Why are so many firefighters - who will enter a burning building - afraid to even talk about homophobia? Homophobia, unchallenged, can be used to discredit all women in the fire service,and discourage male responders from showing compassion or dealing with their emotions. Transphobia challenges fire service leaders, from bathroom facilities to the kitchen table, from preferred pronouns to policies. How can we confront these prejudices, or even begin the conversation about sexual orientation and gender identity in our company, our department? This interactive session offers attendees, of any rank or role, information and concepts to break open the taboo on these issues, to decipher the “alphabet soup” – LGBTQQI, and to break down some of the common myths and stereotypes about LGBT people. Language, tools and skills to challenge this form of bigotry will be offered.
