CFA Pride is inviting CFA members, family, friends and supporters to join the march in uniform with their lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) colleagues at the Midsumma Festival Pride March on Sunday, 29 January.
CFA CEO Frances Diver and Chief Officer Steve Warrington will join their CFA colleagues and other emergency services to take part in the annual Pride March.
Ms Diver said supporting and encouraging diversity was part of making sure CFA was an inclusive organisation which reflects the communities we protect.
CFA Pride encourages LGBTI members to buddy up and ‘Bring a STR8 M8’ (Bring a straight mate) to the march.
CFA Pride Ambassador Russell Wright said having a straight mate from your brigade or office join the march will help to promote tolerance and diversity in the community.
“Bringing a straight mate to the Pride March is a great way to break down barriers, and show our fellow CFA members that we are all part of one big team who do a valuable and important job for the community,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter whether you’re gay, straight, bi, trans, or whatever, mutual respect is what it’s all about.”
Mr Wright will be bringing his straight mate Nick Shaw.
“Nick will be joining me – he’s married, has two kids, and has had very little association with gay people, until he met me, through CFA.
“I’m pleased Nick has offered to come along. I dare say he’ll have a great day and will have his eyes opened to the diversity of CFA.”
CFA members and fellow marchers are asked to assemble at the corner of Lakeside Drive and Fitzroy Street in St Kilda from 12.30pm for registration by 1pm. The march starts at 2pm.
For further details visit the CFA Pride Facebook page or contact the CFA Pride team on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Author: CFA Media