FIRE stations across Cheshire will fly the rainbow flag throughout LGBT+ history month.

To mark the month, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s 28 fire stations, training centre and safety central education centre will be participating.

The month of February is LGBT+ history month across the UK. Differing from Pride, which takes place in July, it is considered a time for the community to look back on the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender history, with a particular focus on gay rights and related civil rights movements.

Whilst the first LGBT history month was observed in 1994 in the United States, the United Kingdom was the second country to bring in this now annual tradition.

This came about in the UK in the wake of the abolition of Section 28 in 2003, a legislative designation brought in by Margaret Thatcher’s government that prevented the “promotion of homosexuality” by local authorities.

Cheshire Fire have said that, by marking LGBT+ history month, they will “celebrate the contribution of its LGBT+ staff to making Cheshire safer for everyone and demonstrates our support to LGBT+ people living in our communities.”

Mark Shone, Head of Communications and Engagement and Senior LGBT+ Champion, said: “We are proud to be one of the most LGBT+ organisations in the country, ranking second in last year’s Stonewall Top Employers Index.

“We firmly believe that people give their best when they can be themselves at work and feel like they belong. A workforce that represents it communities, better understands its communities and is able to deliver the best possible service.

“During 2023, our staff, volunteers, family, and friends will be attending LGBT+ pride events throughout the county. We’re looking forward to engaging as many people as we can about ways of staying safe and about career and volunteering opportunities in our Service.”

Charlotte Nichols, MP for Warrington North, one of only 61 openly LGBT+ MPs in Parliament, said: "This is great to see. I spoke at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s ‘Proud to Provide’ conference a couple of years ago and am delighted that they are flying the flag – no wonder they have been recognised by Stonewall as one of the country’s leading LGBT+ friendly employers.

"The recent census data showcased Warrington’s diversity, and CFRS are a great symbol of this, not least with their famous rainbow engine!”