In tandem with this year’s Pride Month celebrations, the County of Los Angeles Fire Department (LACoFD) is proud to highlight the Stonewall Alliance, an emerging affinity group dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive community for Department members and personnel within the LGBTQ+ spectrum and their allies.
Senior Emergency Medical Services Program Head and Stonewall Alliance President, Toni Arellano, shared more about the group’s mission to continue pushing for “visibility, dignity, and belonging” in the fire service and beyond. She said the group’s mission is to advocate and ensure that LGBTQ+ voices and their allies are afforded safe spaces and representation at every level of decision making.
“Inspired by the legacy of the Stonewall events, which ignited a nationwide movement for LGBTQ+ rights, we channel lived experience into meaningful action,” Arellano said. “For many, the absence of visible support has deepened a quiet but profound sense of exclusion, making it painful to be who they are in places where they not only work and live, but are expected to place their lives in one another’s hands.”
While joining any of the Department’s affinity groups is voluntary, personnel may participate and discover more about the Stonewall Alliance Group by sending an email to communications@stonewall-alliance.com.
The LACoFD continues to strive for excellence and serve our communities with compassion. Celebrating progress that has been achieved and remembering the importance of remaining unified as a community is more important than ever. The LACoFD elevates its commitment to make everyone feel valued, safe, welcomed and supported this Pride Month, and every month.
