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.