“Our workforce needs to reflect the diverse community we serve and represent across Tyne and Wear.”

These are the positive words spoken by Tara, a firefighter who works at Gateshead Community Fire Station.

Tara, aged 37 of Gateshead, has been a firefighter with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) for the past 21-months and is a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The former HR Manager said: “Being a firefighter is the best job in the world. I am proud to be a role model for other gay members of the local LGBTQIA+ community who are considering joining the fire service.”

June is Pride month, and TWFRS has been celebrating by taking part in a variety of region-wide events with community partners and work colleagues.

Tara believes that awareness campaigns like Pride are a great opportunity to celebrate how far society has come in progressing equality and inclusivity not only socially but in the professional workplace.

Tara is engaged to fiancé Aimée – who will become her wife later this year. Before Tara joined TWFRS, she spent time as a Service Volunteer Community Liaison Officer.

Tara said: “I’m proud to be seen as a role model to inspire the next generation of firefighters and be recognised as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community working for a public service.

“But it’s also important to me that I’m a role model for my colleagues who want to ask questions or relate to somebody from the LGBTQIA+ community: having an equal and diverse workforce ultimately makes for a better place to work and creates a stronger team.”

Tara concludes by talking about why she loves working as a TWFRS firefighter. She said: “No two days are the same working as a firefighter. No other job enables you to help the community, think on your feet, and make a real difference to people’s lives.”

TWFRS is recognised as being an employer that promotes and encourages diversity and inclusivity.  The service has an active LGBTQIA+ Network that ensures the organisation demonstrates its commitment to reflecting the community it serves and the people it employs.

The group aims to support all LGBTQIA+ members of the organisation and their families, by providing support and advice that are reflective of their needs and the needs of the wider community.

Kevin Thompson, TWFRS Inclusion Manager, said: “The fire service has worked hard for a number of years to develop a stronger relationship with the local LGBTQIA+ community to encourage people to join the service here in Tyne and Wear.

“Our LGBTQIA+ Network is here to listen to and support our employees. We have amazing volunteers and allies throughout the service who are always available whenever needed.

“We look forward to representing TWFRS at the many fun and informative Pride events held across the region this summer. Please come along and show your support for the region’s LGBTQIA+ community.”

In July, TWFRS will be attending a special Blue Light Breakfast at Newcastle Civic Centre for people associated with the emergency services. The service will also be entering a team for the Newcastle Frontrunners LGBT+5k Festival of Running at Exhibition Park on Friday 19th July and taking part in Northern Pride throughout the 19-21 July celebrations.

Over the next few months TWFRS are supporting Pride events across Newcastle, Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland.

Check out the Out North East website for details about Pride events across Tyne & Wear.

If you have been inspired by Tara’s story and would like to join the fire service, the application window is open for the next generation of firefighters. The closing date is Sunday 30 June.

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