Ambulance service staff taking Pride in equality

OUT TO RAISE AWARENESS

AMBULANCE service staff say they are looking forward to celebrating and promoting equality at Pride events across the region.

East Midlands Ambulance Service’s (Emas) LGBT+ Network has been revitalised over the past year, members said.

Chairwoman Caroline Scott said: “As a network, we’re hoping to have a more visible presence at this year’s Pride parades across the region after we had to take a step back because of the pandemic.

“Pride events are still vital in 2022 when you consider that not every LGBT+ individual has the same legal rights that we now have in the UK.

“Being gay in certain countries is still punishable by death.

“It’s important we attend as many events as possible, to be able to show our wider communities the ambulance service is accessible to everyone who needs us in an emergency.

“All our patients will be treated with kindness, respect and dignity regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.

“I identify as cisgender gay woman and my sexuality has never been an issue at work.

“Colleagues and friends have been supportive, and I am very appreciative of that.

“However, there is always more that we can do to raise awareness throughout Emas, which is why I am part of the Emas LGBT+ Network.”

June is LGBT+ Pride Month, and Emas staff are being allowed to wear rainbow laces throughout the month if they wish to do so.

Neelesh Sutaria, head of wellbeing and Inclusion at Emas, said: “I am fully supportive of the important work being undertaken by the newly revitalised LGBT+ Network, which enhances our organisational values.

“We encourage people to be themselves and having this network allows our colleagues to be able to do this in a safe space where they can talk openly with others about matters that affect them and our patients.

“This is particularly important for those LGBT+ colleagues who, for a variety of reasons, do not feel that they can openly talk about their sexuality or gender identity with colleagues outside of the network and/or their family and friends outside of work.

“I encourage those who want to learn more about becoming an effective ally to the LGBT+ community to visit the Stonewall website to find out more.”

LGBT+ NETWORK REITALISED AND