As Pride Month comes to a close, Fire Service Women Ontario (FSWO) reaffirms what has always been true: Pride is not a seasonal campaign or a social media trend. It's a reflection of our values, values that guide our work year-round.
Inclusion is not something we do once a year. It's something we build into everything we offer: our training symposiums, our mentorship programs, our leadership development, and the relationships we form across the fire service. We know that representation, belonging, and visibility are essential to strong teams and strong communities.
At FSWO, we serve women in all roles of the fire service, and that includes LGBTQ2S+ members who are carving out space in a sector that hasn’t always made room for them. Pride reminds us that equity work must be ongoing, deliberate, and supported by action, not just words.
To our LGBTQ2S+ members, partners, and colleagues: We see you, we value you, and we are committed to building a fire service where you can lead and thrive.
Thank you for being part of this community. Let’s keep showing up, not just in June, but every day, with integrity, courage, and a shared commitment to equity.
Lydia Wilcox
President
Fire Service Women Ontario