A Yorkshire fire service has spoken out about the flood of anti-gay abuse firefighters received for speaking out for LGBT+ inclusion.
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue revealed that it had received “a load of abuse when we added the rainbow flag to our profile picture” to show solidarity during LGBT+ History Month last February.
It responded on Wednesday by launching a video for LGBT+ History Month starring several firefighters reading out the messages the force had received.
South Yorkshire fire service: Fire doesn’t discriminate and neither do we.
“Constantly going on about who wants to shag who shouldn’t be a fire service priority,” one person complained. Another moaned: “It becomes political correctness when they post a pointless rainbow picture.”
The force responded: “We don’t think homophobic abuse is acceptable and we stand with all those LGBT+ people we serve and employ.
“We celebrate LGBT+ pride in solidarity with all those we serve. Fires don’t discriminate, neither do we.”
People are thrilled with the firefighters for standing up against bigotry
The video has been well received online, with a flood of support for the fire service.
One respondent wrote: “The world would be a boring place if we were all the same.🧡 Keep up the great work you all do keeping us safe.🏳️🌈”
Another added: “Great job for showing that it’s not ‘Political-correctness-gone-mad’ – just basic courtesy and respect for others. That’s all.
“Well done for holding your ground and staying true to your values.”
One response said: “Courage facing fires, and courage facing bullies. You are truly leading by example, bravo!!! ❤️”
Of course, the video attracted some critics.
However, the force hit back: “The video has absolutely no impact on our day-to-day work – if people need us, we will still be there, and the show still goes on when it comes to our prevention work.”