Firefighters, control room operators and support staff from London Fire Brigade joined together with Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, and other dignitaries to celebrate 50 years of Pride on Saturday.
Around 50 staff from the Brigade, and their guests, took part in this year’s parade, led by a fire engine which was decked out in rainbow colours.
Soho Fire Station flung open its doors for our customary Pride Breakfast, attended by over 100 people. This was followed by an open day at the station where Brigade staff talked to people about our future plan, Your London Fire Brigade, which everyone in London can comment on now until Monday 25 July. There was also a range of fun family activities including face painting and a DJ, and the chance to meet the firefighters.
The fire station also hosted a special photo exhibition about 50 years of Pride at the Brigade. It featured pictures from previous marches through the decades, and contributions from staff who have been involved in celebrating Pride over the years.
London Fire Commissioner Andy Roe said: “I’m incredibly proud to be celebrating Pride in person, with staff, my family and our communities. I want everyone in the Brigade to bring their full selves to work every day and I’m committed to making sure we’re increasingly inclusive so we can best serve and protect London.”
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I was delighted to return to Soho Fire Station on Saturday morning for the LFB's traditional Pride Breakfast. It was fantastic to stand alongside the hardworking firefighters and staff as we celebrated London’s LGBTQI+ communities and marked the 50th anniversary of Pride. This march of solidarity and celebration has had a huge impact on our society over the last five decades and by gathering together we again showed the world that London is a beacon of inclusiveness, acceptance and diversity.”
Co-chair of the Brigade's LGBTQ+ Network, Imtiaz Hussain, said: “After two missed years we were so happy to have colleagues, and their guests, back in Soho Fire Station for Pride. Brigade staff are separated by distance with 105 sites across London and Pride in London is a great opportunity for staff to join together as one to represent the Brigade. We are proud to represent the organisation, proud to be LGBTQ+. Many thanks to everyone who came and to those who organised this fantastic event!”
Andy Hearne was Station Commander at Soho when it hosted its first ever Pride breakfast celebration in 2005.
He said: ‘If I’m honest, I didn’t really know what to expect. I was hopeful of a good turn out and knew the firefighters and local community would be supportive – you can’t live or work in Soho without embracing the unique nature of the area and the amazing diversity of its population. But as soon as people started arriving, the energy and good feeling started to build and I was delighted that everyone felt welcome, particularly our LGBTQ+ staff. It’s good to look back and feel that with its distinctive place in the history of LFB, Soho Fire Station was leading from the front.”
The Brigade’s LGBTQ+ Network is made up of staff from across the Brigade. It hosts events and discussions, advises, advocates and offers support to our LGBTQ+ staff.
Last year the network teamed up with fashion designer Patrick McDowell and took part in a photoshoot at Euston fire station, which combined fire gear with fashion in a unique display.