International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHo)

17/05/12

International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHo) is about all people hoping for a prejudice-free society that will provide a place at the table for everyone regardless of their sexual orientation. The day is set aside to fight homophobia and to enable support by all of those actively involved in gay and lesbian community organisations, organisations focusing on other types of sexual diversity, unions, employers, private businesses, governments, public administration.

Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) does not support homophobia and believes that everyone should be supported and be able to be themselves at work, a message reflected in the Service's core values. We see homophobia as a negative attitude, which can lead to rejection and to direct or indirect discrimination towards lesbian, gay, transgender, transsexual and bisexual people.

The Service's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) group meet regularly and work to promote understanding of the wider LGBT community, assisting with consultation and the development of service policy and forums. Speaking on behalf of the group, the Chair said "our group will continue to work proactively as members of Derbyshire Fire & Rescue to help spread our safety messages and promote wider understanding of the LGBT community".

The Service is on a journey towards excellence, and recognises the importance of inclusion and equality and being seen as an organisation of choice.

To this end once again DFRS is supporting IDAHo with the flying of the Rainbow Flag on Thursday 17 May 2012 in support of the contributions of LGBT community to society. This will be undertaken at Kingsway Fire Station and DFRS Headquarters at the Old Hall Burton Road, Littleover, Derby.

You can download a copy of this press release below.