Service will be measuring its achievements against other organisations through the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index later this year.