Courageous Leadership: Championing Inclusivity in the Fire Service

  • October 23, 2025
  • 3:00pm-5:00pm
  • Queen Elizabeth Community and Cultural Centre -- 2303 Bridge Rd, Oakville, ON L6L 2G6

Facilitated by jona olsson

Firefighters are known for courage—rushing into danger to help others. Yet, when it comes to conversations about identity, respect, and inclusion, discomfort often replaces bravery. Why? Because topics like sexual orientation, gender identity, and the challenges faced by LGBTQ2S+ members can feel unfamiliar or even intimidating to discuss.

This session isn’t about politics—it’s about strengthening your crew. Unspoken biases, like homophobia or transphobia, can quietly undermine teamwork, trust, and leadership. These challenges don’t just impact LGBTQ2S+ members—they affect the entire service. Whether it’s navigating locker rooms, handling preferred names or pronouns, or ensuring that every member feels respected at the kitchen table, these are real-world leadership challenges.

Join this interactive session to gain practical tools, language, and strategies that help create stronger, more cohesive teams. We’ll break down common myths, answer questions you may have been unsure how to ask, and give you the confidence to have these conversations—no matter your rank, role, or personal experience.

jona olsson

jona is the Director of cultural bridges to justice and Asst. Chief of Latir Volunteer FD in New Mexico, US. jona has presented for IAFC, IAFF, FBU, i-women, CAFC, FSWO, London and Edinburgh Fire brigades, Ottawa and Calgary Fire Departments, Australasian Fire and Emergency Authorities Council, Women and Firefighting Australasia (WAFA) plus many other agencies in the U. S., Canada, UK and Australasia. She was named 2012 Volunteer Chief of the Year by Fire Chief Magazine and IAFC. In 2015 she received FSWO’s first Ambassador Award. jona lives with her wife, Jane, and rescued 4-footed friends.