Knowing I work for the most gay friendly fire service in the country makes me proud to come into work every day. But I’m not surprised – when I joined the Brigade 13 years ago I felt able to come out. The very fact that everyone knows I’m gay, but I’ve still progressed to become a station manager at Southwark Fire Station shows that it’s not an issue for people here.
It’s so important for me to be myself at work. I’m a gay-woman and love my lifestyle. To have to hide that is unthinkable for me if I’m to do a good job. I hope I am a role model not only to firefighters who want to come out within the service but to gay people who would like to have this as a career. I know that it can be difficult for some people to be open at their place of work and for quite a few people who have heard my story say ‘wow it’s great you feel you can be that out’.
We have excellent opportunities for everyone. Lots of people think being part of the fire brigade is just about fighting fires, but we get involved with our local community to prevent fires from happening in the first place. It’s a great place to work.
I’m part of the Brigade’s LGBT support group and we are passionate about helping the organisation to improve further.
I joined the Brigade in 1996 and have marched at London Pride in my uniform twice. It is a fantastic feeling to march with my work colleagues and show London how accepted we are. The reception we receive is brilliant. Senior officers like the London Fire Commissioner have marched with us which really sends out the right message.
Cathie Reeve
Station Manager
